An outing on X-mas Day

While some rested on x-mas day, Bob, Uncle Mike, Celie and I decided to go to Brandywine Falls. Bob wanted to take us there. So, we hopped in the van and went. It was about 5 miles from our house. Here are some of the pics from our little jaunt.

Tangent

I have to take a moment and rant a little bit, please forgive me.

It has been difficult moving to a new area where we do not know a lot of people. In the past, if we needed to have work done on the house, we knew who to call - my brother - or he would point us in the right direction. We are pretty handy and we can do some home renovations ourself, but some things we can't and are better left to those who know how.

We have been trying to find a contractor that we could work with to replace our windows and gut and replace the kitchen. We thought that we had found one until we got the proposal back for the kitchen. We had already signed the contract for the windows, but were now negotiating the kitchen portion. Their prices seemed out of whack. I became frustrated and slightly aggravated. We scaled back portions of the proposal but it still yielded a higher price than I was willing to pay. I scaled back again - still didn't really put a dent in the budget. The money guy of the contracting company seemed to be pushing us to sign the contract, but we didn't. I just didn't feel comfortable until we got some other numbers.

Meanwhile, the work for the windows had begun. When we moved in, the house had 13 sliding glass doors and 1 window - all pretty much original to our 1975 home. With cold weather approaching, we felt that the windows were the most important thing that needed to be done to keep our house warm. We took this opportunity to get rid of some of the sliders on the first floor and replace them with windows. We now have 6 sliders instead of 13. We like the new windows, but as the renovations are coming to close - we are not happy with the craftsmanship. I could list the many things that I do not feel have been done up to par, but it really isn't the clincher - this is.

I went out to our freezer to get the Lithuanian Sausage that Aunt Sue & Uncle Tom had brought from Chicago. I was going to defrost it for our Holiday Meal because Uncle Mike loves it. Well, the freezer smelled funny. I thought it was the garbage. I went to reach for the sausage packages - they were mushy. Everything in the freezer had thawed. I thought that maybe the freezer was going. Then, I looked at the plug. The workers had unplugged my freezer to use both plugs and forgot to plug it back in. I was LIVID. I came into house and told Bob that as soon they were out of the house, the better. I am still VERY angry about the whole situation. That was supposed to be our x-mas meal. (Thank goodness for Heinen's - we will have to have ham instead).

So, I have made a list of all of the items that we are not happy with. We have received our final invoice for the remainder of the work. I will have to call the $$ guy next week and discuss. I refuse to pay the entire amount until all of the work is completed. There are some items they have not fulfilled on the contract and I plan on requiring a credit for those items. I hate to nit pick contracts, but that is what contracts are for - to hold accountability to all parties involved.
I just want them out of my house - NOW!! But I will try to remain calm and professional when I speak with them. But I will be holding out money to fix the items - ourselves!

What I do not understand is people's lack of respect for other people's property. What happened to integrity? What happened to being proud of the work that you do? I have always given 110% when working for other people and myself. I expect that from others as well. However, I am not seeing it. If what they have given us is their 110% then I would really hate to see what their 75% is.

The Girls

Celie's B-day

We celebrated Celie's 3rd birthday with a small trial cake (in anticipation for a bigger cake on her "party" day) with Bob, Anna, Celie & I. We gave her one present and she opened it quickly and began playing with her Princess figurines. Here is a picture of the trial cake. It was suppose to be an all edible princess castle. It was to my delight when I asked Celie, "What does that look like?" Her response, "C-rella castle mommy." I was very proud. It might not be beautiful, but if she loves it, than that is all the praise I need.
On Saturday, we celebrated Celie's B-day again with Grandma & Grandpa Stump and Grandma & Grandpa Ostroski. We had lunch. Celie opened up presents, and we had the bigger cake that I made for her party. I had wanted to add windows and doors around the castle, but I became sick and couldn't finish it. So, Celie ended up with a blank castle with a little bit of grass.

Celie had a good B-day. However, she really hasn't grasped the idea of her b-day. Every time we said, "Happy Birthday Celie!" She would respond, "Happy Birtday Mommy!" Oh well. She is now 3 and full of energy.

Anna in a Pan

Mrs O had borrowed my roasting pan and we had it sitting by the entry way. Anna thought it was great fun to crawl in it and sit. We couldn't get her out of it. Every time we took her out, she would crawl right back in. Finally, we had to put it away - after getting pictures of course. No Hansel or Gretel here.

Celie & Bob's first Snowman

'Twas the day after Thanksgiving when Bob was going stir crazy.
He decided to take Celie outside so she wouldn't be lazy.

They gathered what snow might be left on the ground.
To create their first snowman to show all around.

It wasn't very big - actually quite small
But the best snowman so far this fall.

Our Tiny Dancer

Dance class has been a challenge for Celie. She doesn't like to listen to what the instructor is saying. She wants me to be in class with her. She makes in hard for me to want to keep taking her back, but I do because I know it is good for her and me.

Tonight, I had to take Anna with us because Bob is off hunting. So, Anna was the perfect excuse for me not to go into the class with her. That sort of worked - but she still came to the waiting area - she banged on the glass to make Anna laugh. It was definitely trying - not only the Celie part, but also to keep Anna entertained while trying to have some kind of coherent adult conversation with the other parents.

In the nights prior, I had just dressed her in leggings and a t-shirt. She does have dance shoes thanks to her cousin Makayla. As I was going through some boxes to re-organize and pack and store, I came across a leotard from Makayla. So, I thought that and tights would put Celie in the mood to dance. I don't know if it really did - but she did look pretty cute in it - stocky as all get out - not necessarily a ballerina build - but she can boogie with the best of them. Just ask her to shake her tail feathers.

Here are pics prior to class in her outfit.

By the thanksgiving morning light

Turken for Thanksgiving

What does one fix for Thanksgiving dinner when you have an ill equipped kitchen with a double oven that could only fit a couple of cornish hens - a Turken - Or my rendition of a Turducken. I have tried a turducken in the past and found that the duck portion of it really didn't turn out that well - so this time, I opted to omit the duck part.

So, Wednesday night Aunt Sue and I wrangled Tom and Chuck and their appropriate stuffings and set him up to roast - low and slow. We started him at 11:30 pm and he was done at 11:45 am. He might not have been the prettiest bird in town, but boy was he tasty. How did I manage such a feat with a dinky oven? Thank goodness for a plug in roaster. It works wonders on turkey and anything large. Phew.

Here is tom & chuck prior to roasting.


Here is Tom & Chuck being cut up and served up on a platter. Can you see the layers? They are a little obscure.

Hmmm Hmmm Good

Hip Check Up

Yesterday, Bob and I took both Cecilia and Anna to the Orthopaedic Surgeon here in Ohio. I was a little concerned as we entered the waiting room because there seemed to be A LOT of people. We have experienced 4-5 hour waits in the past and do not like to subject the girls to that. At least the front desk notified us that there would be an extended wait - 30 60 minutes. Bummer - but hopefully, I had brought along enough snacks and bottles to keep everyone occupied.

After going through most of the snacks, we were called back into the room. We had started to break out the portable DVD player - so we had to continue it in the room. I gave the nurse Celie and Anna's X-rays and a letter that our old Surgeon had written about Celie's condition. We met with the Dr and then an Xray technician came in the room to let us know that he was ready for us. Both girls needed x-rays. Here is where the challenge came in. Once Celie saw the room, she freaked out, then Anna became weary of what was going on. Arghh!! I took Anna, changed her diaper and got her ready for her x-rays. After several tries and her beginning to cry uncontrollably, it was Celie's turn. She began crying the moment she went in. Thank goodness Bob was there to help hold her down. For me, it was torture to here her inside and not be able to do anything about it. It is still hard for her to understand that this is necessary and that she will have to do this every 6 months at least until she is 18 years old. The same for Anna.

After the x-rays were ready for viewing - all digital (very nice). The Dr. showed us what was going on. Anna's hips are still shallow. Her left pocket is better than her right - but both will need to be watched. She doesn't have any dislocation - just shallow hips. She might have to have surgery when she is 4 but they will determine that when she is 2. So, it is a wait and see game. Celie's hip is doing o.k. It is measuring right at 30 degrees. So, we will definitely have to watch that one as well. She might have to have another surgery at some point. But again, it is a wait and see game.

It was a little disheartening to hear the news about both girls. However, we are blessed with two very smart and beautiful (yes we are biased) girls. And these problems are fixable. It was as evident at the clinic yesterday, but after our many visits to Mott's, Bob and I keep reminding ourselves - it is fixable. For so many kids at Mott's, things aren't as fixable. We are blessed.

Celie's 1st Dance Class

Since Bob was VERY groggy from his trip back home - I took Celie to her first dance class. I didn't take my camera with me because I didn't want to be one of "those" moms. She was very shy even though she knew one girl in her class. She liked looking in the big mirror, but she freaked out a little bit. I had to go in the class with her. She didn't follow the directions very well, so I had to help her with her warm up and her various dance moves. She has the potential to learn a lot. But it was good that I was in class with her because now I can help her with her moves and we can practice before next week. She started warming up toward the end. I do not think that it helped that she just woke up from a 2 hour nap right before leaving for the class.

Hopefully, next week will be better. It is very fun to watch all of the girls dance around in their tights. We will continue to post her progress. It can only get better. Hopefully.

Snowing in OH

I thought that maybe the winter blast of weather wouldn't come so soon to OH. Boy, I was wrong. We are definitely trying out the heat pump for the house these last couple of days. It definitely is wintery feeling weather. The leaves are dropping quickly with each rustle of the wind and we actually have some white fluffly snowflakes f
allin
g fr
om the sky.
3.+

I hope that things won't stick. But we will see. I hope we can find the scrappers and the shovels.

(the odd spacing and extra's in this post are courtesy of Anna - trying to help me type).

Tiny Dancers

I am not the type of person that thinks our girls should be in a bazillion activities that require careful coordination and precise timing like a synchronized swim team. My goodness, they are only 3 yrs old & 13 months - but the potential for them to be in a lot of activities is huge. I, quite frankly, was hoping to slide on by until Pre-school. However, many of the preschools in this area require potty trained 3+ year olds and ours isn't quite there yet. So, what is a mother to do? Well, I have found a class for Celie to take at the local Arts Center - Tiny Dancers. Yes, that is right. Celie will be taking a dance class that starts this Monday. She will be joining other 3 year olds and shaking their little bodies, probably more like moving around in a semi controlled chaos state. Bob will be back from India on Monday, so I am sure that we will be fighting over who gets to take her. She will know one other little girl in her class. I hear it is hilarious to watch them. I can't wait. I just hope that she has fun. I am concerned about Celie not wanting to interact with other kids. Time will tell.

Happy Halloween!

I wanted to do really cool costumes for the girls for halloween, but with the move and such, I just could find the stuff I needed to make it happen. So, I went for easy. Buying wings and dressing the girls in all black. Celie was a butterfly and Anna was a ladybug.

We set out trick or treating in our neighborhood with Grandma Ostroski. Anna was in the wagon with her cooler of treats and Celie set out on foot (in the beginning - she ended up in the wagon at the end). We ended up going to the end of the cul-de-sac at the end of our street and back up. That was enough for the girls.

Anna and Grandma came inside and had something to eat while Celie and I went to say Hi to Ellyn and Annie that live in our neighborhood, but about 1/2 mile away - so we drove over. Celie and Annie were meeting for the first time. Ellyn's husband works with Bob. So, it is nice to know some other people in the neighborhood. Annie and Celie will be in the same dance class together too.

Here are pictures of our butterfly on Halloween. If they are blurry, it is because she was flying.

Sisters

Painter

We were trying to distract Celie away from wanting to watch another Disney movie (there is only so much preparation you can do for an upcoming Walt Disney Trip), so I asked if she wanted to paint. She said yes. So, I gathered supplies, thinking that she would only want to dip the brush in a few of the paints and not mix them. (this was from previous experience with our last painting episode) Well, times have changed because not only was she into mixing the colors but she was also ready to use her hands (See the hand prints that she did on various pieces of paper). I think she definitely is into abstract art.

It's Finally Ours

We signed the papers on Friday, so the house is officially ours. YEAH!!!

So, now we can really rip down wallpaper (I had already started so it was a good thing that the deal went through!) and work on replacing windows and the kitchen. We have some contractors giving us estimates, so we are just waiting to hear back from them.

The house will probably be in different states of disarray for awhile, but that is o.k. Eventually, it will all come together. I am just working on one room at a time.

First Steps

Anna took her first step last night. There will be no holding her back now.

She has been cruising around the furniture a lot more - pulling herself up and then oh, so carefully, plopping herself down, when she wants to speed away crawling to another part of the house. We call her Quick Crawl McGraw - because she is lightening fast.

She has been standing on her own. She will pull herself up to standing position by using your fingers and then she will let go. She stands there with her arms spread out and then gets the biggest grin on her face. She usually starts cracking herself up and then plops to the ground. Only to grab onto your fingers again for another round.

We will see if she continues with her attempts to walk. I think it may come in go - especially since she knows she is much quicker crawling.

Bob Goes to India

Yes that is right folks. Bob has been on the job for just over a month and they are sending him to India to present at a conference. He will be leaving in a few days and be gone for a week.

"I am excited about being able to contribute to the company right away, but I am a little nervous about traveling 1/2 way around the world," says Bob. Kelly is a little nervous about his trip too. "I am a little sad that he will miss us trick or treating, but hopefully, the week will go by quickly," stated Kelly.

It is amazing all of the hoops and such Bob has had to go through to get everything in order for his trip. He had to expedite his passport, ask for a Visa from the Indian Consulate, and get a bunch of antibiotics and immunizations to go to India.

Kelly is working on getting her passport in order so that the next time he has to go somewhere, she can go too. Hopefully, it will be to Europe.

Fun in Fall

Scenic Pictures

Above, during our drive in the Brecksville Reservation. Below, a tranquil meadow amongst the trees in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near our house.

What a Weekend!

We had, almost, the most perfect weekend. We could not believe it.

On Saturday, Bob, the girls, and myself decided that we had worked on the house too much and that work wasn't going anywhere. It was time for us to seize the moment. So, we packed up plenty of snacks and diapers and went for a ride.

We first decided to brave the elements and go to Peninsula, a neighboring town, for lunch. We do not go out for meals often because Cecilia doesn't always behave very well. But we are trying to be more adventurous and time the meals better. We went to Fischer's, which is a great little restaurant/pub. We had a great lunch and both girls were awesome. That is definitely a positive.

On our way back to the house - we decided to be even more adventurous and drive around Cuyahoga Valley National Park - which is right next to our neighborhood. We found some very scenic drives and ended up in the Brecksville Reservation. We drove through the reservation and ended up at the Community Center. By this time, both girls were sleeping, so we woke them up and they discovered that they were at a BIG park. It was a lot of fun. Celie had a great time. Of course, she didn't want to leave. Even a bribe of ice cream didn't work, at first. Then, she decided that she had had enough and wanted ice cream. We climbed back in the car and headed for Dairy Queen. Celie sat and ate her ice cream without incident. Anna didn't want any. Bob and I enjoyed ours as well.

We came home and decided it was too nice to go inside. Bob decided to rake leaves. Celie and Anna got into it as well. Finally, it was 3:30pm - Anna was getting ready for a nap and Bob wanted to watch OSU. Bob and Celie watched football while I made dinner. After dinner we read books and went to bed.

On Sunday, we packed up the car, again, and headed to the farm. We hadn't been down there since all of the renovations on the log cabin. It is looking great. Bob's great Aunt Alice, her daughter Joanne, and cousin, Mitzy came down from the Cleveland area as well. Aunt Shirley and Viv came over too. We all had lunch and the girls had fun exploring the gravel pile. It was a very long day, the end to a long, but wonderful weekend.

Assistant Chef

We decided to make some cupcakes for Bob to take to work tomorrow. Celie did a great job of helping me mix the batter. I let her lick the bowl. That thing was so clean, I almost didn't put it in the dishwasher. Just kidding. I can't wait to see what she will look like we put the frosting and sprinkles on. I will post pics if there as good as this.

New Artwork

Our House

I know that I have posted a little bit about our new digs, but I thought I would take a few pictures and post them here.

Here is a picture of the outside of our house.

There is a lot of landscaping to do. I have tried to plant some mums that were on clearance at lowe's, but some creature, I think it may be the deer love to eat them. The squirrels or chipmunks have taken to uproot a few of them as well. I think I am going to have to take cues from a few of our neighbors.

Here is a picture of our Kitchen area. This picture was taken prior to us moving in. The carpeted area is what they were calling the family room - it is a room that is 10' x 18' with a fireplace. It is kind of awkward, but we use the space for the computer and our eat in table. We are going to be totally gutting the kitchen. I am working on getting contractors in here to give me bids on everything. I am still waiting to hear.

Here is another picture of the kitchen.

If anyone has any ideas for the kitchen area, please let me know. Until I have to sign a contract with the remodeler, I am definitely open to suggestions.

The kitchen is our 2nd major renovation. The 1st was the master bath. I will post before and after pics at another time.

I also have the girl's rooms painted and for the most part decorated. I still have a few things left in Celie's room. But I will take pics and post as well.

Again, we have a guest room waiting for visitors. So, if you feel like taking a ride Cleveland way, just let us know.

Aren't they sweet when they sleep

We had worn Celie out. She didn't have a nap and we went to a neighborhood clam bake at the park. She was throwing a fit and then ended up like this on the floor next to her chair at the table.

To the Park

It is great to be in a neighborhood that has sidewalks and a park just down the street. It is also a bad thing because every time I just want to go for a walk with the girls, there is no way to avoid the park without a huge fight - so it is just easier to go. So, today, I thought that I would document our trip to the park.

Here is a pic of Celie walking down the street toward the park - she knows the way - all by herself. No, we don't let her go by herself, but she leads the way every time.

Here is Celie at our destination - the park.

Here is Celie on the swings.

Here's Anna on the swings.

Here are Celie & Anna on the springy animal things. What are those things called?

Here is Celie on the Vertical monkey bars. She climbs to the top all by herself, and then back down.

No bribe of ice cream to lure her back home - Anna screaming in the stroller was enough to get her walking toward home. What good girls.

Budding Artist

I know that Celie likes to dabble in the arts, but her attention to it is, well, VERY short. However, I think Anna might be different. In unpacking some things, I found some wonder markers and paper. So, now having a booster seat for Ms. Anna to sit at the big table with us, she is primed for activities that she can do at the table too.

She definitely took to drawing. However, she was very tempted to stick the markers in her mouth. Thank goodness for non-toxic, no color markers (they only color on the special paper).

Here is Anna drawing.Here is Anna's first Masterpiece.

How about those Indians?

I know that it might seem strange that the Ostroski's just move to Ohio and already they are Indian Fans. Well, I have to tell you that the spirit is a little contagious, but the truth be told, I have always been an Indian's fan.

My grandfather played minor ball for the Indians and was brought up for a few games. He was bestowed a Cleveland Indians cap - dark blue with a red bill and a white C. He was a southpaw pitcher and tried to help me with my softball pitching. Always telling me to run, to get my legs nice and strong. I didn't quite understand until he explained it to me one day. "You see Kelly, pitching, really isn't about the arm, especially in softball, it is about your whole body working together. But the thrust of it all comes from your legs. You have to have strong legs - so go run some more." Even though I never really pitched a lot after my sophomore year, I never forgot those words.

When my grandfather died, it was decided that I should have his hat. I was so honored that everyone in the family thought that I should have it, but I didn't deserve it. My grandfather earned that hat and I decided that it should stay with him. My dear friend Mike Mitchell (the son of the funeral director), helped me decide how to have him hold his hat. It was perfectly lying in his left hand across his body. I remember like it was yesterday, though it was more like twenty.

That is why I have always been an Indian's fan and now that we are living in the suburbs of Cleveland and I can really cheer - GO TRIBE!!!!!

Settling In

We are trying to getting things settled around the new homestead. It has been a challenge only because there are so many things that we want to do to the house but we can't until we actually take title of the house. The house is currently in probate. Though we have a contract on the house, we are renting it from the estate until everything is settled in probate. We are hoping to hear positive news within the next couple of days on that front.

The girls are settling in just fine. Celie and Anna love to go for walks around the neighborhood. The neighborhood is filled with a ton of sidewalks and a park - complete with slide, swings, see-saw, and spring animals. It also has a ball field, volleyball court and soccer field adjacent to it. A lot of things to keep the girls busy.

Bob loves his new job. He is very busy in getting ramped up with being with a new company but it sounds like he is doing just fine. He gets to travel some which is exciting for him and has me a little jealous. He will be going to Chicago for a day trip next week. He will also be going to India for a conference in the beginning of November some time. I think I need to get my passport in order just in case there are any trips to Paris or something. :)

I am definitely staying busy with the renovation projects and trying to keep the girls out of trouble. I am trying to find some activities to sign Celie up in to give her something to do. I am also trying to find all of our stuff so that I can do activities with the girls, but I still haven't found everything. I have been able to find the essential shopping areas around here and I am very excited to have found a place that sells my candy supplies and herbs by the #. 2 things I was worried I wouldn't be able to find.

Other than that, the O household is doing very well. I will try to post pics soon of the house - some before and after shots.

On a side note, we thought that we had a lot of deer in MI, well, I bought some mums, day lillies and a hosta (all on clearance) and had them out in their pots overnight. Well, the deer found them and had 1/2 of the day lillies out of their pots and strung across the front yard. The girls and I planted them in between some holly bushes. Hopefully, that will deter them. If anyone has a great deer deterrent method, please let me know. I would hate to go without some of my favorites because of some critters. The deer are not the only problem, I should add, the rabbits and the pesky little squirrels can be a little trouble as well. I have seen the squirrels dig into the planters - however, I think that they are just trying to find a spot for their nuts.

Anna Turns 1

It is hard to believe that Anna Banana is 1 already.

How crazy are we? We just moved a week ago and we already decided that Anna needed to have a B-day party . It was small, but we did have a couple of people come. Bob's parents came up, Aunt Shirley and Aunt Viv came up, and Bob's cousins Rocco and Heidi came as well.

I fixed a very casual dinner, but was smart to order a cake for the event from one of our grocery stores . Here is the "adult" cake. It was a marble cake with a whipped frosting. It was very yummy.Because every 1 year old should have the joy of diving into their own little heaven, I ordered Anna her very own chocolate cake just for her. Below is her cake.
Here is Anna sizing up her cake. She isn't quite sure what to make of it. She was very much like Celie was with her first cake - very careful, just touching it lightly with her fingers and then licking them. No diving here.
She had had enough at this point. All the frosting on her face and in her hair was her own doing. The little patch gone on the side of the cake was a little help from Mama. I wanted her to see that there was some other goodies hiding underneath all that white fluffy goodness.
Here is a blurry picture of Anna on her new Walker/Trike that Mama and Daddy got for her. All of the pictures I took of her on it were blurry because she wouldn't stop moving while on it. That is the story of Anna at the moment - a girl on the move and a very tired Mama.

A long time coming

I know that a post has been a long time coming - but I have been waiting for some details before I posted anything in particular.

We have been very busy with moving - however, we have not moved to CT. We are in OH.

After a long soulful search, we decided that we really wanted to stay in the Midwest so that we could be near our family members - especially ones that are experiencing health issues. So, Bob decided to give his notice to Pfizer - and we also discussed things with our realtor out in CT. It was a very difficult decision, but it was the best decision for us, right now. We have been able to help with family members and be useful. That is a good feeling.

After we made our decision, Bob was given a job offer with a company in the Cleveland area. So, we set out to find a neighborhood and house that we could live in. So, we found a nice community in the south/southwest side of Cleveland. Our house is 35 years old, but is in a great subdivision with sidewalks, a community lake and park. We have been getting to know the neighbors and everyone seems really nice. We are going to slowly renovate the house. I will try to take pictures of some of the more "dated" and "decorated" rooms and you will see why we want to renovate.

We were very sad to leave Chelsea, our friends and our family, but Cleveland is only 2.5 hours away rather than 12. So, if you are in the mood for a road trip, just give us a call. We have a guest room waiting.

A bee in the couch and other funny sightings

Celie has taken to making sure that the various stuffed animals and play people that she owns are just as comfortable as she is. She makes sure that they have their naps on pillows and covers them with blankets. She was using up all of the towels and blankets that I decided to make some "creature" sized blankets out of scrap fabric. Some times she positions them in the most hilarious positions. One day I walked by the couch and started to laugh so hard I cried. Bob and Celie both looked at me. They had no idea what was going on. I pointed to the back of the couch and this is what I saw.
i have heard of a bee in one's bonnet, but not in one's couch.

Here are some other animal sightings.