Attempt 2...Fail

Friday rolled around again this week.  As it always does.  We decided that since it's been getting warmer we would try the whole baby duck thing again.  Just like last time, I had the camera loaded and plan in place.  4:30 hits and I'm out of work on time.  Of course Friday ended up being kind of gloomy and a little cold, but we still thought we would give it a shot.  We waited and waited and waited some more.  We looked and looked and looked some more.  No baby ducks.  So, I present to you my picture album titled:

Everything But Baby Ducks

Turtle basking in what little sunlight there was

Duck Diving

I'm pretty sure that one plopped down was the mom but we still couldn't find any babies!

Beautiful Flowers

I'm pretty sure this bird was posing for me.  He didn't move till after I got the picture!

So we made the best of it, but I would really like to grab some pics of those cuties.  I promised pictures, these just probably aren't the ones you were hoping to see! Have a great week!

Failed Attempt

On Wednesday this past week, my preschool class all grabbed onto our walking rope and made our walk a couple blocks down the street to a nearby pond.  We had heard that baby ducks had just hatched and we of course wanted all our little ones to share in this learning experience.  When we first got to the pond, we couldn't find them.  Oh No!  All I could think was I just got 15 preschoolers extremely wound up and now they aren't going to see them! This is now going to be THE LONGEST DAY EVER! But, after some patience and watchful eyes, WE FOUND THEM!  We spent nearly an hour at the pond because the kiddos were so entertained...yes I said it.  We had 15 three and four year olds entertained for an hour!

So, naturally I come home and tell Patrick all about them.  We decided he would meet me after work Friday to go see them again.  Especially since I no longer would find myself there with a bunch of kids whose parents believed I was responsible for.  Friday morning I had myself put together before leaving for work, if you can believe that, and I actually remembered my camera. 4:30 hits and I'm out the door.  Patrick meets me and we walk to the pond.  We look.  And look.  And look some more.  There were no ducks.  We are pretty sure it was too cold and windy for them to be out.  Fail! :(

Am I glad this failure happened with the hubs rather than the kiddos...Yes!
Do I feel bad you read this and get to see no pics....Yes!
Are we going to try again on a warmer day so I can share the cuteness...For sure!

Have a good weekend!

Sorry, I have no life

Well, let me explain.  I have no life because all I do is work.  Working between 50-55 hours a weeks doesn't leave much time for blogging.

Just in case you were wondering...Yes, I'm now enjoying my new job with all my kiddos but I can't tell a lie there were quite a few days when my whole room was crying and all I wanted to do was sit down and cry with them.  I've heard my fair share of "MAMA" wails over the past 4 weeks.  Friday we made chocolate covered bananas and that was probably a very big turning point with our class.  All the kids were on their best behavior and had so much fun doing it together.  My co-teacher and I were also able to share some pretty good laughs as we cleaned every surface and face that was covered in chocolate.

The banana pop event was the start to a very good weekend.  We made a quick trip (besides the hours of Chicago traffic) home for our friends Amy and Matt to celebrate the start of their forever.  The wedding was beautiful in the Kasson Catholic Church and the reception that followed was a blast in the Mayowood Stone Barn.  Of course I took way too many pictures and whittled it down to 89 good ones and 1 sweet video (Yes Amy, I'm going to make sure you get them all!)  So now, without further ado, I give you Amy and Matt Badzinski. (And a few cute ones of us ;)

Ready to rock out our first wedding as a MARRIED couple!

She had beautiful baby's breath all over

The Program

The Groom and his dad all ready to go.  What you don't see...the little wave he gave his bride before walking down the aisle

The matron of honor (Anna - Amy's friend) and best man (Thomas - 12 yr old brother of the groom and super cute!)

Flower girls and ring bearer

The BRIDE and her parents.

Giving away the bride to her soon-to-be hubby...Look at that beautiful dress!

Let's get down to business! 

Groom giving his bride her ring...She had to help get it on which probably explains her laughter.

Bride giving the groom his ring

I now pronounce you husband and wife!!!

Seating Chart

Our Table

Our cute favors...before I shook in attempt to get the bride and groom to kiss...yeah glass went everywhere.

Cupcakes look familiar? They're from Daube's too!  Copycats, but I'm definitely okay with this because they are so delicious!

Wedding Party's Cake

The Reception Area...Beautiful!

Clink, Clink, Clink...and cue Amanda's jar breaking

Best Man giving his speech...I'd put him in my pocket if I could...so cute!

Let them eat cake

Bride and Groom!

First dance as husband and wife!

I convinced them for one more pic even though I know they were sick of pictures...THANKS GUYS!

Dollar Dance - Patrick with the Bride

Toss the Bouquet

Now, someone just had to get video of this hilarious moment when they were doing the garter toss.  The first couple seconds are a little crazy but bear with it!

We are so lucky to have shared this special day with them!  We're so happy for you Amy and Matt!

I hope you enjoyed!  Have a great rest of your week!

Easter Weekend

Well Easter weekend has come and gone once again.  Although most of our weekend was filled with driving it sure was fun and special with the time we had.  Friday at 3 Patrick and I hit the road and had the GPS set for Novotny Rd in Charlevoix, MI.  My family was already there and awaiting our arrival.  After a few hundred miles and pit stop at the Steak and Shake we rolled into town at 10:15.  Saturday was filled with showing Patrick all of Charlevoix and trying to see as much family as possible.  As Easter morning came around so did more family.  My tiny grandma's house was filled with 11 people, a hungry dog, and lots of food.  Special time was shared and before we knew it, it was 4:00 and time for us to roll out of town. 

As we walked back into our apartment and dropped the suitcase and  many gifts we came home with on the floor, we were quickly reminded of reality where everything is not sunshine and glitter.  Patrick went to turn off our living room radiator as it was summer inside and felt a drip, drip, drip on his head.  Yup,  the radiator in the apartment above was leaking into our living room.  May I please take the time to remind you of our kitchen having the same experience? Well the sky is falling once again.  The late night security guard went to tell the (not so) kind woman above to please turn it off, but she wouldn't answer.  A drip pan was quickly placed and prayers were said so we would not have her radiator falling through our ceiling.

Yes, that is plaster in that pan as well.

This problem quickly became the least of my worries today as I started day 1 with my new little ones.  We had so much fun and very little tears.  We even had a fit when it was time to go (the girl was clinging to my leg even though I promised she could come back).  Pretty good day I would say. Now I'm home ready to start dinner and settle down for some good t.v. so I can be ready with a smiling face once again tomorrow at 5:30am

Week 1...In the books

Well it's Saturday which means my first week with Bright Horizons is officially done...and I'm still alive.  Even though I did feel exhausted by the time I got done working at Sylvan this afternoon, I feel more energized than ever in a way.

"If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." -Marc Anthony

I received a ton of information , but while doing so I had so much fun getting to know all my new co-workers and hearing about what my days to come will be filled with. I will be surrounded with more experience than I ever imagined.  I found myself thinking many times, how on Earth did I get this job?!  I'm counting down the days and will soon be counting down the hours till little ones bring their energy into my classroom.  It looks like Thursday and Friday will be open house time to meet some families!!  

While so much excitement happened in my life this week, my heart is also heavy for a family I call my own.  My mom's best friend, Shelley (aka my second mom), lost her sister Thursday evening to cancer.  A mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a coffee group lady that was taken so soon in our eyes.  As many of us prayed that Lori would experience peace as she went to be with her Father in Heaven, I now ask that you pray for peace and comfort to fill her loved ones left behind in a way that only Christ can make possible as they celebrate her life and say goodbyes over the next two days. You are loved Shelley and family, and we are always here for you!

Saint Patrick's Day Chicago Style

If you're a regular on following my blog, I do apologize for it being so long.  Nothing has been happening, well expect for me running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get done with all the paperwork for my new job.  Conclusions: I don't have TB, I'm not a criminal, and I'm sane enough to work with children.  I literally have spent the last month doing paperwork and running it into work, then more paperwork and running it into work.  It will make this job all the more sweet once I start...TOMORROW! (kinda) Training will all that will be in store for me the next two weeks, but i'm thankful for the ease into working full-time once again.

So it's Saint Patrick's Day, in case you were not aware.  I don't get into this holiday.  Maybe it has something to do with the day being centered around red hair, wearing green, being pale, and the name "Sullivan"...all of which I'm currently associated with (yes, even I pulled a green shirt out of the back of my closet). But there is a big deal that happens in Chicago if you weren't aware. Ready for this?

THEY TURN THE RIVER GREEN!

Knowing we aren't sure how much longer we'll be in Chicago, I wasn't going to pass this up.  No matter how stinkin cold it was today, I convinced myself this was a must.  So, after church we made our way to the river.  Was it worth it?  Well, see for yourself.

TOOT TOOT!  Hello Chicago visitors!

Please excuse the hair...it was quite windy as the waves show

My Vanna White moment.  Patrick decided to take it from far away to show off the boots.

Quite green! It was cloudy mostly but when the sun tried to peek through it made it look even greener.  So that was my excitement for today.  Hopefully I'll have some more blogs soon about my new job and maybe even some pics of my classroom too!! Until next time...cross your fingers for some warmer weather.  This girl is itching to pull back out those summer dresses and flip flops!!!

Fun through the eyes of a poor quality camera

Wow, what a busy past few days we have had.  I thought I would share some of the fun stuff we have been up to and a few (camera on my phone) pics.  Yes, they're sad quality because my camera goes through batteries so fast and I ran out! 

First up, V-Day.  Best part of the day was our fun dinner.  I had everything ready to go so we could eat when I got back from work.  The hubby surprised me though and dressed all fancy and had candles on the table and romantic music on the record player.

Fun, bubbly drinks!

Salad with heart shaped veggies!

Dessert, individual strawberry trifles!  So good!!!

Next up, Patrick's parents came to Chicago for the weekend to help celebrate Patrick's birthday and share with all my exciting news I have had to share.  Saturday we went to the Museum of Science and Industry.  Patrick and I could not believe this amazing place was just 4 blocks away from our quiet neighborhood.  Sunday we did a bunch of exploring in the loop downtown which involved showing off our sweet bus system.  

Scaled model of Seattle and Downtown Chicago at the museum.  SOOOO amazing.

I had heard about this chick hatchery at the museum from a sweet little 2 year old I know so it was a must see!  We didn't see one come out but we saw them poking their beaks through.  We didn't stay since it takes 4-6 hours.  

Ones that had already been hatched and moved to a different spot.  They would run like crazy then just drop down and fall asleep.

They had a special Charlie Brown exhibit we went to.  Hmm maybe I was his inspiration!

Sunday we went to the Hershey store.  I got a Hershey Mocha.  I was a little disappointed but it was still pretty good.

Sunday night we ate at the Sweetwater Tavern and Grille and Patrick got what I believe is one of the worlds tallest burgers.  He had to take off the onion rings just to get it in his mouth!

We have had such a busy past few days but filled with lots of new adventures and plenty of fun.  I even had fun in the very cold weather, but I can't lie I did keep thinking I wish it was warm I wish it was warm and then I would start calculating how much longer till the warm months would start.  So back to real life it is.  Lucky for me real life means I go start my paperwork for Bright Horizons tomorrow....never thought I'd be so (UNBELIEVABLY) excited to do paperwork!!!  Hope the start of your week is a good one.