Ice cream, lights, and OATMEAL!

Yes, a strange title you might say... I have been home alone with the kids this weekend which is always a cause for some excitement in our home. How two small beings can cause so much mischief is beyond my understanding.

Ice Cream: Yesterday we were busy with soccer games, cleaning, and sorting old pictures. After awaking from his afternoon nap, Russell announced that he wanted to go to the ice cream shop for Superman ice cream. I still don't know where this idea came from, but after quickly considering the idea, I agreed that we could go for ice cream if both kids finished all their dinner. Well, that was easy enough! After both plates were licked clean, I packed the kids (and dog) into the car and headed for Royal Oak's famous Ray's Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor. The entire drive I kept telling the kids that it may be closed considering the bitter 29 degree temperature and lack of costumers wanting to freeze their insides to go along with their outsides. Well strike me down wrong, the place was PACKED!!! Ray's really must be famous! The kids thoroughly enjoyed their Superman cones and happily jumped back into the car.

Lights: Now, we were driving in search of the BEST light display. We found it! There is a house in Royal Oak that every year is lit up beyond words can describe. If you are ever in the area, you must drive by 12 Mile Rd. and Washington Avenue because it is FABULOUS! I parked the car and let the kids walk the block so they could take in every Santa, toy soldier, angel, caroler, baby Jesus, and more... After returning home, the kids melted into bed with bellies full of ice cream and minds full of holiday wonder. I did not have my camera, but will be heading back there soon to snap some photos.

Oatmeal: Sunday morning arrived...I am usually at yoga, but with Aron gone I had to decide what to do today to keep the kids busy and OUT of trouble. Crafts! I set up the card table in the basement pulled out paint, googly eyes, q-tips, glitter, and markers. The kids were overjoyed and followed all of my instructions perfectly. I can't tell you what we made because some of you will be receiving these masterpieces as Christmas gifts :-) As our paint was drying and I was adding details to their artwork, the kids were busy playing in the basement playroom. I became so engrossed in the artwork that I did not notice Russell and Sloane's disappearing act into our pantry. Hmmmm...I began to think that it was a little too quiet in our never quiet home. I opened the pantry to find OATMEAL scattered EVERYWHERE!!! Russell jumped up and yelled, "I'm sorry Mom! It was an accident. Sloanie wanted to see what was inside. I was just showing her and then..." I took a deep breath, closed the door, waited ten seconds, opened the door and calmly asked the two rug rats to go get the broom and dust pan. I have never seen them run up the stairs so fast! They returned quickly and helped me clean up the mess until every last morsel had vanished. Whoosh...let's cross our fingers that I don't find paint all over the basement later!!!


I can't wait to have Aron home again!!! We miss you daddy!!!

Check out Aron's handy work!!! Doesn't our house look great!

Joy to the World!

I have so many thoughts and emotions going through my mind today. I am thankful for my beautiful and well-spirited children and blessed for a supportive and caring husband, however sadness looms around our home. Aron's Aunt Karen is not doing well. She is at home in the comfort and care of her family (including Aron). The kids and I spent time today praying for Auntie Karen, talking about our fun with her at the beach this summer, and digging through family photos where Karen is holding, playing, and caring for all of us. She is such a dear part of our lives. She was at Aron's side during some of the most difficult moments of his life. Now he is with her. Caring for her and supporting her through her most difficult time. I focus now on the positive...Karen's energy for life, love for the beach, and devotion to her family. She is in my mind today and will be in our hearts forever! A teacher once told me about how his father wanted the song Joy to the World to be played at his funeral. His father wanted those who loved him to celebrate life and the happiness that the Lord has brought to all of us. So as my beloved children sleep, I sit here now with Christmas music in the background while I hum; Joy to the World! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.

Thanksgiving

We have had a fun-filled and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend! On Wednesday, we headed to west Michigan for a visit with Aron's family. We spent Thanksgiving with Aron's mother, grandmother, Aunt Jan, Aunt Karen, and Uncle Dave. We feasted on delicious food and enjoyed family time where the kids especially enjoyed all the extra attention! On Friday, we indulged in a second Thanksgiving meal with Aron's dad and wife Beverly. We celebrated an early Christmas since they will soon be heading south to Florida (lucky, lucky, lucky)! The kids not only had fun ripping open presents, but they were also spoiled by cookie making lessons from Bevie! There was cookie dough, frosting, and sprinkles EVERYWHERE! Thankfully Russell is pretty good with a vaccum! We are now back home where we have spent most of today decorating our home for the Christmas holiday! We scouted out the local tree lots and after much debate chose the PERFECT tree! All five of us (Mac included) have had fun stringing lights, arranging ornaments, and singing our favorite Christmas tunes. Aron is currently on a ladder outside insisting that we MUST do outdoor lighting this year. I better head out and monitor!!! We are truly blessed!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fun Times for Mom!

I had the most glorious weekend! I awoke Saturday morning refreshed, full of energy, and ready for a day of SHOPPING!!! It was wonderful! I met three of my most fabulous GR friends at the outlet mall in Birch Run. We were so excited to be shopping without our kids (or husbands) nagging us to hurry up. We casually took our time fighting the crowds and sales. It was one of the BEST days I have had! To make the day even more wonderful, I left Birch Run and drove straight to my best friend, Heidi's house for a night of girl talk, games, and gossip (a few glasses of wine too)! I stayed up way too late, but it was worth it! It is a amazing what a little "girls only" time can do for a working mom!!!

I woke up Sunday and headed to a therapeutic session of yoga followed by a bowling birthday party for one of the neighborhood children. The kids had so much fun cheering for one another as they bowled. Russell seems to be popular for birthday invites these days. We have already been to two parties in November and have 3 more scheduled for December! Whew...what is it going to be like as he gets older??? Parties sure do add excitement to our weekends. Especially during the cold months. Thank goodness for bounce houses, gymnasiums, indoor soccer arenas, and bowling alleys!

We are looking forward to a blessed Thanksgiving in St. Joseph!!!

Getting ready for some F-U-N!!!

Come on, come on, come on...

YES! I did it!!!

Time for cake!

A chocolate lovers dream!

A Special Celebration

Most of you know about my student, Ethan, who passed away in May due to a congenital heart defect. It was a very difficult time for me and obviously a horrific time for his parents. I came to know his family very well while I was conducting home-bound teaching with Ethan. Well, Thursday, November 12th would have been Ethan's 9th birthday. His parents organized a wonderful celebration in honor of Ethan and to benefit the organization, Hearts of Hope Southeast Michigan. Ethan's favorite food of ALL time was pizza! So...the party took place at the all you can eat pizza place Cici's Pizza. Aron and I took the kids and had an absolutely marvelous time!!! There were raffles, games, clowns, and the most pizza I have EVER seen! I had wonderful conversations with so many people remembering the sparkling child Ethan was and it was so nice to see his parents and siblings smiling. If you would like to know more about Hearts of Hope, please go to http://www.heartsofhopemi.org/

Russell and Sloane had fun in the arcade at Cici's Pizza Place.

Russell took Sloane for a ride on the bus!

The clown made Sloane a butterfly balloon and Russell a sword and belt to hold it. Russell was bubbling over with excitement!

Happy Birthday Russell!

Russell celebrated his 4th birthday on Tuesday, November 3rd! My parents came to town to surprise Russell with a big boy bike and help us celebrate. We kept the party low key with Russell's choice of Spiderman accessories and McDonald's Happy Meals. I have vowed to have simple parties for the kids until age 5. After that we will see... I seriously can not believe my little boy is 4! Where has the time gone??? Russell is such a little man with a BIG personality!!! He cracks me up everyday with his wild imagination, adorable smile, and funny conversations! I am so blessed to be a mom and so thankful for such an amazing son! I love you Russell! Happy birthday!!!

Upon entering the house, Russell found his new bike waiting for him. He has now requested a new helmet to match...red with flames! What a character!!! We have been spending the dark evenings outside with a flashlight as he rides his bike around the neighborhood block.

"Make a wish!"

Delicious Spiderman cupcakes! Sloane has a VERY LARGE sweet tooth and could barely contain her desire for cupcakes as we ate our dinner. She kept repeating (in a tiny and sweet voice), "cupcakes, I want cupcakes, cupcakes now, cupcakes, time for cupcakes." We had to finally give in to her pleading.

A terrific birthday dinner with Grammy and Papa!

Birthday wish came true... a Batman cave!

Russell was thrilled with his new police officer uniform from Uncle Tom, Aunt Marilyn, and cousins Travis and Katie! He has officially arrested all of us and has transformed his room into a police station.

Saturday is soccer day and thankfully soccer has proven to be successful! Russell has overcome his shyness and enjoys running around the soccer field. He especially enjoys having his buddy Anotonio with him.

Listening to Coach Kelly.

Not only did Russell get to celebrate his own birthday this week, but he also celebrated his best friend William's birthday. William turned 4 the day after Russell and celebrated Saturday at the Bounce House. The boys had a blast!

William and Russell trying out an arcade game. These two met at daycare 3 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. They are now in Pre-K together.

William also chose a Spiderman theme for his party!

Great minds think alike!

Halloween Extravaganza on Altadena Avenue!

What a wonderful night of fun, family, friendship, and food! We hosted our annual neighborhood Halloween party last night and enjoyed seeing all the kids dressed up in colorful and creative costumes. We were fortunate to have Aron's mom here to help out with the festivities as well. It is always nice to have an extra set of adult hands and the kids love to be with her. Russell was a ball of energy playing with his friends while pretending to be Batman! Sloane proved to be an excellent little sales person while going door-to-door and sweetly cooing "trick-or-treat" to the innocent homeowners along our street. She would graciously accept the candy dropped into her pumpkin before dashing across the lawn in eagerness of the next doorstep. Russell was more timid due to some older children dressed in dark costumes and scary masks. He held tight to Aron and I while being a bit skeptical of each house we approached. The kids came home carrying full buckets and happily chose their favorite treats to enjoy while helping Aron and I pass out goodies to the trick-or-treaters begging at our door. We spent today raking the millions of leaves that have landed upon our lawn. The kids showed pure glee as they jumped into the heaping piles of leaves.

Last, but most definitely NOT least... As of today, I have officially submitted ALL of my grad school projects and am DONE, DONE, DONE!!!!!!!!! Can I say YIP, YIP, YIPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! And to brag just a little bit more, I have completed the course work over one month early. Whew!!! It has been a busy fall and I am so relieved to have this checked off my list!

Now for some pictures:

Russell received early birthday gifts from Grammy Carlson: Spiderman pajamas and a safari kit!

Hard at work setting up his safari land.

Batman and Batgirl ready for ACTION!

Six of the neighborhood children or should I say: 2 Batmans, a princess, race car driver, Super Why and Batgirl!

"Trick-or-Treat!"

Batgirl hard at work flying around the neighborhood in search of one thing...CHOCOLATE!

Leaves, leaves, leaves!