Interplanet Janet and Her Galaxy Girls

2009-04-11T17:25:00.001-04:00

For my sister and other math geeks (I do not apply as I understand none of this). Renee and Carol eat your heart out!

2009-02-12T14:08:00.003-05:00

It is hopeless--Emma will be a fun-loving nerd out to save the planet. She got 2 Harry Potter books and a Dragonology book for her birthday. She was sad we wouldn't take her to a State Radio concert on Friday. And she's currently trying to raise money for CAPS, a group she's in at school. CAPS stands for Children Actively Promoting Social Change. It is hopeless.

2009-01-28T20:34:00.002-05:00

You should not play leap frog on the couch. As adults we know this, but as children, we apparently need to learn the hard way. Unfortunately, that usually involves a trip to the ER and some sort of external means of holding your head together. Why do the young not learn from the wisdom of the old?

Esther opened her head for the second time in her short life by making a course change after colliding mid-air with her much larger sister. This one required staples as opposed to stitches and much less blood (Esther's), sweat (mine), and tears. If you are ever fortunate enough to visit the ER late at night with a busted up child, please be aware that it usually requires the following things:

1. No pants--Despite having a fully clothed upper body including a fleece pullover, the lower half is mysteriously disrobed

2. Blood stains on the newest, often expensive, clothing they own

3. A guilty (looking?) sibling

4. Some sort of doctoring on your part--such as hold this topical anesthetic on her wound or hold her down while we wrap her in this straight jacket and stitch her not quite numb head

5. Ruining a perfectly good evening of watching movies before a Monday holiday

2009-01-14T10:03:00.003-05:00

If you'd like to support a great cause and possibly win a great prize, then buy a raffle ticket to support Everybody Wins! Atlanta. All donations are tax deductible and support our literacy programs designed to give children the skills they need to succeed in life. Click on "Raffle" on the website to show your support!

2008-12-20T21:15:00.002-05:00

It is that time of year to catch everyone up on our annual happenings. Not being Christmas letter people, I thought I would let Shaun sum up our year in his favorite form of expression:

Two Thousand and Eight
A bunch of stuff happened here
Still just 2 kids. Phew!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all!

2008-12-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

It is Christmas time, and many of us feel the tug to give back at this time of year. One of the easiest ways to do this is by dropping some spare change in one of the Salvation Army's Red Kettles. Yes, you might be annoyed by the bell every year, but in 2007 that bell raised $118 million dollars to help feed and clothe those in need. Pretty powerful with just your pocket change.

If you are really feeling generous, pick up an extra hot chocolate on your next Starbucks run and give it to the Bell Ringer. All are volunteers helping to make a difference--often in the very cold weather. Happy Holidays!

2008-12-01T13:05:00.002-05:00

Things I am thankful for:
My husband who has as much a bleeding heart as I do and agreed to help my dad move my demented grandfather 400 miles to a new home;
My children who actually paid attention long enough in church to want to do something to help children in Africa (we're still working on the what);
My mom who listened to me complain about my washer/dryer breaking even though someone had just plowed into their car parked in front of their house;
My dad who deserves a medal for all the crap he's had to deal with lately;
My sister who picks up my kid at school when she misses the bus;
My other sister who reminds me why we work so hard for other people's children;
My brother who makes me laugh--even though sometimes I don't think he means for me to;
My friends who expect nothing more from me than to hang out in their kitchen (or my couch or wherever) drinking and cracking jokes;
My coworkers who challenge me to be better everyday;
The many people I meet randomly who remind me that everyone has a story and can teach me something.

Better late than never--Happy Thanksgiving to all!

2008-11-10T11:19:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, I took a new job with a non-profit called Everybody Wins! Atlanta. I have worked for them for 2 years in the position of School Coordinator and now move into Program Coordinator. Real office, real hours, real work. Very excting!

This is a great organization working to bridge the literacy gap for low-income students. As with any non-profit, you can get involved by giving a donation (much needed in this economy!) or give your time volunteering to read to students once-a-week. We need both so check it out!

2008-07-21T19:28:00.003-04:00

I'm going to Scottsdale, AZ. I've never been and I'm excited. Anyone know anything to do? This trip is free--I won a sort of "employee of the month/quarter" at West Elm called Catch the Spirit. Believe me, the cheerleading jokes were numerous (many coming from Shaun of course) and there were spirit-fingers all around. But honestly, it is really cool because I am one of only 4 West Elm employees chosen nationwide and much of my time will be free to hang by the pool and visit the spa.

So, again I ask, anyone have recommendations for Scottsdale in August?

2008-07-16T21:16:00.002-04:00

Back to school! And finally at the same school!

2007-10-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

I have been working really hard on getting an event together for a new foundation board that I am on--the Centennial Place School Foundation. We recently had to reschedule the event--which means prolonging the work. If you are interested in seeing what it is all about or reading more about the foundation go to:

www.cpschoolfoundation.org

Warning: the website is early in its development.

2007-10-11T09:06:00.000-04:00

We finally got our new car! Actually we've had it for a month, but I've been too busy to post. Yes, it is red--really, really primary red. Interesting since we said specifically--NOT red. But we waited 7 weeks for it--no going back. At least you can't miss us!

2007-09-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs an Andrea...

2007-08-30T19:15:00.000-04:00

It's so hot--even the squirrels don't know what to do...

It's hard to see but the squirrel is stretched out between two limbs in the tree trying to cool off in the shade. The heat wave finally broke--it is now only around 90 after spending several weeks around 100. I mean I know this is the south but come on already!

2007-07-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

Emma broke her elbow.

She says Esther did it.

2007-06-27T00:08:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be very hard watching my kids play sports. I lived in fear of becoming one of those crazed, screaming sideline parents. I had this fear because I am incredibly competitive. Lucky for me, this competition seems to be all self-directed and doesn't seem to be exercised on my kids. Too much.

Emma is not competitive. She wants everyone to be happy and friendly. She wants to hug everyone after a game/race/etc. She wants to stop and smell the roses while everyone else is trampling them to be line leader. Then she started swim team. It is her first direct competition with another person. And she has been finishing last--not so last as to be pitiful or out of her league. She just misses it a little each time. But tonight she finally beat someone--from her own team--and she feels good. Maybe a little too good...

2007-06-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

This is about cars and babies.

These things might not seem to really go together. But they are two things that have been on my mind lately and continue to come up--sometimes in the same context: we have been looking for a new car. For those of you who have been around us, you know that this can not happen too soon as our car is slowly dying (and in fact did yesterday though Shaun is working right now to resurrect it). This week we test drove and looked over the car that we will be getting. As Shaun is looking it over and seeing the various features, he says "And it has the latches for a car seat." My response: "For the baby we will be having?". "No," he says quickly, "in case we have to take Benjamin anywhere." Benjamin is our friends' third child. Why we would be taking him around in our car and not his two sisters who are friends of Esther's, I do not know. Shaun is sending me mixed messages. He knows I want another baby and he says things like this to me!

Does anyone sympathize with my plight!?!

2007-06-22T00:07:00.001-04:00

It is summer break. And even though ours is short, or maybe because it is, we are taking it easy. The absolute best thing about being a stay at home mom is summer vacation. I'm like a kid again when I think about going to the pool and eating ice cream bought from a truck! The house is a mess, we always have towels draped over the front railings, we lay around half naked because of the heat. I wouldn't have it any other way!

2007-06-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

We are back from vacation in Williamsburg, VA. If Virginia is for lovers, than Williamsburg is designed to entertain the children they produce.

Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation!

2007-05-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

Things that make me happy right now:

1. That Esther got into pre-K! It meant Shaun had to camp out for 16 hours but we got in. This means no more paying for preschool which leads to #2:

2. We are finally buying a new car. While this doesn't really make me happy (more like angry), I'm glad we have made a decision especially since I keep thinking I'm going to leave the front half of my car behind every time I go anywhere.

3. That Publix now has store-brand organic milk. I buy lots of organic products, belong to a CSA, and generally consider myself an environmentalist however I couldn't really afford organic milk since we go through a gallon every 2-3 days and it costs $6/gallon. But the store brand changes everything. Plus I tend to be a store brand sort of person because I have a hard time knowing my money is going into vast marketing tools of necessities and development of more corn-based products.

4. In the same vein, Kroger now offers a much more extensive store line of organics. Go us!

5. That I am going camping with the girl scouts this weekend! I remember my first campout and I am eager to spread the love to girls who live in the city.

2007-03-18T14:33:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Us! Happy Birthday to Us!

The birthday marathon is officially over. After 3 birthdays in 4 weeks, I'm beat. But we had fun:
Emma is 7. She had a circus party!
Esther is 4. She had (another) princess party!
Shaun is 33. He drank heavily and lamented his passing years!

2007-02-22T22:57:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! After many weeks of cold weather--with no snow I might add--it looks like Spring is finally going to arrive in Georgia. Remember--we can usually count on it being around 60 this time of year.

I took a walk, we went to the park, we are going again tomorrow. I must say that if it wasn't for the springs, I probably wouldn't still be in the ATL.

2007-02-01T22:35:00.000-05:00

Everyone has to admit that they are still a little in awe of firemen even as an adult. It is still cool to watch them and they have a certain aura (of course now I can talk to them and find out they are normal people--as with many things, maybe we should just view from afar).

So we had an enjoyable day recently when the fire department came to do some training next door. The two houses next door to us were purchased and slated for demolition. The developer donated the houses to the fire department for training. The first day they came and did a few little things like cutting holes in roofs and chopping out windows. "That was cool", I thought and went about my business. Emma took pictures.

The real action happened a few days later when a huge crew came back for the real fun. After planting several dummies in the houses, they carefully collapsed the houses around them and then sent the trainees in to find the dummies.

The neighbors couldn't figure out what was going on. The news crews hovered over trying to determine if anything news-worthy was going on. Fun was had by all (including the firemen)!

Of course now we just need the developer to come clean up the mess. . .

Good work boys!

2007-01-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

A new year. A new me.
New Year's Resolutions abound. Most people resolve to lose weight or get organized (I asked for that for Christmas, so I am ahead of the game). I resolve to blog more! The fall was too busy and I got out of the habit! So Happy New Year. Here is 2006 in review for all those visiting for the first time or who have no idea what is happening in our lives:

As for any year, 2006 had highlights and lowlights but was a normal year if you can call anything normal around here! (Quite of bit of this is covered in the archives--including pics!)

Esther started out the year on a high note by falling and busting her head open on our hearth tile. So on my first kid visit to the ER, I got to hold her down while they stitched her up. Now all her self-portraits include a slash across her forehead for her boo-boo. We also started what has turned out to the be the very long process of trying to get her into speech therapy. Still working on it, but she is making great progress. This year included her 3rd birthday at the park, the continuation of gymnastics classes, the beginning of dance classes, and her start at a formal preschool. She goes twice a week to preschool immediately next door to Emma's elementary school and goes once a week to our neighborhood co-op. Although she is still a bit quiet, she loves school and everyone loves her (who wouldn't!). She is a wiz at letters, writing, and anything requiring fine motor skills. Her speech has improved dramatically! She also has her first loose tooth--only because she got hit in the mouth--but thinks it is great! Now she is eagerly anticipating yet another princess birthday party and finally being 4. Apparently, when you turn 4 you magically like spinach, don't like carrots, and get to go to school every day. Who knew that 4 was SO grown up!

Emma started her year in kindergarten and ended it in 1st grade going on high school. Kindergarten went well--she loved her teachers and had a wonderful year-end "graduation" including singing, dancing, and dressing up! February saw a "Narnia" birthday party complete with costumes and treasure hunt to Narnia as well as the first tooth lost. By the end of the year, she had lost 4 and had another 3 threatening to jump any day now. She has grown at least 3 inches in the last year. I will lament further on the growing up of my baby--she can't decide whether she wants to watch Dragon Tales or The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. She owns both "High School Musical" and "Molly: An American Girl Movie". Emma enjoyed the summer--both zoo camp (again) and swimming (her favorite sport). She played soccer both spring and fall. Undefeated in spring, almost completely defeated in fall. She loves 1st grade and has her first "crush". She finished off the year trying out and getting a spot in our school's production of the musical "The Wiz" and losing the coveted spot of Mary in the church pagent. She was a wise man which turned out to be way better--a sparkly costume and crown, a pretty box to carry, and the last kid in which meant a prime spot up front.

Shaun is still hard at work with the neighborhood. He escaped being pulled back into the presidency and is still Vice President. It does not seem to have affected his workload but takes him out of the direct crossfire. He will soon unveil the neighborhood's latest project--the 14th Street Streetscape plan. 14th Street is a major thoroughfare (and state highway) that cuts through the heart of our neighborhood. Speaking of our neighborhood--it continues to change. Atlantic Station has introduced a new element, midtown is changing dramatically around us, the west side is beginning to make its mark--we will see how it all plays out! Shaun also continues to take on new and exciting projects at work. He had a number of new express bus lines open around the metro area. All seem to be very popular with suburban commuters looking for ways to get our of their cars! He is also working on the outer perimeter project (a big deal in metro ATL). He loves his work (how GREAT is that!) and continues to bike to work. He also volunteers at church as a kindergarten Sunday school teacher and does presentations at Emma's school about pedestrian safety.

As for me, this year has brought a lot of changes and 2007 poses many more. After staying home for years, I now receive paychecks from 3 different places. Last year, I began working "for the holidays" at a furniture store called West Elm owned by Williams-Sonoma. I am still there and will be as long as I enjoy it. So, if you get gifts from Pottery Barn, W-S, or WE you'll know why--I get a great discount. I also started working part-time at Emma's school as a Parent Volunteer Coordinator. This led to another opportunity to coordinate a reading program called Everybody Wins! at the school. Volunteers from surrounding businesses come to read to "at risk" students during their lunch time. This all meshes with my other volunteer efforts at the school as PTA Fundraising Chair (I have raised over $35,000 to date) and Parent Rep to the Local School Council (an elected 2-year term). This year will probably see another change in my employment status or at least more juggling what I do now--I say "Bring it On!!"

As a family, we took a number of trips. First, our annual Spring Break trip to visit Rachel and Cheryl in PC bringing home lots of strawberries. I also got to make a special trip down again in May for a surprise 30th birthday party for Rachel--she was actually really surprised which is saying something if you know Rachel. We also headed up to Binghamton in June to see the Green family and have a little reunion for Shaun's cousin's graduation. On our way back, we headed through Pennsylvania (hello Hershey factory!) to Washington, DC for a few days. We stayed with my cousin Camille (and Jay and Isabele) in their lovely home. Despite their busy schedule, they made us feel very at home and we had a great time exploring the city with the girls. We also saw our great friends Mike and Shirin. From there we went home with some camping along the way. Summer included lots of swimming and then back to school in July (remember, Emma is year-round). In August, I got to go on my annual girls' trip--this time to Seattle and right before my birthday. During fall break, we headed to Aruba for the first time in several years. We came back very rested and fairly tan! Thanksgiving was here with Shaun's parents. Christmas here with my family--Santa was great and brought scooters for both girls (best gift ever!). New Year's in Boston!

So I was looking over last year's blog posts and came across one complaining about all my appliances falling apart right before Christmas. As it turned out, we did not have to replace those appliances. But I will continue to hold that the theory still stands. This year the car fell apart right before Christmas and required lots of money flying out the window just to make it driveable. I should make a note of it for next year--"Something will require large amounts of money right before Christmas. Plan!"

Hope the new year is treating you well so far. We look forward to seeing you soon. Love and kisses to all.

Oh, and by the way, it wouldn't be a normal year if we weren't adding a new pet at the holidays. We now have a new frog, actually a tadpole at this point, named Spots. I don't do frogs so we'll see how long this one lives!

Happy 2007!

2006-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:00

Wow! I haven't posted in a while and so much has happened.

Let me tell you the woes of being a PTA mom. I am the new Fundraising Chair this year. Fun right? Especially with the constant reminders that we don't have as much football parking (a BIG money generator for us) and that everyone's budget relies on what I bring in. No pressure.

What has happened since July 5:

1. Emma started school (July 17)
2. Emma lost 2 more teeth and has a large gap in the front of her face
3. Started work two days a week at CPE
4. Kicked off major Sally Foster fundraiser
5. Esther started preschool and loves it
6. Shaun left me alone for a week with the children--Esther got Roseola, Emma got a stomach virus (though Shaun was home for that--Thank God!)
7. Trying to wrap up above mentioned major fundraiser
8. STILL working on upstairs bathroom

That's about it--doesn't sound like much unless you live it. We will survive to fight another day!