Thanksgiving & Black Friday Recap

WHEW! We are E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D.

What a week it has been! Cary has been on vacation and we stayed really busy. Thanksgiving came up on us quickly. We celebrated at my Godparents' gathering with my Mom and lots of other friends and extended family. It was a lovely day with delicious food and great company. McKinley had an awesome time with all the older children (ranging from 12 to 2 1/2), and he ran right with 'em!

As the day came to a close there were visions of craziness in my head. We had big plans. Involving long lines and crazy people --- ourselves included. Earlier in the week we booked a hotel room in Indy so we could hit Black Friday in a big way. Thankfully, Mom offered to stay with McKinley because there was simply NO WAY we would ever consider keeping him out all night long to shop. So, off to bed they went...off to Toys R Us went Cary & Lynn.

I kept calling Cary my little Black Friday Virgin, or BFV...well, Black Friday Virgin no more! He quickly got the hang of it and dug in to score lots of goodies for our boy. Some things on the list we must leave for Santa, but we did our best to get plenty from Mommy & Daddy...we know the jolly old elf will not disappoint! I'm most proud of Cary's find at Walmart (yes, we were THOSE people...at Walmart at 5am). He scored the very last Power Wheels Big Jeep in the entire store. He was practically tackled, I believe, but it's ours! Well...um...McKinley's. lol

Cary and I did not sleep on the night of Thanksgiving...not a wink. We sure do have some great war stories though...in our mile-long line at Toys R Us, we were fortunate to stand by some really great people. Dr. Bill, the shrink and his wife, the professor. Lauren, the nurse and Mike, the carpenter. We all shared our stories and for whom we were shopping. We also shared our beloved picnic blanket as we huddled under it, seeking refuge from the frigid and unexpected wind. If I could have found them after we were finished I would have invited them to a celebratory breakfast. We laughed together, shared stories of Terre Haute (where the professor had attended college) and Bloomington (where Dr. Bill had attended college). We talked about our kids, our jobs, the other idiots in line, the complete morons who had an INFANT in a carrier out in this horrible weather. They made it a great experience and think we were all so relieved to not be standing in line with the nutcase wielding a weapon for a zhu zhu pet. We bid farewell and wished one another a Merry Christmas, but not before laughing about sharing that blanket and Mike poor, numb thumb sticking out of the blanket to hold it up while the professor wore her mittens. Good times!

Our schedule was as follows:

Toys R Us - midnight

Stand in line for four hours (two to get in, two to check out --- though I did happen on dumb luck and got right in the check out line as we entered. Cary shopped and I waited in line to pay...for two hours)

Break for coffee and snack

Walmart - 4am

Stand in lines for an hour, split up so that we could have a better chance of getting what we came for (and we did...all but that dang Cars Guitar).

Break for more caffeine
Target - 6:30

Stand in line for about 30 minutes to pay for our purchases

Drive back to Edinburgh, where we were staying, near the outlet mall

Coach and a bevy of other stores that we were far too delirious by then to tally - 8am

By 10 we were back at the hotel, picked up a well-rested Mom & McKinley (jealous!) and headed back to the outlet

Break for lunch

Pack 'er up and head out!

My Mom drove home (obviously by this time we were holding our eyelids open with toothpicks), she was the only one with any room. No one could see out of the back, Cary could barely peer over the luggage to see McKinley sitting next to him...and me...well, let's just say it took me almost 5 minutes to get out of the car on our pee break. Ha haaaa! I was holding smaller purchases that wouldn't fit anywhere else, a coat, a scarf, my purse, our diaper bag, a small piece of luggage, McKinley's drink, my drink and the crystal cake plate that I'd taken my German Chocolate Cake to Thanksgiving. I wish now that we had taken a picture with my camera...but that too was buried somewhere beneath my legs.

Can I just say how worth it this was? Awesome. Thrilling....a little scary...loads of fun. I had a serious good time with my husband. We were a great team! Anything for our boy! Anything! Sleep? Who needs it???? Hooray for Thanksgiving & Black Friday!

Lynn

Big Changes, Bigger Blessings

Tonight I rocked McKinley to sleep.
Yes, he's two - nearly two and a half. I don't care. Not long after McKinley was born a family friend told me about how she always rocked her boys to sleep until they were probably 'too old' to be doing it. She told me how she never has regretted it because those are times you just don't get back. It was then that I decided to throw all that stuff I was reading about how "if you do that you'll pay for it later" out the window and do what Cary and I loved and what we felt our baby needed. So, Cary and I rocked McKinley to sleep as often as we could. Soon, he wouldn't have it - hahahaha - he requested to "Go lay down in bed?", so we complied. I had not rocked him to sleep in FOREVER and I don't know if I'll have another opportunity, or if McKinley will be just tired enough to give in and lay his precious head on my shoulder, so why not? Matter of fact, this was probably the last time I will rock my son to sleep as a Stay-at-home-Mom.
The title of my post is "Big Changes, Bigger Blessings", appropriate for the week of Thanksgiving, even more so of my life right now. I feel beyond blessed that God has given Cary and I this amazing little boy, even more blessed that we have had the opportunity to have me stay at home with him thus far. Now, I've been blessed again by getting a job in this less-than-desirable economy with a company who is so family oriented and understanding. A company that allows me to still be home with my son more than most working mothers. I'm scared to work outside of our home for the first time in 4 1/2 years (I have changed so very much since then!), I'm eager to bring home a side dish to Cary's bacon, if you will. And I am pumped to be doing something for a company who's main goal is to help families stay in touch and grounded---much less the opportunity to see my full potential in a 'real' career job and do something for myself. I'm also a little sad...okay, um...maybe a lot sad. Change is always different and I'm happy to see where this change takes us, but it is a role change. That is what is sad to me.
It's been an amazing run, this housewife turned stay-at-home-mom thing. One that has left me stronger, braver, and more knowledgeable than any degree will ever give me. I've also learned to never ever again discount the role of ANY stay-at-home-mom. I'll be the first to admit that I NEVER thought it was a credible job. I stand thoroughly corrected - AND THEN SOME! Truth be told, putting that beloved title (SAHM) on my resume was exactly what caught the attention of this company. The company's recruiter actually told me that in 15 years in Human Resources she had never ever seen SAHM as a job title with job descriptions, and most certainly never known anyone ballsy enough to put it in the current job position! Guess I'm ballsy...
This role in life has led me down a path of getting to know what it's like to have your heart walking around outside of your body (that's our son...). I believe McKinley has had this amazing effect on my life (and Cary's too, no doubt) and he and Cary both continue to amaze me every day. I literally thank God for blessing me with Cary and McKinley, and I consider it a wonderful privilege to be wife and mother for, respectively.
I'm so thankful for this family we've grown, and I'm thankful for finally understanding and truly appreciating the rest of my family too! Maybe it's little things like rocking your son to sleep that put something so monumental into perspective, or maybe I over-analyze the beegeezus out of everything...or both? I don't know, but I do know that wherever this next road takes me it's gonna be a good ride.
I'm going to miss the flexibility of our days and simple things like spending an entire day in your P.J.'s (just did that last week!), but I have so much to add to my resume now. Plus, I can still go to Wee Read, schedule play dates galore, AND play a mean air guitar -ugly guitar face and all - to John Mayer with McKinley & Daddy. Most of all, nothing can or will ever teach me as much as the last 4 1/2 years has taught me! That's life experience...and then some!

Thank you, McKinley, for letting me be your stay-at-home-mommy. I've enjoyed every second!

Love,
Mommy

Another Great Project!

Today I took McKinley to our very first official Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic. Since our first project was from Zoo Boo (FrankenSTRING Project, see post below) and it was too crowded, we brought it home to finish. This time, we signed up very early for the clinic and secured our place in line.

McKinley and I got all settled on the floor with our little carpet square, put on the adorable apron and safety goggles, laid out all of our supplies (everything is provided!) and set out to build a nifty garage, complete with car and Jimmie Johnson decals to boot.

Truth be told, I was a bit worried at first. I am confident that I can do a lot of 'handy' things, but I was concerned about having to concentrate on reading instructions in the midst of banging hammers and many, MANY kids and adults doing their own projects. Thankfully, these projects are truly built for little hands; everything was so easy to figure out and complete. McKinley got totally lost in building his garage (including garage doors! His favorite!), he enjoyed it so much. On several occasions he looked up at me with those gorgeous, dark brown eyes of his and smiled from ear to ear - showing me every tooth in his little mouth. That was a face of pure joy. It warms my heart...and yes, makes me cry. lol

I've decided whomever came up with this idea for Lowe's is a GENIUS. Seriously. I mean, not only are the projects current with colors and trends, they're fun, they provide a nice challenge while still being easy enough to thoroughly enjoy (uh hem...easy enough for parents too), and they are totally free. And we certainly can't forget the famed Lowe's apron and safety goggles that come with - these people even thought of patches and certificates you are awarded with once you have completed your project! I sent the patches and apron home with Mom today, she'll sew them on for us and I can't WAIT to see McKinley's TWO patches of completion on his apron!

Without being all down and depressing, obviously the economic downturn has changed a lot of things for people, communities, companies and just about everything else around us. Somehow Lowe's has continued doing these projects, plus they're actually doing a total of FOUR clinics this month. It's nice to see such a large company doing something that can make ANY kid smile - no matter their income bracket. That's pretty priceless these days. I'm so impressed.

McKinley has yet another fun toy for his playroom, but this one took a little effort and learning. I know he'll play with it for a long time and will truly always know that it this garage is something WE made together. Add that to the long list of beautiful lessons learned!

Lynn

Veterans Day Parade

Wow. Today was touching, to say the least.

Cary had the day off and wanted to attend the Veteran's Day Parade, so on this brisk morning we headed downtown to find a spot with a good view of the parade.

Leading the parade was the funeral procession of a local fallen soldier, who was returned home just the day before. It was heart-wrenching. I did not know him, though I know many of his friends, but my heart aches for his family...especially his mother, whom I could not get off my mind as the herse carrying her son's flag-draped casket slowly drove by. I couldn't help but shed a tear, and I was not alone. Soon, in the procession came a local chapter of high school R.O.T.C. kids. And I mean KIDS. I stood there in total shock, I couldn't move, my heart was aching again for the mothers of these children - SO YOUNG! I could not picture my McKinley out there, I don't think my heart could take it.

On a happy note, the parade was a rousing success for McKinley. He adored the marching band and has been talking about them since. He got to see LOADS of motorcycles (the honorable freedom riders), buses, police cars AND a firetruck. He was all about it! When the somber stuff was going on, he had a good idea that it was a quiet time, he could feel it as everyone else. But when that band was playing, he was waving his flag and jumping up and down!

I feel like we did a good thing today. We helped honor a local hero, MANY local heros - and maybe we are teaching our son how important our freedom is and how we must be thankful for everything we have. That's a big lesson for a two year old, but one worth continuing for sure.

Lynn

You're a Good Boy, Mommy

Lately we are all noticing rapid changes in McKinley. He's truly come out of his shell, openly asking questions to strangers (yikes, gotta work on that whole 'don't talk to strangers' thing soon...), and chit chatting with EVERYONE. The random elderly woman, seated on a bench at the mall was quite taken aback when McKinley paused as we walked by to announce to her that, "I pushed the elevator button!". She had no idea what to say. Another woman at my Mom's office actually missed her elevator because she was also so caught off guard by McKinley's quizzing, "Do you like elevators? I LOVE elevators. I like to push the button."

Our server at Applebee's the other night was officially GOBSMACKED when McKinley asked him to play the guitar on the wall. The guy dubbed him "one-cool-kid" and wished for him to learn to play guitar someday.

We learned that McKinley's buddy, Savannah was not feeling well. When we mentioned it to McKinley he promptly requested to call Robin (Savannah's Mommy) to check on her. Okay, I did! I left Robin a message (we were all wondering how she was), and when Robin called back, McKinley started pulling on me to get the phone. He took it and said, "Robin? Is Savannah sick? Is she better?" I could have cried! So sweet!

This week, while I was working around the house I heard McKinley padding down the hall saying, "Mommy! LOOK!!!" I turned to find my ham wearing his Easter pail (now used as playroom decor) on his head.

Later that night it was time to take out the trash. McKinley requested to go with Daddy, who obliged. McKinley was literally squealing with joy at the thought of performing a big boy task with Daddy. He even made sure to come tell me, "Bye Mommy, I taking out the tash with Daddy!" Had to snap a picture of it!

The other night, post bedtime stories, while cuddling a bit before bed, McKinley started his usual routine of kissing various facial features (and I in turn kiss his...I will miss this terribly when I am old and gray. He will say, "Kiss eyes?" then kiss my eyes, "Kiss nose?" then kiss my nose, etc. When he has run out of features he puts his hands up and says, "Hmmm! What else?!"). He paused to tell me, "Mommy, my eyebrowns are tired". Eyebrowns being his word for eyebrows...I worked so very hard to not let out that giggle bubbling up. I took him very seriously, especially when he asked if MY eyebrowns were tired.

My favorite goofy saying of McKinley's, as of late, is this; today I was manning a slight fit at Nonna's house (my Mom). I leaned down to correct McKinley and picked him up. He hugged me, started playing with my hair and said, "You're a GOOD BOY, Mommy."

I melted.

My sweet, sweet boy!

A gorgeous fall afternoon with my boy...

Is this not the quintessential picture of a happy toddler????? I LOVE THIS!!!!!

Earlier today (um, okay technically it was yesterday because I'm up late again and just now taking time to update), upon realizing that it was GORGEOUS and WARM outside I asked McKinley if he would like to go to the park. Duh, like I had to ask. Then I asked if he would like to have a picnic. Again...don't bother asking! So I packed a quick lunch, ran a few errands, picked up a couple of extra things for our impromptu lunch and we finally arrived at the park. I chose a parking spot and McKinley set out to find our special picnic spot, which was just the perfect sunshine-laden spot between two bare trees with a view of the little train garage, train tracks and the playground. I set off to fill our pitas (or is it pita even when plural??? Have to look that up to be sure) with the yummy hummus we picked up on our way to the park and cheese along with a mish mash of other healthy goodies, and we chowed and chatted. It was perfect. I had a great time sharing my pita with McKinley and we even munched on a little cookie.

I noticed some birds chirping, then heard that tell-tale sound of knocking, and I got to introduce McKinley to a small group of "WOODPEPPERS", as he so fondly refers to them now. He kept saying, "Mommy! See Woodpeppers???" I laughed and laughed!

Then, a ladybug landed on our blanket (a long-time favorite of mine). McKinley went in for a closer look, held it in his hand and when the ladybug flew onto his pants he was so excited that 'she' wanted to stay by his side. Pretty soon she flew away, and he watched as she moved locations.

Soon Nonna stopped by (since she lives right beside the park) and did their annual 'walking of the train track' (Note: this is not a real train track...it's a ride-on train that has been around for AGES - since I rode it as a child, at least!). When they returned, McKinley handed me a pretty silk flower he found on the ground along the way - obviously left over from the previous weekend's fall decor. How sweet!

I think we all ate today up - it won't be long before there's snow on the ground and a real chill in the air. I'll miss all the spring/summer/fall nature, so it was nice to give us a brief Indian Summer to enjoy - short sleeves and all!

Lynn