Wedding Planner- Part Two

After the shock that I was gaining a daughter in law, I got on the phone and called my daughter, Donna Marie. She was working and I had her speaker phone.  Her reaction that her baby brother was getting married.  Just like her mom -  OMG !!  Are you serious?  Over and over again.  We all laughed.  Donna Marie was speaking in a normal tone but she said she would be jumping up and down and reacting wildly, if she wasn't at work. 


When I was able to speak, I told her we were going to dinner and she needed to come by so we can discuss it more and start planning it out.    The dress needed to be bought and the details needed to be arranged.  S started to laugh and asked if she needed to be involved, after all she is the one getting married.  She was planning for a simple service,  Justice of the Peace.  I told her like the movie "Our family Wedding", the family has the wedding and the couple have the marriage.
 
Hell! My son is getting married and if this is what he wants, damn it, it will look somewhat decent!!

We went shopping and Bill took Sean and got him an outfit and Donna Marie and I took S for her dress.  She tried on a few outfits.   Many outfits!! 


I had so much fun.  I was picking all sorts of dresses.  S didn't want a gown but a simple white dress.  We compromised.  We found one we all liked.  We also found her the cutest shoes.  Very high heels.   The girl was not used to them. 

I know we were a flurry spinning around her.  Making S's head spin.  S was slowing getting into it the more we spoke about it.  I guess she wasn't expecting much, if anything. 

I did ask first about her color preference as far as the arrangements were concerned. I didn't totally take over.  The couple picked their cake and flowers.They already had their rings picked out.  I arranged for the food.  I wish I had more time and more money.

I only had a week and that week was flying by fast.  Bill did the invitations.  Short notice, especially since it was the summer. People always have plans.  I was hoping for the best.

Abbie

Halloween 2011

I would say this is a little late in posting.  I was looking at some pictures and I had to write about it before too much time has past. 
This will occur more often and I probably will be posting Christmas items in July.  (insert laughter).

Some of my grandkids came to my house on Halloween.  I look forward to to seeing what costumes they will be wearing.  The theme for this year was The Wizard of Oz,  at least for half her kids.

Cowardly Lion - Jackson looking so cute in his lion outfit.

I love his little tail!

Miss Olivia was Dorothy. 

Josiah was Wolverine. I guess it is as close as you can get to the Scarecrow, if we were following with the theme of the Wizard of Oz.

As I look at this picture, the costume says a lot to me.  First, he wore it to school and you can tell.  Second, I loved touching his muscles.  Josiah was well padded.  He would pose for me.  Cutest thing.

Third, this brings back memories of when Denis, my youngest, wore a similar costume.  He didn't have padding but he loved to act like Wolverine.  He would pretend his fingers were the blades and even make the sound effects.  I have a video of my boy in a preschool play.  Always brings tears to my eyes.  How fast time has flown by.

Jesse was wearing The Lobster.  It is the first costume that was worn by Josiah.  Everyone of the kids have worn this little red number.  Unfortunately, Jesse fell asleep quickly after arriving my house and I never got to take the picture. 

On this night, Donna Marie and company arrived and took off to grab their loot of treats.  Bill went with them.  Bill loves to walk with them as they get candy. I like to be home and give out the candy and see all the costumes. There were some cute ones out there.

I think it was about an hour or so and they came back and started to raid their bags. 

My Miss Olivia looks beat.  Poor thing she worked hard for that candy.  Walking and trick and treating all over the place earning poops a little girl out. 

Happy Halloween!

Homework Revisited

I pick up Josiah once a week from school.  Today, Donna Marie asked me to do homework with him because she had a lot to do tonight.  She was planning something for her husband's birthday and she wanted the kids to help her with making the cake. 


I was a little hesitant.  I am not the parent.  I am the grandparent.  I am supposed to be fun one.  Let them play with the toys. Easy and not demanding and to spoil them rotten.  I think it is written in a grandparent handbook. I take this very seriously.


I am also supposed to get my kids to roll their eyes, when I let their children run amok.  I am supposed to hear "you never let us do that or eat that when we were young." That is so correct!  I was your mom not your grandparent.


Josiah and I came home and I fixed him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  He was hungry.  I let that slide down his belly before we went to the dinner table and started the homework assignment.


I have said this before,  I do not think 5 year olds need homework.  I think kindergarten should be like an intro to school.  Simple.  Learning the rules. Getting used to the environment.  I think it is too soon to be bogged down by homework.  My angel had a lot of homework!


He had to write a few words 3 times each. Josiah had to write the numbers 1-20 one time each.  He forgot to bring his composition book so Bill made his own lined paper for Josiah to use.  We didn't have loose leaf.  It worked out quite well. 


What I want to know is, what happened to coloring and story time and playdoh?  It is still learning with no intense writing. My kids had a great time when they started.  Very little homework and it was only for a few hours.


The children in my area now go for the full day.  I think it is a bit of an overkill.  They have school work and learning all day and then to continue at night.  I know they want our children to be more competitive but this is ridiculous.   It took us an hour to do homework and I was beat.


It brought up anxiety of needing patience and to constantly repeat myself and to guide the child.  He didn't want to do homework.  He wanted to relax and have fun with his toys.  I don't blame him one bit.  He did a great job and I wanted to treat him with something sweet.    I


I gave his this candy. 

It lights us when you hold the pumpkin shaped candy.

It was fun but it tasted awful.  Josiah ate it .  blah.  It tasted more gum paste than sweet.  I guess kids will eat anything as long as it is candy. 


I'll have to make sure to have extra special treats, if I have to do this again.  I am no hurry to do this again.

Not a Substitute Abbie

Soccer Days

Donna Marie asked me to help her on Saturdays.  She has a few of the kids enrolled in extra curriculum activities.  Josiah is on an All sport clinic and the first sport is soccer.


We walked to the field while she went inside with Jackson for swimming lessons.  Donna Marie said Jackson screamed for the first twenty minutes and slowly got used to it.  He likes the baby pool but was not happy being in so deep so hopefully he will lose this fear.


Donna Marie lived at the pool when she was little.  She reminded me of a little fish.  I am so happy that
she is doing this for the kids.  I want them to be open to many experiences in life.


Josiah was a little shy as were some of the kids. 

The instructor did a very well with the kids and had them do some stretches .

She had them do running drills.

 What made it funny was the fact she told them to run to her and they and they did.  They all crowded around her.

 She had to say more clearly that she wanted them to run to the line she was on.

She taught them to dribble the ball. 

Donna Marie and Jackson met us on the field when they were done with his lesson.  Jackson looked tired.  Screaming his head off can do that to a person.  He likes the Kiddy pool but not the big pool.  He started to warm up on the last 10 minutes.  Jackson watched his brother practice while holding a soccer ball.

 Jackson was going eww his feet just touched the wet grass.  I love this boy!

After the lesson, it was the parents turn to play with the kids.  Josiah enjoyed this. 

Good first day!
 


Soccer Grandma Abbie

Peruvian Invasion

With the little sleep I got the night before the party, I was dragging.   With my son and his family belongings, I had to clean my house all over again.  They left a trail of damage along the way.  It would not be a problem on a normal day but when I get additional guests whom I haven't seen or haven't seen in over 30 years its a dilemma.

Since the kids came so late and their internal clock off with the change of time zones, they went down for a nap.  All four of them.  It was a good  thing.  I was able to do more  without them being underfoot. 

Liam

I also got a blessing.  My dad called and said he wouldn't be in until 4 because they got a late start.  They were coming from New York.  Everyone else would get a good nap in, I can cook a little more, and straighten up the house.

Zoe

Bill got the drinks, ice, and helped get the bar ready.  Donna Marie showed up after her kids woke up from a nap. It worked out for everyone with the time change.

If things could go wrong, well, they kind of did.  The beer we got was not the best.  Instead of Corona, it was Corona light. Didn't know there was a different.  I am not a beer drinker.  I like vodka so if it is like that, yes there can be a difference. 

We ran out of chicken.  The only thing that my parents can eat.  We ran out of the other food as well.  I couldn't ask anyone to go for a run because either they were drinking or didn't know the area.  I had wished I hadn't had anything to drink because I would have run out. 

Then it started to rain and we sought shelter in my home.  A few stayed behind to help me bring everything inside and keep it from getting wet.

As much as I was looking forward to seeing them, it still felt weird.  I know they are family but there was a little disconnection.  I don't know why I held back.  I should have been a social butterfly and talk with each one like a proper host but I was trying to make sure every thing was tidy, beer in everyone hands and trash thrown out.  At least, that is what I keep telling myself.   I guess I could have put that to the side and let it go but it was different. 

I normally am able to talk to each one and go from room to room .  Keeping an eye on everyone and  laughing and carrying on. I did  this with my little family but I couldn't quite extend it to the others.

I wish I had enough food.  Wish I had enough liquor. I wish I had drank a few more glasses of my libation. Wish I socialize more.  Where's that genie with those wishes?

Bill and Uncle Juanito

I did talk with my uncle. It was great with him but I didn't do it with the rest of them.  I sure regret that.  I only hope I get another chance with the ones that live in New York.  I'll have to work on that. 

My mom and dad were very happy. It meant allot to me to see them content. 

There was one moment that everything was good.   I looked around and everyone was smiling and talking. 

Why do I always put myself in a bystander mode?  Why do I not participate? I want to be a part of it.  I want to feel like I belong.  I am so use to being an outsider that when an opportunity comes up where I am not, I don't know how to act. 

The liquor was starting to run out and I knew it was getting close to them leaving.  Funny how when the liquor dries up people see it as an end to the party.  Lol.

Bill made a few rounds of shots.  It sure livened the party and we heard lots of hoots and hollers. A parting shot so to speak. My parents even had one each.  That was the most hysterical thing I have ever seen. They do not drink outside of beer and with their medical conditions they should not have partaken but they had a good time.  I'll let it go for now.

We ended on a high note.  Shots are always a winner.  Bill, the perfect party partner, saved the day.

Dad, Danny, Donna Marie, Me, Sean

Bill on top and Denis on the bottom

We said our goodbyes and they went on their way. 

Not the perfect Hostess Abbie

The Arrival

I had the most busiest Friday of my life.  I worked a full day and I wanted to give the house a final cleaning.  Sean and his family were coming in late.   I get a call not a half hour after I started the clean sweep.  It is my dad,  "Are you ready?"  I blink and say with hesitation "yeah".  "Good, we will see you tomorrow at noon."  "Great, see you then!"  I think I passed out for a second. 


After I recovered from my initial shock, I go into overdrive.  My dad likes to wait until the last minute to tell me his plans.  I had asked him all week to let me know when he and his family would be arriving.  I was hoping he would have given me a full day notice. 

My Dad and his brother Juanito

I hadn't bought the extra food or beverages for the party.  I know  I had to get the house ready for the extra guests.


Thank goodness for Donna Marie!  She went to the store for me to get the extra party supplies.  I wouldn't have had the time in the morning to do all the needed to be done.

With the lack of sleep and the babies, I honestly didn't think everything would be ready for the party.  Bill went out in the morning to get the liquor.  Boy, did I want to partake as soon as it came into the house.
I cleaned until it was time to pick them up at 1 in the morning.  We left early which was a good thing.  There were road construction and one accident on the way to the airport.  We arrive just in time to meet them at the door.

I squealed with delight as soon as I saw them.

Sean told me Liam did very well on the plane ride.  What an angel!! 

While Zoe not so much, I don't know what to believe.  Look at her smile.  She looks like an angel :)

Bill couldn't wait to get her out of the stroller.

Bill carried her all the way to the car.  He didn't put her down until we had to drive. 

Denis waited for us back at home.  He couldn't wait to see his brother and his family.  

We stayed up for a few hours.  I was so exhausted but I was very happy.  I had a very long day ahead of me. But right before I past out on my pillow, I felt I was in heaven. 

 Abbie

So it begins

I have started to preparing for the most amazing august.  I have the diapers,extra towels, and drinks.  My family is here from Peru.  I will be seeing them very soon.  My daughter will be celebrating her birthday.  My grandson turned five years old.  Or as I would like to say a whole hand full.  I have to baby proof my home. 

Sean and his family will be visiting us.  S wanted to spend the rest of her maternity leave with us.   I am so honored for her to choose to do so. I am looking forward to helping them as much as I have helped my daughter.  Trying to cram in so much in so little time.  I can't wait to get to hold  my Liam.  Hopefully I can contain myself until he and Zoe get here.   I have a lot of love that has been bottled up for them. 

Since they will be here almost a month, I want her to roam without fear of hurting herself or breaking something. I do have a lot of knick knacks.  I won't be with her most of the time. I have to work and my son won't know where there is potential or hidden dangers. This way she will not hear the word no all the time. She will be free to roam.  Peace of mind is what I am going for.

My house is starting to look bare.  It reminds me of when my kids were little and they would rough house and things would break.  So rather than keep yelling at them and waste money, I just stopped buying things and waited until they were older to resume the decorating.

I am exhausted.   It sure looks different.   My mom may not be happy with this impression I will be making.   If I have to decide between the safety of my granddaughter vs the first impression for relatives, my grandchildren will always come first. 


I had to clean my boy's room to make way for all of their belongings.  Denis, my youngest, helped me quite a bit. He helped me dodge anything that would incriminate my son.  I didn't want to shatter my illusions of my perfect angel.  I have heard stories of what young men can have in their rooms.  I didn't want to tempt fate.  Not that I had anything to worry about.  ewww and hmmmm and hahaha

They have plenty of room for their things. All it needs now are  occupants.  I am so looking forward to seeing them. 

Patiently Abbie

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Josiah's First Step

Family day at Josiah's new school.

I can't believe my little angel is going to kindergarten.  

Donna Mare asked me to join her for the festivities.  It is brand new bilingual charter school.  The first for this state.  It was hot in the hall of the school due to all the people and this ridiculous  heatwave.
We stood in line for him to get his passport and his school list.

 

Josiah got his picture taken and he had to get his passport stamp with each place he visited in the school. 

 

He met his first teacher .  I cant tell you her name but she was very nice. 

He had to go to the library the nurse the technology room music room.  Getting his stamp along the way.

At the end of the tour, we went to the gym and they got some pizza and water ice.  They played and even got their faces painted. 

What a great school!  I am so excited for him and my daughter entering a new phase life.  Olivia was just as excited.  People have commented, if they are twins.  They are so close to each other. 

Josiah will start writing.  When did that happen?  When my kids were entering school all they needed were folders, crayons, and scissors.  Now they need composition books, pencils, and etc.  I don't know I think it is too much for kindergarten.  Aren't they just to learn the rules and structure of a school environment? 

Who am I am just a grandparent. Times have changed.  My grandson is more than ready.  Maybe its me that is not ready to see him become a school aged child.  Josiah is after all my first little angel.

  Abbie's New Mantra


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