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.

All the Other Fun!

This is where I cobble together a post, with all the pictures that didn't fit into other posts.

I'm not sure what the occasion was, but the twins made themselves quite comfortable in front of Billy's computer one day.  Maybe it was a snow day?

Emily made a birthday cake card for Aunt Rocky.

I'm not sure what Wiliam was doing, other than attempting to steal the spotlight. lol.

A happy story in two pictures: These skirts cost $4 each. I sent a picture to my sister, because sometimes she shops on Sunday, when the tags change. (But not this particular week, which was fine, because I try not to let myself get invested until it's in my bag.)

The following Tuesday, these skirts were $2/each and here they are in my laundry bin.  They are currently hanging in my closet. = )

When the twins get along, they are totally inseparable.  They were just lying on the floor intwined while watching their tablets one morning.

Avia sends back mail when the kids send her mail during her travels.  The twins had a good time coloring their reflection names from her. = )

Grace managed lots of selfies when she was in charge of my phone to take a picture of the igloo.

In between Oklahoma and Florida, my mom stopped over for four days and snuck in a sleepover with my crew one night.  I came down in the morning (at like 830) and the twins already had her slippers out and waiting for her.  I think they miss her a lot when she's not here! <3

During reading month, Grace read ALOT well over 1000 minutes for the month!  She needed timers, of course, and one day decided to use the microwave timer.  Sadly, she didn't know how to use the time and set the microwave for 50 minutes.  That's a long time for a microwave to run (if you didn't know) and it beeped and died about 20 minutes in.

 

It was long enough to melt the plastic cover that we keep to minimize splatters even.

I was hopeful that maybe after it cooled down, it would come back, but that was not the case.  Every now and again when someone would shut the mudroom door or close the trash drawer particularly hard, it would beep back on, but we declared it dead.

Billy ordered another one, of the same brand, from Staples.  The delivery date came and went, and when he contacted them, they indicated that it hadn't shipped, and that they'd send out another one.  So, a second delivery date arrived.  Still no microwave.  When Billy contacted them this time, they offered to send it out again, but he just cancelled the order. We took measurements and ordered a new one from Home Depot, which arrived within a week!  Thus ending our (almost) month without a microwave.  The new one is a slight upgrade in that the door is a pop out, instead of a pull door.  I think Grace learned a lesson too. = )

We are heading into spring break now, and I'm hopeful for a week of fun and maybe a few more pictures of Alice, since she seems to be my child who avoids the camera.

later days

The last of the Snow!!??!!

March is trying it's best to make up for the lack of snow in January!  While it's not been particularly cold, we've had 3-4 snow "storms" blow through, dropping enough snow and ice to fit in a couple of snow days!!

This snow hit on 3-3-23, but the picture was taken the next morning 3-4-23.  It was heavy snow and hard to move!!

The snow on 3-10-23 was much fluffier and easier to move!

It was so easy to move, in fact, that the kids played out in the snow as soon as we finished the chore!

A picture from Emily of a snow mermaid?

After William and Grace came in, Emily and Juliet built a massive 1/2 igloo/shelter.  Sadly, my phone died before I was able to get a better perspective picture (Grace took this one) but sadly, we didn't get out to get a better one.

I'm so glad that my children enjoy the snow.  When I was younger my Grandmother (from Massachusetts) always said that growing up with snow is wonderful for children, but as an adult she didn't miss it. = )

The daily temps have been in the 40s&50s so during spring break we're putting away the winter supplies, and fingers crossed we don't get any more snow that has to be moved! 

later days

Emily's 12th Birthday

We started Emily's birthday celebrations Wednesday night, by baking a round of cupcakes for her to bring to school on Thursday.  She ended up sharing them with her teachers, since she didn't have enough for all of her classmates, and she didn't have anywhere to store them until lunch to share with just her friends.  

That night we took one final picture of Emily as an 11-year-old. = )

Friday morning, we woke up and celebrated our newly minted 12-year-old with cake and gifts!  The three little ones had school that day, though the big girls were off, so I got to spend the day with the birthday girl!

Friday night we were hit with a snowstorm, and Saturday morning we woke to a heavy, wet snow, that needed to be shovelled.  Luckily, we'd made the (third) birthday cake for the party the night before, and cut the vegetables, so we shovelled while Billy went to get the chick-fil-a! = )

Grace helped hang the packing balloon butterflies, that Aunt Rocky made, on the porch. = )

Emily got to invite friends, new and vintage, and I think they had a fun time playing games, visiting and snacking. = )

I must admit, I am liking this 'middle school' style party: I put out food, and they entertain themselves! 

I think our Emily had a lovely day visiting with her friends and playing with her siblings.

Happiest of Birthdays to my favorite 12-year-old!!

later days

you can see her party crafts post here.

and her 12-year-old survey here.

3-24-23: backdated for continuity.

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.

Snow Update!

We had a white Christmas (and a white week leading up to it) but haven't had any remarkable snow since then.  = 0  That is by no means a complaint, I'm happy to be snow free. = ) I do wish it would rain some though, for my poor trees come spring.

12-23-22 (AM)

12-23-22 (PM)

It was cold enough that our window frosted over, so I had to take a picture by pushing open the door.

12-24-22

And Christmas Day 12-25-22:

It was still cold enough for the snow to stick around, but warmed up enough to defrost the window, so that I could get a picture of my toy truck (Christmas gift from Emily) to watch 'big brother' gauge the snow. = ) 

12-26-22

 later days

edit 1-17-23: backdated for continuity. 

Christmas 2022

During the summer, my mom and I found a kitchen for the twins.  I feel like I have been impatiently awaiting Christmas since then!  I brought the kitchen over from Sarah's basement a few days before Christmas, and then finally the day arrived!!!

Billy spent a good chunk of time setting it up to look 'just right." = )

Emily set up William's display.  William was very excited about his locking box.  He was constnatnly 'stealing' the twins' lol boxes, the entire season.  For a while I thought it was just sibling jealousy, but then I'd find him with it, when they weren't even around to whine at him.  I decided that it was probably the locking feature that he liked so much.  When I set up the box, he got one of the keys, and I kept the other one, just in case it gets lost.  = )

And I sent Emily to bed before setting hers up, so that she could be surprised, at least a little. = )  They don't sell duolingo gift cards, so she just got a generic play gift card, but I printed a card with Duo (the owl) so that she would know for what I had invisioned it.

Alice got her Pusheen box, something she had had on her wishlist for a while.

The entire crew!

When the twins woke up, they were excited!!!

William loved his multi-colored darts, as well as his new guns.

The selling point of this kitchen:  it folds up flat!!!  It lives under the bunkbed in their room (and the food is kept in the tub pictured.)

The extent of our trash this year!  Of course, this doesn't include the packages in which things were delivered, but many things I bought used.  The left pile is the recycling, and the right pile is trash.  The bag in front goes into the bag recycling, which is a sperate collection.  Surprisingly, the bulk of the recycling was from an American Girl doll dog groomer set* that I scored at a yard sale!  I've already posted the pile of our used wrapping paper in this post, if you want to go see how much paper we would be trashing, were we not going to reuse it.

After a tasty Christmas meal, it was time to go shovel.  Our very kind neighbour plowed the driveways for us, so our only responsibility was the sidewalk (and stairs.)  It didn't take us long, so the kids were happy to play in the snow a bit afterwards.

Grace and Molly in their matching outfits from Aunt Haley & the Helterbrands.

Juliet in her matching pjs with Blaire from Aunt Haley & the Helterbrands.

I'm pretty sure this was a few weeks later, but Grace wanted to make a matching necklace to the one Juliet received for Christmas.  The button she picked out was on that Grandma Sondra had sent me a few years ago.

Our mail service, nationwide, has been getting slower and slower the past few years.  It's always been a little slow during the Christmas season, but it was wildly slow this year.  Brenda sent the kids' Christmas money on December 12th (or that was the postmark anyhow) but it didn't arrive until after Christmas.  When it did arrive, we set the tree back up, put on some lights, pulled out some bags and celebrated one more time! = )

I hope everyone's Christmas was a delightful as ours was this year.

later days

 *it's kind of a sad story, but the guy's ex-wife was a dog groomer, and he'd purchased it for her office.  The package was a little dusty, but had never been opened, so I got it for about 1/3 of list price.  The twins loved it, I wish I could go back and let him know. (But it was a yard sale and that would probably be really weird. lol)

edit 1-17-23: backdated for continuity.