Knowing you made the right decision

There are so many times in life that you second-guess the decisions you make as a parent. You always try to do what is best for your children and sometimes it works & sometimes it doesn't. I am so relieved that the decisions Frank & i have made in the last year have turned out to be spot on!!

When we moved here 4 years ago, I was sucked into a social group of "so-called friends" that wasn't the best thing for our family. These people were shallow, obsessed with climbing the social ladder, and not very family focused. It was all about getting sitters to go out all of the time.

Frank & I went along because we thought "what a welcoming group of people."

After we had a reality check a year later, and realized we didn't have the same values (or lack of) as these people, Frank & I started making decisions the way we used to WHAT WORKS FOR OUR FAMILY!!!

We pulled Allie out of the "clique" at dance and put her in a class where she knew no one. She quickly met new friends and these girls have been amazing!

We recently switched Peter's soccer league to what we felt was best for him. He had played soccer with the other boys since 1st grade but the league was horrible. He finally agreed to switch and couldn't be happier.

Last year we decided to switch the kids to public school only to find there was a waiting list. Yes a waiting list at a public school. Peter was able to get in last March but we just found out Allie got in. The kids are thrilled - and so are we.

Frank & I feel like now life is GREAT!!! We have finally gotten our kids out of things that other people told us we should be a part of and did what is best for them and our family as a whol. It has been a crazy couple of years. Through all of that, Frank & I have met some AWESOME people who we call our friends. Thanks you Jenny, Lance, Caroline, Chad, Traci, Jeff, Karen, Mark, etc.....for showing us what real friendship means.

Fun Family time

WOW - we are finally home from 2 1/2 weeks away! We had an absolute ball.

The kids went to stay with Grandma & Papa in Michigan while Frank & I headed off to Florida for a Jostens conference. To say the kids had fun is an understatement. Grandma & Papa took them to the art museum, the science center, Papa & Peter went golfing twice while Grandma & Allie went shopping and to a pottery studio. Papa & Peter then hit a Tigers game & Papa scored front row seats. Peter and Allie were in heaven! They played with Talia, Suzie & Alex next door everyday!! Frank & I were entertained by the fun daily emails from the kids along with pictures. Allie even emailed photos modeling her new outfits! Frank & I had a week together to relax, attend classes & celebrate the awards Frank won. We got to go to Disney World & The Jostens Center at ESPN's Wide World of Sports for different activities. We had a ton of Fun! Frank & I are best friends as well as husband & wife so it is a blast to hang out together!

After heading back to Michigan for a night to get the kiddos, we took off for a week with my side of the family to our favorite summer spot Beachwalk Resort. What an absolute BLAST!!! Nonni & Papa George, Ryan, Lettie & the kids and Katie all came down. Todd, Shelly & the kids decided to come at the last minute because Cassi's softball tournament (in North Dakota) was cancelled. They stayed in a hotel but Zack stayed with us at the house. The kids had such a wonderful time at the beach, pool, riding bikes, making smores, peddle boating, fishing, riding bikes, etc......The weather was absolutely PERFECT the whole time we were there. The only rain we got was when Lettie & I happened to be at the OUTDOOR outlet mall - we were drenched. Ryan & Frank had the kids at the putt-putt golf/batting cage place that day & were nearly struck by lightening!

All in all, it was a perfect vacation (minus Peter getting stitches in his foot the first day).

We are home now & school starts in 10 days - CRAZY!!!

4th of July

Today is July 4th and we have had a busy few weeks! We were in Ohio for my 20th class reunion and the kids had a BLAST with their cousins and Nonni & Papa George. They went to COSI and the Columbus Zoo, the Creekside festival and played in the creek(Allie lost her shoe and Sammy & Pete recovered it down stream). It was a great weekend....wow do we miss living near family.

We have been busy with swim team, tennis, dance, soccer & all of the other fun summer activities. Allie has had 2 swim meets and I think she found another LOVE!!

Yesterday we spent hours (5 to be exact) at the pool. Last night the kids went to our friends the Hancocks (Carly babysat) while Frank & I went to our friend's the Everitts for a pre-4th of July BBQ. The kids had a blast swimming, making cookies and playing Playstation.

Today we are headed to our friend's the Tews for a pool party/BBQ (all of the DCC events are postponed due to rain). The kids can still swim in the rain (unless it is storming...we wouldn't want fried kiddos)! we are hoping it stops by this evening so the fireworks aren't postponed.

I am still here

I haven't Blogged forever - I guess it is due to facebook!!!!

Life is good in the Zucker household!

Pete returned from a week at camp Friday and we get to pick Allie up tomorrow. They love going to camp and I am so glad they do!

We head out this weekend for my 20th H.S. reunion - WOW!!!! I can't wait. We are getting together Friday night at our favorite H.S. pizza hangout. We get to see everyone's kids, etc. Then Saturday night is the couples only party. I am mainly interested in seeing my good friends who don't live near me. It will be fun to see others too. Kristen & her family are staying at my mom's house with us since her folks retired down to Hilton Head. That will be great to hang out with her.

The dryer has been broken for 2 weeks (fun fun with camp clothes and now trying to pack for Ohio). Traci & Jenny let me use their dryers to do a few loads and I will probably schlep some to my moms. I will feel like I am a college student again!

The other weird news is my dad had a massive heart attack the other day. I haven't talked to him since he no-showed at my wedding 13 years ago. It is a strange thing. I wasn't sure how I felt or how I would react if I ever heard any news like that. I prayed for him and his family.

Tata for now -

Crazy Days!!

Well I haven't posted in ages because I have been crazy busy with the end of school, dance recitals, field day, etc.....

Life is beginning to slow down. Allie is done with school, has a two week break from dance after a wonderful recital weekend! Peter has 4 days left of school and is done with soccer for a while! Soon all of the summer sports (tennis, swim team & junior golf) will start but those seem to be much more laid back.

I will write again soon and post photos - they are still on the camera!

Gotta get some coffee - before I can think!

so long.........

It has been so long since I blogged! My Mac went down (I know - that is the reason people buy Mac's - they never go down)! we had First Communion weekend on April 19th - with 9 additional people sleeping here. Mom & George, Mom & Dad Z, Ryan, Lettie, Sammy, Annie & Katie. That weekend or computer fried out. I was flipping out - I mean completely a mess that I might have lost my pictures. I only had through Oct. 2008 backed up. After some phone calls to Apple and no luck with online repair, we ended up having to take it in. Luckily it was not the hard drive. That meant my pictures were still there! We finally got it back yesterday and I have been playing catch up. Needless to say, I hooked up our external hard drive and have Time Machine running at all times. It backs up the computer every 24 hours!

First Communion was beautiful (the event - certainly not the weather)!

Peter turned 10 on April 21st so we celebrated his birthday with Grandma Z and Papa George who also have birthdays on the 20th & May 1 respectively!

May is going to be a crazy busy month with Field Day, Biz Town, Uppercase Living shows, field trips, dance recital, soccer games and an ever needed ladies trip complete with spa services!!!

I can't wait until Summer is HERE!

Michigan

This past weekend, we went to Michigan to visit with family and attend the Bat Mitzvah of Frank's cousin's oldest daughter. Wow! What a great time we had. The ceremony was on Saturday and I must say - Peter & Allie were AMAZING! They sat for 3 hours through Shabbat service which was 90% in Hebrew. Erin did such a phenomenal job. Her Bat Mitzvah readings of the Torah were beautiful and her talk was so so eloquent (it was in English - so I understood it)! It is hard to believe she is only 13. It was quite an honor because she was also the first Bat Mitzvah at Adat Shalom to do a Musaf.

We spent Saturday evening with our friends the Hodges! we always have a fabulous time with them. The kids never miss a beat with their kids.

Sunday night was the Bat Mitzvah party. They rented out the Whirlyball facility in Novi- The kids were in Heaven! There were games, dancing, music, food, more food (check out the pix of the sweet table not including the Good Humor ice cream cart) & whirlyball. Allie was too short to play whirlyball but I don't think she cared because she didn't step away from the Dance, Dance Revolution game the whole night!

I commented to Frank's parents when we were driving home that I am glad our kids are Catholic because we wouldn't be able to have a bash like that! WOWZERS!! It was FUN, FUN, FUN and so great to spend time with Grandma & Papa!!

My Baby is 8

Wow - Allie is 8 years old. I can't believe my baby is 8.

Allie had quite the Birthday Week!! Over the weekend, she invited 3 friends for a small party where our neighbor (high schooler) Amy put make up on the girls. They thought it was really cool! My friend Christa stayed with me & we did the girls nails. We then headed off to the mall where each girl got to choose something from Claires and then we enjoyed cookies and vanilla frappuccinos from Starbucks. Allie was in HEAVEN!! Where did I get such a girly-girl??

I remember one time someone saying to me that their daughter would NEVER do the princess thing - that she would be an athlete not a girly-girl. How naive to think you can decide what your children will become. They decide their own destiny. We have exposed Allie to several sports (soccer, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, volleyball and I even asked if she wanted to play baseball/softball). She is a dancer - through & through! She does love to swim & play tennis but the others - well - no interest. It broke my heart that she didn't like soccer (my true love) but at least Peter plays!

So anyway (sorry for my soap box), on her actual birthday, I brought bagels & fruit into school for her birthday treat! Allie gave up sweets for Lent and is a pretty healthy eater anyway! That night, our family went to Osaka! It was so much fun! We had a great chef who was really entertaining.

We are headed to Michigan this weekend where I'm sure the festivities will continue at Grandma & Papa's house! We are going for Erin's Bat Mitzvah and get to see our friends as well! We love our trips to see family!

New School - Renewed Smile

So Pete had his first day at Pleasant View yesterday and he just left the house walking to his 2nd day!

What a HUGE family decision for us. Back in August, after an entire summer of debating whether or not to leave Lourdes, we decided to jump the gun & enroll the kids at the public school behind our house. Well, it was a huge disappointment when the principal told us that 2nd grade was full. Peter decided he didn't want to go until Allie could go. The problem....Allie was 10th on the waiting list and the new elementary, Hopewell, wouldn't be ready until 2010-2011 school year.

Peter was having a rough year - most of his friends are into very different thing than Pete. Many of them still play Star Wars and other fantasy play - Pete is all sports all the time! So - with such a small group it was hard for Peter to really have a group of buddies with the same interests. (He had a few and they moved away due to job transfers). We toured PV in February and walking out of the building, Peter asked if he could "start tomorrow?"

Frank & I almost fell over in shock. Peter is usually very cautious, not a risk taker, etc. We jumped at the chance and told him he could start after Spring Break.

Well - that brings us to today - wow! I haven't seen Pete this happy (almost giddy) in a long time! He loves school. He has 3 ambassadors who showed him around yesterday. He gets to go to the science lab today and can't wait!

Allie seems a little bummed she can't get in yet. It is probably a blessing since she has First Communion in a month. 2nd grade is a big year for her at Lourdes. Hopefully she can get in for next year and not have to wait until 2010-2011 (4th grade for her).

Lourdes has been good to us - it was a great transition when we moved here from Michigan! It is wonderful that our area has such wonderful choices because we always have to put our kids first and do what is best for them!

The smiles are so worth it!

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The transformation of Allie's room

It seems like lately all of the entries are about Allie - why? I am not really sure because there is a lot going on in Peter's world too! But...here is another Allie story.

Over Christmas break, we changed 3 rooms around in order to accommodate Allie having a larger room, without giving her the huge bonus room. Well - it ended up being a HUGE project and after painting the bonus room (which became the guest room), I didn't have it in me to paint Allie's new room. At any rate, we decided her room makeover would be a birthday present. So here we are - Spring Break and I have been painting away.

She originally wanted teal but decided on Pink! It turned out darling. All that is missing are window treatments. I told her those would have to wait until we have some extra money. So...here is Allie's "almost finished" bedroom & bathroom.

The Windy City

What an AWESOME mini trip!

We went to Chicago for one night - it started because Frank's buddy was organizing a guys weekend to go see the Bulls play the Hornets. Jeff's brother-in-law plays for the Hornets. So, we turned it into a mini vacation.

Frank left early Saturday morning and drove there with a group a guys. They had a blast! The bars were crowded because of St. Patty's Day fun but they managed to eat & drink a lot! The kids & I rode with the Leslies. Lance couldn't go early because of tax season.

Jenny & I had a blast with the kiddos - we hit Lake Michigan (where Henry almost floated away on a mini-iceberg), the Chicago Children's Museum, Michigan Ave., a trolly ride, The Lego store, shopping for us on Michigan Ave., etc. It was 8 pm before we thought about dinner & ended up eating at a "fancy" restaurant. The concierge told us it was kid-friendly....not so much! We almost bailed after sitting down but it was so late and figured every place was crowded due to St. Patrick's Day festivities. Jenny's 7 year old son Jack ended up with a $24 steak - yikes! it was a story for the guys - nonetheless!

Sunday - we walked down to see the Green River. I think the economy must have made them use less dye because it wasn't really green (just normal green)! We headed to Lincoln Park Zoo and our families had a great time. Lance & Frank were feeling the effects of the night before (Lance more than Frank) but were troopers! The Zoo was great - then off to Ed Debevics for some yummy grease! The kids loved the rude wait staff and they even gave Allie the World's Smallest Sundae since her birthday is in March!

All in all it was a fabulous weekend. It brought back so many awesome memories of when Frank & I lived there. We love Chicago -

Scrap Weekend & Keeping Busy

            Okay -    so.....gone are the days of having a whole weekend to just hang out!

Every weekend since Christmas break (well...I could go back since Thanksgiving) has been booked solid.  Frank & I really enjoy "hanging out time" and while we have had a lot of fun things going on, we are getting burnt out. 

Last weekend, I went to a scrapbooking get away at Camp Shalom.  This is the spot our kids go for Summer Camp. The only difference is, they stay in cabins & we stayed in the Charis house - a very nice house with a full kitchen, many bathrooms & showers, air conditioning & heat and a TV/DVD player.  There were 6 of us who spent the weekend scrapping & chatting. We had great intentions of watching a  couple chick flicks too but we were so in the groove we scrapped until we went to sleep.  

I love to use the creative side of my brain - I finished several layouts (48 pages in all) and am through July 2008. Yippee - I don't feel so far behind now. 

This weekend we have a Lenten bible study, euchre tournament, dance workshop (for Allie) and First Communion workshop (for Allie).  That leaves us with...well....no free time. Oh well - maybe next weekend! 

Nothing New

Okay...maybe our lives are a little boring lately because there is really nothing new to report! 

Allie is beginning to get her two front teeth and I am hoping they are all the way in by her first communion. It looks like the kids are going to end up with my "unlucky genes" in the mouth department. I had 13 teeth pulled as a kid due to overcrowding or what I like to call shark teeth. I would get my permanent teeth before my baby teeth were out.  This led to braces and head gears & all the crazy orthodontia stuff. 

They say you need to do something for 8 weeks for it to become a habit - how come Peter & Allie have been brushing their teeth for almost 10 & 8 years respectively  & I still need to ask the question every morning & night "Did you brush your teeth.  They usually say yes and then when I ask to see them, they say - okay I will do it again. 

Peter made the decision this year NOT to play baseball.  I was shocked because he loves baseball but secretly, I was thrilled because that means more family time, more pool time, less dusty ball field in 90 degree weather time.  He said he had to miss too much soccer last year because of baseball and soccer is his true love! They both might give swim team a shot this summer.....we'll see. 

Speaking of summer - I can't wait. I am pretty much done with winter (although I am sure winter is not done with me yet)! I am ready to get outside again.  I am going on a scrapbooking weekend Friday & I am so excited. I have all of 2008 to do - I am hoping to get at least 6 months of the year done. Wishful thinking maybe........

Our Many Blessings

Wow - What a weekend!

I was at a CEW weekend retreat (Christian Experience Weekend) this weekend and feel completely rejuvenated spiritually.  Frank & I have been involved with the CEW community since moving here and this was honestly, the best one I have been on.  Frank's parents came in on Thursday so I could get a chance to spend some time with them before I had to leave Friday. The kids had an absolute BLAST with Grandma & Papa. Frank was down at church a lot doing behind-the-scenes stuff  - By having his folks in town it allowed him the freedom to come & go without worrying about a sitter. 

It has always been so hard not living close to family. When we were in Michigan, we had Frank's parents 30 minutes away but mine were 4 hours. Now they are both about 8 hours away. We cherish all the time we can get with family. 

I know how BLESSED I am that I have always stayed home with my kids. I know not everyone can afford to do this. Believe me, with Frank's current job and "buying his territory" - it hasn't been easy financially.  I see the joy on my kids faces getting them off to school in the morning and being home every day when they get off the bus.  They especially love it on Tuesdays & Thursdays when I pick them up from school (I would do it everyday but gas is so darn expensive). I have the luxury of volunteering several days a week in the school where I still get hugs & kisses from them (even in front of their friends). 

Seeing the kids reactions when Grandma & Papa had to leave was heart-wrenching.  Peter began sobbing the night before saying, "can't they stay?"  Then he asked "can we go with them?" Grandma was crying, I was crying, Peter was crying...it was a cry-baby fest!!!

I talked to Peter that day and explained how proud I am that he has the same value on family that I have always had.  We have always cherished family vacations and time with family. Family is so important - whether it is extended family or immediate family, it is treasured.  So this weekend allowed a lot of time for me to pray and count the blessings I have. My true blessings are my family. No amount of money or status could or would ever take the place of time with them.

So love to all my family reading this. See you all soon - God Bless.

The Tooth Fairy

After a crazy weekend of trivia night and a Super Bowl party, we got back into the routine of a normal week! 

Well, sort-of normal....Allie had a tooth hanging by a thread on Monday night so Tuesday morning when she woke up, she yanked it out (it was so loose....no blood).  Well the tooth fairy came last night but in the meantime, the tooth next to the one she lost, was now hanging sideways! So...realizing how nice it is to receive money, she yanked that one out THIS morning! So - the tooth fairy should come again tonight! Allie's only request - she wishes the tooth fairy gave dollar bills instead of change.  Yeah - I bet the tooth fairy wishes ATM's gave things other than 20's.

Allie's First Dance Competition

WOW - what an experience this weekend brought!

Allie competed in her first Dance Competition called Showbiz. Luckily Allie's teacher who is also the owner of the studio (at the old age of 26 - she's amazing) only enters local competitions. She fells why travel to Kansas City, etc. when so many of them come to the Quad Cities. Anyway, we got the schedule and Allie's dances were scheduled for Sunday. She really wanted to see Carly's (the kids favorite babysitter) dance on Saturday so we went down to the Adler Theater for a bit to catch some of the Studio A dancers.  I was glad we did - we got a sneak peak of what to expect Sunday. The dressing room location, where the bathrooms are, etc. 

Sunday we all ventured down there at Noon.  The first dance was at 2:50 and the second was scheduled for 4:45. The competitions can run an hour or so early and they need to bee there 2 hours before they dance so we shot for Noon. Peter was such a trooper. I asked if he wanted to bring his DS and he said no he wanted to watch. I told him there would be a lot of times when other studios were dancing, etc. but he said he would be okay.

It was an great experience for our whole family. Frank loved it! He is becoming quite the dance Dad. We were all so proud of Allie!

We have 3 more competitions between Feb & April so I can't wait to see how they do!

I think Allie was born to dance. She really has found her love. It was hard for her to give up skating but as she gets older she is at the studio more & more and it is too hard to do more than one activity (well...she does have art). We've tried soccer, volleyball, skating & gymnastics and her 1st love is still dance.

So...dance Allie - Dance like no one is watching!

P.S.  The girls were phenomenal...2nd place in tap and 1st in jazz.  Allie got to go up & receive one of the awards for their wins.

Forgot to post Sledding pictures

Reconciliation

Busy Busy!

Okay so last time I wrote, I had nothing new - be careful what you wish for...

We have been so busy since Friday. We had some snow days, Reconciliation over the weekend, board meetings, game night with 3 other families, a surprise 40th for a friend, retreat meetings, Cooking class for Brownies, Communion Dress shopping, and now Frank in in California!   

Yesterday I left the house at 8 when I drove the kids to school & came back for 20 minutes to let the dog out and then we didn't "really get back" until almost 7pm.  I don't like days like that.  I did have a great day just very busy.

We went to mass in the morning. The kids school mass is usually on Wed. mornings but this week it was on Tuesday because the Bishop was there. Peter had a skit (all of 4B) and he had 2 speaking parts during mass (intentions and song introductions). After mass, I flew over to bowling - which I was already late for.  I love this bowling group I am in.  It started over 30 years ago with a group of ladies from Davenport Country Club as something to do during the winter when they couldn't golf.  They have opened it up to Crow Valley Country Club ladies as well.  we always have a blast & do lunch afterwards (quick & easy - like Panera).

During lunch, we watched the inauguration and then I was meeting my bible study group at the theater because we were going to see the movie "Doubt." What a thouht-provoking movie....

We got out & had about 20 minutes to discuss the movie before I had to pick up the kids.  Off to dance (Allie) and then soccer (Peter).  We came home, snuggled on the couch & watched American Idol (I love Central time) and the kids were in bed by 8pm (normal bedtime) and I crashed!!!!  

So much for the days when the kids were toddlers & our big event for the day might be a Gymboree class or meeting a friend for lunch. Well, I am thrilled that today I have NOTHING!!! I think I will stay in my jammies all day and wash sheets!