Happy birthday to Kee! :)

 

Yesterday, we celebrated Keely's 11th birthday a few weeks early. We are headed to South Carolina this week and it's an 18-hour drive {gasp!} so we thought Keely would appreciate her iPod, which was her big gift this year.

I have to admit...as soon as she opened it, I thought to myself, "Well, there goes another child...lost to electronics." ;) A little melodramatic, yes, but I know there is a little bit of truth in that sentiment. Connor told me this morning that it wouldn't be long until I lost him too. Lovely.

Anyway - we had a nice day at the lake. Pete, Peter, Mom, Maura & Jake celebrated with us and we all enjoyed a sunny afternoon with each other. I think she was a happy birthday girl - she received some really nice and thoughtful {and some funny} gifts.

We are very blessed to be able to spend days like this with family. I wish Matt and Laurel were closer, but we will be seeing them soon too!

I'm sure I will post something else on her OFFICIAL day - June 27 - but still, happy early birthday to an incredibly sweet and kind young woman.

:)

Today's Saturday outing

 

 Today after I held my bootcamp, Chris and I decided to take Connor and Libby on a walk.
A 10-mile walk.

 

We have been doing evening walk/runs whenever our schedules allow. And we typically walk about 4 miles, but on Saturdays, we take our time and go further. Last week - it was an impromptu trek to the lake - today? Downtown.

We started off for downtown and once there, got some lunch, took the kids to the Toy Store {a fave place in downtown Lawrence} and then of course, we went to the park. Walking home, we decided to go through campus. It didn't take long to remember the hills that take pedestrians up to KU. {At least I wasn't carrying Connor by piggyback while heading up the hill. I'd already done that once}.

It was a great day - one that probably would have otherwise been spent doing something MUCH less active, such as watching TV. It is unseasonably cool here lately, but as Chris mentioned, we need to take advantage of the cooler weather because before we know it - the heat WILL show itself and 4 hour outings will be out of the picture.

:)
Thankful for small pleasures like today!

Does this mean I've lost all control?

Libby to me: "Mom, I'm about to go poop and I'm gonna need you to wipe my bum when I'm done."

Me: "Ok Libby. Let me know when you are ready."

Libby (while pointing her finger at me): "Mom, I don't want to have to call your name more than once when I'm done going poop. When I call your name, you come."

End of conversation. Chew on that one for awhile, k?

"MOM!!! Did you just SAY that??"

Clear the room of little eyes. This is BAD stuff. Bad shhhtuff.

 

A great day for the park after school. Driving home, just talking with the kids about their day. All is good. Contemplating where to go for dinner tonight {after all, Chris is in KC all week...so when the cat's away, the mouse doesn't always want to cook}.

 

All is good. Stopping at a red light. No biggie. Hanging out, just waiting for it to turn green.

 

AND THEN...

 

 

ALL OF A SUDDEN...

 

OUT COMES THIS PUNK KID {she was probably 20 and yeah, I call that a KID}, completely OBLIVIOUS to MY right of way {on the street} and her need to yield {coming out of a parking lot}.

 

Seriously, kid? Are you really trying to cut me off? Really?

 

I don't know what came over me. I was momentarily taken over by someone else. A rude, profane individual...it wasn't me.

After all, I have three of my kids in the car. Set an example, for God sakes, Tracey.

 

NOPE!

 

Out of NOWHERE - UP goes my middle finger and the words "F*** YOU!!!" come out of my mouth! LOUDLY!!!

 

I mean, really, WTH? Who AM I??

Instantly, I regretted it. Keely looks at me with amazement, bewilderment, confusion...

 

WHY, MOM, WHY DID YOU SAY THAT????

Connor: "Mom, what does "F***" mean? Why did you say that word?

I stammer. Try to think FAST - super fast!

 

"I didn't say "f***"--- I said BUCK, but don't say it unless you are talking about money...

 

Connor: "Or buck teeth? Keely has buck teeth!"

Kee:; "No I DON'T!!"

 

Me: Trying to regain composure, control, SOME semblance of the real ME..."Connor, stop making fun of your sister."

 

Keely, still aghast by the entire thing, stares at me like I have a third eye.

 

I just want to crawl into my skin. Seriously, I lost it for that moment in time.

It can only mean one thing:


...

...

...

 

Don't get in my way and cut me off when I'm driving.

 

I, apparently, am a mean son of a bitch!

{SORRY!!! LANGUAGE, TRACEY, LANGUAGE!!!}

 

;)

The end is near! Bring on summer!! :)

So this year is winding down and I am again thinking about how blessed to lead the life I lead. I have thought many times about how my schedule was so different when Abby and Keely were little. I worked in Kansas City - from 8am to 5pm, which meant the kids and I were on the road by 7am and we were home by 630pm. We did it. Day after day and it was fine. The girls were happy & I had a job I enjoyed.

Move forward, and here we are, two more kids and a schedule that really, really works for us. I am so looking forward to lazy summer days {if summer ever gets here. I am typing this, looking out the window at rain and 35 degree temperatures with snow on the way}. Everything just slows down. 

My job is mine and mine alone. My clients are wonderful and quickly become friends, if they weren't already. A fun summer vacation planned with Chris' family...an upcoming trip to Alaska with my mom...blessings abound. :)

Here is an update on the kids:

Today, Abby tries out for cheerleader at South Junior High. She really wants to make the squad and I so hope she does. She tries out at 3pm and I'll be waiting and holding my breath until I hear from her. Her 7th grade year has been a good one...she learned some lessons about some people and has grown as a result. :) Her activities this year included basketball, volleyball, track, South Singers and now, cheer.

Keely is in "Peter Pan" at school this week. Mom, Chris and I saw it yesterday and it was a wonderful show. :) She was accepted into the Lawrence Children's Choir's tour choir. She was in Choristers last year and worked hard to "move up." In the tour choir, she has the opportunity to travel with the group to locations around Kansas and the country. A great opportunity. This year, Kee completed Choristers, volleyball, track, basketball, school play and scouts. She leaves St. John after this year to head to South. Although I know she is ready to move on, I know these last few weeks of school will be hard for her. We will have to make sure she and her friends stay in touch. There are some wonderful girls in her current class. :) 

Connor is playing club soccer for the first time this year - more competitive than rec league, he is really enjoying it. This was also his first year for basketball, and seemed to take to it naturally. He will be the oldest at St. John School next year. He has mentioned that he will miss his sister, but I think he kindof likes that he will be the one "looking out" for Libby, who will begin preschool there next year. Connor has had a more manageable schedule than the girls...we are letting him lead the way with activities because when he mentions something it is usually because he really wants to do it. He has mentioned football...but Chris and I keep ignoring that one, hoping it will go away! ;)

And little Libby Lu finishes her first year of preschool at First Presbyterian soon. She has enjoyed it, but lately has REALLY had some mommy separation issues so school drop off hasnt been so fun. Not sure what it is, but I'm truly hoping it is a stage. Summer will be here soon, and she will get plenty of time with me. Maybe she will tire of me! ;) Seriously, though, I love cuddling with her every morning. Chris makes fun of me for how long I sometimes stay in bed with her, but time flashes before our eyes so we have to capture every moment, right?

So - all in all - the kids are wonderful and we are all looking forward to a slower, WARMER pace of summer. Now if the weather would only cooperate... 

;)

Where the he** has Libby Lu gone?

I seem to have misplaced my youngest daughter today. You know...this one...the one who loves her mommy and adores cuddle time first thing in the morning.

 

 

Seems that this little angel has gone missing. AWOL. Nowhere to be found.

 

In her place, I have been left with this:

 

 

And I'm ready for a break from IT. Yes, IT.

 

So much sass tonight:

"You're not the boss of me."
"You're a MEANIE."
"I don't want to."

"I don't LIKE you!"

 

We are going on Day 3 of her deciding she is not eating dinner.
We are on Day 7 of her crying whenever I leave her.
Seriously.

The day starts well...and then goes to he**.

I'm sure it is just a phase, but this momma's not playing that game.
So if any of you sees Libby - the sweet one, not the sassy one - will you kindly tell her that I'd love to see her again...SOON?

 

 

A note to my 39-year old self

A note to my 39-year-old self:
I want to take a moment and ask you to just stop.
Stop rushing through your life, your kids' lives. Stop and just look around.

Today, you are sitting at a table, watching your 3-year-old play.
She never stops.
She climbs, jumps, sings, skips. All day long.
"Mommy, guess what?" "Mommy, watch this!" "Mommy, please play with me."
"Mommy, I love you."

Look at her eyes. Deep, deep brown and full of life.
Listen to her questions and answer them. Give her your full undivided attention.
Stop counting the days until she is in kindergarten and out of the house.
You need to cherish all you have with her at this moment.

Stop and just look around.

Take a moment and smile when you think of your 7-year-old.
Talk about amazing energy, that little boy keeps you moving from sun up to sun down.
He wants you to play.
Video games, soccer, wrestling. He wants it all.
Do you think he will always want this?
Time flies, remember that.

Soon you won't be cool enough to take him to school. Soon he will want his space.
"Stay out of my room!" will be the one thing he asks of you.
Today, he asked you for a hug and kiss before he ran out the door to head to school.
Did you cherish that moment, self?

Stop and just look around.

You are blessed with two young women who still enjoy spending time with you.
Girls' Days Out are a treat for all of you. Have you scheduled one lately?
Have you just visited with them lately, in their room at night as they are getting ready for bed?
"How are you?" "How was your day today?" "Is there anything you need from me?"
Remember that you are blessed and that every night before they go to sleep, they give you a hug or kiss goodnight.

Every night.
This may change over time. Soon enough, they too will want more space. More "personal" time. Less "Mommy and me" time. Are you ready for that? Are you ready for them to go to sleep without an "I love you, mom!"

39-year-old self, you sometimes move too fast. Sometimes you try to fit too many things into your day. Sometimes you work too much. You stay on the phone too long. The words, "just a sec" come out of your mouth too often. Next time you are tempted to say them, remember, those kids need you now. They want you to pay attention.

And in the blink of an eye, time will pass and they will be gone.
So stop, watch, enjoy them. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your kids.
They make you smile. Every single day.

Basketball, futsal, junior high dances, oh my!!

Oh well, hell, I haven't written since Christmas. I'm so bad. So how's your 2013 going? We're busy, busy, busy, but who the heck isn't? Good stuff going on around here. Today, we enjoyed the second day of a monster snowstorm. Chris and I love it. We are so meant to be together. The kids are enjoying it too, but Abby's ready to pull out the bikini and head south. I swear, that girl is ready to G-R-O-W up! {And I'm not so ready for that}. She asked a boy to a dance last week. {SAY WHAT??} He wasn't able to go, but he was really gracious about it and thanked her for asking. Dare I say I was impressed?

Anyway - we went dress shopping, and we found one we BOTH like! It really is cute. And, if I may say so, MUCH better than some of the other choices she has tried on. Too revealing, too short, too BIG, too "no way!!" - but not the one she got. She will undoubtedly look beautiful at the dance, which has been rescheduled until next week because of the weather.

Nice faces, girls.

 

Tomorrow marks weekend #1 of Keely's basketball tournament. She really is fun to watch on the court...she is aggressive, quick and a great team player. Her team has won all but one game this year and is going into the tournament ranked #1 for her grade out of all the Lawrence and Kansas City schools. GO EAGLES!

And then there's Connor. I cannot believe that before kids all I wanted was boys. I love him - dearly - but his energy level is THROUGH.THE.ROOF. I can't contain it - I can't handle it much of the time and Chris gets a lot of calls at work with me saying "OH MY GOD. WHAT IS HIS DEAL???" Thank God he plays sports - he has a futsal game tomorrow too {did I mention we were busy?} Playing sports enables him to run, kick, GET SOME ENERGY OUT before it drives me insane.

 

It's a regular occurrence that he is chasing Libby around the house. Libby's screaming. Connor's chasing her. They are both driving me insane and they never stop. To say I'm a wee bit stir crazy after two snow days is an understatement. ;) Ahh well.

And Libby. Boo that I think we are done with long days in school on Wednesdays. I don't mean to act like I'm ready to kick her to the curb, {and no way am I counting down the days till kindergarten, not me} but I WAS enjoying having some time to myself on Wednesdays when she stayed at school till 130pm. Not anymore. :( She just doesn't like being there "after" school for lunch bunch. Different teachers, more kids {some of whom are older} made her very anxious and poor thing would get upset at the thought of going.

 

So bye bye to free Wednesdays for me. And that's ok...I guess. ;) At least I still get time with my trainer. No way I'm giving that up. I need that for MY sanity.

 

 

Chris and I are heading out of town for a night away tomorrow. It is 19 years + 3 days since we met...{but who's keeping track?} We are looking forward to a little mini break. WHAT? You mean no one will crawl into bed with us at 6am? Saaawwweet! We haven't had a night away in a long while, so we plan on enjoying the time we will have.

We have decided that we aren't going to head out of town for spring break. Instead we are heading to South Carolina for a week in Kiawah. :) So stoked. We are staying at my uncle's beach house with Chris' cousins and their kids. Looking forward to a nice & fun week with them, so we will be staying put over spring break. {Another reason we are happy to get away this weekend!}

 

 

 

Here are some photos from yesterday. More snow is expected Sunday and Monday. Winter has definitely arrived...even though it is late February! That's ok with me. As I type this, Chris is making another fire and all is right with the world!

 

:) Love to all! :)

A blessed Christmas 2012

 MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)

Well, we had a great holiday. What can I say? We are all very blessed. This year, we spent Christmas Eve at my sister and brother in law's house in Kansas City. They went above and beyond for the kids and the night was relaxing, happy & well, just very festive.

We spent Christmas Day with Chris' family and my family, which was, again, relaxing and fun. I feel very blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. The kids got the treasures they wanted, and Chris and I were able to simply relax a little - even in the midst of the chaos. 

Looking back on 2012, a lot of changes took place in our family. For me and Chris, it was mainly professional changes. I left my job last December so 2012 has been my first year owning my own business, Aspire Fitness. I love every aspect of it. It has been a wonderful transition for all of us. I'm able to set my hours, I can be home with the kids whenever needed, and I'm doing what I love. You cannot beat that.

Chris went back to school in October and took his CTFA test. He found out in December that he passed. What an accomplishment for him! He works so very hard, so it was nice to see that his hard work and dedication in his career as a trust officer for the Trust Company of Kansas is paying off. I am very proud of him!

Tonight is New Year's Eve and we are spending it in with the kids, ringing in 2013 with a lot of games, popcorn, dancing and relaxing.

I hope your holidays were merry & bright.
Happy New Year!

Keely, 10 & Abby, 12, at Maura and Jake's house. Christmas Eve

Aunt Maura, Mama and Keely, Christmas Eve

Abby and Maura. In this photo, although she is being silly, I cannot believe how old Abby looks. 

The silly-ness appears to be contagious. Here is Uncle Pete and Aunt Maura with Abby

A relatively new tradition involves giving the kids Christmas PJs the night before Christmas. This year, we also exchanged gifts between Peter, my nephew, and the kids. Aunt Amy is here handing out gifts at Maura and Jake's house. The kids really look forward to getting new PJs. :) 

A few poses on Christmas Eve before we drove back to Lawrence. Thanks again to Jake and Maura for a fun night with tasty food!!

Connor and Libby fell asleep on the way home from Kansas City...sometimes, when you wake tired kids, they aren't so happy anymore...even if it IS Christmas Eve. You can see that by looking at Connor. He was not amused.  

 Christmas morning. :)

Uncle Chip and his friend Teresa spent the day with us and here they are playing with some of the kids' toys. We loved sharing the day with them. The kids love it when he comes to visit and are going to miss him when he moves in January! 

 Jake, Maura, Amy & Pete

  

Santa comes to Lawrence

{Libby at her preschool Thanksgiving feast}

 S0 my absolute favorite time of year is here. :) Tonight we took the kids to see Santa downtown and Chris and I were commenting on how, despite having 4 kids, this was the first year we have ever waited in line to see Santa. Abby and Keely were always too afraid, and Connor wasn't interested last year either. 

This year, however, Libby and Connor were all about it. :) 

 

Watching Libby was most magical of all. She was in awe and it was awesome to watch. 

It melted my heart. 

A great {a little chilly} night for everyone! :)  

Fun & festive memories.

What do the chosen colors in YOUR home mean?

Turns out I like red. Turns out that in every single room in our home - with the exception of the kids' rooms - red is the dominant color. I wonder what this means? I'll be honest - when I changed the sheets on our bed {to a deep red} earlier this week I smiled because my bed reminds me of one of those beds you will see in a Christmas movie - decked out with reds and greens and greenery {yes, I place greenery above our bed. Christmas is in every room throughout the season. No joke.}

So I thought maybe my love for red is centered around my love of Christmas. Makes sense, right? Holidays all year round? I'd be ok with that. Then I got to thinking, maybe there is something more.

According to House Beautiful, decorating with red means this: 

"Bright red will fortify you. It is a stimulant. It promotes courage and fearlessness. {I think I'm pretty courageous}. ;) Use this color when you want to increase self-confidence. But too much red can make you feel overly excited or agitated. A little goes a long way. Try a bright red...dish of candy, picture frame, coffee-table book."

I don't think our home is OVERLY red...I've got it here and there, but I think it's a great complement to the color of our walls, which are essentially mustard, beige or dark yellow. All that look good with red. 

Moving on.

According to Color Psychology:
"The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. {hmm, I don't feel short of breath while chilling out on the couch}. It is also the color of love. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention." {Perfect, huh? Well, those red nightstands in our bedroom are ones that I painted, so I can guarantee they aren't perfect!}

In any case, I have to say that because so much of our accents are red, it makes it really simple to bring the holiday scheme of red and green into our home.

HOWEVER, Chris and I just purchased a sectional for our basement and {{{GASP}}} purchased a rug that has BLUE and BROWN as its accent colors. I already panicked when thinking of redoing the basement to accommodate these new colors!! Blue?? Who decorates with BLUE??

According to House Beautiful again:

"Deep blue encourages efficiency. {Um, I did mention that the rug is in the basement, right? Where the big TV is? Where the bar is? Where the center of it all is the desire to chill out right? Not so much efficiency going on down there}. Apparently, blue will purify your thinking, so you can cut through the clutter and discover what is most important in your life. It helps you integrate the big picture with the little picture. Try a deep blue...oversize tray, wastebasket, desk lamp." 

Whatever that means.

So, no, I'm not really concerned with HOW to decorate the basement. I promise I DO have other, more important things to think about. However, it DOES enable me to accessorize...which means a shopping trip MAY be in store.

But until the couch arrives {DARN 4-6 week delivery time!!} I'm going to enjoy every seasonal nook and cranny of red in our home. And you better believe I'm gonna deck my halls from top to bottom.

:)

Just a sneak peek at some of the red accents. This isn't even half of them. You get the picture.