NYC

We conquered NYC!!  

I decided to just use the some of the pictures from my phone.  We have a lot of great ones on our other cameras but this will give you an idea of our time PLUS I still added 30 photos to this post!

1. Amazing meal in NJ and time with the family

On our drive into the city we stopped to have dinner in NJ.  Mike and I had not seen the Canary's since Italy and they had never met the boys.  Dinner was wonderful and it was so nice to get out of the car.  I walked away feeling STUFFED (I didn't even have desert -- which is unheard of) and inspired.  I really enjoy talking to Wendy about parenting and I enjoy the way that this family does family.  

2. Another successful car trip

A few great things about our car trip --- we didn't have to change any poopy diapers, the boys fell asleep immediately if you asked them to take a nap, we didn't spend a million dollars on food & snacks, AND NYC parking was only $120 for 4 nights.  That is cheaper than Chicago!!

3. Playing in Central Park

The time that we spent in Central Park was my favorite part of the trip.  We were staying very close to the park so we spent a lot of time there.  On Friday morning Mike and I were even able to go on a short run together while the boys stayed with grandma.  We had absolutely beautiful weather and I look forward to our next visit and being able to explore even more.

Lauren was able to capture this picture of the boys playing Hide-N-Seek.

4. Time spent with each other
I want to be clear -- traveling with all of us is HARD.  We have a thousand moving parts.  Mike and I don't have many minutes to talk AND on this trip we didn't even sleep in the same bed.  Though it is a huge production it is so worth it to spend time with the five of us and the extended.  We all really enjoyed catching up with Brian, Lauren, and Pat.  Brian and Lauren went above and beyond to help make our stay in the city successful.  Pat was her usual, giving, wonderful self who makes sure that we are taken care of, happy, and always have full bellies.  I am so grateful that we can all spend this time together.

 5. Yummy Food
We were able to try lots of different food in the few days that we were on our trip.  I stepped on the scale last night and holy my body has also felt the result of so much indulgence.

 6. The Macy's Day Parade
This was one of the main, original reasons that we decided to make the trip.  I am not a huge parade person so I didn't think that I would be won over by the experience.  I think a few things really changed my perspective.  On Wednesday night, after heading back from Brian and Lauren's, we had to fight traffic to get to our hotel.  The reason -- steps from our door the balloons were being blown up and stored for the night.  It was so cool to have this sneak peak without having to battle the crowds.  In the morning we watched them take the nets off -- I could of stood there and watched all day.  The weather was beautiful, we walked through the park AND we were even still able to see the parade on TV because the path is so long.  It was an experience to say the least.

We did get some of Cameron's pouting throughout the trip.  We did miles and miles of walking.  He has clearly stood by the fact that he does not like to run or walk.  Usually these bouts were solved with piggy back rides.  

7.  The comfortableness and ease of Brian and Lauren's apartment
Um...holy moly these two should never move.  Not only that -- but for the purpose of our trip their apartment was absolutely fabulous.  We were able to have a "hub" that we could go to and relax.  For Thanksgiving we were also all able to sit and eat outside.  It was a tad bit chilly but it was still wonderful.  I even took a nap while dinner was cooking -- yes -- I am like the student home from college who needs an afternoon nap.

 8. Exploring the city
I am not sure if this needs much explanation or insight.  It was a crowded, holiday week but the boys still enjoyed going on the subway, taking a taxi (it was actually an Uber), and continually trying to find Spiderman.  Cameron kept saying, "Why is it so crowded?" when we were on the subway.  I completely agree.  Crowds are for the birds.  Once we were back in our little corner of the city it was peaceful and relaxing.

 9. Date Night
On Friday Night Pat had all three boys spend the night in her hotel room.  We wheeled the crib up to her place and she ordered pizza and rented movies.  The boys had a blast but I think that we had more fun out on the town.  We did a small food and bar crawl and MEALED on some sushi.  I have been craving sushi for months and this exceeded my expectations.  It was also nice to sit and talk with Brian and Lauren.  Usually we have kids at our feet so having a few hours with just adults was great.

 10.  My 4 boys
I must say that these four boys make my heart beat.  I feel so proud to be the mom of the three little ones and honored to be Mike's wife.  These vacations that I can spend extended periods of time with them -- when we can sit down and enjoy meals -- when we can play games and enjoy laughs -- when we just spend time with each other -- it warms my heart.  So grateful for these four men.

I know that this is such an unflattering picture of me but I needed to add the details and truth to my life.  The bags under my eye (even when I am trying to make them go away) are HUGE.  The true, pure exhaustion is shown in my face.

Now I am off to do the loads and loads of laundry. ....I am happy to be home but goodness it was a great trip.

Catch Up

Last Friday I struggled to post because I could not appropriately write out how I was feeling.  I still can't but since it has been almost a week I decided to suck it up and post.

Last week I got an email from Owen's teacher that he was having a problem with hitting and kicking. First the email sort of put me over the edge -- and though I didn't agree with the teacher, I knew that Owen needed a serious talking and some major privileges taken away.

I also needed to figure out what was going on.  This is my child who loves to please.  He follows the rules and he gets upset when others don't.  I felt that the task at hand to figure this all out was a tall order.  I under estimated Owen.  After getting through the actual admission that he was in trouble -- he was able to articulate to me almost every single thing.  He included how he was feeling and why he didn't think that he should get in trouble.  **Kids are only allowed to tell on each other after the second offense and he only did it once**  Though lots of his logic was 6 year old logic -- it still all worked out.  

After getting the twins to bed, while rocking Jack to sleep, I broke down.  I didn't know if I handled it right.  He went to bed feeling ok but I was still questioning everything -- was I too hard on him?  was I not hard enough?  He is struggling with friends?  Should I volunteer in the classroom more?  The overwhelming reality of being a mom hit hard.

I am pleased to say that though my heart still hurt the next few days, it all worked out.  Right before we talked with Owen this full rainbow was outside our back door.  It is a small reminder to slow down and enjoy.

2. One child weekend
Going from three children down to one makes things a tad bit easier.  This weekend the boys were at Greg's for a few nights and we were able to relax, catch up on some cleaning, and actually sit down for the entire meal.  On Saturday night we made Shepard's Pie which turned out really good.  We also drank our last bottle from Tuscany.  It was amazing.

 On Sunday Miked smoked a turkey and we invited my parents over at the last minute.  It was nice to catch up as always.

 3. Lazy weekend with Jack
Being able to spend the day with Jack made me wish I stayed at home.  I know that he is safe at Amber's BUT I also miss spending all of those lazy days with him.  He just crawled back and forth from his room to the living room -- I followed.  He is constant and non stop but he is still pretty fabulous.

 4. Some cleaning is done
I was able to clean out the boys art & craft area.  If I didn't -- we would be overflowing with papers.  The boys don't throw anything away! I was also able to clean the oven this weekend and vacuum/sweep all of the rooms.  It doesn't sound like a lot because it really isn't BUT the house is in much better shape and it makes me happy.  This means we will have a clean house when we get back from vacation.

This was one of the pictures that I found that Cameron colored for Greg so I sent them a picture.  On the back it said "For Papa" so Cameron had written out daddy in Spanish.   

 5.  Brothers
This weekend jack was standing  up at the gate looking at Nash.  After a bit of searching I found this picture of Cameron and Owen standing up and looking at Sydney and Haley. It makes me a bit sad to think that Jack will quickly grow like these two did.

I love this picture of the twins.  Owen looks sooooo little and I love how his hand is on Cameron's shoulder.

...And talking about growth....Jack learned how to wave hello and goodbye this weekend.  He also started shaking his head "no."

6.  Spin
I have not worked out in a LONG time.  I good guess would at least be a full month.  One of my coworkers started going to spin at the Fort Ben YMCA.  I am going to try it out this morning.  I did a quick map quest and realized that it is the exact distance from my house as the Jordan Y.  Keep your fingers crossed that this spin class is much better than the other.  Next week I am going to try the one that Michelle attended but until then...this 915 class will have to do.

7. The upcoming trip
In 24 hours the 5 of us will be on the road to NYC.  I haven't even pulled out the suitcases, the boys are still in Chicago (and Owen has been puking all night), Mike is working all day, and I still have at least two loads of laundry to start and two that need to be folded.  I am excited to take the boys to NYC to see the parade and spend time with family.  It will all happen eventually.....right??!!  I guess I should get started.

goodness

1. The grey nightgown

So this should make the list at least once a week.  I am trying to phase out the ugly, too big, maternity night gown....but sometimes it is hard to let go.  Don't get me wrong -- I am not getting rid of it this week.  .....yes....be jealous of my husband.

2. Some courage
Yesterday was the last night of ballet for a month.  On the last night of class all of the parents are invited in to watch the show.  After ballet I stayed and visited with Jess for awhile.  Jess and I don't get to talk much and though both of his kids were non-stop with, "daddy-daddy" we were still able to talk for 30 minutes.

3. Mike brought money to the book fair
All week we thought that Cameron was going to the book fair on Friday.  At 722 Tasha text me and said that the class was actually going THAT DAY and he was already on the bus with no money. He already had a book picked out in his head to buy at the sale and we knew that Cameron would be disappointed if he wasn't able to participate.  Mike quickly took money for both Cameron and Veda and they both returned home with books!  Grateful that he was able to quickly go there yesterday morning.  Oh -- and kids are expensive!!

4. My working car
I think that a working car is something that many of us take for granted. I don't have to take a taxi to and from my doctor's appts.  I am able to jump in and visit friends and family in the hospital.  I am able to make a quick run to the grocery or I am able to run and pick up medicine for my kids.  I am so so grateful for my car.

5. Sweet baby Gracie
All I know is that sweet baby Gracie is here.  From her picture I can tell that at the time she was needing no extra oxygen or extra help.  Grateful for some answered prayers and excited to see her and her mom.

Simple Stuff

1. Jack's smiles

This sweet baby has the BEST smiles.  He can instantly stop the room and have all eyes on him.  Grateful for his happy spirit.

2. Friday Night Festivities
After work a few of us went to KSR for drinks and dinner.  Obviously we didn't want to the party to end so I had everyone come over to my house.  It was nice to sit, relax, and hang out with friends.  We even pulled out the selfie stick. (though it wasn't very successful)

3. Ben's Bar Mitzvah
On Saturday morning I was able to experience my second Bar Mitzvah.  Listening to service in Hebrew is interesting to say the least.  Proud of this young man and grateful that I am still part of his life.

4. More beautiful weather
It is STILL beautiful out.  We spent another weekend outside playing and it was great.

5. Date Night
On Saturday Mike and I ate at Cheesecake Factory and then went to see The Martian.  We had giftcards and coke reward points so the night was extremely inexpensive.  Shelby babysat and she was our only expense.  It was a nice night out with my Mike.

All Clear

1. 7 YEARS

I had a two hour, extensive appointment this morning and everything came back CLEAR.  I do not have to get my next mammogram for 7 years unless anything changes!! 

2. 6 Years

The boys had their 6 year old check ups yesterday.  Everything went smoothly.  During this check up they had the boys pee in a cup!!  Explaining this to a 6 year old was hilarious.  Then, in the bathroom they thought the little door in the wall was insane with the disappearing cup.  Our appointment was promptly at 7am.  And of course, always grateful for Kara.

3. Volunteering at school
After the doctor appointments I drove the boys to school and stayed to help set up for the book fair. After volunteering in the media center I went to Cameron's class.  The three of us had lunch together and then I was with Owen all afternoon.  I ended up staying the entire day and I drove them home. Every time I am there I think over and over how the teachers need huge, expensive Christmas gifts. It is absolutely insane.  They work so freaking hard.

 The pictures below are pictures of lost and found.  I have a feeling I am not the only mom searching for a coat.  He found it easily and it is now back in our possession.

 4. Wrestling camp
Greg has been frequently asking for me to send the boys to wrestling camp.  I finally agreed.  It was 90 minutes last night and then twice next week.  They were a bit wide eyed at first and extremely overwhelmed.  By the end they were enjoying themselves and exhausted.  Owen did say, "Mom--I never want to be a wrestler when I grow up."

5. It's Friday Night .....
Well it's not really Friday night -- but it is Friday evening....it's Friday at 1:51pm....so it's Friday afternoon.  I have a busy day tomorrow but on Saturday night (tomorrow) we are going on a DATE.  A childless, fabulous few moments alone.

Don't get me wrong -- I love my kids.  But sitting with this man, and actually be able to speak with him, makes me happy.