A thankful Thursday post...on a THURSDAY?! WOOOHOO! This in and of itself, is enough to be thankful, but I'll post anyway :)
Today I am particularly thankful for Geo and my sister. Tomorrow I'll be getting on an Amtrak train (by myself! With a book that has paragraphs and NO pictures! With a diet coke with no baby backwash in it! Nuts on Clark cheese popcorn-all for ME!!!!!!!!) and I'm going to visit my sister. She lives four hours or so, from us. We're going to do girly things; shopping, frou frou drinks, and maybe she'll even do my toes for me?! Sunday night she and I are going to see John Mayer with some friends in awesome seats she scored for us MONTHS ago.
Geo is going to be on vacation as of 9:31 tonight and is going to have the kiddos all weekend by himself...or so he says, I have a feeling grandma will be over with dinner at least once and I have it on good authority that grandma is making dinner for all of them tomorrow night too...I'm thankful for her as well, because at least the kids will have more than pizza to eat this weekend (not that THEY would mind that though, they LOVE pizza)
Geo has already planned on watching movies, sleeping in late, and eating pizza all weekend long. Sounds like he's got the home front covered and Tori's got the weekend away front covered :) Woohoo! Weekend away :)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, I'll be back to posting on Monday or Tuesday!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Two is Better Than One
Geo and I have been married for approximately 3,459 years and counting* I would say that we have one of the strongest marriages I've seen. We've dealt with a lot in our many years together and have managed to stay not only in love, but also in like. We really really like one another still. Geo is the first person I call when I'm having a good day, a bad day, even a mediocre day. A lot of people don't understand the friendship we have; we truly are best friends. Everything we do is based on what is best for the other one. Yes, we are TRULY that annoying couple with the picture perfect marriage that makes other people gag.
Ok, that's not entirely true, well, maybe the gagging part, but not the rest. (no, actually, we are kind of annoying and we often unconsciously match each other when we get dressed, oops)
We have our share of issues, maybe more, than a lot of other couples, but for some reason, we've managed to stay married and provide a united front in the face of difficulties-and we've had a LOT of difficulties, specifically when it comes to Gabriel. Unfortunately, most parents of special needs children do NOT stay married. Some studies I've read suggest that upwards to 90% of marriages dissolve in the first year after a diagnosis is made. Geo and I have always had the "us against them" stance when it comes to pretty much everything.
A while back, I read something somewhere (how very vague of me ha ha)that says to see how in tune you are with your partner, you ought to take a piece of paper and a pen(cil) and write out the top six things that you feel are important in a marriage/partner. Thinking it would be interesting and insightful, I asked Geo to do it after I did it.
My list was: loving, supportive, humorous, amazing, faithful, and hopeful
His list was:love, patience, kindness, hope, faith, friends
Is there any doubt why our marriage works? We both value the same things, we both see the same thing in one another, we both have and work toward the same goals.
Geo and I have a VERY strict policy regarding one another: we do NOT criticize or belittle one another in front of anyone; regardless if we are with friends, family, or even on facebook. Too often, I think, people are quick to point out the ugly things about their spouse and do it in front of others who have no business knowing these things. Even in jest, we don't pick at one another in front of others. It's no one else's business if he doesn't pick up his sock or if I leave half full diet coke cans all over the place (it's true, I do, it's a horrible habit)
I always wonder about people who tear down their partners in public and on public forums; are they that bad when it's just the two of them? Do they really have that little respect for each other that they'd air everything in front of people? What does it say for the person themselves? Here you are, telling us that you married a huge moron who can't do anything right...what does that say about YOU?
When Geo and I got married, we asked that the traditional "love, honor, and obey" part of our vows be omitted and instead wanted to say "love, honor, and respect" each other. Respect has always been a very big part of our relationship; I respect him for so many reason-he's smart, he's a hard worker, he's an excellent father, a great son and grandson, and he's just a really respectable guy. He has morals, he is ethical, all the things that make up a GOOD person. How could I NOT respect him? By respecting him, I show him that I love him, and vice versa. I honestly think if we didn't respect one another, our marriage would not work the way it does.
I have a challenge for all of you married/partnered people out there...can you go ONE week without disrespecting your partner in front of people/public forums? (This means Facebook too! lol) How hard will it be for you? Do you think you can do it? I'd love to hear how it went...or how your relationship in general works. What needs improvement? What area are you strongest in?
*that is totally and utterly false, it's been eight years and seven months. It just feels like we've been married this long
Ok, that's not entirely true, well, maybe the gagging part, but not the rest. (no, actually, we are kind of annoying and we often unconsciously match each other when we get dressed, oops)
We have our share of issues, maybe more, than a lot of other couples, but for some reason, we've managed to stay married and provide a united front in the face of difficulties-and we've had a LOT of difficulties, specifically when it comes to Gabriel. Unfortunately, most parents of special needs children do NOT stay married. Some studies I've read suggest that upwards to 90% of marriages dissolve in the first year after a diagnosis is made. Geo and I have always had the "us against them" stance when it comes to pretty much everything.
A while back, I read something somewhere (how very vague of me ha ha)that says to see how in tune you are with your partner, you ought to take a piece of paper and a pen(cil) and write out the top six things that you feel are important in a marriage/partner. Thinking it would be interesting and insightful, I asked Geo to do it after I did it.
My list was: loving, supportive, humorous, amazing, faithful, and hopeful
His list was:love, patience, kindness, hope, faith, friends
Is there any doubt why our marriage works? We both value the same things, we both see the same thing in one another, we both have and work toward the same goals.
Geo and I have a VERY strict policy regarding one another: we do NOT criticize or belittle one another in front of anyone; regardless if we are with friends, family, or even on facebook. Too often, I think, people are quick to point out the ugly things about their spouse and do it in front of others who have no business knowing these things. Even in jest, we don't pick at one another in front of others. It's no one else's business if he doesn't pick up his sock or if I leave half full diet coke cans all over the place (it's true, I do, it's a horrible habit)
I always wonder about people who tear down their partners in public and on public forums; are they that bad when it's just the two of them? Do they really have that little respect for each other that they'd air everything in front of people? What does it say for the person themselves? Here you are, telling us that you married a huge moron who can't do anything right...what does that say about YOU?
When Geo and I got married, we asked that the traditional "love, honor, and obey" part of our vows be omitted and instead wanted to say "love, honor, and respect" each other. Respect has always been a very big part of our relationship; I respect him for so many reason-he's smart, he's a hard worker, he's an excellent father, a great son and grandson, and he's just a really respectable guy. He has morals, he is ethical, all the things that make up a GOOD person. How could I NOT respect him? By respecting him, I show him that I love him, and vice versa. I honestly think if we didn't respect one another, our marriage would not work the way it does.
I have a challenge for all of you married/partnered people out there...can you go ONE week without disrespecting your partner in front of people/public forums? (This means Facebook too! lol) How hard will it be for you? Do you think you can do it? I'd love to hear how it went...or how your relationship in general works. What needs improvement? What area are you strongest in?
*that is totally and utterly false, it's been eight years and seven months. It just feels like we've been married this long
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
An Open Letter To Little Miss Me Too
Dear SarahAnne, (Dear hey! I'm Bitsy, not SarAnne)
I love you, dearly (lub you dearly) but this echo thing you've got goin' on (echo fing goin' on) is driving me INSANE (you're insane momma)
Yes, it's driving me absolutely insane. I appreciate that you are trying to helpful, whether you are hollering to Gabe to "pick up the pace and get YOU backpack" or "you lunchbox is on the shelf, Gworge, it's packed alwedy" It's bad enough that *I* have to yell these things, but now YOU are going to do it too?? Never mind that when I say something and you start to repeat it before I even have the words out of my mouth no one can understand me. I have to repeat what I'm trying to say and then of course YOU have to repeat yourself. It's a vicious and annoying, to say the least, cycle that you and I go through all day long.
As much as it drives me insane at home, it's even worse when we are out because people think you are A-DOR-ABLE for copying momma. Either these people a)have no kids or b)have kids who USED to do this and think it's hysterical someone else is feeling their pain. Either way-ANNOYING-especially while at, say, a physical therapy appointment when I'm trying to schedule other visits. A small voice saying "no actually, Tuesday won't work" does NOT help because then the scheduler is giggling. Actually, little miss me too, Tuesday DOES work, so there. (Who am I kidding, it doesn't, I just wanted to have my own independent thought for a second there)
Thank you for your help Bitsy, but please, for the love of God, before I pull my hair out, stop repeated everything I say (stop wepeating what you say momma?) Yes, stop repeating what I say (ok, I stop wepeating everything you say momma)
Love,
Momma
(love,
Momma)
I love you, dearly (lub you dearly) but this echo thing you've got goin' on (echo fing goin' on) is driving me INSANE (you're insane momma)
Yes, it's driving me absolutely insane. I appreciate that you are trying to helpful, whether you are hollering to Gabe to "pick up the pace and get YOU backpack" or "you lunchbox is on the shelf, Gworge, it's packed alwedy" It's bad enough that *I* have to yell these things, but now YOU are going to do it too?? Never mind that when I say something and you start to repeat it before I even have the words out of my mouth no one can understand me. I have to repeat what I'm trying to say and then of course YOU have to repeat yourself. It's a vicious and annoying, to say the least, cycle that you and I go through all day long.
As much as it drives me insane at home, it's even worse when we are out because people think you are A-DOR-ABLE for copying momma. Either these people a)have no kids or b)have kids who USED to do this and think it's hysterical someone else is feeling their pain. Either way-ANNOYING-especially while at, say, a physical therapy appointment when I'm trying to schedule other visits. A small voice saying "no actually, Tuesday won't work" does NOT help because then the scheduler is giggling. Actually, little miss me too, Tuesday DOES work, so there. (Who am I kidding, it doesn't, I just wanted to have my own independent thought for a second there)
Thank you for your help Bitsy, but please, for the love of God, before I pull my hair out, stop repeated everything I say (stop wepeating what you say momma?) Yes, stop repeating what I say (ok, I stop wepeating everything you say momma)
Love,
Momma
(love,
Momma)
Monday, February 22, 2010
From the Mouths of Babes
Gabe cracks me up to no end; some of the things that come out of his mouth are hysterical and some of them are very thoughtful...
This morning he asked me to hop into his bed for a snuggle before he got out; happy to oblige him, I hopped in. He promptly put his arms around me and said "you're my favorite 30 year old mom" I thanked him and he went on to tell me that soon I'd be 31 (not true, I have seven more months thank you very much!) and then I'd be old. Glad to know 30 isn't old but 31 is...
Yesterday at breakfast, Gabe's friend asked if we could say a prayer before breakfast. Gabe yelled "I'LL DO IT!" and promptly folded his hands in prayer and said "thank you God for this breakfast, my friend, and I really like my bus driver, the captain. Amen" Geo and I were trying not to giggle since it was a very serious moment for Gabe, but it was so stinkin' cute, it was hard not to.
And finally, yesterday we went to the dollar store (a big hit in our family; a dollar goes a loooong way here :P) and Gabe picked up a kaleidoscope. He said to me "Look at my snipeascope" I had no clue what he was saying and asked him to repeat it. He said "it's my SNIPEASCOPE" loudly, loudly enough that the man next to us heard and started to laugh. He said "Sounds like someone has a career in the military in his future, since he keeps saying 'sniper scope'" I laughed and said "I'm not so sure about that, but I do know he adores his aunt and uncle who were both in the army and served in Iraq" the man thanked me for their service and promptly got slugged by his girlfriend. He started to laugh and she said "Don't let this guy fool you, he's a corporal and he's trying to get your son early" We thanked him and found out that he was home on leave for a bit before heading back to the "sandbox" God bless and keep you, silly soldier in the Dollar Store...and thanks for the translation :P
This morning he asked me to hop into his bed for a snuggle before he got out; happy to oblige him, I hopped in. He promptly put his arms around me and said "you're my favorite 30 year old mom" I thanked him and he went on to tell me that soon I'd be 31 (not true, I have seven more months thank you very much!) and then I'd be old. Glad to know 30 isn't old but 31 is...
Yesterday at breakfast, Gabe's friend asked if we could say a prayer before breakfast. Gabe yelled "I'LL DO IT!" and promptly folded his hands in prayer and said "thank you God for this breakfast, my friend, and I really like my bus driver, the captain. Amen" Geo and I were trying not to giggle since it was a very serious moment for Gabe, but it was so stinkin' cute, it was hard not to.
And finally, yesterday we went to the dollar store (a big hit in our family; a dollar goes a loooong way here :P) and Gabe picked up a kaleidoscope. He said to me "Look at my snipeascope" I had no clue what he was saying and asked him to repeat it. He said "it's my SNIPEASCOPE" loudly, loudly enough that the man next to us heard and started to laugh. He said "Sounds like someone has a career in the military in his future, since he keeps saying 'sniper scope'" I laughed and said "I'm not so sure about that, but I do know he adores his aunt and uncle who were both in the army and served in Iraq" the man thanked me for their service and promptly got slugged by his girlfriend. He started to laugh and she said "Don't let this guy fool you, he's a corporal and he's trying to get your son early" We thanked him and found out that he was home on leave for a bit before heading back to the "sandbox" God bless and keep you, silly soldier in the Dollar Store...and thanks for the translation :P
Sunday, February 21, 2010
200!!
Woohoo. In honor of our 200th post...two hundred pictures!!!
Just kidding, how about two?
Bitsy and Cicero
Gabe and Dolan, his "best" friend
Just kidding, how about two?
Bitsy and Cicero
Gabe and Dolan, his "best" friend
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wow
Today was our day to take Gabe bowling with his best buddy, Dolan, and grandma and grandpa. I'm fairly certain Dolan summed up the day perfectly for him and Gabe when he said "This is the best day of my entire life" as he and Gabe held hands and skipped to the bowling alley. Kids say it best, don't they??
Friday, February 19, 2010
Birthday Recap
Gabe is a popular kid...
Last night we had a small party for Gabe with some close family friends; pizza, pasta, soda, and of course, a Chicago Blackhawks cake and ice cream.
He had a blast and I have pictures, I just have to upload them :P
Tonight is bowling night, which means the kiddos will head over to Grandma and Grandpa's house...and Grandma is having a small party for Gabe there...
Then tomorrow his other set of grandparents is coming over, we're picking Gabe's best friend up, and we're going to Portillos (yummy!) for lunch and then over to the bowling alley for a few games.
Sunday, thankfully, will be a day of rest. Gabe's "official" birthday party isn't until March, really, because we are combining parties for Gabe and Bits. Two parties in the span of one month is not only pricey, but exhausting.
We were a little worried that he'd feel like he had missed out on something not having a big birthday party...looks like we were wrong :D
Thank you to everyone who called, sent cards, or wished Gabe a happy birthday-he had a wonderful day!
Last night we had a small party for Gabe with some close family friends; pizza, pasta, soda, and of course, a Chicago Blackhawks cake and ice cream.
He had a blast and I have pictures, I just have to upload them :P
Tonight is bowling night, which means the kiddos will head over to Grandma and Grandpa's house...and Grandma is having a small party for Gabe there...
Then tomorrow his other set of grandparents is coming over, we're picking Gabe's best friend up, and we're going to Portillos (yummy!) for lunch and then over to the bowling alley for a few games.
Sunday, thankfully, will be a day of rest. Gabe's "official" birthday party isn't until March, really, because we are combining parties for Gabe and Bits. Two parties in the span of one month is not only pricey, but exhausting.
We were a little worried that he'd feel like he had missed out on something not having a big birthday party...looks like we were wrong :D
Thank you to everyone who called, sent cards, or wished Gabe a happy birthday-he had a wonderful day!
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