Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Incredibles
We had declared movie night and the girls decided to watch The Incredibles. After the movie, Celie said, "Mom, Dad, I have a great idea. I can be Violet, Anna can be Dash, Daddy - you can be Mr. Incredible, and mom, you can be Elasta Girl, and Jake can be Baby Jack Jack, Doesn't that sound like a great idea?" I thought it did considering, it would be wonderful to have a body like Elasta girl - but Celie decided that she wanted a mask - that we ALL needed masks. So, what does a mother do - she tries to download mask patterns to hopefully, curb the need. Nope. It doesn't do. So what does the a Superhero Mom do? She makes masks - for EVERYONE. Here we are - being Super Heros.
The man
YES! I know!!! I have been delinquent in writing. But part of the reason is because I have been trying to get some great pics of Jake. He has the BEST smile. But every time I try to capture it - he moves - see below.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Easter
We spent Easter Sunday at the Farm. We drove down for the day. When we got there, I helped Mrs. O with getting things together for our Easter luncheon. The girls played around. Right before lunch, we had to go outside and make a moss basket for the easter bunny. I guess it is a german tradition. The kids would make a basket or bowl out of moss that was found in the woods and they would leave it for the easter bunny. While they ate or slept, the easter bunny would come and leave colored eggs for the children. So, we had to do this with Aunt Shirley and Aunt Viv. They showed the girls how to make the baskets.
Then we labeled each basket for each one of the kids. And then we went inside to eat our lunch.
When we came out after lunch, this is what we found. The girls used their baskets to gather the eggs.
Here are the girls in front of the beautiful display of daffodils with their eggs from the easter bunny at the farm next to the log house.
After lunch and eggs, we all went for a hike and a ride to Celie's lodge. Afterwards, Nick, Erin & Hallie stopped by and the girls played. It was a good easter and we headed back up the road to get home before it was too late.
Then we labeled each basket for each one of the kids. And then we went inside to eat our lunch.
When we came out after lunch, this is what we found. The girls used their baskets to gather the eggs.
Here are the girls in front of the beautiful display of daffodils with their eggs from the easter bunny at the farm next to the log house.
After lunch and eggs, we all went for a hike and a ride to Celie's lodge. Afterwards, Nick, Erin & Hallie stopped by and the girls played. It was a good easter and we headed back up the road to get home before it was too late.
Long time
I am sorry to my readership for the long delay in posting.
Life has, well, been hectic. I have been working part-time and now full time, but only for a short time. I interviewed with a software company last week and might potentially have another interview happening in the next week or so. It is very frustrating.
Bob will be starting one of his classes he needs for a pre-req on the 26th. It will be M-Thursday nights from 5:45 to 10pm. So, it is going to be a very busy summer.
The girls & Jake are growing like weeds. I plan on posting some pics from Easter and will try to get some more pics of everyone posted in the next couple of days. Please be patient with us.
Life has, well, been hectic. I have been working part-time and now full time, but only for a short time. I interviewed with a software company last week and might potentially have another interview happening in the next week or so. It is very frustrating.
Bob will be starting one of his classes he needs for a pre-req on the 26th. It will be M-Thursday nights from 5:45 to 10pm. So, it is going to be a very busy summer.
The girls & Jake are growing like weeds. I plan on posting some pics from Easter and will try to get some more pics of everyone posted in the next couple of days. Please be patient with us.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Goo Goo over the Man of Pork
O.K. So, I have never been one that has fallen all over myself by the presence of celebrities. I have never wanted to pay BIG bucks to see a particular band because I was SO in love with the band or a member there of. However, I do have to say that idea of taking a cooking class with Michael Symon overwhelmed me.
Bob got me a cooking lesson in comfort food with the Foodnetwork's newest Iron Chef for X-mas. He has 2 restaurants here in Cleveland and 1 he just opened in Detroit - Roast. He is an interesting character with an infectious laugh. His restaurant Lolita is the one that I raved about back in November.
I did take my camera with me to take some pictures. I was hoping to get one of me with him, but I chickened out. I didn't want to seem too much like a star crazed fan. But hey - I did get a few of him cooking.
He cooked/demonstrated the entire meal. It was Pot Roast over creamy cheesy polenta, a creamy tomato & blue cheese soup and a sweet potato & apple & pear crisp. He showed various techniques and fielded many cooking related questions in the process. I was very impressed by the amount of information that was provided and how much I learned even without lifting a hand to cook. Then after the demonstration of all of the courses, we were seated and served the meal with pairings of wine. YUMMY!!! can only describe the meal. I almost felt guilty that I left Bob and the girls to chocolate chip waffles. Almost. We also received cards with the recipes on them. I have made the pot roast 2 times once with the polenta and once with mashed potatoes. Bob prefers the mashed potatoes.
I wish I had the funds to take more of his classes because I have a feeling the vacancies will be hard to come by. He just won a James Beard award and is coming out with a cook book in November. Maybe next year.
Here he is explaining the importance of searing the roast prior to putting it in the oven.
Here he is whipping up the creamy tomato soup in the Vitamix Blender. (this is my next high end purchase - this commercial blender is INCREDIBLE. However, they have an annual sale - this weekend - mother's day - where they are 1/4 of the price. Which definitely makes it a little more palatable for an expense. One of those dream expenditures.)
Here he is making the crisp. He admits to having hot hands so he doesn't do desserts well. That is why he hires the best pastry chef that does all of the desserts for his restaurants. He doesn't do it very well and relies on his pastry chef to do it.
Bob got me a cooking lesson in comfort food with the Foodnetwork's newest Iron Chef for X-mas. He has 2 restaurants here in Cleveland and 1 he just opened in Detroit - Roast. He is an interesting character with an infectious laugh. His restaurant Lolita is the one that I raved about back in November.
I did take my camera with me to take some pictures. I was hoping to get one of me with him, but I chickened out. I didn't want to seem too much like a star crazed fan. But hey - I did get a few of him cooking.
He cooked/demonstrated the entire meal. It was Pot Roast over creamy cheesy polenta, a creamy tomato & blue cheese soup and a sweet potato & apple & pear crisp. He showed various techniques and fielded many cooking related questions in the process. I was very impressed by the amount of information that was provided and how much I learned even without lifting a hand to cook. Then after the demonstration of all of the courses, we were seated and served the meal with pairings of wine. YUMMY!!! can only describe the meal. I almost felt guilty that I left Bob and the girls to chocolate chip waffles. Almost. We also received cards with the recipes on them. I have made the pot roast 2 times once with the polenta and once with mashed potatoes. Bob prefers the mashed potatoes.
I wish I had the funds to take more of his classes because I have a feeling the vacancies will be hard to come by. He just won a James Beard award and is coming out with a cook book in November. Maybe next year.
Here he is explaining the importance of searing the roast prior to putting it in the oven.
Here he is whipping up the creamy tomato soup in the Vitamix Blender. (this is my next high end purchase - this commercial blender is INCREDIBLE. However, they have an annual sale - this weekend - mother's day - where they are 1/4 of the price. Which definitely makes it a little more palatable for an expense. One of those dream expenditures.)
Here he is making the crisp. He admits to having hot hands so he doesn't do desserts well. That is why he hires the best pastry chef that does all of the desserts for his restaurants. He doesn't do it very well and relies on his pastry chef to do it.
Baking with the Girls
It is always a challenge - to bake without the girls wanting to help. Most of the time it is fun and I am willing to "try" and be patient and let them help. It is good for all of us. Well, Bob wanted some Chocolate Chip cookies and so the girls and I set out to make some.
Anna is fearless. She loves working the mixer, pouring in ingredients, etc. This was definitely a time of comic relief. See for yourself below.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Another Bear Hunt
On Sunday, we decided to go for another bear hunt. This time we parked along the Parkway and headed west along a path that I thought might be easier because I didn't think that it had any hills. I was sadly mistaken. There were hills, but small ones.
Prior to leaving, I put pigtails in BOTH of the girls hair. Celie was used to it, but Anna was not. She didn't want to stay still to let me get them even, so one is off to the side while the other is in the back. She kept them in the entire time.
Jake did his usual take a nap the entire time we are bear hunting.
A bridge in the reservation park. The bear could have been in there.
Anna didn't want to walk anymore, so up on dad's shoulders she went because Celie & Jake were occupying the stroller.
Celie peeking through "sun roof" of the stroller.
Prior to leaving, I put pigtails in BOTH of the girls hair. Celie was used to it, but Anna was not. She didn't want to stay still to let me get them even, so one is off to the side while the other is in the back. She kept them in the entire time.
Jake did his usual take a nap the entire time we are bear hunting.
A bridge in the reservation park. The bear could have been in there.
Anna didn't want to walk anymore, so up on dad's shoulders she went because Celie & Jake were occupying the stroller.
Celie peeking through "sun roof" of the stroller.
Recent Pics
They are admiring each other's cool hair do. :)
Jake has been giving us some great smiles. It is a challenge to capture them though.
I love this picture.
Job Hunting - update
Both Bob and I are still looking for jobs.
Kelly Update:
I did have an interview with a company in the Cleveland area, but that was over 3 weeks ago and I have not heard anything back from them. I did get brave (I believe, on my part) and called to see where they were in their process. I did not receive a call back. So, I am taking that one off my list. I have applied to several other jobs, but haven't heard anything back from anyone. I also met with a recruiter that only places people in a direct hire situation. She doesn't have anything for me currently, but you never know what might come up.
In the mean time, I do have a part time job. I am working as an admin assistant for a law office and funeral home. It is very interesting, really. I work about 20 hours a week. I answer phones, help with reports, filing, faxing, etc. Normal office stuff. So far it has been great. I am earning a little extra cash and I am helping my friend's husband. So, it is a win win situation. They are also very flexible in knowing that I am really looking for a permanent gig and if that happens, then I will not be working anymore for them.
Bob Update:
He continues to pursue the possibility of going back to school to become a nurse. He has applied to KSU, but is also looking at some other schools as well. It all depends on the time line for the various programs. He has looked and applied for other jobs in the area, but nothing has hit. He did receive a 2nd phone interview with Abbott Labs - I am not sure if I posted that or not. That was a couple of weeks ago. They just got in touch with him yesterday and want him to come out for an onsite interview some time this month. So, we are trying to work on some dates so that we ALL may go out there and be able to see the area and some family as well. We will see how it goes. We are not convinced that it is the correct move for us, but we are trying to keep an open mind about everything. We are also trying to keep all of our balls moving forward.
Keep your fingers crossed for us.
Kelly Update:
I did have an interview with a company in the Cleveland area, but that was over 3 weeks ago and I have not heard anything back from them. I did get brave (I believe, on my part) and called to see where they were in their process. I did not receive a call back. So, I am taking that one off my list. I have applied to several other jobs, but haven't heard anything back from anyone. I also met with a recruiter that only places people in a direct hire situation. She doesn't have anything for me currently, but you never know what might come up.
In the mean time, I do have a part time job. I am working as an admin assistant for a law office and funeral home. It is very interesting, really. I work about 20 hours a week. I answer phones, help with reports, filing, faxing, etc. Normal office stuff. So far it has been great. I am earning a little extra cash and I am helping my friend's husband. So, it is a win win situation. They are also very flexible in knowing that I am really looking for a permanent gig and if that happens, then I will not be working anymore for them.
Bob Update:
He continues to pursue the possibility of going back to school to become a nurse. He has applied to KSU, but is also looking at some other schools as well. It all depends on the time line for the various programs. He has looked and applied for other jobs in the area, but nothing has hit. He did receive a 2nd phone interview with Abbott Labs - I am not sure if I posted that or not. That was a couple of weeks ago. They just got in touch with him yesterday and want him to come out for an onsite interview some time this month. So, we are trying to work on some dates so that we ALL may go out there and be able to see the area and some family as well. We will see how it goes. We are not convinced that it is the correct move for us, but we are trying to keep an open mind about everything. We are also trying to keep all of our balls moving forward.
Keep your fingers crossed for us.
Celie Update
Celie began crawling the day after surgery. She was walking by Saturday morning. She is such a trooper. She went to the Drs. for a check up. She took her x-rays fairly well and did well with the Dr. He said that things look really good on her left hip and that we will continue to monitor her for any changes. Anna & Jake will be followed up as well.
On another note, since she is very mobile now - not only walking around but running and jumping (we have to watch that for a little while yet) - she has taken an interest in potty training. We have 2 small potties in the foyer/hearthroom (where there is a solid floor/no carpet). She started using them on her own. At first, she was going pee through her underwear. But now, she actually runs over the potty, pulls her pants and diaper down and goes potty. She then takes her deposit into the bathroom and puts it in the toilet. She flushes the toilet and says "bye, bye, pee pee." We then clean up any mess, wash hands, etc. We were originally bribing her with chocolate to go in the potty, but all of the positive praise has definitely worked, because she is doing it all on her own. We are very proud of her. Now, if only she would poop in the potty. I guess one step at a time. Then it will be to progress to the "real" potty. We will take it for now though.
On another note, since she is very mobile now - not only walking around but running and jumping (we have to watch that for a little while yet) - she has taken an interest in potty training. We have 2 small potties in the foyer/hearthroom (where there is a solid floor/no carpet). She started using them on her own. At first, she was going pee through her underwear. But now, she actually runs over the potty, pulls her pants and diaper down and goes potty. She then takes her deposit into the bathroom and puts it in the toilet. She flushes the toilet and says "bye, bye, pee pee." We then clean up any mess, wash hands, etc. We were originally bribing her with chocolate to go in the potty, but all of the positive praise has definitely worked, because she is doing it all on her own. We are very proud of her. Now, if only she would poop in the potty. I guess one step at a time. Then it will be to progress to the "real" potty. We will take it for now though.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Celie's surgery update
Celie had surgery this morning to have the metal taken out of her leg. It was a quick procedure but it didn't start out very well. As soon as she saw the hospital room (pre-op) w/ all of the beds she started to freak out. Bob had to hold her until we could get her a nasal sedative. Once that took hold, Bob gowned up and went back with her. 1 hour later, she was in recovery. She came out pretty quickly and we were back home by lunch time.
She is recovering on the sofa. We are taking it slow the rest of the day. All of us need that today.
She is recovering on the sofa. We are taking it slow the rest of the day. All of us need that today.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Jake's 1st Zoo visit
The Cleveland Zoo is actually pretty nice. We had been given a family membership as an X-mas gift the year prior, but we hadn't renewed it this year, so far. When I was looking at the website for days/hours/etc. I noticed that Mondays are FREE if you are a Cuyahoga County resident - and we are. So, today being Monday, we decided Jake needed to have his first Cleveland Zoo visit.
I am glad that we didn't buy a membership and that we got in free today. The main Zoo part is going under A LOT of renovations so there wasn't very much to see. We did manage to see the Lions, like Alex the Alex (Madagascar humor), Zebras, like Marty, (no Melman or Gloria though, again, Madagascar references), leopard, Condors, Rhinos, and Koalas. Oh, yeah, a few Kangaroos. but that was about it.
We did manage almost .75 of a mile walk around the zoo. Celie started to get a little cranky so we decided to head to lunch rather than try to do anymore at the zoo. The only thing that we missed was the primate area which was UP a HUGE hill. They are redoing that as well, so I wasn't really quite sure that we would see much anyway.
Here are some pics from today. Jake slept through most of his visit to the Zoo. That is o.k. At least we have pictures of him.
Here is the Lion & Lioness.
Persian Leopard. He came around to the front of the cage and was eying Celie & Anna as if they were lunch. Thank goodness for fences.
Anna checking out the leopard.
Celie checking out the leopard.
I am glad that we didn't buy a membership and that we got in free today. The main Zoo part is going under A LOT of renovations so there wasn't very much to see. We did manage to see the Lions, like Alex the Alex (Madagascar humor), Zebras, like Marty, (no Melman or Gloria though, again, Madagascar references), leopard, Condors, Rhinos, and Koalas. Oh, yeah, a few Kangaroos. but that was about it.
We did manage almost .75 of a mile walk around the zoo. Celie started to get a little cranky so we decided to head to lunch rather than try to do anymore at the zoo. The only thing that we missed was the primate area which was UP a HUGE hill. They are redoing that as well, so I wasn't really quite sure that we would see much anyway.
Here are some pics from today. Jake slept through most of his visit to the Zoo. That is o.k. At least we have pictures of him.
Here is the Lion & Lioness.
Persian Leopard. He came around to the front of the cage and was eying Celie & Anna as if they were lunch. Thank goodness for fences.
Anna checking out the leopard.
Celie checking out the leopard.
Going on a Bear Hunt
Celie, Anna & Bob have been reading the book - Going on a Bear Hunt lately. So, on Saturday, with the weather breaking here, we decided to go to the Reservation. We all went. Jake fits nicely into the double stroller - so we managed to get about 3 miles in on Saturday - going on a bear hunt. Looking for wildlife and seeing others out enjoying nature. No bears, but a lot of dogs.
Sunday was even better than Saturday, so we headed to CVNP - Cuyahoga Valley National Park - and went for another walk - this time it was much flatter than Saturday's walk. We went about 2.5 miles yesterday. Another Bear Hunt day - but all we saw were Mallard's, geese, painted turtles and a lot of dogs.
I forgot my camera both days, so I couldn't capture all of the walking on film. I'm sure you are thankful for that. But I did capture our time at the zoo today. That is the next post.
Sunday was even better than Saturday, so we headed to CVNP - Cuyahoga Valley National Park - and went for another walk - this time it was much flatter than Saturday's walk. We went about 2.5 miles yesterday. Another Bear Hunt day - but all we saw were Mallard's, geese, painted turtles and a lot of dogs.
I forgot my camera both days, so I couldn't capture all of the walking on film. I'm sure you are thankful for that. But I did capture our time at the zoo today. That is the next post.
Church Girls
Yesterday, Bob decided to be brave and take the girls to church with him. I stayed home with Jake. So, I dressed the girls up in dresses - they actually liked it. I had to take their picture because they did look so cute.
Bob was very pleased with how good the girls were. They actually made it all the way until communion. Bob didn't want to push it much beyond that.
Bob was very pleased with how good the girls were. They actually made it all the way until communion. Bob didn't want to push it much beyond that.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Week in Review
The week has been a fairly good one. We continue to network and try to find jobs, etc. Bob has not had a follow up interview yet at Abbott, but is supposed to be having one soon.
I had a job interview on Thursday, which was good and bad. Bad because I had to go shopping on Wednesday to try to find a suitable suit to wear. I finally found something that would work, but it took all day to do so. My interview went well - at least I thought so. They have other candidates that they have to see so we will wait and see what happens. I know this sounds bad, but if I have to go back to work - this is the job that I WANT. It is a project manager position - managing all different types of events. So, it is something that I enjoy doing - yet a little of a stretch for me - so it will keep me engaged and interested. Most of the other jobs that I have applied for are for Executive Assistant positions - I haven't had any call backs on those. So, we shall see. I am hoping to hear something by the end of next week.
The kids are doing great. Jake is growing like crazy and Anna & Celie seem to change almost on a daily basis. Celie will be getting her hardware out next week. It will be good to have that done and out of the way.
The warmer weather definitely has brightened our spirits. It has been nice to get the girls outside and playing. I went for a walk around the neighborhood yesterday. It was nice to hear the birds and small the hint of spring in the air. We have daffodils and tulips coming up so that is definitely encouraging.
Hopefully, we will have some exciting news on the job front next week. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
I had a job interview on Thursday, which was good and bad. Bad because I had to go shopping on Wednesday to try to find a suitable suit to wear. I finally found something that would work, but it took all day to do so. My interview went well - at least I thought so. They have other candidates that they have to see so we will wait and see what happens. I know this sounds bad, but if I have to go back to work - this is the job that I WANT. It is a project manager position - managing all different types of events. So, it is something that I enjoy doing - yet a little of a stretch for me - so it will keep me engaged and interested. Most of the other jobs that I have applied for are for Executive Assistant positions - I haven't had any call backs on those. So, we shall see. I am hoping to hear something by the end of next week.
The kids are doing great. Jake is growing like crazy and Anna & Celie seem to change almost on a daily basis. Celie will be getting her hardware out next week. It will be good to have that done and out of the way.
The warmer weather definitely has brightened our spirits. It has been nice to get the girls outside and playing. I went for a walk around the neighborhood yesterday. It was nice to hear the birds and small the hint of spring in the air. We have daffodils and tulips coming up so that is definitely encouraging.
Hopefully, we will have some exciting news on the job front next week. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Job Hunting
Bob and I continue to scour the job boards and try to find job opportunities wherever we can. Everyone seems to be cutting back or at least filling their needs with people they already have.
I have applied for about 10-12 different positions in the area. I have heard back from 4 of them - all thanks but no thanks.
Bob had a phone interview yesterday with an HR representative from Abbott Laboratories. They are headquartered in North Chicago. He is supposed to be getting a phone call from the hiring manager. If that goes well, then there would be an in person interview in Chicago. So, that is a possibility but it would require a move. Not something that we are looking forward to - though it would be nice to be nearer the Chicago clan of the family.
We are keeping all of our options open. We will keep everyone updated on our progress.
I have applied for about 10-12 different positions in the area. I have heard back from 4 of them - all thanks but no thanks.
Bob had a phone interview yesterday with an HR representative from Abbott Laboratories. They are headquartered in North Chicago. He is supposed to be getting a phone call from the hiring manager. If that goes well, then there would be an in person interview in Chicago. So, that is a possibility but it would require a move. Not something that we are looking forward to - though it would be nice to be nearer the Chicago clan of the family.
We are keeping all of our options open. We will keep everyone updated on our progress.
2 Month Mark
Jake went for his 2 month check up yesterday. Bob took him and they were both good sports. Jake endured 4 shots, 2 each in his little thighs. The Dr. said that he is doing great. He is 75% in height and 52% in weight. He seems to be growing like a weed to us. He has grown 2 3/8 inches since birth and we are already in 3-6 month clothes and sort of going into the 6-9 month stash for some items. He was a little cranky yesterday, but is doing just fine today.
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