Days with the Dorans

Today was Jeff's birthday and we had a great time celebrating. He normally gets up with the kids and does breakfast, but today I did! Ali Jane was surprised that I knew how to make pancakes (little did she know I was the one who taught daddy how to make them- I am just not a morning person)! Zach helped me and everyone gobbled them up- including Sean who LOVED the blueberries! After breakfast we spent time hanging out and the Bigs made cute cards for Jeff with the sweetest notes in them! After Sean's morning nap, we went to a local brewery that we love for lunch! My parents joined us and bought Jeff a lifetime membership to the 'Mug Club' which means he gets special deals throughout the year on his favorite ales and munchies . The kids were great and everyone loved their food. After lunch, it was time to open presents. Jeff already knew what I was getting him so the two other gifts I gave him (a grill cover and special grill tool) were not a surprise. I then handed...

Well the time had finally come and we loaded up the Bigs and traveled to Ludington to see my dear friend go from Ms. B. to Mrs. G. We had an amazing time and after taking over 200 pictures, it was hard to choose just a few to showcase here... We stayed in this amazing place called The Barothy Lodge. It was actually perfect because the reception took place right where we stayed. It was a small, intimate affair, which was just perfect for Jodi and Randy. All of their friends stayed in the main lodge, while their families stayed in lodges nearby. When we got to our room, the Bigs were so excited to see gift bags for them. They were loaded with all sorts of neat things- the highlight being new duds for Jack and Ruby to wear to the main event. This was great because though Ruby came with a cute dress, Jack just had a Tiger's T-shirt and skinny jeans, and while this was a casual wedding... let's face it. Skinny jeans don't look good on anyone... even a cute stuffed be...

We left town last Friday with the Bigs for a wedding and after much thought, decided it would be easier to leave the L ittles at home with my folks than it would be to bring them. Zach didn't seem to mind at all. He was happy because it was Great-Nan's 92 nd birthday and he got to go to her house for a party! (Well... not really. We'll be celebrating later, but he still got some cookies and pop!) I missed them from the moment we pulled out of the driveway (or even before, if that's possible...) and was thrilled when my mom sent me these pictures of what was happening back home. Sean began crawling much more (figures) while we were away and my Nan loved spending time with them as always. Thankfully he DID take a bottle again. I thought I had retired my pump forever, but it certainly was my best friend over the weekend, as we spent a lot of time together... Because in the fall my folks will each be taking a day to watch the L ittles , I was THRILLED that they had a g...

I should begin by saying that I come from a 'mixed marriage'. My mom is a Buckeye and my dad a Wolverine. It's not easy having such opposites for parents. Somehow, my brother and I survived many a football season and surprisingly- so has our parents' marriage. (Though many seasons were quite ugly!) They have a lot of things representing their Alma maters, and my kids have taken notice. I have learned it is best not to take sides in such matters, but my children have not. And they have taken sides- much to my dad's delight! The Bigs play 'school' a lot with their animals and after seeing football and cheerleader uniforms in the latest advertisement for Build-a-Bear, they decided they were ready to part with some of their hard earned money. It was time for Jack, Ruby and Duck to become Wolverines! Unfortunately after counting her money, Ali Jane learned that she didn't have enough to purchase Ruby a cheerleader uniform. When she asked me if ...

Today we took the troops to go vote. The Bigs must not have remembered the last election and were curious as to what 'voting' was. I told them that it is when we get to choose who our bosses are. (I wish it were that simple!) The Bigs came with me in my booth and I showed them the paper I had brought with all my choices on it and how to mark a ballot. I am still annoyed that you can't split a ticket in a primary, but as a good mother would and should, I told the Bigs that it is important to read up on every candidate and choose who YOU think would do the best job and not vote for people because they are in a group (aka straight ticket voting!) I will also teach them to respect all members of government (something that I didn't observe other parents doing this last election season) whether or not you agree with them. Wouldn't the world be a better place without all the bickering and nonsense? I am so thankful for DVR so when I do (occasionally) catch a show, I d...

Of course they aren't butterflies, though butterflies make me think of them... (Andrew and Baby E) I laugh because on facebook my updates used to talk so much of me "weeding" and this year I have dropped the ball- or should I say I've dropped the pail (The pail I used to collect my weeds...). Actually, I have been weeding some, but have planted no flowers. (Thank goodness for perennials and potted gifts from students!) Speaking of my overgrown garden, my butterfly bush is out of control!!! But as bad as it is looking right now, I'm glad I didn't cut it back yet. I have one friend that has come and visited quite a bit. I was happy he let me take these pictures. As you and I know, butterflies have that tendency to fly away too soon- but after they're gone you can't help but smile, wonder what it's like to just fly... at least I can't.

This weekend the three B igs had a two night sleepover! Where do you ask did they go??? Joe's room! It was so sweet to me when Ali Jane and Zach came to me and asked if they could spend the night "at Joe's". I smiled and asked Joe if that was ok with him... (of course it was!) Ali Jane and Z weren't the only newcomers to Joe's room... Jack had his friends, Ruby, Duck, Lisa and Raggedy . It was a full house and not only did they bring beds. (Complete with books as headboards) they also brought their own "dressers" with clothes. Thankfully going to sleep was not a problem for them. As I walked away I heard them praying together and it just warmed my heart right up. Sean was already fast asleep and so I had a quiet night of reading. I can take more sleepovers like this one...