Family | Peaches Prattlings

{November 23, 2014} Big Hero 6

Tonight, I had a movie date with two of my favorite movie buddies, EJS and MGS.

We went to see Big Hero 6, the description from imdb.com: The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

It had all the elements of a Disney movie, deceased parents, a hero who doesn’t seem it, who finds himself conflicted between right and wrong, a group of friends who want to help and eventually get through to the hero that s/he doesn’t have to go through anything alone, our loved ones are always with us in our hearts, you can do anything you set your mind to and good will conquer evil. That sounds about right.

At one pont, there was a sad part and EJS asked if there would be a happy ending, I said of course, it’s Disney, animated and a kids movie. There you go.

Boy genious [fourteen and graduated high school at 13], unassuming looking, he and brother are being raised by aunt, quirky friends, weird pet, big bag guy, surprise bad guy! special relationships, big fight scenes, big finish, follow up with happy ending. Sound good?

What is really important is…if you are a Marvel fan, you MUST do two things. Really look at the family portait and stay past the credit to the extra scene at the very end.

Bottom line, a good movie for kids and adults alike.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2245084/?ref_=nv_sr_1

{November 21, 2014} I did it!

I am in the “parent club” again.

You know when you do something and your kid gets embarrassed? Yelling “I love you” at them from across the way at school, kissing them goodbye, existing?

Well, tonight it happened to Me. I picked up EJS from school, everything seemed fine, we drove home and… nothing.

After we get home, I was putting some things away and I heard GES and EJS talking about something that was bothering her, she didn’t want to say anything. I heard GES say if something is bothering you, it won’t get better if you don’t say something.

I walked into the room and looked at GES and pointed to myself, asking if it was me and she nodded. So I looked at EJS and asked what was wrong, she wouldn’t say and walked into the kitchen, I followed. I asked if I did something that embarrassed her and she nodded yes.

Please tell me what it is so I won’t do it anymore, but if you don’t tell me I will keep doing it. She finally told me and we agreed on what I could and could not do in this situation. Done deal.

I’m in the embarrassing parent’s club again! Wahoo, I have arrived!

{November 20, 2014} Don’t gooooooooo

This was the cry from EJS when I was leaving with GES to go to girls night.

What a feeling! “You’re not going are you?” “Yes I am, I’m going with mommy” “But you’re coming right back, right?” “Eventually” “Awe…bbbbuuuttt…” from her sister “I’ll miss you”. And down the stairs we went after kissing the girls goodnight.

At the bottom of the steps, we look up and they are starting to creep, with these sad looks on their faces, down the stairs, GES turns to me and says, this is not for me. Awe, they want me to stay! They’re sad I’m going out for the night! I’m in!

And I have had a giant smile on my face ever since!

{November 15, 2014} A wonderful visit!

Today was a great day!

I had lunch with CS, LB and I got to meet LB’s sister, my granddaughter, Baby L! What a doll baby! The last time I was in Las Vegas, she was “on the inside”! She was born a few days after we left, so this was my first meeting!

When they came to pick me up in the GINORMOUS pickup truck, LB was in the back seat smiling at me, ready to get some lunch. We went over to SLS, f/k/a Sahara hotel and went to a place called 800 Degrees Neopolitan Pizza. We ordered two pizzas, pepperoni for CS and the girls and a pesto, roasted garlic, eggplant and I have to tell you…fan-freaking-tastic!

The great thing was it didn’t take LB very long to warm up to me this time, she was excited to see me, held my hand, you know I love that. At one point, she said she was cold and I gave her my sweater, it was too funny as the sweater is pretty big on me, so you can imagine what it was on her! Then she was done sitting and came to crawl onto my lap and asked me to read her the boook I got for Baby L, Goodnight Colorado, I don’t know if you know the Goodnight Moon series, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodnight_Moon. As soon as I finished, “Read it again, JJ’ and again. Three times was it! After I finished reading, I got the best question “Are you coming to my house to play?” Big sigh. Was I happy? You bet your sweet bippie!!!

We had a great time talking. This was the first time I had the opportunity to have one on one time with CS and it was fantastic. It was fun to chat, catch up on family and day to day stuff, the future and all that’s happening in her life and the family, it felt great. Thank you, I’m looking foward to the next time.

After lunch it was time for dessert, we stopped for gelato, chocolate for LB and her sister and let me tell you, just like all wee tots, they wear it well!

Then it was time to go, CS had to go pick up Uncle Bubba from school and I had to get ready to volunteer for the 5k. “When we drive back to your hotel, would you sit in the back with me and Baby L?” Oh yes! Of course! You know how tickled I was! Sigh! I love that little bit!

When we got to the hotel, I gave everyone kisses and we agreed to FaceTime soon and hopefully see each other soon!

Think JJ had a smile on her face the rest of the night? You betchya!

{November 9, 2014} My weekend in Atlanta

I spent the weekend in Atlanta and now I want to tell you about it. Sit back, this might take a bit…

I already told you about my flight to Atlanta on Thursday, fun, but ended wonderfully. Friday I got up, had breakfast and got to work, had a few calls, then lunch, more work and then I went to the rental property management company office to pick up the key to my house. I then drove to the house only to be thwarted by two medium sized dogs barking at the door, so I messaged the property manager and told her that I would schedule a set time when I come back so they can put the dogs in the garage, oh well. I did get to talk to a neighbor for a bit, she told me the tenants are very nice and they are fitting in well in the neighborhood.

Off I went, back to TS’ house to get some more work done and then we went to a nice Medeterranian restaurant with SF, it was nice to catch up. The service was mediocre, every pot of tea was luke warm, but the food and the company were stellar, so the entire evening was a smashing success. That night, we watched The Call, which you probably read about the other night.

Saturday morning, we went to meet BG at Corner Bakery for breakfast. After breakfast, we went to a consignment shop so she could pick up some things she had there as well as money for stuff she sold, I got the cutest picture of a pair of Chuck Taylor’s, yeah, I know, like I need more stuff with no place to put it!

Then we went to the mall so I could pick up a few things from Victoria’s Secret and then back to my car, I headed out to see JCT and her family where her mom was doing a craft fair. After visiting with them for a bit, I headed to see SDL and Miss A!

We played and snuggled, and walked, what an amazing kid Miss A is! She is growing up so fast! And walking, wow!!! Eventually we went to get some dinner and her favorite Mexican restaurant, which I really enjoy, and I had been craving Mexican. We ate, talked, danced, walked, had a great time. Then back home for bath and bed.

This morning was breakfast and Skype time with SDL’s mom, MomMom, it was great to see her! After breakfast, I headed out to see KAB and baby A, who’s not such a baby anymore! It was so good to see my grandson! He’s one and a half and getting so big! W played and I got hugs and kisses, it was awesome! It was really good to catch up with KAB and J came home and we talked about the game.

I left there and headed downtown to Atlantic Station to do some retail therapy while I waited to meet CKM for dinner in Decatur. I bought a pair of boots and got some holiday shopping done!

Then I headed to The Brickstore Pub in Decatur and CKM showed up and we had a great dinner and caught up, so great to see her! It’s been too long! After dinner, we walked and talked and caught up some more, even better!

Now, I am chilling out, going to crash in a bit and head to Chicago in the morning. You tired after my weekend?

Goodnight!

{November 8, 2014} Just a few things…grrr

Sometimes things happen that annoy you, today there were several.

This morning, I went to breakfast with TS and BG. I looked at the picture on the board of a breakfast sandwich (egg, spinache, avocado panini) yum. (Middle bottom in the photo)

Do you have any fresh fruit? Nope, ok. What was that on the counter and listed on the board? Yup, fresh fruit.

Do you have decaf tea? No, we have sweet and unsweet tea.
My fault, do you have decaf hot tea? Yes, mint, chamomile and something else. Great, I’ll take mint.

When I get to the sugar station…chamomile tea. Good thing I like chamomile.

When it came out, not the same…A teeny sliver of avocado on one half, very little spinach, it wasn’t hot and the bread was way thin.

The sandwich was decent, the tea was tasty and the company…terrific! Saved breakfast.

After brunch, TS and I went to the consignment shop she had things at. I banged my knee twice on the same mirror that was on its side. A beautiful, etched mirror from the 30s with very ornate and sharp pointed things. Ouch! At least we had fun, that helped.

I needed some new skivvies so we went where they sell pretty things. Just so you know…Victoria has no more secrets…I had a few coupons and got what I wanted.

Walked to the counter…the coupon for this expired yesterday, it was only good yesterday from 10-12p. What? Don’t people have to work during the day? The coupon for that is only an online coupon. What? Pook

Go to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. What I want is cooked in water, great. Too salty and I sent it back, they kept it in the check, what? Whatever.

Those were some annoyances and grrr moments, but the day got better. Good company jeeps tremendously!

Breakfast with TS and BG. Then off to see JCT and her family. Her mom had a booth at a craft fair, saw the whole family.

Then on to see SDL and Miss A, the perfect end to my day, sigh.

So, we all deal with annoyances. It’s how you chose to handle them that counts. I smiled, now I’m telling you and it’s done.

Time for sleep, so much to do tomorrow! Goodnight!

{November 5, 2014} Being sick in a hotel…

Is no fun at all!

As my friend ST said, it makes you feel a little more alone. There’s no one checking on you, in person, i had lots of people check on me via text, thank you! No one checking to see if you want or need anything, no one to pat your back and tell you you’re going to be alright. Ok, I know I sound whiney, I’m sick, you’ll get over it!

You know one of the things I like, well, like might not be the right word, but when I’m home and sick, my cats are with me and never leave my side, that is incredibly comforting.It’s their way of taking care of their mommy.

Last night I slept pretty hard, woke up a few times and finally about 7, I woke up, messaged my co-worker and manger telling them I wouldn’t make it in to work today and went back to sleep, or tried to. I spent the rest of the day dozing, the only time I got out of bed was to go to the bathroom and twice I thought a shower would help, it did, the first time was just to stand under the warm water, the second was an actual shower, with soap and shampoo! I felt like a human being again, mostly. And the second time, I put on fresh jammies, that always helps!

I went to sleep achy and woke up that way, not really able to move, but progressively during the day felt a little better and the achy feeling is moving down my body, so that’s better. About 3pm, I messaged my manager to tell him I was upright and see if there was anything he needed me to work on, I could be slightly productive.

The good news is…I talked to GES and everyone is fine at their house! Dad, not so much, but it will run it’s course so I am hopeful for tomorrow!

Thanks for all the good vibes and wishes and I wish you never, ever experience this and if you do…I hope it’s at home where someone will tell you everything will be alright!

{November 3, 2014} What a day!

The day started too early, as always, but that’s a Monday morning for you.

Unfortunately, MGS wasn’t feeling well last night, she had an upset tummy late and even after she…she still felt bad, mommy was there to rub her back and rock her to sleep. She had a few more bouts through the night, poor little bit. When I talked to GES, we both thought at first, it might have been too much candy and junk. Now, we know that’s not the case. Why, you ask? I’ll tell you.

After I kissed EJS and headed to the airport for my flight that had been delayed by 30 minutes, based on the text I had gotten last night, due to crew availability. They can only fly so many hours, so they weren’t allowed to leave until at least 9:30. I waited with everyone else for my turn to get on the plane, United Airlines, back of the plane. After it took forever to take off, the flight was uneventful. [I promise, I’m getting there]. But…since the flight was delayed leaving and so many people had connecting flights, it was oh so pleasant when we landed. First, it took forever to get to the gate, people were actually standing before we got to the gate, standing simply because we were on the ground, as if standing would have gotten the plane to the gate faster. Really people?

I finally got off the plane, about 30 minutes later, got my luggage and hopped in a cab, where the driver wanted to use the GPS on my phone, really?

I sent a text to my dad and sister to let them know I arrived, asked how things were and she was on her way to school to pick up EJS, who was sick at school. I checked on them a few hours later and it turns out everyone in the house was sick! Quarantined! GES and ACS had the shivers and EJS and MGS were sick. GES called the pediatrician and it’s going to be a long cold and flu season. It’s hopefully a 24 hour bug.

I don’t know how, but I got out of the house just in time! I feel terrible about not being there to take care of them, I would hope that if I had been there, I might not get sick, but I probably would.Sending them all good vibes, hugs and love for a speedy recovery!!! Please send them good vibes too!!

{November 1, 2014} Post Halloween – No rest for the tricked or treated!

The day started WAY too early! Especially after GES and I were up all night talking about Christmas movies!

EJS decided she was going to wake me and try to scare me with her orange vampire teeth…eeek! Then it was up for the last soccer game of the season, or so we thought, next week there is a make-up game. The game continued, even after the freezing rain started and I must tell you that EJS is a beast on the field! So very proud of her!

On the way home, stop at the local farmers market for treats! Apple cider donuts, scones and bagels, yum! One donut on the way home of course! At home, get ready for play date number one. Then JS and AS show up to hang out and after a while, dad and I head out to Walmart, I need some tubs for my stuff.

Back home, I drop dad and the stuff, realize I forgot something and headed out and found GES, not that she was lost or anything, but the day after Halloween is a must to shop for deeply discounted stuff for next Halloween, of course! I got home and DB was there with her two adorable kids, N and Baby A, what a couple of doll babies. You know Auntie J loves to play with the babies! This was also play date number two for the day.

JS and ACS came home while we were all visiting and eventually DB and the kids left, then it was time for GES and ACS to get ready for their night out to dinner with friends. About 6:30, it was egg and cheese sandwiches on english muffins for everyone left at home while watching futball and How to Train Your Dragon 2. After the movie it was time for books and bed, there were wee tots ready for sleep!

Lots of laughter of course, especially when I was helping MGS get into her pj’s and she ended up with both legs in one! That resulted in uproarious fits of laughter. And again, EJS was so generous when MGS couldn’t find her “lovey” [something they each have in different colors that they sleep with] and EJS said “That’s ok, I always have a spare!’ What a good big sister!

Eventually the kids were asleep and dad and I hung on the sofa watching bad tv mingled with some sports while I nodded off here and there, thinking about sleeping. After the parents got home, everyone went to bed and guess who “woke up”! Laundry, packing, clearing off the bed. And here it is almost 1am and I’m still talking to you! I am beat!!!

When do we set the clocks back?

Good night!

{October 31, 2014} Happy Halloween!

Oh how I wish I could show you pictures of my fantastically adorable family!

Halloween is such a great day, so much fun! Steeped in a long great history, mystery, fright, fun, color, pumpkins, candy, treat, tricks, costumes, legends, ghost stories, tradition.

If you were raised in the north, do you remember trick-or-treating when it was freezing out and you wore your costume over your snow suit, that plastic outfit and the hard plastic mask that had two small eye holes and teeny nose holes, you couldn’t see or barely breath, but you were so stoked to get the costume, you tried to sleep in it?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacqueline-wilson/halloween-for-kids-in-the-70s-vs-halloween-today_b_5932076.html

I have always loved Halloween, it’s so much fun. When I was with the wasband, even before we got married, we loved to celebrate Halloween. We used to throw the biggest Halloween parties, decorated the house BIG time! There were some kids who didn’t even want to come up the path! It was awesome. Needless to say, love Halloween.

I even sent a note to the tenants renting my house telling them what Halloween was like in my neighborhood, crazy amounts of kids, love it! Need lots of candy!

This was the first year I got to spend Halloween in Boston with my family and it was terrific! One of the joys I have is that I am the Halloween Costume Fairy! I get to get the costumes for EJS, MGS, Miss A, Baby A [I won’t be able to call him that much longer!], LB and her baby sister, L, how lucky am I. And…this year, I even got to buy a costume for my sister!

Miss A was Dorothy and SDL made her wheelchair look like a tornado with the house on top! LB wanted the family to go as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Baby A was Harry Potter! What a bunch of cuties! Want to get on Auntie J/G/JJ’s Halloween Costume Train, you let me know!

So…I asked what the girls wanted to be for Halloween and MGS says she wants to be Elsa from Frozen, EJS wanted to be Olaf, go figure! ACS was going to be Sven, the reindeer and GES was Anna, she had to have a costume. What a great looking family!

Dad picked up EJS early from school and then we took her to karate, a yellow belt needs her practice! Then we picked up pizzas on the way home and waited for everyone to show up. And by everyone, I mean several of the usual cast of fabulous characters! We ate, laughed, light the Shabbat candles, did the blessings over the candles, challah and wine. It’s nice to be with family at this time.

Then it was time for everyone to put on their costumes, if they hadn’t already, and what a sight to see! We had the cast from Frozen, The Incredibles family, a cat, a clown and S&A were a T-Bird and Pink Lady, awesome!

It was time to get out there and go door to door and trick-or-treat! The girls, as they’ve gotten older now go up and down the block and then around the block, so we kind of split off, EJS and I with HS, her dad and PK went to the right and everyone else went to the left.

It was nice walking with the kids trick-or-treating, meeting other families, kids in adorable costumes, so many people said to EJS when she went by “Hi Olaf!” Too funny!

I have tell you about something EJS did and I was so proud of her! A lot of the houses, just like this one, who have younger kids and go out trick-or-treating earlier, will leave out bowls of food, some with a note, some not “Please be courteous and leave candy for other kids”. I’ve never seen that, but so many houses did that and these kids were very respectful and only took a piece or two, didn’t go crazy.

So…my niece…there was a house that had a sign and a bowl and the bowl was empty, what did EJS do? She added a few pieces of candy to the bowl! Is that the most awesome thing you’ve ever heard of? So very proud was I and of course, the family when i told them.

Then it was back to the house to check out the stash, it was great, GES was trying to get through on the walkie talkie and EJS said “Are you done?” GES asked “Are you reviewing your stash?” “Yes” “Oh, ok, got it!”

Then eventually, everyone was back at the house for some snacks and of course, some candy! Reviewing the day, playtime and then off to bed!

Now, it’s about 2am and GES and I have been sitting on the couch watching shows on DVR and now Christmas movies! And reminiscing about all the Christmas movies we love, especially the Hallmark ones, we are addicted! OMG!

What a day it was!I am so excited that I was here to see the costumes in person and go trick-or-treating! It felt good when the girls asked me a few weeks ago if I would be here for Halloween and I could say yes. Here I am!

Happy Happy Halloween! Boo!

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