English Comp

My prof is really nice, I like her. She's very student oriented and obviously loves her profession. I have 2 assignments that I need to do, hopefully I can get them done before this weekend. Saturday is American Government.

Oh and Caitlyn is coming to watch the kids tomorrow night so Jesse and I can go to Bavarian Inn!!!!!!!

Ayden's Class

So pretty much he's in 2nd grade, but will be in the 1st grade classes for science and math, unless he's able to do the work with the 2nd graders. If that's the case, he'll just stay in his class with the 2nd graders.

We learned tonight that our favorite preschool teacher will not be teaching preschool anymore. Ayden and Kailey had her for 3s and 4s and Ashlyn was looking forward to having her. The school just found out yesterday, so we have no idea who will be teaching preschool.

Books

Since I'm going to have some time on my hands with the kids in school, I've decided I need to read more. I do enjoy reading, I just have a hard time finding books that keep my interest. I've started Skinny Bitch but had to stop because it gave me a meat aversion. Which is probably what it's meant to do, unfortunately I got over it! lol So I'm going to start reading again tonight after the M&G.

I've also heard so much about the Twilight series, that Jesse ordered 3 of the books last night for me. Amazon deal, buy 3 get them cheaper...ya know! The man can't refuse a good deal! lol

Meet and Greet

Today is the meet and greet at school. We'll be seeing/meeting the kids teachers and going to make sense of this 1st/2nd grade split class. I have the teachers goodie bags ready to go. I just wish I had a sitter for Ashlyn...maybe Jen can take her? Not sure though because M&G ends at 6 and Jen doesn't get off work until 5:30. Wonder if my Mom could come over, doubt it though.

I also need to get the laundry done and clean up the house. I also have to finish up washing school clothes and then go through the kids dressers and pull out the summer clothes since I'm running out of drawer space.

I get my IUD inserted tomorrow and then I have class tomorrow night. Hopefully I don't cramp as much as I did last time. Class could be a complete nightmare if I'm in pain! Maybe I'll get lucky and she'll hand out the syllabus and let us go home. Wouldn't that be awesome?! I should check with Tina (she had this prof before) and see if she remembers.

That's all my ramblings for now...I'm sure I'll be back later! lol

Shedd Aquarium

Since we're in Grand Rapids and ONLY 2 1/2 hours from Chicago, the kids and I went to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The kids were so excited because they have never been to Illinois. Well Kailey has been, so she was being the tour guide. They told me it was so much better than Marineland. The plan was to go to Holland and then up to Muskegon to go to the beach. Holland was boring, so Chicago was chosen! Tomorrow I think we're going to go to the zoo here.

Last night

I thought we were going to Bavarian Inn, nope! We went to Zehnders and the food sucked, the service sucked, and I'm left craving what I really wanted from Bavarain Inn. But it was nice to see the family!

Okay, so I was proven wrong last night!

Dylan woke up twice to nurse last night!! It was down to once a night, so today we're already nursed 3 times!! I'm okay with being proven wrong, especially this time! But since I was up more than usual last night (and I had a mocha espresso from Panara at dinner), I couldn't get to sleep. So I wish we weren't having a play date.

On an extreamly SAD note

I think Dylan is weaning! He's only nursed 4 times today. I could bawl my eyes out typing this. I don't know what to do, I didn't think it would happen this early. I really wanted to nursing as long as possible, but wasn't thinking he'd wean before 12 months.

School, Playdate, and other stuff.

Today we got the kids teacher's name. Kailey has Mrs. Van Dyke which is who Ayden had. Mrs. Van Dyke knew I had some concerns with Kailey's writing and such, so I'm sure she probably had some say in having Kailey with her. We are so thrilled to see her again this year!

Ayden has Ms. Wherritt. Here are some of our concerns. This class is going to be a 1st and 2nd grade class, know has a split class. This is happening with 1st/2nd grades and 4th/5th grades due to a teacher shortage! So I've been told by a teacher friend of mine that students are hand picked (lower grades) to go into this split class. They look for the most focused and "sponglike" kids because 2 curriculums are taught. For example, the 2nd graders would start in their journals while the 1st graders are taught. Once they are into their less and working, the teacher will then teach the 2nd graders while the 1st graders work. Our concerns are that 1) Ayden will not get the 1 on 1 he needs with the teacher; 2) Ayden could get distracted from his own curriculum and focus on the 2nd graders curriculum; 3) Ayden could become more interested in what the 2nd graders are learning. My kiddo loves a challenge and I could see him wanting to learn with the 2nd graders. While we're honored that our child was picked to be in this situation, we're not sure it's right for him or his schooling.

Tomorrow morning we have a playdate with Emmanuel and Kelly! Unfortunately E won't be in Ayden's class again this year. I haven't told Ayden yet, and I'm not sure if Kelly told E yet. A couple of kids (from preschool years) have different teachers. But I'm sure they'll be hanging out in lunch and recess!

Tomorrow night I'm going to Frankenmuth, Bavarian Inn for dinner for Grandma's 96th birthday! Her birthday was on the 15th. Quite a bit of my family is going to be there, I'm looking forward to it!

I think I need to scrap!

I'm feeling some mojo and my supplies are calling my name. PLUS, I got a new photo printer/copy/thingie so I can print 8x10. I can't wait to do an 8x10 photo layout!

IUD

I'm getting another Mirana IUD on the 28th at 12:45. I've been holding off because I didn't want AF to come yet, but since I think she's on her way anyway, I'm just going to get it.

Today...sucks!

Today is a list the way I feel day!

• Tire, even though I got 6 hours of straight sleep
• The kids have been fighting non stop and Ayden is now grounded
• Looks like Disney is a no go (I'm totally bummed!)
• Jesse will probably be going to Grand Rapids for 2 days
• I need an almost child free vacation
• I'm really missing my Grandpa
• I think Dylan is slowing weaning (wahhhh)
• September 2nd isn't coming fast enough
• I think I'm about to get my first AF since I got pregnant with Dylan - cramping like crazy
• I need a VACATION!

Fluffy Mail!!

I'm going to try to cloth diaper Dylan again. We had bought Bum Genius Organics, but Jesse hated them, and he didn't like the Goodmama's either. So I sold them all. I hate not cloth diapering him, I cloth diapered Ashlyn until she was 2 1/2. So I bought 2 new style Fuzzi Bunz and we're going to give it another go! They came today! :D

If it's not one thing, it's another!

Tomorrow I'm getting the carpets cleaned! I'm so excited to have clean carpets again. In order for the guy to clean the carpets, everything needs to be moved and vacuumed. So I moved the small couch that butts up to the wall of the crawl space. It was not good, I found black mold. We have some natural black mold remover, so I'm going to try that. If that doesn't work, Jesse will have to remove the drywall and redo it. So when he gets home I have to run up to Lowes and get a mold detecting device to see what the mold levels are in the house.

On a good note, my neighbors son paints houses, so he'll be giving us a quote soon! This excites me to no end! lol

7 Years

Jesse and I have been married for 7 years today. It's crazy how fast and furious those 7 have gone by! Seems like yesterday and forever ago that we took our vows. It been a crazy ride so far and I look forward to the next 7!

For your viewing pleasure...

Yay or Nay Disney, that is the question...

We are booked for Disney in October. Gas is 3.78 a gallon now, which means tons of gas money to haul the camper through the mountains, Disney park tickets just went up, that would be 1000.00 for all of us to go to the parks. Another 260.93 for our golf cart and another 264.40 due for our site. Not to mention Chef Mickey's, and Cinderella's Royal table (150.00 just for me and the girls), and then we still need groceries from Garden Grocer. So we're looking into Beaches Resort or something of that nature. I mentioned a Disney Cruise, but we really don't feel the kids are old enough for that yet. We want to know that when we're not with them, they're not going to accidentally jump overboard! lol The Florida Keys were mentioned since it's topical island-ish without the need for passports. Jesse wants to avoid getting a passport at all costs...something about a chip? I can't remember the name of it. If you have any other ideas, feel free to throw them my way!

Today's Happenings

Today started off loud, especially since I stayed up too late watching the Olympics, then I couldn't get to sleep. I ended up with my head at the foot of the bed because I couldn't get comfortable laying the right way. I immediately fell asleep - we REALLY need a new bed. The kids have been fighing almost non stop today and bickering back and forth. We all can't wait for school to start. Then I decided we'd going out for lunch and drive some of Woodward to see the classic cars. Tonight is the start of the Woodward Dream Cruise. I'm thinking we may going out there tonight, the weather is too beautiful to pass it up. Now I'm just sitting here drinking my Iced Cap from Tim Hortons getting ready to go outside to read a book. I picked up Skinny Bitch (thank Melissa - it sounded too interesting to pass up, lol), so I'm going to start that. I need to make a life change of some sort because I'm just not completely happy with me. Other than that, just trying to get Dylan's party invitations done and get them addressed, plan a menu, and get the house cleaned up! My carpet guy is coming on Tuesday to clean them. He did a wonderful job last year.

Chicago for our Anniversary

Our anniversary is August 18th, but since my mother in law is having surgery and a whole lot of stuff done in the next coming weeks, we're going to go at the end of September. We'll see if she can watch Ayden, Kailey, and Ashlyn and we'll take Dylan with us. I took Kailey to Chicago in 2006 and LOVED it! I wish we could move there, I love mass transit, and the city is beautiful! I'm really looking forward to it. Big bonus will be the Cheese Cake Factory!!

Niagara Falls Photos!

Please excuse the wet look, it rained the ENTIRE weekend!!

Ashlyn checking out the American falls.

The Canadian falls.

A better photo of the Canadian side and the Maid of the Mist

Jesse wearing Dylan

Almost a Family photo! lol

I almost forgot!

Dylan started standing by himself yesterday! That means walking is right around the corner!! AHHHHHH!!!

Back home...finally!

Our trip started out not so good. I tried installing Ayden Regent and it was kicking my butt! I've never had any issues installing a car seat before. But this was proving to unlike no other car seat. On top of that, this thing is a MONSTER! It's huge! I called up an installer to see if she could help me, but she was on her way up to BRU for breastfeeding month. Luckily she lives a couple streets over and if I do need her help today, I can just go over. I still haven't ventured out to try to get it installed. If I can't get it installed, I'm going to take it back and probably order a Frontier from Albeebaby or something. It's a bit smaller.

After the seat fiasco, we were getting the camper hooked up and couldn't find the adapter to plug the electric into the truck. I ran up to General RV to get another one. Good thing there is one right up the road. Looks like someone took ours right off the camper.

So once that's all done, we were ready to go. Everything was smooth sailing, Customs was a breeze thank god. Then it started to rain...and rain...and rain. We found this awesome pizza place in Niagara with the best chicken wings...yummy!! I was in heaven, I wish they could deliver to me. lol We took our food to the campground and had to eat inside because it was still raining.

Sunday morning, woke up and the sun was shining. Good thing too since we were heading to Marineland. The kids had so much fun seeing the whales and feeding the deer. Ashlyn went on a big kid ride with Daddy. She was the only one who would go on it. Once on it she was asking for me and that she was scared. When it was finished she was so proud she went on it and Daddy was high fiving her. When you asked her about it, she says "it was scary!!!". I have some cool pictures, but I'm not even sure where the camera is right now.

We made it back to the Killer Whales just in time for the show and it starts raining...actually pretty close to a down pour and it continued until we left. We took some shelter in the dolphin area a few minutes before the show started. Kailey now wants to be a trainer for Marineland. lol

On our way back to the car it stopped raining and we went back to the campground for a nap and dry off. I ate more chicken wings. lol

Once we were dry and awake we headed to the falls, the kids were amazed by all the water, mist, and how loud it was. Jesse was wearing Dylan and getting chicked out by "hot French chicks". lol We got lots of pictures, Jesse was disappointed because the Maid of the Mist was closed. I was doing a happy dance because I hate to get wet...yuck! I hate walking around wet and avoid it at all costs.

To finish our night and vacation we had dinner at Rainforest Cafe, which was not impressive because we go to the one at Great Lakes Crossing quite a bit, but Jesse didn't want to go to Hard Rock Cafe...I didn't get my shirt either. Oh and it rained so more!

NEED. MOTIVATION.

We just got back from Chuck E. Cheese and boy am I exhausted! I really didn't do too much, but watching the kids going nuts and play, but it makes me tired! Not to mention the million potty trips. Now I need to finish packing us up and get my truck vacuumed out since there is a goldfish cracker mess and install Ayden's Regent.

A Busy Night

Ayden, Kailey, and I went to the mall to buy shoes for school. Then I HAD to go to the Disney Store outlet to see what they had on clearance. I got Kailey shoes, her and Ashlyn a hat 1.99, Ashlyn a toy phone .99, Ayden got a sword and shield for 4.99 a piece. Then we went to Target to get birthday cards and gifts for Kieran and Jesse's friends daughter. Her party is tomorrow at Chuck E Cheese. I'm ready for bed!

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to an end...

My signature from Pregnancy.org

On a better note

Jesse and I went to dinner last night ALONE to Carabba's and had our Anniversary dinner a little early. It was so nice. Then we went to the mall and got some infomation on sleep number beds. We've been waking up for 2 months now sore, achey, and crabby! So it's time for a bed!

Oh great.... {insert eye rolling guy here!}

I asked Jesse last night what he thought about me still nursing Dylan. He said it was "good because he isn't 1 yet. After his birthday we'll talk again". I asked him what he meant. He said "I don't know, I think it's weird..." huh?? "breastfeeding a toddler is weird to me..." What!?!?!?! How could this be?? I don't think it's weird! On Dylan's 1st birthday I'm not going to just stop nursing Dylan because his a "toddler"! I'm getting enough crap about me still nursing him, what the hell is going to happen once he's 1?

For YES for the Detroit Zoo!!

Today is vote for the proposal for everyone home owner in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties to pay 10.00 a year to keep the zoo open. Jesse and I will be going to vote once he gets home from work. We ALWAYS take the kids with us to show them that voting is important and if they see us doing it, they will likely vote as adults.

Marineland

Jesse and I just decided to take the kids to Marineland on Saturday. We'll be camping there until Monday. We're going to keep it a secret, they will be so surprised! We're also going to do the falls which I always love. They are going to have so much fun, my parents took us there when we were kids.

With every day, I learn something new.

I have to take either my SAT's or ACT's. YIKES!!! Next fall is definitely out for UofM.

Going cross eyed!!

So while looking through the UofM website this morning, I found a list of requirements for transfer. I need to take UofM equvulant classes at OCC...MATH! I need a statistics class to transfer. So I need to retake my COMPASS placement test and see what other math classes I will need to take before I can take my ONE math class I NEED to take! So I found a COMPASS study sheet on the OCC website and Jesse and I have been going through it and he's been helping me a lot. I completely suck at math (less it's business math or accounting). So I'm not looking forward to this. I just hope I can learn this stuff before the entry test so I can just get into my math class.

I just registered for another class...

So I will be taking:

• Monday- Origins of Western Tradition
• Thursday- English Composition I
• Saturday- American Government

I know I said I wouldn't take American Government in an election year, but everything is either full or during times I can't take. It's going to be a busy semester!! I'm kind of looking forward to it though. Classes start on August 28. This take me to needing 11 credits after this semester. Looks like transfering next fall could be possible.