A Surprise Visit

Living far away from your family is hard and can be really lonely at times.  I know that a lot of you have moved from home, leaving behind those you love for whatever reason and understand what I mean.

Most of my family lives in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, while I am in Illinois.  Not exactly close to everyone, but not too far either.  Having two young children, it makes it hard to just jump in the car and head out on a 6 – 9 hour drive on a whim one weekend.

So, this past weekend..my sister, Kari, who lives close to me, headed to Kentucky to surprise our younger sister, Katie for her 16th Birthday party blowout!  We left the men and children at home and took off on a 6 hour road trip. I haven’t been there in over 2 years, so this was huge for me!

Katie was REALLY excited to see us sitting at her kitchen table when she came up from working on finalizing her guest list for her party. (yes, there really was a guest list of 70 kids!!)  I’m pretty sure I saw tears in her eyes.

The party was really fun and we spent a lot of time feeling old.  I’m telling you…girls these days look much older than we did and are MUCH taller than I am.  My dad and step-mom hired a DJ from a local station that the girls swooned over.  He was such a cutie and was perfect for the party.  They played songs I never heard and danced for 3 hours straight!  It was a lot of fun for everyone!

The next night we had a nice dinner at a local Italian restaurant before heading to downtown Cincinnati to see Spring Awakening.  Would you believe that we got the times mixed up and showed up right before the 2nd act??!  HAHA!  It was OK though…I really enjoyed it and I’m sure we’ll get a chance to see the 1st half some other time.

I had a chance that night to sit with my sisters and talk about all that “sister” stuff that we don’t have the luxury of doing normally.  It was really nice and I was sorry that we don’t get to do it more often.

Two days after getting there, it was time to pack up and head home.

Leaving your family is always bitter sweet.  You know you’re heading home to your home, but leaving a familiar home as well.  I love where I live and love my home, but it’s also sad that family is not close.  Family has always been a huge importance in my life and I want my children to know that feeling and experience  it as well.  It seems that now, Ella is really starting to understanding who her grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles are and wants to spend more time with them and asks about them all the time. It’s hard for her to understand that we don’t see some due to distance and others due to…well…that’s another post all together, but one that heavy on my heart and will be posted one day soon.

But, life is what it is and we do the best we can do and that’s all we can do.  As long as I know at the end of the day that I did everything I can to make my husband, kids and home a happy one…that’s all that matters!

I do hope that one day, when the time is right….to move closer to those I love so that my children experience a large, loving extended family.  They deserve it.  As do I.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

I’m outta town!

HI Everyone!

Just checking in from my family’s house in Kentucky! 

My sister and I (alone with no kids!) packed up and headed to surprise our sister at her Sweet 16 Party last night.  She was shocked and got all choked up!  So sweet!  We had a blast and boy do I feel old!  I have lots of photos to share once I get back home. 

We had a great dinner tonight at a lovely Italian restaurant and I am stuffed!  Back home and resting before we hit the town for drinks and a Broadway show.  Boy, we’re living it up here with no kids!  haha! 

I sure miss my husband and kids, as I’ve never left them before.  But, they are doing great and I’m enjoying some much needed downtime. 

We’ll be heading home on the 5 1/2 hour drive tomorrow and I’ll fill you in all the whole weekend! 

Talk soon!!

Kasey

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Holiday Portrait Disasters

One morning this week, I packed up the kids and headed to Target for a quick photo shoot  that would hopefully end  with a cute photo to send to family in our Christmas cards.

I made an early appointment  so that the kids would be happy and hopefully not too cranky by the time we got there.  I rushed around, dressed both kids (with the help of my husband) got out the door, dropped a child off at preschool and headed to Target, all by 9am!

As I grabbed a cart and stuck Andrew in and helped Ella off with her coat,  a women came rushing in with her two children, threw them in a cart and took off at a near dead sprint to the back of the store.  I just KNEW she was late for her photo appointment and I would be stuck trying to keep an 18mo old and 3yr old in dress clothes occupied while we waited to go in.

Sure enough, when we got to the studio, there was the women – LATE – with her two kids going into the studio.  GREAT!  After pulling fruit snacks off the shelves and feeding them to my children and walking around the holiday section for 20 minutes while Andrew screamed to get out of the cart, it was our turn.

Of course, they didn’t have our info on file and the photographer spent the next 10 minutes walking back and forth to the front trying to figure it out.   In the meantime, Ella decided she was hungry and wanted Vanilla Milk and Scones from Starbucks and Andrew found every single item that looked like a ball and was throwing it around the studio while I became more out of breath and began sweating from chasing him around.  Note: 18mo old boys DO NOT sit still!

FINALLY it was time to start.  The photographer nicely took a seat on the floor and looked at the kids blankly.   So, I jumped in and tried to get them both to smile at the same time.  I tried singing, playing peek-a-boo, throwing balls, giving fruit snacks and tickling.  I was freaking exhausted!  I glanced over the lady’s shoulder at the screen, saw a photo that both of the kids were smiling in and declared it a wrap!

We then proceeded out front to the (not so happy) lady to look at our photos and place our order.  I told her up front that I was only buying the package and didn’t want any enhancements – plain, color photo with kids smiling.  By now, Andrew was a bear and Ella was getting pretty grumpy as well.  The lady started to enhance this and color that and show me cards, etc, etc.  “NO”, I said firmly, “I just want to see the photos and pick ONE to order IN a package.”   She seemed to move at a snail’s pace and wasn’t one bit concerned with my now screaming toddler.

Oh – it was a mess!  This is the total reason we only do this once a year! And you know what, my photos with my Canon Power shot come out MUCH better than messing around with two ladies that obviously do not enjoy their job.  Where do these people come from anyway?

In the end, I am glad we got a professional photo to send out to family. For $9.95, you can’t beat the deal.  We ended up with a really cute shot (thanks to my peek-a-boo skills) that will put a smile on the grandparent’s faces all year long.  Next year… this mom’s taking the photo with my new DLSR (hint, hint) and sending to Kodak to print!

Do you get your child’s photo professionally taken each year for Christmas?   Is it worth the hassle of taking them to a studio?  Or do you just snap a few shots at home and make copies for family?

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

She Did It!

My baby girl sang at her very 1st Pre School performance, ever!  I am one proud mamma!

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the kids were to sing Yankee Doodle and I’m In The Lord’s Army, in front of their parents at a Spaghetti Dinner.  Ella was so nervous!  She cried about it, she got excited about it, she whined about it, she dreamed about it…she is my emotional drama queen. ( I am so in for some rough teenage years for sure!)  She practiced and practiced her little songs and hand motions and was excited and ready for tonight.  I really wasn’t sure if when the time came if she’d do it…and to be honest, I really expected her to not.

But, when the time came…her little friend took her by the hand and led her to the front of the room and held her hand tight.  It was so adorable!  Ella looked nervous, but sang her little songs and gave us some smiles and thumbs up!

I was so happy that she overcame her fears and she was so proud of herself for doing so.  My heart has been swelling with pride ever since!

Oh – and in case you’re interested…I have the whole 7 minutes on video. (they sung the songs twice!) That’s right…I’m going to be one of those moms and proud of it!  : )

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

How About A Staycation?

You’ve gotta love living in a small, big town. Lots to do and see and you get to stay right here at home!

Today we slept in a little, had some pancakes for breakfast, lounged around for a while, and then headed out for a little fun in our town!

We first stopped for some lunch at an original Route 66 icon restaurant, The Cozy Dog Drive In.

They are famous for their delicious hot dog on a stick – The Cozy Dog. (AKA – a corn dog. But, don’t call them that while there! haha!) They’re made fresh to order and man, are they good! Today, they offered a special of 6 Cozy Dogs for $8.00. You can’t beat that deal!

Andrew really enjoyed his 1st experience with a Cozy Dog…

And so did Ella…

And so did Brian..

And so did I!   But, I won’t be adding any photos of my mouth full of hot dogs today.  That would have been pretty funny though!

The place was packed and they just kept coming in!  By the time we were ready to get up from the table, someone was standing right there to sit down.  That’s gotta tell you something about just how good these dogs are!

We then hopped in the car and headed to our favorite park for some duck feeding and playground time.  Along the way, we always pass the Lauterbach Man.  I’m not really sure of his story, but I do know that my husband grew up seeing this giant along  the roadside every time they made the drive up this way.  He’s huge and the kids love seeing him!

Andrew didn’t make it to feed the ducks.  He feel asleep right after he got his belly full of Cozy Dogs.  It was fine by me though…I had the chance to sit in the car in complete silence and… read a magazine. (gasp!) Complete silence and read a whole article at one time!!  That is unheard of for a mom these days!

I did get a change to snap a few photos of Ella while Andrew slept.  She’s a goof ball!

Andrew finally woke up and was able to enjoy some time at the playground.  But, let me  tell you…he was one tired boy after not getting his whole nap.  He was practically asleep when I put him in his crib tonight.

We rounded out our day with grilling out and playing Duck, Duck, Goose and Simon Says.  We may have even pulled out the video camera for some dancing in the living room.  But, that video will have to wait till another day when we all need a good laugh!

Sometimes all you need to have a good time, is your family, some good food and an imagination.  Kids don’t care at this age if you take them to the biggest Theme Park or the City Park…they just want to be with you!  It was a Staycation type of day!

Where do you go in your hometown to have a good time on a beautiful weekend afternoon?  Share with me!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Popcorn, Cotton Candy & Us

As the kids get older, I find myself enjoying them more and more.  Not that I didn’t before – but, it’s getting easier.  They enjoy going places and have fun doing so.

This past weekend was one of those times that it was actually easy and fun to go somewhere as a family.  Ella’s Pre-School hosted a Fall Festival and we had a great time!  They offered hot dogs and burgers, salad and beans and lots of cake, popcorn and COTTON CANDY!  Ella and Andrew were in heaven! (mom and dad were too!)

They set up the whole church with carnival type games in each room, such as: “fishing”, bowling, decorate a cookie, ride a bike, create glowing art, a room to make headbands and a ton of other stuff.  Andrew cried each time we left to go to another room and was fine as soon as he saw there was another game to play.  He didn’t understand why we had to leave and move on every few minutes. It was really kinda funny!  Ella was her normal shy self at first, but by the 2nd room, she was loving it and having a great time!

I really found myself standing back and watching the kids play.  They were having such a good time and were really enjoying the evening.  Andrew couldn’t get enough of it all and wandered around grinning from ear to ear and Ella was so proud every time she completed a game – she would high-five me or give us the “thumbs – up” sign.  It was too cute!

It made me so proud and happy to be there with Brian and the kids.  It was a wonderful family moment and probably one of my favorites so far.  I am just so excited to see where we go from here!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Hot Dog Roast With New Friends

Tonight we were invited to a Hot dog Roast at Ella’s Preschool and had so much fun!

Since moving here, we’ve met a few people here and there, but haven’t had a chance to hang out with them and chat.  Tonight we had a chance to meet some new people, watch Ella make a new friend, and enjoyed some yummy food that included SMORES!

Fun times and yet another great day of memories!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Cake & Ice Cream

Today was my sister, Kari’s, 26th birthday.  It’s so hard to believe that 26 years ago today, I became a big sister for the 1st time.  Kari is the best sister and the most wonderful aunt.  The kids love her to death and we do as well. My little sister is also a Hospice Nurse and a damn good one at that.  It takes a special kind of person to do the job she does and to do it well. We’re so proud of her and that she found something that she is so passionate about.  God knows that I could NEVER do the job that she does.  So, thank you for doing it for the rest of us!

Kari hosted her 1st party at her house today and we made the  1 hour trip to join her and her fiance and their friends.   It was a wonderful time and I hate that we don’t get to do it more often.

Ella always asks me if her dad and I can go on a date night so that “Aunt Klair” can come over and watch them.  So cute!  As you may remember, Aunt Klair spoils them by letting them stay up late and eat lots of junk food.  Mainly sweets, but really anything she can find in the house that they normally wouldn’t be allowed stuff themselves with.

I know that my mom would be very proud of the beautiful women she has become.I’m glad we were able to spend some time with her today and to celebrate her 26th.    It was a fun time!

After the party, we headed to the grandparents house to visit a while.  They have a wonderful house and a big yard that the kids love.  But, today it was muddy from all the rain and we mainly stayed inside.   Andrew discovered the piano and Ella the dog – lucky.

It was a great day and we were able to grab some awesome shots out in their back yard with the “river”(pond), as Ella calls it,  in the background.    Ella didn’t want to leave and was very upset that we couldn’t stay for “breakfast”, even though it was 7:00pm at night.

The day was kinda damp and chilly, a reminder that Fall is here and winter is coming.  I’m sad that pretty soon we’ll be cooped up indoors most days and won’t feel the warmth of a summer breeze for another few seasons.  I need to move somewhere warm.  I miss the ocean and the sand.  I need them and would love to be near there year-round.  One day….one day I’ll pack up my family and move to warmer shores.  But, for now, I’ll make the best of the last warm days of the year and spend time with the ones I love doing the Fall-like “things” we love to do!  Pumpkins, mums, apple pie, Halloween, Thanksgiving…they’re all some of my favorite times of the year and I’m glad to pass on those joys to my children!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Mums, Pumpkins, Apples and I

Today was my daughter, Ella’s 1st field trip of her school career.  We all headed to the Apple Barn in our town!  It was a lot of fun and really exciting to see the joy on the kid’s faces.  They really enjoyed it!  We had a great “show and tell” time by a fun, upbeat lady that called herself Hanna Banana.

We walked through blackberry patches and apple orchards and even headed over to the pumpkin patch.

We snacked on gala apples and fresh apple cider.  Which I might add was the BEST cider I’ve ever had.

After the tour was over, we had an opportunity to wander around and check out all the Fall items such as mums and pumpkins and squash and gourds.

We took pictures together and then found the fresh bakery treats.  I had an apple fritter and Ella and her friend Eva split a sprinkle covered, iced doughnut.  It was really a fun time!  I’m so glad that I am able to spend these special moments with my daughter everyday and look forward to the many more field trips we’ll take from here on out.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Old Friends And Strangers

Today was my Mother-In-Law’s (we’ll just call her “J” from here on out!) retirement party in our old hometown of Carlinville.  It’s only an hour away from our house, but since we moved here, I’ve only been back a few times.  For one reason, not a lot has been going on and just didn’t go.  Another reason is that Andrew is just not into driving in the car.  But, today…he was an ANGEL.  Never made a peep all the way there and all the way back!  I would say that it was the most enjoyable car ride I’ve had in a good 14 months or so.

The kids were excited that they got to go to “Aunt Klari’s” house.  (that would be my little sister, Kari’s house) Now, Aunt Klair doesn’t have kids yet, well…not if you don’t count her 3 pound chihuahua that Ella carries around like a beanie baby.  Usually Kari spoils them with chocolate and junk food and they’re all hopped up when we get home.  Fun times for mom and dad.  Oh well!  I guess that’s what Aunt’s are for!

After dropping the kids off (which went quite smoothly!), we headed to our favorite Tavern – The Anchor.  It really hadn’t changed too much – new TV and jukebox and a new tin ceiling but the same guys were sitting in the same chairs, talking about the same stuff, while the same songs were played on the radio.

Sitting there really brought back some great memories for me.  I first met my husband there.  Well, I really first met him at a restaurant where I waited on his table and then later struck up a conversation at the Tavern.  BC (before children) we would spend a lot of time there.  It was a small town, and that’s just where people went.  It was nice being there today.  Kinda a homey, familiar feeling.  Weird to say that about a bar, but true!

J’s retirement party was nice!  Brian’s family was all there and a bunch of people I didn’t know. Which was weird.  In Carlinville, you usually know 99 out of 100 people.  We chatted for a while and shared our good news about our little Solo Cup girl where we joked and said that she has a $5,000 smile now!    We stayed about an hour and a half and headed to pick up the kids we still had another hour drive ahead of us.

It was late when we got home.  The kids were exhausted and I was too.  On to the work week!  I have a full house at the daycare this week.  Thank goodness I have my husband here during the days.  It sure makes the day go much smoother.  By the time he leaves for work, the kids are napping and then the day’s about over!

It’s quiet in my house now…it’s nice.  I think I’ll head to bed myself.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Next Page »