Suzanne McGrath Photography

Another Make-Up Monday

Honestly, I don't really have an excuse for not posting last night other than I was tired.  And the girls wanted to watch Can't Buy Me Love.  How could I pass up movie night with THAT movie?  Impossible.  So, I'm here on Monday.  It's all good.

1.  Last week was really nice in it's normal-ness.  You know?  Nothing crazy was happening.  We were around most nights.  I loved it!  Our summer has flown by so it was really great to just enjoy each other.

Since I have more time to cook at night in the summer, it's less of a chore.  I don't dread it like I do during the school year.  I have more time and the girls love to help.  That's a huge win-win.  Last Monday we took advantage and prepared a tapas style meal.  It was great because we had something for everyone!

We had antipasto platter with different meats and cheeses.  (So easy and I felt way fancy.)  We prepared roasted potatoes with spices and crunchy zucchini bites, both with a fabulous aioli.  Yum!  I also made shrimp which only the hubby and I like (which just means more for us!).  I totally forgot the fruit platter but it was still fun.  And the kids really got a kick of it.

The best part was that it was all fairly easy to do.  And truly, the three younger girls helped out so much and we truly had fun together.  Bonus!

You know what else I love about lazy summer nights?  Pool time.  With all four of my girls.  Oftentimes #1 doesn't join us since she swims ten times per week.  But we got her out there last week and the kids had a blast!

When she gets in and plays with her little sisters it's as if a rock star is in the house.  Seriously.  It's just adorable. 

2.  We went school supply shopping on Friday night.  Party animals!  I usually buy the pack of supplies sold through the school but the girls asked me not to this year.  They wanted to pick everything out.  By the time we left with their supplies, two new backpacks, and a pair of shoes (hey - mama needs something, too!), we had spent well over $250!  WHAT?  You heard that right.  Just for school supplies.  Damn!  I need to win the lottery.  

3.  Last week the hubby and I got serious and planned next summer's vacation.  Yes, you heard that right.  NEXT summer - as in 2016!  You probably think I'm crazy but hear me out...Things book up fast.  Like, my first choices were not all available.  Ugh.  So, what are we doing?  

Epic Road Trip:  2016!  We're going to head to Custer State Park in SD for three nights, then over to Yellowstone for three nights but all in different locations, and then to the Grand Tetons for another three nights.  I'm pretty sure we'll be making a pit stop in Denver on the way home.  If you counted that all up, it's TEN nights!  Yep, epic.  It's hard to get too excited about a trip that's more than 10 months away but we are definitely looking forward to it!  

If you have any suggestions, holler!  Right now we have a Chuckwagon dinner planned for a night in Yellowstone.  I need to get a Snake River Raft tour booked for the Tetons.  And that's it.  I think we'll have a blast!

4.  Have I told you I'm going to Paris?  I can't remember and I'm too lazy to look through my archives.  So if I have, I apologize.  If not, I'm going to Paris!  My mom and sister and I are going for nine nights in less than two months.  To say I'm excited would be an understatement.  I actually get to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.  WooHoo!

I've started thinking about what I'm going to pack.  I think I'm going to for blacks, grays, and denim.  I want to have choices and be able to mix and match without bringing 500 suitcases.  I'll add interest with a pop of color - maybe some fun scarves or necklaces?  Anyway, it's kind of fun to start brainstorming ideas.

Of course I used my Paris trip as a great excuse to shop the Nordstrom's sale.  I was successful.  I found a great sweater dress in light gray and a pair of black leather riding boots.  Both fit and are comfortable ensconced in my closet, right where they belong.

Once I figure everything out I'll do a post on it.  Why?  Because I haven't found a ton of information in the blogosphere about packing for Paris in the fall!

5.  Our weekend was good.  #1 had a swim meet Friday - Sunday in Lawrence.  The hubby and I took turns taking her so we each had one full day here at home.  It was a nice mix of swimming and family time.

#1 did well in her meet.  She finally managed to drop some serious time on her backstroke the last day of the meet.  I think that probably felt good for her since she's been struggling a bit this year.

Meanwhile, we were productive on the home front:

• The hubby and I cleaned out the garage.  And I do mean CLEANED.  It looks so good now!
• #3 helped me clean up the basement.  And I really only mean put crap away and straighten it.  
• I managed to sneak in a long run despite the threat of thunderstorms Sunday morning.
• I built a countertop for our laundry room.  (Still needs some tweaks)
• We hit the pool for a little water fun since it was so dreadfully hot and humid.
• I primed and painted the window in our master bath.
• The hubby did the grocery shopping.  (That may have been my favorite part - not having to go!)
• The three little girls and I took a bike ride to Einstein Brothers Bagels for breakfast yesterday.

 It felt great to check some of those items off the list!  

6.  I really want to get a new lens for my camera for Paris.  I don't really have a good walking-around type lens.  So I think I'm going to offer photo sessions this late summer/fall for only $150!  Yes, you read that right.  For just $150 I'll offer a photo shoot plus a disc of images for that price.  (I hand edit each image individually.)  For families I usually capture at least 35 images.  For kids-only sessions I usually capture a few less - just really depends on how many kids and their ages.

So, if you are interested or know anyone who may be interested, give me a shout!  I love shooting family pictures and really enjoy getting my big girl camera out every now and then, you know?!

Phew!  That post took me a little longer to write than anticipated.  Time for bed.  Have a great week!

 

Six Plus Six = Twelve on Sunday

Hello!  I'm back this week.  And it's looking good for the next few weeks.  That said, let's get the show on the road!

1.  Last weekend the hubby and I took our annual trip up to Lake Okoboji in Iowa with friends.  If you've been following along for awhile, you probably remember me talking about it before.  Anyway, we've been going up there since 1995 and having a blast every time!  This year was no different.

Of course we played games:  poker, quarters, and beer pong.  Here's our beer pong night.  We improvise and play it on the floor.  We fill the beer pong cups with water and then drink shots of beer out of little cups that are clean.  

We ended in a tie.  Lipsticks vs Dipsticks.  One win each.  

We spent quite a bit of time on the boat and probably an equal amount of time in the bars.  (We all like to pretend we're 21 again.)  Unfortunately we don't recover as quickly as we did in the past.  Oops.

 

I have to say, I learned (AGAIN) that you should not drink this:

after many of these:

I need to remember that little rhyme I learned in college:

"Liquor before beer, never fear.

Beer before Liquor, never sicker."  

But really, it was such a great weekend.  We always have the most fun with these people who we've known for ever.  And our old friend, Jody even made up for a day/night.  This will be the year we remember as golf carts, the new Regal Beagle, sleeping on love seats, the Okoboji Store, and general craziness.  As usual.  Can't wait 'till next year!

2.  Before we left for Okoboji I took #2 in to the eye doctor.  I took a picture to memorialize the visit.  Can you tell me what's wrong with this picture?

Uh, yeah, the machine is backwards.  (She was just posing after her exam.)

Anyway, she got contacts!  Or, more correctly, contact.  As in one.  She only needs correction in one eye.  I am so proud of her.  She is putting them in and getting them out all by herself.  (I may have told her not to count on me for any help.  Too squeamish.)  And she's totally doing it!  The bonus is she can now actually see out of both eyes.  I had so much trouble getting her to wear her glasses.  So win-win!

3.  Last Monday I took the day off so I could spend it with the girls.  We had such a great day together!  I started off by mowing the lawn (that was my anniversary present to the hubby - very romantic, I know) while they were still in bed.  Once #1 got home from swim practice we all went to Starbucks.  Our favorite!

We followed it up with a trip to the grocery store but they are such helpers I love having them tag along.  After a quick lunch we headed over to the library where we all checked out a few books.  The girls watched a movie while I did meal prep and general kitchen clean-up.  I'm not saying that part was great but it was nice to get it done and make my week a little more smooth.  #1 missed her afternoon swim practice because she had a doctor's appointment.  Bronchitis.  No bueno.  But she was glad to get some antibiotics!  After a decent dinner we all hit the pool.  That is my idea of a great, yet normal, day with my kids.

4.  While we were at the library I checked out a few books.  I finished The Blonde Theory by Kristin Harmel in just two days.  It wasn't entertaining but not all that well written.  I really felt like the editor could have done a better job cutting out the redundant parts.  The character thinks the same things over and over and over.  It was a little much.  But obviously not bothersome enough that I didn't finish it.  I'd recommend it if you want a light and easy beach read.

I haven't read the other two books yet so I can't comment.  We'll see if I get into them or not.

5.  I don't know about you, but we have a terrible time losing iPhone/iPad chargers.  It's almost a sickness around here.  Then we all fight about whose is whose.  No good.  

So, I saw this ad on Facebook and fell hard!  ThingCharger.  I failed to read the small print before I clicked buy.  (Four of them.)  They're not actually in production yet.  Womp womp.  I'm so sad.  I'm hoping to get them in the next few months and my fingers are crossed.  I think this will change lives!  (Yes, I'm being a big dramatic.)  

I'm telling you about this because if enough of us buy, they will move to production even earlier.  Come on, you know you want one!

6.  This weekend was our first full weekend home in 6 weeks!  Yep, we've been gone every weekend since June 13th.  That was poor planning on our part.  We had great trips but just too many in a row.  So this weekend we started off right by having beers at the pool with neighbors after dinner Friday night.  So fun!  All the girls +1 came down with us:

It was such a fabulous way to start the weekend off.

7.  Saturday the hubby and I worked on the bathroom floor.  Then today we managed to lay the self leveling cement.  Let me tell you - that job is no fun!  Those bags are 50 pounds and we had to rent a special drill to miss it all up.  I am so ready to hand this job over to the professionals.  We know how to tile but it's 175 square feet and would just take us too long.  I'm crying uncle over this one.

8.  I started off my day today with an 8 mile run.  Let me tell you, it was disgusting outside!  The humidity was about 80% and it was so muggy.  But it was nice to get it in before our day turned crazy.  And none of the girls were even awake when I got home at 8:30am!

I am a little concerned, though.  My knee has been feeling funny.  That's the only way I can describe it.  It doesn't necessarily hurt but it doesn't feel right, either.  I can feel it pulling behind my knee and perhaps a bit to the side.  I thought I just needed new shoes but they are not helping.  I'm going to try some stretches for my IT band and see if that helps.  If not, I'm heading to the PT.  I don't want to keep running on it and just have it get worse.  That would majorly bum me out!  I need my long runs to keep my sanity.  

9.  So Friday night, after we were back from the pool, the kids talked us into making a run to Sonic for half-priced shakes.  The kids all got into the car (#1 was driving) and...nothing.  Seriously.  The engine didn't even TRY to turn over.  UGH.  That was in the Trailblazer.

That wouldn't have been so awful had our other car NOT BEEN IN THE SHOP!  That's right.  We were stranded in our house.  The Suburban was (is) in the shop and the Trailblazer wouldn't start.  Welcome to our lives.  Seriously, I can't make this shit up!

But then Saturday morning the hubby just had a feeling.  And sure enough!  The car started.  I think we've replaced the starter already so now we don't know.  Ignition switch?  I used to ask my dad these questions so now all we have is Google.  The joys of owning two older cars.  But I'm still not willing to pull the trigger on a new car.  I'd rather wait one more year.  We'll see if we can do that...

The good news?  The car has started all weekend.  I went to the grocery store yesterday morning and parked in the back of the lot, through two spaces, in case I needed to get a tow!  Then while running around yesterday afternoon I didn't even turn it off.  I just left it running!  Try not to be jealous:)

10.  You know how I mentioned up above I mowed the lawn as my anniversary gift?  Well, that's right.  We just celebrated 18 years together!  Man, that is a long time, huh?  The good news?  I'd totally do it all over again.  That's not to say we always get along (we don't) but there is no one else I'd rather take this ride with than the hubby!

So what did we do to officially celebrate?  We ate sushi at Ra last night and went to see Trainwreck.  It was a perfect date!  I can't tell you the last time we've had sushi together and that movie?  You have to see it.  Go!  Today!  It was so funny but it was more than just funny.  It was also touching and poignant in a spot or two.  So for real, go see it!

11.  Speaking of movies, we just took the kids to see The Minions tonight.  What did I think of it?  Meh.  Honestly, it was a little much just listening to the minions talking.  Plus, also, I was really tired and I may have taken a nap during the first 15 minutes.  (I totally did.)  It wasn't terrible but I wouldn't tell you to rush out to the theaters to see it.  I'd wait for it on DVD.

12.  Last one.  The girls played "messy Twister" this week.  They used their Twister mat but then colored shaving cream and covered the circles with it.  They had a blast!  Unfortunately I only have one picture of the middles.  I need to get the other pictures from our fabulous summer nanny.  

I leave you with this:

Hilarious, right?

Phew!  I'm tired now.  Time for me to hit the hay.  Have a fabulous week!

 

 
 

Six on Sunday

I'm here to report we had a fabulous week down in Arkansas.  It really was nice and relaxing and fun.  All of it.  That's the short version.  Read on if you'd like to "hear" the long version/photo diary...

1.  We hit all the things I mentioned last Sunday...

Silver Dollar City:

 

Kayaking:

 

Lunch with just my mom and me:

We also walked through Crystal Bridges art museum, the kids and the hubby went for a hike (while my mom and I were at lunch), we spent lots and lots of time on the boat, my mom took the little girls to the movie, Max, while the big girls and I went shopping, we went out to a fun Mexican dinner, and lots of hanging out as a family.  

2.  My sister and her family joined us Friday morning for the 4th of July weekend.  We had perfect weather!  

Here are my little girls with their cousin in matching swim suits.  Cute, no?

 

My mom with all her grandkids:

 

We decorated the front of her house with flags - I love this look!

 

3.  We watched fireworks from the lake on July 3rd.  (The city of Bella Vista always launches fireworks on the 3rd which is actually really nice because then we had our own show on the 4th.)

What you can't see is how many boats were out there!  It was crazy.  And then it got so hazy from all the smoke that we couldn't see the fireworks for about 5 minutes or so because they were hidden by a veil of haze!  It really was a lovely night where we enjoyed pizza and appetizers on the boat before the big show.

4.  We went to the parade on the morning of the 4th.  The kids were in heaven because...candy.

 

 

Check out their pockets:

 

5.  I only went for two runs while we were down there.  I ran 8 miles on each Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed my time on the trails.  The first Sunday I ran by myself and the hubby joined me this morning.  Although I slipped in those two runs, it was really nice to take a week off from the gym or feeling any pressure to work out!  I truly think it's good to take a mental break every now and then. 

6.  Lastly, thank you all for the kind words you offered me after my post last Friday.  We definitely missed my dad this weekend.  He would have loved spending time with all us and being the captain of his beloved Black Pearl.    

We honored his memory and let his ashes go this past weekend.  We did it off the boat into the lake as he wanted.  We toasted him with a Miller Lite or frozen Snickers bar - depending on our ages.  I'm glad we waited to let his ashes go but honestly, it didn't make me feel any better.  I still miss him.  I will always miss him.  

 

I love you, dad.

One Year...

It's been one year.  July 3rd, 2014.  The day my dad died.  The day our family changed. 

I've learned a lot during the year - but mostly, nobody grieves in the same way.  And also, I was too sad to actually read about grief or what others go through.  I was too busy going through it myself.  I think if you asked my sister or mom about it, we'd all have different descriptions.  

The week after my dad's funeral I felt hungover.  But for a solid week.  I suppose you could call it a psychological hangover.  It was pretty awful.  The month of July was all a blur.  I went through the motions but I couldn't tell you details or generally even what happened that month.  

What I do know is how I looked on the outside did not reflect for a minute how I felt on the inside.  I like to tell people I am good at compartmentalizing and I proved my point last July.  From the outside I looked like I had it together.  I did not.  I am a good faker.  In fact, I think I could be an Academy Award winning actress.  But I had to keep it together for my family.  Life had to go on and I knew that.

As time went on, I started to function more like a human.  A year later, I have found my groove again.  Not to say I don't get sad every now and then.  Random thoughts will pop in my head and remind me of my dad.   But it has gotten easier.  It's as if the wound has scabbed and healed and all that is left is a scar.  (I've used that analogy before but it's pretty much perfect.)  

As for my dad, he was simply the best.  My girls talk about him and share their stories and I am so grateful for those memories!  Even #4 chimes in and has little stories to tell.  I suppose her memory may fade but my hope is that if I keep asking her to tell me about Papa she'll remember him.  After all, she was barely five years old when he died.

He was a fantastic golfer but would give up his game during the weekends to spend time with us.  He was a terrible procrastinator but yet had the patience of a saint.  He would drive the boat for hours if it would make us happy.  And it did!

He couldn't cook dinner but his breakfasts were phenomenal!  Even this week we missed his perfect scrambled eggs.  (Try as I might, I will never perfect them the way he did.)

He was so funny.  I loved his sense of humor.  And even better yet, he had a way of putting others at ease.  He was self-deprecating in the best way.  In general, he was just really fun to be around.  

He was great at building things and enjoyed it.  (I suppose the apple didn't fall far from the tree, huh?)  Even now one of the things I remember about him was the feel of his hands.  Rough and solid.  And he always injured himself when he built things and yet could never tell me what caused the injury! The fingernail on his right index finger was indented.  Who knows how he did THAT.

He was creative and liked photography.  (Again, does the apple far fall from the tree?)  

My mom had managed to get them involved in a lot of new activities down in Bella Vista.  After he protested, he had a great time.  He took up hiking and kayaking, among other things.  It was so fun to see the two of them enjoying their life together.  They only managed to get two years together after he retired but I know they made the most of those two years!

I guess I don't know how to wrap up this post other than to say he was the greatest and we all miss him.  Every single day.  He was awesome.