Milford, Mall Date, Frankenmuth, Trunk or Treat

This week has sped by with Grams here! We spent most of Monday in Milford because that village will always have a special place in Grams heart (and mine). We did have a bit of bad luck when we first headed into town to check out the shops. Turns out that even though the stores say they open at 10 they don't actually open at 10- they open when the owners get there. We figured since it was cold and the stores weren't open yet we'd just hop into the bakery but it turns out the bakery isn't open on Mondays. That was super disappointing- we were both looking forward to an orange zest muffin. So with those disappointments in hand we decided to just go to Kensignton and do a nature walk. It was a bit chilly for a walk but the nature was beautiful.

After we finished our walk we were going to warm up inside the nature center there, only to find out it was closed on Monday mornings. Seriously this Monday closing stuff was getting annoying. So instead we met Tyler at McDonald's so Penny could have some fun playing in the play place. Then we went to the shops again, which were finally open. We didn't find the specific Michigan shirt Grams was looking for but it was still fun to browse.

When we finished up there it was back home until the evening when we once again went Milford. This time we went to my friend Stefanie's house. We parked there and then walked with her to Smoke Street BBQ. The food was SO SO good and the company was even better and added bonus- my sweet friend paid for our meals. It was a great end to our Milford day.

Tuesday morning I volunteered in Ben's class and once again it was a trying experience. I was immediately notified by Ben's teacher that Ben and his table group were mean to another child while there was a sub yesterday. Great. Then for writing group he gave me 4 struggling writers to work with- at the same time- and that was very challenging. I always feel like I don't meet his high expectations when I work with the kids. I wonder if that's how Ben feels?

After volunteering Tuesday, I checked Lucy out of school so she could have some special time with Grams. She was feeling real jealous that Penny got to be with Grams all day so this was her chance to have some time with her. We took them down to the Outlet Mall in Auburn Hills and I think she had a great time- there was junk food eating, a little shopping (where it took Lucy a million minutes to decide what little trinket she wanted) and they played at the play place there. Lucy at one point decided it was not just Grams Day but Sister Day too. I love the special bond she has with her sister.

On our way to the Outlet Mall we had a funny experience. Penny started saying in a very distraught voice, "No P's allowed!?" It took us a minute to realize that she was seeing a no parking sign and she thought since it said "no P" that meant no Penny's since her name starts with a "P". It was pretty silly.

Tuesday night Ben got to have a little date at Wendy's with Grams because he was jealous that Lucy got checked out of school. It seemed to help pacify those feelings of jealousy.

On Wednesday, around noon, I picked up Steven from 5th Grade Camp. He had left Monday and from all appearances he had a great time. Tyler had volunteered at camp for a bit both Monday and Tuesday (apparently volunteering meant babysitting so the teachers could get a break)and I guess Steven was too busy with his friend Marcus to interact with Tyler. I'm so glad he doesn't have any problems with being away with us and that he has made a good friend. I worry about how Ben's going to do when he has 5th grade camp in a couple years.

Wednesday evening I had my first Huron Valley Rec and Community Ed Advisory Board meeting. I am not sure why I said yes when invited to go- maybe just because I was invited? And maybe because I thought it could be an interesting opportunity? The kids have taken basically all of their sport stuff through Huron Rec and it actually was pretty interesting to meet with the director and give input on programs and things. There was definitely an odd assortment of people but like I said, it was interesting. And it was neat be involved in something for once.

Thursday Grams, Penny and I went on a little getaway to Frankenmuth. We did all the traditional things- the Christmas Store, the Cheese Store and a Fudge store. 

When we finished the traditional things we went to a little shopping center there where we ate Beignets that were covered in about a cup of powdered sugar. They were so tasty but the extreme amount of powdered sugar seemed almost evil. We were all covered in the end and so were the floors. It looked like it had snowed. Before and after below:

After hogging those down Grams noticed a giant shop stuffed full of various Michigan shirts and she finally found the one she wanted. So my VERY belated present to her was a shirt about the Great Lakes that says "no sharks, no salt, no worries" I'll have to remember this shop if I am ever in need of a good variety of Michigan shirts- it had so many options.

Friday we did one last Kohl's shop- Grams had some more Kohl's cash to spend and then that afternoon we met a couple of my friends at the Safari Playground. It is an indoor playground that was free- just for October. Penny had a blast and even though I was feeling a bit anti-social, I'm glad I went.

Friday night was our Trunk or Treat and it had a crazy big turn out. More people than places to sit! The kids had a good time stuffing their faces, eating donuts from a string and going trunk or treat. It was a lot of fun for them as always.

Pictures before the party. I was real proud of Lucy's Hermione hair- it was achieved with a crimper. 

Doughnut fun and a picture with my striped friend:

Friday night Ben had a rough night- waking up several times upset and scared. He really has been super emotional lately and it's been really hard trying to calm him down. He still has the worries about nasal drainage. I haven't heard from his teacher lately about that issue so maybe he is better at school but he has not gotten over it at home. Mom life is hard.

Saturday morning we went and saw "Small Foot." I always like going to a movie as a family and while it wasn't my favorite- it was entertaining enough. The kids seemed to enjoy it- except maybe Lucy who got real wiggly near the end.

And that is the end of our crazy, busy week!

Grams, Doughnuts and Daycation

Monday the boys had their last Archery class and Steven won the class competition and earned himself a gold arrow. I was surprised, I had no idea he was doing so well. Ben also hit the bulls eye during class which was equally awesome. I am glad they ended the class on such a high note.

On Tuesday Grams flew into town and that was definitely the highlight of the week. I was a bad daughter and accidentally took a sub job the afternoon she flew in- I thought it was for Monday afternoon when I took it. But Tyler saved the day and picked up Grams from the airport so I didn't have to cancel on the sub job. I'm glad I didn't have to cancel because it was for Steven's teacher and I was anxious to see what his class was like. 

Subbing for Steven's class was a good revelation. His teacher last year often complained about Steven's inability to focus but his teacher this year said she didn't notice him having focus problems. Being in his class I realized why. He is in the back and there are definitely other kids that have much more obvious behavior problems. 2 with specials need and a handful that are just super obnoxious. Steven, on the other hand, is mostly just squirmy in his seat and getting lost in his head so not a big deal for her.

When I got back from subbing we had dinner and then hit up Long's Farm for doughnuts. They were way more delicious than the doughnut's at Spicer's. It's going to be really hard not to make more stops for doughnuts with it only being 5 minutes away from us. While at Long's we had to take some pictures- especially a lot of pictures on the giant rocking chair.

Wednesday Grams, Penny and I did some shopping in the morning (it's tradition for us to do lots of shopping while she's here) and then I took the kids to the doctors for a well check up in the afternoon. I talked to the Dr about my concerns that Steven might have ADHD. She thinks he's being a typical kid and that I can probably fix things by just talking with the teacher and working out small modifications. He may be skating by in school right now but things have been tough at home- tough getting him to do school work and scout work and tough with him always pushing his siblings buttons (and mine). I also worry about what's going to happen when he hits Middle School and school will require a lot more focus. I am just a bit disappointed with the doctor's response. Her only helpful idea was to have the teacher move him to the front of the room. I think that's a good idea but I am just struggling with how to ask the teacher to do it- I don't want to be demanding or rude. At this point I think my next step if I am really concerned is to take Steven to a Psychologist but I can't decide if I am concerned enough to do that. I know that will be a hard journey to embark on.

Also at the Doctor's Appointment the boys both got flu shots and you would've thought that they were about to be murdered. They both freaked out and started crying. The nurse was a young guy and he wasn't very kind about their freaking out. Yes, I know it's embarrassing that my 8 and 10 year old are acting like babies but he made some pretty snide comments and then when we got out of the room I could hear the tail end of him making fun of my kids to the coworkers. That was really upsetting. It may be time to quit that office.

And because struggling with Steven's focus issues and shots wasn't enough... Ben had a tough time in school this week. His teacher told me when I volunteered Tuesday that Ben had been crying at school a lot and that kids were starting to notice and call him baby Ben. This breaks my heart for so many reasons. I really thought he was doing better emotionally at school and I don't want his classmates to make fun of him. When we got down to the root of his crying, he said that his nasal drainage has really been worrying him. He's worried that he won't be able to breath or that he will choke on it. We had a big conversation about the illogical thinking behind that and I rechecked out a book called "What to do when you worry too much." We read this when he was having issues before and it really helped- I am hoping it will help again. He did do better Friday in class so maybe it will be a quick turn around?

Thursday morning I had to get a crown redone. This was all pretty pain free until they had to "pack the gums." I am not sure what that meant aside from them stabbing something sharp into the gums around my tooth. It was awful and that tooth was sore for a good day. Thursday afternoon we did more shopping and then we took a walk to the library. Penny did not want to go on the walk at first so I said to her "Don't you want to spend time with Grams?" Her reply, "But I already spent time with her!" She is such a little stink. We eventually convinced her to go and even though it was a bit chilly, it was a good walk and we had a nice time at the library.

Thursday evening we all went out to the Olive Garden, Grandma's treat. Usually we go to less fancy places, like Chili's, so it was quite the revelation that our kids restaurant behavior is lacking a bit but they did mostly good and the food was just so yummy. Olive Garden will always be a favorite of mine. I am grateful that I got a night off of cooking.

Friday afternoon Tyler and I abandoned Grams and the kids and did a little Daycation at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit- we stayed at the Marriott. It is a super expensive hotel normally but we got a good deal through Tyler's brother who does accounting for Marriott. We started off our getaway picking up some lunch and then we went to my favorite used bookstore in Detroit. They have a lot of neat old books and I love browsing it- only set back was it was a little chilly, apparently they have decided not to turn on their heater yet. Afterwards we checked in the hotel and I must admit I got a little nervous when we went up 47 floors in the elevator. It makes your ears pop. We ended up having such a relaxed getaway which is exactly what I needed. Life has been a bunch of little stressful things lately and it was nice to escape the stress. We had dinner at the Shake Shack because we are fancy like that, we rode the People Mover to a  convenience store to get some snacks, and we watched a movie on TV at the hotel. The next day we had breakfast at Panera which was a the entrance of the Renaissance center and it had a great view of the river (and all sorts of people coming back from running a 5K). Then we stepped out and walked the river- for maybe 5 minutes because I realized it was way to cold outside. After checking out of the hotel we went and saw "Venom" which was a surprisingly fun movie and after that it was back home to be a mom and dad again. I really wish we could do more getaways. They are always so refreshing and so needed.

Life

This week was full of things and kept me busy but nothing was particularly exciting- I actually didn't even take any pictures this week. I think that tells you just how unexciting it was ;)

Monday was just cleaning and an orthodontist appointment for Steven. Once again he was reprimanded for not taking proper care of his teeth, ugh. I hope he still has some teeth left after he gets these braces off. 

Monday I also got the bummer news that our home insurance might be responsible for paying for a friend's daughters doctor bills. I was babysitting for a friend a couple weeks ago and apparently her daughter sprained her fingers when she slipped off our swing set- no fault of the swing set, just clumsiness on her behalf. She didn't even tell me anything was wrong- never came to me upset and I didn't find out until Sunday that it had happened. Well apparently since it happened on our property- accident or not- our insurance might have to pay for it. My friend felt bad about the whole thing and I just feel frustrated with insurance companies. So far we haven't heard anything from any actual insurance companies though so time shall tell. All this does is further confirm Tyler's worries about having a trampoline in our yard. Next thing I know he will be dismantling the swing set.

And to cement my very Monday feeling day, I had a very frustrating incident involving my ministering assignment and the RS President. The RS Pres sent out a group email (to about 10 people) about how one of my ministering sisters needed something and it felt a bit like the email was calling out me and my companion for not doing anything. This is frustrating because I help this sister out A LOT- she is just extremely needy. An hour later (this is at 10:30 at night) she 'replied to all' calling us out yet again for not yet responding. It had only been an hour- I was going to deal with it in the morning for Pete's sake. I thought maybe I was being extra sensitive but Tyler read both emails and agreed that they were not very nice. Thankfully after a very carefully worded email sent by me, the RS Pres called me the next day and apologized. It was nice that she realized her mistake and apologized, now I just have to work on letting go my frustrated feelings with the whole thing.

Tuesday I volunteered for Ben's classroom and failed again. Apparently I was being too helpful to the kids and he had wanted them to struggle and figure it out themselves. I got reprimanded. I'm not sure why I was in there then if I wasn't supposed to be helpful but I am sure that Ben's class will forever keep me on my toes and second guessing my teaching skills.

Tuesday evening I brought dinner to a friend who had just had a baby. It was fun to talk with her and see her little one but I am just not sure I am up for having another one of those. I had this moment during General Conference where I had this overwhelming feeling that I am supposed to have one more baby, ok several moments if I am being honest, but I just can't come to terms with that feeling. My fear is stronger than my faith right now. If I think of a baby generally, I think sure, we can have another one. But when I think of all a baby entails- emotionally, physically, monetarily- I start getting a panic attack. How can I possibly handle one more? 

Tuesday night was also Bunco and it was a lot of fun but I didn't win a prize this time which was depressing because all the prizes were so dang cute!

Wednesday afternoon I ended up subbing at the kid's school for a Kindergarten class. It came up on the system early in the morning so I snatched it up but I had a heck of a time finding someone to watch Penny. I asked 4 people before finally finding someone. I am glad I was able to do it though. It was such an easy day. Not only was there a student teacher there but the kids also had lunch, rest time and 2 specials while I was there. I literally only had to teach 1 lesson. Super easy. The only awfulness came at the end when I had bus duty and came back from it to find that Ben had been freaking out because I wasn't in the room and Steven was missing. After the office did a page from him, it became apparent that he had ridden the bus home accidentally so I rushed home and found him there. He told me when he didn't see me at the bus stop he realized his mistake and ran all the way home because he was a little freaked out. Oh that kid will be the death of me.

Also Wednesday I noticed that Penny was missing a piece of her tooth- another crown from all her previous dental work had fallen off. There was some blueberry from a smoothie stuck to  to the remaining tooth so at first appearances I thought her tooth was rotting. It was disturbing. Thankfully it was just a broken crown and thankfully their dentist's office was much more accommodating this time. They squeezed her onto the schedule Thursday. I was real nervous because she had freaked out at her last dental visit which was just a cleaning but she ended up doing pretty good. She started to cry in the beginning but the dental assistant got her to smile by having her doll ride on a my little pony. Once she calmed down she started to doze off and the only time she had issues as they filled her broken crown was when they sprayed water on the tooth- I think it just freaked her out because she was half asleep and suddenly felt water dripping down her throat.

I also learned from this incident that Benny believes the bottom part of all teeth are called crowns. He was shocked when I explained to him what crowns really are, ha ha!

Friday I babysat my friend's 8 month old baby again. Once again got me worried about having another one- babies are so time consuming. My logical brain is just having a hard time. Ben also ended up coming home from school sick that day. Tyler had to pick him up since I didn't have a car. He had told the office he felt like throwing up and since a kid in his class had, they were properly worried. In the end we found out he is having nasal dripage in his throat and that is what is making him feel like throwing up. So glad it's not the stomach bug but it also caused me to cancel plans with friends for the afternoon so that was disappointing.

Some positives from this week...Tyler's truck is fixed! Well mostly, he wants to get the alignment done at a shop and his battery is now giving him problems. I swear we just need to buy a new vehicle but at least the tires are all on!

Also I finished painting the kitchen cabinets! No more painting cabinets for me!! There were a few doors that the hardware broke on when I was taking them off so I have to buy some new hardware for them so I can reattach them but the project is basically done so that feels so fabulous! Once I get those last few doors attached I will post some finished pictures and I am real excited for that!

And lastly the weather cooperated today so we were able to get our family pictures completed. Yes it was freezing cold but no rain! She said she'll have them done in a few weeks so in the meanwhile I am going to try not to be too over anxious about seeing the results.

Painting Cabinets, Cranbrook Museum

This Monday Tyler worked from home because we were getting our new ac unit installed. Another debt to add to our list so that's exciting. We have enough money to pay for it now but it would pretty much wipe out our savings so our plan is to spread out the cost a bit. We plan to have the ac unit loan paid off in a year (before interest kicks in) and by then we will have some money back in savings from Tyler's yearly bonus and tax refunds. I really wish life wasn't so expensive. 

Also, we tried out the new ac a couple of days ago and it already gave us grief- the outside unit never shut off. It's a bit frustrating that we already have to call them back but I am glad we noticed this before next summer. Hopefully they get out soon to fix the problem.

Tuesday I got started working on the top cabinet boxes and by the end of Thursday the boxes were all done. Now all that's left is fixing up the top cabinet doors that I messed up. It feels so good to finally be making some noticeable progress on this eternal project!

Also on Tuesday I volunteered in Ben's classroom and I felt like I had much better experience this time- I felt more competent, ha ha! It was good to feel useful and I am feeling better about my weekly commitment to volunteer.

Wednesday I had an Arby's date with Corinne and her daughter. Then they came to our house and Corinne braided hair. She nicely offered to do Penny's hair for pics so we spent the afternoon experimenting on what to do. She also did my hair and then Lucy's when Lucy got home from school. Since I have no talent in the hair department, it's always fun to have someone make us look fancy.

This week Tyler was not able to check out a car from work (his truck is still broken) and so there were a couple days I went without a car rather than making the effort of dropping and picking him up from work. This meant that on Thursday we walked to the library for story time. While it's a bummer to not have a car, it was beautiful weather for a walk so I can't complain. Honestly the weather has been all over the place this week though. We have had days in the 70's and then days in the 50's. 

Thursday night I went on a walk with Stefanie in Milford. Goodness I miss that cute town. It was Girl's Night in town so the bakery was open and even though we are both trying to eat better (that's why we decided to go walking instead of go out for ice cream) we both couldn't resist the temptation. This eating better stuff is really rough. I also got to talk to her about some neat spiritual experiences I had and that was nice. I enjoy talking to her about Gospel related things, maybe someday it will lead to something...

Friday we were able to babysit my friend's baby again and once again Penny was in heaven, she really loves babies. Afterwards we ran some errands- getting some last minute things for family pics the next day. Of course while in Target we had to hit the Halloween aisle and have a little bit of fun with a cow head.

Friday after school we picked up Ben's friend, Andrea, (after picking up Tyler from work) and went to the Cranbrook Science Museum. It's free on the first Friday of the month and I felt like it would be a good family (and friend) hurrah. They had a scavenger hunt for the kids and the kids really enjoyed finding the different exhibits for the hunt- some were more challenging to find then others. It's a small museum but the kids still seemed to have a good time so I'm really glad I made the effort to get us there.

Do these pics seem familiar? Penny has been fed to T-rex before and that bear has definitely made a presence in our pictures before.

Penny thought that the rock looked like a unicorn horn- she was pretty excited.

Saturday morning I ran a mile and this was the first time I timed myself. It took me 10 minutes- I'm not super impressed with myself. Apparently I need to do more cardio. Afterwards we spent the morning prepping for family pics- despite the rain outside. I was really hoping we'd get lucky and the rain would go away but we didn't get super lucky. We had about 10 out of the 30 minutes when we were able to get our pics taken. The photographer did get a family pic and individual shots in that short time frame but we will probably end up doing a redo next weekend. I just hate to go through all the effort of getting everyone ready again but I also want to get my moneys worth.

The rest of Saturday was spent watching Conference. It was a monumental day- today they announced that in 2019 church will only be 2 hours instead of the 3. That's going to be quite the change and while most people are excited for a shorter church time- I feel kind of sad. I think it's probably just because I struggle with change and things are going to be very different. It's weird to think that Penny probably won't even remember the days of 3 hour church. And that Steven will be able to say, "Back in my day we had to go to church for 3 hours!" Super weird.