Bad Blogger, No Donut.

Ok. So - I stalk everyone under the moon's blog - but I have been neglectful to my own. It is just amazing how BUSY I have been lately!!!

First, since becoming co-leader of my Mothers & More chapter, I find myself doing so much more. We just finished elections, are starting a new webpage and preparing for a garage sale...and of course, I seem to have my fingers in all of that. I should know better. I should learn to say no. Well, I do...to some things, but apparently not to these.

In the meantime, Isaac is growing like a weed - and keeping me on my toes. He officially is a little boy now. We have conversations, he tells me how and where to drive AND...he knows letters. Lots of them. It just happened one day, he started pointing out "Two S's!"...then R's...then E's....next thing you know, he can identify every letter in his name! Wild. I can't take credit, I don't try that hard.



Here is a picture from a friend of Isaac's 3rd birthday party. This is part of his "gang" that we hang with. Love the rock star glasses.

In the meantime, I am sitting in an airport - having gotten up at 3am this morning - to go home. I have been doing some consulting this week - and although it was been refreshing and fun to get back in the "work saddle"...I am ready to go home to my boys - the big, the little and the furry - and have a quiet weekend...

...oh yeah, until the Progressive dinner in our neighborhood that I helped plan with Portia (she gets most of the credit)...and then the board meeting for my Mother's group....

...Will I ever slow down?

Article by Ricky Hampton

I read this article this morning, while drinking coffee at my mom's house, in Flint, ironically enough. I am not totally familiar with this writer, but I thought his article hit pretty close to home. "If you don't have friends and family who love you and care about you, you will be alone."

I'll admit though, it doesn't totally explain why he is a writer for the Flint Journal...living in Grand Rapids...that's still a little bit of a mystery to me.
**Update: Answer - like me, his spouse has a good job here**

What outsiders don't get: Flint's indomitable spirit
, says Flint Journal Columnist Rickey Hampton
by Rickey Hampton | The Flint Journal
Sunday March 08, 2009, 11:02 AM

Rickey Hampton
• Read more by him.

I have been a resident of Grand Rapids for a couple of years now, although I still do business in Flint on a regular basis.

Recently, I was talking with a gentleman at my daughter's high school basketball game, and we had the typical, casual conversation. How are you doing? Do you think Catholic Central will win? Do you have a relative on the team? Where do you live and work?

It was just the typical fluff conversation as we waited for the game to start, until I informed him of my long connection with Flint.

"You lived in Flint?" the man asked in disbelief, his face twisted as if he just drank a glass of sour milk. "I know you are glad to get out of there."

I can't tell you how many times I've heard that one over the years. In some people's minds, living/working in Flint is akin to being in Siberia or, worse yet, a living hell.

"No, sir," I replied. "I loved being in Flint. I love Flint."

The man looked at me as if I needed to be institutionalized.

"Why?" he asked, noting -- correctly -- what a great city Grand Rapids is.

The gentleman didn't have to explain to me why he asked that question. I figured he probably watched "Roger and Me" at some point or heard about the state takeover, the crime and massive job losses.

And, certainly, there is no denying those things.

However, while Flint has taken its hits, which have been more like beatdowns, its people keep bouncing back.

If the gentleman had an opportunity to have met some of the people I have met during my time in Flint, he would have a lot better understanding.

I've said it for years -- Flint's greatest resource is its wonderful, hard working, resilient and caring citizens.

There simply wasn't enough time to tell him about people like Clif Turner and Norm Bryant, two long-time Flint residents who have given so much back to the community. And, I know another couple of dozen with that same passion for Flint.

I couldn't tell the gentleman about the Flint Cultural Center, and what a jewel it is. I didn't get to tell him about the incredible sports community, the legendary noon-time hoopsters at the downtown YMCA, such as Dennis Martin, John Drudi and Taylor Baker. I wish he had time for me to tell him about my golfing buddy, Dr. Julian Moore. Nor was there time to tell him about all the tremendous friendships with people like Terrence "T." Greene and George Hamo.

I wished I would've had the time to tell him about the courage of Willie McQueen, who played high school football at Southwestern Academy despite having no legs.

At least for me, quality of life is more than just city services, shopping districts, restaurants and concerts, although I wished Flint would've had more.

But I learned quality of life isn't the material things we have accumulated or the places we have been. You could live in where ever you think the greatest place in the world is -- New York, London, Paris or some tropical island.

If you don't have friends and family who love you and care about you, you will be alone.

That's why I love Flint.

But I really didn't have time to explain of all that to the gentleman. And, I don't know if he would've understood it, anyway.

Merry Christmas to Mee......[overdue]

Introducting: "Vibeage"

My "Christmas present" this year was a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT. I am excited to have a silver car again, along with many fun bells and whistles I didn't have before (so in love with the XM trial subscription! yipes)

My other car, a 2000 Saturn SL2 is still running pretty darn well, considering it's age and mileage, however, we just felt that it was a good time to get a deal. Now, the El Saturno is our 'round town car. She had a glorious tune up and some new tires....now she is clean and car-seat free (and I suspect, lovin it). The Envoy spends many a day resting in the garage, waiting for it's many hauls around the state come summer time.

We sampled several cars before settling on this one. My heart wanted a Saturn Astra - and it's glorious sunroof - however, when it came to creature comforts, the Vibe won hands down. In fact, it's (Astra's)lack of cup holders was the nail in the coffin. If anything can make a road trip sour for Brian and I, it's accessibility to cup holders. This is no longer a fear. All family members, Blue included, can have at least 2 beverages at a time!

So, if you see a zippy silver streak pass you....it may be the Vibeage and I, out for a spin!

This is long overdue - however, the weather finally warmed up enough for me to head to the car wash!

State of the Boxer

That time of year has come again. Blue's yearly physical was this week. Along with that - I found a lump on his abdomen that had me concerned.

In the last year or so, we have lost many of our canine friends. With the exception of Harlow, all have been close in age to what Blue is now. Harlow, China, Max...all his buddies, age and sickness have gotten the best of them. Oh - and he misses them, and we know it. Even just this past weekend, he kept whining at our friends..."where is Maxie-boy?"....so sad.

So we are not foolish enough to think that we will escape such heartbreak with him. It's just more of a question of when. So, the yearly exam...with "the lump"...well...of course we were worried.

However, I am excited and happy to report...the state of the boxer is....HEALTHY!

She said the lump was nothing more than "ol' man lumps", his knees, heart, gums, eyes...all things we have worried about in the past - are good form. She even said "oh, what nice muscle tone for a boxer his age!" [I am pretty certain that Blue made a hpmf sound to this remark]. Muscle tone? For a dog how practically hibernates all winter? He who has almost worn a dent in our couch? Yessiree...muscle tone, folks.

So, we can ring in Blue's 10th year (Feb 14th) with a note of happiness. Let's hope he defies the odds, and his unfortunate 3 "branched" ancestry and continues this trend for several more years to come.

Blood

That Dr. was a smart guy when he said no more monkeys jumping on the bed.

So when Isaac didn't heed the warning last night, he and his friend were jumping on the bed. Isaac felt that he should make it a challenge. Jump off the bed, onto a chest, and then onto the floor. He failed to figure into the trick that when the distance down, is the same distance between the chest and end table, there is no room for error.

Well the error happened and an ER trip that produced 3 stitches later, he's 5 days from being good as new. The biggest surprise for me is that he never cried, he didn't even flinch. I have to give credit to the Dr. and the staff. They were awesome. He even walked out with swag: a slushie and a new truck with "wha-bowls".

We will also be able to remember the date pretty easy. Yesterday was Aunt LoLo's birthday. Hopefully she had a better one then him.

Courage of Detroit

For those that don't know who Mitch Albom is, he's an on again, off again sports writer for the Detroit Free Press. He has a couple of books, Tuesdays with Morrie and the Five People you Meet in Heaven.

This month in Sports Illustrated he was given a few pages to be a voice for a lot of us in Michigan to tell the rest of the country how we feel. Not that I expect it to change anything, but it's nice to see someone stand up for the state in a national publication.

Warning, it's not short...
http://tinyurl.com/MitchAlbom

Vacation in South Carolina

We started out the day after Christmas, leaving our fabulous Blue in Flint with Grandpa Frank and traveling the icy, then foggy, then rainy roads south. We met up with the "Popcorn" family at a mall south of Cincy and chatted away the night via walkie talkie until we stopped in Hendersonville, NC for a quickie nights rest. The following day, after Brian and Mrs. Popcorn had been mistaken as a couple, having breakfast with their "4 beautiful children", we continued on to Charleston, to the home of our friends - Molly, Robert and Master HP. The weather was beautiful - high 70's!

We had dinner at a pirate themed restaurant - then returned for a early night in. On Sunday, our hosts gave us the one day, down n' dirty tour of Charleston, Robert-style! We loved it! Finally, on our third visit to Charleson, Brian and I picked out a sweetgrass basket! Again the weather has cooperated! We started the day at the beach on Sullivan's Island, walked thru the "Battery", past rainbow row, the marketplace, many churches, a cool dungeon - AND topped it off with Ben & Jerry's!

After a fun-filled day, we packed up and made our way to Murrells Inlet - just south of Myrtle Beach. This morning, Mrs. Popcorn and I hit the grocery store - where we saw our first package of chicken feet! We loaded up and visited the Ripley's Aquarium and Ripley's Believe it or not. After dinner (a fabulous crock pot creation), we hit the pool - and now...well, the kids are crashed - and we will be soon too!

I just wanted to give a little update. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas - and has a safe and fun New Years planned! I will post again soon!

Adventures in SAHM-hood.

Isaac's last day at Childtime was yesterday. We were continuing to send him for a few days a week in order to use up our flex spending. It was nice to have a couple days of the week to look for jobs, clean, run errands, etc. However, now...well, that's done.

I am officially a SAHM. This is not really what I intended, when I quit my job in May, although I knew it was a possible consequence. I had hoped I could make my way as an independent contractor. I took a very enjoyable contract for half of the summer....enjoyed the other half vacationing, etc with Brian and Isaac...and then, in September, the job market just seemed to be a different place than it was in May. I have continued to look - but the options out there aren't very pretty. So, I going to not stress about it so much - at least until after the New Year.

So - then, why did I quit my job? Oh, several reasons. I loved my job. It was my dream job. However, things changed. Things ALWAYS change, and it was just time.

Do I want to go back to work? I do. I come from a long line of workaholics. To a certain degree, I think I define myself by my work. I have always been good at what I do, I have enjoyed my work - and, I sort of miss that element of satisfaction.

Not to say that I don't enjoy being home with Isaac. I DO! He's hilarious and awesome. He lives life with gusto. However, he is a project with no end completion date. No kickoff meetings, no jobsite visits. There are no annual reviews. No meetings with kudos. My success is rated in the number (or lack thereof) meltdowns in a day, or if my son used "gentle hands" on Blue and Helen. I just need to adjust, to a different type of kudos.

So - that being said. It's officially day 1 on the job. Wish me luck.

John the Barber and Misc Photos!

I just added a few more photos to the Thanksgiving pictures...

Also - I added some from recently....the day after Thanksgiving, we took Isaac to "John the Barber". Isaac is now the 4th generation to have had their hair cut by John - and it was fun to see him sit in the chair that my Grandfather, Father and brothers have all sat in! Oh - and I love a cute little boy haircut!!!

Click here for pictures!


Also, last weekend, before heading out of town - we were able to stop into the holiday party at Brian's company. Isaac had his first Santa encounter of the year - and he did it with his normal gusto. He just walked right up to him and got on his lap!!!

There are a few other misc photos in that group...

Enjoy!

The Lark - Premier

This weekend was a busy one!

Saturday, we packed up, drove to Flint, lunched with the birthday-Dad, drove to Ferndale in a bit of a snow storm, to Kev and Monica's...so that we could go to the premier of "The Lark". A short, independent film created for my friend's blog. You can see it here! Sandinmyswimsuit.com

After the premier party - we (Brian and I) went to BW3's with Chris, Holly, Kev, Monica, Courtney and Chris. Yummy wings, great way to end the night. Monica and her sprained ankle were fabulous troopers!

Then, Sunday, we picked up Isaac and Blue from Flint - drove home and I attended the annual Christmas party for my Mother & More group. Had a good time.

However, I am thankful for Monday. Quiet, grocery filled Monday.

Have a good one!

Thanksgiving 2008

Since we are off on a whirlwind again this weekend - adventuring to see the premier of "The Lark", I figured it a good time to share some of our pictures from Thanksgiving this year. I am especially excited to share these photos, because I know my relatives in Italy have been stalking my blog! Some of the photos aren't the best (open your eyes Jonathan!) but I put them up anyways, for the relatives sake!

We had Thanksgiving at Grandpa's house this year. Everything turned out wonderfully and we had a great time with a zillion little boys, running amok.

Ciao Giovanna! Godetevi le foto!

Click here for photos!

The Lark!

As some of you know, if you stalk my blog - a few weeks ago, I went to Chicago on an adventure with a group of girls. That adventure has been turned into a short, independent film for my friend, Missive's Blog - http://sandinmyswimsuit.blogspot.com/. There is a trailer on her website if you would like to see it.

It will be premiering this Saturday, in Royal Oak, at the Commune, if anyone is in driving distance and would like to attend!

You will also be able to see it, on her blog, starting December 8th!

We had a great time making it, and I hope you will all enjoy!!!
Enjoy!

Thanksgiving....

This year has passed so fast...and there is so much to be thankful for. Wonderful friends, great vacations, healthy children (ours and our loved ones). I am looking forward to seeing my family (at least a good number of them!) tomorrow. I miss the day to day interaction with them - so I have to get what I can, on holidays like this.

Normally, my family is too wrapped up in the event of a holiday...the cooking, eating, cleaning, chatting, etc - to take photos...but the year Isaac was born, we did manage a few.

It's hard to believe that my busy, inquisitive, boisterous toddler was once this:


And that my nephew was something like this:


And now - they are more like this:


I am thankful that they are healthy, happy, loving little guys, who will hopefully grow up to be the best of friends. We will miss Will and his parents, this Thanksgiving, as they celebrate with his other Grandparents. I am thankful for wonderful parents, loving in-laws, the best siblings in the world, and mostly a really great husband who tolerates my sappiness about holidays.

'nuff said.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Funny - had to share.

This is why we love toddlers.

Busy few weeks.

I love November. Of course, it's my birth month...but not just that...it is brisk, cool, and the snow starts flying. Not just that - but it has Thanksgiving - my favorite holiday.

The last few weeks have been busy. Of course, there was my adventure with the Larks, which I am sure some of you have read about. The premier of our "film" details are here: Missive's Blog If you are anywhere in the area, it would be great to see you!

Then, last weekend, I went on retreat with my mother. A tradition she started with her mother, which I helped her continue after Grandma passed. We were at St.Francis Retreat Center. It is the only weekend every year that I get to just BE with my mom. Despite the fact being "quiet and contemplative" is SOO not our thing - we have a good time whenever we go. This year, we met two lovely ladies named Loretta and Lylah - which we gladly shared our wine with in return for some sweet stories and companionship!

This weekend - we stay home. The calm before the holiday storm.

Back from an adventure.

There is so much to tell about my adventure this past weekend - however, I will wait, since it is much more Missive's story to - I will leave much of that to her. However, that being said, the things I return home with are this.

- A grand appreciation for my husband. Who stayed home, watched our son - meanwhile, becoming ill - and not ONCE complaining about it. For being the person I want to come home and tell all my adventures to. For being the person that I come home and say "man, I want to go on a trip with HIM". Needless to say, I was excited to come home.

- A weekend to spend gabbing with my "oldest" friend. We drank coffee, roamed about Chicago streets under flakes of snow, talked about our husbands, children, laundry. She risked sharing a bed with me, knowing she may get snuggled. She even showed me one of the most touching moments of the weekend to me while reflecting on her daughter.

- Excitement to see my son. Not that I wasn't - but I was amazed at how I could feel it through my whole being when I saw him. It's as if he grew up even more over the few days I was gone. He is not longer that little, babbling baby spitting out the occasional word. He has humor. Sentences. Speed.

[I just had to take a break. It seems Blue stole Isaac's "mena" (banana). This tends to happen when Isaac lets it sit for too long. Blue considers it "forgotten" and moves in for the steal. Tears were shed...and fixed with a new, fresh mena.]

So - that's it for now. I will post more as Missive tells the tales of our adventure - but, suffice it to say - it was great!

Off on a Lark

Soon I will be off on an adventure. (Shh...can't say when!) This week, the organizer of the adventure is highlighting all of us that will be on the trip - for more, visit Missive's Chicago Adventure

Finally...Halloween...

The week of Halloween was a busy one!!!

Wednesday night, I hosted Book Club (a subgroup of my Mothers & More chapter). We discussed the book "Devil in the White City" which was awesome. I supplied period appropriate snacks of cracker jack, popcorn, peanuts and lemonade. ;)

Thursday night, our friends, Leslie and Joe, came over for dinner and some pumpkin carving. Isaac got to stick his hands in pumpkin goo for the first time! I will say - they are pro's at the carving situations - we could take some lessons! Isaac got nice and dirty, took a bath and got to stay up super late playing with them!


Then, Halloween, we went to Childtime's Halloween party (forgot my camera!), to the Cascade Fire Dept - where Isaac got to walk on "waaa-bul kuks" (fire trucks), and then off trick or treating around the neighborhood. Isaac was a green dinosaur. He was a little hesitant at first, but he finally figured it out and had a great time!


Click here for more Halloween Photos!

Blue-Green Weekend!

We spent Blue-Green weekend in Ann Arbor with our great friends, Mike, Renee and their kiddos. Unfortunately, we did not go to the game, but we went to a very fun farm stand in Dexter - where Isaac got to ride a pony and climb on a huge haystack! We had a little party with Isaac being the token boy vs. 7 girls (loved it!) and had a nice fire on the deck Saturday evening after the kids went to bed.

Click here for more pictures!

Visiting cousin Will and his John Deere.

Ok...so where to begin. It's been busy, what can I say?


Let's go back to a few weeks ago - we headed up to visit Tim, Missy and Will in Wolverine. We didn't do much, except run around the "acres" and have fun. Brian and Tim worked on building "the man cave" in the barn - which turned out pretty awesome, with it's satellite radio and dart board. Saturday night, we had a bonfire, then closed out the night watching SNL. Sunday - Tim took us, the boys and the doggies for a walk around the property - and we were able to see fall in full effect. It was beautiful - and it's safe to say - Isaac and Blue ran until they dropped.

Here are more pictures from our visit!

A video of the boys!