Day 175: Hot Box Organization

Today, Chris, the kids and I went over to school to start getting my new classroom organized. 97 degrees outside and the air conditioning in the school was off. You guessed it: HOT! Regardless, we set to work unpacking boxes, hanging posters, and organizing shelves.

After a few hours, I began to feel pretty good about my new space...and I think my students will too.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 174: The Doctor Is NOT In

You know you are at the your child's doctor's office too often when you walk in and more than one doctor and nurse (who are not yours) know you by name. But add the following phrase, "it's been a while", "I love your hair", "he's one?!?" after a personalized greeting, and it's a good thing.

Until today, Nico had not been to the doctor since May 1st. Nearly 8 weeks later, it felt good to walk into the office and be recognized for both familiarity and absence.

While Nico had a little bump in the road this week , it has been a wonderful stretch of complete and utter stress-free healthiness.

And for this, I am TRULY thankful!

Day 173: On Time

Chris works so hard. Often, he is not home until 7 or 8 after leaving the house around 6 a.m. each day.  But tonight, he was able to come home on time so that I could go over to a girlfriend's house for a get-together. He and the kids got some much needed one-on-one time together and there were smiles all around.

A Daddy-filled night for Sofia and Nico...for this, I am thankful. :)

Day 172: Unforgettables

There are certain things that Sofia says that I never want to forget. For instance, instead of "in between" she says, "in totween". For months, she added a "c" to the beginning of umbrella -- totally awkward and hilarious at the same time. She loves the words "actually" and "rather" and uses them with as much frequency as possible. And today, she added a new one...

At Bedtime:
Me: Night night, honey. I love you.
Sofia: Love you too, Mom. But Mom?
Me: Yeah?
Sofia: Would you please rub my back before you leave? 
Me: You bet.
Sofia: Thanks, Mom. I've just got the worst backrake.

My funny girl. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 171: 4 Mile Brainstorm

I've been feeling awfully anxious lately about heading back to the classroom. Millions of questions have been swirling around my brain about procedures, lesson ideas, room set-up...you name it, I've thought about it. But today, much of that anxiety was quelled thanks to my dear friend, Dawn. After ordering some iced chai teas, we headed over to Wash Park for a 4 mile walk around it's ridiculously picturesque perimeter. We walked, talked, and brainstormed like crazy.

And it was just what I needed.

I am so grateful that Dawn understands my need to process verbally and that she acknowledged my feelings instead of just saying "you'll be fine, don't worry". Being a teacher is both exhilarating and scary at the same time. I am thankful that Dawn gets that and gets me. :)

Day 170: Tidy

Today I stayed home with the kids and worked on getting the house back into shape after our 3 weeks of being gone. Not an easy task. I was baffled at how one mess seemed to erupt in the midst of another as tried to tackle the chaos. It took me all day, but I have nearly everything, and I do mean everything, in our house clean, organized in it's own special place. It feels good to look across my house when it's shiny and tidy. It won't stay that way for long, but I'm going to revel in the little moment of triumph. :)

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 169: Too Many Daves

In 1986, my grandparents gave me a book of children's poetry for Christmas. I remember vividly sitting in my pajamas with my sister and mom before bed as she read us some of the most hilarious, nonsensical poems I had ever heard. This continued for many years and the beloved book was even pulled out periodically into my teenage years. But that was the last I saw of it...

Our favorite poem by far was called Too Many Daves, a story of a woman with 23 sons whom she had named all Dave. She daydreams of what she should have named them instead and the new roll call is where the laughter is sure to begin.

As I was tucking Sofia in one night while we were back in Michigan, I looked over at the stack of books in the room and noticed the book of poems. My mom had found it while cleaning the basement and it was now mine to take home with me. Woo hoo!

So, tonight, I read Too Many Daves to Sofia. I giggled as I read but she was mostly impressed with the fact that some lady had 23 kids. Oh well. Even though she didn't quite get it, I was glad to be able to share something so memorable from my childhood with her.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 168: Home Sweet Home

We have successfully traveled across the country and back with a 4-year-old and 1-year-old. We are home, safe, exhausted and full of memories. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 167: The Return of Bear Bear

Whoa. Did we ever divert quite possibly the biggest disaster EVER! After unloading our overnight items into our hotel, I went back down to the car to grab a couple more items from the cooler. While I was in the car, I saw that Sofia's favorite bedtime lovey, Bear Bear, had been left behind on her car seat. Naturally, I grabbed it with the other items and headed back to the room.

Fast forward 20 minutes. Bags unpacked, food in the fridge, room organized. But where was Bear Bear? In all the hub bub, I didn't realize that he had slipped from my full armload on the way up to the room. I panicked internally. I mean seriously panicked. Sofia has had this lovey literally since the day she was born. She sleeps with it every night without fail. I decided to backtrack.

I was no further than 2 steps out of the elevator in the lobby when an elderly man stopped me. "I bet you're looking for something special!" He clearly read the panic on my face. "Um, yes," I responded. "Just so happens that I found a little bear in the elevator about 15 minutes ago. I'm guessing a little one might have a hard time sleeping tonight without it."

Thank you, Mr. Nice Man. You saved some serious tears in an unfamiliar hotel tonight. :)

Day 166: Life-Size Tetris

Well, we're packed. Or should I say, Chris has packed us. He is a master when it comes to organizing our travel items into our car so that everything and items that need easy access can be reached without struggle. Sometimes I think he has theme music playing in his head as he takes on this life-size game of Tetris. It's fun to watch. :) It's nice to be able to go to sleep tonight without any anxiousness about getting on the road tomorrow, thanks to all the work Chris did today getting us ready.

We've had a wonderful time here in Michigan and will remember this trip for many years to come. I'll be sure to do a highlights post soon.

And for this all, I am thankful.

Day 165: I've Got Rhythm

I've got music. And so does my family. :) It has been the founding cornerstone of my family and what has brought us all together over the years. Now, as a parent, it's been really interesting watching my kids find their place with music. I remember Sofia being about 9 months old sitting in the back seat and repeating major thirds I was singing. She had (and still does) the sweetest, softest voice. I couldn't help but wonder how music was going to play a role in the rest of her life.

Today, Nico had a major musical showing. My sister and I were making up words to different songs and putting his name into them. He was watching us like a hawk and bobbing his head  in rhythm. Then, at dinner, as only the Michaels family can do, we started playing rhythms with our hands and utensils on the table top and dinnerware. Nico got so into it that he squealed and was banging his hands on his high chair tray, again, in rhythm! It was seriously so cool.

Music, family and an impromptu orchestra made up of eating utensils, hands, and a tabletop...for this, I am thankful! :)

Day 164: AC

Oh man. Was it ever hot and MUGGY today!!!! My body is sooooo not used to this kind of weather anymore! I was so thankful to have a place to escape in my parent's house that was cool and quiet for a mid-day, AC-induced nap. :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 163: Ode to the Flashing Red Light

It's late at night and I need to make a left turn. The green arrow has long finished but my chance through the intersection is not diminished thanks to the blinking red light. Stupid, I know. BUT we don't have them in Colorado and I've come to discover that it truly is the little things in life that matter.

Getting through an intersection 2 minutes faster is definitely something I am thankful for! :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 162: Belly Laughs

Nobody and I mean nobody can make Nico laugh the way Sofia does. Today, all she practically did was look at him and he was on the floor rolling around in laughter. I hope they never lose that connection.

Big sister love and laughter...for this, I am thankful.

Day 161: Munchies On The Floor

One of the things that I have always loved about my girlfriends from back home is that they love munchies as much as I do. But there is a fine art to eating crunchy goodness late into the evening: it must be done on the floor. It is here, in this primal position that maximum dipping AND quality conversation can take place. Oh, and there is that feeling of being 17 again as giggling and stories cause the clock to speed through the hours.

Regardless, it was a lovely evening of crunching and catching up with two of my oldest and bestest friends, Marissa and Andrea. And for this, I am thankful.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 160: Flashback

My sister, mom and step-dad spent quite some time in the car today and most of the time was spent giggling...between my sister and I. Old stories and stupid inside jokes kept us going for hours.

Good laughs in small places...for this, I am thankful.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 159: Sqeeze

When Chris and I got back to my parents from our mini-vacay today, Sofia gave me the BEST hug ever. She squeezed so tight I could practically feel the love coming from her. It was the best!

And for this I am thankful.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 158: 8 Hours

I have now slept for 8 hours STRAIGHT for two nights in a row. This is probably a world record, people. I'm serious.

Restfulness is beginning to temp me. And for this, I am thankful! :)

Day 157: No Plans

Today has been a day of no plans. We went to the beach twice, walked up and down the streets of Traverse City, tasted wines, took naps and I even did some homework for my faculty prep course at the university I will be teaching at soon. It has all been so relaxing and much needed.

A day of not knowing what's next and being okay with it...for this, I am thankful!

Day 156: Ahhhh

We. Are. Here. Vacation begins now.

And for this, I am thankful!

Day 155: Smooth Transitions

Tonight, I am thankful for how easy going my oldest is. Sofia has been such a trooper on our trek across this great nation. Not only did she avoid throwing a single fit on our entire drive, but she has managed to keep it together as we have moved to 4 different homes in 6 days. That's a lot of adjusting for a 4 year old!

She is one happy child. And for this, I am thankful. :)

Day 154: Sickie Snuggle

I have so much to be thankful tonight. But, right now, I have a little one year old boy who is burning up and snuggled up close to me. While having a sick kiddo is certainly no fun, I thankful that a late night snuggle and some Motrin can ease the pain.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 153: QT

I love my sister.

And she loves me.

And for this I am thankful. :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 152: Catching Up

Being able to catch up with an old friend without skipping a beat is a wonderful thing. Pretty amazing, actually. I am SO loving visiting and catching up with my dear friend, Kate and her family. It has been more than good for my soul. :)

And for this, I am thankful.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 151: We're Here!

I actually drove across the country by myself with two children and a dog. I navigated outside of the directions posted by my GPS. I didn't get lost. I spent $10.17 on food and used apps on my iPhone to find the best gas prices en route. I created and used a sticker chart for alternative uses of time in the car other than movies. I didn't cry, get mad or yell. I sang songs and listened to audiobooks. I actually had fun.   

We actually had fun.

The kids and I sang songs, laughed, spelled M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I over and over again and then laughed hysterically as we passed over the river, had picnics for breakfast and lunch, made beach plans, counted, dressed and redressed princess toys, made Nico laugh, listened to music, watched a few movies and just talked.

I wasn't sure I would be able to make this trip on my own. But I realized today, I wasn't on my own. I was with my kids. My wonderful, smart, hilarious, amazing kids.

I am one lucky woman. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 150: Halfway

Tonight, I am halfway in my cross-country travel with the kiddos and the dog. We each survived and still like each other too! :)

I have some vlogs to post from throughout today's drive, but I'm too tired to put them up now. Tomorrow!!

For now, my sleeping babies are safe, sound and ready for our next 8 hour leg tomorrow. And for this, I am thankful.




Our rest area picnic lunch. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 149: Birthday Boy

Nico is 1. Holy crap.

Today, Chris and I felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for our children. As we watched them play and laugh, we couldn't help but feel blessed. God has been good. And in a way, his birthday is significant on so many different levels to our family. Year 1 was one crazy ride and as we prepare to enter Year 2 I can't help but feel hopeful and at peace.

Life is good. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 148: Almost 1!

Tonight, we celebrated Nico's birthday with some of our friends who were in town. We grilled, splashed in the kiddie pool out front, laughed, listened to children squealing, lit sparklers, ATE and let the chaos that is a 1st birthday party ensue. It was priceless.

July 4th is Nico's official birthday but today sure did celebrating his first year of life justice. :) And for this, I am thankful.

Day 147: Word Play

Yesterday my friend Linda got me hooked on Wordfeud. It's basically the mobile version of Scrabble and is ridiculously addictive. And now, Chris is hooked too. We've spent the evening trash talking via i-devices as we try to out smart the other. It's all great fun and forces me to use my brain too. :)

A fun night filled with silly, wordy banter...for this, I am thankful.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 146: Leisurely Friday

This was the first Friday that Chris was officially home and our friends took full advantage. :) Tonight, we had two sets of friends stop by to catch up and it honestly was so much fun.

It is so good to have our house filled with so much laughter again. And for this, I am thankful. :)