Our First Couple Days in Charleston

*Within the first 24 hours we had our first episode involving vomit.

*Within the first 48 hours our first house guest arrived.

*Within the first 72 hours bunk beds (something I swore we would NEVER own) arrived.

To clarify all of the above:

The stomach bug has been running wild among Izzy's class. I had been hoping for the last 2 weeks that it wouldn't hit her or any of us. Thankfully it didn't hit us while we were in the process of moving, but within 24 hours of getting to Charleston Izzy was throwing up. I can't complain though because that girl is a champ when it comes to puking. She walks right into the bathroom, hangs her head, holds her hair back and lets it fly. She only had one really bad episode and then was back to herself within 24 hours.

My brother Wes arrived on Monday. He is the first of our Christmas house guests to arrive. My mom and Al will arrive on Thursday. Uncle Andy and Nora will arrive on Friday. Nothing like a full house in a new house!

Pete promised the kids bunk beds. Those that know me are aware that the two things I said I would never own are bunk beds and a trampoline. ...we now have bunk beds. Izzy reminded me that, "Daddy promised us we could get them and you aren't supposed to break a promise." Hmmmm. Oh well, Drew needed bedroom furniture and in my irritated shopping frenzy I did purchase the "elite" among bunk beds. Pictures to follow shortly :-)

We are settling in quite nicely. The neighbors we have met seem to be really nice! They have a 3 year old daughter who is super cute and a dog. We have a fence between us, but there is a connecting door. The dogs run laps along the fenceline until we let them play. In fact the people here are so friendly that even Izzy commented while we were at Target. While in the parking lot I asked a lady if she was finished with her cart. She was, and as she gave it to me we struck up a conversation. A couple minutes later as we walked into the store Izzy said, "boy Mom, the people in Charleston are really nice, aren't they?" ...I sure do hope so!

I am looking forward to exploring all Charleston has to offer. We shopped a few stores downtown today and grabbed lunch with Wes, but Drew was a whiney mess so we finally bailed and headed home.

The MOVE in a Nutshell

Monday December 6th: still no idea if GE has found us movers to pack and move us.

Tuesday 12-7: We found movers and some guy shows up that afternoon to survey our junk and tell us the movers will arrive Thursday.

Wednesday: I am told the movers will arrive at 8am tomorrow morning.

Thursday: the movers show up to box our things. I was given two small areas to claim as my own. These areas were safe from packing. Pete was due home that evening. I spent the day getting sheets/towels washed so that they would be clean to put on the beds once we arrived in Charleston.

Friday: kids have school. Drew is there 9-12. I help one last time in Izzy's class and have lunch from 10-11:45. The afternoon is spent trying to pack "our stuff" and stay out of the way of the movers.

Saturday: the movers load the truck. A third mover had been called in to help load the truck and he happened to lock his keys in his car. I called AAA for the first time in 3 years. Pete leaves that evening around 6 to head to Charleston. The kids and I head to a hotel for the night.

Sunday: the movers meet Pete at our rental house at 8 to unload the truck. The kids and I wake at the hotel and decide we would rather spend the next two days in our house on air mattresses. We go for coffee and donuts and then head home. It is raining and since the garage is empty I decide to park in the garage. Ooops, I forgot I had the Thule on top of the car. I was forced to pull all the way in and later had Steve come help me take it off.

Monday: Izzy has school. Drew has school. I run errands and make calls to close accounts/get new accounts based on the move. I also pick up Chloe from the kennel to spend the night with us because we were missing her so bad. *oh, and it is SUPER cold today* I go to pick Drew up from school and my car BREAKS DOWN IN THE PICK UP LINE!!! I take Drew and Chloe into the church and call AAA for the second time in 48 hours. A kind soul took Drew home for lunch while I waited nearly 2 hours for AAA. I thought I handled the entire situation rather well until I realized that Izzy's outfit for the Nutcracker the next day was in the car. Thankfully I was able to borrow a friends car for the night and got retrieve Izzy's outfit.

Tuesday: Izzy goes to school - and to see the Nutcracker. I had always thought I would see this with her, but tickets weren't made available for parents this year. Drew went to Bob/Barbara's house THANKFULLY so I could take all our belongings to the garage. We were supposed to be out of the house by 1 (the closing) but since all things left were to go in my car, and I didn't have my car back yet, we were hoping I could store them in the garage. At 11:15 I got the call my car was done. I returned home from getting my car (so happy for so many great friends that came to my rescue) about 12:30 and had 30 min. to load SO MUCH CRAP into my car. 1:30 and I walked out of my house for the last time. I really thought I would be much more emotional, but I guess I was so focused on getting it all done that I didn't even shed a tear. ...weird. I picked up Drew and met Izzy at Kristin's house which was where we were staying for the night.

Wednesday: Izzy and Drew both have school and I run lots of errands. Wednesday after school we met up with lots of friends at Bumper Jumpers and had so much fun! Izzy and I were both given scrapbooks which are FANTASTIC - so many people said such kind words and took the time to contribute pictures. We slept at Kristin's again.

Thursday: SNOW DAY! We had freezing rain so the kids didn't have school. Izzy and Laci were sad because it was supposed to be pj day at school. They were going to do a Polar Express party and were told to wear pj's and bring a stuffed animal. We made the best out of it and did a few crafts: gingerbread house, construction paper chains, and perler beads. Izzy also went to Delaney's house to make Christmas cookies before we all headed to Rylie's house for the night.

Friday: SNOW DAY #2. ...and a very sad little girl on my hand. The main reason we didn't join Pete in Charleston last Saturday was because Izzy really wanted to do the "end of the week" school festivities. Her teacher even asked if she could stay, and since we weren't going to be starting school here until after the New Year, there was no reason not to stay. We went to lunch with friends; Target for dvd players; ...and FINALLY CHARLESTON!

We are buried in boxes, but finally all together. I feel like I should be much more fried after my past week...but for all the crazy that occurred I think I handled it pretty well if I do say so myself :-)

Breaking News ...not

There are 19 days until Christmas

We are 99% sure we have a rental house to move into on Dec. 15th.

We close on our house one week from tomorrow.

We still don't have a moving company lined up to move us yet.

Surprisingly I haven't had a meltdown since the day before Thanksgiving and I really believe this is all going to work - and on time!

*************************************************************

The English Language according to Drew (who still has problems with his L/W pronunciations)

Drew: "Mom, do you know that Leapster starts with both L and W?"

Me: "Really?"

Drew: "Yes. la-la-la Leapster OR wa-wa-wa Weapster."

Of course!

Funnies

Izzy asks me, "Hey Mom, after Rylie and I get on the bus in the morning do you and Stephanie ever go back to our house and just drink wine?"


Izzy is learning about the First Thanksgiving at school. She was telling me about the Pilgrims and Indians (who can also be called Native Americans) and said, "Mom! Do you know that Indian children weren't allowed to talk unless their parents talked to them first?" ...those Indians sure were onto something :-)
*she has since informed me that it was the pilgrim children, not the Indian children who wait to speak.

Drew said to me, "William and I can't wait until we are 7 and 6." I asked him why, what happens then? He looked at me like I had 3 eyes and said, "Cause then we'll be bigger." Duh!

FYI TID-BIT FOLLOWS One day while driving a commercial came on the radio about scars. Izzy asked if I had a scar and I said yes from when Drew was born. She said, "That's right, Drew came out your belly and I came out your heiney." I corrected her and said, "actually Izzy you came out my vagina." Both kids laughed and then Drew got upset and said, "But MOM! I wanted to come out your 'bagina' too!!!" ...then he proceeded to request that next time he could "exit" that way.

Drew had a day/evening where he whined and tried my patience all day. I put him to bed (in my room since Pete was gone) and he came out to call for me three times. On the third time I yelled up to him, "Drew, I'm ignoring you because you are supposed to be asleep." He followed with, "Uh Mom, you might want to come up here cause I 'frowed up'." He wasn't crying or freaking out so I wasn't that worried. He met me at the top of the stairs and said, "Uh, I just frowed up a little bit. I think you can handle that, right?" Sure enough he had thrown up (not much-about the size of a quarter). I asked him what happened and he said that he put his hands in his mouth and then tried to grab that thing in the back of his "froat" and then just "frowed up". Ahhh, the life with a boy :-)

Daddy to the Rescue

Scene: Big handsome guy wearing a suit strolling down Michigan Ave. carrying coffee in one hand and Sally in another.

Sally is Izzy's bitty baby from American Girl. She and Lulu are Izzy's two most favorite dolls. Last week, Chloe got ahold of Sally and chewed off part of her fingers. When Izzy discovered this she was DEVASTATED!

As luck would have it, Pete goes to Chicago the week after Thanksgiving for meetings each year. I told Izzy that we would send Sally with Daddy to Chicago and he could take her to get fixed. I just assumed Pete would buy her another bitty baby (she was THAT upset that it seemed like the only solution). Well, I knew that the American Girl store makes mucho bucks by having a "salon" for the dolls and washing/styling their hair, but what I didn't know was that there is also a medical center.

Pete dropped off Sally yesterday...


(they gave Pete the clothes she was wearing and then put her in this little bitty pink hospital gown)

I get a bit misty eyed when I think of Pete all suited up, carrying his daughter's dolly down Michigan Ave. What a great dad! ...and I love even more that he snapped a quick picture to send to us!!!

Show and Share

It was "I" week at Drew's school this week. Guess what he decided to take for his "show and share"?



He couldn't have been more excited! As soon as she walked into his classroom, he jumped up and said to his class, "Oh, my surprise is here!" He immediately grabbed her and gave her the most loving hug. He sure does love his big sister.




Izzy was also able to see all her old teachers from years past. She was ooh'd and ahhh'd over and told how tall she has gotten and how much everyone loved the short new do. I was so proud of her for answering all the questions her old teachers asked her. Typically when someone asks her a direct question when I'm around she will get all quiet and shy and look at me to answer for her. Not today folks - she was the big kid on campus :-)

Crafty Kid

Even though we didn't get to travel south to warm sunny fantastic Destin for Thanksgiving, we still had a nice time here at home. There is something about wanting to be surrounded by lots of people during the holidays and we were lucky that our friends in Raleigh were able to join us. The kids had a great time playing together - not a single tear was shed the entire time. Although there were only 4 adults and 4 kids we still had two turkeys. I made a traditional bird, while Paul and company fried one up (without oil).

Izzy used her best crafting skills to make some place settings. The best part ...she was able to do them completely on her own (and anytime she can come up with an excuse to use my label maker she is all over it)! I had to help a bit when we became rushed - I broke out the glue gun in lieu of good ole' Elmers.

For these Izzy traced her hand, cut, glued some feathers, added an eye, beak, and waddle.



These were votives that we modge podged and then put pieces of tissue paper on. Izzy then put some googley eyes on the large, oversized brown heads, added a beak, waddle and then some feathers, and a flameless candle. Voila!


Pretty cute stuff...

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!





From a couple of turkeys...and their mom and dad too!

Thanksgiving Feasts

Both kids had their school feasts last week. I am a "room mom" for Izzy's class and helped plan the event. We collected a few dollars from each child and had the feast catered by a local grocery store. Izzy was all smiles that I was there!





Then there was Drew. He looked like he might be sick at any given moment. I don't think he cracked a smile the entire time. The kids all sang songs and then we ate.







Drew had the most fun after the feast running through the gym with his buddies. ...but again, no real smile.

Guess Who

...can ride a two wheeler?

Izzy!!!

I don't have pictures, and the video that was shot doesn't even do the chick justice. Pete took Izzy on Sunday for about 30 minutes to introduce her to the whole "no training wheels" concept. She did really well - even riding unassisted for a few feet.

Well today, Wednesday, I took her for her second shot at it (we go to the pool to practice on the flat grassy area) and she rocked it! When we began I would keep her steady while she got on, and then hold on for a couple seconds - well by the end of our 45 min. I was barely helping her start to pedal and she was easily going 500feet. The only reason she had to stop was because she ran out of grass. For those that know our pool area she could go from the sidewalk to the tennis courts. Hooray for Izzy!

In other news - we have now lost out on our second Charleston rental. As it stands we have a possibility, but it won't be vacant until January. Surprisingly I am not all that freaked out by the prospect of spending Christmas in a hotel? ...if we play our cards right then I will get breakfast made for me :-) and my bed made!

Since my head is spinning in a million directions, and I need to finish cleaning (aka: throwing out) the kids old toys while they sleep, I'm gonna sign off now!

Oh, house appraisal is tomorrow. Not worried :-)

We're Moving...FINALLY!

It has been 18 months since Pete began his weekly commutes to Charleston, SC and I am happy to report that we will soon all be residing in the same zip code again. For those that follow on Facebook, you might remember a slightly frazzled status update 10 days ago about how I had a showing between 4-6 (2 hour warning given). Izzy was having a new friend over after school that day and I tried to reach the mom, but was unable. So then I tried to push the showing back until after 5:30 and the agent said it was either the scheduled time or I would miss out. He said his clients were looking at houses and needed to make a decision within the next two days. ...scheduled showing it would be.

The couple then came back for a second showing on Saturday.

Sunday night at 9 (felt like 10 because of DST) the phone rings. Pete told me the number and I realized it was our agent. She had an offer - and while it wasn't great, it was an offer. They wanted the fridge. Fine. They wanted to close on Nov. 30. Not fine!

Monday morning we sent a counter offer. They countered. We accepted. This process took all of 45-60 min. Easy.

The kids didn't have school on Thursday (11-11-2010) because of Veterans Day so I picked up a couple redbox movies, stuck em' in the car and head to Charleston to look at some properties on. It was on this drive that I also took the time to explain to them that we would be moving. I had been hoping to hold off until after the inspection, but with all the phone calls, planning and viewing properties it just wasn't realistic. Drew didn't really have reaction, other then ask if the Wii would be making the move? Izzy took it really well as well. I didn't go into too many details but she is aware that she won't be in Greensboro for Christmas. We did however, promise her we would come back to celebrate her birthday in February.

I looked at some houses to rent as well as to buy. We decided to rent for 12 months. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the house we wanted to rent has gone into foreclosure so I need to find another one. I *think* I found one and will have Pete check it out this week for us. In all the crazy of the weekend, Pete somehow promised the kids bunk beds. I HATE bunk beds! ...and now we will be getting a set. Great. Oh well...they want to share a room when we move so bunk beds it will be. Once we actually buy a house they will have their own rooms, but for now they are excited to share a room and I think it brings them comfort to sleep with one another. I think it is great as it frees up a room for guests! ...start planning those beach trips friends/family because we are ready to have visitors ASAP :-)

As it stands...we were going to go to Destin, FL to be with my family for Thanksgiving but will now be staying here. We have an upcoming inspection as well as any repairs that need to be made no later than Nov. 25th. We still don't have word on a moving package, but what I do know is that I WON'T be doing the packing.

Drew is enrolled in a preschool in Mt. Pleasant already. He was enrolled last Feb. I based our house rental on the elem. school I want Izzy to attend. So, I am feeling good about the kids and their schools. In a weird twist of events, friends of ours from Cleveland just moved to Mt. Pleasant about 5 weeks ago and they have a daughter who will be in kindergarten at the same school as Izzy. We were able to hang out with them over the weekend and the girls had a blast! I think that will help Izzy with her transition into a new school.

There is certainly lots to do, but we are very excited to all be reunited in our new town soon...and be able to start 2011 together!!

Best Friends

When Alisha photographed the kids this year one of my requests was for her to capture their close relationship. These two are certainly two peas in a pod. I am not sure how Pete and I got so lucky with these two, but we are very blessed. Many people know I am quite conflicted with regards to a third...would it ruin this relationship, strengthen it even more, or make no difference?

Check out some of these fantastic sib shots! Just try and pick a favorite :-)











I love love love these next three







And this one is my current favorite. LOVE!

Drew's 4 Year Well Visit

He's 4.



He's 40.00 lbs.



He's 41.5 inches.



He's my heart. He is everything I wished my son would be and more.



He's a feisty. He's stubborn. He's full of life!



The boy has a mind of his own. He's loud and rambunctious!



and kind and gentle. He still loves to "smuggle up wiff Mama" (especially in bed when Daddy is away).


He loves Superheros and the Wii


He loves school and his friends


But most of all he LOVES to hang out with his bestest friend, Izzy.

Daddy-Daughter Date

Pete and Izzy had a special date on Sunday. ...and look who is sportin a FABULOUS new do!

IZZY!!!



They went to walk the Wizard of Oz Trail at Castle McCullough. We have this old castle not far from us and they do some really neat things there throughout the year. So far we have only done the Christmas holiday trail (2x) which my kids LOVE! Love so much that we wait in line for nearly 2 hours, in the cold, and sometimes rain/sleet. As you follow the outdoor trail there are numerous skits, carols, and dancing. Once you enter the castle you get to see Santa as well as the Grinch (this is Izzy/Drew's favorite part).

From what I've been told the Wizard of Oz trail wasn't nearly as good as the Christmas one, but Izzy loved it none the less. She was frightened when the witch appeared (tears in fact) but quickly recovered and enjoyed the rest of the story.

I have a feeling the Wizard of Oz movie will soon be making an appearance at the Swyt house ;-)

*oh, and at the castle you can also pan for jems/gold which I really want to do, but Pete always makes me feel like such a dork for wanting to do it. Boo.

Drew's Birthday Party

"Uhhh. Uhhh. Uhhh, Mom? When I gonna have my birthday party?"

Me: Drew, you just had your birthday?

Drew: But when am I gonna have my birthday party?

Me: (I was going to try and get out of it for another year if possible) In a few weeks dude.

And so it began - my plans for Drew's birthday party. The poor kid had a 1st birthday party, but hasn't really had once since then. After minutes of discussion with Drew it was decided he would invite "only boys and Izzy" and have a Superhero party.

Great. I certainly can whip one of those up, right? I spend my nights googling away superhero parties and games only to decide in the end that the kids would be fine just playing outside as boys like to do.

...probably really should have planned some more games. After seeing the majority of these boys hang out together I really thought a 2 hour party would be no big deal. It wasn't hard, just busy! Not to mention I had one parent who stayed behind and that added to my nerves as a hostess.

When all was said and done, Drew had a great day and told Pete that "my party was AWESOME!"

We borrowed a bounce house from our friends to use


We used the tire swing next door to "fly like Superman"


The boys did "boy stuff" like look at dirt, sand, tree roots, bugs




Look at my assistants for the party - they also doubled as the villains :-)


We used silly string like Spiderman and attacked Pete


Of course there was cake (and presents) ...and I just love how Drew concentrates so hard when blowing out candles


...can't forget about the pinata


And I made these most fabulous capes for the boys (7) as party favors.

Drew's 4th Birthday Celebration at School

How cute is this face? One day after his fourth birthday, he was able to celebrate with his preschool class.


When I see this picture I get a lump in my throat which reminds me that my "baby" is 4. He looks so big to me in this picture...and it makes me sad - I really don't have a baby in my house anymore. Uh, Pete?

Pete and I surprised Drew by showing up for his school celebration. He was very excited to see us!



Before the birthday snack the kids say the blessing - Drew with his prayer hands :-)



For his birthday snack Drew wanted to take Batman cupcakes. I also added pretzels to counteract some of the sugar, hopefully.





...so nearly one month after Drew's birthday we are FINALLY going to have a birthday party this weekend!

I am keeping my anxiety at bay by dubbing it a "glorified play date". All I know is that Drew is very excited to have some of his best boy buddies over for a superhero birthday celebration this weekend. I have my fingers crossed for decent weather...and boys who have a great time celebrating Drew's 4th! ...details coming soon!

Special Plate Night X2

I was making dinner this evening and Izzy reminded me, "Mom, don't forget the special plate!" She was eating off it because of the great feedback we got from her teacher at her conference yesterday.

As I was putting the food on the plates, Drew noticed the special plate for Izzy and said, "I want to eat off the Special Plate too." I asked what he did that was so special :-) to which he replied, "I scored a goal today." Touche.

I told Drew that was certainly special plate worthy and Pete quick shot me a look and asked, "Do we have two special plates?" Of course we do!

Random Stuff

The post just below this one made reference to Izzy and her first crush. I mentioned how after Drew's game she snaked over towards the field he was playing on. I forgot that I snapped this picture. I wonder what a body language expert would gather from this?



Look what Drew made at school...why did I never make these at home?


See how happy he looks wearing them?

And look who wore these same ears two years ago when she had the same teachers! Holy cuteness! How cute is Izzy in all her baby chub (she was still 3.5 when this was taken vs. Drew just turning 4)...and look at her pleated skirt and knee socks!


Today Drew and I went to school to have lunch with Izzy. I have been a couple of times before, but had never taken Drew. I wasn't sure if he was "allowed" or if he would behave? Turns out he is most welcome and is very good when told the rules of the lunchroom. I see many more lunch dates in our future.



And just for the record, Drew and Izzy still sleep together...but only on the weekends. Now that Izzy has started school, I wake her at 6:15. A good day doesn't have Drew up before 7:15. So, on the nights during the week when Pete is gone, both kids "camp out" on their air mattresses in my room. I have one mattress on each side of my bed. Then on the weekends they get to sleep together in the guest room. Until Pete started travelling I was not a fan of kids in our bedroom. Well, Izzy soon became my bed buddy...and once Drew smarted up to our plan, he wanted in too. Since all three of us don't sleep well in the bed (the kids move around a lot!), I put them on the floor. I actually really like having all of us in the same room. Weird, huh?

Here they are a couple weekends ago


And while they may share the bed, they both insist on separate blankets. They don't even sleep under the comforter on the bed, nor use their own comforters. Somehow each one has adopted a random blanket from the house and insists on using it every night they sleep together. Yup...love those two wackos!