Day at the Park

Today was a gorgeous day, sunny skies in the 60's so what else to do after swimming lessons, a birthday party and a visit from a friend... head to the park. No time for the weary in our house. Sometimes I think we still have the MN mindset of ... "warm weather and sunshine = must spend time outside because it's limited. None the less, we headed to the park and yet again, for the 4th straight park trip in a row, Hannah ran into someone she knows. She seems to know half of East Cobb already. She found some little friends to play with that she met at the birthday party earlier in the day, and then so happens the Mom was a Gator and knew some of the same people that Todd knew from FL. Always a small world out there. Hannah insisted on brining her new hula hoop to the park, which the girls loved playing with.

Drew always has a smile on his face at the park, probably because it is generally the one place that I am telling him to run around vs yelling at him to slow down and calm himself a bit. I am all... hey, run, run, run.. get that energy out. He loves it, I love it.

If you look closely, both kids look like they got into a fight, all completely unrelated. I am glad we didn't have any family photos scheduled this week! Hannah is still healing from a little rug burn on her forehead from last weekend, which she made me promise to not tell anyone how it happened ( she threw a fit, was sent to her room, threw a tantrum not he floor and rubbed her head on the carpet, then cried about her head burning) I'm that mom that was all... "well, smart move Hannah, how did that fit work out for you?" Her chin was a Barbie packaging accident. Happens to the best of them. And Drew.. We aren't exactly sure what happened, we know there were not an tears associated with his cheek and chin bruising so we are assuming he is fine.  Kids will be kids.

And finally, we rest, with a little Curious George movie on, mom on the computer, dad at work ( yes on sunday, never ends)... till next week!

Rudzinkski Family Visit

Friday night we were excited to have the Rudzinski family stay with us on their drive back from Florida to Ohio. Lucky for us we are the perfect half way point right off I-75. It was so fun to see Jerry and Marcia, and their adorable kids. Ellen, Audrey, Marie and Ryan were a joy to have, and such well behaved cute kids. Hannah couldn't had been more excited to have a little slumber party with Marie and Ellen, and Drew.. well he followed Ryan everywhere he went. I almost felt bad for Ryan because he couldn't get away from Drew, but he was so great with him and seemed to have fun with his little stalker :) It was pretty funny to watch Drew run through the house yelling "Ryan... Ryan where are you?" And then to see Ryan peak around the corner laughing.   Hannah and Drew were sad to see them go, and poor Drew I think gets so confused with all our guests... every once in a while he would call Marie and Ellen Gracie and Lauren.   We hope they head to Florida next year so we can see them again!!

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Atlanta!

This weekend marks our year anniversary living in Georgia, and what a year it's been. It is still crazy to me, sometimes I will be driving along the highway looking at the tall pine trees and magnolias in bloom and think, huh, I live in Georgia? There are days I feel like I have lived here a week and still get lost in our own neighborhood .... and other days I feel like we have been here for years, and Minnesota seems like such a distant memory.  It hasn't been an easy year by any means, but it was actually a bit easier than I ever imagined. I tend to go in to things expecting the worst, and hoping for the best. Generally ends being pleasantly surprised. This held true for our move as well.  

In our year here, we moved into our dream home which we love. We learned new jobs, new corporate cultures and have made many many new friends for which we are so thankful for. We have had more house guests in one year than 13 years in MN combined, we call ourselves Hotel Steinemann. Lucky for us we are the half way point between Siesta Key Florida and Centerville, Ohio.. so we get a lot of friends and family passing through and saying hi. We love seeing everyone. We have been able to explore  Atlanta, go on more little weekend vacations, and enjoy the beach which we love.  The summer was HOT, but the winter was worth the two months of humidity. We have enjoyed the 65-70 degree Jan and Feb days and being able to bring the kids to the park and play outside all year long.   Life is good.

Looking forward, we are ready for a little relaxation in 2012. I have goals of getting to bed earlier than 11pm and sleeping in past 5:30am.   The storm has passed, I am looking for the calm. I think I unintentionally declared 2012 the year for me to get "my" life back. Moving has forced me to be more social than I have been in the last 5 years, meeting new friends and making time to build those relationships. ( even though what i really want to be doing is hanging out with my mn friends :( )I don't turn down offers to grab drinks with girlfriends after the kids go to bed anymore, and the best part is that I don't feel guilty about it anymore either. I have always been the type "a" personality that is always harried, I snap, I over schedule, I don't know how to say no, I take on more than I can do, and rarely ever made time for myself and feel guilty if I do. I put a lot of pressure on  myself to accomplish all that I want to do. I want to raise warm, grateful, and intelligent kids and give them everything they need in life, I want a successful career, I want a happy marriage, a house decorated like a magazine feature, close friendships, a weekend wardrobe outside of sweatpants and running shoes, and my kids to eat a homemade meal once in a while.What I realized is above all else, I need to make time for myself, and not feel guilty about that for everything else to fall into place. For the first time since Hannah was born I am starting to feel like my old self again. I feel settled, knowing we don't have the pending conversation of "moving". I can invest in friendships, our home, family, and most importantly, myself.  I work out 4-5x week, I make time for lunch time work outs, even with a Tuesday night spinning class and Saturday mornings runs that allow me some quite stress relieving time. The best part.. my skinny jeans even fit again. Tis the year of self, balance, and guilt free indulgence in a healthy mind and body.

Thanks to all our family and friends, new and old that have been such a wonderful support team over the last year. We love you guys.

Happy Valentine's Day 2012!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! I hope everyone had a special day with their sweet heart!  We had a low key Valentine's, however, Hannah did tell me it was the "best" ever. The kids each got a stuffed animal from mom and dad, and cards from all their Grandparents which made their days.   They both had parties at school with lots of valentine's cards exchanged and candy to go with it. I think they almost got more candy today than at the Halloween party. Tonight we had a calm evening with a home made meal and watched a little Fresh Beat Band and Diego on TV... how romantic :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone and Happy Birthday Aunt Nikki!!

Spring in February?

It has been a crazy weather winter all over the map this year. Atlanta is no exception as it has even been a warmer winter here than the average ( so they say).   It has averaged mid 50's to mid upper 60's all winter as an average. Today we were wearing shorts with sunny skies that actually hit 70 degrees.  Our neighbors daffodils have already bloomed and you can smell magnolias in the air.  We spent a lot of time at the park today. Both at the East Cobb park, than back at our neighborhood park where there was a tennis tournament and we met up with some neighbors and Hannah's little friends.  I think Hannah lucked out, as there are about 7-8 little girls between 4-7 yrs old all within a few houses away. We are still looking for some friends for Drew though, but he will at least have a good selection of girlfriends.

As always Drew had a great time at the park giggling, running and playing with the soccer ball.   We all had a great time getting fresh air and spending time as a family.  We are hoping for a repeat next weekend, as Hannah thanked me tonight for not taking her to any stores this weekend... she gets dragged to the grocery store and target a lot. Finally some fun time!

Hannah + Daddy Night

I had the great privilidge of taking Hannah to a father-daughter date night at Chik-fil-a on Saturday night. It is a great Atlanta tradition where the dads and little girls dress up for some fine dining and it is about the finest dining you'll ever see at a Chik-fil-a. They had reservations, set tables with red table cloths, flowers, battery powered candles and someone playing piano while you dine. Besides the ambiance, the best part of the night was having some long over due one on one time with Hannah. She was so excited to go on a date and see a few friends that were there with their dad's too. 

We had a great time and honestly fun conversation - I learned a lot about Hannah last night (even if it is only true for a night). Hannah said she would like to be a dentist when she grows up, she likes to brush teeth and wants to clean other people's teeth for them (she likes the fancy chair too). Hannah says her favorite food is Waffle House. Nothing specific there, but the whole thing - I think that is because Mom likes to take her there. 

She is a happy little girl. She thinks Atlanta is good and wishes we had snow for just one day, then it could be warm again so we can go to the park. She is very excited to ride the school bus and go to the big school next year where she will eat in a cafeteria (not sure where she learned about that, but I'll take it).

So despite a year of change, Hannah is still the same sweet girl who has a huge heart and is a great big sister. We are blessed everyday to have her and Drew in our lives and I can't wait to make more special memories like this for years to come.

More Saving, More Doing.. and that's the power of The Home Depot.

When you work for Home Depot, you are bound to get the itch to update a few things in your home. You sit in all the meetings discussing the "DIY" ( Do it yourself ) customer and finally you think, huh, I am going to try that myself. For better or worse, you give it a whirl.. and when the going gets tough, you call a contractor.  We have worked on two projects over the last 2 months.  The powder room off the kitchen started with me stripping wallpaper while Todd was at the FL vs GA football game which quickly turned into a contractor phone call.. which in turn also ended up with some newly refinished wood floors that weren't part of the original plan, but love them all the same.

POWDER ROOM - BEFORE

                                                        POWDER ROOM - AFTER

We still have some finishing touches, like hanging something on a wall, which we all know is a struggle for us. One day, we'll get there.

And then there's the laundry, now mudroom. I have wanted to update this since we moved in. It is right off the door when you come in from the garage and ends up as the drop zone. Shoes, book bags, laptop bags, coats.. you name it. All  of which I would trip over every time I needed to do laundry.  I spend more time in this room than anywhere else in our house, sadly... and I wanted an update and got quotes from the contractor that finished out bathroom and it was too much to spend on a laundry room. So Todd said he was up for a challenge. Anyone that knows me knows that I am not a big fan of Todd taking on projects in our house. I generally get the, "sure, I can get that done in a few weekends" , turns into 6 months later.  This conversation started Saturday mid day last weekend and he said he could finish by midnight Sunday night, and under a $300 budget. He was going to prove me wrong.   Well, he proved me right... but he work his tail off and did an unbelievable job. Day 2 of the project he also managed to fall down the stairs going to the garage and sprained his ankle. He is now in a half cast and crutches... but he perservered and still worked hard to get the job done as promised. We still have finishing touches to go.. switch plates, a little more paint, and a few shelves to put in a cabinet. But we are up and running and now highly organized. I couldn't be happier.

                                                        LAUNDRY ROOM - BEFORE

                                                     LAUNDRY/ MUDROOM - AFTER

                                                      OUR CONTRACTOR - AFTER

I am pretty proud of Todd. He did a great job and a finally got the mudroom I have always wanted for the last 5 years and he even kept to the $300 budget, impressive!  Every since having kids, when your "stuff" just starts accumulating I have been a space to get all the "stuff" out of the way. Sad how excited I get about organization.

Sunday night, and we rest. Getting ready for another week ahead. Not a restful weekend by any means. We were up painting until almost 1am each night, not a lot of sleep, a lot of hard work, but feels good to get a few things accomplished. It only took us a little over 8 months living in our house to have a free weekend to get things done. I look forward to having a few more quiet weekends ahead for work travel picks up again. Ahhh..

Happy 5th Birthday Hannah!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Hannah.  Another year, many changes, and another fun birthday to celebrate. Hannah woke up on her birthday party weekend to a decorated kitchen full of balloons, streamers, presents and of course, all in pink and hello kitty theme.

We thank everyone for all the fun presents for Hannah. She loved everything so much and so excited to have so many new fun things to play with.  We have all the theme song of this Barbie keyboard in our head the kids played with it non stop yesterday... "i'm a barbie girl....." 

Yesterday was her party at Monkey Joe's. Hannah had 13 little friends at Monkey Joe's which is a bounce house kind of place. From a parents perspective you walk into nothing but chaos, leave with a headache, and the positive - the kids burn a lot of energy. Hannah and her little friends had a wonderful time. And Drew.. well, he was a running and jumping and took over the place as he always does. He was in all his glory.   Above is Hannah and her new little best friend in Atlanta, Maddie. Maddie just moved here from Minneapolis about the same time we did. We are so happy to have met her and her wonderful family.

Nothing made Hannah happier this birthday than having Grandma and Grandpa visit.   She loves her Grandparents had so much with them. And when the left, she had tears the whole way from swimming saying how she already missed them.   Thank you so much for making the visit down south!


And Happy Birthday to our little sweet heart Hannah. We have had so much fun with her over this last year watching her grow up. She went through a lot earlier this year saying good-bye to the only friends she had ever known, her teachers, and her life as she knew it. She welcomed the move with adventure and open arms, as we got her excited about playing outside year round, meeting new people, and living closer to her favorite, the beach. She has been so positive and done so well making new friends and taking our new adventure to heart, we are so proud of her.   To describe Hannah at age 5 I would say, she still loves the color pink, Barbies, Hello Kitty, The Fresh Beat Band, ballet, swimming, playing with her friends, having fun with Drew and Hannah's favorite way to spend time, anything art and crafts.   She has such a big heart and shows it in so many sweet ways. We are all so lucky to have Hannah in our lives and I look forward to what this next year has in store for us.   We love you sweetheart, to the stars, moon, beach and back :) Happy 5th Birthday, XOXO

Darn you Gators!

Another Buckeye Gator Game, another Buckeye loss. Darn you Gators. We will get you one of these years. We aren't sore losers though... war were a house divided, and had a fun day with the kids!

I promised Hannah all week if she cheered for the Buckeyes she could had a chocolate peanut butter buckeye, it worked!

Drew doesn't really know what's up here in this picture, but he had a great day cheering for everyone!!

Happy New Year 2012!

2012, Really? What happened to 2011? I have no idea where this year went, no idea.  This year has been most definitely the fastest, busiest, and most adventurous year of my life. It was this time last year we were trying to decide if we were going to move to Atlanta, and a year later, here to are, getting ready to bring in the New Year tomorrow evening with new friends that we didn't know a year ago, in a new city, new house, new jobs, new everything. It has been an adventure from the start, one of those decisions you make as a family, hold hands, hold your breathe, and jump.. and hope it all works out for the best.

A year later, I don't think either of us have regrets in our decision. We miss our friends, we miss the familiarity of life, traditions and the simplicity of knowing exactly where to go and what to do in Minneapolis, but have also thoroughly enjoyed exploring the south, meeting new friends, and doing this all together, as a family.   Right before I left, a dear friend from Target who I worked with for years, Lisa, gave me a picture frame as a going away gift that said "Family, it's not where you are, or what you do, it is who is beside you that counts". I remember reading it and of course, with a few tears in my eyes, thinking, she is right... this is a perfect way of thinking about it. I have that frame in our family room, and I look at it everyday. It couldn't be more true. Minneapolis, Atlanta, Ohio, Florida.. it doesn't matter, I have an amazing family, and as long as we are together, I don't care where we are. We are so blessed, and so lucky to have each other, out health, and a wonderful life together, I couldn't ask for anything more.  

Over this year last watching out little Hannah and Drew grow up has been an adventure in itself. Hannah is turning 5 in a week. 5!!!  I keep asking her to stop growing but she won't do it. Last night I told her if she promised to at least stay 5 and not turn 6 I would never make her eat broccoli, she agreed :) Hannah is my sweet heart, and has the biggest most sensitive heart for her age I have ever seen. The things that come out of her mouth make me as a parent feel inferior each day. She puts me in my place on a daily basis on what it means to be nice to people you love, share, and play nicely. I couldn't ask for a more amazing little girl. I love her laugh, her one, just one dimple, her innocence and her ability to make Drew laugh and at moment's notice. I love my little Hannah.

And Drew, what can I say about my Drew. He is an adorable, energetic, hilarious little terrible two year old that doesn't listen to anyone. He amazes me each day at his ability to climb, jump, throw the football, tackle, push, bite, pinch and hit just about anything.. with a smile to go with it. He is all boy, and really, just a hilarious little guy. I was at a birthday party with Hannah and few weeks ago and there was a group on moms talking about Drew and didn't know I was him mom. They described him as a "cute, but aggressive little guy". I finally joined the conversation at that point and started out by saying "I am just going to apologize now, I am guessing my Drew has bitten your kids". I tried to make the uncomfortable comfortable. He will out grow this right? I have never seen anyone on America's Most Wanted accused of biting, I am hoping we will be ok :)

Todd and I, we are hanging in there. We work hard, play hard, and try to find for sleep when we can.   We love that we have been able to see friends and family so much more in the last year than we have seen in the last 6 years combined. We love the more frequent weekend getaways, beach trips, and mountains that surround us that we can take advantage of.   We love the BBQ, Whoopies pies, caramel cakes, and ribs they serve here in the south ( Diet starts Jan 2.)  We are finally starting to pull the house together and decorate. We updated a bathroom, refinished wood floors, updated hardware, painted... and the list goes on. Now we just need to hang things on the wall. Anyone that knows us knows that our walls tend to stay bare for longer than they should... we'll get there!

Here's to an amazing 2011, and looking forward to 2012!  Thanks to all our friends and family that were our support team getting us through the decision, the move and the adjustment in Atlanta.   And thanks to our new friends for welcoming us with open arms.

Happy 2012 everyone!!  We wish everyone health, happiness, laughter and love in the new year!!