I am so pissed bc it won't quit RAINING! We have had so much rain the last few months. I'm sick of it. It's supposed to rain all week. It's really cutting into Tyler's soccer season. They've already had to cancel 4 games and the way the weather looks this week they will probably not have one on this Saturday either. It doesn't affect Football unless it's storming. Although I am kind of relieved that we don't have to run around like crazies trying to get 2 kids to 2 different locations at the same time for practices on Mon and Tues, and games on Sat.. I feel bad for T when his games and practices are canceled!
They're also supposed to resurface our parking lot here at the apartments, they were supposed to do it last week but couldn't bc it rained. Then we had a couple days of sun, so they rescheduled it.. to start today. Well this morning it was already raining and had been for awhile and look at the forecast and there is NO sun in sight. RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
October 2, 2009
I should have written this yesterday, but I was so busy! It's OCTOBER! One of my favorite months and it's really starting to feel like fall out there. This week's weather has been absolutely incredible! Crisp nights, cool but sunny days, just a slight breeze. Perfect for any outdoor activity and in this house we just love opening the windows at night and snuggling under the covers. We've been keeping busy with football practice and soccer too. This weekend as long as the weather cooperates, T will have his first soccer game since 3 weeks ago. The last 2 have been canceled due to rain or soggy fields. T is such a good soccer player. The last game he played, he was in the whole time. There were 2 kids from the other team that got red carded that game though.. and that is the same team that we're playing this time, so I'm keeping my eyes open for any funny business. This team needs to chill out, it's only recreational soccer, not supposed to be competitive but some coaches don't see it that way and are out for blood. Not being a real competitive person I don't understand why they have to be that way. It is kids' sports after all! Football is out of town, but this will be the last out of town game. They go to Spring City, and then all the rest of them will be on our turf. I'm excited for our team! They got their play books last night. It's really cool to see H doing so well, after he wanted to quit the first day. He's on first string offense and plays tight end. He also plays on the kickoff and kickoff return special teams. The coach asked me last week, "what are y'all feeding, him, dynamite?" because as he said, "He's come alive". I think it's great that they are bragging on him so much. He just eats that up too.. that is what he needs!
Work was SO SLOW in September! It's been weeks since I've had a really busy week. It's rather depressing, but that's the business. It wasn't just me either. Other girls in the building were feeling it too, and the phones have been so quiet. Yesterday started off October with a bang though, and I'm happy we're done with Sept. Although I got to see my family over Labor Day (awesome as always) and my baby boy turned 8 in September so it wasn't all that bad. It's just the work that sucks in September, and February is the same way.
With the fall weather, it's almost that time to change the summer clothes out for winter clothes. The boys and I have already been digging into our winter clothes tubs because of the cool temps in the morning and at night. I am so glad I switched from a huge tub with all of their clothes in one spot to 3 under the bed boxes for theirs. They each have their own, and they are tucked away but still accessible when the day brings about an unseasonal temperature. It is so handy! I don't know why I didn't do that years ago. Also saves me from having to weed through and decide what belongs to whom. These boys grow out of their clothes so fast. One of the nice things about having three boys is hand me downs. As long as the clothes aren't torn up or stained they can pass them down the line. We are always getting new things added thanks to birthdays and Christmas or if there is a good sale going that someone can't pass up. That means T gets almost no hand me downs. I guess that is a perk of being the oldest child.. he always gets the new stuff. The other 2 get new stuff as well, but they have a good bit of hand-me-downs. I need to take him to the thrift store and stock up on jeans. That kid grows out of jeans quicker than anyone I know. He's getting tall, fast. His birthday is coming up too.. the big 13! Scary to think about. Has it really been that long? *sigh*
So less than 3 months till Christmas is here. The year has really flown by! I'm looking forward to the holidays, though this year I won't be able to travel to see my family. Even though I don't see them enough and I miss them like crazy, I just can't miss any more work. So we'll plan on having a nice little gathering, just the 5 of us. For Thanksgiving and for Christmas. Maybe Mike's family also? Not sure how that will work out. I am thinking this year that instead of cooking a huge meal like I did last year for Thanksgiving, eating out might not be a bad idea. The kitchen in this apartment is not conducive to that kind of cooking. Instead it reminds me of a walk in closet they decided would be a good spot for a kitchen. I definitely look forward to being in a bigger space, but for now we can stick it out. It'll be worth it in the end. Like Dave Ramsey says... "live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else." A little financial sacrifice now will definitely be worth it in the not too distant future.
I've been working on getting myself into better shape before the holidays get here too. Over the last year I've become "soft" and just been happy and enjoying my life. But the scale has been crawling up there. I'm back to where I was 2 years ago when I realized I needed to change things up and not "let myself go" I'm not heavy or thick by any definition of the word. I know there are a lot of people out there that would compare themselves to me and say what are you talking about? But for my frame the weight I am is on the border of being too much, and if I don't do something different then I will really regret it later. I'm used to being 110 lbs soaking wet my whole life.. now in my 30s, my metabolism has been slowing and I just need to watch my portions and make an effort to exercise on a regular basis. It's not so much as the weight (but that is a good indicator for me) as it is fitting into my clothes well and overall just feeling better and having more energy. I've been doing really well! The last 2 weeks I've been consistent with my exercise, at least 3 if not 4 or 5 times a week. Labor Day week was a washout, but the week leading up to it I worked out 4x. I'm not quite to the point where it's a habit yet.. that takes a full month at least, so I still have to fake it some days and just push myself. But I've been getting that done and eating more salads for lunch, or just a smaller portion of what I would normally have. And I'm drinking more water and less cokes. Baby steps.. that is what it takes!
Work was SO SLOW in September! It's been weeks since I've had a really busy week. It's rather depressing, but that's the business. It wasn't just me either. Other girls in the building were feeling it too, and the phones have been so quiet. Yesterday started off October with a bang though, and I'm happy we're done with Sept. Although I got to see my family over Labor Day (awesome as always) and my baby boy turned 8 in September so it wasn't all that bad. It's just the work that sucks in September, and February is the same way.
With the fall weather, it's almost that time to change the summer clothes out for winter clothes. The boys and I have already been digging into our winter clothes tubs because of the cool temps in the morning and at night. I am so glad I switched from a huge tub with all of their clothes in one spot to 3 under the bed boxes for theirs. They each have their own, and they are tucked away but still accessible when the day brings about an unseasonal temperature. It is so handy! I don't know why I didn't do that years ago. Also saves me from having to weed through and decide what belongs to whom. These boys grow out of their clothes so fast. One of the nice things about having three boys is hand me downs. As long as the clothes aren't torn up or stained they can pass them down the line. We are always getting new things added thanks to birthdays and Christmas or if there is a good sale going that someone can't pass up. That means T gets almost no hand me downs. I guess that is a perk of being the oldest child.. he always gets the new stuff. The other 2 get new stuff as well, but they have a good bit of hand-me-downs. I need to take him to the thrift store and stock up on jeans. That kid grows out of jeans quicker than anyone I know. He's getting tall, fast. His birthday is coming up too.. the big 13! Scary to think about. Has it really been that long? *sigh*
So less than 3 months till Christmas is here. The year has really flown by! I'm looking forward to the holidays, though this year I won't be able to travel to see my family. Even though I don't see them enough and I miss them like crazy, I just can't miss any more work. So we'll plan on having a nice little gathering, just the 5 of us. For Thanksgiving and for Christmas. Maybe Mike's family also? Not sure how that will work out. I am thinking this year that instead of cooking a huge meal like I did last year for Thanksgiving, eating out might not be a bad idea. The kitchen in this apartment is not conducive to that kind of cooking. Instead it reminds me of a walk in closet they decided would be a good spot for a kitchen. I definitely look forward to being in a bigger space, but for now we can stick it out. It'll be worth it in the end. Like Dave Ramsey says... "live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else." A little financial sacrifice now will definitely be worth it in the not too distant future.
I've been working on getting myself into better shape before the holidays get here too. Over the last year I've become "soft" and just been happy and enjoying my life. But the scale has been crawling up there. I'm back to where I was 2 years ago when I realized I needed to change things up and not "let myself go" I'm not heavy or thick by any definition of the word. I know there are a lot of people out there that would compare themselves to me and say what are you talking about? But for my frame the weight I am is on the border of being too much, and if I don't do something different then I will really regret it later. I'm used to being 110 lbs soaking wet my whole life.. now in my 30s, my metabolism has been slowing and I just need to watch my portions and make an effort to exercise on a regular basis. It's not so much as the weight (but that is a good indicator for me) as it is fitting into my clothes well and overall just feeling better and having more energy. I've been doing really well! The last 2 weeks I've been consistent with my exercise, at least 3 if not 4 or 5 times a week. Labor Day week was a washout, but the week leading up to it I worked out 4x. I'm not quite to the point where it's a habit yet.. that takes a full month at least, so I still have to fake it some days and just push myself. But I've been getting that done and eating more salads for lunch, or just a smaller portion of what I would normally have. And I'm drinking more water and less cokes. Baby steps.. that is what it takes!
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14th, 2009
Mid-September already...this year is going WAY too fast. I know, we always say that! But it's true. Time just flies anymore. I know I haven't blogged in awhile. We've been busy. Since the last time, we went on a trip to Mattawan, MI where my stepdad and mom have not one but now two cottages on Pretty Lake. One is just a summer cottage (thankfully it is still warm in September!) and the other is their year round second home. They are very fortunate. Last year was our first annual Labor Day family week there and I went with the boys. This year it was just me and Mike, so we flew up on Thursday and everyone met up at Detroit airport. We all flew from there to Kalamazoo (aka Kazoo), a 30 minute flight. Then it was just a quick 20 minute drive onto Mattawan. Two cars had to be rented to fit us all. In attendance was myself, Mike, Mom & John, Eric, Jillian and 7 1/2 month old Ella, and my grandma was even there this year. What a treat to be able to spend so much time with my grandmother when there wasn't wedding or graduation planning going on. It was also a great time for my family to get to know Mike better. It was the first meeting for Grandma and Mike, and I think they hit it off :) Everyone loves him which makes me happy. I had no doubt that they would though!
Before we arrived at Pretty Lake, we made a pit stop at Crooked Lake to get some sub sandwiches. It took awhile to get 7 subs made (poor kid was stunned when we all walked in wanting a sub order) but they were well worth the wait. I was also lusting after the pizza they had in the hot display, it looked SO good topped with bubbly melty cheese on it. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! After purchasing our sandwiches (and some beer, of course) we arrived at Pretty Lake. The summer cottage was open and ready for us. Mike and I unloaded our belongings there, and we all ate on the enclosed porch. The weather was fantastic.. but the bees were wanting our sandwiches too, so we ate inside.
Before we arrived at Pretty Lake, we made a pit stop at Crooked Lake to get some sub sandwiches. It took awhile to get 7 subs made (poor kid was stunned when we all walked in wanting a sub order) but they were well worth the wait. I was also lusting after the pizza they had in the hot display, it looked SO good topped with bubbly melty cheese on it. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! After purchasing our sandwiches (and some beer, of course) we arrived at Pretty Lake. The summer cottage was open and ready for us. Mike and I unloaded our belongings there, and we all ate on the enclosed porch. The weather was fantastic.. but the bees were wanting our sandwiches too, so we ate inside.
After lunch and a quick tour of the place Mike and I would be sleeping in, we headed up to the main cottage. Grandma, Jillian, Mom and I planned out the meals for the week and soon went to the grocery store. Mike, Eric and John got all of the water toys ready. We had canoes, kayaks, sailboat, and of course fishing equipment. When John purchased the summer cottage, it also came with a pontoon boat, aka "the float boat" which was a lot of fun to use. Mike and I enjoyed the kayaks a lot too. If there was ever a time that I couldn't locate him, all I had to do was look to the water, and I would see him out there in the kayak. I'm really glad he found something out there to enjoy so much. He and I also had a couple ping-pong tournaments, where he totally kicked my butt, but it was a lot of fun. I am so NOT competitive in sports. I will play and I will enjoy it, but if I lose, it's no big deal. I just enjoy spending time with him doing something fun.
Each night around 6pm we had happy hour. Whether it was in the screened porch, or on the float boat, it was so relaxing. The whole trip was! A couple of nights, John's brother Steve and his wife Pat joined us. Grandma had brought her hot canned dilly beans and asparagus with her for happy hour.. MAN were they good! I still have some that I brought home with me in my fridge.. YUM.
The star of the week was of course, baby Ella. She is so sweet! I have been so lucky to have been able to see her every few months since April. Now of course I don't know when I will, but I try not to think about that. Eric and Jillian are excellent parents. They are also extremely blessed to have such an easy going baby. She is so happy almost all of the time!
It was an amazing 5 days. I look forward to many more years there making memories with my family. And we did get to enjoy some of that yummy pizza. Monday during the day was "clean out the fridge day" so we ate up all the leftovers we could, and then ordered pizza for that night. It was even better than I had imagined it would taste like!
Tuesday afternoon, Mike and I returned home before the boys got off the school bus, then it was back to life as we know it. Back to soccer and football practices, homework, dinners and bedtime.. getting up early the next day to do it all over again.
Life is going well, work for Mike is busy and at times stressful, but that is the job. Week to week for me is up and down. Can be crazy busy or very slow and sporadic. That is MY job. I am very happy where I'm at right now, the boys are settling into school very well now. No more calls from teachers during the day *knock on wood* and A will be starting after school tutoring to give him some extra help, 2x a week. He is looking forward to his first field trip tomorrow. H is also doing better, and as long as he gets his assignments turned in on time, he should be good. T is still "bored" with school but he does well. I really hope he gets turned onto something he wants to learn more about though.
Over the weekend T had a soccer game.. his team won 7 to 1. He always plays his heart out, and he did this weekend too, stayed in the entire game in fact. We can't attend both games, but his dad was able to go so kept me informed. Mike and I attended H's football game and they won 30-0. It was a great game, the boys played well. H has improved so much this year. The very first day he wanted to quit, and then he was one of "the six" they just rotated in the game because they have to give everyone some play time... and now he's on the first string kickoff and kickoff return teams, as well as being able to play on defense during a few plays. He got "most improved" title last week at practice. I hope he keeps it up! The coaches are super proud of him, and so are we. It's really enjoyable to see him doing so well and making great strides like he has.
Well it's another Monday morning here, the boys are up and off to school already, and I am going to get to the business of doing my exercise. I was able to do it 3x the week leading up to Labor Day, and even got in a Curves workout with Mom & Grandma one day of vacation, but last week after we got back I wasn't motivated at all. I just have to keep taking swings at it till I get in the habit. No more vacations planned for now, so now is a good a time as any to develop this one.
TTFN!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Piney Falls
In Grandview, TN off hwy 68 South going toward Spring City. A relatively short hike, easy with just a few steep spots (especially to get this shot) Perfect way to spend a 65 degree weather Sunday morning. Back home before noon to take on the rest of the day!
I would love to go back with a camera that I can adjust the ISO settings on to get a different effect from the waterfall. My little powershot is great, but not all I would want from scenery like this.
I would love to go back with a camera that I can adjust the ISO settings on to get a different effect from the waterfall. My little powershot is great, but not all I would want from scenery like this.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Fall is definitely here
Well school is in full swing! The boys have had their first full week, and it's gone ok. T already had his first test, and has a paper due on Monday. He's realized that 7th grade is serious business. He says he doesn't like school and it's boring, but he is a good student. I am grateful for that. H had a rocky start this week.. with missing 4 homework assignments, he lost all his free passes for late assignments. Which means the next time he gets detention. This is a new school and not knowing the procedures, he got a free pass with the 4th one (but a call home to talk to me about it) so now we're going to really have to stay on top of things and be in better communication with school. H is really good at "forgetting" stuff, like homework, until it's too late, so as long as I know what he's supposed to be doing, I can keep on top of it. A seems to be doing well. Still needs work on his handwriting, but in my opinion, what 3rd grade BOY doesn't? I really want to try to help him on that at home. I know he can write neater if he just slows down some. Apparently he doesn't like riding the bus, it's a little crowded and hard to find a seat when he gets on, and the bus driver got onto him.. he just needs to be a little faster getting settled when he gets on there. The first week of school always seems so hard getting back into the swing of things, especially at a new school where everything is so unfamiliar.
Our week of practices with fall sports was busy. 2 practices on Monday, and then a practice (either football or soccer) on each of the other days of the week. Skip Wednesday because of Youth Group.. and Saturday games. Not to mention homework, dinner, showers, and if we're lucky, time to read together before bed. I try to enjoy the moments now, but I will be glad when the schedule eases up in November. Today's games went pretty well. T's soccer game was pretty good.. our team was making mistakes all over the place, but they played well together and played hard. T really played his heart out!
H's games went well. Today was Jamboree day where all the conference teams come up to Crossville to play 2 short games. 8 plays on offense, 8 plays on defense games. A preview to the season, if you will. H's team won both of their games, with all 3 of the touchdowns being scored by the Cortland Finnegan (scrappiness) /Chris Johnson (speed wise) of our team. That kid is so athletic! He was on H's basketball team the one season he played, and was the star of that team as well. H and his teammates were so pumped at the end of the 2nd game (the only one I saw, since T's soccer game was going on before the first football game, couldn't be 2 places at once). A few shots from that game (the last one is my favorite)
Me and my sports players:
and preseason Titans football games have begun! We got to go see the first home preseason game at LP Field.. had so much fun. Yeah so our seats were 6th row from the top, I didn't care. Loved being there and had the best time with Mike!
The weather has been cooler today, which is giving me the itch to get out in the woods again. We don't like to hike when it's hot. I miss it! I think we're going to get out there early tomorrow. Stay tuned for pics. I just love East TN scenery. L-O-V-E it.
Friday, August 7, 2009
It's that time again!
School is about to start. A week from today in fact, is the first full day. The boys are starting a new school this year (it's closer to home). It wasn't an easy decision for me to make, I really liked the school they were at before...but I think it will be a positive change for them. The new school is a good one, I've heard lots of great things about it so I'm excited.
T only has 2 more years of middle school before he's in High School. That is really unbelievable to me when I think about it. Seems as though it was just yesterday I was holding him as a newborn in my arms, and now he's almost as tall as me. He's pretty proud of that fact, though as my mom and I joke with him "it really isn't *that* tall" ;) What a smart and funny kid he is! I really want to encourage him to try to figure out what he wants to study in college. Get serious about school while he still can, and not have bad study habits in school like I did. I look forward to the homework time after school this year (sounds crazy maybe.. but it's true) Soccer is starting again and he is playing once again this year. I'm really excited for him. He has a new coach this year, and the U-13 level is new to him as well. It should be a fun year playing on a bigger field and learning new moves. My soccer star once again :)
H is going into 5th grade and like his brother, it's unbelievable to me that we're at this age with him. He is really growing up to be a great kid. He's always been.... challenging to say the least, but always a sweetheart when it comes down to it. He's still my strong willed one: when he has his mind set on something, it's very difficult to change his mind. His imagination and interest in drama, music, etc is impressive. He loves to sing. And boy does that kid LOVE to argue! If he was convinced that he could fly we'd be in trouble. I can't decide if he should be an actor or a lawyer. Maybe he will be both :) He is playing football for the first time this year, and the practices started out a little rocky with him ready to quit the first day of hard hitting in pads, but after some talking to from us and from his dad, he gave it another shot and the next couple days weren't as bad. He is getting the hang of how to "hit from behind his pads". I love seeing the enthusiasm and excitement on his face. Football seems to be just what he needs to get his energy out. Good thing too, he has a lot of it!
A is going into 3rd this year. My baby! He's still "the baby" in so many ways, but at the same time he's also growing into such a great young man. He's very kind spirited and always looking out for others and concerned for their feelings. I love that about him! He tells me all the time how he wants to be a massage therapist when he gets older, and he will hire me to work in his shop. I love it :) Such a sweet sweet boy. I don't want to baby him though. You can really tell that he looks up to his brothers and wants to do everything they are able to do. He's not playing a sport this year, but he's already tried on H's football gear and says he wants to play next year. I was at first against football (mainly because of the conflict it'd cause with soccer) but I don't feel that way anymore. I'm glad they are excited about something! The schedule might get hectic and we may not get to see every boy's game.. if only we could clone ourselves!
This week has been a WONDERFUL week at work, although busy.. well that is why it's wonderful really. I'm glad. After being gone a lot during our wedding planning, the wedding, and then a week on vacation I needed the money to make up for the missing time. Busy days at work & school, then running kids here and there for sports.. yep.. fall is definitely upon us again! Once school starts I hope I am able to keep everything straight. Thanks to Google calendar I should. More and more I am realizing that I do need a Blackberry to sync up with it because I can't carry my laptop around everywhere I go.. just not feasible. My contract is almost up so I can upgrade w/out paying out the arse for one! Yay for that! :)
Well it's the end of the day on a Friday night, at the end of a busy week. I'm so ready for some downtime. Night night blog world :) Gonna go snuggle up with my favorite person now! *grins*
The rest of the story.. (Honeymoon Journal)
Tuesday July 21st, 2009 (Jen)
We ate breakfast at the condo, then drove to Van Buren state park and scoped out the beach there. Took off our shoes and walked down to where the sign stated "Private Property" before you reach the Nuclear Power Plant. The South Haven Lighthouse looks so tiny from there! Walked back to the jeep, then went to the store for a few supplies for our beach trip tomorrow (thinking Oval Beach). Came back to the condo, made lunch and packed the cooler, ate lunch on the deck. Sandwiches, chips, apples, pickles and beer. Weather could not have been more perfect! Came back up to condo and took a 2 1/2 hour nap. We ate dinner at Clementines after walking around the town some more and doing some souvenier shopping. Plan on walking to south beach tonight to get sunset pictures but it's overcast, so not sure what kind of sunset we'll get to see tonight. The weather is still great :)
Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 (Mike)
Awoke by 8:30 and had breakfast at the condo. I had hard boiled eggs and oatmeal while Jen had eggs & toast. Decided to visit Oval Beach in Saugatuck. Got to see some really cool dunes: biggest yet, and even saw some deer. We had packed a lunch and ate our sandwiches on the beach. Water was 68 degrees according to the sign. Only went into the water a couple of times. Ended up spending about 4 hours there. After we left from the beach we took a quick auto tour of Saugatuck. Arrived back at condo around 4pm. Showered, took a quick nap, etc Ate dinner at the Idler. I had a cheeseburger and Jen had a chicken sandwich. The food was ok but nothing to write home about. We tried again to visit Black River books but they close at 6pm and we got there at 6:30. Will try again tomorrow. We shared a butter pecan wafflecone from the chocolate store. *Very* good! We got some excellent photos of the sunset. Really wonderful experience. We're back at the condo earlier than normal tonight. I've really enjoyed reading through the hiking books John left in the condo. We didn't bring our hiking gear this trip but we hope to bring it for future trips to do some hiking. We're now winding down our day and as I sit here listening to music and jotting down our adventures, I'm reminded of how thankful I am that John and Cyndi have allowed us to stay in the condo. We've made memories and had experiences that will be with us for a lifetime. Thank you John and Cyndi. Good night.
Thursday July 23rd, 2009 (Mike)
Awoke by 9am and had toast and eggs at the condo. Finally made it over to the book store. Didn't buy anything but still enjoyed the trip. Spent the rest of the morning people watching. Picked up sandwiches from the Depot and ate them at the condo. Met up with John, Cyndi and the boys to take a ride on the sloop ship across the river from the condo. Was really neat although I got a bit sea sick from taking Austin down below for a quick look around. Afterwards Jen and I sat and had drinks while John, Cyndi and the boys had lunch at Captain Lou's. Hung out at the condo while John visited a maritime library. John, Cyndi and the boys headed back to Pretty Lake around 5pm. Jen and I had pizza at the Italian place down Kalamazoo Street from Black River Books. Pizza was great! Finished the evening watching the sunset again. Got back to the condo after 10:30 pm. Super enjoyable evening with great scenery, great weather, and great company. We will really miss this place. Back to the rat race soon. Goodnight.
Friday July 24th, 2009 (Jen)
Our last day here. Mike & Jen up at 6am-walked down to the south pier one last time. Forgot camera.. the sunrise looking down the river toward the condo with very few boats out would have been great shots. Will just have to remember it. Fed some ducks on the way to the lighthouse. The people are so friendly here. Saw a few people out and about- mostly fishing. Saw 3 people sleeping on the other side of the lighthouse: 2 men and a woman in between them... interesting. Walked over to the Bakery and had breakfast there. Had eggs, toast and bacon. Coffee with cream for me, Mike had a coke. Bought 2 glazed donuts and ate them out front. Amused by the locals' chatter. One man "Jerry" was out with his "puppy" (Mastiff?) it was HUGE! Another man said how Jerry was dressed up. Jerry said he was going to court that day, to sue Wal-mart! Guess they serviced his car and messed it up, insurance denied the claim, so he is suing them. Can't say I blame the guy. Donut was enjoyable by the way. :) We are sad to leave.. have had a lot of fun this week. Great memories that we will cherish forever. We are already looking forward to our next trip. Hoping to have a DSLR next time! Thanks John & Mom SO much for letting us stay here. Packing it up to spend the day @ Pretty Lake.. another gorgeous spot.
Mike & Jen - - OUT.
We ate breakfast at the condo, then drove to Van Buren state park and scoped out the beach there. Took off our shoes and walked down to where the sign stated "Private Property" before you reach the Nuclear Power Plant. The South Haven Lighthouse looks so tiny from there! Walked back to the jeep, then went to the store for a few supplies for our beach trip tomorrow (thinking Oval Beach). Came back to the condo, made lunch and packed the cooler, ate lunch on the deck. Sandwiches, chips, apples, pickles and beer. Weather could not have been more perfect! Came back up to condo and took a 2 1/2 hour nap. We ate dinner at Clementines after walking around the town some more and doing some souvenier shopping. Plan on walking to south beach tonight to get sunset pictures but it's overcast, so not sure what kind of sunset we'll get to see tonight. The weather is still great :)
Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 (Mike)
Awoke by 8:30 and had breakfast at the condo. I had hard boiled eggs and oatmeal while Jen had eggs & toast. Decided to visit Oval Beach in Saugatuck. Got to see some really cool dunes: biggest yet, and even saw some deer. We had packed a lunch and ate our sandwiches on the beach. Water was 68 degrees according to the sign. Only went into the water a couple of times. Ended up spending about 4 hours there. After we left from the beach we took a quick auto tour of Saugatuck. Arrived back at condo around 4pm. Showered, took a quick nap, etc Ate dinner at the Idler. I had a cheeseburger and Jen had a chicken sandwich. The food was ok but nothing to write home about. We tried again to visit Black River books but they close at 6pm and we got there at 6:30. Will try again tomorrow. We shared a butter pecan wafflecone from the chocolate store. *Very* good! We got some excellent photos of the sunset. Really wonderful experience. We're back at the condo earlier than normal tonight. I've really enjoyed reading through the hiking books John left in the condo. We didn't bring our hiking gear this trip but we hope to bring it for future trips to do some hiking. We're now winding down our day and as I sit here listening to music and jotting down our adventures, I'm reminded of how thankful I am that John and Cyndi have allowed us to stay in the condo. We've made memories and had experiences that will be with us for a lifetime. Thank you John and Cyndi. Good night.
Thursday July 23rd, 2009 (Mike)
Awoke by 9am and had toast and eggs at the condo. Finally made it over to the book store. Didn't buy anything but still enjoyed the trip. Spent the rest of the morning people watching. Picked up sandwiches from the Depot and ate them at the condo. Met up with John, Cyndi and the boys to take a ride on the sloop ship across the river from the condo. Was really neat although I got a bit sea sick from taking Austin down below for a quick look around. Afterwards Jen and I sat and had drinks while John, Cyndi and the boys had lunch at Captain Lou's. Hung out at the condo while John visited a maritime library. John, Cyndi and the boys headed back to Pretty Lake around 5pm. Jen and I had pizza at the Italian place down Kalamazoo Street from Black River Books. Pizza was great! Finished the evening watching the sunset again. Got back to the condo after 10:30 pm. Super enjoyable evening with great scenery, great weather, and great company. We will really miss this place. Back to the rat race soon. Goodnight.
Friday July 24th, 2009 (Jen)
Our last day here. Mike & Jen up at 6am-walked down to the south pier one last time. Forgot camera.. the sunrise looking down the river toward the condo with very few boats out would have been great shots. Will just have to remember it. Fed some ducks on the way to the lighthouse. The people are so friendly here. Saw a few people out and about- mostly fishing. Saw 3 people sleeping on the other side of the lighthouse: 2 men and a woman in between them... interesting. Walked over to the Bakery and had breakfast there. Had eggs, toast and bacon. Coffee with cream for me, Mike had a coke. Bought 2 glazed donuts and ate them out front. Amused by the locals' chatter. One man "Jerry" was out with his "puppy" (Mastiff?) it was HUGE! Another man said how Jerry was dressed up. Jerry said he was going to court that day, to sue Wal-mart! Guess they serviced his car and messed it up, insurance denied the claim, so he is suing them. Can't say I blame the guy. Donut was enjoyable by the way. :) We are sad to leave.. have had a lot of fun this week. Great memories that we will cherish forever. We are already looking forward to our next trip. Hoping to have a DSLR next time! Thanks John & Mom SO much for letting us stay here. Packing it up to spend the day @ Pretty Lake.. another gorgeous spot.
Mike & Jen - - OUT.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Honeymoon Journal
(Mike) We arrived around lunch. Cyndi showed us the condo and we all went to the Idler for lunch. It was a little on the cool side sitting on the lower level with no sun but plenty of wind. We all enjoyed watching Tyler, Hunter and Austin feed the ducks and gulls afterward.
Jen and I explored while Cyndi took the boys to the south beach. Jen and I walked to the north shore pier and really enjoyed the walk (note to self: wearing flip flops was a bad idea)
Met with Cyndi again around 5pm as she bought a few groceries to use on our stay. Shortly afterward, she went back to Pretty Lake with the boys. Ate dinner @ Captain Lou's. Jen got chicken strips and I got the perch platter and we both had a couple of beers. Overall not bad.. kind of expensive for the type of food we got.
Met with Cyndi again around 5pm as she bought a few groceries to use on our stay. Shortly afterward, she went back to Pretty Lake with the boys. Ate dinner @ Captain Lou's. Jen got chicken strips and I got the perch platter and we both had a couple of beers. Overall not bad.. kind of expensive for the type of food we got.
We then walked to the light house on the south pier to watch the sun set. We really enjoyed each other's company and it was a beautiful evening. Walked back and shared an ice cream cone. Jen and I really appreciate John and Cyndi's hospitality and kindness. It means a lot to both of us.
Negative People.. lol
This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade. So remember this story the next time someone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your life miserable. Read it to the very end.
A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:
" Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty.. You're crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"
"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. " That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and
they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?"
"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome 's Tiber River called Teste."
"Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump."
"We're going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope."
"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant.
Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The
hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome .
"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"
"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."
"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we
toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.
Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."
"Oh, really! What'd he say ?"
He said: "Who f**ked up your hair?"
A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:
" Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty.. You're crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"
"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. " That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and
they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?"
"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome 's Tiber River called Teste."
"Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump."
"We're going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope."
"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant.
Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The
hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome .
"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"
"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."
"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we
toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.
Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."
"Oh, really! What'd he say ?"
He said: "Who f**ked up your hair?"
almost the end of the work day..
So plans changed for tonight. I get to go home after this highlight is done and hang with my hubby for the rest of the night. Sans kids. Sounds like an awesome way to spend an evening if you ask me. I might just buy him dinner since I had such a good day at work today. Almost finished! 5 more minutes till this hilite needs to be shampoo'ed. My feet are glad for the break. I really could use a margarita too.. just sayin'.
Stuff
I decided to blog because Twitter is 140 or less each entry and I get poked at by a friend if I "write a book" lol so I'll just write my books here. I've deleted my Myspace and unless I'm playing a game (which I am just not interested in lately) or browsing through family pictures or chatting with a friend, Facebook has kind of lost its shiny for me too. (But I'm keeping it, it's the best way to keep in touch with my family, and friends all over) Writing has always been an outlet for me. Twitter is what I call "Micro-blogging" and frankly I've missed blogging even though I didn't keep up with it like I wanted to last time. I have a lot of nothing to ramble about, but hey it's my blog. If you don't like what I have to say, you don't have to read it :) Journaling is a great way to keep the memory sharp. I hate my handwriting at times though, and I do much better at typing. SO there you have it.
When we were on our honeymoon we stayed at the family owned condo in South Haven, MI. What a great place! There is a journal there (as there is one at the Pretty Lake cottage) so we made a point to write in it each night. I took pictures of the entries so I can type them out. I will start this blog off that way, by sharing those journal entries with you. But not now, I have to get ready for work, do some laundry before I go to work, and it's going to be a long day. I have only 4 customers today but those will take me from 10am till about 4:30 (1 haircut and 3 chemical services with haircuts) Good money day. Then Mike is supposed to look at a customer's printer for her (he does computer work but he knows about printers too) and then she wants to take us to dinner. Tomorrow is going to be a full day too. I have a bridal hair practice in the am, then by 1pm we'll be on the road to Nashville with Mike's brother, his daughter & her boyfriend to go watch the Titans Training camp. I'm excited to see them in person. Hoping to make it to a couple games this season. Saturday we'll be in Nasvhille still, come home sometime that day. Sunday going to Knoxville to get the boys from the airport. They have been in Florida all week visiting my dad and stepmom and the family there. So as you can tell I'm not going to have much time to write out those journal entries between now and the end of the weekend. Maybe I can get to it Sunday.
As I sit on the sofa with the screen door open, I notice my poor flowers in the hanging basket on the porch are looking sad. I think I need to repot them. My lilies have lost their blooms and I'm not sure if they are going to come back :\ But I can't plant anything in the ground here. It's all in containers. At least the Sage and Thyme I have growing is doing well. Kaitlan gave me some mint from her garden for tea. It smells so good. I would grow that but that stuff tends to take over. I will wait till I have a real yard to do that kind of gardening. I've got the itch to get my hands in the dirt again. I miss having flower gardens. I want to have a salad garden too.
As I sit on the sofa with the screen door open, I notice my poor flowers in the hanging basket on the porch are looking sad. I think I need to repot them. My lilies have lost their blooms and I'm not sure if they are going to come back :\ But I can't plant anything in the ground here. It's all in containers. At least the Sage and Thyme I have growing is doing well. Kaitlan gave me some mint from her garden for tea. It smells so good. I would grow that but that stuff tends to take over. I will wait till I have a real yard to do that kind of gardening. I've got the itch to get my hands in the dirt again. I miss having flower gardens. I want to have a salad garden too.
Been up since 5:30 this am thanks to Mike having to go to Chattanooga (2nd day in a row) got up and made my bed (go me lol) and been cruising the Internet for an hour since he left for work. Ok, I'm getting off my bootie to take a shower and get my day started now.
Till later :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
First post
Ok so I decided to start blogging again. It's been a year.. about time right? Mike and I were married 18 days ago, life is getting back to a new normal, and I have some stuff to write about :) So stay tuned...
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