tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9616268845120163872024-03-05T19:30:56.431-05:00A Lazy Crazy LifeI'm a mom and wife, living a lazy crazy life with my three wonderful kids and handsome husband.beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.comBlogger437125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-2320667399725646942015-07-24T08:36:00.000-04:002015-07-24T08:36:04.192-04:00Aidan is 11!Happy 11th birthday to my biggest boy! We've got a LOT of changes and transitions happening in our family right now, not the least of which is us moving (<i>our last night in the only house he's ever know is on his birthday!</i>) and starting 6th grade in August at a brand new school without any of the friends he knows from elementary school. But I'm proud to say that Aidan is handling everything like a champ so far, and setting a great example for his brother and sister like always. I love this handsome fella with all of my heart!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life blog}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer2015/Aidans%2011th%20bday-009_zpsfyub4edi.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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And now I'm going to start what I hope will be a nice new birthday tradition: an interview with the birthday boy. I think it'll be cool to look back on his answers to see how they change over the years. Makes me wish I'd started it sooner! Though I will say that he's certainly not long-winded like his mom...:) I had to dig for a few more details here and there.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life blog}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer2015/Aidans%2011th%20bday-004_zpsaqdzmkdl.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /><br />
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<ul>
<li>How old are you? <b>11 </b></li>
<li>What is your favorite color? <b>Sky blue</b> </li>
<li>What is your favorite book? <b>Divergent </b></li>
<li>What is your favorite food? <b>Pizza</b></li>
<li>Who is your best friend? <b>Will</b></li>
<li>What is your happiest memory? <b>Going to Great Wolf Lodge with my family</b></li>
<li>Why do you like being a kid? <b>Because I can have fun</b></li>
<li>What is one word to describe yourself? <b>Awesome</b></li>
<li>If you could be any animal, which one would you be? <b>A Lion</b></li>
<li>What’s your favorite thing about school? <b>Reading</b></li>
<li>What makes you laugh?<i> </i><b>My brother</b></li>
<li>What do you want to be when you grow up? <b>A Businessman</b></li>
<li>What do you love most about your brother and sister? <b>They are awesome</b></li>
<li>What is your favorite thing to do with your family?<i> </i><b>Watch TV</b></li>
<li>What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now? <b>Working</b></li>
<li>What advice would you give your parents? <b>Do your best!</b></li>
</ul>
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life blog}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer2015/Aidans%2011th%20bday-003_zpspkg4odu3.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<i>Mom's note: we certainly don't spend all of our time watching TV, but we've found some family shows we like watching on the weekend (The Amazing Race and Once Upon a Time are two that we really like).</i>beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-21854114141368639782015-07-19T21:23:00.001-04:002015-07-19T21:23:36.750-04:00Adventures in movingBack when I last posted in March, we were still in winter hibernation mode and getting stir crazy. A few weeks later, that quickly turned into full on house-hunting mode, and we've been busy buying, selling, purging and packing ever since. But I really want to document this crazy and exciting time in our lives, so I'm going to (do my best to) post more about our adventures in moving.<br />
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It all started in early March, when we were waiting to hear back on our lottery application for the charter school we wanted Aidan to get into for 6th grade. We always knew that 6th grade would be a deciding year for whether we would HAVE to move in order for Aidan to be in a good school, because the year-round middle school we applied to (in addition to the charter school) is by lottery only, and unfortunately our base middle school was never an option we'd consider. We did get in to the year-round school, so we knew we could stay in our home, but the ball got rolling anyway.<br />
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Adam and I have always known that this home wouldn't be our forever home. It's in a prime location for us in a great neighborhood (aside from the less than ideal base schools), but we wanted more. More space, more storage, more insulation (one bedroom is almost unusable in the winter and summer!), better kitchen (holy hell, how have we lived without a kitchen island for 12 years?!), you get the picture. We love our home, but there are a thousand nit-picky things we wish were different. Building a home is something we've always talked about, and the timing was right to start considering.<br />
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So the tour of a million and one model homes began, and it was fun! For me and Adam, at least. The incessant house touring definitely got old for the kids pretty quickly. :)<br />
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<img alt=" photo 8C69AFB1-DF67-4EE5-84B9-EFC5CA513BE4_zpsdxcqb97d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/8C69AFB1-DF67-4EE5-84B9-EFC5CA513BE4_zpsdxcqb97d.jpg" height="640" width="640" /><br />
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We really got a sense of where we wanted to be, what was available, what we could afford, and what our must-have features would be. By April, we were officially under contract to build a home with Meritage. We had to move quickly to take advantage of builder incentives (free solar panels!) and get the lot we wanted, which was pretty intense, considering the huge expense of a new home. After going through a roller coaster of emotions more times than I can count, we ultimately couldn't be more excited about where we're moving!<br />
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Of course, the whole selling our house thing is a whole other story...<br />
<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-85086051320866687812015-03-05T18:20:00.000-05:002015-03-05T18:21:00.628-05:00Stir crazyThe last two weeks have been totally crazy. I was in the office for only 1 out of the 10 working days, and the boys' school was closed for 8.5 of those 10 days due to snow and ice. That's a LOT of time to be cooped up. And you know it's bad when then kids groan about yet another school closure because they just want to see their friends (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>and get away from their mean old mom who won't let them eat snacks every minute of every day</i></span>), even if it means going to school!<br />
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Our first "winter weather event" happened on Monday, February 16. I was already home with Lorelai for President's day (daycare teacher workday) so it was no big deal when school got out early. We ended up with more sleet than snow, so many secondary roads were skating rinks. With more snow on Wednesday, school was out all.freaking.week because it was just too bitterly cold to melt the ice/snow. I guess I didn't really get how bad some roads were until we picked Aidan up after a sleepover on Saturday morning. 5 days later, and his friend's road was still solid ice.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/My%20Photo%20Stream_zpsdqzy957t.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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We thought we were in the clear last week. Monday was a normal day at school and work. And then everyone was completely surprised when we woke up to more snow coming down on Tuesday. Some buses had already left to get students by the time the school delay call came in at 6:30am. By 7:45, it was very clear the roads were too bad to go to school, so we were at cancellation number 5. I think we ended up with 2-3 inches before it stopped. The kids loved it though--real snow, better than the ice last week.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/My%20Photo%20Stream1_zpsynqzmzry.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Adam ventured out to work every day, making me a nervous wreck (I'm paranoid) when </i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>every single time,</i></span> he forgot to text me that he got there safe.</i></span><br />
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<br />
The biggest punch in the gut from good old Mother Nature came at 1am on Thursday when our power went out due to the heavy, wet snow taking down trees and power lines. It sure was gorgeous though!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/My%20Photo%20Stream2_zpswzbfu5zm.jpg" height="320" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We don't even own a snow shovel--we had to borrow the neighbor's.</i></span><br />
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We keep our downstairs thermostat really low at night so it didn't take long without heat to drop down into the 50s. We tried to warm the house with our first fire in the fireplace in I don't know how many years. Since before Logan was born maybe. It became very clear that the poor Duraflame log was not cutting it. Those things are not made to give off much heat.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/My%20Photo%20Stream5_zpsmseszytw.jpg" height="320" title="" width="640" /><br />
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My work laptop was completely dead, and with no indication that our power would be back on soon, I couldn't run my cell phone battery down by calling in to my work meetings. Worst use of a vacation day, ugh. With no power and no coffee and most importantly no heat (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I was SO cold even with multiple layers under blankets!!</i></span>), we packed up and headed to Adam's work down the road. Thankfully the main roads weren't too dicey because some plows had made it through. We happily mooched off their power, wi-fi and coffee until our power came back on that afternoon. And then my mom happily mooched off our power until hers came back on that evening. :)<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/My%20Photo%20Stream3_zpsuilkfmyv.jpg" height="320" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is the clubhouse of one of the apartment complexes Adam manages. Cinnamon roll keurig coffee and a huge media room for the win.</i></span><br />
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Of course (because we're in the south) the secondary roads still weren't safe for buses by Friday, so that was cancellation numero ocho. Ouch. And now the boys have officially lost the first week of their 3-week intersession at the end of this month. At least there's no Saturday school for us, so that's an up side? <br />
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The snuggles were also a big up side. :)<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/My%20Photo%20Stream4_zpser3i0xjc.jpg" height="320" title="" width="640" /> <br />
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This has been the first "normal" week in a long time, and now we're looking at another wintry mix on the way tonight that could possibly delay or cancel school tomorrow. While I actually didn't mind going into full hibernation mode--no makeup/yoga pants/curled up under a blanket at the table in front of my computer and only stepping outside to take a couple of quick pics of the kids, I was happy to be back in the office this week. I will echo the sentiment of pretty much everyone when I say I'm SO DONE with winter. Hurry up, Spring!<br />
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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-15199456579329640302015-02-04T18:22:00.000-05:002015-02-04T18:23:08.985-05:00Easy Paleo ChiliOne of the best (and most surprising) things about my Whole30 journey has been discovering, and successfully making/enjoying(!) lots of brand new recipes. A lot of these are by way of "paleo-ifying" some of our normal dishes. Enter paleo chili--all the comfort for these cold winter nights without those pesky forbidden beans.<br />
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My silly husband would beg to differ that this is chili at all because there are no beans, but if you're in the market for a paleo/Whole30 compliant chili dish (or you just really don't like beans!), you've come to the right place. I ended up merging a couple of different chili recipes together to come up with something that I will totally continue to make even when I'm done with the Whole30. I made this when Adam was out of town the other week and the kids gave it rave reviews. So naturally, I had to make it again this week so he can try it. I'm definitely doubling the recipe below so I have plenty of leftovers!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life} Easy Paleo Chili whole30 " border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/paleochili_zpsbi9wdbgj.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<br />
<h3>
Paleo Chili </h3>
(<i>adapted from the back of the Hunt's Fire Roasted tomatoes can, using zucchini as inspired by <a href="http://www.livinglobpries.com/?s=paleo+chili" target="_blank">this</a> recipe</i>)<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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* 1 pound ground meat (I used ground chicken)<br />
* 1/4 cup chopped onion<br />
* 1/2 cup diced green and/or red peppers<br />
* 1 large zucchini, diced<br />
* 2 cans Hunt's Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, undrained<br />
* 1 can (6oz) tomato paste<br />
* 1 cup water<br />
* 1 tbsp chili powder<br />
* 1/2 tsp salt<br />
* 1/2 tsp cumin<br />
* 1/4 tsp paprika<br />
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Directions:<br />
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1. Brown your meat with the onion, drain fat if necessary.<br />
2. Add zucchini to begin sautéing.<br />
3. Meanwhile, blend one can of the tomatoes until smooth.<br />
4. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on medium low, stirring occasionally, for at least 15 minutes. Feel free to let simmer for 30+ to let the flavors develop more.<br />
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Makes 4-5 servings. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-65863442647358173972015-01-26T19:04:00.001-05:002015-01-26T19:04:23.541-05:00Lorelai's hairLorelai's hair is beautifully long and silky, and has grown out into what looks like a perfectly layered cut without ever having it styled. She's come a long way since her <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-cut-or-not-to-cut.html" target="_blank">reverse mullet</a>. Just about everyone comments on how long and pretty her hair is. She loves it and calls it her princess hair. I love it. Adam loves it. The boys even love it. In fact, at Christmas, we were on Grandma and Grandpa's porch and the light and a breeze hit her just right—Logan said in awe that it looked like her hair was glowing. <br />
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That said, I'm pretty sure we're at the point where she needs her first REAL cut. And when I said as much at the dinner table last night when Adam mentioned making an appointment with our hairdresser, I got a unanimous "NO!" from everyone at the table--Aidan and Logan included. But the thing is, it tangles so easily and I'm the one who has to comb it all out every morning and every night. Her ends are crazy split. It's so long that she always has to wear it pulled back to school. We've even gotten into the habit of doing sock buns at night to keep it from tangling so much while she sleeps. But of course that ends up looking like this in the mornings, making me completely rethink cutting it at all, because holy hair envy, batman!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/LorelaisHair_1_zpsdzblkhus.jpg" height="400" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Too bad it doesn't look like this for long though--the curls are pretty much all gone by the end of the day.</i></span><br />
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She actually got her first official hair cut back in August, which she really needed to get rid of 4 years of dead ends. But we were all so very against losing any length at that point, so our hairdresser worked her magic and you couldn't even tell she got a cut--it just looked smoother and healthier at the ends.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/August2014-005_zps3670044d.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/August2014-002_BW_filtered_zps775a08b2.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/August2014_FirstHaircut2_zpse512a751.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Who knows--I may end up chickening out when the time comes, but for now, I'm going to start trying to convince the masses that shortening it just a few inches will really not be such a big deal. And no, it won't turn brown and lose magical powers (poor Rapunzel!).<br />
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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-10422972658346258772015-01-13T18:44:00.000-05:002015-01-13T18:44:40.320-05:00It's a cliche, but...New year, new me2014 most definitely did not live up to the <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-even-years.html">expectations</a> I had of it. In fact, it will go down in history as one of the suckiest years in memory. Sure, we had some great times as a family, but oh my goodness--the deaths. There was just so much more death than I've personally ever dealt with, and each one just had a cumulative effect on me, piling on top of all the <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/07/dont-cry.html" target="_blank">emotions</a> I had surrounding my <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/06/goodbye-forever-again.html" target="_blank">dad's death</a> in May. From July to December, we said goodbye to two of Adam's wonderful grandmothers, his aunt, and my uncle.<br />
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And to top it all off, I've been struggling with the worst acne I've ever had (<i>yes, including my teenage years and pregnancy</i>) for the last 6+ months and it's really taken a toll on me emotionally. I know it might be vain, and I know I don't have it as severe as many, but at 34 years old, it feels pretty ridiculous to be dealing with this. Not to mention painful. When you cry looking in the mirror and slather on the makeup even when you're not leaving the house because you can't stand the sight of your own face, something's got to change.<br />
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The hitch is, I've become more aware of all of the chemicals we put on and in our bodies, so I've been trying to avoid running to the dermatologist for an Rx to some chemicals that aren't really good for me. And I'd really rather not stain any more of my clothes with Proactiv. So I joined DoTerra as a wellness advocate in May of last year and have loved using my oils. But I'm pained to admit that they're just not working on my face. I eventually came to the conclusion that I have to take a more holistic approach to healing and start from the inside. It's either hormones or my gut, but something is out of whack. <br />
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<b>Enter the Whole30.</b><br />
<br />
I actually gave up dairy for a month at the end of October hoping that might be the culprit, but I only saw marginal improvements. My face got worse again after indulging in too many Thanksgiving treats, so I decided to significantly cut back on my refined sugar intake (and still had very minimal dairy). Then I went off the rails on Christmas day with several desserts. Sure enough, my face was a painful cystic, zitty wreck a couple of days later.<br />
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Conclusion: I HAVE to kick my sugar habit. And it certainly won't hurt to eliminate other inflammatory things that could be wrecking my gut and making their way out through my skin. So for 30 days: no sugar, grains, alcohol, soy, legumes, dairy, or other nasty things like MSG or sulfites. <br />
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It initially sounded too challenging and restrictive, but my skin issues are enough motivation for me to go as drastic as I need to. I'm a week in, and so far I'm doing great! Probably since I already eliminated some of the things on the list, I haven't had any kind of withdrawal symptoms, anger or unbearable cravings. I've been eating well, and it really feels like I'm accomplishing something. I <i>might </i>even be seeing an improvement in my skin.<br />
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Of course I still have a ways to go till day 30, but I'm really motivated to keep going. Which is no small feat with something as restrictive and psychologically challenging as the Whole30 is.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/DA049A0F-FB12-4466-8D32-6CD6E156709C_zpswutwk9wi.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole 30 day 8: that big old pot of spaghetti (squash) with mushrooms on the <br />side means I'm certainly not feeling deprived tonight! YUM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I fully welcome 2015 and as many positive changes in myself as I can. And I'm using all of the positive mental attitude I can muster to believe it'll me MUCH better than last year. But the bar is pretty low...:)<br />
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Happy New Year!<br />
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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-17748883441672128522014-12-24T16:45:00.000-05:002014-12-24T16:45:06.641-05:00Merry & BrightFrom our family to yours, Merry Christmas! <br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/ChristmasCard2014_zps0825ea35.jpg" height="457" title="" width="640" /><br />
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I'm currently lounging on the couch watching the kids play in their fort after a morning watching Elf. A lazy morning turned into a lazy day when our plan to visit with family were cancelled due to Adam's sister and her kids coming up from Atlanta and promptly coming down with the flu. :( Our fingers and toes are crossed that they all start feeling better soon so we can see them before they have to go back home. We love spending time with family, and Aidan, Logan and Lorelai really want to play with their cousins!<br />
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In happier news, I've successfully achieved a (mostly) stress-free Christmas season for the <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/12/enjoying-season.html" target="_blank">second year</a> in a row! After years and years of holiday stress getting the best of me to the point of not fully being able to enjoy the season, I think I finally have things figured out. They keys are simplicity and online shopping. Oh, and setting the bar just a little bit lower for myself. :)<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/December2014-038_zpsaea1aca0.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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We've shopped for others, donated gifts, decorated our house, read Christmas stories, watched Christmas movies, listed to Christmas music, enjoyed our elf on the shelf, trimmed my mom's tree, made chocolate covered popcorn (my version of "baking"), and I've personally enjoyed some eggnog. I think our bases are pretty covered as far as holiday festivities go. The last thing we need to check off the list is opening presents and hanging out with family!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Winter%202014-2015/December2014-040_zpsf4b75c5c.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Now we just need to wrap the last few gifts and wait for Santa to arrive. Hopefully he'll bring a Christmas miracle and our family will feel better tomorrow (and no one else gets sick!).<br />
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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-42001668553470407142014-11-27T10:36:00.000-05:002014-11-27T10:36:57.010-05:00ThankfulTo be honest, this year hasn't been the greatest. Too much death, sadness, pain, and frustration. But amidst all of that emotional turmoil is when it's probably most important to be thankful and focus on the positive. Because regardless of how sad you are, there's ALWAYS something to be thankful for.<br />
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I really do have so, SO much to be thankful for. And as always, these amazing little people are at the top of my list.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014-055_zps65bde3cf.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Lorelai: "I'm thankful for Mommy and Daddy and the boys. I'm thankful for Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma Ellie."<br />
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It was on Thanksgiving 5 years ago when we found I was pregnant with her. I so love that I always have that memory to look back on every Thanksgiving.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014-056_zps1bda58b5.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Logan: "I'm most thankful for family."<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014-053_zps09fb2a54.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Aidan: "I'm thankful for my family, the toys we have, TV..."<br />
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We're hanging out at home this morning and then packing up our broccoli salad, purple cauliflower and apple crisp and heading to Adam's parents for our "Turkey Day Feast" as Lorelai keeps calling it. So of course I'm thankful that my awesome in-laws are handling the turkey this year. :)<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving to all!<br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-87744891282507890522014-11-19T18:39:00.000-05:002014-11-19T18:39:00.978-05:00Not a pumpkin picking postI've talked up my love for farm fun <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-real-live-pumpkin-patch-corn-maze-and.html" target="_blank">many</a> (<a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-farm-fun.html" target="_blank">many</a> <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/06/strawberries-for-days.html" target="_blank">many</a>) times, so it's no surprise that we made our way back to our favorite farm for their corn maze and other activities.<br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014_collage7_zpscb09bfea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014_collage7_zpscb09bfea.jpg" height="441" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014_collage2_zps4526bd8a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014_collage2_zps4526bd8a.jpg" height="441" width="640" /><br />
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But we almost didn't make it. Between soccer on Saturdays, neighborhood picnics, rainy weekends, and our trip to Great Wolf Lodge at the beginning of the month, it was down to the wire--we went the Sunday before Halloween.<br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014-081_zps98a429a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014-081_zps98a429a1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
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I had every intention of us picking pumpkins off the vine--something I was so mad we missed <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-farm-fun.html" target="_blank">last year</a>. But because we waited so long, it was really slim pickings. The pumpkins some people were coming back with were fugly. So after all my ranting last year, not only did we not pick our own pumpkins, we didn't get any at all. <i>Total fail</i>.<br />
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But that just left us more time to do all the fun farm activities they have. Top of this list, always: bouncing!<br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014-024_zps43a6f773.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014-024_zps43a6f773.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
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There was also sliding and riding (<i>holy wow, that tractor ride went through part of the corn maze this year and bounced us around like crazy! I think my bruises might still be healing!</i>).<br />
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Pedal carts...<br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014_collage6_zpsd40f682d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014_collage6_zpsd40f682d.jpg" height="293" width="640" /><br />
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Goats (<i>awwww!</i>), football, pumpkin slingshots, tether ball...<br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014_collage4_zps0ef40d88.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014_collage4_zps0ef40d88.jpg" height="441" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Little brother hits big brother in the nards, then points and laughs. :)</i></span><br />
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We had hours of fun on a surprisingly warm fall day. I almost didn't even miss the pumpkins. Maybe the yummy kettlecorn distracted me. :)<br />
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<img alt=" photo October2014-060_zps750d2d38.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/October2014-060_zps750d2d38.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-78345754932926978542014-11-03T18:30:00.000-05:002014-11-03T18:31:50.034-05:00Halloween '14Halloween kind of snuck up on me this year. One would assume a Friday Halloween would be ideal--all week to anticipate, and then no alarm the next morning. But one would be wrong, if you're me. A busy week at work completely distracted me, and the (very unusual) 5:45 wakeup call from Lorelai the next morning had me completely regretting the extra candy and later bedtime. <br />
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<img alt=" photo Halloween2014-030_zpsb2e98750.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Halloween2014-030_zpsb2e98750.jpg" height="960" width="640" /><br />
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We also completely neglected to get any real pumpkins, so I had to go with fake ones on the porch. We put off going to the pumpkin patch until the weekend before, and by that time, it looked like really slim pickings on the field (based on some fugly ones people were bringing back), plus we were busy doing other things at the farm. So I figured I'd just stop by the grocery store on the way home one day that week...but it completely skipped my mind. Who forgets to get pumpkins for Halloween?!<br />
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At least the costumes were easy this year. Lorelai had been asking incessantly to be Elsa, but I told her probably not--those costumes were expensive! But just my luck, my sister-in-law had a beautiful Elsa-ish dress that no longer fit Lorelai's cousin Luca, so she brought it to us when we met them at Great Wolf Lodge. Lorelai LOVES this dress. It also has hip things (no idea what they're called) but that makes the dress lean more towards the Cinderella side, so Lorelai left them off for Trick-or-Treating.<br />
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<img alt=" photo Halloween2014-023_zps9577cb05.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Halloween2014-023_zps9577cb05.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt=" photo Halloween2014-016_zps4bc5aeaf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Halloween2014-016_zps4bc5aeaf.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
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Since she couldn't do a bounce house at her school carnival or run around a park with a full hoop skirt, we put together a second costume with her butterfly wings and a tutu.<br />
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<img alt=" photo Halloween2014_collage2_zps208d19f7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Halloween2014_collage2_zps208d19f7.jpg" height="383" width="640" /><br />
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Aidan and Logan ended up deciding on beards from Target, without any real plan. They just really liked the funny beards. In hindsight, we totally should have gone the ZZ Top route because we have a couple of play guitars--oh well. People assumed they were Duck Dynasty guys, but they were just non-specific bearded men. Grandpa and dad, according to Lorelai. Or, bearded Man...Chester United fans according to me (since they wore their jerseys to go with their Man U beanies they had to wear to keep the beard elastic in place).<br />
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<img alt=" photo Halloween2014-024_zpsd6161115.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Halloween2014-024_zpsd6161115.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
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Since the kids got almost a whole bucket full of candy last week from ToTing at my work, we only hit a few houses on Halloween night. Then they just hung out on the front porch giving out candy. Fun was had by all!<br />
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<img alt=" photo Halloween2014_collage1_zps2139381b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Halloween2014_collage1_zps2139381b.jpg" height="640" width="640" />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-10821736226030231702014-11-01T11:49:00.000-04:002014-11-01T11:49:42.071-04:00I'm still hereHello...anyone still there? <i>{Dusts cobwebs off this long-neglected blog of mine...}</i> I'm still here. I've just been completely unmotivated to write anything. Or take many pictures. Or do anything with the few pictures I have taken. Sigh.<br />
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But we've been busy! The boys started soccer, we went to Great Wolf Lodge on their fall break, gave Lorelai's room a complete makeover, rode ponies at a neighborhood cookout, went to our favorite farm for some fall fun, did school projects, took Logan to urgent care for an infected wound, went to birthday parties and Halloween parties and fall carnivals and overloaded on candy. Whew!<br />
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So I've got lots to write about, and a handful of half-written posts that sit neglected on my computer. I just need to find some motivation and make time to finish them.<br />
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I miss my little blog and I know I will regret not documenting our happenings lately.<br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-40559863360380712362014-09-07T16:38:00.001-04:002014-09-07T16:38:54.803-04:00Eight.Today, my sweet Logan turned 8.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday_zps22e851a6.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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I feel like birthday posts are getting increasingly harder to write without becoming redundant. I mean, I could write mushy gushy mommy brags all day long because my kids are just plain awesome, but I won't. :)<br />
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Pretty much everything I wrote <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/09/seven.html" target="_blank">last year</a> for Logan is still true. Doing amazing in school, great brother, kind, sensitive, sweet. He's an awesome kid and I couldn't be more proud of him. <br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday-001_zpsdad994e6.jpg" height="960" title="" width="640" /><br />
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So instead of copying and pasting from last year, I thought I'd do an interview with him.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Favorite person in the whole world?</b> "My mom"<i> (awwww!)</i></li>
<li><b>Favorite color?</b> "Orange"</li>
<li><b>Favorite TV show? </b>"Teen Titans Go"</li>
<li><b>Favorite sport?</b> "Soccer"</li>
<li><b>Favorite book?</b> "Mark of Athena"<i> (in Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series)</i></li>
<li><b>Favorite food?</b> "Burritos"</li>
<li><b>Least favorite food?</b> "The chicken you make"<i> (gee, thanks buddy--I make a lot of different kids of chicken dishes...)</i></li>
<li><b>Best friend? </b>William</li>
<li><b>What do you want to be when you grow up?</b> Logan said "I don't know" so Lorelai chimed in and said she wanted to be a princess when she grows up. For what it's worth. :)</li>
<li><b>What are you really good at?</b> "Soccer"</li>
<li><b>What would you buy if you had $1000?</b> "Magic (<i>The Gathering, like Adam collects</i>) cards and a phone"</li>
<li><b>If you could have one wish what would it be? </b>"To have super powers, like to be able to control the wind."</li>
</ul>
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This year, we had a small birthday party at our house with his local cousins and three friends from class. <br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday-018_zps821f66b8.jpg" height="556" title="" width="640" /><br />
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He got a new bike (a day early, since Lorelai ruined the surprise, ha!), some books, and a birthday trip to Frankie's Fun Park today.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday_collage1_zps41875033.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday-016_zps77f0d4c6.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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We played arcade games, rode go carts, did the batting cage for the first time, and played putt putt.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday-046_zps77d9d838.jpg" height="479" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday_collage2_zps336935a4.jpg" height="320" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday_collage3_zpse8d5e316.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Fall2014/Logans8thBday_collage5_zps2ff93c43.jpg" height="383" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Happy birthday to my (not so) little Logan! I love you more than words.<br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-37562666846032091052014-09-04T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-04T09:00:07.988-04:00It's still summerGotta be honest—all this talk of it now being fall kind of makes me mad. <br />
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I know Labor Day is supposed to signify the end of summer, but it's an unofficial end—one that I refuse to accept. While I don't hate fall by any means, I'm not eager to welcome any sort of cold weather. At all. After the winter we had last year, I can't imagine many people would blame me. ☺<br />
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So I'm hanging on to every official day of summer, right up until September 23. And every warm day after that, for that matter!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014-017_zps40b10244.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014_collage3_zps9f19d07b.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014-113_zpsd4deb54b.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014_collage4_zps5b1f0ed0.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/IMG_9656_zps1dca4d03.jpg" height="479" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014_collage2_zps2db16eda.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<i>Pictures are from Aidan and Lorelai's birthday pool party. I could really use a LOT more days like that one. Perfect summer weather.</i><br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-73505750551251714722014-08-25T18:53:00.002-04:002014-08-25T18:53:17.004-04:002nd and 5thWe're about a month in to Logan's 2nd grade year and Aidan's 5th grade year, and so far so good!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-015_zpsc9b29c10.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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I did end up meeting Logan's teacher and she seems really great. Very communicative with the parents and enthusiastic. I love the program she's using for classroom behavior (ClassDojo) because I can see throughout the day exactly how Logan is doing. What's also kind of cool is that Logan's 2nd grade classroom is the classroom I was in for 2nd grade many years ago. :)<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-024_LoganFDOS2nd_zps8b763060.jpg" height="960" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Happy about school, mad about the camera in his face :)</i></span><br />
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And it turns out Aidan did have a friend in his class from last year, we must have just missed him on the roster during open house. Regardless, he's easily made more friends like I knew he would. And he loves the setup they have now in 5th grade where his class is paired with another class and they swap teachers for different subject areas. One does Social Studies/ELA and the other does Math/Science. He likes both teachers and is doing well with his testing so far.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-016_AidanFDOS5th_zps83b8c26b.jpg" height="960" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Aidan started off the morning with no sling because <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/07/fractured.html" target="_blank">his arm</a> was feeling much better, but worried about the bus and worried people would bump into him, so he ended up wearing for the first couple days of school. He's been sling-free ever since.</i></span><br />
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After what <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/07/sayonara-summer-break.html" target="_blank">seemed like</a> a bad start to the year, things are really looking up and I couldn't be happier.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-011_zps54b0db60.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<i>PS: 90% of the pictures I took with my good camera ended up completely blurry and unusable, and I'm so mad I don't have a head to toe pic of Aidan for his end of the year side-by-side. GRRRRR! At least I thought to also take a couple of pics with my phone, otherwise I wouldn't have a single picture of the kids together.</i>beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-8300318269231812892014-07-31T07:00:00.000-04:002014-07-31T07:00:06.981-04:00Don't Cry<b>Don't Cry</b><br />
<br />
Please don't cry over my casket<br />
For I am not there<br />
Please don't cry at my grave<br />
My soul has been set free<br />
I know it's hard not to cry<br />
I've been down that road one too many times<br />
<br />
I have no more pain<br />
I have no more sickness<br />
And I would not change a thing<br />
As I walk through the gates of Heaven<br />
Mom Dad our brothers and sisters<br />
Will welcome me with open arms<br />
Here I am free of that pain<br />
<br />
Don't blame yourself<br />
It was my time to go home<br />
This is where I'm supposed to be<br />
Don't dwell on things which you cannot change<br />
I will always be in your heart<br />
<br />
I will always be watching over you<br />
When that day comes for you to come home<br />
I will be there to welcome you<br />
With open arms<br />
And walk you through the gates of Heaven<br />
You will be greeted by our family & friends<br />
Who came home before you<br />
Until that day I will be watching over you.<br />
<br />
<i>-Author Unknown</i><br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
It's been two months since my dad <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2014/06/goodbye-forever-again.html" target="_blank">passed away</a>, and I can thankfully say that I'm doing much better emotionally. <br />
<br />
We had a very small funeral service for him on June 19, which was absolutely gut-wrenching for me. I don't have much experience with death, so even just being that close to his ashes especially after not having seen him in so long was almost too hard to bear. <br />
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During his service, I did nothing but heave ugly, loud sobs. I can't even remember the last time I cried that hard. It seemed like every prayer, every word spoken, pulled at every emotion I had buried deep down inside long ago.<br />
<br />
The sermon was the hardest, but it was also cathartic in a way. The Reverend didn't know my dad--she only knew him through talking to my mom. But everything she said was perfect. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Because we are created in God’s own image, we yearn for relationship, and beauty, and a sense of rightness about the world. Because we are human, however, we tend to get off-track. Fear, anger, disease, confusion...all kinds of brokenness can get in the way of our longing for relationship, stability and home." <br />
<br />
"...the gifts of connection and stability for which we long were gifts that sometimes eluded him. That is its own particular kind of loss for those who loved him, and we mourn that today as well."<br />
<br />
"We yearn for God because God yearns for us, and God has brought Bill home. That doesn’t mean everything will be easy for those of us who remain. There is mourning to do. There may be the work of forgiveness and reconciliation yet to go. We humans always wound each other, even with the best of intentions, and whenever someone dies there may well be wounds that need healing, sorrows that need soothing, joys that need to be remembered."<br />
<br />
<i>-The Rev. Sarah Ball-Damberg (excerpts from her funeral sermon for Bill Kehoe)</i></blockquote>
<br />
I debated with myself about whether I would actually go to the service. Part of me thought I lost the right to mourn him when I cut him out of my life. Part of me thought it would be too hard. All of me was scared. And I was right, it was too hard. It was scary. But it was closure. Almost as if the Reverend's words and the prayers we said transformed my tears from pain to healing. I do take comfort that he's in a better place, free from that fear, anger, disease and confusion that plagued him in his life here on earth. As the Reverend said, "Bill is at rest in the God who made him, cherished him, and cherishes him still. Thanks be to God. Amen."<br />
<br />
Between May 31 and June 19, not a day passed that I didn't cry at least once. But the poem above, which was included in his memorial bulletin, really resonated with me. My mom told me that it's exactly what my dad would have said, and I am able to take comfort in that. I still have some moments of sadness and pain, of course. I'm still working on healing my wounds, soothing my sorrow and remembering the joys. But time heals. I'll get there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_qpYs1zOxSpPW13Q6-NaXTM3TuzeH5361Jms9-GJl_hsC4T_i3jddKSDu09wz5QqAL8C11VzK776_L6nXn6m4TFmsGXzzVKEhZ5XgAURJ6d70DVR_dDB5PZOGKw-GrbS7WX0oc0Scv4/s1600/SCAN0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_qpYs1zOxSpPW13Q6-NaXTM3TuzeH5361Jms9-GJl_hsC4T_i3jddKSDu09wz5QqAL8C11VzK776_L6nXn6m4TFmsGXzzVKEhZ5XgAURJ6d70DVR_dDB5PZOGKw-GrbS7WX0oc0Scv4/s1600/SCAN0017.JPG" height="640" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Funeral service bulletin. Photo circa 1986.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-83422876058388025812014-07-29T20:41:00.002-04:002014-07-30T13:38:03.664-04:00Four years old, and not a babyThis girl, oh my. Sweet, sassy, smart, funny, silly, loud, opinionated, friendly, loving. And now she's four!<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/Lorelais4th-021_zps454ff373.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014-091_zps086e555e.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said "I don't know." When I asked her again, she said "Grandma." Another time, she said "chicken nuggets." And then when I asked her yesterday, she held up seven fingers and said "I want to be this many. Like Logan." Well I can't help her with the last request, but the rest was done and done. We had a pool party for Aidan and Lorelai on Sunday with both Grandmas, and then we went to the pool again tonight and had a Chick-fil-a picnic.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014-081_zps7efe9267.jpg" height="511" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014-082_zps9ea5daa6.jpg" height="960" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Most of me is devastated that there's almost no baby left in my baby. A fact that she's quick to point out whenever I call her baby instead of sweetie, by the way. She just doesn't understand that she'll always be <i>my baby</i>.<br />
<br />
“I'll love you forever,<br />
I'll like you for always,<br />
As long as I'm living,<br />
my baby you'll be.”<br />
<i>-Robert Munsch</i><br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/Lorelais4th-017_BW_zpsba917952.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
These days, she likes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Going to the pool</li>
<li>Coloring/drawing</li>
<li>Super Why</li>
<li>Watching videos I've taken of the family on my iPhone</li>
<li>Fairy books (big girl chapter books)</li>
<li>Baby dolls</li>
<li>The color purple (just not her purple shoes...???)</li>
<li>Bossing people around</li>
<li>Arguing/throwing fits for no reason</li>
<li>Being held by Mommy</li>
</ul>
<br />
Yes, my big (43lb!) girl still wants me to hold her. And it's still the same request as when she was little--"Mommy, hold you." And even when she wants me to hold her while I'm trying to make dinner or shop for groceries, it's super hard to deny that request. It's just about the only holdover from her babyhood. Sniff.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/Lorelais4th_collage2_zps4e1acc39.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-029_zpsc9f707df.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Age 3 was certainly a challenge, as I expected. But fortunately, I don't think it was as bad as it could have been. We obviously had our fair share of ridiculous typical 3yo behavior, but nothing that made me go insane.<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/JulyBdayPoolParty2014_collage1_zps385b2b11.jpg" height="302" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
I know we're now out of the woods yet as far as tantrums go (as evidenced by last night's bedtime debacle). But I'm looking forward to age 4. Seeing her emotions mature (hopefully!). Watching as she learns more and gets ready for kindergarten next year. Helping her become more independent. Watching her imagination grow.<br />
<br />
She's remarkable, and very loved and spoiled. Happy 4th birthday to my sweet baby girl!<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/Lorelais4th-032_zpsc83edf35.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-51577196246987570792014-07-24T18:57:00.000-04:002014-07-24T18:57:03.249-04:00A double digit birthdayHappy birthday to my very favorite 10-year-old! It just blows my mind how we're already into double digits.<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-038_zps07bfd502.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
At 10, Aidan LOVES to read. His current obsession is Harry Potter and anything Rick Riordan. When he's not reading, in his spare time he likes to swim, play soccer, watch TV or play video games. That's why we have limits on the amount of non-educational technology he has access to for the week. :)<br />
<br />
And he's still so friendly and outgoing. I so love that he can make friends easily and isn't hampered by shyness like I am/was. He came home from the first day of school already talking about his new friends. But Logan is still his best friend. Logan and Lorelai are so lucky to have a brother like Aidan.<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-008_zpsea4e5959.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Every year it never fails―I get emotional thinking about when <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-7th-birthday-to-aidan.html">he was born</a>. In that moment, I couldn't have hoped for a better person to call my son, and he never ceases to amaze me. At 2:06 pm today at work, I looked at the clock and remembered the overwhelming feeling I felt that same moment exactly 10 years ago. <br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014-039_zps6539a815.jpg" height="961" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." ― <i>Dr. Seuss</i><br />
<br />
I've always loved that Dr. Suess book. And I love every bit of this simply amazing boy who's growing up right before my eyes. While I miss the little baby he used to be, I can't help but be excited to know the great man he's going to become.<br />
<br />
"Kid, you'll move mountains!"<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July2014_collage1_zpsed99d2c9.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Love you so much, buddy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-54142502696363176272014-07-20T16:06:00.000-04:002014-07-20T16:06:51.585-04:00Sayonara, summer breakI know many parents won't agree with me, but Aidan and Logan's summer break is just as much a break for me as it is for them. I love having the freedom to go to the pool after work instead of worrying about homework. <br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/June2014-035_zps96d0c8e1.jpg" height="424" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/June2014-031_zps95714e85.jpg" height="423" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/June2014_collage1_zps9982d703.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Aidan's first time off the high dive. No fear at all. Photo credit goes to my friend Katherine on these since I completely failed to get a single picture at this pool party.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
I'd much rather spend our weekends at Frankie's Fun Park riding go karts and playing mini golf instead of doing school projects. Or staying up late doing sparklers and not having to worry about waking up early for school the next morning.<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July4th2014-037_zps94816595.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July4th2014-049_zps86dd214d.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July4th2014_collage1_zps27e7c8bd.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<br />
And I love cleaning up after dinner and not having to worry about making lunches. I seriously hate making lunches.<br />
<br />
Since I still have to go to work every day, my overall routine isn't that much different, so it's these little "luxuries" I've come to appreciate during every break throughout the year. And inevitably I always wish their summer break was longer than 5 weeks. But such is the life for year-round schools. <br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July4th2014-007_zpsfde877a2.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
They go back tomorrow. And unfortunately, we're not prepared <i>at all</i>.<br />
<br />
The open house last Thursday for meeting the teachers was a huge fail. Work was crazy so I couldn't leave early enough and we completely missed Logan's teacher. So not only does he not know who in the world will greet him on Monday, but I have no idea what school supplies he needs, so we couldn't do our shopping this weekend. I asked the only other 2nd grade teacher there, and she said she couldn't help us since I guess there's not one generic supply list for the grade. I even emailed the teacher with my apologeis and asked for a list, but no response yet. I'm so mad.<br />
<br />
To top it all off, for the second year in a row, Aidan doesn't have a single friend he knows in his class. When he realized that, and then saw that in the classroom across the hall, five of his friends are all in the same class with the cool teacher (<i>he has couches and video game chairs instead of desks</i>), he broke down crying. I was heartbroken for him, so I started crying, too. <br />
<br />
I want to be optimistic about the school year, but it's really not off to the best start so far. On the plus side, Logan has a few friends in his class from last year, and my first impression of Aidan's teacher is that she seems nice, which is better than the first impression I got from his teacher last year. Small victories, I guess.<br />
<br />
Either way, it's back to the grind tomorrow whether we like it or not. At least we enjoyed our break while it lasted!<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/July4th2014-002_zps9c507954.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-72936695107896442362014-07-10T18:37:00.000-04:002014-07-10T18:37:25.467-04:00FracturedWell I guess it was bound to happen at some point and maybe with three kids I'm lucky it took this long--we have our first broken bone.<br />
<br />
<img alt=" photo EF391B28-592A-42CF-B553-24CB97FC2FF7_zpswnswcppu.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/EF391B28-592A-42CF-B553-24CB97FC2FF7_zpswnswcppu.jpg" height="640" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Poor Aidan was playing soccer at his summer day camp when someone slide tackled him and he fell. When it was clear that this wasn't some bruise that would feel better with some ice, I took him to an orthopedic urgent care (how handy!) and they determined that he had an upper radial head fracture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5xdWLaXpNbyNyc1fN1VMikf0mE1sb5mLa_y-26yTg5-rwm7IzG5-gKYr6F2SKZKBXk9VRYuoHRhOOcPXTCwxS4jDbXtjBMSDrR6iOFM3dSfZMiCZ5thXIazDSqeFVYX2Uyd-BgQK-BE/s1600/radialheadfracture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5xdWLaXpNbyNyc1fN1VMikf0mE1sb5mLa_y-26yTg5-rwm7IzG5-gKYr6F2SKZKBXk9VRYuoHRhOOcPXTCwxS4jDbXtjBMSDrR6iOFM3dSfZMiCZ5thXIazDSqeFVYX2Uyd-BgQK-BE/s320/radialheadfracture.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radial "head" is the knobby end of the radius where it meets the elbow. (<a href="http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00073">via</a>)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thankfully, the doctor said he doesn't like to cast unless absolutely necessary with this type of fracture. So as long as a sling can keep his arm supported and his elbow from moving, he should heal properly without a bulky over-the-elbow cast to completely ruin what's left of his summer break.<br />
<br />
We go back for a follow-up x-ray next week and hopefully his bone will be on the mend. I do expect that he'll have to wear the sling for at least 2 weeks, so he may go back to school sporting an extra cool accessory. Eh, it's just a sign of his battle wound so I don't think he really minds. :)<br />
<br />
I guess in the grand scheme of things, we lucked out. It's his non-dominant hand, no bones sticking out, no cast, and as long as he doesn't move it, it doesn't hurt. He just has to learn how to do everything one-handed for a while. And both Logan and Lorelai have been more than happy to lend him an extra hand (<i>Lorelai put on Aidan's socks this morning</i>) when he needs it. Awwww!<br />
<br />
We just really hope he's well enough by his birthday at the end of the month to actually go in the pool at his own pool party. Fingers crossed...<br />
<br />
<br />
beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-53731187198377313652014-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:002014-06-24T08:00:01.769-04:00Goodbye forever, again<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm not sure how to process my emotions right now, so I'm just going to write. </i></span><br />
<br />
In the early morning of May 31, my dad died. You can only neglect your health and abuse your body for so long before it just gives up, and that's what finally happened to him. <br />
<br />
I got word from my mom on Friday May 30 that my sister had gone down to Florida to be with him in the hospital as he was being moved to hospice care. His liver and kidneys were failing and there was nothing more they could do—it was comfort measures only at that point. They estimated only a few more days. I was a wreck that day, imagining him dying and waiting for the call. <br />
<br />
The call came from my mom that very next morning, as I was sitting on the beach with my family for a weekend getaway. I couldn't believe it—he was actually gone. At the same time, I couldn't believe he lived as long as he did, knowing what he put his body through and how bad his life was for many years.<br />
<br />
<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/TopsailSept2013-117_zps5b6c3146.jpg" height="418" title="" width="640" /><br />
<br />
I'm sad—for me, for my mom (though they had been divorced for many years), and for my sister who had to literally watch him struggle for his last breath. I'm mad—that he did this to himself and that it didn't have to be like this. I'm relieved—that he's finally at peace, that he didn't die alone in an alley somewhere with no one to care, and that I can now try to put all the pain behind me and move on.<br />
<br />
This is all so hard for me because my dad was an alcoholic, and it destroyed our relationship and his life. <br />
<br />
Daddies are supposed to walk their daughters down the aisle, see them get their college diploma, become grandfathers who spoil their grand babies. But that was not my reality, and I mourned the loss of the daddy I wanted and needed a long time ago. And now I have to mourn that loss all over again and<i> it hurts</i>. It hurts more than I ever though it could, given the huge time and distance between us.<br />
<br />
I closed my heart to him for good almost 14 years ago—I just couldn't handle the constant heartbreak. Letting him in, forgiving him, over and over and over again, only to be devastated when he fell off the wagon yet again. It hurt too much. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy at all. I tried many times to mend fences with him. He went to prison in 1998 for drunk driving (finally!) and it took all the strength I had, but I visited him there, several times, in an effort to reconnect because he was actually sober. But he wasn't out for more than a month before he fell off the wagon again. That was the last straw. I was emotionally unstable (in treatment for clinical depression) and I could not handle the heartbreak one more time.<br />
<br />
I thought that was it—I had ultimately made my peace with the estrangement and told myself he was essentially dead to me. I did my best to bury my feelings. I didn't want to talk to him or hear about him. Ever. And it worked like that for the most part. <br />
<br />
But now, in his passing, so many feelings have resurfaced, and I'm really struggling with them. I'm still holding onto a lot of anger, disappointment and sadness. I loved my dad, but when he was drunk, he was a totally different person. Thankfully he was never abusive in any way, but I HATED what the alcohol turned him into. It became really hard to separate my hatred for this horrible disease from him—they were so intertwined. I hit a breaking point in high school and I started hating him. I had to put up a wall to protect myself, and hating him was easier than loving him and repeatedly getting my heart broken by the one man who's always supposed to be there for a girl. I know alcoholism is a disease, but as a child I could never understand why I (and
my mom and sister who all loved him dearly) wasn't enough to make him happy and motivate him to stay sober. People did it all the time, why not him??<br />
<br />
I made my decision before I had kids, but I stuck by my decision <i>because </i>of the kids, once they were in the picture. I knew there was no way I could in good conscience put them through even a sliver of the disappointment or heartbreak I went through.<br />
<br />
In time, much of the raw hatred faded. I was still sad, disappointed and angry at times but mostly just indifferent. He was out of my life and I was okay with it. Even better for it, I truly believed (and still do).<br />
<br />
But I've found, surprisingly, that it's really hard for me to hate a dead person, especially knowing how much he suffered. And especially knowing that no matter what, he loved me. My sister reassured me that he asked about me and talked proudly of me all the time. That gives me some peace, that he didn't fault me for doing what I had to do to protect myself. And now that I'm a parent, I do truly believe that. I don't know that I could have been convinced before I had kids, but with the perspective I have now, I know that there was nothing I could do to make him stop loving me, because that's how I feel about my own kids.<br />
<br />
As far as closure, that about as much as I'll get. I chose not to see him in his final days because I don't believe I could have been strong enough to talk to him or see him like that. But that means I'll never hear him tell me he's sorry. As much as I didn't think I needed that, I realize now that I do.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness won't be easy, but I think that's all I can try to do at this point.<br />
<br />
<i>This is so hard.</i><br />
<br />
***<br />
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Oddly enough, I woke up at 5:08am the morning he passed, an hour at which I'm very rarely up. I was still awake at 5:20am as he drew his last breath, unbeknownst to me at the time. I didn't get an overwhelming sense of him at the time—I figured I was just still upset about knowing he was going to die and anxious/excited for the beach trip, and that's why I was unable to fall back asleep. While I'll never actually know, I'd like to think that he was thinking of me as he lay dying. Somehow that's comforting to me.<br />
<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-18206579022601086712014-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:002014-06-18T08:00:07.887-04:00End of 1st and 4th...Summer Break beginsAidan and Logan had their last day of 1st and 4th grade on Friday.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/June2014-023_zpsc14cdb54.jpg" height="619" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Thankfully, it was a school year without much drama. After the <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-conference.html">issues </a>we had with Aidan's 3rd grade teacher, I was hopeful we'd made the right decision <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/06/schools-out-finally.html">not to loop</a> with her. And for the most part I do think it was a good decision. We had a bit of a scare with math when things just weren't clicking for a while there and he wasn't testing well. At all. But magically, something clicked at the end of the 3rd quarter and he ended up on the A/B honor roll for the year, and did well on both EOG tests. He's a really smart dude who reads like it's his job. Such a bookworm--I love it!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/Aidan4th_comparison_zpsc0bfa480.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>It's beyond me why Aidan looks so much happier on his first day of school than his last...</i></span><br />
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And Logan. Bear with me as I legit brag for a minute. He's so smart. Even though he doesn't love to read as much as Aidan (yet) he's reading well beyond a 1st grade level. He's naturally good at math like Adam, and was even talking Aidan through some math logic on a few homework assignments. He's now in the AIG program where he tested in the 98th percentile for math.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/Logan1st_comparison_zps8a05a332.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
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I know academics aren't everything, but I'm glad both of them at least started out elementary school doing so well, setting a good academic foundation for them to build on. I know we're bound to hit more speed bumps along the way like we did this year with Aidan and math, but success early on shows them that even when things get tougher, they have proven the ability to do well.<br />
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I'm so proud of both of them!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/June2014-022_zps2c930e9f.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Of course Lorelai had to get in on the action. I'm proud of her too, of course :)</i></span><br />
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And now, on to our (much too brief) summer break. I haven't done a bucket list for this summer, but hopefully we can still make the most of it anyway!<br />
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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-81468237912600005042014-06-16T21:09:00.000-04:002014-06-16T21:09:43.730-04:00Daddy's DayMy kids are lucky enough to call this handsome dude Daddy. And I'm lucky enough to call him my baby daddy. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Except I don't really call him that, but I should because it's funny</span></i>. I honestly can't imagine doing this thing called parenthood with anyone else.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/June2014-023_zps4b8c4e88.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Adam's day started with Lorelai wishing him a happy Mother's Day (oops!!) but the rest of the day and weekend were just perfect.<br />
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I think that we've established many many times here that we love nothing more than to be completely lazy whenever possible. Mission accomplished on Sunday, for sure. Even though no one slept in, Adam got to lay on the couch, watch World Cup games with the boys, and play video games all day, until it was time to go to the Melting Pot for a delicious dinner with his side of the family. That might literally have been his perfect day. He didn't even have to fold a stitch of laundry! :)<br />
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But we weren't lazy the whole weekend. On Saturday, we went to Frankie's Fun Park for some arcade games and go-carting. If he's not going to relax at home, a trip to the arcade is probably at the top of Adam's list of places to go. Of course the kids were happy to oblige.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/FathersDay2014_collage1_zps040c7f95.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /> <br />
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And me too, because I got to drive a go cart and do the Drop Zone ride with Aidan and Logan. Makes me realize how much we really need to plan a trip to Carowinds or Kings Dominion soon!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/FathersDay2014_collage2_zps729e5dcd.jpg" height="320" title="" width="640" /><br />
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It was a wonderful Father's Day weekend, full of fun, love and appreciation for him. I really hope my kids know just how lucky they are to have him.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Summer%202014/IMG_9514_BW_zps31980a22.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-28266119111218345182014-06-11T18:47:00.000-04:002014-06-11T18:47:54.441-04:00Strawberries for daysWords fail me at the moment, so how about some pictures?<br />
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I've still got a huge backlog to go through and post, but we'll start with last month's strawberry picking adventures. <br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014-011_zps68f06ddf.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Let me just say that I think I've found my new Mother's Day weekend tradition. Like <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/05/strawberry-picking-perfection.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, we had another absolutely perfect morning picking strawberries and playing at the farm's fun park.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014-035_zps39f19f76.jpg" height="961" title="" width="640" /><br />
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We picked two baskets FULL. I'm talking over 12 pounds of strawberries...whoa! Once we got them home and I had to clean them all, I realized we probably went a bit overboard, and thought they'd go bad before we could eat them all. Luckily I was able to freeze a few pounds, and made the most delicious <a href="http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2014/02/quick-homemade-strawberry-jam.html">quick strawberry jam</a>. I've never made it before, but now I'm totally spoiled. I know how I want to use the frozen berries now, and I'm already looking forward to next year's haul. <br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014-027_zps75507c25.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Just when I thought we needed to stop because pickings were slim in field 1, they opened field 2 and we were the first ones over there.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014_collage1_zps14eb6a0b.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Once our baskets were overflowing, we were ready to play! The best thing about the farm we go to is that they have family fun park. We could spend all day there. Bouncing...<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014-043_zps660764f3.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014_collage4_zps41ad11a5.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Tractor-riding and um, hamster-wheeling? These huge pipe things were on tracks so we could race each other, which was pretty hilarious.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014_collage2_zps232916c5.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
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See sawing and pedal carting...<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014_collage5_zps5795cc46.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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Duck racing...<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014_collage6_zpsc1aa07f6.jpg" height="441" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014-055_zps839e86b3.jpg" height="426" title="" width="640" /><br />
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And of course, feeding the animals. They gained a donkey and their goats have grown since <a href="http://alazycrazylife.blogspot.com/2013/06/agri-tainment.html" target="_blank">last year</a>. Awww!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014_collage3_zps44968d71.jpg" height="371" title="" width="640" /><br />
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We made some more great memories that day that I'll always cherish.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/StrawberryPatch2014-129_zps1ace1dff.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<i>(Oh, and look at that. Clearly I found some words after all.)</i><br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-49631652622726164062014-05-30T19:10:00.000-04:002014-05-30T19:10:02.031-04:00NumbLorelai and I went to the dentist for our semi-annual checkup a few weeks ago. The good news is that she did great! Sat still, opened wide, and got a clean bill of dental health.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/48D6D465-704D-46A4-BBE0-841C27294AAD_zpsjm7xkpvl.jpg" height="320" title="" width="320" /> <img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/A222474E-92C5-4B0A-9E72-51707F89FA25_zpsgbzjqswx.jpg" height="320" title="" width="320" /><br />
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I, on the other hand, apparently cracked a molar. No idea how or when it happened so I was totally surprised when the hygienist pointed it out. She also was convinced it happened because I wore them down from grinding. Um, what? I don't grind my teeth. Very puzzling, but the only thing we can think of is that maybe I clench my teeth (<i>when I'm stressed? Very possible given my stressful nature...</i>), which had a similar affect. Oh, and I also had a cavity. Just fabulous.<br />
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So today, I went in to get the cracked tooth filled (<i>thankfully no expensive crown needed</i>) and the cavity filled. And now I sit here, 2 hours later, with my entire mouth still numb. I had a top right AND a bottom left shot of novacaine, so my whole face is seriously and uncomfortably numb.<br />
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I can't help but think about the irony here. My face is physically numb, when in the wake of some really upsetting news today, all I really want is to numb my emotions. Sigh. The good news is that we're taking an impromptu trip to the beach for the weekend, so hopefully I can relax my worries away. Temporarily, at least.<br />
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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961626884512016387.post-3784220679451177082014-05-26T20:23:00.000-04:002014-05-26T20:23:33.716-04:0034 kisses for 34 yearsYesterday, I turned 34. I just love it when my birthday falls on Memorial Day weekend--that extra day feels like a bonus birthday present. And you'd better believe I milked this birthday weekend for everything it's worth. I most definitely pulled the "you can't complain, it's my birthday" card more than once. While it fell on deaf ears after one too many shopping trips, I do respect the collective effort to make my day and weekend special. That included a sweet handmade birthday card, cute clothes Adam and the boys picked out for me, and 34 kisses throughout the day for each of my 34 years. <i>The best.</i><br />
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We spent quite a bit of time relaxing and not doing much, except getting a tan.<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/FB455F7C-461E-48EE-9877-941D933F04CC_zpsw1i6wl1o.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>a MUCH needed tan...</i></span><br />
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We also went out to eat. Lots. Sushi lunch on Friday with my friends. Date night with Adam on Saturday where we hit up Zinburger before finally seeing Divergent, and ending the evening with two slices of heaven from the Cheesecake factory (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>which we're still not done with, two days later!</i></span>).<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/4EFD0496-1BD8-4DCF-852C-CC56147FB254_zpstzadcllh.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A bacon Bloody Mary, sweet potato fries and a Zinburger. SO yum!</i></span><br />
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On my actual birthday, we took the kids to Bob Evans for breakfast where we stuffed our faces and tried to forget about the terrible service. And because the weekend wouldn't be complete without yet another trip out to eat somewhere, we stopped at Moe's today after yet some more shopping. Whew!<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/08AE3D62-7DBA-423D-9305-717856A2AA52_zpsbt9snbpx.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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We also spent a bunch of time at the pool, which I'm sure made up for an equal amount of time spent shopping, as far as the kids are concerned. :)<br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/AC458D59-ED5B-44E2-9E3D-804CC9BBBE7A_zps7jn0awrm.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="{A Lazy Crazy Life}" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/alazycrazylife/Spring%202014/30FC7BD6-D752-4226-8652-15D701CAEA73_zpse6gu1cqw.jpg" height="640" title="" width="640" /><br />
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So cheers to 34 years! If this weekend is any indication, it'll hopefully be a good one! <br />
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<br />beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13861153057200368753noreply@blogger.com0