After our long day at the conservatory we headed to our friend Ben and Janelle's place for hot pot. Hot pot is kinda like fondue but I guess asian style and on a much bigger scale. There is a wok that has broth in it and then you have these little baskets that you drop in the meat in and then you throw whatever veggies or starch in there to cook. You let it cook and then fish it out of the broth and consume. The great part about this (because we did it once before with Ben) is the just hanging around and eating. This event can easily go for a couple of hours and you don't really get full. Probably because you are eating little bits at a time and not filling up all at once.
I had my doubts how this was going to go with both kids being so tired and it being way past their bedtimes. I was hoping that they would nap on the way to Chicago, and only one of them did... but not for very long. So they were pretty slap happy... and we had a big day at the other place running around I was surprised they made it as long as they did.
Now, like I said before one of the best parts of the hot pot is being able to sit around with friends and hang out. I think ideally probably 6-8 people makes for a nice gathering... but this time there was about 16! It was way to many people for their small dorm (Ben is in chiropractic school and lives on campus). And the people this time SUCKED. They weren't very friendly, they were looking out for themselves (I'll explain) and they pretty much all seemed like douche bags. I know that they are Ben's classmates, but I could've done without ever meeting any of them. That may seem like a mean thing to say, but, well, it's the truth.
None of them wanted to talk and they were really click-y. Yes, we were the only people there with children. Yes, we don't go to your school. No, we don't like to get hammered on a Thursday night. And around the hot pot they would take the food that we dropped in to be cooked. Never mind the fact that we have two small hungry children who are trying to wait patiently for that food. Are you serious? Let's think a little here... ya know? I was just a little irritated. After such a nice trip we didn't even really get to visit with Ben and Janelle, and we were just trying to stay out of these people's way. So, unfortunately it was a poopy end to our great adventure, but at least I got to be with my family all day. The kids, honestly where fantastic and well, Gaetan is always. :)
I think the thing that was the worst about that night was these people made me feel like a second class citizen. It was like because I had kids I must've screwed up somewhere along the lines, and obviously I wasn't on 'their level' because I wasn't in chiropractic school. A lot of them wouldn't even make eye contact or introduce themselves... and I know that I have the greatest job in the world, and that not everybody can be a good parent, but it's just times like this being 'just a stay at home mom' seem like I'm not doing enough, or that I'm not good enough. And, of course, I know that's not the case at all, but it's just amazing how people can make you feel that way. On the way home I knew by just looking at my sweet sleeping kiddos that I'm doing the right/best thing for me, but I just can't understand how people can be so ignorant. Oh well. It's a good thing I don't have to be their friend.
So, I hope that Ben and Janelle are doing well (they've been married for almost a year now) and that we can visit with them a different time under better circumstances. :) I'm glad that it gave us a great excuse to go see the conservatory during the day, so I will choose to focus on that part of the day. So here's to being a stay at home mom, (and loving it!) and a big eff off to all those who don't think that I do real work.
JVG
Family photo Oct 2010
Friday, May 25, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Saturday nights
Now, I realize that most people use their weekends and go out and socialize and whatever... but not us! haha. Saturday is at the VG household is infamously known (to the adults) as pizza and beer night, but to Tristan and Lucy it's a day where they get to see Grandma and Don. Grandma usually makes cookies (or some kind of sweets) and they play games, read and run around in their big yard together. I think it may be one of the highlights for Tristan's week. And he's so smart too... every Friday night before he goes to bed he says, "Get to see Grandma and Don tomorrow... eat pizza, play chase you, and have alphabet!" He is SO Excited when we get in the van to go to my parents...
We thought that we'd up the anty on how great his saturday could be. Ever since we took the trip to the beach he's been asking us to go back. He even told Gaetan that he was taking Lucy to the beach with him... grabbed her hand and headed for the door. I was happy to know that he wanted to take her along. :) He even has a book that the pages are just beach stuff and he so cleverly left it open to that page and left it on the floor of our bedroom... pretty good at dropping subtle hints for a 2.5 year old :)
We did end up hitting the beach. It was a lot warmer than the last time we meant, which also meant it was a lot more crowded. I suppose that it was the weekend too contributed to that, but we had a good time nonetheless. Lucy was less impressed this time, I think she was to hot really. The water was pretty cold so Lu didn't want to go in, but Tristan was adventurous and went in pretty far! He was all about playing in the sand again and making a lake and a castle with Pop. We had a nice little picnic there, and then it was time to go to Grandma and Don's. I honestly think that's the only way we're going to get him to leave the beach!
After dinner we all went outside. Grandpa has started their garden and needed to water stuff, so we all went out together. Tristan rediscovered this little cart/scooter that he and Lucy love to play on. He likes riding it but he loves pushing her on it too. Lucy loves riding it, and hasn't quite figured out that the nice thing to do is take turns.
It's always so nice visiting with them because it's an actual visit. Just hanging out and talking, laughing, and I know that the kids love spending time with my parents. And as silly as my parents are I know that they are good to the kids. I never have to worry about what they might say around them, and I think their strangeness is good for the kids too :). So, as lame as others might think it is, we love spending our Saturday's with Grandma and Don for pizza and beer night.
JVG
We thought that we'd up the anty on how great his saturday could be. Ever since we took the trip to the beach he's been asking us to go back. He even told Gaetan that he was taking Lucy to the beach with him... grabbed her hand and headed for the door. I was happy to know that he wanted to take her along. :) He even has a book that the pages are just beach stuff and he so cleverly left it open to that page and left it on the floor of our bedroom... pretty good at dropping subtle hints for a 2.5 year old :)
We did end up hitting the beach. It was a lot warmer than the last time we meant, which also meant it was a lot more crowded. I suppose that it was the weekend too contributed to that, but we had a good time nonetheless. Lucy was less impressed this time, I think she was to hot really. The water was pretty cold so Lu didn't want to go in, but Tristan was adventurous and went in pretty far! He was all about playing in the sand again and making a lake and a castle with Pop. We had a nice little picnic there, and then it was time to go to Grandma and Don's. I honestly think that's the only way we're going to get him to leave the beach!
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| Duder hard at play |
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| Lucy really wanted to wear my sunglasses. We were also having a snack. |
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| I think this pretty much explains Lucy's life :) |
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| She was so excited to have that hat on she was really mad when I tried to take it off in the car. |
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| Lucy checking out the horn |
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| I think this is a hilarious picture |
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| Sweet older brother |
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| Dude giving Lucy a ride |
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| She was loving it... see Grandpa's garden in the background! |
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| Chub smile |
JVG
Weddings!
This summer is no exception to the number of weddings we are invited too, or I have to play at. Ever since middle school I just assume I will be playing at least one or two weddings a month beginning in May. It's kinda gross to think that I've been to over 75 weddings in my life... oof. Although, I have to say it did help me in knowing what I did and did not want at my wedding :)
Anyway, the first wedding is a few weeks away, and then... my dear friend Angela is getting married! :) We just had a bridal shower for her and it was a lot of fun. Again, a lot of fun catching up with old classmates and parents. It's also just so exciting to be apart of somebody's life for so long. It's crazy to think that we have been going to school together since preschool... which means we have probably known each other for 20+ years!
We always joked in high school that we would never make each other play at our own weddings... that we could just got there and relax and enjoy ourselves. :) So far, it's true! All of KABAJ (except Lynsey, since she was out of state) came to my wedding, and it looks like the majority will be at Angela's as well! I think Lynsey is her maid of honor and Katie (the K part of KABAJ) is bridesmaid.
So, here is to Angela and Jon... may their lives be centered on Jesus and may they love each other more and more each day!
JVG
Anyway, the first wedding is a few weeks away, and then... my dear friend Angela is getting married! :) We just had a bridal shower for her and it was a lot of fun. Again, a lot of fun catching up with old classmates and parents. It's also just so exciting to be apart of somebody's life for so long. It's crazy to think that we have been going to school together since preschool... which means we have probably known each other for 20+ years!
We always joked in high school that we would never make each other play at our own weddings... that we could just got there and relax and enjoy ourselves. :) So far, it's true! All of KABAJ (except Lynsey, since she was out of state) came to my wedding, and it looks like the majority will be at Angela's as well! I think Lynsey is her maid of honor and Katie (the K part of KABAJ) is bridesmaid.
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| Katie, our fearless cellist showing off part of one of the shower games. |
So, here is to Angela and Jon... may their lives be centered on Jesus and may they love each other more and more each day!
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| It's not a shower unless we dress the bride up like a silly! :) |
End of symphonette
I have completed my second year of the GR symphonette. Now my Wednesday nights are freed up! I had a blast yet again playing with this group. I like it because its so nice playing in a group again, but my sister and my Dad are both in it. And Mr. D is the best conductor you could hope for. It's funny because he has brought back a lot of Caledonia Alum, so it's fun to see what everybody's been doing since high school. It's also my little outting I get every week without the kids... love them to death, but everybody needs a little break from time to time :)
At the end of the year we always try to do a bigger concert at a nice hall. All of our concerts during the season are at Retirement Homes, as part of a community service. It's nice, because there really isn't any pressure, and I know the residents love having people come in. This year we got to play at St. Cecilia's, which was awesome! The acoustics were fantastic. We played with the Grand River Big Band as our special guests and they were really good. Last year I barely made it to the last concert because I had just had Lucy. I can't believe that's been a year already...
I was so excited that our friends Quebra and Dizzy came too! What a special treat. I know that Tristan was really excited about having them there. I know our concerts can be boring, but it was very sweet of them to come out and support it nonetheless. So, thank you :)
I hope that I get to participate in it again next year! I know it gets hard putting the kids down at night, but it should get easier since Lucy is pretty much done nursing. She does here and there some, but she's not nearly as dependent upon it. Times sure are changing! I'm looking forward to seeing what this next year brings.
JVG
At the end of the year we always try to do a bigger concert at a nice hall. All of our concerts during the season are at Retirement Homes, as part of a community service. It's nice, because there really isn't any pressure, and I know the residents love having people come in. This year we got to play at St. Cecilia's, which was awesome! The acoustics were fantastic. We played with the Grand River Big Band as our special guests and they were really good. Last year I barely made it to the last concert because I had just had Lucy. I can't believe that's been a year already...
I was so excited that our friends Quebra and Dizzy came too! What a special treat. I know that Tristan was really excited about having them there. I know our concerts can be boring, but it was very sweet of them to come out and support it nonetheless. So, thank you :)
I hope that I get to participate in it again next year! I know it gets hard putting the kids down at night, but it should get easier since Lucy is pretty much done nursing. She does here and there some, but she's not nearly as dependent upon it. Times sure are changing! I'm looking forward to seeing what this next year brings.
JVG
Friends, Parks,Picnics, Concerts and Ice Cream
So far this summer has been outta control busy, but so much fun. There are times during the morning (usually when Lucy wakes up REAL early) that I think, "It's still this early?" but for the most part it's been, "I can't believe the kids should've been in bed an hour ago!"
The past few two weeks have been whirl wind. I think that we have been in Grand Rapids for over 50% of our week... which is a lot of driving! So, that means, lots of adventures for this family. :) One of the things I love most about this summer so far is all the time we get to spend outdoors as a family. I love that my kids like being outside and happy just running around! A little ice cream here and there doesn't hurt the cause either... but who doesn't like to eat ice cream outside on a summer day? That's right... nobody. Unless you're lactose intolerant... but that's a different story. I digress. Anyhoo...
A little background to our Thursday. In middle school I was apart of this string quintet called KABAJ. It was an acronym of all of the players names... it was supposed to be first names but I messed up and our lovely violist (Lynsey Anderson) got the A used. She's a phenomenal musician and went on to study music performance at some top rated schools in the country and is currently living in Houston, TX. So, I rarely get to see her... in fact, I think the last time I did was when Lucy was still living in said belly. She was in town this week to do a performance with our high school, so I took this opportunity to have some lunch with her, and our other violinist Angela (who happens to be her best friend). It was lovely to catch up. :)
While I was out on our girl lunch date Gaetan took the kids to the park by my parents house. They stopped by a little ice cream shop on the way there and had a tasty treat. Apparently Lucy likes coffee ice cream... interesting. After I was done with our lunch date I met up with them at the park. The kids had a blast. Lucy is really into climbing now so she had fun on the play structure, and they love to swing! After a little bit we went down by the lake and Dude liked throwing rocks in there... and Lucy did some exploring. I love their curiosity...
After we were finished at the park we went back to Mom and Dad's and had a 'picnic'. Pretty much I just wanted to let them run around as much as possible, but they needed to eat something... and eating outside means less clean up afterwards. :) Now, since Mom and Dad live in the boonies I just let them run around nakey while they eat... it was great. They loved it, and then I didn't have to worry about them getting food all over their clothes. They ate a ton too. I can imagine it was because they had a pretty busy day and had been on the go non stop!
The reason we stuck around after the lunch date was so I could actually watch Lynsey perform. I hadn't heard her play since high school, and I know she was phenomenal then, so I couldn't wait to hear her now! And it was awesome of course. I went with Dad and took Lucy too... thought it would be nice to not dump both kids on Gaetan again. But, Lucy didn't want any of it... so during intermission I took her home real quickly, hoping I could get back in time for Lynsey's song... which I did... barely. What a treat it was to hear her play! And of course, since it was back at my old high school I saw a ton of people. Saw my good friend Beaker's Mom, an old physics/math teacher and parents of Lynsey and Angela. :)
It was a good day. Busy, but good. It was a real treat to be able to see old friends and catch up.
JVG
The past few two weeks have been whirl wind. I think that we have been in Grand Rapids for over 50% of our week... which is a lot of driving! So, that means, lots of adventures for this family. :) One of the things I love most about this summer so far is all the time we get to spend outdoors as a family. I love that my kids like being outside and happy just running around! A little ice cream here and there doesn't hurt the cause either... but who doesn't like to eat ice cream outside on a summer day? That's right... nobody. Unless you're lactose intolerant... but that's a different story. I digress. Anyhoo...
A little background to our Thursday. In middle school I was apart of this string quintet called KABAJ. It was an acronym of all of the players names... it was supposed to be first names but I messed up and our lovely violist (Lynsey Anderson) got the A used. She's a phenomenal musician and went on to study music performance at some top rated schools in the country and is currently living in Houston, TX. So, I rarely get to see her... in fact, I think the last time I did was when Lucy was still living in said belly. She was in town this week to do a performance with our high school, so I took this opportunity to have some lunch with her, and our other violinist Angela (who happens to be her best friend). It was lovely to catch up. :)
While I was out on our girl lunch date Gaetan took the kids to the park by my parents house. They stopped by a little ice cream shop on the way there and had a tasty treat. Apparently Lucy likes coffee ice cream... interesting. After I was done with our lunch date I met up with them at the park. The kids had a blast. Lucy is really into climbing now so she had fun on the play structure, and they love to swing! After a little bit we went down by the lake and Dude liked throwing rocks in there... and Lucy did some exploring. I love their curiosity...
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| Goose showing off her climb skills |
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| Dude's turn |
After we were finished at the park we went back to Mom and Dad's and had a 'picnic'. Pretty much I just wanted to let them run around as much as possible, but they needed to eat something... and eating outside means less clean up afterwards. :) Now, since Mom and Dad live in the boonies I just let them run around nakey while they eat... it was great. They loved it, and then I didn't have to worry about them getting food all over their clothes. They ate a ton too. I can imagine it was because they had a pretty busy day and had been on the go non stop!
The reason we stuck around after the lunch date was so I could actually watch Lynsey perform. I hadn't heard her play since high school, and I know she was phenomenal then, so I couldn't wait to hear her now! And it was awesome of course. I went with Dad and took Lucy too... thought it would be nice to not dump both kids on Gaetan again. But, Lucy didn't want any of it... so during intermission I took her home real quickly, hoping I could get back in time for Lynsey's song... which I did... barely. What a treat it was to hear her play! And of course, since it was back at my old high school I saw a ton of people. Saw my good friend Beaker's Mom, an old physics/math teacher and parents of Lynsey and Angela. :)
It was a good day. Busy, but good. It was a real treat to be able to see old friends and catch up.
JVG
Not so baby anymore...
Ever since Lucy has turned one it seems like every hour she is becoming less of a baby and more of a little girl. For the most part it's fantastic to watch her grow and learn, but of course, there's the Momma part of me that wants to keep her little baby snugged in my arms. They grow up to fast... and boy, don't I feel old for saying that!
No, it's great really. She is so clever. She really likes to imitate Dude. They sit on opposite sides of the table and they just make silly faces and laugh at each other. He does something, she tries her best to imitate and then one up it, so then he has to re-do what she just did. It's quite endearing really. They are becoming more and more friends... they play a lot more together now which, of course, has its ups and downs. But for the majority of the time they do play together well.
One of the things that she does now that I find irresistibly adorable is when we're eating and I'm checking to make sure that her food is at a good temp, she'll help me blow on it to cool it down. I'll blow, and then she does a few times and then just smiles and giggles afterwards. Then, of course, she demands the food that she has been so 'patiently' waiting for ;)
She is getting to be pretty vocal too. She says Momma a lot now, especially when she sees me, so that's good. She says a lot of ba ba ba and Bob Bob which I think are for Duder and Gaetan. She has so many facial expressions... it seems like she doesn't need words! She definitely knows what she wants and will let you know if she isn't happy about it... haha.
So, to my stubborn, quickly growing up little lady... Momma loves you and all the wonderful things that you're doing so far. Thank you for the little snugging moments that you give me to fill those 'needy' Momma moments. :)
JVG
No, it's great really. She is so clever. She really likes to imitate Dude. They sit on opposite sides of the table and they just make silly faces and laugh at each other. He does something, she tries her best to imitate and then one up it, so then he has to re-do what she just did. It's quite endearing really. They are becoming more and more friends... they play a lot more together now which, of course, has its ups and downs. But for the majority of the time they do play together well.
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| She knows where the socks go! |
She is getting to be pretty vocal too. She says Momma a lot now, especially when she sees me, so that's good. She says a lot of ba ba ba and Bob Bob which I think are for Duder and Gaetan. She has so many facial expressions... it seems like she doesn't need words! She definitely knows what she wants and will let you know if she isn't happy about it... haha.
So, to my stubborn, quickly growing up little lady... Momma loves you and all the wonderful things that you're doing so far. Thank you for the little snugging moments that you give me to fill those 'needy' Momma moments. :)
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| I love that toothy, sly smile. |
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Another beautiful day
The weather today was absolutely beautiful. Just warm enough to be able to enjoy the light breeze and the sun was shining! Today Gaetan went up to campus to listen to a fellow doctoral student defend his thesis and then stayed longer to work on some research. It was probably good that he went in... it was more 'normal' like how things are during the school year.
The kids did really well with it. :) We played hard until it was very obvious it was time for naps. Then, we took a family nap. Yesterday Duder insisted that he wanted to do it all by himself so that meant Momma didn't take a nap. But today he wanted me to snug with him. He didn't fall asleep for a long time, but it was OK because Lucy took an epically long nap to make up for it! By the time we got up Gaetan was home from researching already... easy breezy :)
We had a light snack and then headed off to the playground. We were just going to play outside here but they had just put pesticides in the grass so we decided that wasn't a good idea... I was actually at Noodles and Company working out a day for them to help with my fundraiser! :) I will keep you all posted on the day that we choose so that you can come have delicious noodles and still support my cause at the same time... win win :)
While at the playground the kiddos had fun, but then Duder wanted to go on a walk and look for rocks. It was a load of fun! While we were out on the trail Duder picked some flowers and gave them to me and Lu... what a sweet dude.
When we got home I tried out a new recipe... it was easy to assemble and I think it might make our rotation. The kiddos had a bath and then it was time for bed. What easy and simple things these summer days can be, but by the time sure does fly by! I am going to make the pecan pie bars for tomorrow's concert... our final symphonette concert of the season! Then, I am going to attempt these tiramisu cupcakes... because they sound delicious. Have some QT with the husband and hit the hay... all in a days work ;)
JVG
The kids did really well with it. :) We played hard until it was very obvious it was time for naps. Then, we took a family nap. Yesterday Duder insisted that he wanted to do it all by himself so that meant Momma didn't take a nap. But today he wanted me to snug with him. He didn't fall asleep for a long time, but it was OK because Lucy took an epically long nap to make up for it! By the time we got up Gaetan was home from researching already... easy breezy :)
We had a light snack and then headed off to the playground. We were just going to play outside here but they had just put pesticides in the grass so we decided that wasn't a good idea... I was actually at Noodles and Company working out a day for them to help with my fundraiser! :) I will keep you all posted on the day that we choose so that you can come have delicious noodles and still support my cause at the same time... win win :)
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| Baby Girl loves riding on Papa's shoulders |
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| Big cheese smile |
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| Apparently resting on a bench means kisses for Lu Girl |
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| My sweet sweet dude |
When we got home I tried out a new recipe... it was easy to assemble and I think it might make our rotation. The kiddos had a bath and then it was time for bed. What easy and simple things these summer days can be, but by the time sure does fly by! I am going to make the pecan pie bars for tomorrow's concert... our final symphonette concert of the season! Then, I am going to attempt these tiramisu cupcakes... because they sound delicious. Have some QT with the husband and hit the hay... all in a days work ;)
JVG
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