So if you're from around the Michiana area, or you watch the news...you know that we were blasted with snow this weekend. A lot of snow. Record breaking amounts of snow.
Dave and I have successfully put off snow blowing this season until Saturday morning. And really, the only reason we decided Saturday was the day to start this task was...well...we couldn't really walk in it because the snow was up to our knees. Yes. There was that much snow. We could have lost Reilly out there. It was bad.
So, being the good wife that I am, I volunteered to take the first duty as snow blower girl. Upon looking and looking and looking for the gas tank to fill up the mentioned snow blower, we came up empty handed. So again, being the good wife that I am, I volunteered to brave the "We could lose Reilly out there" amounts of snow, and head to the store to get another.
MISTAKE #1!
This stage of our life has us being as thrifty as possible, so going to the gas station and paying an exorbitant amount for a gas tank was out of the question. Besides, it was 50% off day at Goodwill too, so by going out south to the Hardware Store, (which happens to be next to Goodwill) was going to hit two birds with one stone.
MISTAKE #2
Reilly and I bundled up and got a running start heading out of the garage...I think we hit about 20mph, I wanted to make sure we didn't get stuck early on! We made it out of the garage, driveway and neighborhood just fine. No problems. What was all the fuss about. My minivan can handle this. We headed up to the bypass, which was a bit covered, but still passable. To be safe, we only hit about 35mph, but we were crusin' along. We hit the exit ramp at a speedy 15 mph and were moving right along. I happened to notice there were quite a few cars at the intersection of Ironwood and Ireland, and thought to myself, "Wow, I didn't really think there would be this many people out and about on this snowy Saturday morning." Something should have registered. There should have been an alarm in my head that started buzzing. But there wasn't.
MISTAKE #3
I eased my way into the left turn lane and patiently waited my turn. I noticed that there were several cars stuck at the intersection in various lanes, one being in the lane I was going to turn into on Ireland. Again, the thought of, "Geesh! People who drive small cars should not be out and about on this snowy Saturday morning" rolled through my head. My turn light turned green and I slowly made the left turn. I had to stop just as I got on the other side of the intersection because the car in front of me wasn't making much progress in moving.
After sitting there, rather impatiently for about 7 minutes watching at least 8 other people trying to push their cars, I noticed that a young man, dressed all in his Army fatigues had come over to help push the car in front of me up the slight hill that seemed to be the problem. Adams (that was the name on his fatigues) the Army man was finally able to get the man pushed out and it was my turn to move. Except not.
My wheels were turnin, and we were sittin still. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Luckily, Mr. Adams Army had not left our lane and he was now helping me, ME, try to get unstuck and up the hill. ME-who drives a mini van. I was instantly sorry that I had thought bad thoughts about people in little cars who drive on snowy Saturdays. As the poor man was trying to get me to back up, pull forward, back up, pull forward (for no kidding-20 MINUTES!), I had a chance to chat with him. He said that he had been in this same intersection since around 6am pushing cars out and had just returned from a Tour of Duty on Sunday. It was 9:45 am...he had been out there in the freezing cold, snowing like crazy, "could lose Reilly out there" amounts of snow for nearly 4 hours just because.
Mr. Adams Army was finally able to get me free, (with the help of another person!) and into the Speedway parking lot. Side note-good thing, my gas light had come on in the midst of all this excitement! So, Reilly and I pumped gas, paid an exorbitant amount of money for a gas tank (there was NO WAY I was going to the hardware store!) and bought Mr. Adams Army a hot chocolate.
We carefully made our way out into the intersection-it's not like we had to watch for incoming cars, there were 19 stuck at this point-and delivered a hot cocoa to the hero of the day. He stood there looking at us like we had three heads, but after explaining that I felt the least we could do was buy him a cocoa for spending his day in the middle of an intersection, he reluctantly agreed to take it.
We bundled back up into the van and headed out the opposite direction from which we came in. There was no way I was going to try that hill again.
MISTAKE #4
And we're stuck. AGAIN. Near tears and out of patience, I had just about had it. However, with a little persistence (and a giggle from the backseat that made me smile), I was able to calm down and start the back up, pull forward, back up, pull forward part of the show. AGAIN. This time however, Ms. Mini van came through for me and wiggled herself right out of there. But I still had no place to go. Back to the driveway that I entered from. This time, however, I waited until the three cars in the lane had been pushed out, backed way up, gunned the gas and hit the hill at full speed. A slight fishtail, near collision with a delivery truck and we hit smooth pavement and set sail.
I had to go all the way down to Michigan Street to get back on the bypass. But anything was better than the last hour spent spinning our wheels.
What a day. I'm really glad that Mr. Adams Army didn't have plans on Saturday so he was there to help Reilly and I out. Nice people make me smile.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Christmas in Florida-2010
We just returned from an amazing trip to Florida for Christmas. It's always nice to get away, have some fun in the sun, (although it was quite limited due to the cold temperatures down there this time!) and relax with family and friends.
We left South Bend on Christmas Eve in the wee hours of the morning (5:45 am) and flew into Ft. Myers with a brief stop in Cincinnati. We enjoyed the sun that was shining and even jumped into the pool for a bit! Reilly managed to stay awake from 3:45 am until 8:00 pm with only a 15 minute nap on the plane. This kid has STAMINA!
We spent Christmas Morning lazily lounging around before opening presents and then going over to the 4 mile Eco park that's not to far from Kim and Glenn's house in Cape Coral. We headed home for a wonderful Christmas dinner with Kim, Glenn, Brady, Bonnie, Lee, Aunt Mary, Uncle Larry and Kim and Glenn's neighbors, Tom and Janet.
We had breakfast with Aunt Mary and Uncle Larry at the Sunflower Cafe on Sunday morning before heading out to do a little after Christmas shopping at Target and Wal-Mart. We headed back home for naps! :)
On Monday, we headed over to the Manatee Park that's not to far from their house and saw hundreds of manatees. They all come in near the power plant for the warm water. We enjoyed some lunch at Cracker Barrel before heading back to the house for more relaxation and swimming. Dave and I were lucky enough to sneak away for a couple of hours for a "date night." We enjoyed dinner without flying food and flinging straws! :)
On Tuesday, Dave and I were able to meet two friends from Northpoint that were also down in Florida. Pretty neat to see familiar faces in such a faraway locale.
On Wednesday, Dave, Reilly and I headed over to Ft. Myers beach where we saw two dolphins. I was in heaven. We were just watching out over the water, and they went swimming by about 20 feet off shore. It was amazing. We also saw tons of horseshoe crabs (we think!) that had been washed up on shore...probably due to not being able to survive the cold temperatures. We had a great time walking along the water's edge (it was quite chilly, so only our tootsies got wet!) before heading back to the house.
We had to fly home on Thursday. It's always nice to get away and enjoy vacation, but the saying is true, there's no place like home!
Thanks for hosting us Kim, Glenn and Brady. We love you guys and we had a ton of fun! Thanks for the memories.
We left South Bend on Christmas Eve in the wee hours of the morning (5:45 am) and flew into Ft. Myers with a brief stop in Cincinnati. We enjoyed the sun that was shining and even jumped into the pool for a bit! Reilly managed to stay awake from 3:45 am until 8:00 pm with only a 15 minute nap on the plane. This kid has STAMINA!
We spent Christmas Morning lazily lounging around before opening presents and then going over to the 4 mile Eco park that's not to far from Kim and Glenn's house in Cape Coral. We headed home for a wonderful Christmas dinner with Kim, Glenn, Brady, Bonnie, Lee, Aunt Mary, Uncle Larry and Kim and Glenn's neighbors, Tom and Janet.
We had breakfast with Aunt Mary and Uncle Larry at the Sunflower Cafe on Sunday morning before heading out to do a little after Christmas shopping at Target and Wal-Mart. We headed back home for naps! :)
On Monday, we headed over to the Manatee Park that's not to far from their house and saw hundreds of manatees. They all come in near the power plant for the warm water. We enjoyed some lunch at Cracker Barrel before heading back to the house for more relaxation and swimming. Dave and I were lucky enough to sneak away for a couple of hours for a "date night." We enjoyed dinner without flying food and flinging straws! :)
On Tuesday, Dave and I were able to meet two friends from Northpoint that were also down in Florida. Pretty neat to see familiar faces in such a faraway locale.
On Wednesday, Dave, Reilly and I headed over to Ft. Myers beach where we saw two dolphins. I was in heaven. We were just watching out over the water, and they went swimming by about 20 feet off shore. It was amazing. We also saw tons of horseshoe crabs (we think!) that had been washed up on shore...probably due to not being able to survive the cold temperatures. We had a great time walking along the water's edge (it was quite chilly, so only our tootsies got wet!) before heading back to the house.
We had to fly home on Thursday. It's always nice to get away and enjoy vacation, but the saying is true, there's no place like home!
Thanks for hosting us Kim, Glenn and Brady. We love you guys and we had a ton of fun! Thanks for the memories.
1/1/11
Happy New Year!
It's hard to believe that we are at the start of another new year. 2010 was full of laughs, love, family, friends, ups, downs, but most of all-MEMORIES.
The Woods' family had quite a few big events in 2010--here are just a few in no particular order.
*Dave claims he gave up his man card when he agreed to purchase a mini van. I'm almost certain this has been one of the BEST investments of our married lives!
*Rei Guy turned one! He got to celebrate at home on his actual birthday with mommy and daddy and then had a party at Martin's Side Door Deli with a few of our close friends and family.
*I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand-can't wait to do my left!
*Reilly and I were lucky enough to go to Florida for week this summer...Reilly's first plane ride, first time in the Gulf, first time to be away from daddy for that long...a lot of firsts on the trip!
*The three of us were fortunate enough to spend Christmas in beautiful Cape Coral because of Kim and Glenn's kindness.
*We spent a much needed weekend away in Ft. Wayne with Keely and Jeff.
*Reilly attended his first Longaberger Bee
*Reilly discovered that he LOVES to have the wind flying through his hair when he is on the bicycle with Daddy.
* I am blessed to be a part of the staff at a National Blue Ribbon School-a huge honor for Northpoint and Penn Harris Madison.
*We made a (very sad!) attempt at having a garden. I think the fruits of our labor produced one radish, 4 tomatoes and 1 very small carrot.
*Reilly has learned to LOVE Ms. Betsy, our wonderful babysitter!
*We took an unexpected trip to West Virginia, but had a ton of fun!
2010 has been an AMAZING year for our family! I pray that 2011 is even better!
It's hard to believe that we are at the start of another new year. 2010 was full of laughs, love, family, friends, ups, downs, but most of all-MEMORIES.
The Woods' family had quite a few big events in 2010--here are just a few in no particular order.
*Dave claims he gave up his man card when he agreed to purchase a mini van. I'm almost certain this has been one of the BEST investments of our married lives!
*Rei Guy turned one! He got to celebrate at home on his actual birthday with mommy and daddy and then had a party at Martin's Side Door Deli with a few of our close friends and family.
*I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand-can't wait to do my left!
*Reilly and I were lucky enough to go to Florida for week this summer...Reilly's first plane ride, first time in the Gulf, first time to be away from daddy for that long...a lot of firsts on the trip!
*The three of us were fortunate enough to spend Christmas in beautiful Cape Coral because of Kim and Glenn's kindness.
*We spent a much needed weekend away in Ft. Wayne with Keely and Jeff.
*Reilly attended his first Longaberger Bee
*Reilly discovered that he LOVES to have the wind flying through his hair when he is on the bicycle with Daddy.
* I am blessed to be a part of the staff at a National Blue Ribbon School-a huge honor for Northpoint and Penn Harris Madison.
*We made a (very sad!) attempt at having a garden. I think the fruits of our labor produced one radish, 4 tomatoes and 1 very small carrot.
*Reilly has learned to LOVE Ms. Betsy, our wonderful babysitter!
*We took an unexpected trip to West Virginia, but had a ton of fun!
2010 has been an AMAZING year for our family! I pray that 2011 is even better!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
365 Days
My Baby Boy is ONE!
I don't know how it's possible. I don't know how 365 days have gone by, how a whole year has passed and Reilly is ONE. I just don't know.
I remember a year ago yesterday like it was 10 minutes ago. I remember vividly the sleep I did not get Monday night, getting up and leaving for the hospital as a family of two. I remember knowing that life would never be the same when we came home as a family of three. I remember playing "Name that Tune" during delivery and listening to Dr. Shah talk about his colorful backyard because his dog eats crayons. I remember panicking because Reilly didn't scream like I thought he was supposed to, and most of all I remember holding him on my chest for the very first time and falling in love. I remember every moment of that day like it was yesterday.
In the mean time, I've learned to clean up puke like a pro, to go with smaller amounts of sleep then I've ever imagined, to worry less about things and more about smiles, to live in the moment instead of having to know what's next, I've learned to love like I didn't know was possible, and most of all I've learned that I would allow anything to happen to me before anything could happen to my baby.
Each day in the past year has brought a "new" to our family. A new Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, a new smile, food, movement, just a lot of new. I treasure every moment that I get to spend with Reilly. Whether we are playing in the yard, swimming in a pool, sharing a snack, eating dinner, sharing snuggles before bed or he's picking my nose...you couldn't pay me a billion, gazillion, bazillion dollars to trade a single moment with him.
I love that right now, crawling around the house, getting into everything he's not supposed to is his favorite past time. I love that we have to risk Rei playing in the toilet if the bathroom door isn't closed, that we get to find Dave's shoes all over the house if he doesn't put them in the bedroom when he gets home from work. I love that things come up missing from the bottom half of the refrigerator if the kitchen gate isn't up, and I love that we can never find the TV controller or the cordless phone. I love it all!
Being a millionaire wouldn't make me happier than being a mommy does.
Dear Bubbers,
You are the love of my life. I can't believe that you are 1 now. There are so many exciting things for us to do together. I love spending time with you, (especially when you are snugly and let me pretend that you are little and stuck there like you used to be!) I consider being your mommy the best, greatest job ever. There are so many people that love you more than you will ever know. I know you are one, I know the next years will move even quicker than this first one has, but you should know, that you will always be MY little man! Happy Birthday, Big Boy! I love you!
My Heart Is Yours Forever,
Mommy
I don't know how it's possible. I don't know how 365 days have gone by, how a whole year has passed and Reilly is ONE. I just don't know.
I remember a year ago yesterday like it was 10 minutes ago. I remember vividly the sleep I did not get Monday night, getting up and leaving for the hospital as a family of two. I remember knowing that life would never be the same when we came home as a family of three. I remember playing "Name that Tune" during delivery and listening to Dr. Shah talk about his colorful backyard because his dog eats crayons. I remember panicking because Reilly didn't scream like I thought he was supposed to, and most of all I remember holding him on my chest for the very first time and falling in love. I remember every moment of that day like it was yesterday.
In the mean time, I've learned to clean up puke like a pro, to go with smaller amounts of sleep then I've ever imagined, to worry less about things and more about smiles, to live in the moment instead of having to know what's next, I've learned to love like I didn't know was possible, and most of all I've learned that I would allow anything to happen to me before anything could happen to my baby.
Each day in the past year has brought a "new" to our family. A new Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, a new smile, food, movement, just a lot of new. I treasure every moment that I get to spend with Reilly. Whether we are playing in the yard, swimming in a pool, sharing a snack, eating dinner, sharing snuggles before bed or he's picking my nose...you couldn't pay me a billion, gazillion, bazillion dollars to trade a single moment with him.
I love that right now, crawling around the house, getting into everything he's not supposed to is his favorite past time. I love that we have to risk Rei playing in the toilet if the bathroom door isn't closed, that we get to find Dave's shoes all over the house if he doesn't put them in the bedroom when he gets home from work. I love that things come up missing from the bottom half of the refrigerator if the kitchen gate isn't up, and I love that we can never find the TV controller or the cordless phone. I love it all!
Being a millionaire wouldn't make me happier than being a mommy does.
Dear Bubbers,
You are the love of my life. I can't believe that you are 1 now. There are so many exciting things for us to do together. I love spending time with you, (especially when you are snugly and let me pretend that you are little and stuck there like you used to be!) I consider being your mommy the best, greatest job ever. There are so many people that love you more than you will ever know. I know you are one, I know the next years will move even quicker than this first one has, but you should know, that you will always be MY little man! Happy Birthday, Big Boy! I love you!
My Heart Is Yours Forever,
Mommy
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Job Promotion
One year ago today, I was up for the biggest job promotion in the world. I knew ahead of time that it could be messy, I would have long days, even longer nights, the possibility of a sassy and demanding boss, and I'd never be off duty. What I didn't know was that the job I was up for would be the most rewarding, amazing, love filled, sloppy kisses everyday wonderful experience that it is.
I am honored to be Reilly's mommy. It's the greatest job in the world!
I am honored to be Reilly's mommy. It's the greatest job in the world!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10 Things on the 10th Day of the 10th Month...
Today is October 10th, 2010, or 10/10/10!
I thought it would only be appropriate if I shared the top 10 things on my mind today...
Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Double ear infections in my Rei Guy's ears are yucky. If they were human, I wouldn't ever speak to them again, that's how gross I think they are.
2. We had a fantastic day at Kercher's Fall Festival today with Keely, Jeff, Brady, Chad, Shelly, Sami, Reilly, Dave and I. We picked apples, took a hay ride, picked pumpkins and at lunch. All in 80+ degree weather, too!
3. Grocery shopping is awful. There's nothing exciting about it and I really just strongly dislike it.
4. I must always remember to be careful when I am coming down steps. My heart continues to ache for Kim and the ordeal she has gone through in the past 11 months. Just yesterday, she had her fourth surgery...this time to take the nuts and bolts out of her leg!
5. I can't believe that in 17 days my BABY IS GOING TO BE ONE YEAR OLD. That is all I can say, if I think about it to much, I start to get teary eyed and won't be able to finish my list, and I'm only half way done.
6. Although I love my job, there are many days that I wish Bubbers and I could stay home together and play all day long.
7. My family is the most AMAZING group of people I have ever met. I feel very lucky that God decided to give me my parents, sisters, brother in laws, husband, kid, nephew, grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles.
8. My house is a DISASTER! I guess I thought today would be a good day to go through Reilly's room to get rid of clothes that don't fit him anymore...now I just have to find the energy to clean up the living room.
9. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wish Similac would have taken care of the insects before they made it into the formula powder. We need formula and everyone has taken it off their shelves. Here's hoping Rei will like his new brand...
10. I think the Simpsons is pretty much the stupidest show on television, and I just wish I could find the remote control so I could change the channel.
I thought it would only be appropriate if I shared the top 10 things on my mind today...
Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Double ear infections in my Rei Guy's ears are yucky. If they were human, I wouldn't ever speak to them again, that's how gross I think they are.
2. We had a fantastic day at Kercher's Fall Festival today with Keely, Jeff, Brady, Chad, Shelly, Sami, Reilly, Dave and I. We picked apples, took a hay ride, picked pumpkins and at lunch. All in 80+ degree weather, too!
3. Grocery shopping is awful. There's nothing exciting about it and I really just strongly dislike it.
4. I must always remember to be careful when I am coming down steps. My heart continues to ache for Kim and the ordeal she has gone through in the past 11 months. Just yesterday, she had her fourth surgery...this time to take the nuts and bolts out of her leg!
5. I can't believe that in 17 days my BABY IS GOING TO BE ONE YEAR OLD. That is all I can say, if I think about it to much, I start to get teary eyed and won't be able to finish my list, and I'm only half way done.
6. Although I love my job, there are many days that I wish Bubbers and I could stay home together and play all day long.
7. My family is the most AMAZING group of people I have ever met. I feel very lucky that God decided to give me my parents, sisters, brother in laws, husband, kid, nephew, grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles.
8. My house is a DISASTER! I guess I thought today would be a good day to go through Reilly's room to get rid of clothes that don't fit him anymore...now I just have to find the energy to clean up the living room.
9. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wish Similac would have taken care of the insects before they made it into the formula powder. We need formula and everyone has taken it off their shelves. Here's hoping Rei will like his new brand...
10. I think the Simpsons is pretty much the stupidest show on television, and I just wish I could find the remote control so I could change the channel.
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