The Mighty Grasshoppers!

Tonight was our first Tball game of the season. Nick was in Mexico and I was not sure what to expect. As you all know, this sports thing is not my cup of tea. Elle was all primed up and ready when we got there. Just resting up before its time to play.....Only my kid, LOL!!!

Her team batted first out of the two innings that they play. The batting order is determined by jersey number and since she is little miss petite, big E is Numero Uno! Oh, boy! Now the pressure is on! We are the first batter of the season for the Grasshoppers.....What could go wrong? Well I don't think she was too sure of herself when she got up there and she stood on the wrong side of the plate so the official thought she was a lefty. So, then there is this crazy mother yelling from the sidelines at the official and the coach "She's RIGHT handed!!!".....Oh, wait, that was me!!!! I always swore I would not be the loudest person cheering and interfering with her kids sports, but I guess something just comes over you and you can't help it =)


So when we finally got her on the right side of the plate, she hit a line drive and found herself on first! You go girl!!! I was really proud then and screaming a lot as she was running to first.....


Well it turns out that the other team was really bad.....so E ended up on second! Awesome!

Then she moved to third.....

and Holy Cow! She scored the first run of the season!!!! Ok, Elle....You tagged it now its time to move on sweetie! I swear she stood there for like 10 min. not sure what to do while everyone ran over to slap fives.
Why is this such a big deal???? The child began batting left handed and at some point went out in the field in the next inning with her batting helmet still on and no glove.....that's why!!!!

Oh, and you better believe that crazy mother I told you about, ran out into the middle of the game to get the helmet and give her glove to her. Lunatic Woman!

What does she do out in the outfield? Pretty much this.....who needs a glove, I guess?

Go Grasshoppers!!!!

Eleanore's last day of preschool....my baby is going to be a Kindergartener =( !!!!!

Well, today was the last of school for the HVCS preschool. It was such a fun morning. All the parents were invited for the infamous confetti party, treats and some special songs from our kiddos.

First we had the confetti party in the gym.

This is something that Elle's teachers, Mrs. Mierendorf and Mrs. Tenbroek have done every year forever and it seems to be the biggest highlight for the kids. They have the kids cut scraps of paper into confetti all year and store it in this huge jar. (I guess it helps the kids take in interest in cutting with scissors, which helps with hand eye coordination etc.)

Then, on the last day of school they get to go to the gym and throw it everywhere.....

making a huge mess, which all kids love to do.

Then they help the parents clean it up, which also seemed to be a highlight considering there were brooms and dust pans involved.

I can't say it enough, "I love this age!" Everything is fun and the simplest things are the most memorable. If she could only stay 5 forever......

After all was cleaned up we went back to the classroom for some delicious cookies from Mrs. Mierendorf and some juice....Yummmmmmmy! Then I took some pictures with a few of our friends.

This is Elle with her buddy Ian, who unfortunately won't be at HVCS for kindergarten with us next year. These two talk Star Wars a lot and have become great buddies!

The next is Elle with Katie....These two have a great time together and we are so glad Kate will be will us at HVCS.

This is E with Kaylee....we will miss her next year too, but hopefully have some playtime over the summer!

The day was not only bittersweet because it was her last day of preschool forever but because one of her best buddies, Bennett is moving to South Dakota and this is the last time we may see him. The kids have such similar personalities and have clicked from day one at HVCS. I remember the first day of soccer last fall, when Elle did not want to go on the field and then she noticed Bennett was on our team (totally by coincidence, by the way) and he got her to go out there and at least try it. They have definitely had some fun together this year.

I love this photo....they look like two teenagers awkwardly saying goodbye! Too Cute!

Hugs from Ms. Emily!! We will miss the Geraets Family, but are so happy they are finally going to be closer to family after all the years of Residency and Fellowships etc.

Bye, Bye Bennett and good luck at your new kindergarten next year!

Eleanore's Fifth Birthday weekend!!

Sorry this is like a week late but its been a little busy here since we got back. This year we decided to celebrate Elle's big 5th birthday the way we always do.....WAY OVER THE TOP ;) Last year was Disney and how do you top that really? Well, we found a way. We decided to take her to Chicago to the American Girl Store and to Wrigley Field for her fist Cubs Game. Surprisingly enough, she had never been to Chicago, with the millions of times that her parents go every year to catch some baseball and see old friends, so we thought it was about time.

We arrived in L-A Porte to hang with the Skwiat clan on Friday. We arrived just in time to get to Redamacks in New Buffalo and get our annual cheeseburger on....yes, they do have the best burgers in the world! Their sign does not lie ;)

After dinner we anxiously awaited the arrival of Uncle Timmy. Uncle Ricky was sent to Chicago to retrieve him from the airport and they came too late for the Redamacks experience.....Sorry Uncle Timmy! I know you were mad :(
Elle could not have been happier to show off her golf skills though when the boys decided to get out on the course by Grammy and Poppa's to hit some balls. It was such a nice evening.
Saturday the girls took off to the outlet mall and the boys played in a golf tournament at Poppa's golf club.

Later in the evening, Tim, Nick, Poppa and I competed in the putting contest, which turned out to be harder than we expected. Needless to say, I did not do well, but it provided many laughs. We had dinner at Briar Leaf and were so happy great grandma could join us! We went back to Grammy and Poppa's for cake and the beginning of the birthday celebration with the first round of presents. Yes, we do them in rounds.....it is really ridiculous how spoiled she is but I guess that's what happens when you have an only child that is also the only grandchild!


She got some great stuff to go with her American Girl dolls! Grammy and Poppa gave her an armoire for the clothes and Mimi sent some handmade doll clothes that were just exquisite! Thanks Pam! She loves them!!! Now our Bitty Baby has a new outfit to wear for the big trip! We are all ready to take on Chicago.


The next morning we were up early and at the train station to take Elle's first train ride on the South Shore. She was super excited and did an awesome job. I think she enjoyed all of the scenery......who doesn't want to get the birds eye view of Gary, IN?

Well, we were finally there! We walked to the hotel, which began the complaining from our little friend.....poor Uncle Tim! It's a good thing he is so strong because he was definitely the family rickshaw this weekend. Quality time, Uncle Tim! I know you love us ;)

Soon after we arrived Grammy and Poppa met up with us at the hotel and we were off to Michigan Ave.

It was off to the American Girl Store as promised......

We arrived and I do think it was a little overwhelming for her.

She picked her doll and some outfits with all of her spending money. We were probably in the store for an hour and a half and then she looked at me and said, "Mom, it is time to go to the register!" Daddy was happy to get out of there as you all can see.....

And she did not even ask for everything like I thought she would.....

Nice picture Nick........

She did get two bags full of stuff, but she demanded we head back to the hotel to swim in the pool. So, we headed back down Michigan Ave. to the hotel. We stopped at Nike Town but she was pretty pool-focused so on we went. Elle, Daddy and Uncle Tim took her swimming while Poppa and I located a cake for the evening. We got the infamous Cookie Cake for Elle and plenty of beer for Uncle Tim, Daddy and Mommy. Grammy and Poppa left and we headed to Portillo's for dinner. Not the first choice for the girls but we sucked it up. Aunt Stacy met us back at the hotel for Cookie Cake/Beer and to play dolls. What a night!

The next day was Memorial Day......and the big day! Elle is 5!!!! I can hardly believe she is 5 already.

Could she be any happier in her PJ's this morning.....What a happy kiddo!

We got up and had breakfast and went.....you guessed it.....to the pool! Good Lord! Will we ever get this kid out of the pool?

Around lunchtime we headed over to meet Aunt Stacy at Lincoln Park Zoo. It was a little rainy and our friend was a little tired, so it did not last too long but we saw some great animals.

Maybe we can see more on our next trip to the city but this kid needs some R&R before the game tonight!

It was back to the hotel to swim some more (R&R, I think not!) and to get ready to head to Wrigley for the game. It was a night game so I was not so sure what to expect from Ms. Elle but she did pretty good. It was super chilly too, but she was a trouper!

She really enjoyed her cotton candy! She is kind of like her mother....feed me ballpark snacks and I will sit there as long as you want me to.

Not the ridiculous nachos Aunt Stacy had to have though.....have you ever seen such a thing? Hot Dogs are not meant for Nachos, Buda! Nick ended up eating the rest and lets just say I paid dearly later that evening....so gross!

She was definitely cheering hard for her man Ryan Theriot! She told us she hangs out with him on the weekends! Hysterical!

We had a great time and froze our bottoms off.....

but towards the bottom of the eighth inning Mrs. Sassy came out of my sweet little Eleanore and it was time to go back to the hotel.

The next morning we were up early again to get the train home and drive back to Michigan.

Check this Sassy girl strutting down Michigan Ave!!

On our way to Millennium Station we had to stop by Millennium Park and show E the Bean. She really thought it was fun to check herself out in the reflection and run around it.

Bye, Bye, Chicago!

The Green Chest

Per the request of my friend and fellow furniture painter, Ms. Liz, I am posting before and after photos of my little white chest. This is a piece that I got in Indy for like $40 and it was all scratched up but a nice Mahogany 1940's era chest with a top drawer that converts into a little writing desk area. It was too cute to pass up, so I lugged it home as always. I painted it white and roughed it up. When we moved to the Long Walk Lane house, my colors were more earthy there, so I glazed the white and this is what it has looked like for the past 6 years or so.....


So I needed a new look in my entry. I know it would look awesome black, but I paint everything black, so I thought I would try something different. I already had the paint and the glaze, so that is how I decided on green with a chocolate glaze. It is pretty bright in there today so it looks a little washed out in the pic. but I think it turned out nice. What do you think? It definitely adds more color to the entry and good enough.....for now?

My new business....maybe?

Well, Nick and I have been talking and he has encouraged me to begin a small (very small) business. As some of you know, when we lived in Indy, I had a small design business on the side with a very few clients while I worked another job b/c lets face it.....Interior Design is a hard profession to have to pay the bills. Well, Elle was born and my entire life has been focused on her for the last 5 years. This next year she will be heading to Kindergarten, so its time for Mommy to do something for herself and with her time. As most of my friends and family know, I also enjoy fixing up and painting/refinishing old furniture, as well as, anything to do with design. I love to help out my friends and neighbors, but I don't think a passion for designing full time is in the cards for me. I want to do what I love, but how?
So, Nick thinks I should begin collecting old trash furniture and turn it into treasure. Maybe make kids furnture b/c I love to paint in bright fun colors etc., but I don't want to limit my market too much. The idea is to make a portfolio and try to consign or sell to local design specialty stores here in Ann Arbor. I do have a good eye and can pick items that have good bones, but just need a little updating to make then new again.

Here is an example of a before and after. I can't remember if I posted this before so I will do it again. I found this on the side of the road in my 'hood on garbage day. I will admit, that this was a lucky find.....even for me ;)

Then I sanded it, and painted it white.....I know boring, but I needed something for my bedroom to put the TV on. This is just one example, people! Here it is after.......

I will have to post the white chest in my entry when I get a chance. I painted it green and glazed it with a chocolate glaze and it looks like a whole new piece. I also finished a dresser and mirror for Elle's room. To be continued on that one....

So, after we came up with our business plan, we need a name......This has been a struggle for me. Nick wants me to call it Pimp My Junk, and my response is yeah, right!!!! LOL! My BFF, Patsy, says I should call it Abby Chic, which is cute but Shabby Chic is so over used. My mom thinks I should call it Pitter Pat iff I do kids furniture and use little baby feet as my logo.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can come up with funny ones all day long like Junk in the Trunk, but I really wanted something cute that tells a story about the furniture.....maybe that it is recycled from trash to treasure?

Well, we still have no name, but I have aquired some pieces to paint.....actually a garage full, and I have not spent more than $35. Did I mention I am very resourceful? I will have to post some pics soon.

Wish me luck....maybe I can make some extra cash for the family? We shall see, but I do need some confidence from ya'll b/c my ego is pretty low these days on this subject.
Any ideas from anyone will be appreciated!!!

T-Ball season has begun!

Well, tonight was our first T-Ball practice. I wasn't too sure how we would do, so my expectations were very low.....there are also a few reasons for that, but we overcame these minor obstacles one at a time. Last week we recieved a letter from the coach saying we needed to have own glove and bat.....Normally, Nick would handle all sports equipment purchases, but he has been in Mexico, so it was up to me, again, and we all know that can be scary! When I read the letter, my immediate thought was "What does a 4 Year old need with a batting glove?" I shared my thought with Nick and he replied, "Her Mitt, he means her Mitt!!!! Now, you are definately not going to buy at bat until I get home!". But as many of you know, when Nick tells me not to do something, that is an open invitation to go ahead and do it. So off to Target I went to purchase a pink T-ball bat ;) So we were all ready to do this.....I even had Elle out in the front yard practicing hitting off of our T and playing catch. Considering my softball experience, the poor child did not have a chance! So what is she runs from the ball when it comes to her, instead of catching it! She will do just fine! (A mothers famous last words, right? )

So here we are at the first practice. Lets just say, she was pretty good. She kept putting her mitt on her right hand and I had to correct her, but she listened and payed attention. She did a great job at batting practice and I am happy to say, did better than some of the boys. Speaking of the boys, I saw alot of crying and mommy wanting from this group of boys. Well, I guess this is Ann Arbor, which is also the land of the "alternative lifestyle", for example, there were alot of kids with 2 moms at practice. Maybe these boys are confused? I know I was just by being there!

Don't think we got through the entire hour without distraction though......It was afterall a practice that was scheduled for 7-8pm. The kid was pretty exhausted when we arrived, so again, I had low expectations, but she did great!

We had a great evening though and I left so proud of my baby girl! She tried a new sport and was pretty good. Good Job Elle and we look forward to the season!

Aunt Magnes turns 3!!!

Today is Maggie's Birthday! Aunt Magnes is one of the more unique members of our family so I thought I would give her a shout out for her birthday.

Why do we call her "Aunt Magnes"? She came to us with an attitude (as all cats have) and it was a term of endearment we use in the Skwiat family for old Polish Ladies that stems from the memory of the late Aunt Agnes, Nicks great Aunt who had quite a personality!

Yes, she is a cat who was born in the "D" but we don't hold that against her. She should have been born a dog because most days, I think she thinks she is one. Nick likes to call her our resident "Rat Dog".....this is his term for all small dogs.

She had a great day filled with special food and treats. She got a bag full of toys to play with too. What more could a cat rescued from the "D" ask for? Yes, one more thing....Elle made her a hat to wear!

Oh, Mag, are you sure this crazy house is better than the Humane Society?

All this partying really wore Keeli out too!