Busy Weekend in Flint`2

Quick update on LAST weekend first. We planned a quiet weekend home to try to recuperate after all the insanity of the last month - but then jam-packed our weekend full of fun and...organizing. We did an overhaul on the back bedroom, our computer room and historical "dumping ground". Now it doesn't have a particular "theme" but it is tidy and organized! Can we call it "red wings meets amish quilt" ? We also dropped into a last minute BBQ at "Cancun/Gym" Jen's house. Brian was able to meet some husbands, drink some home-brew and Isaac played happily with all the kids since he knows them so well. I had a relaxing dinner...SHOCKING!! ha. After that, we returned home to a last minute stop by from Courtney and Chris...who 2 bottles of wine and some MarioKart Wii later - stayed the night. We spend a good portion of Sunday hanging out with them on the deck and indulging in some gyros.

Now - onto the topic at hand! What a jam-packed weekend. I had all intentions of calling up some local friends for a play date (sorry S&J!), but there just wasn't time!

The fun began at 6am on Saturday, when Brian and I woke up to the sound of a house of Comptons! Brian and I stayed the night at Michael and Perry's to make the day start easier, and it sure did! You just can't help but have fun around Perry, Roberta and Denise when they get together.

The whole gang was there to watch the Crim - and we even found a few friends and old classmates to cheer on. It was hot though - WOW - Brian was happy he didn't run it this year...and I was happy that I had his help watching Isaac. Towards the end of the race, Isaac decided he needed to participate, as he ran 3 blocks down University Ave with his Dad in tow. What a sight! He also decided he is a big fan of the harmonica!


That evening, we attended the wedding of Kenny and Chrissy Paul. It was great to catch up with all the Paul clan. The evening culminated in a test of endurance for our mother's Malibu.... 6 Freeman family members crunched into one tiny car...but it was fun.

Sunday did not mean time to relax. We had 10am tickets for Thomas the Train at Crossroads Village. Mom, Dad, Tim, Missy, Will, Brian, Isaac and I rode the train, then roamed through Crossroads. We mostly visited all the children's activities, but we still had a great time. My favorite part was riding all the vintage rides.


As always, we have uploaded a plethora of photos onto our shutterfly page. Feel free to check it out!

Our Photo Page

Delayed updates...and other events.

Brian's sister taught Isaac how to say "COOOOOOL".

Brian's sister was here for a visit. She arrived the night we got home from Farlane and left last Friday. We had a nice time with her and Brian's parents up at the cabin - and Isaac go to know his "Aunt Lo-lo". We have been answering "where is aunt lolo?" questions all weekend. Anyways, there are some pictures from her visit and our trip to the cabin on our photo site...

http://spratke.shutterfly.com/477

Along with that - we have had an exciting event in our house...oh yes...potty training. Isaac took interest, big time, in the potty last week - and Brian was successful at 2 potties each day we were at the cabin (apparently there was stage fright with mommy!). He stopped his progress for a few days when we got home - but he seems to be back at it - even last night, he took me to the potty and pointed...then when I put him on it - he went! Mind you - we have NO clue what we are doing...we haven't even gotten to that stage of "err...should we read a book on this or something?"...but, either way, it's kinda exciting. ;)

Now - off to finish my "chores" while Isaac naps!


Some fun videos:

Farlane 2008

Back in 2005, as a childless couple, we joined Jon, Dawn and 18 month old Samantha on a trip to the Spice Cottage at Cache Lake, Farlane, Ontario. Unfortunately, the weather gods were against us on that trip - so we didn't get much of a tan, but we had a good time.

This year, we braved the drive and wilderness to return - with Isaac in tow. Also there were J&D's friends - Kevin, Carrie, Haley (7) and Keagan (4). Samantha (4) was delighted to have buddies!

The drive there was uneventful (no bears to be hit this time) - and the first week the weather was OK. It rained a bit - however, we still got to squeeze in some dock time, swimming, hiking, fishing, cliff diving, etc.

The second week, Kevin, Carrie and clan had to leave, however, the weather really shaped up and we got some very nice weather - perhaps even in the 90's (but who is keeping track?).

Isaac loved the water, had a great time meeting new people and playing outside. He even caught 2 rock bass! He now understands "fishing pole". I successfully did laundry in the woods, much to my surprise. We drank wine, had fires in the fireplace...and, all became masters at Boggle.

It was a good time, but it's good to be home.

I am still going through the pictures, trying to eliminate duplicates...but here is the link to them anyways!

Click here for pictures.

Going Green Ain't So Tough

So - obviously, everyone and their brother has heard about the concept of "going green". Method sales are up, rock festivals are recycling and even small cars are cool to drive. But how many people have started to be green in small ways? Based on reactions that I get from people when I mention my current projects, it doesn't seem many. I get a lot of "wish I had time for that" or "so much effort"...

Well, we don't try that hard. Really. Don't overestimate our motivation. Brian and I are busy people - just check our calender, or the mileage on our cars...but, to sort of tell people that it really isn't so hard to be green...here is our progression into being greenies...or at least greener.

It started with recycling. It took a few years for us to stop grumbling - but we did. Now, we have 2 overflowing bins every 2 weeks and one barely full garbage bin weekly. Mostly disposable diapers, unfortunately.

Then came the efficient house years. This is the phase when we analyzed increasing insulation in our attics, added a ridge vent, got new windows, stopped using AC so much, made an attic fan cover for winter. You know, all those little things that makes your heating/cooling bills so high. To this day, we are still amazed at how efficient our 40-something year old house is, compared to other people's houses. (yeah, yeah, SF probably does have something to do with it - but I feel like I have a big house! ha)

This year has begun other, small changes. Light bulbs. Reusable grocery bags. Cloth diapers. A failed attempt at organic lawn care (ok, there is some info behind that later). And most recently - cleaning products.

I have been phasing out my cleaning products and began making the switch to home-made cleaning products. I have replaced windex, floor cleaner, toliet bowl cleaner, all purpose cleaner, comet, laundry detergent - all with recipes that pretty much include vinegar, water, borax, washing soda, baking soda, salt and castile soap. Ok - there are a few essential oils dumped in there for pretties too. I have been impressed - I don't see any difference - and it's nice to be able to get Isaac in on the "cleaning gig". ;) I have a few clingers - I haven't used up my furniture polish yet...but all n' all - not only is everything green - but WAY cheaper!

And ok, it's kinda fun too. Isaac helped me make laundry detergent this morning and it was hilarious.

So far, our only failure has been the lawn - but, we think if our back lawn was in good shape when we started, we would be able to maintain organically....but, it has been riddled with weeds and crabgrass for a few years due to lack of chemicals (we try to keep pesticides away from Blue)...so, we are going to re-evaluate that later. I believe it can be done (Brian did some experiments killing weeds with Borax and Baking Soda - and it worked!).

Anyways...that's the update on our green transition. More to come, I am sure...

So..anyways,

Tiger's Game

On July 10th, we attended a Tiger's Game with Brian's parents. We took Isaac - for a number of reasons related to driving, napping and leaving for a 2 week vacation the next day - all of which remain to be determined if it was a good idea or not.

The day was actually a great one for a baseball game. Hot, sunny and fun - however, young guys who don't like to sit still....well, I would not advice taking a child to a game after a long week of packing and very little sleep! He had me running crazy all over that park (I saw all corners and levels) - even up and down numerous flights of stairs all in his quest for adventure!

I don't think they won the game, because Isaac and I ended up in the parking lot so he could try to nap. Try. That's the operative word.

Click here for pictures!

Monkey see, monkey do, monkey go to Tiger's too. ;)

Crim participants?

I want to walk in the Crim this year, and I am looking for anyone who might be interested in joining me - or, anyone who is perhaps running to hook up with afterwords.

We normally watch the race from my brother's house at the 3 mile mark, so anyone who doesn't want to participate, but would like to meet up - you are more than welcome to stop by.

Anyone interested?

Kids Festival 2008

We also got some good kid time in during Rothbury weekend...talk about multitasking! Here are some shots of Isaac and Will.

[Edited 08/01/08] We have added a shutterfly photo page to share our pictures! Feel free to check them out! http://spratke.site.shutterfly.com/

Isaac's stats.

It's been a long time since I have posted them.

Today, at the doc's office - he measured 34" long (double from birth) and 26lbs (22lbs more than at birth!)

Isaac, at 22 months, is a hilarious little creature. He can say ANYTHING. He has already mimic'd his first swear word (my fault). He loves running. He loves playing in water. He is confused between whether biting or kissing to show affection. He eats with passion.

He is a wonderful, passionate, hilarious little man.

And I can't write more, because I think he is reprogramming Brian's alarm clock.

Later.

Rothbury Festival 2008

And so, after much coordinating of mother's, babysitters, etc - Brian and I were able to attend the Rothbury Festival. My brother and his wife were going, as well as our friend Jon. We gave 2 tickets to Jon's wife Christine, and my other brother Jonathan.

We had a great time! It was very well organized, easy to navigate and the bands were awesome. Some of the bands we saw were....Snoop Dogg, 311, Modest Mouse, Keller Williams, Primus, and John Mayer. We even got to see Jennifer Aniston, dancing during Mayer's set....which, by the way - she is a horrible dancer!! ha. Brian got some video, perhaps when we get back from our vacation we will post it! Anyways...can't write much now - have to finish packing - but here are a few shots...

[Edited 08/01/08] We have added a shutterfly photo page to share our pictures! Feel free to check them out! http://spratke.site.shutterfly.com/

Flint's University Avenue becomes a reality

FLINT, Michigan -- It was a long road to get here, it's official: University Avenue now cuts through Flint.

The symbolic nod to the city's educational institutions now looms in green and white on street signs that used to read Third Avenue from Nolen Drive to North Saginaw Street, a stretch of less than two miles. The new signs were unveiled Tuesday.

It's part of a vision that goes back at least five years to link Kettering University to downtown and the University of Michigan Flint -- a way to spotlight the "college town" image planners have been trying to promote.

Mayor Don Williamson said the name change signifies a new chapter in the history of Flint.

"The goal to revitalize our great city is further advanced by the enhancement project of Third Avenue symbolizing Flint's transformation from a major center for automobile manufacturing to a city known for its educational institutions," Williamson said during a news conference.

The project also includes a $1 million beautification plan, including trees, benches and new lighting.

Changing the name of Third Avenue to University Avenue is designed to link the city's college campuses but some business owners say it has another advantage: ending the confusion between Third Avenue and Third Street.

Brad Shelton, manager of Shelton Tire and Services, said customers for years have gotten lost trying to find the business that his grandfather began operating in 1928.

"So many people call and say we're on Third Street and at a dead end, where are you," Shelton said.

"This is the step in the right direction. I can't wait for the new street lamps to come up. They are trying to make it better here."

Michael Harris, Kettering University provost and VP of academic affairs, said the name change fits well with the university's vision of becoming a vital part of the region.

"One significant element, as we move forward, will be higher education," he said.
Harris said the change symbolizes a joint vision for Kettering, other universities, the city and the county, as well as economic changes toward higher education.

The Flint City Council approved the name change at a meeting earlier this month.

Paul Streby, a lifelong Flint resident who works at the Frances Willson Thompson Library at the University of Michigan-Flint, said he thinks the name change will help improve Flint's image.

"We're an educational institution town and I think this will help people see us in that way," he said.

Heading to Rothbury....

Sometimes it pays to work hard for your boss.

In this case, it's my previous boss - who, in his new position, has many perks. One of them is the ability to bestow coveted concert tickets on former employees, such as moi.

So, alas - Brian and I, "new mama needs a break" Christine, and little brother "my sister is rocking cool" (ok, i will pretend he said that) Jonathan are going to the Rothbury Festival. Many thanks to my mom, for coming over to watch the boys (Brian and I will commute to the concert to help out) - and thanks to the babysitters who will be supplementing!

Some of the bigger names we will get to see: Snoop Dogg, 311, Modest Mouse, Dave Matthews and John Mayer. It should be a fun weekend! ;)

http://www.rothburyfestival.com/

Long overdue on updates!

I know, I know...where are the loving photos of our son? Where are the detailed descriptions of his ongoing evolution? Still stuck on the 2GB stick in our digital camera - that's where!

I am down to 4 business days left of my current contract job. Part of me never thought this day would come - as of July 3rd, I will be "unemployed"...at least, in a traditional sense. I plan to spend the following week preparing for our vacation in Canada with the Moyle's - and then hopefully I will be able to line up another contract when we return. However, I hope to keep it down to 2-3 days a week. Working 4 days a week has our life in constant choas. It's actually shocking what a difference that 1 day a week makes. No blogging, no playdates, no weeding the flower beds I have worked so hard on. No fun at the gym. Isaac and I haven't even gotten to go to the splash-pad yet this year!

We have been busy! The weekend after Brian's adventure in Detriot with the boys - we returned to Detriot for a Tiger's game with Chris and Mindi. Then, last weekend, we headed to the cabin for some serious R&R. There was mingling with the neighbors, a few visits to the beach...some naps for everyone. As always, it was hard to come home.

The flip side of working 4 days a week...Isaac loves daycare - seriously....(school, child development, call it what you will). He has had so much fun with his buddies every day, and just cracks us up when we pick him up after work - running to the door with his little daily sheet). His vocabulary is growing larger every day...with lots of tank too (thank you), on and off, peaz (please), juice, beans, ahpole (apple), ah-nanuh (banana), googoo train, cah (car), bikekle (bicycle), ahpane (airplane), bacebah (baseball), monkey, mouse, etc...a myriad of animal noses - songs like "wheels on the bus", itzy bitzy spider, etc. This is, by far, the most fun yet. :)

Anyways, I will try to get some updated photos up next week! Drop in, let us know how you are doing!?

Time to play another game

For those that have frequented this blog for a while. We have a quick game to play.

What is this a picture of? And for bonus points how is this related to a previous game?

Detroit Weekend

Brian's voice here.

So I have been told that I need to write about my weekend in Detroit. Since Becky and the girls had a weekend on mothers day, the guys decided to do a weekend in Detroit. Since the Tiger season had so much hope we decided to go to 2 Detroit/Cleveland games over the weekend. We've had the tickets since they went on sale so we were all pretty geeked.



We rolled into town a couple of hours after the Stanley cup parade. We checked into our room at the Atheneum hotel in Greektown. I can't rave enough about the hotel, aside from a sub par air conditioner in the room it was perfect.



Friday night the Tigers lost, but it was atleast a close entertaining game. Afterwards we hit a couple of bars and crashed. We ended up walking around Greektown in the morning and grabing some great breakfast food & coffee at a cafe by the hotel. We hung out some more at the hotel and went off to the game.



Saturdays game was much better. Detroit won 8-4 with the high point being the grand slam by Renteria in the 8th. It was REALLY hot during the game so we went back to the hotel to clean up. And here is the meat of the story that you've read through my rambling to get to.



The whole weekend I'd been saying how Leyland stays at the same hotel we were at, and that I've heard he hangs out for a little while after the game in the hotel bar. So as we were walking down I noticed that he was in there. Rob, Mike, & I walked in to shake his hand and tell him we enjoyed the game. After that we were buzzing about meeting him and went to the Fishbone for some dinner. Rob had noticed that the Raconteurs (Jack White band) were playing at the Fillmore and how cool it would be to see them play. So as he was trolling outside for tickets, Jon & I went to Cheli's because I heard a "Lets go Redwings" chant. Sure enough there were a few of the Wings there, Lindstrom, Holmstrom, Chelios, Datsuk, and a couple of others. So Jon and I managed to get to the floor they were on, hang out and shake hands with Lindstrom and Chelios. After they cleared the bar for a private party we found out Rob & Mike had bought 2 tickets to the show and were in there. We pushed our luck and managed to get in without tickets to see the last couple of songs. At that point we figured we couldn't loose for the night. We went to another bar, hung out and then went back to the room.

Oh, and I almost forgot. Rafalski & Draper brought the cup to the game and through out the first pitch on Saturday. That was pretty cool!



A very busy and eventful weekend, but one I won't soon forget.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today is Brian and I's 7th anniversary. In lieu of anything fancy, we are going to our favorite Indian restaurant for lunch. That may not sound exciting to you - but a nice, quiet, yummy lunch alone - sounds just fine to us!

I can't believe it has been 7 years. I am trying to imagine what I was doing, 7 years ago at this moment. I believe I was just getting to the church, a memorable trip with my Dad, dressed in his classic jeans, t-shirt and green hat, about to have my pictures taken. Brian, I am not sure...watching Dawn apply makeup to Matt, in order hide the broken nose from an ill fated dive into the pool the night before?

Our wedding day was about as perfect as they get. We were surrounded by friends and family who love us, the weather was perfect, nothing notable went wrong, and most of all - we enjoyed it! So often I hear stories of regrets and stress from wedding days...and we had none.

The last 7 years have been much the same. We have always been blessed with dear friends and loving family. Any "bumps" in our road have been managable and most we look back on with some element of humor. We have been blessed by our hilarious, busy, sweet son, who tries us and yet, brings us the greatest joy. Like last night, when he was inconsolable over a painful molar...until Brian came into the room, put his hand on him...and then, silence.

So, today - just a thank you - to all of those people who have shared the last 7 years with us, and to my husband, for making it so easy to love him all these years. Thank you for drinking that one cup of coffee for me.

Mothers & More Ebay Sale

My mother's group is having an ebay sale! All proceeds go towards Mothers & More, Chapter 137! Take a peek!

Here is how you get to it!
Go to www.ebay.com
click advanced search
click items by seller
enter in the seller users id box: greenbitsyspider
click search

;)

Congrats Jim and Rose!

I just got a message from my mom that Antonio Giacalone was born around 6:30am this morning to my Uncle Jim and his wife Rose. Antonio is the 4th son. His brothers are Rob, Chris and Giuseppe.

Antonio is also the 11th boy in our family, from my generation down. I am the only girl.

Boys are: Tim, Mike, Jon, Rob, Chris, Giuseppe, Sam, Jack, Will, Isaac...and now - Antonio.

If you include my dad's side of the family, the ratio gets worse. My aunt has 4 sons and a daughter, my uncle had 2 sons and a daughter...and I won't even go into their offspring!

Can you guess that my chances of having a girl are probably pretty slim! ha.

Long time, no update!

Sorry it has been so long! Life has been a whirlwind. I know, I know...our life is ALWAYS a whirlwind...but really! I don't have much time to update this - so here's the summary of our last month!

Here's how it went....Brian had to travel to GA, off and on, for 3 weeks. We are still struggling with Blue's corneal ulcer - which was requiring a boat-load of pills and 6 eye drops a day! I started my new contract gig, now working 4 days a week. I figured I could do that for 2 months - right!? Oh yea....that extra day, man, I didn't know it would make such a difference! In the middle of all that, I went to an Autodesk seminar in Detroit (Dad watched Isaac)...then, the next day...Isaac got sick! Dad was kind enough to come over and watch him so I could go to work for the next 2 days. (when it rains, it pours?).

That weekend, I attended our friend's Joe and Jamie's wedding (by myself - I just couldn't miss it!) - leaving Sunday as my only "down day"....well, if you call chasing a 20 month old by yourself "down time"! Ugh! Needless to say, by the time Brian came home, he had a needy, exhausted wife.

So, Brian is back...and we are still busy! We went to the cabin for Memorial day - and it was beautiful! Mom came up for a night, and all the neighborhood kids LOVE the sandbox that Dad put together. We also go to admire the new ramp to the beach that Dad built a few weeks ago. Sunday, we had a potluck with all our neighbors on Birch Ave! Then, Monday, our theorem about the weather held true. The day to go home is ALWAYS the nicest. Isaac even went in the water. When we turned our back - he just dashed, in true monkey-style - towards the water and was immersed before we could stop him. He didn't even seem phased by the temperatures - he was just too happy running on the beach with his puppy dawg.

So, here we are....another busy week...Friday we get to go to see Tom Petty with Jon and Dawn - and then off to Jon's Mom's retirement party!

Someone, get me a teleporter - NOW!

New Old Job...Week 1

Well, I have been working at my new contract job, which is at a company I used to work at, which also happens to be my husband's company. How's that for confusing? It seems they need some CAD help, awfully bad - which, I am glad to provide given the generous rate they are paying me. But that's what contractors do - right? Get paid generously for the lack of predictability of their jobs?

In all honestly, I have been enjoying it. It's nice to be in the corporate world again, (although spam filters are criming my email style) - and I have gotten to sit in an AutoCad Electrical training session for the last 2 days. I didn't know training on a new software was going to be a bonus of this contract job! Whoo hoo. It's not unlike the software I used last time I worked there, so I feel as if I am pretty well up to speed - oh, except for the part where I really don't know KNIL about electrical schematics. Ok, I do...but, well, not like I know structural panels.

Training is fun and all, but tomorrow I am totally ready to actually get to producing some drawings! I am not used to producing so little in 3 work days. Ha.

Aside from that, I have a busy few weeks ahead. Between Brian's travels, my Autodesk seminar AND chasing my son...whew... I will be looking forward to memorial day. My one respite between now and then...my spa weekend with the "Blue Sky" gal's this weekend.

Before I sign off, just want to say big ol CONGRATS to the Tunney's on the birth of their twins! Can't wait to meet them!

Employment news...

As of the end of this week, I will no longer work at Team Industries. A lot has transpired in the last few months, and it is time for me to move on and try out some new adventures.

As of Monday, the 5th, I will be contracting myself out for 2 months. In the meantime, I will be able to evaluate what direction I will go in next...and continue to market myself as an independent contractor. I hope that this will allow me to expand my knowledge base, put some of my past experiences hard at work and allow me to focus more on my family. I am VERY excited.

So - if anyone is looking for a super fab AutoCAD designer...you know where to go.