Finally Scrapbooking?!?!

I haven't touched my scrapbook supplies since New Years Day. I lost my motivation when I lost the majority of my partners in crime. But I recently saw a billboard for the scrapbook show coming to Kalamazoo next weekend and decided it was time to jump back in. I made mention of the fact that I wanted to do a Disney album, and the next day my mom had the album I've been wanting on order.

This picfolio album will help me get it done faster without becoming too overwhelming because each page has 5 4x6 slots. You can either slide pictures in or create your own 4x6 embellishment or journal box. I'm super excited to get it on Thursday! Now I just have to force myself to narrow down the pictures I have. The album comes with 32 pages so 160 slots. Considering I have 300+ pictures, I really need to figure out my 100 favorites and start getting them organized this week. We only have from 9-6 to crop on Saturday, and the time will go way too fast. At least it will be a start and get me back into the world of scrapbooking!

First Day of School 2010-2011

Oh how I wish every morning could go as smoothly as the first day of school. I got up at 6:00 a.m. and almost immediately heard Zack say, "Sissy, it's the first day of school. Are you excited?" The way they were whispering back and forth reminded me of Christmas morning. Haha

Zack went to his class while I got Lauren settled. She was so excited to find a seat and get the day started. The teacher's aide announced that as soon as you'd found a seat, you should make your way over to the carpet. My mom and I were cracking up at her bouncing around and dancing with all the other students. She couldn't have been more thrilled. She got slightly timid when I told her that I needed to go and make sure that Zack was settled before school started. My mom said that she was completely fine once I left though; all smiles. When I got to Zack's room, he was busy emptying his backpack. I kept trying to get a picture but heard, "I need to get all this stuff in my desk first." He couldn't just put everything in there though. He had to empty the markers and colored pencils into his pencil box. Everything had to be organized before he could sit down. Wonder where he gets that from?!?! Lol I was finally able to take a picture and gave him a kiss goodbye. I was a little hesitant about it halfway through because I wasn't sure if that was okay in 3rd grade, but he seemed just fine with it. The minute I was done getting everyone settled and headed out of the school, the lump in my throat formed. I tried hard to keep the tears from falling... and succeeded.

I couldn't wait to pick them up at the end of the day to find out how everything went. I knew that, at the least, Lauren would be full of conversation. I waited at the side of the building where the Kindergarten classes are released, while my mom waited for Zack in the lobby. Lauren's class was the last to be dismissed... and she was nowhere to be found. Her transportation form indicated that she would be riding the bus, but Mark made note of the fact that she'd be picked up on the first day. I went up to her teacher and asked if she was accidentally sent to the bus line. Miss Donna immediately sent a teacher's aide after her, but my mom had her as soon as we made it to the lobby. I'm so glad that she didn't make it into the bus line. She wouldn't have known which bus stop was hers, and frankly, neither would I. My mom joined us at McDonald's for an ice cream treat. Both kids couldn't stop talking. I couldn't even understand half of it since they were talking simultaneously. Haha Overall, they both had fantastic days and were looking forward to the year ahead of them. I sure hope the excitement continues! ;-)

Fall TV

So who else is thrilled that Fall TV starts back up THIS MONTH?!?! While I absolutely love Summer and all the fun that it brings, I sure miss entertaining myself with mind-numbing television. Here are the shows I'm looking most forward to:

Glee - I've found that this is a love it or hate it kind of show. I definitely LOVE IT. Music is a huge part of my life, and I can't wait to see what they're going to come up with from week to week. Plus Mr. Scheuster isn't hard on the eyes. =)

Biggest Loser - I've been a devoted fan ever since Season 2. I love to see the physical and emotional transformations that the contestants go through. Once again... Bob Harper keeps my entertained. ;-)

Modern Family - This show makes me laugh every week. My favorite characters are Phil and Cameron. Hilarious!

Private Practice - I wasn't thrilled about this show in the beginning; just the concept of taking Kate Walsh off of Grey's Anatomy really ticked me off. I've really grown to enjoy the show though. I love Taye Diggs (wow that chest!) and would love to be friends with Cooper.

Grey's Anatomy - Devoted fan from the get-go. I haven't been too thrilled with the past couple of seasons however. The Season 6 finale far surpassed any other episode from the entire season. I was bummed that it was over when it was finally getting good. I can only hope that it means great things for Season 7.

Desperate Housewives - This show seems to be my guilty pleasure. I love the dynamic of the female friendships and the drama it provides.


Brothers and Sisters - I was interested in this show when it first premiered but didn't watch it due to it's air time. I decided that it was a good time to get caught up when I moved into my apartment, because I was going to need things to keep my entertained. Haha I absolutely fell in love with the show! As an only child who has always wanted siblings (I know... people who have siblings have always wanted to be an only child LOL), I watch this show and feel like a part of the crazy Walker family.

So what shows are you most looking forward to? What new shows are you considering watching?

Out of the Mouth of Lauren #1

John spent the past two nights in Hudsonville on medical duty, so the kids and I had a slumber party. As Lauren and I were settling into bed last night she says, "Mom, I want to keep you forever. How many days do I have until you're going to die?" It threw me completely offguard. What 5 yr old spends time thinking about their parent's death? Poor girl! I told her that no one knows when they are going to die but that I hoped to be here for a long time. Then two minutes later she started on a new subject. "Kids sure are fun. I'm only going to have one though, because when you have two they fight and when you have one they don't fight." I got a good chuckle out of it. But come on... her thoughts are way too serious. She's considering my future death and how many children she is going to have? What happened to worrying about avoiding boys because they have cooties and trying to decide which popsicle flavor to have today?!?!

Infant to 3rd Grader?!?!

So yesterday's blog was about the fact that I can't believe Lauren is entering Kindergarten. While it's crazy that she could possibly be old enough to start school, how is it that Zack is entering 3rd grade? I remember that first day of Kindergarten so very well. We dropped him off in Mrs. Hanlon's classroom; mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety for Mom. I managed to make it through the drop-off without tearing up. I was amazed and impressed with myself. Well it all fell apart when I got to my car and realized that I was leaving my little man behind. How was he going to handle being around so many kids that were bigger than him? What if he got lost in that big school? Haha I spent the morning shopping in order to distract myself from worrying about him. Of course it was all for naught. He loved his first day and wasn't nearly as anxious as I'd been. It's so hard for me to believe that three years has passed since that day. My boy is now entering the upper tier of elementary. He'll now be going to recess and eating lunch with 3rd and 4th graders. It would have been nice for Lauren if she had her brother for those activities during her first year, but I'm sure that Zack will enjoy being separate.

Infant to Kindergartener?!?!

How can it be possible that my baby girl is going to be starting school a week from today? People constantly tell you to cherish every moment because the time goes by too quickly. Boy does it ever! It seems like just yesterday that this beautiful, blue-eyed girl stole my heart. Now we're shopping for school clothes and supplies. I've been telling myself that I'm going to refuse to cry on that first day (primarily because I didn't want to do so in front of Mark), but I'm fairly certain that no amount of restraint will keep the emotions in. I mean I could cry right now just thinking about it! Haha

Mackinac Girls Weekend

As a child, I was always thankful for the amazing family that I had. It wasn't until I grew to be an adult that I truly learned to appreciate just how unique our group really is. I've been around many families over my lifetime and none even begin to come close to projecting the love we have for one another. I saw examples of this throughout my divorce, our tragic loss and yet again more recently during our girls' weekend on Mackinac Island. I am so blessed to be a part of this nutty family. We know best how to live, laugh and love!

Grandma - You are an amazing woman that I admire greatly! Throughout a lifetime of loss, you still manage to put a smile on your face. Thank you for starting this insanity.

Mom - Where do I begin? You truly are my BEST FRIEND, and I don't know where I'd be without you. I appreciate that you listen to and share in my burdens and happiest moments. I can only hope that Lauren and I maintain the kind of relationship that we have!

Aunt Teri - I've always struggled to feel close to you since you live the furthest away. Thank you for including me on this trip. I'm grateful for the time I was able to spend with you. If flashing you my naked self doesn't help us to bond, I don't know what will! LOL

Aunt Shelle - You have always reminded me most of my mom, and for that, you hold a special place. I'm not sure if I ever fully recognized just HOW much you two are alike until that weekend. You have such a kind, loving demeanor... and you're crazy as hell.

Heidi - I don't know how you managed to turn into a grown woman, but you certainly have. I admire your carefree nature. You truly love life! Hold onto that sweetheart, because you'll need it most when life tests you. It seems like just yesterday that I was wearily changing your tiny diapers in your Baby Disney themed nursery at the trailer, or being tortured by hours and hours of Barney all weekend long. Whether you like it or not, you'll always be my baby girl.

Kayleigh - I wish I'd had more of an opportunity to watch you grow into the young woman that you are now. I have such few memories of your childhood. I can certainly remember the summer your mom watched me while my babysitter was on vacation. You were so adorable; pudgy cheeks and puke! LOL I'm grateful for the time we spent last year finally getting to know each other. I respect you for your strong values and hope you hold onto them forever!