Mommy-Only Trip

2015 is the year Mommy is taking time back for herself.  My kids are old enough to survive without me AND my mother retired as of May.  The latter being the biggest reason I can have "me time" again!

My first mommy-only adventure was to travel to Beaufort, SC to see my college roommate, Amy.  I love an excuse to travel, especially when there are free accommodations on the other end.  Amy has relocated quite a few times since we graduated from Shippensburg, and I can proudly say I have visited my buddy at just about every one of her places: Jacksonville, NC, Rome, GA, Beaufort, SC.

2009: Rome, GA

2009: Road trip from Rome, GA to Chattanooga, TN

2009: Since I flew in and out of Atlanta, we spent the day
exploring downtown Atlanta.

Amy is an awesome tour guide; she is very knowledgeable about the towns she lives in, or as I told her, she could make up stuff and I wouldn't know any different.  Beaufort, SC is an island on the Inner Coastal Waterway with beautiful views and has interesting history.  Amy was so sweet to put her son in day care during my visit so we had all day to explore and catch up.  

Some highlights from my trip:

Spanish Moss

One of the first things I noticed about the "Low Country" is all the trees are covered in this delicate, beige colored, vine looking stuff.  It is called Spanish Moss, which is only found in certain areas, South Carolina's Low Country is one of them.  It grows all over the trees and bushes as well as can be found in clumps on roofs and yards.  God makes some fascinating things for us to enjoy.

Day trip to the Hunting Island State Park

Beaufort does not sit on the Atlantic Ocean, but 20 minutes away you can put your toes in the ocean at Hunting Island State Park.  It was HOT when I was there, like heat index of 100 degree plus.  With a beach umbrella and a light breeze, we were able to enjoy some relaxation at the beach.  The ocean water was almost too warm; it wasn't very refreshing.  I found one sand dollar as a souvenir, which I managed to crack within the hour.  I wasn't interested in swimming since sharks are the hot topic this summer.  (A week after my trip there was a shark attack at this beach... ).   The picture above shows the erosion of the beach.  Instead of pumping thousands of dollars and sand into the beaches like they do in New Jersey, this state park is letting the ocean shape the landscape.  Haunting and beautiful.

Seafood dinner at Dockside. 

Build your own burgers at Fat Patties

Amy and I ate out almost every meal.  That is mommy bliss, friends: to enjoy a hot meal SLOWLY.   Every meal tasted like a 5 star restaurant to me.  If we were hungry, we ate.  If we wanted a beer at 4 PM, we found a bar.  No schedule, no whining, just two moms having fun :)

Ice cream on the waterfront

Speaking of doing whatever we wanted... ice cream treat after dinner?  sure!  We cooled down on a sizzling night with some ice cream overlooking the water.  Then we went back to the house, put on comfy clothes and watched Forrest Gump.  Odd movie choice, eh?  

Look familiar?

All the shrimping scenes were filled on the water adjacent to where we had dinner.  This is where they filmed the scene where they wouldn't admit the black students to the college.  It was fun to drive around town looking for places the movie was filmed.  Adam, Amy's husband, grew up in Beaufort.  His dad was the stand in (wrong term for it) for Gary Sinise.  When the film crew was trying to set up the scene, Adam's dad stood in for Lieutenant Dan since he was the same size.  Once they worked out the position for Lieutenant Dan, Sinise would step in.  How cool is that?!  Another tidbit- Tom Hanks loved the chocolate from The Chocolate Tree in Beaufort.  Even though the famous "box of chocolates" is a Russell-Stover box lid, the chocolates inside were from The Chocolate Tree.  That was my souvenir for my family back home :)

Beaufort is home to Parris Island, the base where all marines east of the Mississippi come for basic training.  Adam is a medically discharge Marine, so he took us on a tour of the base.  Military bases are fascinating to me; it's like this secret world.  The insider tour was top notch; I could listen to Adam's stories all day.  Here are the famous Yellow Foot Prints.  New recruits are brought in late at night to Parris Island.  They are disoriented with higher-ups screaming orders at them.  Their first task is to line up on the yellow foot prints, which glow at night so they can find them.  I am so thankful there are men and women who want to serve our country and go through this type of training; it is not for me.

Coffin Point

Amy wanted to take me to a place that had some beautiful scenery to get pictures of the Spanish moss.  She found this neat tree covered road called Coffin Point Road, which leads to Coffin Point Plantation.  Of course Amy had a captivating story about Coffin Point.  There was a sheriff in the town named Ed McNeer who connected with the African American people in the area using Witchcraft.  True story.  There is a book written about him as well as a mini series about it coming out.

Our plan was to sight see around Charleston on our way to the Charleston airport for my flight home.  Thankfully God already had another plan for us as we decided the night before to sleep in (me) and relax at Amy's in the morning.  We woke up to find a horrific event occurred that night in Charleston, a white man opened fire at an AME church during a prayer meeting.  Horrible.  Horrible.  The killer was on the run, which made me very uneasy for our trip to Charleston and my flight.  Thankfully he was caught and arrested before we left for Charleston.

Even though my trip ended with some anxiety filled moments relating to the recent shooting spree, my visit with Amy was fabulous.  I love how our friendship picks right up where we left off.  I hope Amy has found the place she will call home for a long time; she seems very happy in Beaufort and I am already thinking about what I want to do next time I visit :)

Braylen Goes To School

It's summer!  That means this mama is rejoicing about BOTH kids going to summer school!!

We are back at Mothers Day Out at Westchester Community Center.  (MDOW).  This will be Evie's third summer and is Braylen's first.  YIPPEE!!

While I still don't love the Smiley room or Ms. Julie, yet, I am not as unsure of my mothering as I was with the first go around.  Gosh Evie was young, she was just over two years old, and I was a first time mom having major insecurities.  Now I just send him off with no mommy tears or concerns and high tail it to a coffee date with a friend with NO KIDS.

Evie and I have been telling Braylen about school for months; we only pass by it at least 2 times a day.  Braylen was giddy putting on his backpack and finally going to school

Braylen was shy walking in, but was quickly sold on the idea of school when he saw a table covered with Thomas trains.  Mommy exit stage right.

Thankfully MDOW now posts on Facebook (or maybe they always did and I was just clueless) what each class did each session, so I feel more in the know.  Braylen enjoyed riding on the scooters in the hallway when we picked up Evie this spring, therefore I knew that would be a favorite part of his day.  Evie's teacher told me she saw Braylen having a blast during "hall time".

As much as I loved my three hours of child-free time, seeing their face light up when I talk in the room warms my heart.  I rarely get to see that face since I don't get to come home from work every day to it.  They both sit patiently on the rug, sucking their thumb until they notice I walked in.  Braylen came racing over to me and Evie showing us his "project".  He was so excited to have created something.  (Reason 42 why I send my kids to summer school at 2... I do not have the patience nor creativity to do arts and crafts at home)

It was a great first day for Braylen.  He will only go on Friday mornings this summer.  He will bump up to the Heart Room in the fall, attending two days.  I am eager to hear what he has to say about school since he is much more verbal than Evie was at this point (he is 6 months older).

Dr. Tooth

It's time to see Dr. Mohler!  I absolutely love that our dentist's name is Dr. Mohler.  We decided to skip the pediatric dentist route and take our kids to our dentist.  The hygienist I see, Angie, was awesome with Evie at her last visit, so I made sure Braylen's first professional teeth cleaning would be with her.

Evie went first to show her brother how to "be brave".  Evie was again very cooperative with Angie even as she took x-rays!  I couldn't believe Angie got Braylen to stand absolutely still in the hallway while Evie had her teeth photographed.

Both kids allowed Angie to polish their teeth and apply "vitamins" (AKA fluoride).  I didn't even need to bribe them!  Dr. Mohler reassured me that neither of them have bite damage from thumb sucking... yet.

After check-up shenanigans

But we all know there are plenty of goodies at the end of the appointment.  Angie loaded them up from the supply room with stickers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a tooth timer.  Then they hit up the tooth chest for MORE junk goodies.

That was the fastest they ever got into their
car seats; they were anxious to look at their
tooth chest loot again

Score!  A new ring!

Yay for a successful dentist visit!  I think I even got out of there without sweating; that is a miracle when you take two kids to any kind of doctor's office.

Evie Turns FOUR

We celebrated Evie's 4th birthday this weekend.  And like most four-year-old girls, she asked for an Elsa party.  When her best bud is a boy, that doesn't work so well.  So in true Marisa-I-don't-make-a-big-deal-about-birthdays-and-holidays, her party was at local playground.  We picked up donuts and coffee.

And for the second year in a row, Marisa for the win.  I. love. playground. parties.

Most of Evie's usual playmates were there

 

Evie and her boys (and Fiona)

Evie screamed for Braylen to move so Zachary could sit next to her

Emily doesn't look so happy about being bumped behind Zachary

The kids rode bikes, played in the sandbox, and shot the stomp rocket into the air.  I drank my coffee while catching up with my girlfriends.  Jason was the entertainment director.  We all had fun.

Round two of eating.  That's how we roll.

And because Evie's only request for her birthday was an Elsa cake, Daddio delivered.

I think she liked it.

Parker's New (and only) Buddy

Warning:  If I notice you around my neighborhood doing something that will benefit my family in some way, I will stalk you until I have enough courage to ask you about said benefit.

I snooped in cars to figure out who had kids then would high tail it outside when I saw a mom walking a little one about Evie's age.  Evie and I both gained best buds from that stalking...

Now I think I have gained *free* dog sitting from neighbors who also have a cocker spaniel.  This benefit was a little harder to secure, but at last, we are dog swapping fools!

Meet Abby

Abby-girl, as we like to call her, is 7 years old (dating an older man; Parker is 9).  She is dainty, softer than Parker (didn't think that was possible), has black curly fur, is a terrible leash walker just like Parker, makes herself at home on your lap, and was just adored by Evie-girl.

We tried to fool everyone on Facebook by posting this picture

My favorite text was from Bethany who was going to tell me to increase my meds if I answered we got another dog.  Heck. No.  

Abby was really no added stress or trouble to our life.  Her and Parker co-existed; not a lot of hiney sniffing, no humping, and no ball playing together.  They pretty much followed us around and caught naps when Evie wasn't up in their junk.  We laughed when Parker took a spot on our bed at night and Abby decided to sleep on Parker's bed.  Who would have thought 15 years ago that we would have two dogs sleeping in our room.? Thankfully all 6 of us slept through the night :)

Evie- this is something that will never happen.  There will
no dogs as birthday gifts.  

I am really excited that my neighbor stalking worked out for both parties.  We had Abby for an overnight, then the next night Parker went to Abby's house while we went to PA DOG FREE!  Unfortunately our vacations this summer are at the same time, so my hope of getting free dog sitting while at the beach is not looking promising.  I will keep stalking... :)

Last Day of Preschool

All of these cuties have spent the last 9 months playing, singing, learning, and laughing together.

Gabriel*Mackenzie*Zachary*Evie*Madison*Callie*Collin*GG*Heazen*Kichu*Blake

The three-year-old program at Bethel Christian Preschool was very sweet.  I enjoyed the little programs they put on for holidays and the cute gifts Evie made.  A three-year-old program, in my opinion, is suppose to be a time to learn how to interact with peers.  Evie was very close to Zachary; she seemed to feel the most comfortable in his presence.  She didn't talk a lot about other kids in the class, only when I asked who sat next to her, who was line leader, etc.  Evie is tiny and young, she was one of the last ones to turn four.  She also has two introverts as parents... I wasn't expecting her to be class clown or the kid that never stops talking.

Evie's teachers:
Ms. Sharon & Ms. Michelle
(And her best friend, Zachary)

Bethel doesn't focus a lot on academics, which is somewhat refreshing in our society, especially our area where we push our kids to grow up too fast.  My kids spend most of their waking hours playing.  There will be LOTS of time to learn reading and writing in school.  We have fun while I have my little ones home with me.  I am pleased to see Evie attempting to write her name, coloring closer to the lines, and playing school with her dolls.  She definitely picked up a lot of new songs and routines that I hear repeated to her dolls during "room time".

Evie was painfully shy and timid at every performance.  She wouldn't even pick up the Mother's Day gift she made for me; her brother came to the rescue.  I know I was very similar as a child.  It was still heart breaking and frustrating for us that Evie was not willing to participate in the performances, especially when she is the only one not doing anything she is supposed to do.  We went into the end of the year picnic and parade with super low expectations.  Having her brother with her seems to give her a tad more confidence.

My two thumb suckers...

It was a whole lot of thumb sucking...

... until the bike parade started.

Evie was so happy to show off her bike riding skills.

Evie zoomed around the track, methodically weaving in and out of her classmates.  Finally, an activity that makes Evie genuinely smile!  I think she would have rode around the track for hours.

I love Heazen in the glasses

Evie leaving everyone in her dust

One training wheel was up going around some of those turns!

Evie will be attending a different preschool in the fall, one that Braylen will attend too.  Neither of us felt overly attached to her teachers or any of the kids in the class other than Zachary, so it wasn't a sad good-bye.  Zachary's mommy and I are friends, so I know we will have play dates.  Evie will surely miss her best bud looking out for her next year though.

Best Buds

One week off then summer school!  

Bray's "Lady Friend"

This is Ms. Melanie, Bray's Tuesday morning "lady friend" while Mommy is having her MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) meetings and Bible studies.  Braylen adores her; he lights up when I mention Ms. Melanie's name.

Ms. Melanie is an exceptional caregiver; bless her heart for serving in the toddler room year after year.  She is always on the floor interacting with the "MOPPETS" giving them hugs, cuddles, and kisses.  Last week Braylen ran into her arms at drop off.  We will both miss her when Braylen moves up to the bigger kids room next year.

I was touched today when Ms. Melanie asked me if Braylen has local grandparents.  She commented that she would need to help out in that area since they are not local.  She gave me her phone number and encouraged me to call her anytime Braylen needed some extra lovin' or I needed a break.  She isn't a grandmother yet and would be happy to help me.  I never pass up an offer to watch my children.  Never.

My kids attach to their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and my girlfriends, yet this is the first time a grandmother-type figure has connected so perfectly with one of them.  It really does take a village to raise kids and when you are 1.5 hours from that precious grandparent help, you need to make great friends that will be your family.  My community has grown so much thanks to MOPS.  I am so blessed to add a surrogate grandmother to the mix of loving, supportive girlfriends.

Thank you Braylen for being a sweet little boy who stole the heart of Ms. Melanie.  He really is "ladies man"