Wedding Week

It's wedding week!!!!

My little brother is getting hitched!  Megan is a super, fantastic, lovely lady and the fact that she has met all of us, hung out with us, endured our craziness and still wants to be a part of our family means she's down right perfect for him!

My to do list for this week is a mile long!  Couple that with Chris deciding not to take the kids at all this week because he's "very busy and important" means that the girls and I were at the nail salon at 8:30 last night and Kohl's exchanging Eva's dress and buying Layla's dress last night at 10pm.

I still need to get my hair highlighted which I guess is what I'll be doing tonight after Alex's baseball game.  I was hopeful that I could pick up Alex's tux tonight since I'd be right down the street from the rental place.  Unfortunately, it isn't in the shop yet and won't be until tomorrow after 3pm.  There is no time for me to get out there tomorrow with the rehearsal being at 6, so I guess Alex and I will be heading out there on Friday night.

With all of the wedding activities this week and weekend, it leaves zero time for any of my normal chores.  There will be no laundry getting down, no grocery shopping, no house cleaning and probably no grass cutting...although I am going to try to squeeze that in because OMG the yard will be horrific if it goes until next week.

Sunday, Alex is scheduled to serve 10am mass and then Megan and Joey are hosting an "I DO BBQ" which requires our attendance for the majority of the afternoon.  And then work resumes on Monday.

God Blesssed!  This week is insane!

But my baby brother is getting married!  And that is awesome!

The Unofficial Start of Summer Part 3

On Sunday, the weather decided to cooperate.  It was GORGEOUS!

So, we did what any sane family would do, immediately packed up the car, loaded up on some groceries and gas, bought a few new supplies and headed to the BEACH!!!

If I could spend every day on the beach, I would.  It’s my happy place!

The picture quality isn’t very good on a lot of these pics, but oh well!  We spent the day at the beach!

The Unofficial Official Start of Summer Part 2

Saturday morning it was tough getting out of bed but nonetheless I rolled out about 8am.  Alex was scheduled to have baseball practice at 9 so I got him up (reluctantly) and out the door by 8:30.  It was drizzling a little as we drove over to his practice.  As I was pulling into the park at 8:54 am, I got a text from his coach that practice was canceled.  GRRR!  I really could have used some extra sleep and I know Alex felt the same way.  But since we were out, we grabbed a little breakfast a ran a few errands.

Once we were back home, the kids divulged in full time play.  Grace and I took this opportunity to go dress shopping again for my brother’s wedding.  I had bought a dress for her the previous weekend, but she didn’t like it.  She had an idea in her head so back out we went.  At the first store where I could have exchanged the dress I had originally bought for her she decided she didn’t like anything in the store.  So, on to the next.  At the next store, Rue 21, to be exact, she tried on about ten dresses.  Finally the last one was the winner. It was everything she hoped for.  So YAY!

Then we went to Kohl’s and bought a dress for Eva.  I went back and forth on the size but decided on the size 10.  Of course that was the wrong size and it was too big.  So now I still have to go back to exchange that one.

From there, we went to the thrift store to see if we could find anything cheap for the rehearsal dinner.  We didn’t.  But we did get some fabulous shoes and I picked up about $60 worth of summer clothes for myself.  Score again!

By the time we got home, the rain had stopped and the sun was out.  And it was humid as all get out!  Lilly did in fact leave by 3.  But of course it wasn’t her mother that picked her up.  She pawned her off on her grandpa. Oh well, at least we could move on with our night.

And that night consisted of 4:30 mass with my parents, followed by dinner at Chimi’s and the City Block Party with the whole family.  Obviously the block party was the highlight of the night.  It’s nights like this that make me love my town.  It’s got a small town feel but within 20 minutes of anywhere.

I took a ton of pictures that night.  Here are the ones that made the cut.

Hello Summer!

The Unofficial Official Start of Summer

Although Memorial Day was the official start of summer break, that weekend the kids were with their dad, so we didn’t really get to kick off our summer.  So, this weekend, I wanted to get the summer off to a good start.  The problem was, though, the weather did not look like it was going to cooperate.  Friday, it rained all day.  It looked more like April than June.  By Friday night, I had no idea what the weekend was going to entail.  Alex was trying to have a friend over from his baseball team.  My ex-sister-in-law wanted to send my niece to my house for a sleep-over.  My nephews and baby niece were in town for the weekend and my mom and dad wanted us all to help out taking care of them while my sister and brother-in-law were in Tan-Tar-A for the weekend.

By 6pm on Friday, Alex still hadn’t received a call back in regards to his friend coming over.  My mom confirmed that TJ was going to my other sister’s house.  So, I finally told Michelle that Lilly could in fact come over for a sleepover.  She’s notorious for dropping her kid off and going MIA for an entire weekend.  I was adamant that Lilly would have to be picked up no later than 3pm Saturday afternoon.  But what were we going to do on Friday night???

Well, it had pretty much stopped raining so I thought maybe, just maybe, I could get an outdoor movie set up.  It took a little bit of creativity, but I found the perfect spot.  

We picked up a few DVD’s from Nana because the kids really wanted to watch the “good” Peter Pan and it was not available on Red Box.  Also, the projector hooks up best to a pretty basic DVD player.  Grace brought out her speakers. I sort of got a fire going and Grace burned her Sophomore year work...especially Spanish that she is trilled to never be taking again!  The kids roasted marshmallows for s’mores and I popped a big bowl of popcorn.

Although we didn’t get the movie going until almost ten o’clock and then proceeded to stay up until almost two in the morning, it was a really fantastic night.  And I’m sure outdoor movie night will become more of a regular event this summer.

Bud Light Summer Diet

I stepped on the scale this weekend and was appalled by the number it showed.  I knew my clothes weren’t fitting exactly like I wanted them to and I also knew that I hadn’t been feeling as great as I used to.  A lot of it I blame work stress for, but regardless, something had to be done.  I also have my brother’s wedding coming up in less than two weeks.  I still had to go dress shopping and was really feeling disgusted with myself.  I tried on a few of the dresses in my closet (some that I had never worn before) to see if I liked anything for at least the rehearsal dinner.  I was gravely disappointed that even my closet dresses were a little snug.  I went to bed on Saturday night feeling pretty miserable about myself and also knowing I had to go try on dresses on Sunday.  I also knew I HAD to lose 10 pounds by the wedding day.

When I woke up on Sunday morning, I knew exactly what I needed to do.  I needed the Bud Light Summer Diet!

Here’s a little background on this “diet”.  About 10 years ago, Pattie was spending the summer out in Long Lane.  We had gone to the country for an extended weekend visit and I couldn’t get over how good she looked.  Like way skinny.  She shared a combination of vitamins she had been taking and I was hooked.  For that summer, I took the supplements, ate like a bird, and drank Bud Light excessively.  I dropped 30 pounds quick and easy and never felt better.

Now, I know this isn’t a long term weight management system.  But, it is fast and effective if done right.  I does take a huge amount of commitment, but I’ve got that.   

So here’s how it works:  

 I down 2 Cranberries, 1 Echinacea, 1 Garcina Cambogia and 1 Gingko Biloba with a bottle of water three times per day.   

Then I put a B12 melt away under my tongue and go about my day.   

When I get hungry, I eat something small.  In the morning, I usually have a probiotic yogurt.  For lunch, I eat a turkey sandwich.  Snacks are typically a piece of fruit or a small slim jim stick.  Dinner is normal but just very small servings.  This works because the Garcina Cambogia is an appetite suppressant/weight management supplement.  I’m really not hungry at all! 

Instead of snacking in the evening, I drink a few bud lights.  They help me unwind from the day and curb any food cravings.

The cranberry supplements help keep my urinary track in check.  Since I am drinking a ton of water and some beer, it helps regulate the output to keep my kidneys function properly.  I go to the bathroom way more often, though.

For exercise, I walk at least 2 miles a day.  And then I just try to stay active and on my feet.  This has been easy, too, since the B12 kicks my metabolism in high gear.  I have sustained energy all day long.

The Echinacea supports my immune system to maintain increase health and lower risk for infections.  The Gingko Biloba supports memory.  So the effects of not eating much (lower immune, low energy, memory fuzziness) are all addressed through the supplements.

I started the combo of supplements on Sunday.  I weighed myself this morning.  I am already down 5 pounds!

So, like I said, I know this isn’t the healthiest weight loss strategies nor will it work long term, but I’m ecstatic with the results thus far.

School's Out for Summer

And what better way to celebrate than a family pool party!  Even if it was raining!

Although, I don't get a summer break, I'm still really happy for the break from school.  No more taking kids to and from different schools.  No more packing lunches.  No more school uniforms.  Ahhh....at least a little bit a of a break for me.

Now, I just hope my house survives four kids being home all summer!

Layla Bug Graduates

Oh my little Layla!  Why must you grow up?!?  Please, please, please don't grow anymore.  Mama needs you to stay the baby.

I know it just isn't possible to freeze time, stick you in my pocket and keep you little forever.  You have grown up so much this past year.  Your personality, your quirkiness and the way to really do run our family are some of the traits I admire most about you. 

Congratulations on finishing pre-school!  You sure have come a long way from clinging to my leg in the mornings!  Miss Donna is smitten with you.  And you have become such a leader for your cousin, Charlotte.

I can't wait to watch you continue to grow!  Just don't grow too fast!

Love you, Layla Bug! 

12 Years

Happy birthday to the best son any mother could ask for.

He's sweet, loving, hilarious and stubborn....just the way a 12 year old boy should be.

I love you bubby!

90 Years!

We honored an amazing man today!  My grandpa! 

He is the patriarch of our family.  It is through him that we are all here today.  He signed up for the Navy at the age of 17.  He fought for our country and our freedoms in World War II. 

He's the bravest, strongest, most confident man I know.  He loved his wife (and second wife), raised four children, ran his own business, and put God at the center of his life (just like He's supposed to be). 

Because of him, I am the person I am today. 

Because of him, my family is the family we are today.  Words cannot adequately express my admiration and love for this man.

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandpa!  You sure have seen A LOT in your years here.  May God grant you many more wonderful years!

I love you!

Mother's Day

Deep Thoughts from a Baseball Game

Baseball: spending infinite hours at the ballpark for love of son.

  

I came up with that definition last night as I was sitting at the ballpark for hours.  It was my way of spinning the wheel of negativity in my head to something just a tiny bit more positive.  Just a little mind trick to pull myself from the depths of self-pity with a reminder of why it is that I do all that I do.  And holy moly I do A LOT!

It’s been hard these last few months.  I felt like I was running on empty since about Easter.  I knew life was going to ramp up again, but I was appallingly unprepared for it.

My ex-husband got re-married.   I could write a whole book on that subject.  But I won’t.  Because I don’t have time.  And I don’t care. Well, that’s a lie.  I do care.  But not for the reasons one might assume.  Anyway, I’m glad to have that atrocious event behind us.  The kids have made a full recovery.

Alex went to sixth grade camp.  It was a fantastic experience for him and his class.  The fundraising debacle still has to be sorted out.  Things like that happen when morons are encouraged to take a leadership role.  Regardless, I haven’t paid a dime for his camp costs.  Guess the school is footing the bill on that one.  Especially since the fundraising resulted in us owing more money than the actual camp costs.  Hats off to the ring leader on making that happen.

I got to go to camp as well.  It wasn’t near as bad as it could have been.  The girls were well behaved and since I was only there to supervise the overnight part, I was delighted when they were all passed out by 10pm.  I actually slept pretty well and it wasn’t until later the next afternoon did my whole body go into shock from sleeping on a paper thin mattress.

This weekend I am hosting both mother’s day and a birthday party.  Back to back.  Because I am insane. 

This is the part that I remind myself of the four reasons why I do all I do.  They are worth all of it. 

A Camping He Will Go

Wednesday, my one and only son left for 6^th camp.  Surprisingly, I did not shed even one tear.  (But that could be because I knew I’d be heading to camp the next evening as a chaperone).

Needless to say, Alex was super excited for this adventure.  They really have a fantastic class and I’m so elated that they have this opportunity.

The 6^th grade teacher sent several updates throughout the three days they were there.  Modern technology can be wonderful sometimes.

 Overall, this was an outstanding experience for him and his entire class.