Soccer Star

Kyra is turning into quite the little soccer star. I am SOOOOOO proud of her. I hope I am telling her enough because she has really surprised all of us! We signed her up this year for the first time and she was really really nervous to play. With good reason since she is not the most athletic child and she is already 10 and first starting when who knows how ling the other girls have been playing... but you would never know it. Kyra has definitely grown as a player in the last few weeks here and is holding her ground. I was lucky enough to be off work for two of her games last week and I am totally impressed by her efforts. She gets put into the goal alot- mainly because she is not afraid of the ball as much as the other girls and the fact that she is so very tall for her age. We have to work on her drop kick though- its horrible. For now she has been just throwing the ball after a catch (which is totally legal) because her kicking skills are poor to say the least... but we are working on it. I am glad we were able to get her into a contact sport that she likes. Who knows if she will play next year (I only asked to to try it) the main thing is that she is actually trying. My one complaint is that her coach is an idiot. I know I shouldn't use such strong words but he just doesn't know how to teach these girls to score. They are good about kicking the ball and running- but that's about it. I am hoping that next year if she plays she gets a coach that will teach her about scoring and the more detailed points in soccer. I would have loved to have coached this year but i don't think that would work so well being pregnant. I just have to breathe and be grateful that she doesn't hate the sport. Maybe this is all for the best and it will make her a better player- who knows right?Bella had fun at the game too! I bnrought the little white playpen for her to play in becuase she tends to run around...alot. Kyra and her teammates kept calling it a cage. Either way it worked really well and I was still able to watch the soccer game. Kaitlynn kept wanting me to fill her teacups with goldfish, which I was obliged to do because it kept her busy... what a goof.

These videos go in and out of focus for some reason... not quite sure what happened.

Chucky Cheese

So during the school year Kyra was having some difficulty at school with controlling her emotions- so much so that it was becoming distracting to her classmates. So after many meetings with the teachers and her mom and mom's boyfriend- we had to come up with some solutions to help her get over these intense feelings she was having. She had lots of suggestions like journaling and time outs but I chose to straight up bribe her. So for everyday that she did not cry at school I would give her tokens at Chucky Cheese. Today she cashed in on it. We had a great time the two of us. Bella stayed home with Timmy (who refuses to go to Chucky Cheeses) to take a nap and mom went home to catch up on her summer reading (she refuses too). So we spent a few hours playing and then I had had enough of the noise too. I have to say that although most parents wont bribe their children- you wont be changing my mind any time soon :)

I apologize for the video- I didn't know that it would be sideways- sorry if you throw up!

After some much needed rest we started getting ready for dinner with my parents. Timmy fired up the grill and the girls started snapping peas with my mom. When my father showed up after work we all sat down to grilled shrimp and veggies with noodles and beets with our snapped peas. Yum Yum Yummy! It was finished off by a strawberry pie made from the berries that Dad and Kyra had picked last week. Can we day food coma!!! And the best part was that mom ended up taking both girls to the YMCA for open swim which meant that I got some much needed work done up in the loft- which is good because my little baby belly is not so little anymore! (Is it September yet?)

Happy Birthday Kyra

Today is Kyra's 10th Birthday... can you believe its been 10 years already? Not me- just the other day we were talking about when she was starting to talk and she would call me "My Trina" because she couldn't say "Mommy." She is still my sweet little princess but with alot more information-shesh. Its funny at times because I am pretty sure there are things she knows way more about than I do. Last Wednesday my parents took Kyra down to Milwaukee for a special day just the three of them. My mom was just getting over the flu- again- and my dad was on furlough without pay and recovering from surgery so they took the free time to do something fun. I guess they went to Discovery World (one of Kyra's favorite places) and checked out all the new displays. They went to the Milwaukee Museum after lunch to check out the butterflies and a new IMAX Kyra wanted to see. Good thing mom and dad got yearly passes because it seems that they are down there an awful lot. They were not able to meet up with AJ and Anna though because AJ had to work late. On their way back they stopped in Cedarburg and got some sweet treats... which I know Kyra was not opposed to and then headed back up to Green Bay. I was at work all day so I missed the good times but I know Kyra will always remember her special trips with Grammie and Big Al.

She started off her birthday morning today at 5am- crazy I know- to go fishing with Tim and her uncle Jeremy. I thought she was a little nuts but she really really wanted to go so we said okay. I had to go for a glucose screening so my mom came over and watched Bella Bean while I was gone. We all regrouped a little after noon and decided that we should take the birthday girl out for her favorite meal... Chinese. We drove the two blocks to the China Kitchen and all had a very filling but delicious meal in the heat (air was out). It didn't matter because we were all so hungry I don't think we even noticed- good thing the water was free! After that we went out separate ways and my little family headed back to the house for a much needed siesta... which miss Kyra was non compliant. Which meant that at her 530 soccer game she was a little pistol. Kaitlynn stayed home with Tim because she was running a bit of a fever from teething and I braved the rain (not too much) to watch her play. Andy, Sharon, Jeremy, Karla, Andy Jr. Paula, Cassie and Kalli all came out for a bit to watch her too. It was very nice of them to support her especially on her birthday. After her game (which she lost 4 to 1) we went out to my parents for dinner. There were so many left overs from this weekend that there was enough food for days. Tim and I were especially excited about mom's strawberry pies- delicioso!!! Kyra really wanted to stay over night and since I have to work Tuesday from 6am-7pm I figured why not? We scooped up miss crabby pants and headed home while Kyra stayed for a birthday sleepover and what I am sure is to be excellent adventures the day after.

Father's Days

Today is not only Father's Day but it is also my Dad's birthday... which let me tell you makes it a little difficult to plan. I am not complaining- but between my dad, Tim and his dad we had a very eventful day! We were originally going to meet my dad at church for 10 am but he decided to go to mass at 8am and my girls were no where ready for that especially after fireworks last night. So we got ourselves cleaned up, the cake and cowboy beans packed and headed out to my parents. We decided to let Timmy sleep in a bit today so he followed behind us by about an hour or so. When we pulled into the driveway Dad, AJ and Anna already had the boat out and pulled apart getting it ready for the season. (Kyra loves to go tubing in the Bay). I guess they needed a new fuel line though so the girls hopped into the convertible with Big Al on his special day and they all headed into town. In the mean time I helped mom get the table set and Tim fired up the grill for the steaks. We had so much food it was ridiculous- but ridiculously good! After lunch out on the patio Timmy brought the girls over to see his Dad for a bit. I followed behind him by about an hour because I wanted to visit with my parents and AJ and Anna before they left. I got Dad a singing card and a few polos for Father's Day and a Johnny Carson DVD set for his birthday. I know he really wanted a grill but it was a little out of my price range :) Sometimes in the next few weeks here though we are going to go pick one out and it will be a gift from all of us (that he gets to pay for- wink wink). We talked a little Wedding- which is just over a month away (breathe Anna breathe), and then I gave my hugs and kisses and headed over to Andy and Sharon's.

It was relaxing to sit in the air conditioning after being outside all weekend. Sharon had picked up some slimey stuff that Kyra likes to play with and Miss Bella Bean headed straight for her toy corner. I staked out a place on the couch/ floor (just couldn't get comfy) and we watched the race. It was nice to catch up and visit since I really haven't been able to with being so sick and the end of school. After a few hours we headed home and got the girls ready for bed. Kyra, Tim and I did play one game of Scrabble though... but this time I didn't win - BOOOO. Anyways, it was a great day even though it was mighty busy - what a life :)

Nice Little Saturday

Today was in my top ten favorite-st days ever. We started out by doing a little rummaging. That being myself, Kyra, Mom and Bella bean. We had an awesome time and found some great treasures. It is so funny to watch Kyra because she does not like to go rummaging because of getting in and out of the car and searching for addresses- but she absolutely loves having the new things... what a goofball. I cant say I blame her but Miss Kaitlynn is all about just walking up to the sales and playing with other people things even if we don't buy them. Once in a while though she will be upset and throw a tiny tantrum (I know its ridiculous) but she gets over it relatively quickly. Yesterday we went out in the morning and found a bear skin and a wolf skin (not sure if its legal) for AJ. Now I understand the thrill of the hunt- sorry AJ! We hung them on my parents clothesline to air out a bit.

So after we went out gallivanting, mom headed home and the girls and I got the house and ourselves straightened up. After lunchtime we set out to the park to watch Kalli's last soccer game and to celebrate Kyra's birthday a little early. It went amazingly well. We got to cheer on Kalli and then sit around for cake and ice cream. Sidenote: I am not allowed to order cakes anymore. This is #4 or #5 that has been wrong so I have decided I am off cake duty. We went to Copps this morning to pick it up and they wrote down the wrong date- next Saturday. Kyra balled and balled but we got a free cake out of it.

Anyways... Kyra enjoyed opening her gifts and being able to take little play breaks at the park's playground. Bella was having a good time with Auntie Karla on the slides and also showing AJ and Anna all about the swings. It looked like rain for the last bit there but it held off and actually cleared up. Soooo, the girls and I went home and got our gear to have a campfire- out at my parents. It was super de duper fun. Except the fact that Bella was not afraid of the fire. She kept saying "hot" and waving her hand, but she got mighty close a few times. Towards the end of the night actually she was headed straight for it and thank goodness for my dad being close enough to stop her. The hilarious part was that he had already taken his sleeping pill which makes him really loopy- so he accidentally tripped going after her and tackled her. She just looked at him like "what the hell is going on?" A few tears and many laughs later- all was well. We finished setting off the fireworks I bought for Kyra's birthday present (more for Dad and AJ shhhh) and tried to consume the smores. Not that smores are bad, but I had brought my leftovers from last year to make them and they were borderline inedible, even for Kyra. So we decided just to use the marshmallows as fire starters.

Speaking of fire starters- you all know that the Herrman's are not known for being the best at setting off fireworks- but it is always entertaining. Well Dad gets the bright idea to light a cherry bomb and throw it... into the tree. After much teasing AJ says "let me show you how its done" and takes a cherry bomb and throws it... into a tree. I think I might have wet my pants a little I was laughing so hard. At least nobody got hurt- this year- YET!

Work work work

So my father has decide that the hillside property that divides my new neighbors and I is actually our property and we should maintain it. Unfortunately this has been an item of debate ever since we moved into the house six years ago. Whatever the case- it is just easier to just let him do what he wants than it is to get it his way. So we did- let him do whatever he wanted- and that was to work. I coaxed Kyra into being his helper which worked out really well because its not that he cant do much of what he used to... it just takes a little longer. It was good for Kyra too because it we a lesson on working outdoors and maintaining a home. This summer is going to be a rude awakening for her I fear because I am not sure if its that she doesn't know how to clean and work outside or if she just doesn't do it all. Regardless she will be starting next week when she come by us for the summer. Which I am totally looking forward to. We have tons planned already so if you want some Kyra time get your dates in now as her summer is filling up quickly. I cant believe she turns ten in just a few short weeks here- its crazy. Anyways... after a nice morning of outdoor work (which I actually do enjoy) (poor Timmy) we had a surprise visitor- My bestest friend in the whole wide world Jackie!!! or as the girls would call her "Rocky." We got to visit for a couple hours before she headed back down to Chicago... I miss her. I am not sure if its just the fetus talking but I cried... the girl scout cookies we bought down at Copps helped make me feel better though. We finished up our project outside in the early afternoon and then headed to Bay Beach for some much needed R&R : fun. Kyra had a blast because the lines were short due to poor weather and I wish you could have heard Bella as we pulled in. She screamed because she was so excited. I had forgotten that my parents brought her there a few weeks ago but my goodness- a scream! No matter what... it was yet another great day. If my summer keeps going this way I wont know what to do :)

Been a long time

So I think I came out of my fog today around 1100 am. I am not sure how long I have been feeling down and low but all of a sudden today it seems that I have woken up. I think it was just all the stress of school, the pregnancy and my dad that had me just running in cruise control. It is amazing that my dad has changed so much and it has only been nine months. It seems like it has been years. Don't get me wrong, I love him and am grateful for every minute (for the most part) that I get to spend with him... he's just not my dad. I knew this would happen eventually but I guess I never thought it would be in my twenties. What it has taught me though is to enjoy the present... because you never know what the future may hold. That is why I have taken a personal vow not to participate in things or surround myself by people that make me feel bad. It is quite refreshing I must tell you! But anyways, like I was saying- I am definitely feeling better. My body is still all broken but that is because I have developed allergies and cant take anything for them because of the baby. Outside of that- I am doing good. Yesterday we picked Kyra up from school and went out to lunch. I have been craving chicken strips and fries so we went to one of our local hospitals (weird I know) because they are super good and super cheap. We originally had a play date scheduled with Paula's girls, Kyra and Kaitlynn's cousins, but because of the rain we had to push it back a bit. Wouldn't you know though at around 3 pm the sun came out. So the girls and I went to a few rummage sales with my mom and then headed out to my parents to watch the new Alice in Wonderland and enjoy some Papa Murphy's Hawaiian style pizza. We also picked up this desert pizza that was awesome... is it wrong to want it for breakfast? The girls stayed over at mom and dads and I was going to but didn't want to miss my meds... or my pillow. So I tucked them in and headed home- and headed to mom and dad's again in the morning around 730. There was a neighborhood sale going on only a few miles from their house so we packed up the babers and headed out. IT WAS GREAT!!! The really nice thing was that they were almost all big brand new homes whose "junk" was priced super cheaply- which made it even better. Bella was able to come along for the most part and when she got tuckered out we rolled down the window to listen for her. Before we knew it, it was lunch time- no wonder we were getting hungry! Kyra had stayed out by Big Al to keep him company while weeding the flower beds... but in all reality to play dance dance revolution on the Wii. Didn't matter to me- I was having a great time. After a while we met up for lunch (mom and I were too hungry to rummage can you imagine) and then went our separate ways. I took a nap with miss Bella bean and Kyra played in her room. That was until Auntie Karla came over to spend some time with the girls. It was really nice because the girls got to spend some quality time with Karla and Timmy and I went out to the movies to get some "away time." I wasn't sure, but Karla really must have had a good time because she offered to do it again in the future. What a lady! Seeing this time went so well maybe next time we can make it an afternoon or something. All I know is that they had a great time, especially since Karla brought ice cream as a treat :) Luckily for me it was all run off by the time we got home. What a great day!