A Glimpse into the Other Activities (Fun and Otherwise) in Our Lives

While most of the past few weeks have been chores, party prep, summer camp and gardening, we did a few other things that were worthy of pictures too!

One day, we lost power for two hours!!!  It was hailing and storming for a short time but had long cleared by the time we had power again.

During the outage, Emily, William and Grace played Nerts with me!  (William had already left the table by the time we took a picture.)

When the power went out, we were in line for getting Grace's prescription, but that's when the power went out!  We saw the 'lightening' like flashes from when the tree branch struck the electrical wires.  

When the power came back on, we got a notification that her prescription was now ready, but when we made the trip back by, they were still closed (I mean, how much can you really accomplish in a dark, hot shop?)  So, I went back a fourth time, and finally got to start Grace's Swimmer's ear regimen! 

William ended up at the dollar tree with me on many of my runs to complete my projects.  He was a good companion for sure!

On the trip to our closest one, I also wanted to get some Hoisin Sauce from Bo Bo, who is next door.

Once inside, I asked him to help me find it. Halfway down the sauce aisle, William confusedly, and totally non-accusingly asked why I needed "Poison sauce." Oh, my sweet boy.  We use it for dumplings and egg rolls. = )

We were invited to a party that took place yesterday, and I wasn't sure if we would be able to go, with our party being the night before (and I just can't leave my house in a sad state and have a good time.)  But, luckily, were able to go and hand out with oodles of children and good company!

William really enjoyed the zip line!

I think my kids' favorite part was the silly string fight.  

But Emily definitely lost. lol.

The twins also enjoyed the motorized car (that they pushed each other in, just like when they were little!)

The food was amazing, and our hosts were gracious as always!  It was a fun time, and we were able to just walk home!!!

later days

January 29th

Today the expected high was 32F.  It was cold, cold, cold.

Right after I dropped off my little ones, my mom came over with Sarah's truck so that I could go collect my mower!  The carburetor was causing the issues, so they replaced it and cleaned out the filters.

We managed to unload it pretty easily with the scrap doors Sarah sent over acting as a ramp.  After tucking away my mower, we ran some errands.

First up was Kohls to return the subpar lavender oil that Amazon directed me to.  Last April I ordered some really nice oil and it smelled good, and lasted me for almost a year.  When I reordered (using Amazon's buy it again option) they sent me something completely different.  I reported it, and left a review, but was unable to find a way to directly contact someone at Amazon with a complaint that wasn't limited to a certain number of characters. = (

The next errand was also not a fun one.  I received a letter that in order to continue receiving paper statements for part of my IRA, I had to opt in.  They didn't provide a number (unless you are a direct investor) so I had to go in to a branch.  It didn't take a super long time, and I was successful. = )

Then we started the fun errands. I treated my mom to lunch at Panera for her help with the mower, then we stopped in at Game Stop so that I could get some "Valentine Cards" for my little Valentines.

Our last stop was the Dollar tree for Emily some treats for Thursday night/Friday morning.

At home I was cleaning things up when I got a message from Grace's teacher that she wasn't feeling well.  So, my mom went to collect her while I finished sorting my items.

Grace knocked out her piano and homework, and was asleep by the time I came back with the others.

Willow hung out with us yesterday too, and everyone worked diligently on their homework. Except for William, who fought and fought. = /

For dinner we had spaghetti.  After dinner Billy and I planned out a summer family trip! = )

later days

January 6th

It was a bright and sunny, but cold day.  The anticipated high was 39F.

We were only one minute behind schedule pulling out of the driveway this morning!  Not too shabby after a very relaxed two week break from our regular schedule.

I checked the mail, possibly for the first time this year.  Then went to the bank and then to Sam's.  I was running quite early, as I had already pumped my gas and was pulling up to pick up my internet order and it wasn't even yet 9!

They had some cuuuuuuute Easter dresses out, so I bought them.  Sadly, the twins were too small for the same pattern as the big girls, so theirs are similar, but a little different.  I grabbed a rotisserie chicken (which I usually eat as my lunch) and then headed to the counter to pick up my order. Lansing sometimes feels like a small town, because I ran into one of my MOPS ladies there today!

I headed to the Dollar Tree to gather more things for our party. I found a Lisa Frank calendar at the Dollar Tree that I just had to send to Chelsea. My next stop was to pick up Sarah.  She provided me with a shipping envelope for the calendar, since I was headed the post office anyhow.

It was a short trip to the dealership to reclaim Avia's car.  Then I was off to the post office.  I mailed some German books to Brian and the calendar to Chelsea, and it was still before noon!

Once I made it home, it was time to unload the groceries and put everything Sarah had given me away.

Then I worked a little on our Amazon store, and ended up having to message Haley for help.

Once all of my chores were done, I got to work on my decorations.  I was soooooooo happy with the napkins.  Hopefully Emily and I will get to work a little on the plates tomorrow.

The afternoon felt long and quiet without my children home, so I was really excited to go retrieve them from school.

Homework took a particularly long time, maybe because we were out of the habit or maybe because they were exhausted from school?

For dinner we had 'loaded' French fries to use up the last of the ham!  I thought the were pretty good, but not amazing.  The kids ate well though.  The side of oranges were a big hit though. = )

And my evening took a sad turn when I found that someone in our household has lost the riding lawnmower key!  Sarah and I were planning on taking it in tomorrow, but without the key, I can't = (

I looked on every shirt I would have possibly mowed in (the key has a safety pin on it, so that I can hook it to my shirt while I'm putting the gutters back on, picking up branches, etc.  I also checked the machine's ignition without success.  So, I cleaned out the most likely suspect's computer cabinets: William, Grace and Juliet.  No luck.  at least their cabinets are clean now. = /

Billy braved the cold and dark with me to find the replacement part number, and hopefully we've ordered the correct thing.

Here's hoping that the key comes quickly, is correct and I can get my machine looked at before I need it again!

later days