The Best Husband in the World

**WARNING** I've got a lot on my mind today and preemptively apologize for my long winded rambling!

Although I have a terrible way of showing it sometimes, I truly feel as though I have the best husband in the whole world!

I am saddened to say, however, that rarely a day goes by that I do not vent various frustrations to him...and many times I inadvertently find myself blaming him or using him as my punching bag. He is amazing and absorbs my "blows" like a champ. Allowing my nagging and sometimes anal annoyances to simply go in one ear and out the other. He has a tremendous amount of patience, understanding and optimism. He balances me out SOO well. He is able to bring me back down to reality and put things back into a healthy/productive perspective. Especially on days when my girls (mainly my 3&1/2 yr old angel as of late) hang on my last nerve and often times bring me to tears. I also find myself all to often scared and frustrated with many of the challenges, obstacles & unknowns that Macy's Down Syndrome diagnosis is bringing into our lives. So many times, it is me overreacting or worrying about small things that I simply so not need to be thinking about just yet. Wondering...Are we doing enough? Are we doing whats right? He has a refreshing way of calming my nerves and putting my fears to rest. He has a favorite quote that goes something like this "We have a lot to think about, but nothing to worry about". So very true. I think about and LIVE this quote daily.
Sadly, I also find myself, most often, complaining to him about his busy work schedule. His job as a CPA, understandably, demands a lot of his time. He travels and works late a lot of the time. I say "a lot" of the time and not "ALL" of the time, because he does thankfully have seasons that are not as busy as others. I always feel so terrible when I give him a hard time about not being home more to help, etc...when of course, I KNOW, he would much rather be home dealing with our "family stuff", rather than in the office, dealing with "Accounting stuff". it is not fair for me to give him as hard of a time as I do in this regard. He makes it VERY clear that he puts his family first. Before anything else, especially his career. I do, however, deeply respect him for his amazing work ethic. I very much appreciate the fact that he enjoys and is dedicated to his career and is loyal to his employer. Plus, the firm he works for (which by the way is VERY LUCKY to have him) is great and has proven, over and over again to be a very family friendly company. As a result, he is motivated to get out of bed each morning, go into the office and, for lack of better words, bring home the bacon. Allowing me the opportunity to stay home and care for our baby girls during this "phase" of our life journey. I am so thankful to be able to truly enjoy "mommy-hood" the way God and my heart are telling me to enjoy it, at least for now.

I've got to say that I am at least thankful for the fact that when he is home, he is able to be TRULY home. As difficult as it may be with technological advancements these days, he is able to "turn his work OFF". I am so glad he is such an amazing husband and father and sincerely enjoys helping out around the house, spending time with girls and chipping in to do various chores, etc...I also appreciate that he doesn't seem to mind when not all chores are done. He many times comes home to laundry mountains, Eiffel Towers of dishes piled up in the sink, a maze of toys spread all across the main floor family rooms, unmade beds and non-prepared dinners. Luckily for me, he doesn't seem to mind one bit. It bothers me WAY more than it bothers him. He is genuinely happy and full-filled simply coming home to smiles on his beautiful ladies faces.

 He just wants us to be happy & content. Isn't that what we should all strive for? I think the world would be a better place if more people could simply be satisfied with making an honest living, being happy & content with where they are in the world.

Adjusting to my new gig as Stay At Home mom has been, to say the least, overwhemlming and trying at times. Don't get me wrong, I am blessed and so VERY thankful for this incredible opportunity. I cherish each and every new day.

My heart, being that it changed so much after learning of Macy's Down Diagnosis, would not be fullfilled missing out on each of these new milestones both of my girls are going through right now. They are not going to be my babies forever, so I very much KNOW in my heart of hearts that THIS, right here at home, is where I NEED to be. Right now anyway.
I do not feel as though I "quit on my career". I feel as though I am simply "taking a break from my career." I'll go back someday. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week or next year...but someday. For sure.
Not a single day goes by, that I do not think about my previous career in the Advertising industry. I miss my co-workers, clients, media partners and my private office at SKAR Advertising. An office with a DOOR, of which I could CLOSE when I felt overwhelmed and did not want to be disturbed (there is no "closing of doors" as CFO of Harnisch, Inc.) I miss my title of YOUNG PROFESSIONAL. I was proud to hold the title of "working mother". I miss creative brainstorming sessions with fellow Skarfaces. I miss fancy media events and free media lunches at yummy restaurants. I miss helping my clients trouble-shoot and solve marketing problems - big, small, tedious and fun. I miss being around & living vicariously through the "creatives" at SKAR. I miss my "Cafe 111" lunch crew (Duman brothers, Jenn, Carpenter & myself - a few other would join in every so often) I miss the reward of a "job well-done" pat on the back by teammates & partners at the agency. I miss having an "excuse" to watch television (hey it was my JOB as a media buyer to stay up on all current trends in the media world). I miss business trips - especially the ones of which flew me away on a jet.
My mind has been filled these last few weeks about the possibility of entering back into the work force. Am I ready? Maybe. Am I 100% ready? NO! This is hard.
The other day I received a package in the mail that brought a HUGE smile to my face and a large justification that THIS IS where I NEED to be right now. And it just proves more and more that my loving husband supports me in my decision.

Remember a few months back when Joe dedicated a song to me on a National Radio broadcast? Read Joe's dedication note here He requested that Bob Kingsley play "Front Porch Looking in" in honor of me. :-)
Below is the actual recording as the radio announcer read Joe's very touching letter on air.  I got it in the mail!   Listening to it again sent chills down my spine and shot warmth up to my heart  :-)
Along with the recording also came a free 6 month subscription to NetFlix. Sweet, can't wait to give it a try! :-)  THANKS BABE!!

So, for now I will try as best I can to suck it up. Stop complaining about stupid things and savor each and every beautiful moment as they happen. Even if many of these moments happen to encompass poopy diapers (and potty-training pants), ridiculous temper tantrums, constant disagreements and unfair negotiations with irrational 3 year olds-it's always a lose-lose situation (why is she screaming at me? Why does she hit me all the time? What did I do to deserve this treatment)?. Add to that several therapy appointments for my "chromosomally enhanced" baby and new budget cuts now that we are still adjusting to being a single-income household. Through all this - I'll keep my chin-up and remember...IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT IN THE END.

I'm sorry for the pity-party type rambling, but, now that it's off my chest, I really do feel better. Thanks for listening! :-)

9th Annual MLC Girls Christmas Party

And so it begins - this past weekends' festivities officially marked the begin of the 2010 Holiday season...

We've been planning and talking about it for months. Can't believe our big day has already come and gone. Our 9th Annual MLC Girls Christmas Party was a BLAST! Thanks Al for hosting all of us wild chicks. Dinner was delish. We also appreciate your allowing us to crash at the "Kohlhaas Inn". :-) I apologize, on behalf of all of us, for the condition we left your house the next day. That middle of the night snacking didn't help!

Here are some pics from our fabulous night in CB (Council-tucky) - It wasn't Nashville, or Tilden, or Emerson, or Omaha, or Howells, but it was just as fun :-) We are thinking we may crash Heather's town next year...watch out Dayton Ohio...we're coming your way!

A few girlies couldn't make it this year, due to distance, state volleyball and being pregnant. But we still had fun and perhaps we can have the whole gang together again next year :-)

After dinner we had our traditional gift exchange...here I am modeling part of Al's gift :-)

Jill, me & Jenny :-)

Me, Nikki & Heather - this is when we started to "get a little crazy" :-)

not really sure...

Walking back to our car at the end of the night - FREEZING! Why am I the only genius who decided not to wear a coat??

Our first stop...Of course we had to pose in front of the "SCOTT" Street Pub sign...

Our infamous "Bad-girl" pose. This dates back to the Isaac Walton graduation party in 2001. oh good times, good times. "It's so fun I love it"!

stopping to pose for a pic while "cuttin' a rug"

***

We had an awesome time all night long reminiscing about old times...old boy friends...talking about old MLC friends we hadn't seen in quite some time, sharing stories about some we've run into lately, etc... Lot's of laughs! The night also ended in tears as the "light" conversation took a pretty deep turn around 3am. I love these girls so much and it really felt good to be able to shed healthy tears with old friends. I love you and can't wait until our big 10th Annual X-Mas Party next year! :-)

SNOW Family of FOUR!

The season's first snow fall = our first "snow" family of FOUR!

Joe and McKenzie created these snow masterpiece works of art bright & early Saturday morning.

 McKenzie and "daddy" - LOVE IT! 

Perfect snow man making snow!  

McKenzie was excited to give me the tour and introduce me to each one...Daddy, Macy, Kenzie & Mommy

**

By the time we got home that afternoon, this snow family of four was reduced to small melted balls in the front yard.  The daddy's head had "blown off" too.

Season's 1st Snowfall & Sister Sleepover

My sisters and I were going back and forth via email on Friday...discussing upcoming holiday plans etc...All of the sudden, Lisa shot over a "no subject" email asking if we were up for a sleepover at the Cooke's house  a) Jim was out of town & b) she thought she "needed some sister time".
How could we say no to that?  So, after my book party that evening, I bundled up the kids and headed over to the Cooke household.  The snow was coming down pretty good by this point.  FIRST SNOW FALL OF THE SEASON!  Mom joined us too and we ordered in Farmer Browns and watched a chick flick while the kiddos played and soon crashed for the night  :-)

Yes, us sister's have some good times together.  But it's not all fun & games.  As you can imagine, with four girls comes much drama.  Sometimes we have sad days too.  And this is what makes our relationship ALL THE MORE special.  We are there for each other no matter what.   Lisa was having a rough & somewhat frustrating week with her littles - Ally, her spunky 2 year old has been testing her mommas patience and hanging on her LAST nerve (I totally understand - been there - DOING that!).  It was a nice night of just "being" together.

I love you girls and feel so blessed and thankful that God put us in each others' lives.  And thanks to Mom & Dad for putting up with ALL the girl drama all these years.

I mean seriously,  how'd ya do it?!?  I only have two so far, and am having an overwhelming time!  Each day we have challenges and not-so-fun temper tantrums, but I just push through & think about how much it will all be worth it in the end, I pray my girls will be best friends and there for each other just as my sisters' and I are.

****

I had to be up and attem bright & early the next morning as Macy and I went to DS Mom's Coffee (mmmm Wheatfields!! This is another group of ladies I am very thankful for these days - I appreciate their friendship & support). 

It was warmly comforting.  Waking up in Waterloo.  I had a little fire in my heart driving through the icy streets of my hometown taking in the beauty that the season's first snowfall left behind.

*****

No pics were taken at our little impromptu sleepover, because, in true sister fashion, we were quite "fashionless"...seriously no photos please!  

But I WILL share this cute pic of Macy falling asleep in her exersaucer the other day...

 What can I say?  I am clearly MOTHER OF THE YEAR!

She was out like a light!  And yes, I did let her sleep there for a few more minutes because she was oh so comfy.  I didn't want to disturb her slumber.

***

Ash & Autumn's B-Day Party!

McKenzie & Macy's beautiful cousin's Ash (11) & Autumn (8) invited us to their big girl birthday parties the other day.  Fun times spent with the Harnisches  :-)

 We attempted a Grand-kid pic.  You never know what you're gonna get with 9 ancy little ones...but I'd say it turned out quite well  :-)

 I love how McKenzie just HAD to sneak Jessie (Toy Story character) in this shot.  HAHA  Too funny, I had no idea until just now  :-)  I think she is throwing us a hard-core hint for Christmas (as this one belongs to cousin Mason)  hehe

 Macy with one of her favorite people.  Autumn is SOOO good with the little ones and I think she is a little "smitten" with Macy.  Or at least this is how she makes Macy feel anyway.  :-)

 What a funny face!

 Not sure what Autumn was saying here, but Macy thinks it's pretty neat!

 aww

 Grandma Harnisch with her youngest twin baby & youngest twin grand-babies.  priceless  :-)

 "oh dear...what is McKenzie putting on my head?"

Yep, Macy, I'm afraid she did.  She thought you looked hilariously adorable in Woody's Toy Story hat.  And because of you piggy tail it had no trouble staying in place!  hehe

Cousin Harrison & Uncle Tod

 G-Ma & G-Pa Harnisch with Grady & Neeley

 Kenzie & Mason had a blast playing together.  Why wouldn't she feel right at home at her cousins house.  He only has ALL he coolest toys.

never-mind the B-Day Cake & candles being blown out behind you...

 *****

Oh man, how the times have changed, I do not remember what I got as B-Day gifts when I was their age...but pretty sure an iPod Touch was not even close to being in the realm of possibility.  It was only twenty years away from being invented.  But seriously, who could have imagined back then, that technology would be where it is today?  This is something not even "The Jetson's" dreamed up!

Happy Veteran's Day!

On this Vet's Day I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the brave men & women who who serve/served our country.  

And big props to my Grandpa Salisbury!  

We love you Grandpa, thank you for contributing to the freedoms we enjoy (and usually take for granted) each and every day!

And she SITS!

I am usually not too competitive and not one to brag...

...wait a second...

YES I AM!

This is why I am super stoked to officially announce that Macy SITS!  All by herself  :-)

She has been "prop sitting" for a couple months now, but I think it is safe to say she has evolved into a full fledged SITTER  :-)

 Sitting...Independently since October 31st, 2010. 

As the saying goes "The Grass is always greener"...it really applies in this case.  

Macy is very much appreciating her "new views"  :-)

***

Below is a video from last Friday during Early Intervention (or as Kenzie calls it "Macy's School").  Lucy (Macy's OT) took her measurements (with the assistance of McKenzie of course) a couple weeks ago, and created this really great "Floor Table".  It fits her proportions perfectly and makes floor time play all the more fun and productive. Macy is able to sit 100% independently and is able to have toys at her level.  This encourages and motivates her to strengthen her core and sit up for a long period of time!  

"Making the blocks go boom!"

Never mind the "needy" 3 year old running around in the background.  McKenzie sometimes makes Macy's at home therapy sessions exhausting and a bit overwhelming.  Both her and Toby can be quite a distraction at times.  But all-in-all, what else would you expect right?  I appreciate how each of the therapists and teachers understand, relate and try to include McKenzie into Macy's session as much as possible.  Sometimes McKenzie really IS helpful...maybe too helpful, but helpful none-the-less.  For example, Lucy might ask her to get a block.  But McKenzie does not stop at just one block, she'll bring 40 over one at a time.  What a helper!  

Or the time Lucy asked her to find a car...Kenzie brought 5 different kinds for her choosing.  When Lucy asked her to hand her the tape measure, McKenzie HAD to take all the measurements herself.  She then proceeded to "measure" each and every item of furniture in the room, just in case that might be helpful to Lucy as well.  One time McKenzie got her baby doll and sat her down on the floor in front of her and mimicked the actions that Lucy was doing with Macy.  Super CUTE!  I think we've got a future OT on our hands  :-)

Oh and Toby's gotta be right in the middle of ALL the action too.  His spot of preference would be on Lucy's lap or laying across her paperwork (which is usually on the floor).  What a dog!

Sleepover Party with the Twins!

We were super excited when Ja and Bethany asked us if we would do them the favor of playing "nanny" to the twins during Bethany's sister's wedding/reception.  Both of them were in the wedding which would have made tending to the twins a little overwhelming.

So, my parents came over to watch our girls.  I've gotta say it was kind of strange to get a babysitter so that we could babysit.  

but it totally made sense!

The night was going well, and just as we were getting ready to leave the reception, Joe and I asked Ja & Beth if Neeley & Grady could go ahead and just sleepover.  I think they were thrown a little off-gaurd with this spontaneous offer.  But we were serious, we REALLY wanted to give it a try.  Plus, we were really hoping this would allow their momma & daddy to get more than a 3 hour window of sleep...something they had not gotten for over 14 weeks!  :-)

On the drive home we asked ourselves "What in the heck did we just get ourselves into??"

But no worries were to be had.  Both Neeley & Grady were perfect little angels.  Sure they needed changed & fed every 3 hours.  We have not had to get up in the middle of the night for a feeding in a LONG time (thanks Macy), so it was a bit of an adjustment.  But luckily each time they arose, they went back down without giving us any trouble.  WHAT GOOD BABIES!!

SLEEPING BEAUTIES!

This pic was taken with my phone (since my camera is still in the shop), in the middle of the night - no flash.  not too bad huh?

It was so nice hanging out with these two little angels without our princesses around.  We could bond and get to know both of them so much better.  We learned that Neeley is super calm, content and happy go lucky (I am in love with her long eye-lashes), while Grady (this night at least) needed just a little more attention and was a tad-bit feisty (he has surpassed his sister in size - as it should be).  Grady likes to party in the crib during the 2am feeding, while Neeley is more of a morning babbler, as she was bright-eyed, giggly and chatty around 6:30am.  SOOO SWEEET!

Fun fun, we'd have them sleepover again in a heartbeat, so Ja & Beth, you just say the word!  :-)  That is at least until they start to be more mobile, which I suppose gives you a shortened window of opportunity.  hehe  j.k. 

*** 

By the way - BIG props go out to all my friends who have twins or any other types of "multiples"...yikes!  I knew you guys had it hard, but MAAAN did I underestimate the amount of energy and attention these babes require.  Why is it that they need everything at the same time??  Don't they know that people only have two hands??  We were responsible for these two for no more than 15 hours or so, and while I must add they were on their best behavior and followed their little schedules to a T, but still.  They were WORK!  Serious WORK!

a few more Halloween pics

I wanted to share a few more pics from Halloween that my sister Heather took!  :-)

 Macy still sitting up even when her sister walk all over her  (which happens a lot sadly)  :-)

 there's Macy back there keepin' warm in the wagon

 The Witt family!

 Only Heather would think to do this...  :-)

 A great group shot of all the scary "Lee" cousins!

 This is Dan's scary trash can man!  It's remote controlled and blows out smoke.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!