Rich got a cute little sports car recently. Unfortunately, we had to take it to the shop for two new tires and a few other things. Also, it needs a little touching up here and there at our favorite place-Dent Tech.
The windshield in my mini-van is cracked and there are scrapes on the back bumper. And, the truck has a small dent. So, I'll be taking care of car issues for a while!
House closing is on Monday, June 30th! I've been dealing with getting services in the house this week.
We're heading to Keuka this weekend for a whole week. The girls and I will camp near the cottage and Rich will join us for both weekends. Should be a nice week! It will be nice not to have to keep the house clean for possible showings.
Today we went to Dorney Park with some friends. That worked out well having three moms keeping an eye on all the kids! Then we went to the Promenade shops for an errand, to play in the fountains and eat ice cream. The kids were pooped tonight. I do keep hearing Lola crying off and on in her bed. I hope it's not a long night!
Lola's new thing is counting. She has been counting fingers and anything else that comes in her path. I guess it all started because I count the steps when she walks down. She can count to 10 on her own-pretty good for a just-turned-two-year-old! She still loves stacking blocks and books and loves "fwimming" and "fwinging" and the "shide."
Grace loved the water play today. She is such a water girl. I admire her in a swimsuit with her very strong, lean body. She looks like a gymnast or swimmer. It will be interesting to see what she wants to pursue this year. She did say she misses swim class so I must find her a class to join in CT.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A little bit of culture
Our day started well with everyone having a good nights' sleep and sleeping fairly late. We puttered around and then went to the family Gymboree class. Both girls had fun!
Sadly, my mom called and left me a message that she wasn't feeling well enough for us to visit. So, we've decided that Rich will drive to Cleveland in a rental car and will drive the new car back all on Saturday. Mom called later to say she was better, but never knows how she'll be feeling from day to day.
We have an open house on Sunday. So, this means I'll have a little longer to prepare for it. I've had the windows open for a few days since it's been so cool. The house smells great and I'll be able to keep them open for the open house if it stays cool. I can put out some fresh flowers and maybe even bake some cookies for that "homey" smell.
I met a lovely woman that was born in Vietnam at Gymboree some months ago. She had married an Iranian and they now have two children. Her parents were visiting this week and they were so gracious to invite us for dinner. Besides Grace being tired and a bit too wild, the night was very nice. Lola played very well alongside Kaveh and the girls both ate very well. I couldn't believe how Lola begged for green beans! She also ate the yummy chicken and lots of rice. Grace ate lots of the tempura-style tilapia, rice and some chicken and beans. I ate all of that plus the chicken and veggies in some sort of sauce. Everything was truly delicious! Her mom worked the entire time we were there and then tended to the baby between bites to eat.
Who knows what the day holds for tomorrow. There is a MOMS Club picnic at night, which we may attend. Rich will be home fairly late. I have to go pick up the rental car for him at 9 pm. I will definitely miss seeing my mom, but not miss the long ride there and back by myself!
Sadly, my mom called and left me a message that she wasn't feeling well enough for us to visit. So, we've decided that Rich will drive to Cleveland in a rental car and will drive the new car back all on Saturday. Mom called later to say she was better, but never knows how she'll be feeling from day to day.
We have an open house on Sunday. So, this means I'll have a little longer to prepare for it. I've had the windows open for a few days since it's been so cool. The house smells great and I'll be able to keep them open for the open house if it stays cool. I can put out some fresh flowers and maybe even bake some cookies for that "homey" smell.
I met a lovely woman that was born in Vietnam at Gymboree some months ago. She had married an Iranian and they now have two children. Her parents were visiting this week and they were so gracious to invite us for dinner. Besides Grace being tired and a bit too wild, the night was very nice. Lola played very well alongside Kaveh and the girls both ate very well. I couldn't believe how Lola begged for green beans! She also ate the yummy chicken and lots of rice. Grace ate lots of the tempura-style tilapia, rice and some chicken and beans. I ate all of that plus the chicken and veggies in some sort of sauce. Everything was truly delicious! Her mom worked the entire time we were there and then tended to the baby between bites to eat.
Who knows what the day holds for tomorrow. There is a MOMS Club picnic at night, which we may attend. Rich will be home fairly late. I have to go pick up the rental car for him at 9 pm. I will definitely miss seeing my mom, but not miss the long ride there and back by myself!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Day #3
Rich started his new job on Monday and so far, so good! We spent Wednesday through Sunday in Lake George camping and had a really nice time. We got home around 4:30 and then we unpacked the camper and Rich took it to storage and then packed himself up and headed for CT. The traffic was so bad that he didn't get in til 11:30 pm.
I titled this "Day #3" because it's the third day that I've been with the kids without Rich home. We're doing pretty well and staying busy. The first night my friend, Julia, and her daughter, Clara, spent the night, which was fun. Julia brought dinner, which was a huge help. We had done two errands that day and that was enough for Grace. So, we didn't make it to the grocery store.
The next day we went to "Flip Zone" at Parkettes. The kids really enjoyed running around and playing on the equipment. Then we met Grandma and Grandpa at Perkins to see "Mickey Mouse." The kids had a ball and truly believed it was he.
Today we had planned to go to Wildwater Kingdom. It was actually quite cool today and Grace wasn't that interested in going so we just stayed home. Joanna was here and we opened every window we could open in the house and turned off the a/c. Oh, it makes such a difference! The house smells fresh and is naturally cool. She is great with the kids and is an extra set of eyes. It was very handy to have her here once I got the call that we had a showing today.
I put Lola down at noon and then had to wake her before 2. We went to get the cashier's check for the car Rich is buying this weekend. Before that we went to McDonald's and the kids played on the outdoor playground and barely ate anything, which didn't bother me!
We came home for a while and then went to G&G's for dinner. They had bought Lincoln Logs for Lola's birthday and the girls played with them while there, which they enjoyed. After that we came home and watched a marathon of "Jon and Kate Plus 8."
Lola's speech is developing daily. Everyday she says something new. She will usually repeat what we say to her. She is putting two and three words together. Still my favorites are "love Mama" and "night night Mama." Joanna insists Lola is speaking Polish by the way she says "mama."
Grace is always making up a play and always wants to pretend. Tonight she wanted to pretend we had 100 kids. Other times she talks with me about very serious things. She asked me about something and I said that I usually tell her the real story not just what you would tell a child. She told me that's why she's so mature.
I got the roster for Lola's preschool class. I sent an email to the other 7 families and have heard back from several. One family is moving to CT from South Africa. They have all been very welcoming and have offered to help.
I saw my first fire fly tonight. I guess it really is summer!
We're heading to OH on Saturday to pick up Rich's car he's buying. He found it on eBay and decided to pick it up instead of have it shipped so we could go visit Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Bill. Rich will drive it back to CT on Sunday and I'll stay til Monday or Tuesday.
I titled this "Day #3" because it's the third day that I've been with the kids without Rich home. We're doing pretty well and staying busy. The first night my friend, Julia, and her daughter, Clara, spent the night, which was fun. Julia brought dinner, which was a huge help. We had done two errands that day and that was enough for Grace. So, we didn't make it to the grocery store.
The next day we went to "Flip Zone" at Parkettes. The kids really enjoyed running around and playing on the equipment. Then we met Grandma and Grandpa at Perkins to see "Mickey Mouse." The kids had a ball and truly believed it was he.
Today we had planned to go to Wildwater Kingdom. It was actually quite cool today and Grace wasn't that interested in going so we just stayed home. Joanna was here and we opened every window we could open in the house and turned off the a/c. Oh, it makes such a difference! The house smells fresh and is naturally cool. She is great with the kids and is an extra set of eyes. It was very handy to have her here once I got the call that we had a showing today.
I put Lola down at noon and then had to wake her before 2. We went to get the cashier's check for the car Rich is buying this weekend. Before that we went to McDonald's and the kids played on the outdoor playground and barely ate anything, which didn't bother me!
We came home for a while and then went to G&G's for dinner. They had bought Lincoln Logs for Lola's birthday and the girls played with them while there, which they enjoyed. After that we came home and watched a marathon of "Jon and Kate Plus 8."
Lola's speech is developing daily. Everyday she says something new. She will usually repeat what we say to her. She is putting two and three words together. Still my favorites are "love Mama" and "night night Mama." Joanna insists Lola is speaking Polish by the way she says "mama."
Grace is always making up a play and always wants to pretend. Tonight she wanted to pretend we had 100 kids. Other times she talks with me about very serious things. She asked me about something and I said that I usually tell her the real story not just what you would tell a child. She told me that's why she's so mature.
I got the roster for Lola's preschool class. I sent an email to the other 7 families and have heard back from several. One family is moving to CT from South Africa. They have all been very welcoming and have offered to help.
I saw my first fire fly tonight. I guess it really is summer!
We're heading to OH on Saturday to pick up Rich's car he's buying. He found it on eBay and decided to pick it up instead of have it shipped so we could go visit Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Bill. Rich will drive it back to CT on Sunday and I'll stay til Monday or Tuesday.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Crazy Day
Well, if yesterday was a lazy day, you could call today a crazy day! Thankfully Lola slept fairly well last night, but was up at 6:23 am. No rest for Momma! And I forgot to mention she was crying for her shoes! She adores shoes and usually wants to sleep in them. The first pair I found were squeaky shoes. These are the cute little shoes that squeak when the child walks. Well, it's not so cute that early in the am. Grace told me she was kept up by them and that's why she got up so early. Silly me!
We lied in our bed for a little while, but once I saw that she wasn't going to go back to sleep we got up and started our day. From then til 12:30 I was working to get the house presentable for the open house.
At 7:45 the doorbell rang and the piano movers were on the porch an hour and fifteen minutes early. Luckily Rich was just on his way down the stairs because I was still in my jammies. The guys did a great job moving the piano out. We look forward to having a "brand new" piano when it gets delivered to us in CT. Rich bought this 6 foot 5 inch Kawai grand piano back in his Chicago days and it has followed him ever since-that's a lot of moving for a piano!
Rich took the girls to Cabela's, which was great for all of us. I raced around working in and out and when they returned got Grace ready for her birthday party and took Lola over to Grandma's.
The rest of the day was relaxing and uneventful. I keep thinking I need to write the things down that I want to write about. Lola has really taken off with her speech and I think I want to write about it and then I forget!
I realize I write a lot about Lola. She is doing so many new things. But, I do need to mention what a good big sister Grace is to Lola. She loves her very much and will do almost anything for her-most of the time!
We lied in our bed for a little while, but once I saw that she wasn't going to go back to sleep we got up and started our day. From then til 12:30 I was working to get the house presentable for the open house.
At 7:45 the doorbell rang and the piano movers were on the porch an hour and fifteen minutes early. Luckily Rich was just on his way down the stairs because I was still in my jammies. The guys did a great job moving the piano out. We look forward to having a "brand new" piano when it gets delivered to us in CT. Rich bought this 6 foot 5 inch Kawai grand piano back in his Chicago days and it has followed him ever since-that's a lot of moving for a piano!
Rich took the girls to Cabela's, which was great for all of us. I raced around working in and out and when they returned got Grace ready for her birthday party and took Lola over to Grandma's.
The rest of the day was relaxing and uneventful. I keep thinking I need to write the things down that I want to write about. Lola has really taken off with her speech and I think I want to write about it and then I forget!
I realize I write a lot about Lola. She is doing so many new things. But, I do need to mention what a good big sister Grace is to Lola. She loves her very much and will do almost anything for her-most of the time!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Lazy day
Lola hasn't slept well the past two nights. Oh, it reminds me of the "old" days with her not sleeping. How did I survive?! The kids were both up early and we just stayed around most of the day. Lola took a three hour nap and then we went to look at a car for Rich and then to the grocery to pick a cake for Lola's party. Della came over to visit for a while after we returned. Dinner was leftovers and take out from Cali Burrito-yum!
Lola is really trying to talk these days. Today she hugged Grace and said, "Love Grace" in the special way she says it-that only we can understand! She often will hurt me or pretend to hurt me and then I'll say that makes me sad and she'll hug me and say "love." We spent a long time building towers with Lego-type blocks today. She loves building and balls. She took a ruler and was hitting a ball with it on the floor. She'll play catch any time someone will play!
Grace went to a make up swim lesson today. She is doing very well with swimming and has moved up to the next level. When we move I need to find her another swim school. She is just a natural swimmer-or a fish as one of her teachers called her. She got out and rode her new bike today. It has training wheels on it, but just seems so much easier for her to ride than the old one. I'm so glad we got her a good one!
Tomorrow morning a mover is coming to take the piano to NYC for refinishing. They will then deliver it to CT once it's done and we're moved in. It will seem strange without it! Both girls are very interested in the piano, which makes me think lessons aren't far behind.
Rich will take the girls to Cabela's tomorrow for an outing. They love going to see the stuffed animals, aquarium, feed the fish, use the shooting gallery and get snacks and anything else that catches their eye. We have a public open house tomorrow and I've got to get the place looking good again. Once the kids are let loose, the place is a disaster! The weather has been very hot and I'm wondering if baking those cookies is a good idea? I also got some flowers and put them in a pretty vase. Here's hoping for some good interest!
When Rich returns with the girls tomorrow he'll take Grace to a birthday party at Bounce U and I'll take Lola for her nap at Grandma's. Hopefully I'll get in some more magazine time!
You may recall my addiction with Etsy.com. I've been looking for fun and different gifts for birthday parties. We have two parties coming up so I had custom capes made for a boy and girl. They have their first initials on the back. They can play super hero or princess with them. I hope they're a hit!
Lola is really trying to talk these days. Today she hugged Grace and said, "Love Grace" in the special way she says it-that only we can understand! She often will hurt me or pretend to hurt me and then I'll say that makes me sad and she'll hug me and say "love." We spent a long time building towers with Lego-type blocks today. She loves building and balls. She took a ruler and was hitting a ball with it on the floor. She'll play catch any time someone will play!
Grace went to a make up swim lesson today. She is doing very well with swimming and has moved up to the next level. When we move I need to find her another swim school. She is just a natural swimmer-or a fish as one of her teachers called her. She got out and rode her new bike today. It has training wheels on it, but just seems so much easier for her to ride than the old one. I'm so glad we got her a good one!
Tomorrow morning a mover is coming to take the piano to NYC for refinishing. They will then deliver it to CT once it's done and we're moved in. It will seem strange without it! Both girls are very interested in the piano, which makes me think lessons aren't far behind.
Rich will take the girls to Cabela's tomorrow for an outing. They love going to see the stuffed animals, aquarium, feed the fish, use the shooting gallery and get snacks and anything else that catches their eye. We have a public open house tomorrow and I've got to get the place looking good again. Once the kids are let loose, the place is a disaster! The weather has been very hot and I'm wondering if baking those cookies is a good idea? I also got some flowers and put them in a pretty vase. Here's hoping for some good interest!
When Rich returns with the girls tomorrow he'll take Grace to a birthday party at Bounce U and I'll take Lola for her nap at Grandma's. Hopefully I'll get in some more magazine time!
You may recall my addiction with Etsy.com. I've been looking for fun and different gifts for birthday parties. We have two parties coming up so I had custom capes made for a boy and girl. They have their first initials on the back. They can play super hero or princess with them. I hope they're a hit!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Weekend Coming Right Up
I got up early to start cleaning for the open house. You'd never know Joanna had been here yesterday! I spent almost every spare moment running around and then took Lola to Grandma and Grandpa's for her nap. I sat and read an entire People and Cookie Magazine! Woohoo!
There was a good showing at the open house with comment cards left behind for us. We're hearing most everything we already know that we can't or don't want to change. We have yet to speak with our realtor, but will discuss how to go forward with her tomorrow.
This weekend Grace will have a make up swim class and a birthday party. Other than that, we'll see what we feel like doing. It's nice to be home for another weekend, although I know I'll be up early cleaning on Sunday for the public open house.
Rich got Grace a new bike this week. Her old bike I had found at a consignment store. She never was able to ride it well. The new bike is a really good one and she's already doing much better with it. The girls rode their bikes after we went to Buca di Bepo tonight.
Lola is really talking up a storm these days. She mostly says the beginning of all words, but if worked on she can usually say the ending, too. She is starting to put multiple words together and is repeating a lot of words we say. With Grace being such an advanced talker, I was a bit concerned about Lola. She's still using signs and words for some things, but mostly using language to communicate.
Our friends aren't able to camp with us next weekend. So, we decided to have a "last hurrah" before Rich starts work on the 16th. We're going up to camp in Lake George again. There is a really great campground there that we tried for the first time last year. We love the area and will be there four nights in the Airstream. Ah luxury! Luxury to me is not having to get up and, um, tinkle outside at night because I don't want to walk to the bathhouse! Oh, and, I actually take showers now when camping because I can do it in the privacy of my own "home!" I'll admit, it's not as rustic as before, but is a heck of a lot more comfy!
I can't believe Grace is on her way to being a first grader! She brought home her nap mat and other things she won't need anymore because they have a field trip tomorrow to the fish hatchery and then three half days next week and that's it! And, little Lola will be two on Tuesday. Time sure does fly!
There was a good showing at the open house with comment cards left behind for us. We're hearing most everything we already know that we can't or don't want to change. We have yet to speak with our realtor, but will discuss how to go forward with her tomorrow.
This weekend Grace will have a make up swim class and a birthday party. Other than that, we'll see what we feel like doing. It's nice to be home for another weekend, although I know I'll be up early cleaning on Sunday for the public open house.
Rich got Grace a new bike this week. Her old bike I had found at a consignment store. She never was able to ride it well. The new bike is a really good one and she's already doing much better with it. The girls rode their bikes after we went to Buca di Bepo tonight.
Lola is really talking up a storm these days. She mostly says the beginning of all words, but if worked on she can usually say the ending, too. She is starting to put multiple words together and is repeating a lot of words we say. With Grace being such an advanced talker, I was a bit concerned about Lola. She's still using signs and words for some things, but mostly using language to communicate.
Our friends aren't able to camp with us next weekend. So, we decided to have a "last hurrah" before Rich starts work on the 16th. We're going up to camp in Lake George again. There is a really great campground there that we tried for the first time last year. We love the area and will be there four nights in the Airstream. Ah luxury! Luxury to me is not having to get up and, um, tinkle outside at night because I don't want to walk to the bathhouse! Oh, and, I actually take showers now when camping because I can do it in the privacy of my own "home!" I'll admit, it's not as rustic as before, but is a heck of a lot more comfy!
I can't believe Grace is on her way to being a first grader! She brought home her nap mat and other things she won't need anymore because they have a field trip tomorrow to the fish hatchery and then three half days next week and that's it! And, little Lola will be two on Tuesday. Time sure does fly!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Open houses coming up!
Yikes! We have a broker's open house tomorrow and our second public open house on Sunday. I was happy that we were going to be home again this weekend, but might not be that happy now that I have to keep the house clean!
Joanna was here today and everything was nice and clean til Grace got home and spilled cereal all over the kitchen and family room! Luckily we were at swim class after school so we haven't been home too long. Daddy is out for dinner and we're just watching a movie.
Grace took a nap after school yesterday, which is always very bad for getting to sleep at night. She was up much later than me-til after 11. Getting up this morning was very difficult. Lately she has been saying she has a sore throat or that she just wants to school to be over or she'll cry and say she'll miss her house and teacher. So, she's definitely mourning somewhat from the news that we're moving. I do think she'll be fine as "she never met a stranger." Believe me, she'll talk to anyone!
Rich's parents took the kids to see Clifford the Big Red Dog at Perkins last night. We tried the new Shula's steakhouse. I'll have to say, being a quasi-vegetarian, it was darn good! Besides having to hear and see the spiel about all the beef, we both chose crab cakes, salads and fish topped off by the molten chocolate cake. It wasn't cheap, but was delicious! The girls had a ball and so did we-thanks G&G!
I've been researching our new area and what's available there. I found a Families with Children from Vietnam group! I'm very excited about this as we haven't had one in DE or PA. We've been a part of the FCC group here, but it's just not the same with everything being about China. There are some families in Fairfield Co. and one in Wilton with girls of similar ages. We're excited to meet them and found out they'll also be at culture camp!
We've got so much going on this summer with packing, moving and a few camping trips. Grace has been begging to go back to camp. So, back we'll go! It's in Glassboro, NJ, which is only 1.5 hours from Allentown. So, provided we're still here, it will be an easy drive.
The house inspection went well. The contracts have been signed on both sides without any disagreements. Now we're just waiting for the financing to come through and the closing on June 30. So, at some point we'll be moving after that. I have a home stager coming to look at our house tomorrow to give us an idea about what she'd do with an empty house. If you'd like to check out our new pad, go to http://www.vifp.com/presentation/video_flash.php?PresID=I5473S1QK2EB7J6236P01RYM3F0761T0&CustID=10904&Branded=logo10904.jpg .
Ok, so it's WAY larger than I had in mind-we're even finishing the basement! However, as Rich points out we want to be able to grow into it, have very specific things that we want that only new houses have, have a big back yard and space for the camper on the back of the property. I feel that if we work with a designer we can make it feel smaller, cozier and more intimate. I've never worked with a designer and am nervous about how to pick the right person to get the outcome we want. Oh, I wish I could hire Candace Olsen!
Joanna was here today and everything was nice and clean til Grace got home and spilled cereal all over the kitchen and family room! Luckily we were at swim class after school so we haven't been home too long. Daddy is out for dinner and we're just watching a movie.
Grace took a nap after school yesterday, which is always very bad for getting to sleep at night. She was up much later than me-til after 11. Getting up this morning was very difficult. Lately she has been saying she has a sore throat or that she just wants to school to be over or she'll cry and say she'll miss her house and teacher. So, she's definitely mourning somewhat from the news that we're moving. I do think she'll be fine as "she never met a stranger." Believe me, she'll talk to anyone!
Rich's parents took the kids to see Clifford the Big Red Dog at Perkins last night. We tried the new Shula's steakhouse. I'll have to say, being a quasi-vegetarian, it was darn good! Besides having to hear and see the spiel about all the beef, we both chose crab cakes, salads and fish topped off by the molten chocolate cake. It wasn't cheap, but was delicious! The girls had a ball and so did we-thanks G&G!
I've been researching our new area and what's available there. I found a Families with Children from Vietnam group! I'm very excited about this as we haven't had one in DE or PA. We've been a part of the FCC group here, but it's just not the same with everything being about China. There are some families in Fairfield Co. and one in Wilton with girls of similar ages. We're excited to meet them and found out they'll also be at culture camp!
We've got so much going on this summer with packing, moving and a few camping trips. Grace has been begging to go back to camp. So, back we'll go! It's in Glassboro, NJ, which is only 1.5 hours from Allentown. So, provided we're still here, it will be an easy drive.
The house inspection went well. The contracts have been signed on both sides without any disagreements. Now we're just waiting for the financing to come through and the closing on June 30. So, at some point we'll be moving after that. I have a home stager coming to look at our house tomorrow to give us an idea about what she'd do with an empty house. If you'd like to check out our new pad, go to http://www.vifp.com/presentation/video_flash.php?PresID=I5473S1QK2EB7J6236P01RYM3F0761T0&CustID=10904&Branded=logo10904.jpg .
Ok, so it's WAY larger than I had in mind-we're even finishing the basement! However, as Rich points out we want to be able to grow into it, have very specific things that we want that only new houses have, have a big back yard and space for the camper on the back of the property. I feel that if we work with a designer we can make it feel smaller, cozier and more intimate. I've never worked with a designer and am nervous about how to pick the right person to get the outcome we want. Oh, I wish I could hire Candace Olsen!
Monday, June 2, 2008
School year pictures
Lola really seems to be blossoming now that she is about to turn 2! Yesterday she said, "Poor Daddy, Sick" and touched her fingers to her face. Sure enough-Rich has had shingles for about a week and a half on his face.
Ms. Stout has a lot of pictures posted on her website that I thought I'd post here. She told me at the birthday party on Sunday that she has a really cute one of Grace and Gusti from the school picnic and field day.
Ok, so I can't remember how to get pix off the web. Here is the link: http://www.swainkids.com/faculty/stout/Parties.html
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