Counting My Blessings...

Ahh, another blissful Saturday with the IrishKids! Wish I could say that it was all about the fun in the snow...unfortunately the day was a bit more stressful than snowballs and snow angels!

After the big snowstorm of Thursday and Friday, I thought it would be great to take the kids out for a snow-filled Saturday! The only problem...Kit has snow pants, but no snow boots and Fionn has snow boots, but no snow pants!! Disappointing for sure, since they were both born in IL to a native Illinioan (who by the way, doesn't own snow boots either)! Hey, no worries, there's a Target just 10 minutes down the road. This will be a quick trip, in and out, right???? For those of you who are familiar with where I live and what has happened today...you know the answer is WRONG!!!!
I packed up my children this morning for a quick trip to the Target and found myself in the midst of chaos. As I arrived at the shopping center, I notices ALOT of police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. The first entrance was blocked off, but the second entrance was still open (I agree that my first clue should have been all the emergency vehicles...but I thought that there must have been a fire in one of the stores). As a matter of fact, I said to my sister in law on the phone, "I don't know what's going on here, I'll just skip Target and go into Payless for the boots". I parked the car and was in the process of unbuckling Fionn when a woman in a minivan pulled up next to me and said, "don't take the kids out of the car...there's been a shooting in one of the stores...they've got everyone on lockdown...go home." That's not something I ever expected to hear from a suburban soccer mom (thank you to the woman who took the time to let me know what was happening!!!). Needless to say, I hightailed it out of there. But not before my truck was searched by police.
As I was leaving, I tried to remain calm, because my eldest IrishKid definitely sensed that things were not good. Let's just say she understood the expletives I had uttered in the rush to get away as fast as I could and repeated them back to me. As scared as I was (and I was and still am shaken), I didn't want her to feel scared...which is a tenuous rope to walk. So I did what any kid would do...I went to see my Mom & Dad.

The good thing...the IrishKids and Lily got to have their day in the snow and I had my family close. I couldn't believe that something like this was happening in my town. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones today. And I'm thinking about the familiest and friends of those who have been lost in countless thoughtless crimes. I've hugged my children a lot tighter today.

2008...Busy, Busy, Busy!!

So I'm sure you're thinking...what's the story woman? You were a blogging fool in December...what the hell happened to the New Year! I'll apologize right now for my lack of updates and photos (I promise to have some new pics very soon, Auntie K). I guess the excitement of my new year got the best of me!

What excitement, you ask? Well, we returned home from our lovely Irish holiday on January 4 and on January 6 (the day before I went back to work) I resigned from my job of 8.5 years.

While in Ireland I received a great offer. I'm still in higher ed but from the comfort of home! This has eliminated the crazy, long hours, weekends, and consistent 6 day weeks! Which is something that I've needed for a couple of years now (since August 25, 2005 to be exact).

As exciting as it is to have a new beginning, it was definitely sad to leave the friends and family I've come to love over the past 8.5 years. But as Alan and a few of my wisest friends reminded me...I'm only leaving the job behind...not the people I love.

So, I've been at the new job for the past week and a half...and I'm still excited! It's been crazy making the transition, but I've got lots of love and support from my family and friends. Thanks to all of you for looking out for me in so many different ways!

Hang in there, new pics and stories are on their way. I just need a couple more days to adjust!

Thank You

As many of you know, we were fortunate enough to spend the holidays in Ireland with Nana B, the Aunties, family and friends. It was a wonderful holiday and the IrishKids had a great time, not to mention Alan and I! We arrived safely back home on Friday evening and have spent the weekend trying to get back to our normal chaos!

Since being home, I've been thinking alot about our trip. Obviously, Alan's family is crazy about the IrishKids and loves seeing them grow and change (even when they're testing multiple boundries). It's always a treat to see Alan back home in Ireland with his family and friends...oh, the stories I've heard. And what dawned on me while we were in Ireland is that I've only known these people a little over 4 years...but they are as much my family as the relatives I've known for my lifetime. I just want them to know that I am grateful for that...I know some people may not be as lucky!

Bernie, Kathleen, and Denise: Thank you for taking such good care of us during our visit! It was truly a memorable Christmas for the children and for us. We love you.

Mom and Dad: Thank you for picking us up from O'Hare, on a Friday night, during rush hour traffic, and coming in to meet us at the International gate! Sorry it took so long for us to get there.

Jack and Michelle: Thank you for being at our house with Lily and Jack and with Chicken & Dumplings on the stove! What a treat...a home cooked meal and a welcome home gathering!

Brenden: I'm sorry we didn't get to see you this trip! I heard you had a great time in Italy...we thought about you often (and raised a few pints in your honor...the uncles are looking forward to your next visit!)

To all our family and friends: Happy New Year... May 2008 be laughter, love, and joy!

A Trip to the Seafront

We celebrated Christmas once again with Alan's extended family yesterday. Bernie made dinner for aunts, uncles, and cousins...about 25 in all. Since there was much to be done in the kitchen and other parts of the house, Denise, Sinead (Denise's best friend), and I wisely decided to get the children out from under foot for a bit of fresh air...something we knew our sore heads would benefit from as well (Friday night was Girls Night Out)!
Kit and Fionn were introduced to Sinead's niece and nephew, Alia and Eughen. The children hit it off and had a great time together! They loved picking up rocks on the beach and throwing them into the waves...I'm sure the fishermen loved that. Fionn wanted to jump into the waves, regardless of the temperature. We were sure to keep a close eye on him. The fresh air did a world of good for both IrishKids...not to mention their mommy. I think they were just so happy to be out and about with new friends. Not to mention the promise of ice cream, if they were good.
After the beach, it was tea and ice cream for everyone. They were all very good and on their best behavior. It was a great afternoon. And by the time we got home...dinner was ready and the guests had all ready started to arrive. I thought I'd have very tired children...but they were extremely sociable and charming. Which is, of course, how they always behave...ha ha ha! Anyway, it was a good day and good night. I know they're enjoying their visit with their Nana, Aunties and friends.

Christmas Wishes To All!

Merry Christmas to one and all! Here I sit on Christmas morning, thinking of my loved ones-near and far, drinking a glass of champagne, and enjoying the peace and quiet while the children nap. I thought I'd share just a few snapshots of the children's time leading up to Santa's visit.

Here they sit on Christmas Eve, fresh out of the bath and snug in the pj's Gramma & Papa gave them for Christmas. Just ten more minutes until bedtime...
We weren't up quite as early as usual this year, but once again we had to wake Kit from her sleep...which means she'll need a nap sooner rather than later. Check out her buggy...she loves it...I'm just trying to figure out how we'll get that home!
Ahhh, she's finally opening her (and anyone else's) presents. This is what she's been hearing about since before we arrived in Ireland. She wasn't really all that interested about what was inside the wrapper...she just wanted the first pull! Fionn was happy to pick up the remains! He was delighted with all the new things.
It is true that you re-discover the magic of Christmas through your children...tantrums and all!
For all our family and friends, Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! We're lucky to be here in Ireland celebrating with Alan's family...his first in 8 years. We miss the rest of our family and friends in the States, we love you and are celebrating right along with you.

Seeing Santa

On Tuesday afternoon my sister-in-law, Kathleen, and I took the kids to see Santa Claus. I know I said I wouldn't do it...because waiting in line with screaming, whiny children (I'm speaking of my own) is not my idea of a good time. But since we're in Ireland for Christmas...I decided "how bad could it be"?

We arrived at PowersCourt, an old stone estate which has been transformed into various shops and a gardening center, at about 3:15. As you can see from the sign above, the line to see Santa was 1 and 1/2 hours. Kathleen and I looked at each other and decided, "what the hell...we can handle it"! I think at times my cockiness gets the better of me, wouldn't you agree.

Within the first ten minutes of chasing my son all over the place and watching my daughter fall into various other parents and children, I was ready to give it up and go home...for a big glass of Christmas cheer (aka wine). Lucky for me, Kathleen works with children and has the patience of a saint! She convinced me that it would be fine and definitely worth it. The good news: no matter what country, parents would rather be doing a million other things besides waiting for Santa...but we do it anyway!

The other good news, the group of women in front of us proposed the idea of watching each others buggies while the other group goes for a cup of coffee. That was a great idea! And the caffiene was most appreciated. The IrishKids did very well, especially since they were the youngest in line to see Santa.
Both were delighted to meet Santa and even more so when they received a present from him. Sorry, the only picture I don't have to post is the one taken with Santa. It turned out really well...no screaming or crying (they're not smiling either), but looking straight at the camera. I must say...I am glad that we went. Merry Christmas!

We're Here...

We've arrived safe and sound in Ireland for the Christmas holiday! It's nice to have the initial leg of the journey behind us. The IrishKids did pretty well on the plane, as well as a 1 & 2 year old could do stuck in a seat for 6.5 hours! They were very happy to see their Nana B and Auntie Kathleen in Dublin.

Alan, Kathleen and I had a good night out on Saturday. Lucky for us, Nana B was kind enough to stay home and babysit. And what a night she had...remember that bug that Fionn had before we left...let's just say that it bit Kit Saturday night. Nana B had to do a load of wash, clean the carpet, and keep Kit occupied while her blanket dried. Kit finally fell asleep and Bernie got to tell us the whole story when we returned. Thank you Nana B.

I took over sick duty yesterday, as Kit was still not feeling herself. Bernie, Alan, and Fionn went down to Dalkey to visit for the day. I was lucky enough to spend the day on the couch, watching any sort of chick flick I could find on TV, enjoying the peace and quiet while my daughter slept for most of the day. Keep your fingers crossed that the bug doesn't bite us all.

Happy Holidays to all!