The last two days have reminded me of how much I love being a Mom. Yesterday afternoon Brett, Cam, Meg and I spent the afternoon together. Our first stop was the pet store as Cosmo and Apollo were both in need of having their nails trimmed. The pigs may not have enjoyed the adventure, but it was fun listening to the Heinisch children talk about their many adventures pets in tow. There was also the typical arguing about songs, movies and televisions shows. No one ever wins these debates, but they sure make a lot of noise trying. We were able to check out the black Friday comic book store sales before heading back. All seemed happy with their purchases. Even trying to find a car wash become a comical adventure for the four of us.
Today the four of us continued our adventures as we went to the matinee performance of the new Disney movie, Frozen. I had my doubts about the movie, but fortunately I was wrong. The movie was a great family film, and all of us were glad that we took the time to see it before Brett heads back to IU. When we got home, Brett's friend Michael was here to visit with him for a couple of hours. It is always nice to have the boys' friends here. Someone is always laughing.
Tonight we witnessed Cal make his debut on the basketball court after two months of rehab. He was only in for two and a half minutes, but it was wonderful to see him be able to run again. He even touched the ball a couple of times and got a shot off before the coach replaced him. Definitely starting to move again - not quite a 100%, but closer. Although I do not think I took a breath the entire time he was in, it was a nice moment to end a great couple of Mom days.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Date Night
Doug and I try to go out alone once or twice a week for a couple of hours to catch up on all that is happening in the Heinisch Home. Sometimes we stop for dinner, other times we go shopping, and in warm weather we always try to include a walk. Tonight, however, date night took on a whole new meaning. On this trip Cal asked us if we could take him and his girlfriend to a movie. I was a little surprised, not that he wanted to go with her to the movie, but that he was alright with us taking them. He is definitely the least likely to share personal information with us, but that seems to be getting a little easier for him this year.
We happily agreed to take them. Although neither were extremely chatty on the way to "Catching Fire," we did get to hear a little about what they have been up to - Black Friday shopping, books they like, etc. Her mom wanted to pick them up from the movie and take them to dinner, so our time together was limited to twenty minutes or so. No matter the time, it was nice to be included, and Doug and I enjoyed our own date night out for dinner.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Black Friday - A Day Early
Since we had the traditional turkey dinner on Sunday with Doug's parents, we decided to make lasagna the staple on this Thanksgiving day. This seemed fine with my Dad as he claimed several times that 90% of all Americans hate turkey anyway. I stayed out of the conversation as I had hit my limits in turkey eating sixteen years ago when I was pregnant with Cal. Something about the fat on the turkey turned my off that day and I have not been able to stomach it since. Cal and Brett, however, did point out to my Dad that turkey sandwiches are offered everyday on their high school cafeteria lunch, so someone has to like turkey. I think then someone mention that 79% of stair accidents happen on the stairs and the conversation ended in laughter.
We had an enjoyable afternoon. Brett was able to take a few Michael Myers pictures revolving around the Thanksgiving table. Cal worked on an IU puzzle and joined in several games of pool. I talked everyone into playing Pit - a new family favorite. Meg spent time on the computer. My Dad retold a story that I had heard many times over about a cat, flea powder and a pillowcase that does not end well for the cat. I didn't realize that the rest of the Heinisch family had not heard the story. Even Doug had a hard time composing himself after that one.
The late afternoon conversation revolved around our plans for the rest of the day. Some wanted to see a movie - Frozen. Others wanted to hangout at Grandma's and Meg and I desperately wanted to join in the Thanksgiving Day - Black Friday shopping that was beginning at 8 p.m. After a lot of deliberation, a plan was made - Cal and Cam were going to hang out at Grandma's playing Uno with them. Doug, Brett, Meg and I were going to head to University Park Mall.
Don't know what was more fun, watching Cal carry his puzzle over to his Grandma's or watching all of the people at the mall. Either way it ended up being a great evening. Meg was able to find some awesome clothes and headphones at Hollister's all of which were 50% off, plus, Chilly, the snowman, on sale at the Disney Store. I absolutely love what I bought at Yankee Candle, all on sale as well. Brett, of course, bought a book, and with Doug's 20% off, also got a great deal. The only disappointment of the night was the lack of restaurants open on this busy evening. Luckily, leftovers a plenty awaited us at home.
We had an enjoyable afternoon. Brett was able to take a few Michael Myers pictures revolving around the Thanksgiving table. Cal worked on an IU puzzle and joined in several games of pool. I talked everyone into playing Pit - a new family favorite. Meg spent time on the computer. My Dad retold a story that I had heard many times over about a cat, flea powder and a pillowcase that does not end well for the cat. I didn't realize that the rest of the Heinisch family had not heard the story. Even Doug had a hard time composing himself after that one.
The late afternoon conversation revolved around our plans for the rest of the day. Some wanted to see a movie - Frozen. Others wanted to hangout at Grandma's and Meg and I desperately wanted to join in the Thanksgiving Day - Black Friday shopping that was beginning at 8 p.m. After a lot of deliberation, a plan was made - Cal and Cam were going to hang out at Grandma's playing Uno with them. Doug, Brett, Meg and I were going to head to University Park Mall.
Don't know what was more fun, watching Cal carry his puzzle over to his Grandma's or watching all of the people at the mall. Either way it ended up being a great evening. Meg was able to find some awesome clothes and headphones at Hollister's all of which were 50% off, plus, Chilly, the snowman, on sale at the Disney Store. I absolutely love what I bought at Yankee Candle, all on sale as well. Brett, of course, bought a book, and with Doug's 20% off, also got a great deal. The only disappointment of the night was the lack of restaurants open on this busy evening. Luckily, leftovers a plenty awaited us at home.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thanksgiving Break
Cameron couldn't wait for Thanksgiving break to start today. He even told his teacher that he might get picked up early this afternoon. I hated to burst his bubble, but he made it through the day and jumped in my van at 3:05. Meg was even glad to have a break from school. She finished "Little Town on the Prairie" and wanted to have some time to read "These Happy Golden Years." I couldn't blame her for that. Although all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books are great reads, those two are definitely the best.
We made our end of the week stop at Casey's for drinks and snacks. The next hour was spent in everyone's least favorite way - picking up. They house, however, looked fabulous when Doug got home at 5:15. I even had time to polish the granite countertops. There was a caveat at the end of our quick cleaning session - Cal had promised to bring home some of the Varsity basketball players for a game of Risk with Cam, Brett and even Doug if they needed a sixth. Cam could think of nothing else.
Cal did not disappoint him. At 6 p.m. four of Cal's friends stopped by the Heinisch Home for a night of game playing. Unfortunately, Sam didn't check with his Mom first, so when he called home, she informed him that there was a houseful of Clarks awaiting his return. Thus, his stay was short lived. That still left David, Jayce and Cal to battle Brett, Cam and Doug in a game of total world domination.
Meg and I had decided to sit out the game playing by reading and catching up on bill paying. We took breaks several times to watch a movie or chat about Laura and Almanzo. Doug ordered pizza for all and dinner seemed to be well appreciated. Unfortunately for Cam, he was the first one out. According to him he had the worst Risk strategy ever. David was the next one out but made it quite a bit longer. Definitely the quiet one of the bunch, we appreciated his politeness as he thanked us several times for including him.
While the game playing in the basement continued, Meg, Cam and I were able to get in a few rounds of UNO. Cam kicked our butts, but we didn't complain to loudly. During this time we received several updates from the Risk group. Brett finally gave up as he felt it was leading to a stalemate. Cal was the next one out and by ten o'clock Doug and Jayce agreed to call it a draw, but not without a lot of loud banter seeping through the Heinisch walls.
Overall, it was a lot of fun. Definitely, a great way to start our Thanksgiving vacation. I can see now why Cam wanted to day to start early.
We made our end of the week stop at Casey's for drinks and snacks. The next hour was spent in everyone's least favorite way - picking up. They house, however, looked fabulous when Doug got home at 5:15. I even had time to polish the granite countertops. There was a caveat at the end of our quick cleaning session - Cal had promised to bring home some of the Varsity basketball players for a game of Risk with Cam, Brett and even Doug if they needed a sixth. Cam could think of nothing else.
Cal did not disappoint him. At 6 p.m. four of Cal's friends stopped by the Heinisch Home for a night of game playing. Unfortunately, Sam didn't check with his Mom first, so when he called home, she informed him that there was a houseful of Clarks awaiting his return. Thus, his stay was short lived. That still left David, Jayce and Cal to battle Brett, Cam and Doug in a game of total world domination.
Meg and I had decided to sit out the game playing by reading and catching up on bill paying. We took breaks several times to watch a movie or chat about Laura and Almanzo. Doug ordered pizza for all and dinner seemed to be well appreciated. Unfortunately for Cam, he was the first one out. According to him he had the worst Risk strategy ever. David was the next one out but made it quite a bit longer. Definitely the quiet one of the bunch, we appreciated his politeness as he thanked us several times for including him.
While the game playing in the basement continued, Meg, Cam and I were able to get in a few rounds of UNO. Cam kicked our butts, but we didn't complain to loudly. During this time we received several updates from the Risk group. Brett finally gave up as he felt it was leading to a stalemate. Cal was the next one out and by ten o'clock Doug and Jayce agreed to call it a draw, but not without a lot of loud banter seeping through the Heinisch walls.
Overall, it was a lot of fun. Definitely, a great way to start our Thanksgiving vacation. I can see now why Cam wanted to day to start early.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Happy Birthday Grandma Jane!
Today is Grandma Jane's 70th birthday. We celebrated with her on Sunday and gave her a gift (a photo album recaping a year in the Heinisch home.) Today Brett and I took lunch over to her and played Qwirkle with her and Grandpa Cutes. It was a lot of fun, even though Grandpa won. According to Cal that hasn't happened since 2012.
My Mom spent her birthday evening at a high school ball game. Cal wasn't able to play in the JV game because of his ankle, but they went to support him and his teammates. On the way back they stopped to pick up Cameron. Another Tuesday night means another night at Grandma's.
I have to believe that it was a great day for her. She got to spend time with her grandchildren. They love doing things with her and she feels the same way. We appreciate her help with our daily routine. She may complain about getting old, and Cameron may tease her about being 74, but no matter her age she is an important part of the Heinisch children's lives. Happy Birthday Grandma Jane!!
My Mom spent her birthday evening at a high school ball game. Cal wasn't able to play in the JV game because of his ankle, but they went to support him and his teammates. On the way back they stopped to pick up Cameron. Another Tuesday night means another night at Grandma's.
I have to believe that it was a great day for her. She got to spend time with her grandchildren. They love doing things with her and she feels the same way. We appreciate her help with our daily routine. She may complain about getting old, and Cameron may tease her about being 74, but no matter her age she is an important part of the Heinisch children's lives. Happy Birthday Grandma Jane!!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Hanging Out With Brett
I hustled home from school today at 11:30 a.m. to catch up with Brett. We decided to head to Wal-Mart and see what was on sale there. Before we shopped, however, we stopped at Burger King for lunch. I hadn't been to that particular one since the oldest Heinisch two were small enough to have fun in the play place. Unlike those trips many years ago, our topics of conversation today ranged from the hundreds of pop choices now offered at this particular restaurant, to religion, and then on to politics. I love talking with Brett and picking his brain on several hot button issues. He definitely has some strong opinions and I have to keep current on the news or I can't even began to follow along. The trip to the store ended mostly with food purchases for our house and for school tomorrow. Nothing too eventful, but I did find a new doorbell for the basement and Brett enjoyed browsing the electronic section.
After the library board meeting tonight, Brett, Cam, Doug and I headed to the table for several rounds of pit. What a fun game to play, but unlike most card games, there is too much trading and shuffling of hands to talk much. Brett was able, however, to fill us in our everything else going on at IU and in the news in between hands. It has been so much fun having him home. Tomorrow night we have a hot game of Monopoly planned after the JV basketball game. I had better start strategizing now or I will never have a chance with Brett and Cam both playing.
After the library board meeting tonight, Brett, Cam, Doug and I headed to the table for several rounds of pit. What a fun game to play, but unlike most card games, there is too much trading and shuffling of hands to talk much. Brett was able, however, to fill us in our everything else going on at IU and in the news in between hands. It has been so much fun having him home. Tomorrow night we have a hot game of Monopoly planned after the JV basketball game. I had better start strategizing now or I will never have a chance with Brett and Cam both playing.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving
OK, so it isn't technically Thanksgiving, but we had a wonderful time celebrating today. Carl and Jeanette were able to make it out for a visit which made our dinner even better. There was a lot of food - turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, etc, courtesy of Doug and Carl. My Mom added in some great finger foods, noodles and desserts. Besides our family and parents, Aunt Jan and Uncle Lee were even able to make it down to join in the festivities.
We all had a great time catching up and sharing stories before dinner. The after dinner activities revolved around games of pool for the active and the movie Robin Hood for the resting. It was fun to use our china. With the new glass hutch part of our kitchen now, I hope to use it quite a bit more for family get togethers.
Doug had purchased the game Pit when we were shopping a couple of weeks ago. He hadn't played in years, and I am not sure that I really ever knew how to play, although I remember ringing the bell. Brett, Dad, Doug, Cam and I tested it out after cleanup and had a great time. Doug, of course was the big winner, but it made for lots of laughs.
The guests started to trickle out one by one until only Cal's friend, Sam, was left. He didn't technically come over for the Thanksgiving celebration, but to work on a Lord of the Flies project with Cal. We enjoyed their banter and stories of their weekend adventures as they finished off the pumpkin pie.
As we now watch the movie "The Shining" with Brett - his new tradition horror movies for Thanksgiving break, I can't help but feel blessed. It was a great day, full of festivities, conversation and lots of laughs. Who could ask for anything more during this time of year?
We all had a great time catching up and sharing stories before dinner. The after dinner activities revolved around games of pool for the active and the movie Robin Hood for the resting. It was fun to use our china. With the new glass hutch part of our kitchen now, I hope to use it quite a bit more for family get togethers.
Doug had purchased the game Pit when we were shopping a couple of weeks ago. He hadn't played in years, and I am not sure that I really ever knew how to play, although I remember ringing the bell. Brett, Dad, Doug, Cam and I tested it out after cleanup and had a great time. Doug, of course was the big winner, but it made for lots of laughs.
The guests started to trickle out one by one until only Cal's friend, Sam, was left. He didn't technically come over for the Thanksgiving celebration, but to work on a Lord of the Flies project with Cal. We enjoyed their banter and stories of their weekend adventures as they finished off the pumpkin pie.
As we now watch the movie "The Shining" with Brett - his new tradition horror movies for Thanksgiving break, I can't help but feel blessed. It was a great day, full of festivities, conversation and lots of laughs. Who could ask for anything more during this time of year?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)