a day in the life of mary

2011 Re-Cap!

2011-12-27T20:39:00.000-05:00

Gregg - Gregg finished off a return to the high school last spring, teaching Biology and Forensic Crime Lab. He had a busy summer; keeping the kids busy, the house up, carrying out quality deer management and adding a screened in porch to our already existing deck. He spent many evenings there this past summer and fall! He returned to the high school this fall; teaching Team Sports and Forensic Crime Lab in the first trimester. He also coached JV boys soccer. This year was new in that he coached under AHS's new Varsity coach, a retired teacher and successful soccer coach from Troy Athens. We are very thankful for this man's full-time move to the Alpena area! We are hopeful for the future of Alpena soccer!

Mary - Continues to work full-time at Tendercare Health & Rehab Center as a Social Service Director; a busy job! At times I get a chance to sew, and recently had some fun with upcycling old items! Fall and spring is busy with soccer practice, soccer games and more soccer!

Kyle - Finished up 6th grade at the junior high last spring. He played travel soccer last spring and this fall. This fall he proved to have grown a bit in his abilities, but injuries plagued his season as well. Over the summer he was able to attend Camp Barakel for a week. He also volunteered at Vacation Bible School one week at our church, Huron Shores Fellowship. He's in the 7th grade this year, and just turned 14 years old on the 24th of December. He's growing into quite the young man and is taller than me (and wearing a size 10 shoe!).

Jack - Completed preschool at his daycare center last spring, having learned quite a few things, but not being very fond of the center itself. This summer he had lots of fun at home with the boys and was sorry to see it end! He enjoyed his fourth birthday and wanted "soccer guys" on his birthday cake. This fall he started at a smaller daycare, initially a hard choice for us, but in hindsight, a GREAT choice. His provider, "Mrs. B", is WONDERFUL, and he much prefers the house setting with less kids "to bother him". He has memorized a few verses and recently recited a few pages from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

This past summer we went to Norris Lake, Tennessee for one week with the rest of the Stelzer Family. We rented a house on a lake and spent LOTS of time in the water or on the water! Even jumped off a bridge (well, we decided to keep Jack in the boat with the rest of the chicken's). We are a busy, busy family who spends every moment we can with each other, at home! We love to be home!

2010-08-01T22:26:00.002-04:00

2010-04-03T08:38:00.005-04:00

Kyle
Kyle has been writing a "spot" in a newsletter sent to my grandfather and grandmother. What I have been reminded by his writings that he expresses himself very well in writing. I knew this once, but had forgotten it. Having him write over the past three months has been so enlightening for me, as I'm able to learn a little of what he is truly enjoying in life. So delightful for me to read, in fact, that I'm going to post his writings here.

JANUARY
The other day, Friday, January 15th I went to our school movie night. The name of the movie was UP. I got to go to the movie with my friends. It was fun. I liked the movie. It was funny, but also sad.
I hope you guys had a great New Year! I sure did!! I’m going to enjoy writing to you guys! I love you!

FEBRUARY
I’ve been going to the Sportsmen’s Club on Fridays. The Sportsmen’s club is a place where you can go and shoot at targets with a bow or guns. My friends go there too, it’s a lot of fun! At our school we’ve been pretty excited because pretty soon we’re going to Camp Daggett, where we’ll be able to climb ropes and rock walls and go on a zip-line. We’re also selling Krispy Kreme Donuts to raise money to go there. I can’t wait. I hope you guys are doing well!

MARCH
I’ve been really excited and looking forward to spring break, which is coming up next week. I’m also really excited because I’m on a soccer team and my dad and my friend’s dad are the coaches. We’ve already had a couple of practices, we practice in an ice rink. It doesn’t have the ice on it though! At the end of each practice we do a lot of running, which makes me exhausted, but I still like it and think it’s fun. We also have scrimmages, which are a lot of fun. The last time we had one, which was Thursday, March 18th, I scored a goal! Our practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are the same days as our P.E. days at school, so I’m really worn out at the end of the day!! I hope you guys are doing well and enjoying the letters!

2010-03-08T22:37:00.002-05:00

It's been so long, it took me 30 minutes on dial up to reconfigure my password and remind myself what my username was for my blog... I'm back!

It has been so long I feel as if just updates are in order:

Kyle
Since my last post Kyle turned 12, is still in the 5th grade and is probably looking forward to spring break now that winter break is over! He is doing well in his studies, he got off to a rough start at the beginning of the second trimester, but from what I can tell he’s improved and holding steady since. Christmas was spent down state with family and this I know Kyle loves. He enjoys all of his relatives and is always excited about spending time with them. We are planning on a travel soccer team for Kyle this spring. Gregg and another father will coach. Games will be played on Sundays (if anyone wants to work it into their schedule) and we’ll be traveling the Northern Michigan area for a few weeks to get them all in (Petoskey, TC, Cheboygan, Gaylord). Kyle has a science project due in April for the "5th Grade Science Fair". I've struggled with this one, working to keep my own desire to complete the project at bay.

Jack
Jack is 2 1/2 and we often hear comments about what a ham he is, and how much trouble he's going to cause us one day down the road. Unfortunately, I agree with these comments! Jack still keeps us running, he remains to be a busy kid. He's recently gone through a stage of fits at day care drop off time. I'm pretty sure it's just the separation and it will pass (in fact after at least a month of such fits, this morning was quite mild). He loves Diego, anything outside, he's all boy (that includes the passing of gas, stinky smells and hunting). Speaking of hunting. I've said it before, but I must share a few of his comments. It quickly reminds me of the house I live in..
#1: I was calling Gretchen in from outside (as she was taking her sweet time) and Jack exclaimed, "I think her smell coyote!".
#2: Just today, Jack spent five minutes showing me how to use the plastic hanger as a bow. I seemed to place my hand in the wrong spot every time!
#3: I was busy making monkey bread at the kitchen counter when Jack asked what was in my hand. I said, "dough", to which he got very excited and exclaimed, "A DEER!?!".
His newest quirk is a backpack. He wore it today to daycare, and the look on his face, walking next to his big brother with his backpack was PRICELESS!. He proceeded to wear it to the doctors office as well. It's a bit of a Diego thing, I'm fairly certain.

And, now, I'm called away (didn't help that I spend 30 minutes trying to log in).. Hopefully more later.

JURY DUTY

2009-09-25T09:18:00.006-04:00

I just had 4 days of jury duty in a civil trial here in town. Below you'll find my thoughts as a juror. Forgive me for the long sentences, use of past and present tense within the same paragraph, etc.

Jury Duty Day 1

There had to be 60 potential jurors. I RARELY win anything and had decided I’m way too innocent looking and know way too much to be an actual juror in this trial. Yet at the same time, I yearned to be picked. I REALLY wanted to sit in on a trial, I wanted to learn more. At this point in my life I realize I must be a part of something, submerged, invested, or I’m likely not going to retain much.

2nd one pulled out of the box, no joke. Verified with my full name, Mary Louise Supiran. Well, I had been picked, but there was still more questioning. My biggest fear....would I know the answer? I mean, would I know the answer, even though the question was purely innocent and only to help identify whether or not I would be suitable on this jury. I mean what if I did know one of the witnesses, but didn't realize it? Or what if I did know about the incident and just forgot? Goodness, I know I’m famous for second guessing myself, but come on, this is simple stuff. Well, I was fairly sure I had answered all the preliminary questions correctly or to the best of my knowledge and if it were to the best of my knowledge than it likely wouldn’t hinder my thoughts.

Now for a few specific questions. “Does anyone have family in fire fighting?”... Does he mean me?? Do I answer, my sister is, but does that count? Another juror speaks up, her brother in law is a ff in town. Well, that means a bit more, did he arrive on scene, etc. My sister lives in NM. Uh oh, he asks the question again. I better answer, I speak up and tell him my sister is a forest firefighter..and I think in the back of my head, well technically, I have no idea her real title and she would correct me if she were here (and will now, I know). I’m asked if I’ve had discussions with her about fires..yes, but minimal. He gets more specific, I answer the same. I even offer that we’ve discussed smoke patterns more so than any type of burn pattern, he says okay. Whew, I passed.. Wait, it’s not a test, I know!! Then came clarification of job. “Mary, you’re a social worker, right?” Yes, I say. I’m asked where, I answer Tendercare Alpena Nursing Home.. Huh, that’s all he wants to know. Honestly, I think he’s happy to have a social worker, because I like to think I’m level headed, I like to think I’ll take what is given to me and make a decision based on all the evidence opposed to how I feel about a person, isn’t that what a social worker is supposed to be? It dawns on me, I’m stuck in this thing, they’re not dismissing me. It leads me to wish I could remember how I had filled out the juror questionnaire. I can’t even recall filling it out.

What makes them choose who they choose, besides the obvious dismissal of experts in a certain field, or friend or relatives of people in the trial?

7 jurors picked, 1 of those an alternate. 5 ladies and 1 gentleman ( think they dismissed jurors till they got a male-but I have nothing to base this on other than it’s what I would have done). Poor guy. Awkward situation, can’t discuss what is on our mind any time we break or go to lunch, so it’s awkward silence and the poorest small talk I’ve ever been involved in. So poor that I even try harder than I normally do to make small talk (I hate small talk, what’s the point other than to potentially make big talk, so why not just start with the big talk?). Ah well, time will change things, I’m sure.

Interesting being the one others are trying to convince. Intriguing to follow how each player (plaintiff and defendant) attempt to go about doing this. Lawyers are smart. I never had any reason to believe otherwise, but watching them in action, a juror can see how quick, how eclectic in their knowledge, how they must learn their subject in great detail for every trial, how they prepare, how they study, how they retain, etc, etc.. Yes, I realize they all have their own personalities and some may be smarter, wittier, less annoying than others, but really, they have to be able to roll with the punches. Ah, and I get to observe it all. Oh, wait that’s not entirely my job, I must stay focused and learn...and you know what? I did. I stayed focus, and focused on things that involve science no less. I get it, I truly get what they’re relaying, what they’re trying to do.

I’ve also found that this judge, perhaps not all judges, but this judge, is very mindful of his jurors. Very kind. Not only do I know I have an important job, but he does a great job of making me feel like I have an important job. He’s good.

Jury Duty Day 2

I must not be late, I told the judge I would be pushing it for 8:15, but that’s what he requested after another juror said 8:30. Kyle to bus stop, Jack to daycare (or should I say Mr. Grumpy to daycare)...a little early, that’s okay, one time I’m sure is okay. Yesterday I stopped at work on my lunch and again after duty..I don’t think I’ll do that today unless I have at least an hour lunch or get out early. Made me too irritable.

Made it to the jurors room with plenty of time to spare. Time to wind down a bit, thankfully. Time to pray, ask God for discernment, focus and thanked him for the opportunity presented to me. Time to drink iced coffee (mixed myself NOT at McD’s). More small talk, a little larger..one juror headed straight to work yesterday till 11PM! One juror got her 7th graders started with the sub, another juror asked if everything had worked out for me. Nice.

Another full day in the court room. Lots of witnesses, some on the scene, some experts and one could tell who was who. Even more to learn. Lovin’ it. Judge continues to make us feel important; goes so far as to contact one jurors boss for excused absence. Jurors are all interested in the discussion. I’m impressed with that. Stretching has never felt so good. I don’t think I could sit for this long on a regular basis. I have no idea how people do it. I do believe, the clerk should give us certificates for a massage along with our paycheck.

We’re told we’ll try to finish up on Friday, but if not we’ll resume on the 24th. We’re asked to check our calendars tonight. Quite honestly, I’m not sure if we’ll get through it tomorrow. It seems to me there is a lot more to examine, cross examine and re-cross examine. At least two more witnesses, expert witnesses. We’ll see. The two things I dislike most? Sitting all day and not being able to ask my own questions.

Jury Duty Day 3

Not as rushed this morning, so arrival felt calmer. Everyone there and refreshed. Amazing to me how the attorneys can start right where they left off, without hesitation, recap, etc. From time to time an attorney will catch my eye. Wow, they’re good. They are trying in any way to tempt me. For some reason, me as juror #2, seems to put me right in the lines of the witnesses. They seem to keep looking at me, talking to me. I’m not sure why, because though I am looking at them, making eye contact, I am giving little to no reaction. Perhaps they’re working to get me to respond? Perhaps I’m just in the right seat. I say this because some of the other jurors react to a point that annoys me. I realize it is who they are, their personality, but I just don’t think it’s right to shake ones head yes, or no to questions asked to the witness by the attorney. I also don’t think it’s right to make comments as one exhales. Day 3 and I’m already annoyed by my co-workers, already drawing conclusions and already fearful of what’s to come when we deliberate. I must be on my game when I come forth with my conclusions, my opinion. I must not second guess myself. I must take good notes. I must be confident and I must be forthright. Thankfully, it’s just 75% that needs the vote. I’ll feel no need to be swayed.

The worst thing that happened to me during this day happened in the morning and I’m fairly confident no one has any idea, but perhaps maybe an assistant to the plaintiff lawyer. I was seconds away from fainting while sitting in my juror chair with no indication of a break nearing. My body became light, my face white as a ghost, I’m sure, as I felt all the blood drain from head. What should I do? Breathe, wait it out, talk it out of your system, if all else fails, just get up. Thankfully the judge is pretty tame, he’ll understand once explained. Oh, please, I thought, go away, make it go away. Breathe, adjust my seating, breathe. Okay, it’s passing, phew. Now that it has passed, was anyone watching?? I look around quickly and I see the assistant I spoke of earlier looking at me. If anyone was looking at me, they would have known something wasn’t right for whatever few seconds it was. She watched me a bit longer than need be. She may have not known what was going on, but she detected something...Ah well, oh please don’t wash over me again this day!!!

I AM curious what the other jurors think. Their body language and their comments lead me to believe every which way. It’s not that I’m focusing on that more than the case, but now as things wind down, it sure would be great to hash all this information out with those who’ve been listening. Our day will come, but not until 6 days from now!!! Yes, we are not meeting until 6 days from now!! My notes are secured at the court room, I can’t even review them (do they know how bad my memory is...and my note taking???). I can’t talk about it, I can’t read about it, I can’t make a joke about it for SIX days.

The judge has made it clear that he would really like to be done on that day too. I fear that might mean deliberation until 7PM if need be. That means I must find some assistance with kids...Aye. Two more witnesses to go come Thursday, then their closing statements, judge’s directions and deliberation. Aye. No more near fainting episodes. Phew. Out at 5 PM and off to pick up the kids! Weekend (with a 4 hour shift at TCA on Sunday).

Jury Duty Day 4

I arrived knowing that today would likely be our last day. In some ways I was disappointed, it has all been so interesting!! I had everything worked out for the day and felt good that I would be able to focus all of my attention on the trial. Kyle would be getting off the bus with new friends and their parents would take him to the game in time to be ball boy as Gregg had pictures and no time. Jack would be picked up from daycare by babysitter and brought to the game where eventually I would meet up. Bags for everyone were packed and I was actually on time so I stopped to pick up some yogurt, gum and an iced coffee .

Our group of jurors still interests me in that we really don’t share much conversation. Yet, I think if we could talk about the trial we probably wouldn’t stop talking. A true awkward silence. Trial started once again right where we left off (still amazing to me). Attorneys are tricky. I wonder through the day if they do any studying of jurors. Why does it seem they always look at me? Why does it seem like they think they can play us? I guess I realize it’s the game of it all. What I like most is the fact that no matter how annoyed I became with any of the attorneys or witnesses it truly didn’t effect how I felt about the matter at hand. It felt good to be able to discern such a thing.

In the morning we finished with one witness and took a break before the next, of whom was going to be a video taped deposition. When ever we returned to the courtroom we felt respected. Felt good (does that mean I don’t feel respected often??). We all sat down and began watching the deposition. About twenty minutes in, the juror next to me was nodding off (the lights WERE off!). Even on occasion I heard a snore! Twenty five minutes later I realize that even though I went to the bathroom on break I drank more coffee than I had thought and needed to use the bathroom again. I sit up straight, I move around, I cross my legs, uncross my legs and slowly begin to realize that the deposition isn’t stopping and I’m not listening! What do I do? Oh my, oh my! I really have got to go and I can’t even listen and Juror #3 keeps snoring! What’s that, Juror #7 is dozing off too..and I cannot hear a word that man is saying!! What do I do??? I think of all my options, attempt to hold it, just leave, raise my hand, stand up?? Everyone is looking in the other direction staring at the screen. I decide I must do something.. I write on my pad,

“Sir, I am having a difficult time concentrating. I need to use the restroom. The juror beside me is sleeping. Perhaps a 3 minute break? Thank you, Juror #3”

Immediately after I wrote this I felt a little less pressure, perhaps that relieved me enough. Perhaps I can hold off. A minute goes by and I realize this relief was temporary. What do I do?? I have no idea what the guy is saying on the screen. I really cannot concentrate. I risk showing Juror #1 my note. She looks at me like, “what do you want me to do about it?”. There goes my idea of her bringing the note to the judge... Finally, I can’t take it anymore, I stand up and walk over to the judge. He feels my presence and turns to me. A rush of fear, I hand over my notepad as quickly as I can. I’m getting an inquisitive look and one that says, “this better be good” mixed with “what do you dare approach me for during a deposition?” A sigh of relief, as quick as he read it he requests counsel to pause the the video and says (while I am standing beside him) something like this, at this time we’re going to take a brief break, any of the jurors who may need to exercise this can. Then he turns to me and says, Ma'am you may go too. OF COURSE, I am the only one that goes!!

RELIEF though. It was wonderful. I was so thankful I went. I returned, everyone in the same spot when I left. The judge says, It’s not quite like a classroom where you can raise your hand, is it? I apologize and take my seat. Slight humiliation! Let me tell you though, concentration was easy as pie after that! That deposition lasted another hour and a half. I would have NEVER made it. I would have puked. No lie. Now to focus again. I have no idea what was said while I was gone, but no more sleeping occurred either!

The closing statements were interesting. All three attorneys had red ties on. I wonder how often that happens. I worried slightly as to who would be the foreman and whether or not they would allow everyone to speak fairly. I wondered how long the deliberation would be and figured we could be there for hours explaining our points. I had made it clear to myself that I would speak up and if it didn’t seem people were getting an opportunity to speak I would say something.

Later in the afternoon we finally receive our directions! We’re going to deliberate! The foreman was chosen and she told me I could be her assistant. We asked each juror the first question..and everyone agreed. That’s it???? It’s over, we all agree? What? We finally show that we do indeed have personalities and we all take a minute to just talk. We all find that we thought deliberation was going to be hard because we were going to have to convince everyone else of our point..but we all agreed on the first and therefore only question! Huh.

Jury duty to me, in this case? A great experience. I loved it. I learned a great deal. I exercised my abilities. I would do it again in a heartbeat (granted I may not like another type of case). I will, however, ration the coffee.

2009-07-29T08:22:00.006-04:00

Here are some fun pictures from the past few months. Thought I would share. Some of them are already on facebook, but for those that don't go there I thought you might like them here!

Great Aunt Teresa & Jack
3 Cities Tour
May 2009

Amy, Ethan, Sam, Anne and Baby Mia
3 Cities Tour
May 2009

Heather and Jack
3 Cities Tour

Great Grandma Enbody & Jack
3 Cities Tour

Jack and Great Grandpa Enbody
Grand Rapids, May 2009
Mommy & Jack's three cities in three days tour

Jack dressed himself
June 2009

Jack and Kyle have been making lots of forts this summer. Here Kyle coaxed Lincoln in too.
July 2009

Kyle and his cousins
Grand Haven, July 4th weekend of 2009

Cousin Shot on Lake MI
July 2009

Jack having fun at the beach
Harbor Island, SC
July 2009

Jack, Kyle & Cousin Joey
Harbor Island, SC

Kyle

2009-06-26T15:53:00.005-04:00

So my cousin tells me it’s time for a new blog…so here goes.

Left Out. An oddity, of sorts, that I have. I have a real difficult time with feeling as if someone has been “left out”. When I was younger and would leave notes for my parents, I would first write “Dad and Mom” and then underneath I would write “Mom and Dad”. See, I didn’t want them to think I liked one more than the other, even more so, I didn’t want one of them to feel left out. Actually, Annie K, I distinctly recall having quite a complex with my 8th grade letter to my parents as I had to address one of them first. I am fairly sure I settled on putting it one way on the envelope and another way on the actual letter (perhaps we should verify that, Mom and Dad, do you still have the letter?).

With that said, you may have noticed my last blog focused primarily on Jack and all the while I wrote I had a whole gambit of issues going on in my head as Kyle was not included in the writing. I concluded that my next blog would be focused on Kyle. Now I must say that this introduction is the fine print as the real blog is to be focused on Kyle (and I could go on, but this may be considered a bit obsessive).

Kyle is 11 years old and heading into 5th grade next year. FIFTH GRADE! He’s not a little boy any more, definitely not the 7 year old who visited us for two weeks one hot summer and even still not the 8 year old boy we welcomed home to live with us a year later. His smile is the same, his desire for hugs are the same, his love for the dogs, the outdoors and x-box are the same, but he’s growing, he’s growing into our son. Not the cute son you get at two, four and six, but the in between son. The son one can almost call a fine young man, yet one wouldn't want to give him the freedom that seemingly comes with such a title.

He stays up a little later at night, he comprehends more jokes, he has more freedom, he has more responsibilities, he’s growing, learning and molding. One can see where we missed out on his early years. Spend enough time with him and one may see how his early years shaped his personality, shaped his actions and reactions. He’s a sweet kid, who likes to be right. (Quite possibly, one might not see a difference based on that!) Such a complex situation in such a simple family. Therefore we attempt to make it simple. We tell him the way it should be, we model and we praise him for the spectacular things he does the amazing feats he has accomplished and we encourage him all along the way.

A typical summer day might include waking up at 9:30 to Jack and Gregg playing downstairs. Kyle will fix himself breakfast, usually cereal, yogurt and a banana (depends on what Mom has stocked I suppose). Afterwards between play and cleaning up after breakfast he'll get ready for the day. The rest of the day includes playing outdoors (soccer, walking, biking, Jack, dogs), finishing chores before Mom gets home (4:30), playing with Jack, a little time on x-box, reading, drawing, and lunch somewhere in between. Kyles chores might include sweeping (gotta love the swiffer), feeding the dogs, setting the table, dusting, taking recyclables out, cleaning out his bathroom sink and emptying the garbage out of the bathrooms...and new this summer, mowing his soccer field.

Kyle has summer plans. He already had a whole week with Grandma Stelzer at the house. That week he worked particularly hard as Mom had a list for Grandma, but he had PLENTY of fun in between! He spent a weekend with his cousins and family at Grandma and Grandpa Supirans which ended in a soccer game with two of his cousins against Mom and two of his aunts. Though it took a lot to get Mom to play, it appears it was a highlight of his weekend. Kyle will go to church camp this summer too. He went last year and I distinctly recall him saying "I could stay here forever". I pray that this camp is a real boost to his spiritual life. Kyle will also join the WHOLE Stelzer family in South Carolina this year for a week long vacation in July. He'll have an entire week to get to know some of his extended family, of whom we sometimes only see for a day or two here and there. He'll also, I'm sure, get to hear of many memories as us siblings talk about summer vacations in SC as kids.

I asked Kyle this summer if he missed Russia, his friends, caregivers, mom and grandmother. He told me mainly his friends. He wondered how they were. I think Kyle has always been a follower, and even though he makes friends easy, it seems to me that none of them are nearly as close to him as his friends were in Russia. It takes time, and he is social and he is funny and sweet, so I'm not at all concerned, but I look forward to the day when he seems to have some best buddies that he truly enjoys the company of. In the meantime, we'll enjoy each other as a family, monitor a few websites for glimpses of old friends and work on his ongoing friendships at school and church.

to be like jack

2009-05-06T15:39:00.007-04:00

i'm thankful for my family. i'm thankful for my health. i'm thankful for a simple life.

jack loves to ride the tractor. he missed his nap yesterday and when we arrived home we found gregg driving the tractor. gregg graciously took jack on his lap and proceeded to complete his work. i missed what i'm sure was a very cute sight. jack curled up in gregg's lap and slept through the ride. evidently, once they arrived to the tractors final resting spot, jack popped up from his slumber in gregg's lap and exclaimed, "more".

jack has a horrible nighttime routine (whose fault is that?), but lately he has one thing down of which i am pleased with. brushing his teeth. which consists of brushing, while both dancing (to the music of the toothbrush) and staring at himself in the mirror. when he is done he climbs back up on his stool, spits (there has yet to be any actual substance to leave his mouth), takes a sip of water that i have readied for him and then looks up at me holding the paper cup and says, "garbage" with a nod of his head, as if asking me if that's okay. he proceeds to step down, throw away the cup and run to his room for a book. i love routine.

as noted on facebook...jack was playing with a small lego man when he pulled the plastic hair off the man's head, held the man up and pointed to his head and said "cold head".

ever since the virgin islands and watching kyle in swim lessons jack takes a bath and spends most of his time, swimming, kicking and splashing. in fact he got me in the bathtub the other day and splashed water all over me, shirt and all. after he poured water over my head, he exclaimed, "mommy wet, mommy swimming". life is simple.

any time we're in a store or restaurant and kyle needs to use the bathroom (or kyle is missing for more than a few minutes), jack concludes, out loud, "kyle, poopy, potty". kyle takes it like a man.

jack was taking a bath yesterday and I heard what sounded like, "no hitting". So I turned to check out what was going on. he was holding the hand of his spiderman action figure and making it hit his own chest, resulting in jack scolding spiderman with the words, "no hitting".

the other day it was such a nice day on the way home from daycare that i rolled jacks window down. every once in a while i would here him exclaim, "basket!". he has been quite familiar with basketball for awhile, he'll call out basket or basketball when anything remotely close to basketball is seen. finally i looked back at jack just in time to watch him pull a bunny cheddar cracker out of his sandwich bag, drop it out the window and exclaim, "basket!".

and now i see why kyle thanked God the other day for having jack to entertain us.

Spring 09

2009-04-02T20:19:00.009-04:00

I realize it's about time I post something new. Just to show you that I do try to be a bit more timely in my posts; please refer to the paragraphs below. I've copied and pasted some notes from a never-before-published post.

Spring Break - March 28- April 2
Traveling with an eleven year old and a 21 month old is good cause for unsightly events in the eyes of others, but in our case we've been very fortunate and perhaps the only unsightly event would be Jack running and jumping with all his might in the sand without a diaper or pants hiding the parts that he so affectionately calls pee-pee and poopy. Ah, no, I am sure there were more, but overall our spring break has gone quite well! And the best part is that it isn't over yet!

My anxious anticipation for this trip really didn't have to do with getting away from work, but actually to observe Kyle and Jack in a setting that I am so fond of, and that would be so new to them. Thus far they seem to be enjoying themselves!

...Kyle can't seem to catch enough lizards, always quick to be an awesome big brother at the same time, ensuring that Jack gets to catch a glimpse. Gregg and Kyle went tarantula hunting last night, but I'm not sure if they were successful. Kyle also saw his first mongoose today when we walked the Reef Bay Trail. He thought they were pretty cool and at the end of the trail he exclaimed, "That was fun!". Snorkeling has taken a bit for him to get used to, as most of you may recall swimming is still a work in progress. He has a life vest though, and every beach we've gone to he and Gregg have gone out to explore.

Jack has a love-hate relationship with the water. He desperately wants to go to the "water" and the "beach" every day, but once we arrive he shakes his head "no" over and over again. He has come to love running and jumping and playing with his "guys" and cars in the sand though. He and I have spent a few hours each day on the beach doing just that while Kyle and Gregg are out snorkeling. Jack has been a delight to watch as he has learned new words and takes everything in stride. The past two days he has skipped his nap due to refusals to fall asleep in the arms of a parent or a booster seat on winding roadways (as that was all that was available), but amazingly he's hung in there with only a few tantrums along the way. He hiked a large portion of the Reef Bay Trail, and still managed to keep from falling asleep in any ones arms, on any ones shoulders nor in the car on the way to or from the beach.

Current Time:
The beach and sun are far away, but still a wonderful memory for all of us! Pictures are posted on FB if you're interested!

Kyle started swimming lessons again, five weeks of "level three". Last week was his first session. He claimed he was a little bit nervous before the lesson, but when the hour was over he shared with enthusiasm, the words I love to hear from him, "That was fun!". He's doing quite well academically, still noting P.E., Art and Recess as his favorites (I don't blame him). With the end of the school year near he has lots of school activities he's looking forward to: a day on a schooner in Lake Huron, Besser Museum, and Mackinac Island to name a few. He continues to be a spectacular big brother by playing and reading every evening with Jack.

Jack hasn't slowed down a bit. He loves to play with Kyle and Daddy, often "shoeing" his Mommy away. I would say, his favorite toys at the moment are empty boxes, cars, trucks, trains, his ABC school bus and his little animal figures (specifically the hippo, lion and elk). Oh, and I suppose I should throw in the blocks that form a bridge over his train tracks, spiderman, the tick, and his St. John souvenir, "turtle". He also has a thing for baths as long as they don't involve washing his body. Today he had three and was hoping for four, at which time bedtime occurred instead. He loves to read books and talk and his milestone for the week was getting through a whole church service without being dropped off at the nursery due to incessant talking.

With spring upon us Gregg is busy planning on "all things outdoors". So-much-so that school seems to get in the way. Due to the snow days, he'll be at school through June 12th, with the kids going until June 9th. His fishing trip with my dad and brother is schedule for June and our family get together in July.

I am well and work is good. Beginning Monday a few changes will occur within my department of which I am thankful for and looking forward to (wahoo!). Other than that, just having a blast, loving God, and appreciating His gifts!

Some new thoughts to share.

2009-02-05T21:59:00.003-05:00

Sorry, no new pictures yet, just words. Maybe next week.

So when one brings home their 19 month old who has been awake since 5 AM, who elected to refuse a nap at daycare, who after screaming at the top of his lungs, flailing every limb and whipping his head back and forth while his mother attempted to strap him in his car seat falls asleep, who arrives home shortly after and wakes up to experience all of 4 minutes of toddler happiness and then turns into one ball of fire for the next 2 1/2 hours (as evidenced by non-stop screaming, unconsolable crying, flailing of more body parts, etc, etc), is it okay for one to wonder whether or not her patience is sufficient enough to parent a toddler?

He's asleep now. I think I'll make it.

Really though, Jack's been great fun. He is putting words together, some that we understand and some that we're trying to decipher. He is SUCH a helper. He can build a fire alongside the best (minus the actual lighting of the fire), he can carry small logs from the door to the living room with ease, he's an excellent helper to Kyle when it comes to feeding the dogs (and every once in awhile tests it for the dogs, just in case it wasn't quite prepared right), he loves to wipe up a mess and is great at throwing things away. He's intrigued by the big toilet, yet not enough to use it. He loves food, but remains a bit picky. Let's see, who was I talking about, Gregg, Kyle,, no..oh, yeah, Jack. Jack is a mover, he loves to run and play and in three months time has incurred three visible injuries on his face..Injury #1: Running in the house with a train. Resulted in a fall and a cut near his lip. Happened in December, still a visible scar. Injury #2: Sliding down the indoor slide at daycare...with his tongue sticking out. Thankfully tongues are quick healers, though the cut was big and impressed all the nurses at work when they got a glimpse of it, that is all but a mere spot on his tongue. Injury #3: He became so excited when it came time to wash his hands at daycare that he chose to run to the sink. As the story was told, he tripped on the leg of a table and actually did a somersault in the air. Bit his lip. I'm waiting for the first broken bone.

Kyle is working on respect in the classroom, it appears he's been able to get away with some behaviors in class until recently. It also appears that he's had a few more issues, though mild, over the year with regard to keeping quiet and listening to the teacher! He is working hard to do better and his teacher is keeping him accountable. It's a learning process for all of us!! I've been in a stage where I keep telling myself, "this is only the beginning, just you wait." He is awesome with Jack, and really knows when to come to his mothers aid. He must detect my impatience (or is it that I shout out how impatient I am??). He can still make Jack laugh like no other. He just finished a "scrape drawing" with something we picked up at the store one day It's pretty cool (foxes). Though far away, he is looking forward to spring break as well as a class field trip to Mackinac Island (especially after hearing his Dad was going to try to go along). He is selling Krispy Kreme donuts to raise money for this trip and if all of you were closer I would make each of you buy a dozen. Instead, I'll buy a few and think of you while I'm eating them.

At work lately I have been experiencing, in simple terms, "a brain that is so full it is difficult to get anything done". It is very difficult to work under such circumstances. It isn't only difficult to work under such circumstances, but it is difficult to work with a bunch of co-workers experiencing the same exact thing! We all need a vacation, but since most of us don't have one coming we'll trudge on and hope for a positive turn of events!! On a brighter note, I have been working out a few days a week before I go to work and it has truly made a difference in my energy level. I'm loving it!

January Notes

2009-01-27T21:52:00.004-05:00

Where do I begin? I believe I have so much to post that I'll just blog thought to thought no matter how badly I jump from subject to subject.

The family is getting over a nasty stomach bug that hit over a week ago. It is amazing how such a thing can set one back. Jack got hit the worst and is just now coming around. Back to a life of seemingly never getting enough food.

My sister, Jean, visited last weekend (was it only last weekend?). We anxiously anticipated her visit and were so happy to have her in our home. Unfortunately we passed on the bug.

Kyle and Jack both had check-ups this week. Kyle is 57 inches and 68 pounds; growing, growing, growing (up)! Jack is maybe 25 pounds; actually can't really recall at the moment..but I do remember thinking, "that's all?????".

Gregg started indoor soccer with the high school boys on Monday nights. This will last for a few more weeks. He has been very, very busy with work around the house; plowing, stacking wood, plowing, and plowing some more.

Kyle received all A's on his most recent report card. He continues to improve in areas that he has shown capability of doing so. He seems to enjoy school, though has definitely found enjoyment in snow days, weekends and thoughts of upcoming breaks.

Work for me has been trying. At times I am completely overwhelmed but at other times I have a calm sense about me, with thoughts that one day it'll be different and current issues will only be memories (that in my case I likely won't be able to recall anyway).

Jack is full of it, and appears to know it even at 19 months old. I've decided that his ability to string two and three words together not only melts my heart practically every time, but also just may be my favorite "first" in a world of possible baby/toddler "firsts" ("Bye, Dad" was his first of this first). He no longer seems to have issues with hitting, but has moved onto yelling at the top of his lungs, sometimes for fun and other times out of anger..or desire (usually for food or for Mommy). He can throw a pretty good tantrum too.

Kyle is 11 and growing. He loves to make decisions on his own, but remains a kid at heart. He can spend over an hour outside playing with the dogs and another hour entertaining Jack with chase, wrestling, book reading and regular play. Most recently he has been enjoying listening to tales of Tom Brown, Jr.

Jack still loves "riding". He has moved on from not only wanting to ride everything to wanting spiderman to ride his dog, or a car to ride his bear, spiderman to ride his bear. Need I say more? His vocabulary continues to grow. Amazing really. Most recently baths no longer intrigue him. It appears 1-2 baths a day after getting sick one too many times just played too much of a cruel joke on him. He still loves the water though, so I am sure he'll come around.

One day I hope to find some time at a local wi-fi spot to upload some recent photos of the family. A goal to do so, but setting a time frame would only be setting myself up for failure!

We feel so very blessed. We are thankful for our daily lives, our trials and our fun.

Did I miss Fall?

2008-12-07T18:00:00.012-05:00

Where has the time gone? Where ever it is, it took fall with it! It has been a while since my last post; it's always a thought away. I must say the snow we have is beautiful! What a beautiful gift! I mean how often do we get a gift dumped in our laps with such force? It is unfortunate that the weather is so cold, barely time for play or photo opportunities!

Things are going well. Thanksgiving was a joy with family. We were able to spend time down-state with both Gregg's and my family. Cousins played and food was consumed! We came home on Sunday to a house decorated for Christmas, as we had followed through with our annual tradition and decorated the weekend before Thanksgiving. We're enjoying the lights, the fires and the thought of spending time with family again over Christmas break!

Kyle is growing! Every once in awhile I look at a pair of pants he's wearing and wonder if it's his pants that are shrinking (if you know me well enough, you know that it doesn't take much for me to shrink just about anything) or his body that is growing. Kyle is doing an excellent job in school. He received all A's and one B+ this past marking period. He continues to enjoy reading, and per his teacher continues to awe his classmates with his drawing. The other day he went to the museum and loved the planetarium and the fact that they were able to "wander" throughout the building with a buddy finding things from a list they had been given. It has been a blessing to see Kyle grow. Kyle certainly isn't that little 7 year old boy we first met at the airport in 2005. Not only has he grown physically, but he's grown spiritually, academically, behaviorally and socially. It's just an amazing sight for me, and something of awe when I think about who he is today, who he was yesterday and who he might be tomorrow. I thought that once he had learned certain positive traits I would never have to remind him again or that perhaps he would never digress..I've found I was a little naive. I'll learn and so will he. He continues to do an excellent job serving as big brother to Jack! He works hard to make Jack laugh, keep him busy and keep him safe.

Jack continues to throw new twists and turns in our daily activities. He loves to go for a "ride" in anything he can turn into a ride...the walker turned upside down, the laundry basket, even the broiling pan. Though difficult to catch every word, he has quite a vocabulary and fills in with babble (yes, I'm saying he talks a lot, rarely a quiet moment) when he's not entirely sure of the words. We've dealt with biting, hitting and fits..but we've been completely consumed with laughter, chasing, teaching, playing and reading. Jack spends most of his time in the 18 month room at daycare; though he moved over a little earlier than I was expecting it has proven to be great fun for him. Most days he finds one of his favorite toys and I might be lucky to get a wave goodbye before I head off to work. Our biggest and latest issue has been the snow!! He has always loved to be outside, but once we finally got over his fear of the snow (yes, he didn't want to stand in it) we learned he hated his boots! I think his moc's have caused him to wonder what thick soles are good for. The other day I spent an hour with him in his boots and me in mine, walking around the basement sharing silly stories about cool boots...Needless to say, it worked. Jack then went outside for a few minutes and the very next day went to daycare with his boots on. The first thing he said to the first caregiver he met was "Boots" (she of course thought he said "boo" and exclaimed boo back..that's where we're working on the pronunciation), he proceeded to share his boots with everyone he met. Not only did he enjoy exclaiming his satisfaction with this new item, but he screamed when I took them off in order to settle into day care that morning. It's not over, he's not entirely pleased with the whole winter thing, and we're still working on the fun of sledding..One thing that he absolutely loves though, EATING SNOW! He begs for a piece, we've even been known to keep it in the fridge as a "treat".

We're busy preparing for Christmas fun, work is the last thing on our minds, yet we continue on! I've found my days quite a bit busier with continuous changes within our company and a growing census. Gregg anticipates Christmas break when he'll have a couple weeks off!

Fall

2008-10-28T07:44:00.005-04:00

I love fall! On October 11th we traveled down-state for a short weekend trip. I believe we picked the best day for a fall color tour! We also were able to spend time with Gregg’s side of the family and watch our nephew, Nathan, who is a senior this year (can you believe he was that little ring bearer in our wedding?), win his last home soccer game! We’ve also enjoyed a few quiet weekends at home, spending time together and taking care of things around the house. Ahh!

Kyle is doing well. He has come to love weekends. I have found this has been helpful in at least one area; he is doing much better at keeping track of the days of the week! He even changed his calendar to the right month a few days ago. His calendar has been known to be months behind. He continues to be truly a delight. He is certainly all boy and all of ten years old, but he really is a blessing. He does very well in school and loves to read. Right now he generally struggles with rushing through work to get done. When a mistake is made on schoolwork or chores at home it’s generally because he was rushing through it to move onto something else! He knows it is something he needs to work on and he really tries to improve. Recently he received his mid-semester grades; he received all A’s and one B! Soon he’ll be going on a field trip to Lafarge’s quarry. They plan to witness a live explosion and afterwards participate in a small artifact dig. He is looking forward to the trip! Kyle decorated a pumpkin this year. I believe he had fun, but learned the hard way that sometimes the good ole’ fashioned jack-o-lantern is the way to go. He asked to be a pirate for Halloween, of which I obliged (kind of simple costume, so how could I complain?). I think the costume will look just fine…in the dark!

Jack is a riot. The kid rarely stops, laughing, talking, running, playing, moving, etc. Lately we’ve been working with him as he’s a little aggressive at daycare. I like to say he just loves a good reaction, but whether or not that is the case, I suppose we need to curtail the behavior. He and another girl, Emma, particularly like to pick on each other (at least it’s even). He’s learning what “no” means, but most importantly he’s listening when he hears the word! Needless to say we have temporarily banned him from Church nursery. He is transitioning from the 0-18 month room to the 18 – 24 month room. He LOVES the big kids and has a pretty good understanding of his place there (good behavior, means more time spent in the big kids room). Jack can talk non-stop at times, both his own language and Toddler English. Last night (at bed-time, go figure) he babbled effortlessly to himself as he climbed, jumped on and fell over a pile of outdoor cushions we had brought in from outside. He has all sorts of words as part of his vocabulary, though not necessarily pronounced correctly. Moon, doggy (for a long time we thought he was calling them daddy until we noticed a slight variation in the d-words), book, and Kyle (which is simply Ky) are a few. I believe his favorite phrase may just be “no, no, no.” Which, quite honestly, is kind of funny when said. Jack, too, will be a pirate for Halloween.

Work has been fine. Keeping busy, even though our census is low. My parents will return from their trip to Germany/Italy soon. I’ve enjoyed their stories via email thus far. I am in desperate need of a haircut but am patiently (maybe not so patiently) waiting for Thanksgiving when Anne will be able to cut it. Jack’s daycare will be visiting our nursing home on Halloween day and I am looking forward to seeing him during their visit.

Gregg finished up soccer season with a banquet on the 22nd. The whole family was able to attend (a free meal – how could I pass that up?). Jack kept everyone entertained and ate like a horse as he always does. Gregg is keeping up with the house and making sure we have wood available for our evening fires. He is also hunting. I must say that I truly appreciate his new hunting skills (learned from a very expensive conference – yes, they have those for hunters); it allows for a few more days at home, of which he and the rest of the family very much appreciate!!

On a side note, a family who has a Christian ministry in Russia will be in the states next month. They are doing WONDERFUL things in Russia (www.russia4christ.org). They will be touring a few areas, raising money for their ministry in the orphanages. Please keep them in your prayers. To see all the great things they’re doing, please check out their web-site and prayerfully consider a donation to their ministry!

Did I mention that I love fall?

2008-10-06T11:28:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, Kyle, Jack and I enjoyed Fall Harvest Day at the Museum. I would say it was the perfect year to go, as next year Kyle may be just a bit too old. We enjoyed our time checking out the museum, visiting the old church and school house, feeding goats, petting a llama and making things. I asked Kyle what were the top three things he enjoyed and he said the stuffed animals in the museum, the live animals and making things (rain stick and a spider gourd). The weather held out for our time there, a bit chilly, but feasible. We received apples from the group at the school house and that kept Jack happy for the entire second hour of the trip!

Gregg spent his weekend at the cabin with my brothers, Joe & John, my Dad and my brother-in-law, Casey. Many late nights, no deer (though they did see some) and I am sure lots of food. Gregg has about a week and a half left of JV boys soccer. He’s also getting into the hunting season (yes, you know, the other fall season – at least I didn’t call it huntin’ seasin’). Gregg did get a doe during early gun season.

Kyle is doing well and now that soccer is over we have a little more down time to spend at home doing activities, homework, chores, etc. This weekend Kyle helped me decorate baked goods for a bake sale at work. He did a superb job! He was also a big help with Jack while Gregg was away. Jack just loves to copy Kyle, find Kyle and play with Kyle. He has been doing well at school; he has a hard time putting his reading books down, always does well on his spelling tests, and continue to enjoy his time out at recess.

Jack continues to work on his teeth – seems to be a theme. He doesn’t run a fever like he once did, but he certainly doesn’t sleep well, has a constant runny nose, gets cranky and drools a lot! He is talking quite a bit more these days, not necessarily sensible conversation, but it’s a start. This weekend he couldn’t stop copying the fun words and sounds he heard Kyle and I say. Words like, wow, ow, Kyle, hello, goodbye were abundant. He is saying Kyle’s name…It’s usually Ky, or Yle, generally not both together. He also loves to point to the sky and say moon when we leave for daycare in the mornings. Jack has a little foam chair that he loves to sit in and climb all over. This weekend he was setting the chair on it’s back (if you can imagine), then laying on the end of it, putting his head in the back rest and rolling over..basically completing a somersault over his chair…and of course ending with his eyebrows raised, his mouth open and exclaiming “Ow”!

Gretchen and Lincoln are getting used to the new schedule too! They love the days we have time to give them some exercise. I would have to say it may be one of their favorite seasons (hunting season), they love it when Gregg gets a deer! They love when Kyle plays with them and tolerate it when its Jack’s turn. Kyle will get them running or tugging, while Jack is more interested in riding on, growling alongside, using them as a step stool, or finding out what will happen if he…

Three Weeks In!

2008-09-19T07:32:00.013-04:00

We're rounding out week three and things seem to be falling into place. Schedules are set, time with eachother is limited, but things overall are going well. Gregg drives the boys in two days a week, while I do the the other three and take them home every day a little after 4:00.

Kyle has been enjoying fourth grade. I would say thus far he has found science lab to be most fun (besides the obvious recess and gym). This week they each got a chip's ahoy cookie to test the theory of a 1000 chips in every bag. They had to count the chips in their one cookie and times it by 40...and of course eat the cookie when they were done. For those who are curious; it appears it is quite likely each bag has at least 1000 chips. He has been enjoying the rec soccer team we hastily decided to place him on this year. Unfortunately, we are being reminded all too much why we DIDN'T want him to play rec soccer, but we're hopeful for the future. He scored a goal last week, and plays a very intrical part in passing, reading the field and moving off the ball. He fits right in, talks to all his teammates and has a lot of fun. His memory (in many things, usually not in the things I tell him to do) remains to be terrific; specifically in the area of spelling words. This week he had all of his words memorized the first day after they studied them as a class. That will always amaze me (likely because my memory lacks any sort of impressive features). Kyle continues to be a wonderful big brother to Jack, often helping me out by playing with him while I make dinner or put groceries away.

Jack continues on! He is doing well at his new daycare (some old and some new workers). Finally, this week he has been just a little less clingy when I drop him off, pending there is an old worker available to greet him (and food). He particularly likes Ms. Linda, of whom he has always ben fond of and continues to melt into her arms when she takes him on. At the moment he will only take naps for Ms. Linda or Mr. Mark (the director's husband); I believe it has to do with their patience and will to win! Jack continues to climb, and now finds it fun to jump/fall off the items he's climbed. He loves animals, outdoors and anything water. He's still working on many of his words, but things like water, up, down, baba (which could mean anything), daddy, mommy, doggy, kitty, ball, hi, bye are all coming out in some sort of form. I did hear him say "Ky" the other day, but not since. I think it'll be very cool for Kyle when Jack does start to say his name. Jack loves to kiss and wave at night time, and when Gregg and Kyle aren't home for him to say goodnight to, he's happy to give the dogs kisses instead.

No plans for the moment, just our daily business. Hunting season is around the corner, and soon that will likely fill the void left by the end of soccer season.

Back To School

2008-09-04T21:32:00.004-04:00

Did I say something about being ready for a routine and the start of school in my last blog? What was I thinking? Life is busy!! None-the-less, I do see routine in the near future and I'm okay with the idea. School started this week, and, boy is it obvious. Traffic, schedules, homework, soccer games, lunches..the list goes on.

Kyle seems to be settling right into school. Not really a surprise to me, he always seems to look forward to making new friends and catching up with the old. He also likes a challenge, and like most kids, loves to show us his accomplishments (of which will apparently flow with new science experiments, daily homework assignments and the ability to claim membership within a team). Yes, we unexpectedly signed Kyle up for a local recreational soccer team. Our area is still quite behind, so he finds himself on a full-size field amongst a co-ed 10-U14 team for his first team experience. He started a little late, missed a few games, but seems to fit right in and loves being a part of something bigger then kicking the ball around at home. Sadly Kermit the frog passed away today...He came down the stairs today and noted..."I think Kermit died." I asked him why he thought that and he stated, "Because he's all stretched out and not moving like when my other frog died". Good observation.... We'll wait for Dad to get home.

Jack comes up with something new each day. Today we were at the store and he saw a ball, at which time he reached for it and called out "ball" for the first time as if he'd been saying the word for months. This evening he was playing with a turtle that plays a tune and vibrates, he found that laying on top of it was the best thing since nursing. He has moved to one nap a day, for the most part, which in turn has made him a bit sleepier earlier in the evening so now he goes down at 7:30. As of Monday, his daycare owner will take over a local day care center that sits behind my work. It'll be interesting to see how he'll react in a new place (fairly recently built as a day care center, with day care facilities, activities and equipment).

At work we continue to prepare for the State's revisit..lots to do, to say the least. I take Jack and Kyle into daycare and Kyle's bus stop three mornings a week, while Gregg handles (will handle) two mornings. Those two mornings I'll go to work early so that I can get enough hours in that will enable me to leave every day at 4:00 when Kyle gets off the bus. Schedules are going well in this area with recent changes... Kyle gets on the bus with our dentist's son, at the dentist office on a road just behind my work. Jack will now go to Daycare at a center on that same road, less than minutes from Kyle's bus stop and my work. Furthermore, Kyle's bus driver is GREAT..she drops him off at my work place every day as our dentist's son doesn't ride the bus home. Things work out, don't they?

Gregg is at three schools this year, and will settle in eventually. I tell people he's still in denial, and I am sure he would agree. He had a soccer game this evening..yes in the rain... Remember, they play in the rain. He is finding himself quite busy with the team, but satisfied with his outlook on it this year (as am I).

September marks Kyle's adoption-- It is hard to believe as it seems as if he has always been a part of our family!

Enough said. Praise God for a wonderful family, a home, and the many blessings set in front of us daily.

Life This Week

2008-08-22T15:05:00.004-04:00

Each day gets a little bit busier as school draws near. It has been a good, long summer (though Kyle and Gregg would both agree it has been short). I think I am ready to get Kyle back into a daily routine (though, Kyle and Gregg would both agree this isn't necessary!). It really hit me the other day when I came home from work and found Kyle still in his pajama's, slightly stained from the past few nights of drool. I made a comment. What mother wouldn't???? Snickers, that's what I got, a snicker from both of them! Okay, so maybe, as an adult, on a particular given Saturday I may have been found to be in my pajama's come 1:00 PM, BUT, this is completely acceptable, as I am an adult. Not-to-mention, I likely had a really good excuse! I was probably busy cleaning, Kyle, on the other hand was busy having fun! As I was saying, routine, I'm looking for routine. Thankfully, it's coming, it's around the corner and come September 2nd there will be nothing any one of us can do about it!

As you may guess, Kyle is enjoying his summer. He now has a frog, apparently named Kermit (the 2nd or 3rd or 4th maybe, we're not entirely sure). He is quite fond of it and enjoys watching him eat grasshoppers, crickets and worms. I am just glad Kyle appears to be too old to have any sort of desire to eat a live frog (can you believe I have a friend whose 4 yr old just ate a LIVE FROG this past week). Kyle learned of his 4th grade teacher for this fall, I think the two of them will do well together. He is not familiar with her, but Gregg taught with her for awhile and she coached the JV girls HS soccer team for a year. We'll find out on Wednesday who his classmates will be when we attend his open house. Today Kyle attended daycare with Jack! Gregg had a game all day in Marquette, so Kyle had a day away. I think Jack was most pleased with the idea this morning. Kyle was tolerating the idea. I am sure it will give him a good idea as to whether or not he'll enjoy one more day there on Tuesday next week (Gregg has meetings all day). Wednesday and Thursday he'll go to work with Gregg and then have Friday (except high school soccer practice) and Monday off before the big day!

Jack is doing well too. He's had a rough go of it a few days this past week with a tooth that just can't poke through his gums. It seems like he has been working on it for months. He is definitely enjoying his animals. He loves to imitate different animals, and meow's regularly when he see's a picture of a "ditty" (which in his case can even be a pig). He loves to chase the dogs around, and is also becoming a little more curious with them. I know what he's thinking when he's eyeing up one of the dogs...."what will he do if I.....jump on his paw"? I'm really being tested with his 14 month old tantrums. On occassion he really gets mad, I'm talking a dramatic mad, whereas he cries, flops on the floor and puts his head in his hands. I'm hoping that it seems a little worse this week because of the tooth that's been teasing him. Time will tell, and for now I ignore it, find him something else or have my own tantrum right alongside him. Things he finds fun at the moment are: sitting in his chair and eating snacks, bringing things to us, sitting on the tractor, pulling his little pop toy around (the other day he pulled it down the entire driveway and wanted to keep going on the road when Gregg tried to turn him around!). He has also discovered the word, "hi" and has tons of fun (when he chooses to, of course) when he uses the word.

So, Mom, does any of this sound familiar? You told me my time would come...It's here!

Everything else is going alright. Soccer is in full-swing and Gregg is busy with practice and games. Most days he takes Kyle with him, and from time to time Kyle gets a chance to play with the big kids (or the hurt ones). They had their first game in Ogemaw on Monday. They did alright and won (always so much to learn). Gregg got his teaching assignment for this fall. He'll be split between three schools this year (always subject to change of course). He'll be at Wilson (the school by us) all day on Thursdays, then Long Rapids (maybe 10 min from us, and out of town) two mornings for a couple of classes, and then at Lincoln (his primary school) the rest of the time. He's sure it will work out fine.

I'm doing well. Probably more excited for school to start then Kyle is. It's fun, going to the open house, getting the paperwork for school, class list, items needed, schedules.. I love that stuff! I don't look forward to sending Jack back to daycare every day, but one of his favorite workers is a long-termer so she'll be there almost every day to help him (and me) through it! Work is fine, we survived state survey, and are now fixing the things they searched high and low for (it's amazing what they pick a part to find).

Saturday we plan on attending an air show at the base. We're all looking forward to it. It'll be 3 hours long, and I heard one of the pilots of an f-16 on the radio say that Alpena is one of the best set-ups they have seen for a show. I think it'll be great! Alpena hasn't had one in 20+ years and it's all free with plenty of time to see the planes on the ground. It should be a nice weekend (despite potential rain).

2008-08-12T22:19:00.003-04:00

At our house one can tell that school is around the corner! Try-outs for high school started this week, so Gregg will find himself up at the school daily for awhile..Which also means that Kyle will find himself right along side! Gregg will coach the junior varsity boys soccer team this fall and this week marked the start of the season with try-outs. It'll be an interesting time!

Kyle continues to enjoy his summer, even if the last few weeks will be spent with Gregg at soccer practice! He plans on getting a frog before the summer is over, he started preparing the tank today. He continues to be a great big brother. He plays with Jack so well and is regularly "checking" on him to make sure he is okay. Kyle had two friends over (brothers) on Tuesday for the day and I think they had a great time; spent a majority of it in the pool from what I hear. Unfortunately he may be on his way to catching the cold that Gregg, Jack and I have. Kyle is anxiously waiting to hear who his 4th grade teacher will be this coming year. We just ordered some new school clothes on-line, and he recently got his new tennis shoes for the year (he's growing!!! he's at 4.5 shoe size and 12 slims!!).

Jack is growing..yeah, still! He seems to enjoy twirling (though he hasn't fully mastered it) and growling like the dogs most these days. Gretchen and Lincoln often play and growl throughout their play. As soon as Jack hears them, he'll walk towards them and start growling. The other day he put his face right near Gretchen's and growled. When he twirls, he goes just long enough to make himself slightly dizzy and falls with lots of giggles. He still loves his Dad and Big Brother. He just lights up when he sees them. He's working on his words still, but doesn't quite have the pronunciations down. I would say he is still best at Daddy and Mommy, but is working on more, dog, bear, deer, shoe, and I think he tried to say kitty today. He loves to sit at the bench with Kyle now. I can't keep him in his high chair for too long any more. He did finally make the sound "K", so perhaps he'll have something close to Kyle's name soon!

Oh, Gregg is a celebrity in our family as of today. He made the local news as he was filling the Honda up at a local gas station. They interviewed him, video taped him and did some editing back and forth for a nice little gig...Can you guess what they interviewed him on?? He was well prepared.

I have been home sick the past two days. I think Jack and I are finally healing. He'll go back to day care tomorrow and me to work...I've got lots to do these days, which is very nice as the day goes by much quicker!!

Kyle & Jack

2008-07-23T13:25:00.006-04:00

Kyle had a wonderful time at camp. He says he could stay there forever. When we inquired as to whether or not he would miss us, he said "yeah". He's been doing well this summer, enjoying it most definitely. Kyle had a friend stay the night last Friday night and they had a blast! Kyle has been working hard this summer, stacking firewood in order to earn rights to a bow that he and Gregg bought earlier. Kyle has also been spending some time in the pool we borrowed, this has been great for him after receiving swimming lessons in the spring. Just last week he finally mastered a back float and most recently I've noticed him working hard in swimming back and forth.

Jack continues to entertain us on a daily basis. He begs for the outdoors, games of chase and people to watch his silly faces. Gregg & Kyle recently taught him to baulk like a chicken and mimic a deer call, so that has been added to his bag of tricks (growling like a bear and barking like a dog). He has 6 teeth in and is working on two more. Most recently he loves his morning bowl of oatmeal and pineapple!

Kyle is away at camp!

2008-07-15T09:50:00.002-04:00

Gregg drove Kyle to Camp Chickagamee yesterday around 2:00 PM. Kyle shared that he was excited but a little nervous too. Our church holds one week of camp there for 3-6th graders. I wondered if Kyle would be okay, and Gregg assured me that he would probably be too good. I think Gregg is right! Kyle will be loving it, the outdoors, rustic, kids surrounding him!! I know he'll miss us too, especially Jack. When he came back from fishing I noticed he couldn't keep his hands off of Jack!

Gregg will spend three days at camp helping teach archery (he'll go each day, about 50 minutes away). I think it'll be nice for Kyle to see him, but we definitely feel bad at the homefront as Jack has to go to daycare during those days!

Jack is keeping us busy. Thankfully he's generally set in going to bed at 8:00PM - we actually enjoyed an early movie last night with Jack in bed and Kyle at camp! Jack will sleep through the night, but usually gets up for a bit around 5:00, maybe 6:00 AM and then generally falls back asleep for another hour or two. His napping is still hit or miss; 30 minutes one day, 2 hours the next or two naps of an 1 1/2 another - we try, but if he doesn't want to sleep he'll cry, fuss and play for an hour in his crib! The other day Gregg found him on top of the table! Yes, on top of the table; he climbed up the bench and then onto the table. Needless-to-say, he loves to climb. He also screams any time he gets denied going outdoors or climbing up steps (I can't count the amount of times that happens in a day). We're working on his 12 month old tantrums.

Work is fine! I still appreciate the setting much more than when I was there the first time. So many things have improved since then. Unfortunately, all the staff are experiencing major changes due to a new company taking over. It is evident in the current attitudes of many. Hopefully this will pass!

I hope to post more pictures this week once I take my laptop to a wifi spot. Keep checking!

One Week Post Reunion

2008-07-10T22:23:00.002-04:00

I have had either a hotdog, hamburger or piece of chicken with chips and salsa since Sunday for lunch and dinner and you know what, it's not that bad! I believe Gregg and Kyle are on the same roll but enjoyed a variety on Monday & Tuesday while they experienced Cedar Point with family.

I think we felt a little depressed once everyone left! We do hope everyone has recovered from their visit and travels!

Kyle enjoyed a few hours with one of his friends from school this evening, while Gregg played soccer in town and Jack entertained me at home.

Work has been a bear, with so many changes from our new company, everyone seems to be going just a little insane....I like to think my sanity is much better off than those of my co-workers, but I am probably not the one to ask!

Jack is doing well at letting us know when he's done eating with shaking his head no. He also LOVES to climb. He climbed up onto the couch and then up the back of it in attempts to reach the deer on the wall. I was unable to witness the original event, but once home for the evening I saw his little legs and arms go!

I am working on a Jack family reunion survey; hopefully it'll be helpful. I'll keep everyone posted!!