Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Old Friends
My friend of 20+ years, Melinda Mattes, is expecting her first little baby next month. Her mom threw her a baby shower in Corcoran, and I was happy I could hop on over to celebrate with her. As the years go by, I appreciate my "old" friends in an extra special way. There is nothing like people who have known you for so long. Even though the visits are few and far between, they are so comfortable too.
I was able to spend some time with Shana and her family too. I was lucky enough to have the rare opportunity to see Shana's Mom AND Dad, and brother...all at once. This is rare since they've been divorced since we were freshman in High School. It was so great to spend time with her family and especially to hold little baby Maren. Lexi was my partner for the day....poor girl, sitting at a baby shower....but she did great and it was all worth it to her because she got candy, soda, a popsicle and an ice cream sundae!
(Shana, Melinda, Richard & Paula Holquin and Me)
I was able to spend some time with Shana and her family too. I was lucky enough to have the rare opportunity to see Shana's Mom AND Dad, and brother...all at once. This is rare since they've been divorced since we were freshman in High School. It was so great to spend time with her family and especially to hold little baby Maren. Lexi was my partner for the day....poor girl, sitting at a baby shower....but she did great and it was all worth it to her because she got candy, soda, a popsicle and an ice cream sundae!
(Shana, Melinda, Richard & Paula Holquin and Me)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Boys Weekend - Go Chargers!
After arriving and waiting in line....only to learn that their bags surpassed the limit by ONE inch. ONE stupid inch!! Tucker let Mike go into the stadium (it's his favorite team) and Tucker took a trolley...plus walked about 45 minutes....back to their car, which was parked at the hotel. The options were to throw two Camelbaks away, or go back to the car. So Tucker arrived back to the game just before half-time! And after getting over some real angry feelings toward the stadium staff....Tucker ended up enjoying himself!
They found a Fuddrukers to eat at after the game, which also soothed Mike a little over the Charger's loss. All in all, they had a fun weekend!
And now Lindy and I are wondering what weekend get-away we should plan with each other so they can return the favor :-)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Piano Concert - Richard Glazier
Last week, our piano studio offered a concert with a man by the name of Richard Glazier. He is a world traveled piano genius who does a show specifically telling the life history of the Gershwin brothers. They are famous for composing MANY famous songs throughout the 20th century, such as "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You" (two songs I've also sung with Harmony).
It was an inspiring story he told, and he has had an obvious love affair with music and pianos throughout his life. My dad and Jordyn accompanied me to this inspiring event. I love to show the girls people who are passionate about music....just to show them what they CAN do if they are so inclined. It was a fun night!
School Pics and Kid Reviews
Jordyn: 7 1/2, 2nd Grade
I often look at her long, tall self and wonder how she went from my baby to a big girl so fast. She's smart, opinionated and passionate. She wants to do EVERYTHING. She never wants to go home when we're out.....she always wants to GO somewhere else. Doesn't know how to have "down time" but mommy knows when she needs it. She craves independance and wants to excel at everything. She wants to be the teacher and have everyone follow her lead ALL the time.....which can bore the children she's playing with at times. On the other hand, cousin Lyric will be ready for first grade before she even starts kindergarten due to Jordyn's CONSTANT tutoring! Loves 2nd grade and Mrs. Stone. And is definintely learning how to be a friend and deal with friend issues! I love her so much and see her as my little partner in life. I think she'll far surpass me in talent, drive and ambition.
Lexi: nearly 6, 1st Grade
Lexi is a self-starter. She stays on task and does the task well. She does her homework quickly, accurately and doesn't want help. She is happy and easy-going. Lexi has an eye for fashion, picks out her clothing 100% of the time....and it's almost always a great match. Lexi doesn't like the kids who misbehave in class. She says she feels "mad inside when they are mean to her teacher, but doesn't make a grumpy face". Lexi is very sensitive, especially when it comes to animals. She holds her own very well with a strong older sister, but most of the time would rather walk away in peace than fight. I still worry about her in the future being the youngest in her grade, but she is so mature and is still at the top of her class....I think she'll be okay. I still look at her and think of her as my "butterfly". It is so fitting of her, and our home would not be complete without her fluttering around.
Peyton: 3 next month - NEEDS pre-school
This kid. I tell ya. I love her spunk and opinionated self so much. And I'm so thankful she wasn't my firstborn because I would have unknowingly fought her STRONG personality tooth-and-nail. She is so expressive, both verbally and physically. She is always giving me random, unsolicited hugs saying "I LOVE my mommy!". She LOVES letting Jordyn be her "mommy" (which Jordyn loves), but is picky about when Lexi can play that role. She still hates when Jordyn or Lexi sit by me, hug me, anything because I am "HER Mommy" only! Peyton loves friends, people and has not missed a day this school year asking to go to school. She asks where her teachers are all the time. She MUCH prefers to be naked over clothing, and her opinions over which shoes, jammies, clothing, cups, plates, bows, blankets, movies, etc etc, can be draining for mommy and daddy. Tucker and I often look at eachother like "what do we do with her?". But she's still a great snuggler and I tell her often she CAN'T get bigger!
I often look at her long, tall self and wonder how she went from my baby to a big girl so fast. She's smart, opinionated and passionate. She wants to do EVERYTHING. She never wants to go home when we're out.....she always wants to GO somewhere else. Doesn't know how to have "down time" but mommy knows when she needs it. She craves independance and wants to excel at everything. She wants to be the teacher and have everyone follow her lead ALL the time.....which can bore the children she's playing with at times. On the other hand, cousin Lyric will be ready for first grade before she even starts kindergarten due to Jordyn's CONSTANT tutoring! Loves 2nd grade and Mrs. Stone. And is definintely learning how to be a friend and deal with friend issues! I love her so much and see her as my little partner in life. I think she'll far surpass me in talent, drive and ambition.
Lexi: nearly 6, 1st Grade
Lexi is a self-starter. She stays on task and does the task well. She does her homework quickly, accurately and doesn't want help. She is happy and easy-going. Lexi has an eye for fashion, picks out her clothing 100% of the time....and it's almost always a great match. Lexi doesn't like the kids who misbehave in class. She says she feels "mad inside when they are mean to her teacher, but doesn't make a grumpy face". Lexi is very sensitive, especially when it comes to animals. She holds her own very well with a strong older sister, but most of the time would rather walk away in peace than fight. I still worry about her in the future being the youngest in her grade, but she is so mature and is still at the top of her class....I think she'll be okay. I still look at her and think of her as my "butterfly". It is so fitting of her, and our home would not be complete without her fluttering around.
Peyton: 3 next month - NEEDS pre-school
This kid. I tell ya. I love her spunk and opinionated self so much. And I'm so thankful she wasn't my firstborn because I would have unknowingly fought her STRONG personality tooth-and-nail. She is so expressive, both verbally and physically. She is always giving me random, unsolicited hugs saying "I LOVE my mommy!". She LOVES letting Jordyn be her "mommy" (which Jordyn loves), but is picky about when Lexi can play that role. She still hates when Jordyn or Lexi sit by me, hug me, anything because I am "HER Mommy" only! Peyton loves friends, people and has not missed a day this school year asking to go to school. She asks where her teachers are all the time. She MUCH prefers to be naked over clothing, and her opinions over which shoes, jammies, clothing, cups, plates, bows, blankets, movies, etc etc, can be draining for mommy and daddy. Tucker and I often look at eachother like "what do we do with her?". But she's still a great snuggler and I tell her often she CAN'T get bigger!
Pey's 1st Year of Dance
Peyton took a couple dance classes in the summer, but this is her first official year in Tap/Ballet/Jazz at The Dance Company. We have loved The Dance Company for six years now, and can't believe we have three little dancers! And who's gonna pay for all this girly-stuff, anyway?? ;-) Money, money, money.
Pey gets to go to dance class with her little neighbor friend, Ava....which makes it even better!
Wood Badge
Tucker earned his Wood Badge Beads last month...after much hard work. He was very excited, and we were proud of him for completing this task. If you need more scout jargon, read the excerpt below :-). Way to go Tucker!!
***************
Wood Badge is a training course for Scouters which finally results in their receiving a certificate, a small neckerchief, a leather slide, and two small wooden beads on a leather thong. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, directed the first course in 1919.
Wood Badge is, further, Scouting's premier training course. Baden-Powell designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing. The members of the course are formed into patrols and these into a troop. The entire troop lives in the out-of-doors for a week, camping, cooking their own meals, and practicing Scout skills.
Thus it was that Baden-Powell developed a practical course built around the operation of a troop and it's patrols. Yet this is only the most well-known of three parts in the entire Wood Badge experience. The practical course--the week in the out-of-doors--was originally scheduled to follow a "theoretical" part 1, which consisted of answering a series of questions about the aims and methods of the Scouting program. Part 3 then followed the practical course and required a 6-month application period while the Scouter practiced in his home Scouting situation what he had learned in parts 1 and 2.
***************
Wood Badge is a training course for Scouters which finally results in their receiving a certificate, a small neckerchief, a leather slide, and two small wooden beads on a leather thong. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, directed the first course in 1919.
Wood Badge is, further, Scouting's premier training course. Baden-Powell designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing. The members of the course are formed into patrols and these into a troop. The entire troop lives in the out-of-doors for a week, camping, cooking their own meals, and practicing Scout skills.
Thus it was that Baden-Powell developed a practical course built around the operation of a troop and it's patrols. Yet this is only the most well-known of three parts in the entire Wood Badge experience. The practical course--the week in the out-of-doors--was originally scheduled to follow a "theoretical" part 1, which consisted of answering a series of questions about the aims and methods of the Scouting program. Part 3 then followed the practical course and required a 6-month application period while the Scouter practiced in his home Scouting situation what he had learned in parts 1 and 2.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Flashback Friday
(Me-21, Lindy-15, Carly-19, Dad-45, Kristy-9, Ryan-7)Each year since this picture was taken (which was 1998), it gets more and more amusing for me to look at. There are so many aspects to it that entertain me! And pretty much no one even resembles their current selves! My, oh my, how 11 years can change things!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Make-Up Picture Day
For nearly two weeks now, Lexi has been reminding me that they're having make-up picture day at school. I kept telling her "I know, but you don't need it because your pictures turned out really cute", and then would brush it off......in typical busy mom fashion.
Finally this morning, after probably the 14th day in a row she's reminded me.....I paused and thought about why she was SO aware and interested in make-up picture day. And then it hit me.
I said "Lexi, do you know what 'make-up pictures' are?".
She smiled a crooked smile and shook her head. Right then I knew exactly what she was thinking!
"I seeeeeeee....(me giggling).....Lex, did you think that meant you got to wear MAKE-UP in the pictures?" I said, knowing full well I was right.
She shook her head yes, aware she might be wrong at this point.
I kissed her head and said "You are so cute" and explained to her what 'make-up pictures were.
I think she'll stop reminding me now.
Finally this morning, after probably the 14th day in a row she's reminded me.....I paused and thought about why she was SO aware and interested in make-up picture day. And then it hit me.
I said "Lexi, do you know what 'make-up pictures' are?".
She smiled a crooked smile and shook her head. Right then I knew exactly what she was thinking!
"I seeeeeeee....(me giggling).....Lex, did you think that meant you got to wear MAKE-UP in the pictures?" I said, knowing full well I was right.
She shook her head yes, aware she might be wrong at this point.
I kissed her head and said "You are so cute" and explained to her what 'make-up pictures were.
I think she'll stop reminding me now.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Resemblance?
Often times when I look at Peyton, this photo of my mom as a little girl will pop in my head. I think it's the eyes. These pictures don't capture it perfectly how I see it, but good enough. My mom has really cook hazel/light green eyes. And Peyton's are a similarly crystal style. My mom might be 3-4 years old in this picture, so maybe a year or two older than Peyton.
I guess it would make sense because Peyton resembles me a lot.......and I resemble my mom. Which is cute because Pey thinks her Grandma walks on water. Every article of clothing she puts on she says "my Grandma MADE this for me!".....even if my mom's never laid eyes on it!
I guess it would make sense because Peyton resembles me a lot.......and I resemble my mom. Which is cute because Pey thinks her Grandma walks on water. Every article of clothing she puts on she says "my Grandma MADE this for me!".....even if my mom's never laid eyes on it!
Monday, September 14, 2009
FAQ's.....and other fun facts
Are you teaching this year?
Not officially. I am subbing here and there for now. But in January, I get to teach for 13 weeks STRAIGHT! I've been asked by a Kindergarten teacher here in Kingsburg to do her long-term maternity leave subbing. I'm gearin' up for a wild ride!
What does/will Peyton do during the day?
She is with me all day right now. When I sub full-time, she will do a few days a week in pre-school. Luckily, Tucker is working from home so he is fairly flexible and we can tag-team a lot. But every SINGLE morning Peyton asks when she can go to school! She likes to be on-the-go!
Has Tucker found a job yet?
Well, yes and no. He stopped officially looking after a few interviews and 100 applications and decided to start a business. Watch Me Draw! is an after-school drawing program for elementary kids. His friend Alex graciously helped us start an extension (of sorts....we're mostly independent from him) of his So Cal program. He hires art teachers, trains them and oversees all the classes. Seems to be well-liked so far and we are in 14 schools in the area. We're not rich yet, by any stretch of the imagination, but we see some positive potential in the future.
Are you guys gonna try for that boy?
Hmmm, don't think so. We're feeling pretty satisfied with our three girls. Never say never, but no plans at the moment for more.
Is Peyton totally potty trained?
Mostly. Still in diapers for nap/bed. Nearly accident-free now during the day. But we still have to be aware of it.
Are you (Jamie) done with school?
Teaching credential, yes. Overall? probably not. There is a Master's program available at approx 20 schools in the country which offers an Orientation & Mobility certificate along with a Master's in Visual Impairment. I'm interested in that because it would give me more of a niche (plus I want to be like Tiffany ;-). Plus the government pays for most of it. So we'll see. There is one in San Francisco that I could do mostly via distance learning from here. And one in Illinois that is 100% free that tempts me. We could do a little year jaunt in Illinois! Anyway, it's all just thoughts for now, and plans will evolve in due time.
Do you feel on top of your house and laundry?
Nope. Never. Thanks for asking.
What do you most crave?
A day at an all-inclusive spa. And regular (non-diet) Pepsi.
How do you feel about the internet?
I have a love/hate relationship with it. I LOOOOVE finding information about ANYthing I want. I LOOOOOVE keeping in touch with people and getting ideas. What I don't like is the time I can waste online....and I also don't like when I get caught up in comparing myself with the amazing things other people can do. I try so hard not to do that, but inevitabley it happens. I'm sure many can relate.
What are your callings/duties at church?
I am now the 10 year-old's Primary teacher. And Tucker is now the Sunday School President plus the 11 year old scout leader.
What is your most favorite recent purchase?
Three wonderful books for my girls. Recommended ages 9+ but never too early to teach them basics about this stuff, in my opinion.
Friends (click here):
Body (click here):
Feelings (click here):
Not officially. I am subbing here and there for now. But in January, I get to teach for 13 weeks STRAIGHT! I've been asked by a Kindergarten teacher here in Kingsburg to do her long-term maternity leave subbing. I'm gearin' up for a wild ride!
What does/will Peyton do during the day?
She is with me all day right now. When I sub full-time, she will do a few days a week in pre-school. Luckily, Tucker is working from home so he is fairly flexible and we can tag-team a lot. But every SINGLE morning Peyton asks when she can go to school! She likes to be on-the-go!
Has Tucker found a job yet?
Well, yes and no. He stopped officially looking after a few interviews and 100 applications and decided to start a business. Watch Me Draw! is an after-school drawing program for elementary kids. His friend Alex graciously helped us start an extension (of sorts....we're mostly independent from him) of his So Cal program. He hires art teachers, trains them and oversees all the classes. Seems to be well-liked so far and we are in 14 schools in the area. We're not rich yet, by any stretch of the imagination, but we see some positive potential in the future.
Are you guys gonna try for that boy?
Hmmm, don't think so. We're feeling pretty satisfied with our three girls. Never say never, but no plans at the moment for more.
Is Peyton totally potty trained?
Mostly. Still in diapers for nap/bed. Nearly accident-free now during the day. But we still have to be aware of it.
Are you (Jamie) done with school?
Teaching credential, yes. Overall? probably not. There is a Master's program available at approx 20 schools in the country which offers an Orientation & Mobility certificate along with a Master's in Visual Impairment. I'm interested in that because it would give me more of a niche (plus I want to be like Tiffany ;-). Plus the government pays for most of it. So we'll see. There is one in San Francisco that I could do mostly via distance learning from here. And one in Illinois that is 100% free that tempts me. We could do a little year jaunt in Illinois! Anyway, it's all just thoughts for now, and plans will evolve in due time.
Do you feel on top of your house and laundry?
Nope. Never. Thanks for asking.
What do you most crave?
A day at an all-inclusive spa. And regular (non-diet) Pepsi.
How do you feel about the internet?
I have a love/hate relationship with it. I LOOOOVE finding information about ANYthing I want. I LOOOOOVE keeping in touch with people and getting ideas. What I don't like is the time I can waste online....and I also don't like when I get caught up in comparing myself with the amazing things other people can do. I try so hard not to do that, but inevitabley it happens. I'm sure many can relate.
What are your callings/duties at church?
I am now the 10 year-old's Primary teacher. And Tucker is now the Sunday School President plus the 11 year old scout leader.
What is your most favorite recent purchase?
Three wonderful books for my girls. Recommended ages 9+ but never too early to teach them basics about this stuff, in my opinion.
Friends (click here):
Body (click here):
Feelings (click here):
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Someday....
......I'll miss this. Friends. Cousins. Daughters. Running around my house.
Despite feeling crazy a lot, and craving peace & quiet, and sounding like a broken record about the messes, and not knowing how to stop the fighting.....I know I will miss this. I'll miss the kids running through my house, the memories being made, the little relationships forming, the innocent questions, the laughing....and MAYBE even the noise (you think?).
Despite feeling crazy a lot, and craving peace & quiet, and sounding like a broken record about the messes, and not knowing how to stop the fighting.....I know I will miss this. I'll miss the kids running through my house, the memories being made, the little relationships forming, the innocent questions, the laughing....and MAYBE even the noise (you think?).
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Wild Water Adventures!
It's so fun to have a sister nearby. Lindy and I get to see each other often and our kids probably think they are actually siblings.....but with different homes! In fact, yesterday Peyton proclaimed "Packy is not my cousin....he's my brother!!".
So yesterday we took all the kids to Wild Water Adventures and had a day in the sun & water. A few weeks ago, when we went to the Fresno Grizzlies baseball game, they gave us free tickets to the water park. They are usually $25.99, and we got in free! On top of that, we were bold enough to sell our 6 extra tickets out front of the part for $5 each and make $30 bucks! (Which ended up going straight to JUNK FOOD, but that's not surprising if you know us!)
It was only in the mid 90's, so the sun was bearable. And Jordyn, Lexi and Lyric had a BLAST! Peyton and Paxton....well, they took turns throwing fits. And we wondered why we didn't get a sitter for them. But I'm sure they enjoyed at least a few moments of the day! Our friends, the Scotts, were there....and they invited Jordyn to go with them on the HUGE water slides! She wanted to go, and I felt a little nervous as I watched her walk off. I hoped she'd know how to say "no" if one looked too scary. And after two hours of some mother-worries, they came back and she had a smile on her face! Jennifer Scott said "I can tell Jordyn has some Tucker in her! She came down those HUGE slides with the biggest smile on her face!".....while Jenn's 11 year old was near tears! Oh no, we don't need another adrenaline junkie in our family ;-)
So yesterday we took all the kids to Wild Water Adventures and had a day in the sun & water. A few weeks ago, when we went to the Fresno Grizzlies baseball game, they gave us free tickets to the water park. They are usually $25.99, and we got in free! On top of that, we were bold enough to sell our 6 extra tickets out front of the part for $5 each and make $30 bucks! (Which ended up going straight to JUNK FOOD, but that's not surprising if you know us!)
It was only in the mid 90's, so the sun was bearable. And Jordyn, Lexi and Lyric had a BLAST! Peyton and Paxton....well, they took turns throwing fits. And we wondered why we didn't get a sitter for them. But I'm sure they enjoyed at least a few moments of the day! Our friends, the Scotts, were there....and they invited Jordyn to go with them on the HUGE water slides! She wanted to go, and I felt a little nervous as I watched her walk off. I hoped she'd know how to say "no" if one looked too scary. And after two hours of some mother-worries, they came back and she had a smile on her face! Jennifer Scott said "I can tell Jordyn has some Tucker in her! She came down those HUGE slides with the biggest smile on her face!".....while Jenn's 11 year old was near tears! Oh no, we don't need another adrenaline junkie in our family ;-)
Monday, September 07, 2009
R.I.P. Sweet Crib!
For nearly 8 years, this crib has been a fixture. Through one apartment in Utah, one apartment in Kingsburg, CA and then this home for 5 1/2 years.....this crib has never failed us and been used most of that time!
And now, it is finally disassembled! What a strange feeling!
It was fairly easy to provide a bed for Peyton on that short of notice.....we just pulled the trundle out from Lexi's bed and scooted it over for Pey!
When she first walked in the room and saw her crib gone and the "big girl bed" there, she started crying! But soon enough, she thought it was pretty cool to have a big bed.
She does get out several times before she falls asleep with all the typical excuses ("I'm hungry!" or "I have to go potty" 100 times).
And her big-girl bed hasn't stopped her strange reasons for crying in the middle of the night. Here are a few things she's thought were in bed with her in the middle of the night:
- There are SHARKS in my bed!
-Dolphins
-Ants
-Sisters being mean
-(the most recent) Lobsters!
What an imagination this kid has!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Kristy in Ohio
Last weekend, I had a very unique opportunity. My youngest sister, Kristy, has been living in Ohio for a few months and I was fortunate to get to fly out there for a few days to help her re-locate, get a little more settled, and register for school.
After two years of trying to find her "path", Kristy is feeling happy and relieved to be settled for a while in Ohio. Although its quite far away from home, its also helping her to fully experience the "growing up" process.
Being 12 years apart, Kristy and I live in such different worlds....different stages of life. And its been that way our whole lives. But the good thing with family is you crave finding the ways you CAN connect, you CAN support and CAN love one another....even if the differences outweigh the similarities. That's the sort of re-connecting type weekend that Kristy and I were able to share. I was able to spend a few days in "her" world spending un-destiacted time together (i.e. kid-less!). It was totally priceless to me!
After a 14 hour red-eye journey to Ohio (including three flights), I arrived on a mission. It consisted of : apartment, school, bonding, shopping, sister-time. We ended up finding a perfect room-for-rent, in a nice suburb of Cleveland, near Cuyahoga Community College and central to all she'll need. Her roomates couldn't be nicer, more normal and better suited for her. Her room is completely furnished (perfect for someone who travels with only a suitcase full of clothes!) and all we needed to get was bedding and a rug! She is starting a full-time job next week and is taking a weekend math class. We both were breathing sighs of relief over and over during the weekend because things were falling into place just the way she'd hoped. I assured Kristy that SHE had developed the vision and desire, so good things were coming. I'm so proud of the things she's conquered and the path she's headed down.
Love, love, love the view from the airplane of clouds! And me by the Cleveland Hard Rock.
Kristy's home is in a cute and safe neighborhood near University Heights, Cleveland
What a fun bedroom! And we took so many pics of ourselves (Kristy's passion, lol)
Here is the Cafe we ate at and the beautiful landscape in the background.
I was excited to see a White Castle fast food joint. I've always heard about it! Yummy!!
Ohio is a beautiful state, and it was fun to be near the East coast. I could just tell I was NOT in California anymore. And anytime we told people we were from CA, they acted like we may as well be celebrities! I'm sure they don't picture our little farming area of CA. Since we were both total strangers to the Cleveland area, we did a lot of driving around. We had a GPS map with us which was a total life saver! We drove down toward Lake Erie (about 20 min from her apartment) and walked around some shopping areas. Ate at a YUMMY cafe by the West side Market. We talked a ton and just enjoyed eachother's company. I'm pretty sure this will stay in my memory bank as one of the top experiences I cherish.
I, of course, brought my girls back a little souvenier. They really had a hard time with me leaving. Seems like they never did when they were younger, but I think they realize more that they rely on me and that things are (good but) different with just daddy. I brought them just random knick-knacks from this fun store...including wax lips! I totally remember loving wax lips, don't you Carly? Anyway, these girls love their Aunt Kristy soooooo much, and understood that I was going to be with her. Before I left, I asked them what they wanted me to bring them back and Jordyn thought for a minute and then said "I want you to bring back KRISTY!". Cute girl.
I was so excited to see my fam when I returned....and I realized the girls felt the same way when Jordyn said "Mom, at night in my bed I cried because I missed you!". Awwwwww, *sniff*. Love you girls!
After two years of trying to find her "path", Kristy is feeling happy and relieved to be settled for a while in Ohio. Although its quite far away from home, its also helping her to fully experience the "growing up" process.
Being 12 years apart, Kristy and I live in such different worlds....different stages of life. And its been that way our whole lives. But the good thing with family is you crave finding the ways you CAN connect, you CAN support and CAN love one another....even if the differences outweigh the similarities. That's the sort of re-connecting type weekend that Kristy and I were able to share. I was able to spend a few days in "her" world spending un-destiacted time together (i.e. kid-less!). It was totally priceless to me!
After a 14 hour red-eye journey to Ohio (including three flights), I arrived on a mission. It consisted of : apartment, school, bonding, shopping, sister-time. We ended up finding a perfect room-for-rent, in a nice suburb of Cleveland, near Cuyahoga Community College and central to all she'll need. Her roomates couldn't be nicer, more normal and better suited for her. Her room is completely furnished (perfect for someone who travels with only a suitcase full of clothes!) and all we needed to get was bedding and a rug! She is starting a full-time job next week and is taking a weekend math class. We both were breathing sighs of relief over and over during the weekend because things were falling into place just the way she'd hoped. I assured Kristy that SHE had developed the vision and desire, so good things were coming. I'm so proud of the things she's conquered and the path she's headed down.
Love, love, love the view from the airplane of clouds! And me by the Cleveland Hard Rock.
Kristy's home is in a cute and safe neighborhood near University Heights, Cleveland
What a fun bedroom! And we took so many pics of ourselves (Kristy's passion, lol)
Here is the Cafe we ate at and the beautiful landscape in the background.
I was excited to see a White Castle fast food joint. I've always heard about it! Yummy!!
At the airport, saying goodbye. Love you lots Kristy. Thanks!! Can't wait till next time!
Ohio is a beautiful state, and it was fun to be near the East coast. I could just tell I was NOT in California anymore. And anytime we told people we were from CA, they acted like we may as well be celebrities! I'm sure they don't picture our little farming area of CA. Since we were both total strangers to the Cleveland area, we did a lot of driving around. We had a GPS map with us which was a total life saver! We drove down toward Lake Erie (about 20 min from her apartment) and walked around some shopping areas. Ate at a YUMMY cafe by the West side Market. We talked a ton and just enjoyed eachother's company. I'm pretty sure this will stay in my memory bank as one of the top experiences I cherish.
I, of course, brought my girls back a little souvenier. They really had a hard time with me leaving. Seems like they never did when they were younger, but I think they realize more that they rely on me and that things are (good but) different with just daddy. I brought them just random knick-knacks from this fun store...including wax lips! I totally remember loving wax lips, don't you Carly? Anyway, these girls love their Aunt Kristy soooooo much, and understood that I was going to be with her. Before I left, I asked them what they wanted me to bring them back and Jordyn thought for a minute and then said "I want you to bring back KRISTY!". Cute girl.
I was so excited to see my fam when I returned....and I realized the girls felt the same way when Jordyn said "Mom, at night in my bed I cried because I missed you!". Awwwwww, *sniff*. Love you girls!
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