Into the New Year '11

So it gets tired to say that life is flying by but it is fact! Since November, we had a very nice Holiday season. M and E went to N.Y. to see her family for Thanksgiving while MHM and I stayed home. We had a nice time but from there, it was as usual a whirl wind from then to Christmas.

Starting November 29th, my job shifted from the Body shop 3rd shift to the Paint shop on first shift where I trained with CUD for the month of Dec before getting bumped back to second shift in January.

In order as best I can, we went to the St Martha kids party Dec 4th where E and MHM were very well behaved and waited to sit on Santa's lap with perfect patience. That night was very nice. It was also the first time since being back home that M and E could glimpse the "Crazy Christmas house" on our way home. This year it was all you could ask for and now we have to pray that it comes back next year as the young gentleman that does it is getting married.

Sunday Dec 5th was MHM's 3rd Birthday party. We had a nice turnout and he had a great time. M made his requested Truck cake where his favorite part were the Entemanns chocolate donuts used for wheels. He was such a good kid and it really shows he is growing up. Speaking of growing up, he a week later decided to ditch the "chocolate milk in a baby bottle hot as you can get it!" With some urging, we made arrangements to "give it to a baby" at school who needed it more. Then two days later, he did the same thing with his "chuchi" which really surprised me. We had decided to get rid of one for sure but he made the decision to go all the way. Way to go MHM. I must also say that E has been an exceptional help with her encouragement for MHM. She really is such a darling who is so tender and caring. She really is the best... We need to let her know that more often.

In between all the seasonal activities, I tried to get the kids into the spirit with all the TV favorites. I hope they don't go to overload from it. Thankfully they seem to know when they want one of their regular shows.

M and I were actually able to attend the K of C party on Dec 11th this year for the first time in years and also had a great time out. I am pretty sure that the next day or shortly there after, we got our first big snow event. E, MHM and I went out and built a snowwoman which I am sure had a name but don't recall. Anyway, it snowed quite heavily with some heavy wind but within an hour, we had had enough and had a sculpture to show! I believe a day or so later, after getting home from school the kids asked to play outside so we bundled up and headed across the street to a small hill and sledded for a time. We all had a very nice time and are hoping for more opportunities soon.

Next up was our annual Christmas party. This years charity was for the Afghanistan troops in honor of cousin N going there in January. Once again, we had a nice turnout and the kids played very well together and decorated a Christmas tree with cut out and colored ornaments. E was happy to have her friends N and K at the party as she is so often the only girl. Next stop after our party was the annual get together of cousins at our place for pizza and movies. Cousins L, J, K, and A showed up and had some fun along with GMa.

After the party, then it seemed all down hill but as always, there is plenty to do. M finished up classes then set out to finish Christmas prep. She did very well and was pleased to go into Christmas Eve with nary a gift to wrap. I didn't have as many consecutive days off as I'd have liked but being on days made if more bearable. I did have Mon and Tues off so on Tues we went to Flint to the kids museum. They LOVED it. The supermarket, and fire station are the biggest hits. That was a good day. On a couple occasions, we read in front of the Christmas tree, then said prayers and fell asleep under the tree. I hope that continues for years to come.

Christmas Eve was a peaceful day, starting out with breakfast and some shows. We got the kids down as early as possible for nap and were at GMa's house by 3:30 for the annual Elias shindig. The dinner was great and everyone was there. We listened to Scrooge then set in for presents. The kids had a blast! Then it was time for Christmas mass. The church was decorated nicely and choir was beautiful. The kids lasted into the mass for no more than ten minutes but M and I really enjoyed it. The best part was being able to stay home all day on Christmas. The kids were carried to bed and Santa went to work.

Christmas morning, was wonderful. MHM was first to rise (no surprise there) and his eyes just lit up upon seeing the presents and half eaten cookies. When E awoke, we hurried her in and noted the same excitement for her as well. The gifts all open, GMa and GPa came over for a short time to see the loot. We had a nice fire which GPa loved and the kids had a ball showing off the new stuff. I have to admit though that the present excitement, the twist ties and the instructions were a bit too much for me but after a bit it subsided and was a great day.

On the 28th, we went to Jumpin' Jacks with E friends K and N. Once again a great time for the kids, then we went to Johny Rockets for lunch. MHM ended up getting sick with Strep so he had to stay home the next two days leading us to New Years Eve. This year as last, we went to A and K's where we counted down to Greenwich Mean Time, & pm our time. The highlight there was the Fireworks display. Then after leaving there about 9:30 or so, we headed to Uncle S and Aunt L's for their annual party. The kids had an awesome time up to the New Year. As we were gathered around watching the ball drop, MHM was so excited. The ball dropped with noise, hugs and kisses then he turned to me and said "What do we do now" I laughed a bit and said we head for home. He took that to heart and immediately got tired. We did manage to stay out till after 1 am and the kids did awesome.

So the snow is now gone for about a week now, it is cold but there is not much in the way of weather comin' so we are happy to have had our White Christmas and look forward to a very fine year with our wonderful kids.

Early quiet time and events recap

So as it would be, Summer has sailed past and Autumn is slipping by as well. We have had quite a few changes this year and unfortunately have not captured many of them except in memories. I got the chance on the DST Fall Back day to watch the early sunrise in relative peace. The kids are up, MHM is in the bath and E is watching the tube. A nice cup of fresh ground coffee and yes, I feel quite well this morn.

Some of what happened this past four months are;

Ok, so all Hell has broken loose, back to my story...

In July, we boarded a plane for the Clark Compound on Beechill Pond in Maine. M had previously designed a T shirt which was quite a hit. We had a very nice arrival in a Limo and the week got better from there. We had a Dune buggy, Sea Doo's, and a great beach at our disposal. We went to Bar Harbor and did a Two hour harbor tour. One of the high points were the enormous Lobster Uncle E scared up in town. They were enough to have fed the whole lane. They did as a mater of fact as we had friends and family in the next day to enjoy Lobster Rolls. The kids loved our slow cruise on the Sea Doo's that took us out to the Wind Sock which was a marker for a sunken island. There they pretended to be in trouble and still play that game here at home. The other day MHM out of the blue said something to include the Wind sock and M and I sorta chuckled. The camp fires were nice as were the S'mores and going to the dock to star gaze was also awesome. Three other nice items were the Cotton Candy machine, the fresh Raspberries we picked on the power lines with Uncle E and E2 and of course the sound of the Loons is such a wonderful and exciting thing, I which I could hear the more often.

Upon arrival back to Michigan, we settled in for a couple weeks before I got a Five week layoff form work. We immediately did an excursion to Frankenmuth to the water park which was a huge hit for the kids. After that, M had to head back to work so we didn't get out anywhere else but H.L. for Labor Day which was very nice for weather and friend get together. Also during my time off, the kids and I did lots of running to the park and riding in our free Bell "Burley" we found lying beside the road from someones garage cleaning. That thing is great and we got lots of mileage from it so far.

Part of our changes are the fact that currently I am on third shift which has been an adjustment for everyone. It seems to be getting better slowly and we'll see where it goes from here.

More of the Autumn fun are the big piles of leaves that are still in the yard. The kids have had lots fun kicking, trudging and throwing leaves all over as well as playing rescue from the leaves. We just recently had a visit from Cousin S over the Halloween weekend which was full of activities. Starting on Friday, there was Trunk or Treat at their school then Saturday was a tour at the Police station and the Public access T.V. studio which everyone enjoyed. Then on to view a real race car then to Harris Nature Center for their annual Halloween day extravaganza. There the kids did a quick craft then whacked at a pumpkin pinata, went for a stroll down the Happy Halloween path to pick out a pumpkin then finally to the bon fire to roast some marshmallow. Previous to cousin S's arrival, we had gone on several "Night walks" which the kids really enjoyed with flashlights. As days got closer to Halloween day, we stressed the fact that they would have to be able to walk the whole way by themselves, and by golly, they were, mostly. This year, I started out kinda early with lots of Halloween books to get the mood going. The kids enjoyed them all as did we. Early this year the kids became infatuated with "The Incredibles" so in the back of our minds figured we'd go as the whole family. Much closer to the day, M assessed the mood to see if time into costumes would be worth it. They stayed true and she made some awesome ones. We had Dash, Violet, Mr. Incredible, Banana Girl and the Constructionater. Anyway, we had a very nice evening though a bit cold.

All in all, we have stayed pretty true to getting out and doing fun and different things with the kids from the MSU Homecoming parade, to biking down the river trail to M's work to picking up Black Walnuts and lots of other crazy stuff.

One more quick note, we have had for some time a Roomba to help with the vacuuming. She was without battery for some time and the E was also freaked out by her so she sat in the closet. Well now she has a new battery, and a new name. Lilly Grace is here to help and does so on a frequent basis. And the kids love her but still run when she heads their way.

Independence Day

It has come and gone once again with this year being especially nice weather as well as activities which abounded at Houghton Lake. We packed our stuff and set out by 11am Sat and made a relatively quick shot up 127. When we got there the lake was flat calm, the temp was around 80 and Uncle S and Aunt L were readying their boat for the afternoon. M and I had a quick conversation and decided that this was our time so we got the suits on and headed out. We got out and did a bit of touring to find the right spot and were able to witness the annual Boat Parade. We weren't too close so we didn't see much of this small affair but I am glad that someone is still putting it on to try to keep tradition alive. We finally made our way back to Elks bay and got out the tube which MHM and I first went on at idle speed for probably 10 minutes. MHM didn't care a bit and thought it the BEST! Next E and I jumped on and toured at normal speed for about the same amount of time. A was anxious to get out there himself so we turned it over to him and went for a ride. The kids loved watching the show of A swinging wildly back and forth behind the boat. Albeit only and hour and a half, I am so happy the kids got out as this was our only opportunity for the entire weekend.

Fireworks for the Fourth were Saturday night. As in many recent years, we had joined D n W at their place by the lake. To start, the kids loved seeing and playing on all of the Big Kid toys they have there. MMH loved the speed boats! As twilight approached, the private fireworks started and the excitement mounted. As we scanned the lake, M kept them busy at the same time with Glow sticks and such. As the fireworks commenced the mosquitoes descended upon us in a cloud. Really truly one of the worst swarms I had seen in quite some time. With plentiful bug spray, we made it through a wonderful show.

Funland was Sundays destination for the kids. They remembered it well from Memorial Day and were anticipating it with joy. We did the rickety roller coaster first and got just short of beat to death. The kids each had like five or six tickets to give the "Guy" to ride. From slides and carousels to rocket ships and army tanks, they were a hit. Then it was inside for some arcade games and quarter rides then home for a nap.

We did a dinner with old friend G who did E's fingernails which made E just as happy as anything. Then a bonfire with Cousins J n L with smores, glow sticks and running around.

Gpa's old cars made an appearance and was a hit as usual. Nothing but big smiles while we put put down the road slowly. We got several rides before some electrical problems shut them down.

On Monday we set out for G's house to see her and her mom and sue their beach. The water was warm making the sandy floor a great place for the kids to let loose and enjoy the lake. We probably spent two and a half hours there visiting. The highlight was when a Osprey flew overhead with a LARGE bass in its talons.

After returning from G's, the power was out and MHM was soon as well. He made it in the house, asked for chocolate milk and crawled up on the stairway with head and arms on one level and butt and legs below. Very cute! We do have a pic! We almost decided to pack and go but M wasn't feeling well so we made the decission to stay and take our chances with comfort as it was quite warm. I rounded up E and took her out on the porch to read to her as I told her Gma did for me many times. She layed on the swing next to me and listened to probably two books and started to fade. I continued until I knew she was asleep then gently picked her up and carried her in and layed her down. M and I went back to the porch for a short while wher I told her some memories of summers past for me then we too retired.

Tuesday was up early, pack and lighly clean and get back so I could get to work....

Thanks again cottage for a nice w.e.

Understandably

This past Memorial day we were up ion H.L. for the w.e. and enjoyed the best weather and circumstances in several years. The temps were near perfect and the sun plentiful. We did the beach twice and the pool on the porch as well as visits from friends Ging, Den N Wen. With cousins J and L, our kids had just a hoot. It is nice to have them older and more able to do some of the things the older kids enjoy.

Well to keep this short, the w.e. went really great until about 9:15 Monday morning when the skies opened up while I was finishing a 4 mile run. You have to understand that this is just less than an hour before what we were presenting as the high light for the w.e. The Memorial Day Parade. Our kids are all over all things marching band, fire truck, horses, and floats. I think of all family style events we have strive for, it is the community fireworks or parades. Anyway, God smiled on us and the skies cleared and the parade went on as scheduled. The kids loved every moment and looked great doing so with the hand held flags that M of course made a point to have on hand (as if she would forget). There was plenty of candy and fun and the best part is that understandably the photographer from the Resorter fell victim to the allure of our kids! Please don't judge me, but our kids are most certainly the cutest best looking kids to ever exist and we know it!

Just you and me!

With M and E on a springtime trip to N.Y to see the fam, I was for a couple days prior to their departure trying to make sure MHM was going to understand that it was just going to be me and him. As time flew past, I could hardly believe the day had come. As The girls were all but walking out the door I was hoping he was grasping that Mom and Sis would be gone for a bit and that it would be "just you and me".

At the time he seemed to understand but was preoccupied by a show but did come to the front door for two group hugs. After they were gone, it was business as usual. Getting dressed, walking to school and the such.

When time to go pick him up, I called M to see what to do as this part of the day is not normally mine. I had an idea that as something special we would go to the ice cream store as a treat. M advised me on what to offer and it went over quite well. We ordered him a kids Supermoo (Superman) which was just right as M suggested. He chose to sit inside even after noting that there were umbrellas over the tables outside. So we sat. There was a young girl sitting at on of the tables with one of the server kids who was understandable smitten with MHM (as if anyone could resist) and I could through the back of my head see her stealing glances at him while we licked the goodness.

(btw, I have an open bottle of red and half a chunk sharp cheddar gone, Yum!)

At home, I offered him some pizza of which he ate just a bit. Then we went outside for a bit to play in the sand box and look at the newly revived pond. I could tell either the mosquitoes or the approaching storm had him uneasy, so we went back inside to some chocolate milk. While watching a show, he turned his head as I was washing some dishes in the kitchen and uttered "It's just you and me dad!" He understood and was OK with that!!!!

I just hope the rest of the w.e. goes as well from here!

Certain Bliss

The Easter Bunny had a late delivery for MHM and it could not have been more perfect for the motor head that he is. Anything, I repeat ANYTHING with wheels is golden where MHM is concerned. Now, add Bubbles and you've got the single most bestest reason to live. On Tuesday evening, the late arriving gift of a Bubble lawn mower hit the spot for this little guy.

He is not obsessed with his mower but close to it. So far the mower has been pushed to school in the morning, taken to two parks and I am certain it will get more miles than the warranty will cover but as you see the pride on his face when he is pushing it, you know that he loves this mower and it provides probably what all of us strive for... Certain Bliss! MHM, your lucky you have a great mom to thank for that one!

She gets it!

Bathroom conversation;

E~ "Sometimes I need a little more cause my bottom is wet."
Me~ "That's OK, but you need to work on being more efficient with the toilet paper..."

This is where I thought I'd be clever, as E was exiting and headed down the hall.

I continued~ "Paper doesn't grow on trees you know!"

E takes a second, stops and does a short analysis of my statement and turns to me.

E~ "But Dad, paper does come from trees."

At that moment I broke out in a BIG smile and told her she was SMRT. I was inwardly happy that she caught on to my snare and hoped that she understood that this is a trap that as she grows will be used in humor and teasing but the important thing is for now...

She gets it!