After watching a little bit of Oprah this afternoon I saw "tent cities" around our country, even here in Nashville, where what use to be working class families were now forced to live b/c they had lost their jobs and then homes. I felt compelled to write a clarification for my last post.
We did go on what seemed like an extravagant vacation as far as all those theme parks but I want to let whoever it is that reads this blog know that we had free tickets to each of those theme parks and the dinner/show place. A friend of a friend's family gave all of us those tickets. It was a huge blessing that we were thankful for.
We had decided not to go to the beach when given the chance to this summer b/c we wanted to put that money towards our savings and paying off our home loan. We are trying to be smart during this economic time. As most of my friends know we live a simple life...we own a 3 bedroom house and are snug but love our neighborhood and yard and have plenty of room for what we need! We have a car and van both bought used and paid for entirely. We have no credit card debt and only buy what we can pay off by the next month. We are teaching our kids that things in life do cost money and you have to work for stuff but not to covet what that money buys you. We struggle ourselves just like everyone with jealousy at times, comparing our lives to others and wanting the latest and best of things. But we try and we are trying to teach our kids the same.
I just felt compelled to write this. I have many friends whose husbands have lost their jobs and can't seem to find work. It could happen to any of us.
Jun 18, 2009
Jun 17, 2009
Vacation memories
I want to apologize for sounding so negative, crazy, exhausted, worn out (well I was at the time - maybe I shouldn't have been trying to blog) during my last post.
It is just shy of 7:15am and the house is quiet. Elizabeth has been up and back down asleep and the boys are still out from the swim meet adventure of yesterday.
We've done the vacation thingy and are settling back in at home with my 3/4th of the way painted kitchen (just can't seem to find the time to finish that one wall!)
Vacation? It was fun but a lot of work. I enjoyed more then anything watching my boys' faces as they experienced the different things. I realize I must truly be growing up b/c I've learned not to complain so much and feel self-pity (at least out loud) during the hard times if it means my kids are enjoying themselves and learning, growing, etc. Let's just say having a 7 month old at a water park, theme park, dinner show, and hiking (which actually was the easiest since Nate carried her the whole way up and down in the snugly) is a lot of work.
I swear though Elizabeth is the easiest baby ever. She cried some when she was awoken from her attempt at the 5th nap of the day that usually lasted about 15 minutes but she never threw fits, was inconsolable, or didn't just break out in a smile when another stranger talked to her.
Excitement on the vacation? Ian promptly threw up when we entered the cabin the first night and had a high fever but put himself to bed with a little Motrin and an antibiotic on the way (thanks Dr. Collins for helping us out in the mountains) and he was better after a day. The boys loved the water slides and so did mommy - except the wave pool when I found myself alone with Eli and a friend's 6 year old who didn't want to hang onto the tube in the deep with huge waves pushing him down...
After about an hour and half of figuring out what we were going to do, getting in and out of a roller coaster line to buy a fast pass, taking 6 kids to the bathroom and changing a baby's diaper we finally almost all rode the fastest roller coaster there as our first attempt of scaring ourselves to death. Ian got on with Nate in the first seat and when he came back he looked a little on the wild side but said he loved it. Then I got in the first seat with Eli (who didn't quite realize what he was getting himself into). After the first very steep hill and twist and turn neither of us could even scream we were hanging on for dear life. When we stopped Eli was white and looked like he had seen a ghost. After snapping out of it he promptly started to cry. I've never felt so bad - as if I just willingly let my first born son be tortured and laughed all the way through it. Would you believe he got on another one (because his adventure Daddy talked him into facing his fears while I was out of listening range). After that one (and a small whimper to Nate at the top of the first flip (yes, they went upside down) "I don't think I should have gotten on this" he again promptly cried and then really did refuse to get on any more rides that weren't for babies! He's ruined in theme park terms!
Ian enjoyed everything with his sense of adventure and outdoing his big brother there is no stopping the child. His favorite thing was the Dixie Stampede because he could eat with his hands (a whole chicken, corn, soup that you could drink, a huge apple fritter) the entire show and watch people race horses, dance and sing. Ian's kind of thing! I would look over at him as he pulled chicken off a bone, grease all over his little face, dried sweat from the theme park not an hour earlier still glowing on his body, and a huge smile from ear to ear, yelling for the South!!!
(the show is the North versus the South in competitions - you gotta love the South and their idea of entertainment - of course the only black man in the show was on the north's side - Nate and I thought that was interesting!)
In usual Callender fashion another child got sick upon leaving - Eli this time. It was torture for him getting home but he made the 4/5 hour drive whining the whole time about his head and stomach and then went right to sleep once he got in his bed.
One last thing...we were packing the van to leave and started looking for Ian. We could hear his voice calling back to us but couldn't figure out where he was. When we found him he was in the unfinished basement using the potty (#2) - I laughed so hard I was crying all the way down the steps. I just knew we were going to have to scoop it out but thank goodness the plumping was working! He is a mess!
Memories...
It is just shy of 7:15am and the house is quiet. Elizabeth has been up and back down asleep and the boys are still out from the swim meet adventure of yesterday.
We've done the vacation thingy and are settling back in at home with my 3/4th of the way painted kitchen (just can't seem to find the time to finish that one wall!)
Vacation? It was fun but a lot of work. I enjoyed more then anything watching my boys' faces as they experienced the different things. I realize I must truly be growing up b/c I've learned not to complain so much and feel self-pity (at least out loud) during the hard times if it means my kids are enjoying themselves and learning, growing, etc. Let's just say having a 7 month old at a water park, theme park, dinner show, and hiking (which actually was the easiest since Nate carried her the whole way up and down in the snugly) is a lot of work.
I swear though Elizabeth is the easiest baby ever. She cried some when she was awoken from her attempt at the 5th nap of the day that usually lasted about 15 minutes but she never threw fits, was inconsolable, or didn't just break out in a smile when another stranger talked to her.
Excitement on the vacation? Ian promptly threw up when we entered the cabin the first night and had a high fever but put himself to bed with a little Motrin and an antibiotic on the way (thanks Dr. Collins for helping us out in the mountains) and he was better after a day. The boys loved the water slides and so did mommy - except the wave pool when I found myself alone with Eli and a friend's 6 year old who didn't want to hang onto the tube in the deep with huge waves pushing him down...
After about an hour and half of figuring out what we were going to do, getting in and out of a roller coaster line to buy a fast pass, taking 6 kids to the bathroom and changing a baby's diaper we finally almost all rode the fastest roller coaster there as our first attempt of scaring ourselves to death. Ian got on with Nate in the first seat and when he came back he looked a little on the wild side but said he loved it. Then I got in the first seat with Eli (who didn't quite realize what he was getting himself into). After the first very steep hill and twist and turn neither of us could even scream we were hanging on for dear life. When we stopped Eli was white and looked like he had seen a ghost. After snapping out of it he promptly started to cry. I've never felt so bad - as if I just willingly let my first born son be tortured and laughed all the way through it. Would you believe he got on another one (because his adventure Daddy talked him into facing his fears while I was out of listening range). After that one (and a small whimper to Nate at the top of the first flip (yes, they went upside down) "I don't think I should have gotten on this" he again promptly cried and then really did refuse to get on any more rides that weren't for babies! He's ruined in theme park terms!
Ian enjoyed everything with his sense of adventure and outdoing his big brother there is no stopping the child. His favorite thing was the Dixie Stampede because he could eat with his hands (a whole chicken, corn, soup that you could drink, a huge apple fritter) the entire show and watch people race horses, dance and sing. Ian's kind of thing! I would look over at him as he pulled chicken off a bone, grease all over his little face, dried sweat from the theme park not an hour earlier still glowing on his body, and a huge smile from ear to ear, yelling for the South!!!
(the show is the North versus the South in competitions - you gotta love the South and their idea of entertainment - of course the only black man in the show was on the north's side - Nate and I thought that was interesting!)
In usual Callender fashion another child got sick upon leaving - Eli this time. It was torture for him getting home but he made the 4/5 hour drive whining the whole time about his head and stomach and then went right to sleep once he got in his bed.
One last thing...we were packing the van to leave and started looking for Ian. We could hear his voice calling back to us but couldn't figure out where he was. When we found him he was in the unfinished basement using the potty (#2) - I laughed so hard I was crying all the way down the steps. I just knew we were going to have to scoop it out but thank goodness the plumping was working! He is a mess!
Memories...
Jun 10, 2009
I'm sorry is summer over?
Because I'm exhausted!!!!! (and need a vacation from life)
Today has honestly been the first day me and my ooodles of children have stayed at home all day - well it's 2:43 at least and we're not due to swim practice until 4:00 but then we are going to Smyrna to get the pack-n-play from Nate's parents and eat with them (I'm not complaining there).
I never knew life could ever ever be so busy and fast passed. Even at home I feel like I'm a race car driver and I'm going so fast trying to stay on top of everything and everybody that if I try to get in the pit stop lane I'll get run over.
After the wedding 'vacation' we were crazy the next week running back and forth across town (which means about an hours worth of driving)/car pooling with a total of 4 cub scouts plus or minus my two extra kids..of course that week once things had settled (especially if another mom was doing the pick up) was nice during the day. Having one less child really changes the dynamics in the household. Ian is very independent and can find something to do by himself pretty much anywhere. Eli on the other hand...that is why he went to camp!
So, this is the first actual week of summer where we are home all together and this is the first day I insisted we not go anywhere. Of course I should add I'm knee deep in paint! I'm painting my kitchen from 9:30pm till at least 1am these last few nights (and getting up at 6:30am with sister girl)as well as during bouncing time, nap time, breakfast time - well until my boys start threatening to call the child services on me.
I am trying to be an overachiever though, which probably adds to my race car driver analogy. Big boys must have journal time, reading time, oh yeah Ian wants to learn to tell time, drawing lessons for Eli which are self taught with all those stinking books we have in the laundry room (that was only one day though), limited t.v. and computer time, must play outside! Let's ride our bikes for exercise!! Don't forget Elizabeth: play time - talk to her time (these are crucial months for the brain arent' they?) nap time (got love naps) eating time, nursing time, play time again!!!
My favorite pass time though (thanks to my sister Whitney for showing us) is these crazy beads that melt...check out the finished products and the quite and STILL boys in my kitchen!
So, as I should be finishing painting, reading with my kids, ironing another bead creation, putting on swim suits for swim practice coming up, packing for our vacation to Gatlingburg tomorrow, baby's awake now let me get her, did I mention I have 6 canvas orders and haven't started a one? --- I take time to blog for you! So now you can see how crazy I am and my summer is and if you see me leaning over my knees for oxygen about to pass out with dark rings under my eyes at Kroger or the pool then you will know why!
Today has honestly been the first day me and my ooodles of children have stayed at home all day - well it's 2:43 at least and we're not due to swim practice until 4:00 but then we are going to Smyrna to get the pack-n-play from Nate's parents and eat with them (I'm not complaining there).
I never knew life could ever ever be so busy and fast passed. Even at home I feel like I'm a race car driver and I'm going so fast trying to stay on top of everything and everybody that if I try to get in the pit stop lane I'll get run over.
After the wedding 'vacation' we were crazy the next week running back and forth across town (which means about an hours worth of driving)/car pooling with a total of 4 cub scouts plus or minus my two extra kids..of course that week once things had settled (especially if another mom was doing the pick up) was nice during the day. Having one less child really changes the dynamics in the household. Ian is very independent and can find something to do by himself pretty much anywhere. Eli on the other hand...that is why he went to camp!
So, this is the first actual week of summer where we are home all together and this is the first day I insisted we not go anywhere. Of course I should add I'm knee deep in paint! I'm painting my kitchen from 9:30pm till at least 1am these last few nights (and getting up at 6:30am with sister girl)as well as during bouncing time, nap time, breakfast time - well until my boys start threatening to call the child services on me.
I am trying to be an overachiever though, which probably adds to my race car driver analogy. Big boys must have journal time, reading time, oh yeah Ian wants to learn to tell time, drawing lessons for Eli which are self taught with all those stinking books we have in the laundry room (that was only one day though), limited t.v. and computer time, must play outside! Let's ride our bikes for exercise!! Don't forget Elizabeth: play time - talk to her time (these are crucial months for the brain arent' they?) nap time (got love naps) eating time, nursing time, play time again!!!
My favorite pass time though (thanks to my sister Whitney for showing us) is these crazy beads that melt...check out the finished products and the quite and STILL boys in my kitchen!
So, as I should be finishing painting, reading with my kids, ironing another bead creation, putting on swim suits for swim practice coming up, packing for our vacation to Gatlingburg tomorrow, baby's awake now let me get her, did I mention I have 6 canvas orders and haven't started a one? --- I take time to blog for you! So now you can see how crazy I am and my summer is and if you see me leaning over my knees for oxygen about to pass out with dark rings under my eyes at Kroger or the pool then you will know why!
Jun 2, 2009
Our mountain adventure
Summer has officially begun and in usual Callender style we started the last week of school. No need to put things off and slowly ease into the traveling huh?
We headed to North Carolina - more specifically it was a valley in the middle of the Smokey Mountains. The cutest little town called Hot Springs. This was for that wedding of my cousins, you know the one where Nate bought a new suit (blog post earlier) (oh check out the suit in the above picture). It was a great few days of doing absolutely nothing - and I mean nothing. I think the first day we sat around outside the motel rooms and walked down the street (everything in the town was walking distance). We saw family that we hadn't seen in 11 years, since my wedding.
The second day we actually drove up into one of the mountains where there was a bald patch but we drove into a rain cloud so the boys all thought that was the coolest. They got to run around in the cloud and get wet but see nothing. Later on that day or the next, it all ran together, they took a hike with the two dad's while the ladies took a break from watching hyper boys (cousin Will included in the 'boys').
The highlight - the poisonous snake that Eli almost stepped on! So glad I wasn't on that little walk!
So us girls helped put together bouquets of wildflowers for the wedding. Saturday the weather was beautiful and the wedding was so lovely outside under a 130? year old tree. There was a great dinner after appetizers and drinks and then lots of dancing. The kids just ran themselves ragged until the late late night when we finally took them off to bed. Check out Nate carrying Ian down the street. Elizabeth? She was a superstar...smiling at every stranger there and even putting her arms out for anyone willing to hold her. She never cried and took a great nap in the stroller after dinner until the bride's dog licked her foot! Eli did have a spontaneous puking moment by the swing but recovered like a champ and Ian played so hard on his knees that I'm on round 3 of oxycleaning his nice pants!!! That boy!!!!
Home on Sunday only to get back in the car and go to meetings for VBS and Cub scout day camp - Monday started the week off running with Eli at Cub scout camp - didn't cry thank God and only had a few negative words to say about it. Tuesday was better b/c they shot bb guns!
I attempted and succeeded at taking both Ian and Elizabeth to the MTSU pool today (Tuesday) by myself with help of many friends there! She did great - stayed three hours and took a nap in the stroller. Not too fond of floating or cold water but somehow I made it. Definitely not what it was last year...laying out the whole time and talking to friends. But I figure I'm out of the house getting vitamin D (hee hee) and the boys are having a ball and I am visiting in intervals with friends that are there. It's all good - tis the season I'm in right? I knew it was coming and I know it will pass and I sure love this stage of her life so I won't rush it just b/c I can't sit with the moms laying out anymore! I'll be back...in say two maybe three more years!!! =)
May 23, 2009
A second morgage and a new suit
My husband had a monumental day yesterday. Besides the fact that he spent more money on clothing attire then ever on himself he has now entered the professionally dressed (might I add snazzy dressed) clientele! Being a teacher for his professional years has not required much dressing up. He has his jackets mind you, those that are more of the "professor" look if you can imagine. He does have that black suit that one must own once they reach 21 years of age (unless your parents are members of a country club I assume) but even that suit was handed to him by I think my grandfather who passed away - that's sad huh?
The occasion you ask? We are attending a wedding in North Carolina. It is my family's side - enough said. No, really... He's been to weddings before without a suit I'm sad to say but honestly we never thought much of it. Now that we are maturing in age (35 is approaching soon enough - ha ha) I figured it was high time my fine man got himself fitted for a suit. And so the journey begins...
We visited one store going out of business and were greeted by an 18 year old looking boy in blue jeans and a tuxedo vest I think, with acne all over his face - WHAT? I had a bad feeling already! They only gave us 4 choices and I wasn't impressed so we soon left.
Then we went to the real suit store - I'll leave out names for lack of desire in giving them free advertising (they should pay us for as much as we paid them!)
We were greeted by a handsome looking character in a full suit! I felt at ease right away (I should have felt for my wallet right then!) He looked at Nate and said let me guess a 42? something something (I can't remember all those measurements). He was right on! Well, to say he took care of us would be an understatement. We were swept off our ignorant suit searching feet and whisked away into the world of good looking men! Nate looked great in most anything but we had our eyes on a summer suit. So, cotton - clean cut - light colored - it was! Then, b/c it was buy one get one free (which Nate reminded me we were really paying for two suits if you thought about the prices at the other store) we started in for the second suit. After about an hour of searching, comparing colors, whispering, asking the young man his opinion - me talking way too much and giving out more then needed to be told information (like, well you see my husband is a teacher so he hasn't had to wear many suits) and (gosh is that the MOST expensive suit you have? Could we look at one a little cheaper?) I don't play around with these sale guys - no matter how cute they come across! Come to find out poor suit salesman was a college dropout, 2 year Navy Seal discharged on medical leave - now salesman all at the ripe age of 23. He got really excited when Nate started talking to him about wanting to wear a sear sucker suit. Sale guy said "Oh I have one of those too - I wear it to my PIKE (frat.)party every year to celebrate the South!" We got a good laugh out of that - but didn't buy it!
Well, I only left Nate for 20 minutes after the 2 suits were chosen. He was to get sized by the tailor while I fed Elizabeth in the van. I look through the window at one point and see Nate and the sales guy looking over a table. What are they doing I wonder? I go back inside to see if I need to rescue my now sharp looking man only to find about 20 shirts and ties with shoes and socks color coordinated displayed for him to choice from. WHAT? I saw it in his eyes...I was too late. He was hooked into the suit trance of the now Jedi sales guy! I tried to break the trance only to get sucked in myself for about 15 mts. Once we had been shown everything a decision had to be made. I could tell my man was emotionally involved now. I didn't want to hurt his pride in front of now the sales guy and the designer girl! He came to for a minute and chose one shirt and tie that matches both suits instead of two shirts and ties (even though as the sales guy said it would be a better purchase b/c of their sale). But then when he tried to get Nate to pick out the socks he wanted - I had enough...I said "boy you are a good salesman huh?" He thought I was serious and thanked me while I looked at Nate with my most evil eye and said "don't you think you have some socks already?" The trance was broken and Nate came too. He said he didn't need the socks and that would be all. When we checked out Nate looked at me and whispered "don't ever mention the price of these suits out loud again okay?" I laughed and told him not to worry b/c he would be buried in the suit! He then replied "oh no, you make sure it is an open casket ceremony so you can reach in and take the suit off me for Eli!" An exciting day - a handsome professional looking man for my family to see in North Carolina - and now two suits that will be written into our will for the boys! Pictures to come later...
The occasion you ask? We are attending a wedding in North Carolina. It is my family's side - enough said. No, really... He's been to weddings before without a suit I'm sad to say but honestly we never thought much of it. Now that we are maturing in age (35 is approaching soon enough - ha ha) I figured it was high time my fine man got himself fitted for a suit. And so the journey begins...
We visited one store going out of business and were greeted by an 18 year old looking boy in blue jeans and a tuxedo vest I think, with acne all over his face - WHAT? I had a bad feeling already! They only gave us 4 choices and I wasn't impressed so we soon left.
Then we went to the real suit store - I'll leave out names for lack of desire in giving them free advertising (they should pay us for as much as we paid them!)
We were greeted by a handsome looking character in a full suit! I felt at ease right away (I should have felt for my wallet right then!) He looked at Nate and said let me guess a 42? something something (I can't remember all those measurements). He was right on! Well, to say he took care of us would be an understatement. We were swept off our ignorant suit searching feet and whisked away into the world of good looking men! Nate looked great in most anything but we had our eyes on a summer suit. So, cotton - clean cut - light colored - it was! Then, b/c it was buy one get one free (which Nate reminded me we were really paying for two suits if you thought about the prices at the other store) we started in for the second suit. After about an hour of searching, comparing colors, whispering, asking the young man his opinion - me talking way too much and giving out more then needed to be told information (like, well you see my husband is a teacher so he hasn't had to wear many suits) and (gosh is that the MOST expensive suit you have? Could we look at one a little cheaper?) I don't play around with these sale guys - no matter how cute they come across! Come to find out poor suit salesman was a college dropout, 2 year Navy Seal discharged on medical leave - now salesman all at the ripe age of 23. He got really excited when Nate started talking to him about wanting to wear a sear sucker suit. Sale guy said "Oh I have one of those too - I wear it to my PIKE (frat.)party every year to celebrate the South!" We got a good laugh out of that - but didn't buy it!
Well, I only left Nate for 20 minutes after the 2 suits were chosen. He was to get sized by the tailor while I fed Elizabeth in the van. I look through the window at one point and see Nate and the sales guy looking over a table. What are they doing I wonder? I go back inside to see if I need to rescue my now sharp looking man only to find about 20 shirts and ties with shoes and socks color coordinated displayed for him to choice from. WHAT? I saw it in his eyes...I was too late. He was hooked into the suit trance of the now Jedi sales guy! I tried to break the trance only to get sucked in myself for about 15 mts. Once we had been shown everything a decision had to be made. I could tell my man was emotionally involved now. I didn't want to hurt his pride in front of now the sales guy and the designer girl! He came to for a minute and chose one shirt and tie that matches both suits instead of two shirts and ties (even though as the sales guy said it would be a better purchase b/c of their sale). But then when he tried to get Nate to pick out the socks he wanted - I had enough...I said "boy you are a good salesman huh?" He thought I was serious and thanked me while I looked at Nate with my most evil eye and said "don't you think you have some socks already?" The trance was broken and Nate came too. He said he didn't need the socks and that would be all. When we checked out Nate looked at me and whispered "don't ever mention the price of these suits out loud again okay?" I laughed and told him not to worry b/c he would be buried in the suit! He then replied "oh no, you make sure it is an open casket ceremony so you can reach in and take the suit off me for Eli!" An exciting day - a handsome professional looking man for my family to see in North Carolina - and now two suits that will be written into our will for the boys! Pictures to come later...
May 22, 2009
Mother's do know best!
It was on Monday...I picked Ian up from school and noticed he was holding his arm funny. When he got in the car I immediately asked him what was wrong and he showed me his torn Star Wars shirt. He had jumped out of the swing at school and gotten his arm caught in the chain (I assume?) and hurt his arm. I was a little taken back that the school had not called but he told me he didn't tell his teacher it hurt. So, I tried not to make a big deal of it since we were going to the doctor that afternoon for a sinus infection checkup anyway. Ian was really quiet that afternoon and sat around on the couch. Nate and I both weren't too upset though b/c Ian wasn't complaining. I take him to the doctor and start out the checkup with his cold symptoms - yes, he needs a z-pack. Then I ask him about a lingering rash from some poison ivy that is all over his stomach - yes, he needs a steroid lotion. Oh, and please look at his arm b/c he jumped out of a swing and said it hurts. The doctor touches his arm and right away Ian tears up. Then the doctor says oh yes, he needs an x-ray. After the x-ray sure enough the Dr. says Ian has a buckle fracture. The best kind of break you can have but still a break. I even said at one point "Now, I"ve never had a kid with a broken bone but oh, it's not really broken." He said "oh, it is broken..." Me: "But what can he do and not do? Like can he ride a bike, jump on the trampoline?" hee hee... Doctor: "oh my, no he can't jump on the trampoline. Ian, don't jump on the trampoline! But he can ride a bike!"
Best part - this is the only break that they allow you to wear a soft cast, which means we can take it off in the bath tub. And we let Ian play in the water yesterday and the cast was fine - dried great outside! Only three weeks and we check to see if it's healed. If not - HARD CAST! And of course right after the check up we are going to Pigeon Forge to play at Dollywood's water park! HEAL ARM HEAL!!
He is a trooper though - no complaints still and is handling the trampoline time out like a champ (that is all my boys do outside!)
Lesson learned: Mothers...children can break their bones when they jump out of a swing! (I've been telling them they would do that everyday when they try to do Olympic high jump contests off our swing set and they just laugh at me!) Mothers do know best!
May 10, 2009
A girl's weekend getaway
Well I've talked about it for a long time (literally years). What? Getting away with my mom and sister for a girls' weekend of course. Scheduling, babies, work, husbands - you name it - but finally my sister and I told my mom that we were going to do it and we're doing it on Mother's Day weekend. So, baby and all - we planned to meet to get away. It started out big...we were going to go to some far off city to be pampered but then reality hit. We got real - how long would it take to drive there, what do we really want to do - how can we make the most out of our time together? So we settled on Franklin, TN. (just a sweet 40mts away from my city) It was perfect. It was close enough for Nate to keep Elizabeth most of the day and then he was so sweet to drive her to me in the afternoon. We were able to eat out lunch (baby free) and shop like crazy - first the famous consignment store my mother always brings me designer suits/dresses from - and I got a beautiful linen pants suit for half off $7.00 - that's right 3.50! And a seersucker pants suit (for $5) that I need to lose a few inches in the trunk to wear - but really folks - $5.00!
Then of course we had to hit Kohl's! After we got Elizabeth we crashed at the hotel for sister girl to take a nap & for us big girls to have a coke and cookie! Then back out to eat pizza buffet at Guidos, which was great! We finished the night off with a little shopping at Target like any good woman should do when out on the town! A little iron board cover and vacuum seal storage bag, along with a bag full of baby food! Good times...good times! Back to the hotel where again we had big plans for a late night movie in the room. But after Elizabeth was asleep and everyone started showering we settled in the bed together to show my mom how to really use her face book page! That was fun until I couldn't stay awake another minute (yes, it was a late 9:30pm at least) and I crashed in one bed - only to wake up about an hour later to yell at my sweet girls to "go to bed!" Then I rolled back over in my huge queen size bed with about 10 pillows all to myself and dreamed the night away!
Good times with my big sister girls and baby sister girl! Nothing like it! (until we do it again next year - right ladies?)
Then of course we had to hit Kohl's! After we got Elizabeth we crashed at the hotel for sister girl to take a nap & for us big girls to have a coke and cookie! Then back out to eat pizza buffet at Guidos, which was great! We finished the night off with a little shopping at Target like any good woman should do when out on the town! A little iron board cover and vacuum seal storage bag, along with a bag full of baby food! Good times...good times! Back to the hotel where again we had big plans for a late night movie in the room. But after Elizabeth was asleep and everyone started showering we settled in the bed together to show my mom how to really use her face book page! That was fun until I couldn't stay awake another minute (yes, it was a late 9:30pm at least) and I crashed in one bed - only to wake up about an hour later to yell at my sweet girls to "go to bed!" Then I rolled back over in my huge queen size bed with about 10 pillows all to myself and dreamed the night away!
Good times with my big sister girls and baby sister girl! Nothing like it! (until we do it again next year - right ladies?)
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