Amy

It wasn't until I was an adult and had a move under my belt before I realized just how true the old saying 'everything happens for a reason' is.  I've blogged about it before.  I feel like our move to NY happened to show me how strong I really was.  Being a 'single mom' to an infant before we were reunited in NY and then just making that initial, super hard move away from Ohio....both just showed me how much I could handle and how much strength I had.  Then, we moved to Arkansas.  I feel like I blogged about this, too, but I've always said the move to Arkansas happened so that I could meet Amy (the first Amy....apparently all the great people I meet are named Amy!).  She and I were instant friends and it felt SO good to have someone here that I could connect with so much.  There was a reason that we both moved here around the same time, with boys that were similar ages, and joined the same playgroup.  We still miss her and her family every day. 

A few weeks ago, I was doing a party in the next town over and drove past a house we had looked at when we were here on our trip back in 2010 to look for a place to live.  It was down to two choices, this house and that one.  I really wanted that house, because it had a neighborhood pool and playground.  And then, it hit me.  There was a reason that house didn't work out.  If it had, we wouldn't have met Amy and Pete.  

Amy was another person that I met and felt completely at home with.  We are alike in so many ways and I know I can be totally honest with her and not feel judged.  Again, just like with the Faminis, it's so nice to have friends that Jarrod and I both like spending time with and our kids get along.  And it's pretty awesome that it takes less than a minute to get to their house!  

It's a special bond.

I think I've shared some about Amy's story here, but I'm not sure...  Long story short, just 6 months after we met them, Amy gave birth to triplets very prematurely.  When you live far from your family, you understand what fears go through someone's head when something comes up that you'd normally rely on family for.  We were so glad that we had Amy and Chris to watch Gavin for us when Riley was born because I wouldn't have trusted anyone else with him.  Needless to say, their world was turned upside down, and without their family nearby, Jarrod and I were more than happy to take care of things here for them so that they could focus on their family, both immediately after the birth and in the months that followed while they were in St. Louis with Maggie.

It hit me that night that there was a great reason we ended up in this house.  If we hadn't, I wouldn't have met Amy and we wouldn't have formed such a great friendship.  Our kids wouldn't have met Harper.  And we wouldn't have been able to take care of their home and pets while they were gone.  In the end, that's what friends do.  All we did was help our friends, like we think anyone would've done, but had we ended up in that other house, none of that would've ever happened, and I never would have known what an incredible woman Amy is.

Ohio Fun!

After Jarrod and I got a few hours of sleep, we were up and ready to go.  We spent some time hanging out at Mimi and Beepa's house, and then everyone got ready for a trip to the aquarium.  It was fun and the kids loved it.  We finished the day with pizza (from LaRosa's of course!) and gifts for the kids.  We always celebrate Christmas early while we're there, and it makes it fun because the kids have stuff to play with during our trip.

Can you tell in this picture how excited he was to get all the Star Wars DVDs???  And Riley's favorite gift?  New boots!  She immediately had to put them on and dance all around in them.  Somehow, the new boots taught her how to skip!  {Which I wish I had a video of to share...it was really like she was walking with a limp, but she thought she was skipping.}

Around midnight, my mom came in to wake me up and let me know that Gavin, who was sleeping in their room, was up calling for me with a fever.  And so began the remainder of our week dealing with up and down fevers and coughs, until he got meds for bronchitis on Wednesday.  Poor guy!  We missed out on a lot of what we had planned to do, but at least he was around all the family!

The next day, my college BFFs made the trek from Columbus and Cleveland to visit with us.  I was so thankful that they even wanted to attempt the trip.  It's a long way to ask people to come for such a short visit, so I didn't bring it up to them...they asked me if they could come!  Great friends. :)  I haven't seen them since 2011 and was thrilled at the thought of meeting Lilah and Claire finally.  It was actually the very first thing I thought about after I consoled Gavin the night before.  I bet the girls won't be able to come now.  But they did still come, and poor Gavin just had to stay up in my parents' room watching Star Wars and napping.  We all went to Skyline for a quick lunch and then hung out at my parents' house, catching up and letting the kids play.  Giovanni was a trooper; he was looking forward to playing with Gavin, but instead had to sit around with with 3 toddler girls!

Moms Groups and Lauren's Fight Fundraiser

One thing you may not know about me is that I'm in a few different 'moms groups.'  I think every mom needs at least one group to belong to.  They are an amazing resource when you need advice, suggestions, ideas, or just somewhere to vent.  Being a SAHM, I truly NEED my moms groups to make it through some days.  I wouldn't give up my job for the world, but there are some days where my only adult interaction is with moms from one of my groups.  

Only one, however, is a physically group that is local to me.  One group is a group of girls I got to know while living in New York, and through the beauty of the Internet, can still keep in touch with through their message board.  And the other is a group of moms from all over the country who connect through an online forum.  Our kids were all born during the summer of 2011, so it's nice to share experiences with other moms about things Riley is going through, be able to offer advice as a mom with an older child, and form friendships, even if they are all 'cyber' friendships.  Some people don't get the online group thing...but I can't imagine not having them.

Not so long ago, another mom, Lauren, in the 'summer moms' group shared with us some shocking news.  At only 29 and with a 15 month old baby boy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Fast forward 6 months or so, and here we are.  Lauren has been going through chemo and has had a bilateral mastectomy....and as you can imagine, medical bills are piling up.  {As crazy as it sounds, in this group of just over 100 moms, Lauren isn't the only one fighting cancer!}  You can read more about Lauren's journey on her blog: http://www.dancingbackwardsinpinkheels.com/

I was honored when one of Lauren's friends, who also happens to be a 'summer mom' from our group approached me with the idea of a Tastefully Simple fundraiser.  You all know how much I love my business, our products, and our company.  And I especially LOVE when I get to do fundraisers.  Doing a TS fundraiser allows me to help out more than I'd otherwise be able to, and for that, I am grateful.

So, want to help?  I'll be posting a fundraiser video in the few days hopefully, but for now, here's a direct link to Lauren's fundraiser.  Thank you for your order, and your support!  We're cheering Lauren on as she kicks cancer's butt!

Lauren's Fight Fundraiser 

And for our Sunday....

Sunday morning, the girls headed out of the hotel bright and early and we all (minus Jarrod) made our way to the safari.  It's the other place we tend to take people because it's not something you can do back home!  :)  

 

It was a lot of fun, but by the end of it, I was ready for it to be over...I was starving, had to pee, and was having contractions in the car and just wanted to get out! :)  

When we got home, Jarrod had a wonderful breakfast ready for us (even though it was lunch time) and we put the boys down for a nap.

Naptime was one of my favorite times all weekend, because it gave us girls time to just sit in the living room and talk.  It was exactly what I miss so much!  Talking about college and our weddings and past girls' weekends....  So much fun!  And of course, there was a lot of baby talk this time around, too.

Sadly, after the boys were up, Angie, Lauren, and Giovanni had to pack up and start their drive back to Ohio.  It was a very short visit, but it was still amazing.  We then took Heidi around town a little bit more and had dinner out before we came home for a walk.  Thankfully, Heidi was there to help push the stroller when my contractions took over since Jarrod had Shirley on her leash.  After Gavin went to bed, Heidi and I sat around and talked some more before heading to bed.

I'm so thankful they all came to see us.  It meant so much to me!

Picking up right where we left off

It's hard to believe it's been almost 11 years since we all first met at The University of Toledo, but thanks to MacKinnon Hall, the College of Education, and aerobics classes at the rec center, Lauren, Angie, Heidi and I all met and bonded immediately.  And, the rest is history!

Despite the fact that it's been over 2 years since we were all in the same place, we picked up this weekend just like we'd never been apart.  I love that about these girls.  We can just sit and talk for hours and think nothing of it!  Which is exactly what we ended up doing when they all got here Friday.  Talking is, afterall, what we do best!  I made us all dinner and then had to head out to work a TS party.  But, bright and early on Saturday, we were back together again.

Gavin and I took the girls to the Farmer's Market to walk around a bit, and then hit up the Promenade for some shopping.  Heidi found some great deals for her baby girl.  {I've developed a little more self control and was able to not buy anything!} Gavin and Giovanni enjoyed playing around the fountain and at the train table at Gavin's favorite store to stop in at the mall.

We headed home and had lunch, and just as we were cleaning up, the girls came in with all kinds of baby shower decorations and balloons and started throwing them up real quick for an impromptu baby shower.  How sweet are they???  {Funny story though - Gavin told me Saturday morning that "my friends had balloons and they hid them."  When I asked if I was suppose to know, he said, "No, it's a secret!"}

They got us some really cute baby clothes, Baby Sister's sound machine, a baby food cookbook, and a CD for the kids to listen to in the car.  And of course, we had cake! :)   

The plan was to swim in the afternoon, but the boys' naps didn't match up so by the time they woke up, it was really close to dinner time.  So, instead we headed out.  We took the long way to dinner and showed off a popular tourist spot here - the Duggar's House!  We had a yummy pizza dinner and made our final stop at Yum Yos.

More pics from the weekend to come later...

Some ramblings

I just have a lot racing through my head, so I thought I'd just ramble for a minute.  It will update you all and make me feel a lot better! :)  I'm planning to post some videos later, too, so stay tuned for those.  

All of you that know Jarrod know that he is usually the one that's super prepared and gets antsy easily.  This time around it's me that's like that!  I'm getting my bag out to start packing some things this weekend.  I have a notebook full of lists that I keep adding to.  Things I need to pack in my bag {can't forget the Flip Camera!}, things I still need to buy for after the baby {yoga pants!}, things that are on my 'wishlist' that I really need to get before she comes {like my baby book - which is now unavailable on Amazon - grrr! and my Moby Wrap, because Tori tells me I NEED one}, things I need to make sure I have ready for Gavin {apple cereal bars are a must!}, and so on, and so on...  I'm already thinking of things we still have to do, like find a place to put the swing and get the car seat installed.

I'm really looking forward to my college best friends visiting next week.  Angie, Heidi, and Lauren will be coming next Friday for a long weekend.  I can't wait for Gavin and Giovanni to play together {Gavin's already told me what toys he's going to share with Giovanni}.  I'm looking forward to lots of girl talk, rubbing Heidi's pregnant belly {hope you don't mind, Heidi!}, probably swapping some massages.  :)  I haven't seen these girls is WAY too long and I almost cried when I found out they were all coming.  Watch out, Jarrod!  It's going to be a girly weekend.  

Gavin started Fit Kids yesterday.  I thought it would be good to sign him up for because it's the first class at the rec that he has to go to by himself {which he thought meant he had to drive himself to...} and I thought it would be a good transition into preschool.  He went right in without hesitation.  I didn't even get a kiss!  He's a very cautious child, and very observant at the beginning of any new experience.  And sure enough, when I peeked in through the window to see if he was following directions, he was usually doing a variation of what he was supposed to be doing while watching the other kids and his teacher.  I know he'll warm up to the class the more he goes.  

Ok - enough rambling...  I'll upload a few videos and then I have to get some more things done.  Nesting has officially hit me!

 

Amy Rocks!

At the end of last summer, I met Amy at a playdate after she had moved here from California with her family.  After a few more playdates, it was obvious that we had a lot in common.  Gavin and Lucas have fun playing together, and I love having someone here that I can trust and hang out with. Having a friend to go through this pregnancy with is also fun - Amy is due in just a few weeks with Baby Sister's future boyfriend! :)

Not only is Amy hosting a small shower for me next week, but she's also volunteered to keep Gavin at their house when I go into labor.  How awesome is that!  So, tonight we're going to do a little trial run.  Jarrod and I are actually going out for a date night - dinner and to see Bridesmaids - while Gavin plays with Lucas.  Then, he'll go ahead and go to bed there to see how he does and so he's had a chance to experience bedtime there before our big day comes.  Fingers crossed he goes down easily for her!

And a funny side note - last night during bath time, Jarrod asked Gavin where he should take me for dinner tonight for our date.  Gavin's {quick} response should have been expected - Chick-Fil-A of course!  According to him, chicken nuggets makes for a great date night.  :)

Thanks, Amy, for being such a great friend!  Can't wait to see your baby boy.  :)

Slumber Party

I guess technically it wasn't a slumber party, but Gavin nearly hosted his first sleepover last weekend.  Amy and Chris asked if we could watch Lucas for a little while, and we were happy to help out.  Gavin loves playing with Lucas!  They play so well together.  

 At bedtime, Gavin offered Lucas his Thomas pillow to lay on and we all gathered for some books.  Then, Daddy took over putting Gav to bed, and I took care of getting Lucas to sleep in our room.  His mommy and daddy came to pick him up a couple hours later.  

It was great having Lucas over, and even greater knowing what wonderful friends we've found here! 

Visiting Friends

I wrote last week about visiting with Tori and her precious kiddos, but not having my camera.  Well, she posted some on her blog of our visit, so I stole them.  :)  Here are some shots of Gavin and Zoe playing together and me with the chunk that is Jack.  Tori is such a great friend of mine, and I love that Zoe and Gavin enjoy playing with one another when we're in town, and looking at each other's pictures on our blogs when we're not!  I especially love the shots of their hug at the end.  Thanks for letting us stop by while we were in town, Tori!  I know you only have a few short hours in the evening with the kiddos, but I loved our visit.

Visit with Sara

Time to start blogging our trip!  We arrived late in the afternoon on Saturday, and ended up having such a fun night!  We played cards and laughed more than I've laughed in a loooong time!  Gotta love having a crazy family!  It was great.

Then, on Sunday, Sara was able to come visit for a few hours.  It was so nice to see her.  We hung out with Gavin for a little bit, but once he was down for his nap we were able to sneak away for lunch. 

 Afterward, we took advantage of the gorgeous November weather and took Gavin to Ault Park.  The kid loves to swing!  Daddy and Beepa took turns pushing him.  :)

Photos from Sunday night to come....

Final trip to Melon Bean

I finally got pictures on the computer so it's time to start updating. For my own sanity, I'm going to try to stay in order....you all know I'm weird like that. :) The Saturday before we left Rochester, I met Danielle at Melon Bean so that we could spend some time chatting, let the boys play, and I could enjoy my usual sandwich made by Andrea. (I have already copied her and made my own Mediterranean Turkey Bagel for lunch here, but it tastes better when you make it, Andrea.)

This is Andrea. I truly think she is an amazing person. I know we only knew each other for a short time, but the hard work and dedication she put into Melon Bean is inspiring. I told her I'd love to open my own place here similar to Melon Bean, but I don't want to work as much as she does. :) Although she really didn't want to, I convinced Danielle to take a picture with me. The lighting is awful for some reason and makes us both look pretty pale (ok....I'm already pretty pale) but I'm glad I have a picture of the two of us. It's so comforting to know that we're 1000+ miles apart but we'll still be friends forever. I miss you already, Danielle, and wish I could be there to meet Connor!

So, while we chatted, the boys ran, and ran, and ran. That's one of the reasons I loved it there so much. Andrea was always so laid back and the kids never bothered her, no matter what they were doing. I, of course, took advantage of their cuteness and snapped away. I love these pictures. Evan and Gavin are such great friends.