Gizzardfest

Since the big girls are out in PV, Gizzardfest is something that many of their friends visit.  So, this year, we had pressure from them to attend.

Despite the short trip, I packed a full lunch for all of us (except for Billy who was holding out for fair food.)

We stopped at an ATM, at a gas station, and they were out of service = (  So, we found another one that was in service!

We parked at the school, and then found a shady spot to set up our camp chairs.  The kids were able to go in pairs or groups to ride the rides.  There weren't as many rides as Laingsburg, which meant Alice was hanging out with us for the most part.  William, Grace and Juliet spent a good portion of their time on the playground near our chairs.  Emily found her friends and we didn't see her for a while. = )  

Not long before we left, William caught up with one of his friends too!

I think we all had a pleasant enough time, but I don't know if we'll make it an annual event.  We'll see how Emily is feeling about it next year. ; )

later days

Mother's Day 2023

Over a month before Mother's Day, Grace and Emily were on the ball making some Mother's Day art for distant moms that we celebrate!

A few weeks before Mother's Day, I started looking at the special events that nearby eateries were offering for Mother's Day.  The one that caught my attention was a Tea Party.  It was a nice sounding menu, but it was $35 a head, and since we got to celebrate with Avia this year too, would have been almost $300. = 0  

Still, I liked the idea of tea, and so asked my children to plan it out.  I bought special cookies, and some macaroons, and mini eclairs.  Emily made finger sandwiches and set the table with the tea service. = )

The twins and William made me some sweet cards and a few special items.  Alice made me up a drawing (of the two of us in a field which has never in our lives happened. lol)  But she spends so much time making them that I felt very special. = ) And Emily also made me some stars to decorate my computer cabinet.

And, while the tea was nice, it wasn't terribly filling, so Billy ordered some Chinese food, which we don't get very often anymore (ever since our favorite place closed down when they razed the building in which they were housed.)  It was wonderful and we had plenty for leftovers that night!

I felt very loved and hope my mom did too, surrounded by many of those who love her!

later days

edit: written 6-16-23 backdated for continuity.

Shed Clean-out!

Mother's Day weekend I wanted to do a family workday, so I made a list of outdoor chores, and at the top of this list was cleaning out the shed!!

I didn't get any before, or after pictures, but the improvement was vast!

A frog came to see what we were up to.

We pulled out everything!  A good amount went straight to the curb.  Some I had to wait on responses from my sister or mom, and just a few things needed a new home inside our house.

Alice was helping, but was not interested in joining the others in the wagon.

I posted on a free site all of the curb items, and almost everything was claimed before trash day!  We did end up pulling the chair back in, since there was road construction at the time, I think the chair may still find a good home at our yard sale!

The shed feels so much nicer to enter, and we have more room to access the things that we actually do use! The tools are also much easier to track down, since they are not stacked up on top of one another!

A few other things we did in the yard were: spreading mulch in the flower beds, collecting sticks and branches from the yard, and Billy was in charge of replacing Emily's bike seat!

It was a very productive day to be sure, and we all slept well that night!

later days

edit: written 6-17-23 backdated for continuity.

Murder Mystery at the English Inn: Pheonix Protocol

For Christmas, Billy gifted me tickets to a murder mystery interactive theater at the English Inn, and I gifted him a night at the English Inn.  = )

Sadly, my mom was out of town, but Sarah stepped up, to sleep at the house with the kids (and was able to slip away first thing in the morning, since it was a Sunday-Monday night stay, but the kids were out of school for the week.)

I was able to reuse the hat that I bought for my murder mystery birthday party and wear my Grandmother's pearls.  I did buy a special dress (that I've since worn again!)

It was so nice!  The food was fantastic, we were each given a pin and pen to commemorate the event. The actors were soooooooo good.  They rotated through the tables and we were able to interrogate them!

I was so excited! We totally guessed the culprit, but got our sheet in too late, so we weren't the 'top team' but we had so much fun.  In fact, we came home and signed up for the next one, in October!

The October theme is a masquerade!  I'd never been invited to a masquerade before, and picked out a mask on the internet that I *loved* but was waiting to buy it.  However, the next Tuesday, while Emily, Grace and I were at the thrift store, we found a fancy mask for Billy (and it was only $4.50!)

I found a dress that would match the mask that I love and since it was only $10, I didn't feel bad about buying the mask in time for Jessica's birthday party (especially since I know I'll have one more occasion to wear it!)

So many murder mystery events lately have me feeling like I am just living my best life! = )

later days

edit: written 6-16-23 backdated for continuity.

School Events and Spirit Days

On Emily's birthday, Alice had a concert band competition on the calendar.  School was out for them that day, and when I dropped her off, the roads were not awful.  She would hop on the bus with the band for Charlotte, and we were going to drive down to see her.

Billy took the day off, so that he could see her play.  As the six of us drove down to Charlotte, the roads were getting worse and worse.  Even so, many came out to support their band, and Alice even waved to us! = )

It was nice to hear the entire band play the piece that she works on at home each night!  And they got some really good advice from a visiting judge during the 'sightreading' portion of the event.

They 'shortened' the event to end at 6, even so, the roads were slick and awful.  We slowly made our way back to the school to collect her, then very slowly made our way home without incident.

For the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, the big girls' school had a spirit week.  Both dressed up every day, but I only managed two pictures of just Emily*! 

Plaid day was early in the week:

"Lucky Charm" day was later in the week.  I think this was her favorite, since she was able to pull off the snacks to share with her friends after they took the participation count for the team 'competition.'

Snow piles are like a beacon to my children (or really all the children.)  "Take our picture Mutti!"

The twins, doing twin things on "dress like a cool kid" day!

William dressed up too, and even got called up to help 'lead' a song in the assembly, but by the time I thought "oh, I should take a picture**" all the students were standing, and I couldn't see him.  He did dress up in Spartan gear and a Scooby Doo baseball cap! (which is why, in my mind, he was selected = ))

I will do my best to take more pictures the next spirit week, maybe it will be warmer and we can do some outside pictures without having to suffer!

later days

*In my defense, Mornings are hectic around here, and Alice is usually one of the last out the door, bringing the brush along to brush her hair in the car because she's out of time!

**I was working, and so my mind was more on my work duties than on my mom duties.

Emily's Optimist Award Night

A few weeks ago, Emily brought home a letter that she had been nominated for the Optimist Award through her school.  After congratulations and reading the letter, I of course went out to see what exactly the Optimist Creed said.

Okay, so yes, she definitely embodies many aspects of this creed. lol. 

The next week I shopped for a new dress, for her to wear at the ceremony. The first store I scoured was the 'discount' Goodwill, where clothes are sold by the pound, and nothing is sorted and there are just tables and tables of clothing mounds. The clothes are nice, but it's difficult to find something specific*.

My next stop was at a tiny thrift shop at the other end of town, and there on the children's rack, pulled away from the other clothing, hung a size 12 dress, shiny, beautiful, and only $2.  It was just meant to be for my Emily. = )

Fast forward to this week, and after a wildly busy day of substituting for the twins' teacher, then a virtual doctor visit for Juliet, it was time for Emily and I to head down to Charlotte to get her checked in.  Billy couldn't get away from work early enough to ride with us, so he joined me in the audience later.

The programs they passed out were very informative, giving a history of the optimists as well as a local chapter history.  They listed out all 154 nominees, their home school, and who put forth their nomination. 

After a short introduction by some local dignitaries, they started announcing each student and what their nominator had to say about their optimism. = )

Emily was nominated by Mr. Smith, her band director, and came across the stage in the second row of students.  The audience was packed for her crossing. = )  

It turns out, that it's somewhere around "M" that people in the audience start to excuse themselves.  By the time we got to the "W"s the audience was restless** and diminished, and when the final student crossed the stage, the applause was enthusiastic. 

They gave us an opportunity to photograph the collection of award winners!  Emily is 3-4 students from the left, hidden mostly behind the little girl in a long white dress.

She received 3 papers: one was from the city of Charlotte, one was from the state of Michigan (Angela Whitwer's office), and the final was a copy of the nomination that Mr. Smith submitted to the optimists, and one medallion from the optimist club. 

There was a reception afterwards where they served cake, ice cream, cookies and lemonade to the students and their guests^. Emily was full smiles the entire time, and even got to say hi to Mr. Smith before he left.

Quite a stash for the 'awards binder' that I keep.

We sure our proud of our optimistic Emily!!

later days

*it is for sure a store where you are told what you want, versus trying to track down something you want. lol.

** I pointed out to Billy where my maiden name would have fallen on the program. It's something he will get to "enjoy" the rest of our children's school years. ; )

^they capped the guests for each student at 4, so Alice stayed home with WGJ, and Emily got to enjoy Billy and my undivided attention.

Snow (and Ice)

We've, to date, gotten so little snow this winter (that is by no means a complaint, just a happy observation) that our last round of note was at the end of January, despite being in the final stretch of February, that I plan on telling folks up here that I've lived here "5 and a half" winters when they ask from here on.

WGJ's school called off Friday, but not necessarily because of 'treacherous' snow, but rather because there are snow days that are built into the year, and we are running out of winter!

1-25-23

1-26-23

1-28-23

1-29-23

The trees looked pretty, and heavy.

Not really snow, but close enough: this week (Feb 20-24) AEWGJ were all scheduled to be off on M/T according to the school calendars.  AE were supposed to return to school on Wednesday (WGJ are off the entire week,) but an ice storm was due to blow in, so they cancelled school.  Then, Billy's company surprised us and sent all the workers with the capability to work from home, home at noon Wednesday.  They've already cancelled AE's school for tomorrow, and hopefully Billy will be home again, since the storm is supposed to worsen through the night. Fingers crossed we don't lose power!

It looks like "Texas snow" out there, if you zoom in on the railing, you can see all the tiny icicles.

2-23-23

A large swathe of the population near Ann Arbor lost power, we were lucky, and did not.  It's supposed to clear up a bit this afternoon, and I expect that the big girls will have school tomorrow.

later days

Processing

A week ago, Monday, Grace and Juliet were both recovering from some sort of illness that had them vomiting Sunday night.  I was scheduled to work Monday, so they stayed home with Billy, both were feeling better, but they hadn't cleared the 24-hour window to return to school.  I woke up feeling okay, so William and I dropped off the big girls as usual, but when we arrived at his school, I suddenly had a headache.  William had been complaining about how unfair it was that the twins 'got' to stay home, so when he complained about not feeling well, I gave him a wait and see response.  Especially so close to covid recovery as a society, no one wants to be around a sick person, so after ensuring that my charges would be well cared for, I took my leave and went home.

I slept, and around midday the office called me to come get William.  He was moving slowly, but managed a quick recovery once home with his recovered sisters.  Billy, Alice and Emily did seem to escape any ill effects though. 

That night, we caught word of the MSU shooting.  Memories of my own college days flooded back, how carefree they were, unlike the covid ridden and mass shooting society of today.  My heart breaks for all of the MSU students and staff, and the effects were felt throughout the entire Lansing area.  

Despite or because of* what was going on in the world outside of our walls, I laid out Valentine's gifts** on the table for the morning.

The majority of Ingham County schools were closed Tuesday, and since the little ones' district is based primarily in Ingham County, they were off.  The big girls go to Eaton County school, so they had classes as usual. Since I was already out, I followed my usual Monday shopping routine, since I hadn't managed to work or shop the day before, and Billy was home with the small ones.  

We received updates via email from WG&J's teachers. They made plans to adjust Valentine events for later in the week, and sent out information offering help and support if needed.

On Wednesday, everyone was back to a regular schedule, though the world felt a little off kilter.  Avia sent a valentine's gift of cash to enjoy an Arby's meal.  Since we barely muddled through Tuesday, we held off for the Wednesday, on which the little ones would get out before the big girls and be forced to come collect them with me.  We went straight to Arby's, but went inside to place our very large order.  The woman behind the counter was patient and kind, and helped the little ones get what they wanted for their individual budget of $7 (which can go quite far during happy hour!.)  When we were finished and the order had been checked and rehashed, an older gentleman (wearing a Spartan cap, which I feel could be an important detail) offered to pay for the meal.  Of course I protested, our meals are quite pricey, and we had gotten milk shakes and other treats, but he insisted.  His eyes were tear filled,  my eyes were tear filled, the woman taking the order had tear filled eyes.  It was the kindest gesture from a stranger, and gave a little bit of light in a very dark world.

We brought our food home, and I did what I could to keep Billy's warm, since we had gone quite early, straight from the big girls' pick up at 2:45, and he wouldn't be home until after 5.  Emily and I decided to call the very kind gentleman "our stranger."

Thursday morning we woke up to news articles that the 'shelter in place' had been lifted for Dimondale, because there was a shooting at Cherry & Washington St.  This is literally 1.5 blocks away.  They assured everyone there was no threat to the public^, which was good, as we had all been asleep and blissfully unaware of any danger. It is of slight concern that our phones did not warn us of the shelter in place, since we should have been on the towers in the affected area.  Just the same, the school morning went along as planned.

That afternoon, I got a separate message from both schools that another shelter in place was in effect at a point about halfway between their two schools, and both schools were in lockdown under an 'abundance of caution.'  I had a doctor's appointment that I ended up driving to in a roundabout fashion, as to avoid the lock down area.  My heart felt like it had been through the ringer, and when my appointment ran long, I was just a few minutes late for picking up the big girls.  The staff there was trying to usher students quickly out the door, as icy condition were starting to develop, and they were starting their 5 day weekend, so there were no afterschool activities.  I was happy to have them back, in one piece, for another day.

A skating party was planned as a fundraiser for the little ones, but I had warned them that morning that if the roads were questionable, we would not be going.  Sure enough, after we gratefully collected the little ones, and came home, my runner was so icy I slipped just getting out of the car.  I called off the skating, but did order pizza.  When I went to collect it (and get a few things from Carl's), there was still a bit of rain coming down, but as I made my way back to the car, I was sliding around on the sidewalk, because ice pellets were falling from the sky.  By the time Billy made it home, even his protests had quelled, in the face of ice.

Thursday night, our endlessly long week was truncated, due to ice, and the break could not have come at a better time.  The little ones got to start their break one day early, and having all of my dear ones safely tucked away is currently my favorite thing in the whole world.

This week has also been a little unexpected, thanks to an ice storm that cancelled the big girls return to school on both Wednesday and Thursday, but Billy also got to work from home, which made the break feel a little longer and more restful.

I'm hoping for a much quieter, less eventful spring, since winter has had far more excitement than I care for.  Either way, we will continue to love and attempt to be someone's "stranger" whenever the opportunity arises!

later days

*I'm sure philosophers and psychologists around the world have debated why people continue to do the normal despite the terrible. 

**Grace let out a squeak when she saw hers, and sadly I didn't get to see William's reaction, but Billy assured me it was favorable.  I was so excited to share his.  He requested a shotgun (that released shells after shooting) for Christmas, but when I went out to find it, it was not even Nerf brand, and it was almost $50!!!  About a month ago, I found one at a thrift store for under $2!  It only had a single casing, which allowed me to test to make sure that it still worked.  After affirming that it did, I had to shop eBay for more casings, which were more than the $2 for the gun, but much cheaper than the $50 for a new one.

^based on the information given it was a murder/suicide of an 18 year old girl & 24 year old boy, in a relationship of some sort, and one of whom lived at the residence.

Other Fun!

This is the place where I include all of the events and pictures that don't have their own post.

Grace made a cute face on her knee using playdoh.

Emily reminds me a lot of myself at times, and so when I was at the thrift store and found a stash of 50 or so hair tie sets that someone had made (maybe to sell at a craft show?) I grabbed them.  When I presented them to Emily, it was for her to pick through to give to her friends at school. 

She carefully selected patterns and colors for each of her friends, then bagged then up with some candy and labelled them. So as not to exclude the boys in her group, she made up some strictly candy goodie bags too.

Also in the bag were these two nifty hair pieces, for which we had to find a youtube video to learn how to use.  lol.  They are really cute though!

The second fundraising roller skate night was two days before Christmas break, so we were all tired, but it was nice to order a pizza and hang out while the kids went to hang out with their friends.  Even the big girls had fun.  They considered it a practice for the field trip they would get to go on the next day with their classmates!

Grace got some gloves from someone at school as a Christmas present.

The look of delight on William's face when he found this kitchen "gun" that we were using to decorate some cupcakes was priceless.  I caught it just as he was turning away though.

Eggs used to be a cheap protein choice, but now they are running around $5 a dozen (thanks to avian flu and a few other bird illnesses) so these deviled eggs were an expensive "treat" but they came out very tasty!

I made some fresh bread, because it just seemed like something I hadn't done all year, so I got at least one loaf in. = )

We found this secret message book at the thrift store one day.  It had lots of neat codes in it, but the red filter cutout was missing, so some of the codes were quite tricky to try and decipher. After a search of likely places for some 3D glasses came up empty, I was so proud when Grace colored a piece of tape with red sharpie to help her decode the words. = )

The twins were particularly goofy when Renae came over to hang out one weekend.

In her absence, Avia left money to treat us to a milkshake during happy hour at Arby's.  Some of my children opted for the larger shake, others opted for the smaller shake and fries. = )

I'm sure I've told the story here before, but have no idea where, so I'll tell it here again.  Many years ago, Emily was reading the tags under the Christmas tree and found one for Billy.  It read "to" Daddy from: ALL."  Emily came to me full of disbelief and asked "mutti, who is A-L-L???"  like she absolutely couldn't believe that this person, of whom she'd never heard, would be giving Billy a gift!!!  

After teasing her, and still doing so occasionally to this day, A-L-L has become our invisible 'monster' who is never on the floor of the house we are on.  He lives mostly upstairs and in the basement.  Well, one day I was driving through town and learned that A-L-L got a job!!  We don't know what he does, but that is totally his van.

Alice is carving a niche out for herself as the resident band snack provider.  Now that her band director has returned, she brought some blueberry muffins to share with her class.

At a thrift shop, Emily and I found a squishimal that was designed to look like bubble tea.  She had never had bubble tea, so we ventured out to a nearby shop.  Sadly, this was during the break and they were closed until after the New Year.  So, the following weekend, she asked if we could go get some.  When Billy heard we were going for bubble tea, he assumed we were heading to East Lansing, where there are several bubble tea shops, and he wanted to come along and get some No Thai.  

They are one of the few stores, outside of doctor's offices, that are still requiring masks to enter.  So, we had to run out to the car to grab our masks.

They had the strangest combination of a German name, Chinese characters and English translations as an afterthought.

I had done some research in anticipation of our first trip and picked out the Taro flavored bubble tea.  Emily and Grace both wimped out and picked an oreo flavored drink.  I did have them try mine though, so that they would know what bubble tea tastes like, should anyone ask whether or not they like it.   Bubble tea is not my favorite, I really dont like "chunks' in my food or drink.  But the flavor was spot on and I would totally recommend it if you're new to bubble tea and need a starting point.

At the thrift shop, I found a Tucana friend for the cockatoo that Chelsea bought me years ago!

Alice and Emily are part of Monday cooking club.  On their first day, they made cupcakes, the second round was from scratch pretzels!!  I think they are having a good time, and the pretzels were pretty good (a little undercooked, since they ran out of time.)

We celebrated Billy's 41st birthday with a resee's peanut butter cup ice cream cake for breakfast!

He saved his birthday gifts for after work.  He got a pile of homemade gifts and cards from the kids.  I added some subway gift cards and a new Halloween house for his budding Halloween village.

Alice is on the internet alot, and was telling me how very little I knew about modern fashion.  Particularly "suede goth with preppy vibes."  I told her all except for one of those has been a thing *at least* since I was in high school.  The little girls decided to dress up to see if they could nail the look. lol.

Alice was not amused.  I thought it was hilarious.

later days