Last Day of the Year

I can't believe it. Today is the last day of 2008. I know I've been told that as you get older, the years fly by, but can it slow down a little?

But with that in mind, it was a great year despite some heartbreaking moments (but those happen every year in some way or another). The best thing is, the year is ending on a positive note and hopefully that will help start the new year off on the right foot.

I usually don't have any new years resolutions, but I always try to stay healthy and happy throughout the upcoming year. That's my motto!

This new year looks to be an exciting one! My dad is turning the big 6-0 (sorry dad I had to remind you). Jeff and I will become parents to a little boy. Jeff and I are also turning the big 3-0 (see dad, your not the only one). I'm sure there will be other great milestones taking place in 2009 too, and I can't wait to experience them.

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you have a safe and fun time celebrating!

Life's Questions

I'm sure everyone of us in our life time have heard THOSE life questions. You know, the ones asked by an older relative (like a grandmother or aunt) wanting to know what is going to be your next step in life.

I heard one the other day, actually on Christmas day, by my Grandmother. She asked me and it caught me off guard since I wasn't expecting to hear her question until far into the future since I am caring my first child and I'm going onto my 23rd week.

Grandma nonchalantly walked over to me while I'm standing in the tornado of my extended family's Christmas and she asked me "Are you going to have any more babies?". Um, I was hoping to get through caring this child and making it through labor first before anyone was going to ask me that question. But, I didn't want to be rude and I just explained that for now we are only planning on having one child with our financial situation and we do have Zack. I'm not sure if that's the answer she was looking for, but she just shook her head and said that sounds lovely.

I guess I'll just add that to the list of life questions asked by the extended family that I've heard so far. The other one's on the list are:

What are you going to do after High School?

What college are you going to?

Do you have a boyfriend yet?

Are you going to get married?

Are you going to buy a house?

Are you going to have kids?

And now-

Are you going to have any more kids?

I'm sure I've missed a few for the list, but you gotta love the family you've been given. Right?

Christmas Visit

Zack made it this weekend! Yeah! He arrived early Friday morning and was gone by mid-morning on Sunday. It was such a great visit, but a lot jammed in to this one.

We celebrated Christmas (of course almost immediately after he arrive on Friday). Zack was at our door at 6am on Friday and kept starring at the gifts and checking them out. We decided to go out to breakfast first to catch up so we can have his attention before he dives into his gifts. After we returned, that was it! Bring on the gifts!

Zack opening up Christmas Presents

That night we also treated him and his cousin Ally to Brightnights. Its a local parks celebration for the holiday season using tons of light bulbs to make images while cars drive through the exhibit. There was Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, The Grinch Story, winter wonderland images and so much more to drive past. It was fun to hear the kids get so excited between each other and what they were looking. That was the best part for me.

On Saturday was Zack's 11th birthday party. Upon his request at the last visit, I was asked to make his cake this year. So, it was done and it was a big hit, phew! But, we always make sure to have a little something for him to recognize his birthday since him mom sometimes doesn't get a chance. Its not like we go all out and have a big shin-dig, we usually have the small immediate family, pizza and cake (oh, and presents).

Zack's homemade birthday cake

During the birthday festivities, the "kids" starting playing with Zack's Nerf guns (ones that were never opened from last Christmas). When I say kids, I mean mean my husband, my BIL, Zack and Ally. My mom was mixed in there somewhere trying to get pictures. The kitchen was the safe zone, but occasionally a dart would find its way pretty close to hitting an innocent bi-stander, but we'd let it slide. It was fun to watch them running around the house, carefree, having a good time.

Zack & Ally

After the party, Jeff and Zack played some video games. I have to let them have some alone time doing what ever they please since we all know that doesn't happen very often. Then after supper we sat down for a family game of poker. I ultimately won but it wasn't by luck. It got to the point we were tired of played and the four of us (Jeff, Zack, Me and my FIL) went all in blind (not looking at our cards) and my hand won. But, I was the champion and walked away with $6!

On Sunday morning after breakfast, Zack was brought to his mother at a near-by restaurant and was going to head back to VA. That's it until February when we visit him in Maryland.

Where's Santa?

Have you ever wondered where Santa is on Christmas Eve?
If so, you can track him using Norad Santa Tracker!

Last Christmas Eve, I was working from 3pm-11pm and I was curious where that jolly ol'St Nick was in the world and I used the Norad Tracker. It was pretty neat! I would call my parents and report in where Mr. Clause was in the world. It helped pass the time and helped us get into the grove of Christmas even more. Hey, we are all kids at heart, right?!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Baby Updates

Oh, where to start?!?! Time is surely flying by. We have so much to do in so little time (as of Weds 12/24, we'll have 3 1/2 months left until our little boy graces us with his presents).

We ordered the crib a few weeks ago. Its a good thing since its on back order. Its defiantly a convenient one! Its a 3-in-1 crib with a changing table/night stand attached. The crib will convert into different stages while the baby grows. Its starts off with a crib with a changing table, then changes to a toddler bed with a bookshelf/nightstand and finally a full size bed with a night stand. I couldn't get the picture off the JC Penny website, so here's the link if you want to check it out (jcpenny.com)

Mom & I will be working on finding a location for the baby shower during my office's "shut down" during the holiday. Then we will make the invitations (I can't wait for that, I love arts & crafts).

But, the most important thing........our little boy's name. We've had the first name picked out for sometime now (along with a few others). The hardest part was to narrow it down and then match up a middle name. So, our little boy will be known as Drew Thomas. Jeff came up with the first name and his middle name comes from my Grandpa's middle name (by the way, Grandpa is so tickled about it too!).

A New Blanket of Snow

More snow fell this weekend. It started around 1pm on Friday pretty heavy. It left us (Jeff and my FIL) with about 6 inches to clean up on Saturday morning.

But, it didn't stop. We had "snow showers" all day Saturday and "snow" on Sunday. So, we got a few more inches over the weekend.

Our educated guess would be about 8 inches total from all weekend accumulation. We weren't out there with a ruler, this is just our expert opinions.

Even though the snow was falling, we did manage to get out over the weekend to finish Christmas Shopping, go to an Aunts party, rent some movies and run a few other errands. Hey, a few inches can't stop us (after the roads are all cleared from the bulk of the snow)! But, no Zack this weekend, maybe next weekend.

There is a strange phenomenon that takes place at my house when we have snow. When this strange occurrence takes place, it has to be enough snow on the ground to be snow blowed. I've lived in my FIL's house for almost 7 years now and I still can't understand it. What is it you ask?!

My FIL snow blows our back & front yard!

Yup, that's my FIL out there in the backyard

I've given up asking him why he does it. I don't mean a path to the shed, I mean almost 80% of the yard is snow blowed.

I've tried to tell him that it kills our grass and makes it impossible to grow a healthy looking yard since there is no blanket of snow to protect it from the harsh cold. Also, the snow blowers dig up the yard and yanks out chunks from time to time.

He's explained to me that it helps the snow melt faster. I just look him in the eye and explain to him that he is just pushing the snow to another place in the yard where it has to melt from there.

Also, it adds another good hour to the work that has to be done when the snow falls. Its come to the point where Jeff now helps him so he isn't out there by himself clearing the yard for even a longer period of time.

I guess I will never truly understand why!

Wait, I Changed My Mind Again

Yesterday I mentioned that Jeff and I are in yet another dilemma with Zack's mom. I know I can't just touch upon the subject and not explain myself, that would be unkind of me.

Lets start with week before Thanksgiving. I receive an email from Zack's mom telling us she is moving the Christmas visit. The usual Christmas visit takes place sometime between Christmas and New Years, depending on how the holidays fall. It has been this way for two years. This year she announces to us that she is moving the visit to the weekend before Christmas.

With the change in mind, we scramble to get Zack's Christmas and Birthday shopping done earlier then planned. We arranged his Birthday party for the new weekend with relatives. Jeff arranged to take some time off from work so we can have Zack until lunch time on Monday. So, its all set and we are ready to see the little guy on the new weekend.

This past Sunday, Jeff is on the phone with Zack and he asks him if he was excited to come up. Zack responded, I'm not sure I'm coming. (Um, what??!) So, Jeff didn't push the issue with Zack (since he didn't want him to get into trouble), but we were on alert for any further changes to the visit.

On Monday (Zack's Birthday), his mom text's Jeff to let him know that she had to pick Zack up from school since he was sick (throwing up, fever, tired, etc). So, Jeff and I had a feeling that there was going to be some record breaking illness that Zack was coming down with to prevent him from traveling. But, later that night Jeff receives a text picture of Zack out having ice cream for his Birthday. OK, we thought that wouldn't be the excuse to change the visit.

Then on Wednesday, I heard about a snow storm that was heading our way for Friday. I text Jeff right away and told him about the snow and that this was going to be a factor for our visit (since every type of weather is). Well, who gets a phone call on Weds night to say that she doesn't think she is driving here because of the weather.....yup, you got it!

Yesterday I received an email from his mom defending her reasoning since she feels I only hear one sided conversation from Jeff to make her look bad, explaining how if the trip is changed how much it would effect HER plans and said it was all for Zack's safety.

So, I took a deep breath, pondered what I would write back and basically told her yes Zack's safety (or health) is very important to us as well, but what we are frustrated about are the constant changes for every visit over the last two years since she moved away. Yes, we can't predict the weather, but if she just left things alone, we wouldn't be in this situation.

Now, its Friday morning and we are still not sure if Zack will be here this weekend (she's been watching the weather from VA and hasn't gotten back to us for sure what her plans are) or not. We are all on stand-by waiting to hear from her either way. Jeff tried to call her last night, but she didn't answer her phone either. Ugh!

Carefree Moment

Have you ever had one of those moments that you see someone or something being so carefree that it makes you smile? And its contagious!?

Well, I was grateful to experience one of those moments this morning after having a tough time dealing with Zack's mom last night. So, it was much welcomed.

This morning, as I drove to work down the main road in the area, I noticed a blue pick-up truck with a women driver and a golden retriever in the passenger seat. As the light turned green in front of us, I noticed the dog jump up to stick his head out of his window to explore the smells around the truck while he wagged his tale.

I sat there following this vehicle and was just amazed how carefree and excited this dog was to be going for a ride with his owner. It was so adorable too that when the truck stopped at the next red light, the dog would pull his head into the truck and sit right next to the driver. Now that's love!

So, I wish for everyone to experience a carefree moment for yourself today!

Baby Bargains

What a great reference guide for new parents or even experienced parents looking for replacement equipment for their next baby.

I would say, its a lot of information at once! But its a helpful reference guide for every step from maternity clothes to furniture to safety equipment for the home. The book covers money savers, money wasters and touches base on reliability of companies.

There are websites to check out for recalls, recommended companies for discounts and merchants for a quick reference. Also, it lists ridiculous baby products that are a waste of time, money and are useless.

I'll use this book as a guideline while I research products and get ready for my new bundle of joy. They also have a book for toddlers too!

Thanks Sarah for the recommendation!

Wordless Weds - What I get to look forward too!

*These images were sent to me by a co-worker, giving me a heads-up why boys need parents*

Oh Canada, Eh?!

Jeff and I made it back from our weekend bus trip to Niagara Falls in Canada. The weather was definitely winter like all the way from Western MA to the Buffalo area. Then it was just overcast while we crossed the border (oh, and cold too).

We were early arriving so the bus was able to stop on the American side at the Duty Free store. Yes, there was more then alcohol in the store, but all the drinkers on the trip where able to stock up on their favorite drinks for the weekend (we were able to take the purchases into Canada since we were there more then 24hrs).

Our hotel was right along the main road that runs along the falls/river. Our hotel had stores, restaurants, Starbucks, a casino and other shops within walking distance. It was pretty neat how everything was connected from the inside that was affiliated to the hotel so you didn't have to bundle up and go outside if you didn't want too.

Our Hotel

Friday evening after supper, the group was on our own for entertainment. So, a bunch of us went and explored the street behind our hotel which is catered to the tourists. It has arcades, haunted houses, wax museums, other fun museums, souvenir shops and anything else you can think of, including a few rides.

View from our room of the entertainment district

The ride we checked out was the Skywheel (the large Ferris wheel pictured above). The awesome thing about it was the cars on the Skywheel were climate controlled. They were encased and the riders are either warm in the cold months or cool in the hot months. I liked that idea! It was nice to take a ride, look over the town, the falls and warm up at the same time. Yeah, it was $10 (Canadian) for each person, but it was worth it to see that beautiful view.

The cute couple on the Skywheel

On Saturday, we had a jammed packed day that was planed for us through the tour company. We shopped during the day in Niagara by the lake and went for high tea for a snack and warmed up after wards. There was some free time back at the hotel after tea so Jeff and I explored the stores not affiliated with our hotel. Then it was off to a guided tour (in the bus) with a local tour guide. We were able to see an indoor Christmas display of beautiful flowers, an outside drive through Christmas display of lights and finally the falls.

The thick ice on the falls railing

We didn't get to the falls until it was dark, so my pictures of the falls at night really didn't come out too good. But, what I was fascinated with was the ice that formed with the spray from the falls on the railing's and the area along the water. It was so thick and beautiful. I just wish I could have seen it all during the day to see how the sun reflected off of it all, but we did have a lot to cover. There is always next time!

After our quick stop at the falls, it was time to head to our dinner and show. The show we watched was The Christmas Carol and it was done by the same drama company who typically puts on Oh Canada, Eh. Its a group who does the play with mistakes built in as a comedy routine. Its was pretty funny!

On the bridge exiting Canada - The America Falls on the left with the Canadian Falls in the mist in the center

Then Sunday morning after breakfast, it was a brief stop at the Canada side Duty Free store and then it was time to head home. I picked up a nice bottle of Ice Wine that is exclusively made in Canada. I know that it'll be close to a year before I can try it, but wine should formant for some time, right? We learned that the ice wine is made with frozen grapes rather then regular grapes from the Niagara area. I was told the ice wine is a little sweater then normal wine, so I can't wait to try it.

So, it was a great fun filled weekend. With lots of eating, walking and shopping. I mentioned to Jeff that I'd love to go back when its a little warmer to be able to explore more outside in the area and be able to see the falls up close and personal, maybe on the Maid of the Mist! We'll see what the future holds!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 11th Birthday to Zack!

Happy 29th (again*) Birthday to Sarah!

Happy 29th (again*) Birthday to Char!

*Once you pass the age of 29 on paper, don't we stay at 29 years old for good?*

Drum Role Please.......

I am pleased to announce, we will welcome a little boy into our lives in April!

We are very excited. Its such a wonderful feeling to be able to find out too. The entire process was long since it was a full check up for the baby, but it was so worth it to be able to go through it all.

As soon as the technician started to scan my belly, the little rascal was bouncing all around. The technician even made a point to say we will have our hands full very soon when the baby arrives.

But measurements were done of every limb, the brain/head, heart, spine and basically every inch of the baby. Then the technician announced that we will be having a little boy and showed us the evidence. When I heard those words, I just melted.

After the picture section, it was reveled there was a strong heartbeat (142 bpm) and everything looks great and healthy for our little boy. Also, he weights 12 ounces (as Jeff says he weighs as much as a can of soda). I am still in awe from seeing him on screen and moving around so much. Its so magical.

Canada, Here We Come!

Jeff and I are taking off to Canada for a long weekend. Jeff's work for the last few years have arranged bus trips to different locations during the holiday season. This years trip is to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

I've never been to Canada, but I have my passport and I'm ready to go. Jeff's been to the area before we started dating, but it wasn't with me so it doesn't count. I was so excited when he brought home the information during the summer for this trip. Yeah!

I'm thinking this is our last big getaway for just the two of us before the baby comes too, so it makes it even more special for us to go this weekend. Yeah, we'll do things here and there before the end of April, but nothing like this until who knows when!

*Even though I'll be out of the area, I'll still have a post ready letting you know how my appointment went*

Predictions

Tomorrow is the big appointment. The one every one's been waiting for. The apt that everyone I talk to about being pregnant asks me when it will be. You know, the one that HOPEFULLY tells us the sex of the little baby inside my belly. I just hope the baby isn't stubborn like his/her father and reveals if we will have pink or blue in our near future.

Many people have given me their predication's because of the way my belly sits, their feelings or a prediction test. You ask, what predication test? Well, let me explain. A coworker of mine has been conducting a needle and thread test since her daughter was pregnant. At work when I announced I was expecting I informed Darcia that we can set up a date and conduct her test before my revealing appointment. The test was done yesterday.

Yesterday after lunch I went into her offices break room and laid on the coach. Darcia hung a needle and tread over my belly. As the needle was starting to move she had explained that if the needle moves side to side, the baby will be a boy. If the need moves in a circle, the baby will be a girl. After about a minute she reveals (since at my angle I really couldn't tell how the needle was moving) that it was moving side to side which indicates a boy. After the initial test and we were about to leave the room she says, lets do it again. Once again the test indicates a boy. So, it will be interesting to see if this test works.

As for family and friends predication's (the ones who wanted to take a guess)-

Boy
Jeff

Charlyn
Auntie Tammie

Monique

Girl
Zack
My dad
Sarah

Christina
Evelyn
Sandi
Maggie
Darcia

What's your predication?

Our Little One's Update

I will be 5 months/20 weeks pregnant on Wednesday. I've been taking this pregnancy day by day, but I can't believe I'm already this far along. Wow, time certainly flys by.

I've felt our little one too! The first time was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I was driving home from work and I thought I felt something but wasn't too sure. Then while we were sitting in the airport, I felt the same sensation, but a little stronger. I knew for sure it was the baby. Its been so great to feel the baby! That following Saturday, Jeff was able to feel little kicks too. He just smiled with pride. Since then though the little one has been teasing Jeff. The baby would start to thump and then stop as soon as Jeff put his hand on my belly. He gets a little frustrated, but he's still in good spirits.

We find out on Thursday if we are having a boy or girl. I don't have a preference with what we have, as long as the baby is healthy. I will be so happy to stop calling the baby by generic terms (like baby, the little one or sometimes even it) and able to call the little one by he or she. Then eventually by name. Oh, I can't wait! I'll make sure to share the wonderful news too!

As for me, I've been feeling pretty good. There are a few uncomfortable things my body is going through, but its all worth it. My back is becoming more sore by the day, my left hip hurts from sleeping on it so much and I noticed my feet get tired faster. Other then that, my energy is good, my appetite is healthy and for the most part I'm in a great mood (until those hormones take over and then watch out).

Our First Snow

I woke up yesterday morning to our first official snow. We've had our freezing rain and sleet with the occasional flake fall from the sky this season, but nothing too accumulating. It wasn't much, but enough to cover the ground and have a nice white blanket on everything around. I figured after looking out the window that we didn't get much since I could still see blades of grass poking through the white stuff on the ground.

I like having snow around this time of year. It helps welcome the holiday season with that magical feeling more then if we didn't have any. My feeling is this, let the snow fall from now until around New Years and then that's it. After the new year, bring on the warm weather. But, I know that's not going to happen!

It was still nice to see that first fallen snow, regardless knowing its the first of many this year.

Christmas Dinner

Usually, my FIL and I cook Christmas Dinner and other family members bring side dishes to go along with the meal.

This year, we are cheating. We ordered dinner from Boston Market. There will be a few things we add, but for the most part we are picking up the meal and re-heating it on Christmas Day. I can't wait since its less work for me. I'll make a nice big salad, we'll heat up some corn & green beans and maybe some regular buns. My mom will bring the deviled eggs and my SIL will bring a yummy dessert. I've also ordered a spiral cake log from Swiss Colony too.

The meal we ordered this year includes (with a meal that feed 12 people so we can have seconds, we usually have 8 people attending):

Spiral Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Sweet Potatoes Casserole

Corn Bread

Dad, don't worry.....we'll have a veggie platter (made at a local grocery store) to munch on before the big meal too.

I know its a lot of short cuts for the meal, but I don't want to be exhausted and not get a chance to enjoy the day. Ordering the meal eliminates all the hard work that goes into preparing a meal.

So, we'll see how the food turns out and if its a hit, maybe we'll do the same next year?!?!

What are your plans for the holidays?

Its Great To See Grandpa

Also over the long Thanksgiving weekend, I got to see my Grandpa. Before arriving for the holiday he gave me a list of Christmas gifts to pick up for him to help him out for his shopping. I had to run around everywhere picking up gift cards for the family and the traditional Hess Trucks that he gets every year for his son's and BIL. My suitcase was stuffed with Christmas presents to hand over to Grandpa. I love being his little elf during the holidays.

Thanksgiving was great. My Uncle David cooked our turkey dinner and the whole day was dedicated to relaxing, eating and watching football (can you believe we forgot about the Macy's day parade?!) together.

Friday after Thanksgiving we ALWAYS have to venture out to the malls so Grandpa can get his Christmas Bear from Walmart (my Grandma collected them and ever since she passed away, he carries on the tradition). This year we actually had to go to two Walmarts to get that bear, but it made him so happy. We also finished up his Christmas shopping and he was able to people watch (one of his favorite things to do) at the same time.

Over the weekend, we visited with family and just enjoyed ourselves. I'm so happy we are able to incorporate Zack's visits in with seeing my Grandpa. Zack is now calling him Grandpy now instead of Amanda's Grandpa (that decision was all his own) so it just melts my heart to see those two hitting it off.

Grandpa also had a recent lasik surgery to help his glaucoma out in one of his eyes. When we saw him for the first time this visit he didn't have his glasses on. I thought he had forgot them or something, but come to find out, he only needs them to read. Wow! He is going this week for a new prescription, but to think an 82 year old not wearing his glasses to see because of a simple surgery is just amazing.

I can't wait to see him early next year!

Motor Mouth

This author has written several novels. I first was introduced to her with the Stephanie Plum series that she wrote about a female bounty hunter who just keeps getting herself into trouble. Those books were written well and very easy to read.

So, when I noticed this book on the Summer Suggestion Read Table (yeah, I know I'm a little late on the season) I figured I'd pick it up since I liked her writing style.

This novel is about a NASCAR driver and spotter team who find themselves in a heap of trouble with the law and with another NASCAR team.

The main character Alexandra Barnaby has a gut feeling that the team that won the championship was cheating. She decided to conduct an undercover investigation herself (with some friends) and she finds out that the winning team has more of an issue then cheating to win, they are connected to murder. But, as she tries to figure out what to do about the body the crew found, they are faced with multiple counts of grand theft auto.

Its just a easy, action around every corner type of book. You don't have to be a NASCAR fan to read the book either. Definitely a good find!

Zack's Mom is a Weirdo

Ok, I could have picked a more vulgar adverb to describe that women, but we all know what I really meant.

In my post from yesterday describing our wonderful time with Zack over the holiday weekend, I mentioned I would share some of the odd things that his mom did/said before and during the visit. So lets begin-

Her Action - The Monday before Thanksgiving I received an email from her TELLING us that she is going to move the Christmas visit. The usual visit is a 2 1/2 day stretch in MA between Christmas & New Years. Her revised visit for this year is the weekend before Christmas with only 3 1/2 weeks notice.

Us - She can't even ask to see if this works for us! She just tells us since it works best for HER work schedule (let me tell you she just got a job for the first time in 6 years as a teaching assistant this fall).

Her Action - Lied to us when she was heading to Maryland for this recent visit rather then just being truthful. She called Jeff to confirm the swap off time for Friday morning and for some reason mentioned that she packed Zack's goggles but not his swim shorts.

Us - Jeff caught her in the lie so we knew before she told us on Friday that she had actually arrived in the area early. What, we can't see Zack for a couple of extra hours?!?!? Also, if she hadn't left her house, why couldn't she have packed the shorts (Jeff thought of this after they hung up so he didn't get a chance to say anything).

We didn't request that she even bring his swim shorts and goggles! Luckily Zack didn't want to go swimming so Jeff didn't have to buy a swimsuit along with one for Zack (since their swimsuits were in MA).

Her Action - She mentioned she packed Zack's toothbrush & toothpaste just encase we forgot his. She was so proud of herself.

Us - Um, for the last 10 1/2 years she's never packed a toothbrush or toothpaste for Zack so why all of a sudden would we forget them? *She also never sends him with clothes for a visit so we always pack Zack his own stuff *.

Her Action - She took away Zack's PSP about 2 months ago as a form of punishment. But, when the trip came along she let him borrow his cousins Ninteno DS rather then giving him back the PSP.

Us - We bought the PSP for Zack for when he travels. She can do what she wants while at her house, but it made no sense why she didn't let him use the PSP for the trip. I was so upset that we spent so much money on the PSP last year and she let him borrow a gaming unit from his cousin.

Her Action - She wanted to leave Maryland early to avoid traffic on Sunday. So, she wanted to meet at 11am at IHop so we can all eat and then let Zack go with her after. Grandpa told her easy directions on how to get from her hotel to the IHop she's been to before (and this was the meeting spot).

Us - Guess who was late to lunch because she was lost? We were waiting for her before we ordered our food and she was almost a 1/2 hour late. This from someone who wanted to be on the road early! I also hate sitting down with this women face-to-face while we eat.

She finally arrived and Jeff asked why she didn't follow Grandpa's directions. She would have been at the restaurant in no time if she had. She was trying to explain how she got lost and Jeff looked at her handwritten directions that she wrote down and yup they were right! She just chose to go her own way. She is always late (and if we are late, watch out) or lost!

So, these are just some of the things we had to deal with this visit (and the ones I could remember at the moment). Thanks for taking a moment to read about what we had to deal with. I can't imagine whats in store for next time!

How was Zack's visit?

Wow, time defiantly fly's by! We had a Zack visit this past weekend in Maryland from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon (I have little snippets into his mom's off the wall remarks but I'll save that for another post this week).

We got a copy of Zack's report card and he is doing great in school. He has A's & B's along with Satisfactory marks. Can't go wrong with that!

You can tell there was a lot of time between the visits (the last one was in August) since he just seemed to fall into being lovie with us (including with my grandfather).

Friday we all spent the day shopping, people watching and walking around the mall (yup, we were out there in the crowds, but not at 4am....it was more like 10am). That night I let the boys pick where we were going for supper and it was decided to head to Hooters. Yup, the wholesome family restaurant........you know, that one (yeah, I was out-numbered!)

On our way to Hooters Zack asked if we could get a picture of him in the restaurant to prove to one of his friends that he's been there. I said sure (hey, he was asking for his picture to be taken, I wasn't going to argue).

During dinner Jeff mentioned lets get a picture with the waitress. Zack instantly became nervous and said sure. After we ate, the waitress was clearing the table and I had mentioned that someone at the table would like to have a picture with her (and pointed to Zack). She said sure and she suggested getting the other waitress too.

Zack became brave the moment the ladies walked by the table to get ready for their photo. He jumped down from the booth, put his head down as he walked towards the group of women, but stood right in the middle of them all for the picture. When he picked his head up, he was smiling nice and big (I told him to keep his hands to himself, just encase his 10 1/2 year old mind had any ideas) and got his picture to prove to his friend.

Saturday night we went to the movies to see Madagascar 2 (we usually don't get the chance to bring him to the movies since his mom brings him to every movie he wants to see and rarely gives us a chance to bring him, so when we heard he hadn't seen it yet and wanted to go......we made plans to check it out). The movie was alright, but he really enjoyed himself so that is all that matters!

Oh, and I'm sure you want to know his reaction about the baby.......
We handed him a gift bag on Friday morning and as he was opening it he said you guys didn't have to get me anything (since Jeff had just mentioned that the gift was from me and him).

He pulled his Big Brother book out of the bag and said "Oh, I get it". He had a little smile on his face. Jeff then explained that the baby is due at the end of April. Zack looks at me confused and asks "I thought it wasn't going to happen" (since he knew about the first miscarriage). I had explained that this was a different time (and then questions started to go through my head as to what did his mom tell him.....I can only get pregnant once?). He then said "Ooohhhhh". We explained that in a couple of weeks he will know if he is having a sister or brother. He was definitely excited.

So, it was a quick but great visit with the little bugger. We'll see him next in a few weeks. Can't wait!