Christmas Magic

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas, and this is a good thing seeing as Christmas is 1 week AWAY.  I love this magical time of year!  We have been having a blast getting ready for the holidays.

One of my favorite things we have been doing is driving around the neighborhoods looking at the Christmas lights.  Hearing the "oohs, and ahhs, and that's so pretty, look on my side, look at this and that" have totally brought a huge smile to my face.  Listening to Christmas Music while we do this, brings my picture perfect, Hallmark movie dream come to life.  Only thing that is missing is the hot chocolate.  We have a week, right?!?!

Boys love looking for Ellie every morning.  I love how they get up to her and talk to her and ask her why she's in that spot.  Oh the magic.

We saw Santa at my work Christmas party and Austin and John David were so excited.  Santa even held John David and John was touching his nose, his beard and just had the biggest smile on his face.

We will be making reindeer food on Christmas Eve so that we can sprinkle it outside so Rudolph and the gang know where to stop.  Thank you, Pinterest for helping with some great ideas.

We have made candy canes and mittens out of paper and have used glitter, yes, I know glitter, am I crazy, No, just in the Christmas spirit.  And we even made superhero and cool Christmas ornaments.

Christmas cards have been mailed out.  I just love getting Christmas cards and I love sending ours out too.  I love showing our friends and family a little Artinghelli cheer.

New this year, we adopted a boy and bought a few presents for him through the boys school.  This is something I want to continue, giving to those who are less fortunate than we are!  It will teach the boys as well.

I love cheesy Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies, JUST LOVE THEM! And I love my husband who is putting up with a few of them.  One was pretty bad, and I was okay with stopping it, but Kevin kept it on for me.  That's love!  And thank you, Kevin, for not deleting the extra ones that I will watch without you.  Now, to get some tv time by myself ;-) hmmm.  It's okay to make some plans on a Saturday night with Vince if you want ;-)

Kevin and I still need to take the boys out so they can shop for each other.  I love this tradition!  The only problem with it, and we've seen this from birthday presents we have bought for friends, is they can't keep a secret, they are SO excited.  I'm sure the first thing they will do is run and tell each other.  I bought Grandma a present and it was on our counter and John David took it and was about to run upstairs and show her!  I had to hold him back! Silly boy.

I'd like to thank my boys for bringing the Christmas magic back.  I can't wait to see their faces light up as we prepare for the big guy to arrive next week and see what they got.

Happenings

So much is happening with the Artinghelli's!  I know it's been a long time since my last blog update so here is an update.

The Artinghelli's are heading to Disney!  Yes, I can't wait.  The annual SHRM conference is there in June so we decided to plan our trip around that!  Boys might be a little young for a lot of the rides but I think we will have a great time.  Morgan will be 8 at the time and she is coming too, and I think she is at the perfect age.  So, since I have my work trip, I will be flying!  Everyone else will be driving!  We rented a house there, and it looks like a lot of fun.  It has a pool, movie theater, park nearby, perfect for the boys when we aren't at the parks.   I think Uncle John and Grandma are super excited too. The only problem.....we have to wait 7 months!!!!  I saw a lot of Pinterest ideas that will help to lessen the costs and make our trip more Magical! Wahoo!

So most of you probably saw from my posts that the boys are at a new daycare!  It's for the best, I know, but I'm still upset at what happened.   I don't mind an increase, really, I expect it, I know costs go up.  However, when you give an increase of $185 more than what you pay per week, that's RIDICULOUS!   I mean, who has that much more a week. Someone mentioned, that if it  was worth it, you'd pay, I'm wondering if a place you thought was worth it, would pull an increase like that.  Would a place give you an increase on Wednesday and expect you to pay it on the very next Monday, I think not.  Not very good business practice if you ask me.  The new daycare is going great so far. Both are adapting pretty well.  John David is as happy as a clam. Austin is learning all the new rules, and they definitely have more rules than the other place.  Austin has always had a hard time with change.

Kevin starts a new job on on Monday.  He got a great offer from a company called JC Restoration and decided to leave All State for this opportunity.  He is so very excited about this company.  Everyone in the industry knows this company and says he'll love it there.  So here's to a new start!  So proud of you, Kevin and Congratulations!!!!!!

Boys are super excited about Christmas.  Yes, we have our Christmas Tree up.  Normally, I wouldn't have it up before Thanksgiving, but since there is 1 week in between and the boys were asking for it, we decided to start the magic early!  I didn't even have to do much.  Put the tree up and the boys and Morgan went to town on putting the ornaments on.  It's a pretty tree, says Austin!  He is also trying to talk Kevin into putting lights outside.  We are driving home and he says, "we need lights too"  "it's so beautiful"  That kid, I love him so much, and he says the sweetest things, but he has been driving me nuts with the "NO!" and the not listening.   Hoping to get through this quickly. 

I'm running in my last race of the season on the 14th.  It's called the Jingle Run and it's in Chicago.  It's going to be so festive!  Everyone dresses up in their Christmas attire and Christmas music plays.  It's going to be fun and COLD!  Hoping not too cold. 

Michigan Trip and other happenings

So we just got back from our trip  to Ann Arbor, Michigan, the home of the Michigan Wolverines, aka, Kevin's absolute favorite team!  We had a blast, and the boys did much better than we anticipated, and we learned oh so much about them!

The car ride wasn't too bad, thank goodness for technology, our iPad and iPhone.  Not only could they watch a couple of shows, but they also played games.  They love the memory and puzzle games.  We stopped for lunch and Austin fell asleep about 15 minutes before we arrived. John David held strong all of the way.  The boys were so excited to go swimming in the big pool they had!  Kevin and I were disappointed that there was no hot tub.  There used to be, the outline was still there.  Bummer. Even though we have a pool in the backyard, the boys thought it was so cool that there was a pool in "our house."  They thought our hotel was our Go Blue house, too funny.  They LOVED seeing all of the Michigan Logos, they would yell "Go Blue".  I think that made Kevin's week!!!!  We learned a lot about our boys.  We knew John David sings, but that kid sings ALL THE TIME.  We would be just walking down the hall way and there he goes, singing, In the car, in the pool, in the restaurant, anywhere.  And we learned that Austin likes to cuddle at night in bed.  Kevin was so excited to cuddle with him all night.  Both boys like to sleep on angles, doesn't make for a peaceful night sleep, but hey, at least they are little.    The first night, we fell asleep at 8:00 with the boys.  One it was an exhausting day, but two, we didn't know WHAT to do in a dark hotel room.  The second night went a little differently.  We got both boys to sleep, then Kevin and I met up in the hall next to the bathroom.  We watched 2 episodes of our new favorite show, Scandal, on the iPad and shared a Pumpkin Muffin from Starbucks.  We were very very quiet as we didn't want to wake the boys.

All in all it was a good trip.  It was great seeing Su and her cute baby bump and we all enjoyed driving around Kevin's favorite place. It makes me look forward to trips to come now that we have one under our belt.

Other happenings.

Austin is saying NOOOOO all dramatic.  It reminds me of Hoops and Yoyo.  They are hysterical little Halmark greeting guys.   It's soooo annoying but makes me laugh all the time.  So Austin has finally moved up to the 4 year old room at daycare.  They have been trying to get him to go but he's been crying about going, saying he doesn't want to leave his brother (awww tear). But now he likes it and has been in there for most of the week.  They have homework in that room.  Seriously!?!  Can't believe it, my first baby is growing up.  They have a letter of of the week and are practicing writing among other things.  I'm so amazed by all of the things he knows.

John David is obsessed with cutting paper.  He loves to color, cut and glue.  He's such a creative little guy.  He cuts a whole in a piece of paper, askes me to tie the string and makes a kite, and then runs around trying to fly it.  What an imagination that kid has.

We have been enjoying the weather, 75 and Sunny! (hey that's a country song!)  Loving the leaves changing and slightly cooler air. It definitely makes running easier.  I signed up for another 5K, the hot chocolate run!  They give you a cool running jacket and hot chocolate and fondue after!  Hey, if it keeps me running, that works for me!

Kevin has been having a blast watching Michigan and the Bears!  I think he is happiest in the fall with the football season.  He is currently watching Da,Bears and had a blast when were there on Sunday.  Too bad, we didn't win.  But we got a really cool picture of the two of us!

That's it for now.  Looking forward to Pumpkin picking and Halloween.  I swear the books make holidays sooo much more fun.  And I love doing all of the activities
again through their eyes.

My first 5k!

Yay, I did it!  I ran my first 5k.  And yes, I ran the whole time, in 36.56 minutes, my fastest run.  I'm still feeling very accomplished and sore 2 days later. It wasn't easy, that's for sure, there were times when I wanted to walk, but it was a goal of mine to run the whole time, so I pushed through. I would think of my FIL, and how much he went through and how he didn't give up, how he pushed through and I knew that I could too, I needed too, I wanted too. At one point, I saw the numbers 333 and knew that my mom was with me to.  333 is my sign for my mom and when I see those numbers, I know she is with me.  I saw those glorious numbers around mile 2, which gave me the boost I needed. I reached 2.8 miles (according to my Nike tracker) and by that time, I was too close to stop and walk.  Too close.  Towards the end when I thought it would never end, I asked the lady who was in the street holding up traffic, how much longer, and she said a 5 min walk.  I could do it!  I knew I could and then I saw the finish line and all of the people cheering.  The chills it gave me was all I needed for final stretch.  So  I ran hard on the way in.  And I did it!  3.1 miles, baby!

And yes, if you're asking, if I'll do it again, I will.  A few people are already talking about the next race. ;-)

A big thank you to everyone who supported me, whether you donated, offered advice, cheered me on, watched my kids or said inspirational words.  It means the world to me. Here are some of the inspirational comments:

Great job Pam!!!!

Congrats, Pam!

Great job Pam!!! Thank you for honoring your FIL And my uncle!!

Good girl! Congratulations!

Wtg Pam!! Uncle John would be proud! xoxo

We are so proud of you Pam!

You look fantastic! You must be so proud of yourself. Congratulations on a job well done. Soooo happy for you.

Congratulations Pam! I'm so happy for you... Well done!

You did awesome Pam you should be proud... I am

Way to go Pam Dad and your Mom are so proud of you! As well as Morgan and I!! Great Job!!!

Good job Pam!

U GO GIRL !!!!!!!!

So proud of you!

Congrats! So proud of you!!!

Great job!

Good luck!

Good luck Pam!!! You're going to do great!!!!

Have a Blast!!!

Good luck!!

Good luck Pam!!! 🏃

Good luck!

Good luck!

Good luck Pam, I am sorry I couldn't be there to watch it but I look forward to hearing how you did! I am very proud of you. Also wanted to let you know you just hit your donation goal!

Good luck! You are going to do GREAT!!

Ditto to everyone else! How'd it go?

So very proud of you! }}i{{

Summer Fun!

 

We are really enjoying the warm weather, mostly from our pool!  The boys are fishes and are having a blast.  Austin is a swimming machine.  He puts his floaties on and off he goes, usually jumps right in.  He is perfecting his cannon balls.  John David is a tad more cautious, he likes to hang on the steps, but is the one with the super soaker, soaking all of us in the pool. If it's not a super soaker, he is throwing frisbees and balls at us.  He will ask to go for a swim around the pool, but is happiest on the stairs.

They are doing great at school, learning their letters and tracing them too!  So proud.  Yesterday, John David showed us at home how to write a J without the lines.  He is rockin it.

John David is hitting the balls too, without the tee.  You throw it to him, he swings and hits it.  Did I mention he is 3!  John David is comfortable with all of the balls.  We are just so impressed with his catching, throwing and hitting ability at 3!  He is hitting lefty too, but still throwing righty.

John David's new phrase, is "awwww man"  It is so cute when he says it.  Makes you laugh.

Austin is a climbing machine.  We went to Evergreen Park (The park that I grew with ) by Grandpa's house a couple of weeks ago.  My how things have changed.  The park is definitely not the same.  There is huge rock that Austin climbed to the top.  He had no problem reaching the top.  Put his hands up in the air and was just so excited.  However, getting down, was a bit of an issue.  We had to coach him through it.  He managed to get most of the way down before he jumped into my arms.

Austin is going through a stage where he only wants to wear this one yellow shirt every day.  It's a superhero shirt but seriously, it's every day.  Trying to talk some sense into him, but it's hard with a 4 year old!

I have started training for my first 5K.  This is a big deal for me because a year ago, I would have laughed at the thought of me running.  I'm not sure what is going on with me, but dare I say it, I actually enjoy running.  What?!?!  No seriously, I do.  Starting last October, I started walking on the treadmill in our living room.  One day, I thought, maybe I could run.  So I'd run for a minute, then walk a lot, then run for another minute, and I'd keep progressing as the days went by.  Then a coworker came up and talk about this lung run.  So, you can walk 1 mile or run a 5K or a 10K.  So since, I was already up to 10-15 minutes of running, I thought why not?  Fast forward to last week, I ran 3.21 miles on the treadmill, which is .11 miles more than I need to!  YES!  Go me!  I'm so proud of myself.  Although, my feet are really hurting.  So I need to look into some relief.  So back to the lung run. The mission of the Lung Run is to raise awareness of lung cancer and to raise much-needed funds for lung cancer research.  It's very near and dear to my heart and I will be running for my Father in Law, John Artinghelli. After everything he went through, this is something I can do do help so that others won't have endure the pain and suffering he did.  So think of me and wish me luck on September 7th as I run.  As I try to make a difference (http://lungrun.org/)

Did I tell you the good news?  Kevin no longer works weekends!  YES!  We have been so excited that he is home with us on the weekends.  It's been a blast, that's for sure.  Kevin is getting very excited for his annual trip to Vegas next month and shortly after that he is going to watch his favorite team play, Go Blue!  And we are talking about taking the boys up to see U of M end of September.  I think Kevin would be so excited to show his boys why he loves U of M. 

This weekend we both have special dates.  Kevin is taking John David out for one one one time and I am taking Austin out.  Sometimes, it's nice to be able to spend special time with each of the boys.  I think Austin and I are going to see Turbo and Kevin and John David are going to the park and out to eat.

Summer slow down, we are having way too much fun.  Until the next time.  Thanks for reading

Happy 3rd Birthday, John David!

JD at the park

I can't believe my baby is three!  Happy birthday to my amazing, helpful, and adorable John David.  You amaze me everyday with how sweet you are.  You are full of life and energy and are always busy.  You sure keep mommy and daddy busy.

Here are some of things that describe you now.

You are a great sharer.  You would give away your last snack if someone asked.

You are always smiling!  And it's contagious.  Your laugh is amazing and one of the best sounds in the world.

You have a bedtime routine that only you know.  You change it nightly.  But one thing that doesn't change too much is rolling up your blankets.  Your blue and yellow blanket are your favorites and they need to be rolled up just so, sometimes your baby and lovie go in there sometimes they don't.  You often refer to your baby as your baby sister, which throws some people off.

Balloons are among your favorite things to play with.  Don't let the balloon hit the ground keeps you busy for a while. 

On 2nd base!

You love to throw balls and often get in trouble because you throw them when we aren't looking.  You have quite the arm!  You wind up, and have a pretty good aim too. You like to shoot hoops and catch the ball.  You will be our sports star.  I asked Ms. Tina at school how come you don't have as many bruises as Austin does, she said, because he jumps off the play ground equipment and you stay by the basketball hoop and shoot hoops outside.  If there is a ball, John David is nearby.  At the balloon place, you are always by the ball.  You just love to play, catch, and throw!

JD with daddy

The way you say AAAAGAIN is hilarious.  We are going to the park, "AGGGAIN"  I have to go to the store, "AAGGAIN"   Mommy's getting some coffee, "AAGAIN"

JD with mommy

Bagels, pancakes, applesauce, oatmeal squares, burgers, cheetos, are among some of your favorite foods.  These are staples in our house, must haves!

making me coffee

You love to help cook and can be found in grandma's kitchen on the weekends helping her make pancakes.  They are delicious.  You love to make my coffee and are so good at it, my coffee has never tasted so good.

You're not big on TV. You have shows you request, but you very rarely watch the whole thing, maybe a few minutes here and there.  You'd much rather play with your balls.

As far as potty training goes, you will go on the potty, sometimes without me knowing, but you do it when you want to.  I'm sure you'll be in underwear all day soon. 

When we go to the park, your favorite thing is the swing.   And you love to go up in the sky.  You won't let me just push you, you freak out if you aren't going high!  

You are so much fun.  I love playing with you and have a blast.  I look forward to all the years we have to play!  I love you and hope you had a fabulous birthday!!!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Austin!

Austin James Artinghelli 4 years old!

Me and happy Austin!

4 years ago, my life changed, as I welcomed my first son into the world, my Austin.  I can't believe 4  years have passed, in the blink of an eye.  I no longer have a baby, a toddler, but a little boy, a little boy who knows exactly what he wants.  And let me tell you, he is not afraid to tell you what he wants.  I did a similar post last year about what he was up to and I thought it would be fun to do it again so that when I look back, I can truly remember his milestones.

Austin and daddy, so happy about his car!

He picks out his clothes.  He knows exactly what he wants to wear and more importantly, what he doesn't want to wear.  He hates long sleeve shirts.  In the winter, he would only wear short sleeve shirts, and now that we are going into summer, all he wants to wear is sleeve less. He loved to wear jeans in the winter, that's all he'd wear, so I'd have to wash his jeans all the time.  Now, he wants to wear shorts all the time, even when its cold out, but not any shorts, he likes the swishy shorts or basketball shorts but without the string.  I tried to get him to wear a pair with the strings and he lost it.  He has a few favorite shirts, Batman, Lightening McQueen, Alligator, Dinosaur, Spiderman. 

Austin giving JD a thank you hug

His favorite TV show is Fairly Oddparents, and I just don't understand why. He will no longer watch Little Einsteins or Handy Manny.  But, I still like Handy :-(. He loves to go to movies and is looking forward to Monster University (so am I).

He is always counting and telling me colors.  He is learning his letters and just amazes me all the time.  I can't wait to get out the alphabet puzzle and really have him tell me all the letters.

Austin points out everything when we are driving and is known for saying the following "hey, mommy (or daddy), remember when we were at that place, oh that's chili's, that's the hot dog place.  MCDONALDS!!!!"

I am proud to say Austin has mastered potty training!  I never thought this day was coming, but somehow, it just clicked!  We need to start working on potty training at night, but I'm not going to stress about that one ;-)  It will happen.

Dogs, Austin loves dogs.  Whenever we are at the park and he sees a dog, he needs to run up and pet the dog!  I have taught him to ask first and he is so cute.  He tells the dogs that he has a Buster at home.

He is quite the explorer.  When we go to the park, he always is walking around and looking at things, especially by the park at the house.  We go for walks by the pond and he loves to look at the duckies and fishes.  He loves to climb trees and pick up sticks.  But after our last incident, we are all a little weary.

And BATMAN!  I'm not sure why, but he is obsessed with Batman!  He is always wanting to wear Batman.  He has numerous shirts, now shoes and wants a Batman Party. All he wants for his birthday is a BATMAN cake! ;-)

Even though he is a go getter, full of energy, demanding little boy, he knows just the right moment to cuddle, give kisses and smiles. 

We worked so hard to have you Austin and I'm so thankful to have you in our lives.  You are teaching me patience daily as I'm trying to teach you as well.  You are clever as you know how to get what you want!  I can't imagine my life without you!  I hope you had a great birthday!