Stuff I'm happy about this week

1--Hunter started soccer on Wednesday night. He LOVED it. Nick took him and he scored 8 goals. I guess he was that obnoxious kid who was the best and just kicked butt. Hunter was so happy when he came home. He even slept in his new shin guards Wednesday night. Thursday he woke up when I was letting Chopper out and here he is. He was 1/2 awake and looking at me like "why the heck are you taking my picture!?!?". Too cute.

2---Nick is FINALLY getting his other car back. It's been gone since June...now I don't know what I'll make fun of him about. He's super excited. He's going to drive it for one week and then take it to my parents to store for the winter.

3--Nick and I are going on two dates in three days. Crazy?!?! Last night Hannah came to watch the kids--we'd had it on the calendar for a while. It started off at Home Depot picking out toilets, sinks, cabinets, tubs for our basement....we are finishing it and they are doing the bathroom first. Then we went to PF Changs to plan out vacations for 2013. I'm excited--we are going to FL in January. Nick and Hunter are going to see Nick's mom and step dad in Mexico over their winter break. It's like a vacation for me b/c I'll be home for a week with Jack! ha! I will NEVER go to Mexico again for as long as I live. I've been there three times and the last time was in the hospital afterwards, so I will not be going back and exposing myself to Montezuma's Revenge again for as long as I live. Then we are going on a Disney cruise for spring break...don't tell the kids!! Plus a few other small things (conference for nick's work, etc.).
Tomorrow night Miss Abbey who moved in across the street is coming so we can go to dinner and see Lincoln....looking forward to it!!

4--I got three canvases from our photographer this morning. They are so awesome!!! I can't wait to hang them up at home!!!!

I think that's it for now. Have a great weekend :)

The past few days :)

We had a nice Thanksgiving weekend...The best part was my mom offering to take Hunter on Wednesday night to help her bake and have a sleepover. I love my child, but it was pretty darn awesome to wake up on Thursday and have it be so quiet and peaceful. It would have been the same if Jack was gone and it was just Hunter (maybe). I worked on a puzzle that Hunter wanted to start a few days prior, Jack did his own puzzles, and Nick read the paper...it was a nice and quiet morning at the Hopwood home :) Thursday after Jack's nap we went to my parent's house---it was pretty chaotic so I didn't even take any pictures. Friday we took the kids to Jungle Java in the morning and I went to dinner with a friend Friday night (part of my make-up birthday). Saturday the kids had their sports and while Jack napped Nick and Hunter went to this event at the Michigan Theatre with another dad and kid down the street to watch the game. They had stuff set up for the kids so the adults could watch the game I guess (magician, and other stuff). Saturday night we went to our club with Nick's brother, dad, and step mom. They came to see the kids for a while and then a babysitter watched them which was nice for all involved. Sunday we drove back and forth to Caro to see Nick's mom, step dad, brother, and sister-in-law. Gammy was so happy to have both of her kids and grand kids together. We ate too much and it was a quiet car ride home--me and both kids slept just about the entire drive back. 

Sorry Nick. My back hurt from the long drive and doing dishes, so I am glad I got to take a little nap. 

 After soccer on Saturday I asked Jack if he wanted to play and he said he wanted to re-vacuum the family room for me. I guess he thought I didn't do a good enough job the first time. Too cute. 

Hunter and Aunt Brandie at Dori's on Sunday....so cute!! She is a wonderful aunt :)

 Yesterday morning Hunter was so funny--we went in the car line which he hasn't done all year. He did it the last two years, but now that Jack is going to school there too and I have to take him to his class, we all just go in together. Jack had a check up at the dr so Hunter was super excited to do the car line. We were first in line which was even more exciting for the child who MUST be first at everything! He opened the sunroof and was saying hi to everyone who walked by. I'm amazed that he knows all the kids...even ones not in his class! I think he's Mister Popular or something (maybe class clown??). 

Jack went in for his 3 year check up and this is before he "got poked". He is so darn cute. He is in the 55th percentile for height and 70th for weight...he's not going to make it to the NBA like Hunter. Nick is banking on Hunter--he is just 5 and better than all the 7 year olds in his bball class (according to Nick). He is a very athletic child where Jack could care less if he's the slowest or last. He's way more chill...Hunter will just tell you he beat you in a race no matter what, but the kid is fast. 

Anyway, Jack kept saying "poke me" to the nurse and I was telling him if he didn't cry and was super brave he would get a treat. He was a champ and got some yummy animal crackers afterwards. I always love how you can hear some kids screaming bloody murder after they get poked and then the nurse leaves you to get your kid dressed and check out while they are hysterical. 

Hunter was at the dr this morning b/c he has an ear infection. He was up crying last night and Nick didn't get much sleep. I woke up at 6am to Jack yelling for me and couldn't find Nick and Hunter. Turns out Hunter was asleep in the sun room and Nick was on the floor next to him! I wasn't feeling very good, so I slept through most of the nighttime drama. 

Thankful

There are always reasons to complain about life, but I thought I'd take a minute to make a list of all the things I'm thankful for.

1) My kids. Yes, they are a handful. Jack LOVES to cuddle and it warms my heart.
2) Nick. He rocks. He is home, hands on, goes grocery shopping, cooks, and is all around a good guy.
3) Friends. I have several friends I feel like I can talk to about things....Amber, Jacquelyn, Hillary, Jacque, Suzanne, Erica, MOPS moms, and others I'm not even mentioning! This is so important!!!
4) My job. I have it good. I won't lie...I can come and go as needed. Everyone is awesome when I have babies, back surgery, appointments for myself and kids, etc. I will NEVER find the same job where I make the money I do and can do what needs to be done on the home front.
5) Julie. She takes good care of our kids and I know she loves them!
6) Family. My parents, sister, grandma, etc. all live nearby. They love my kids dearly!
7) God, church, and faith. I have a close relationship with our priest, love our church, and find comfort in going to church and praying.

Many times I stress, have useless anxiety, ongoing back issues, and wonder what I should be doing in life. I think things are SO hard at times, but I look around and friends can't have kids, have to work for that paycheck, stress about money, fight with their spouse, and I just know I've got it good. We are fortunate to have stable jobs in this economy, and are able to do what we want to do. Not that our life is perfect, but I know it could be worse. I am thankful for this!

Looking forward to Thanksgiving tomorrow and celebrating with family :)

 

Long weekend in iphone pictures

We had a long and busy weekend! Friday we flew home from work, picked up kids, and went to meet our friends at their house for pizza before going to the Toledo Zoo. Hunter fell asleep in the car on the way and woke up in rare form. He was very wild at the zoo--too bad we couldn't put him in a cage with the other animals!!! He was so wound up. Then within five minutes of getting in the car both kids were sound asleep! We didn't get home until 10pm, which is WAY pastt their bedtime. Both barely woke up as we took them up to bed. Our friends kids are way more calm....it's just not fair! 

Jackson and Hunter on the gorilla. Jackson is so sweet and quiet. I think he'd be better off hanging with Jack than Hunter. 

Jack by the gorilla

Friday was the first night where they turn all the Christmas lights on...it was really pretty!! I have more pictures on my camera that I'll have to upload soon :) The cell phone pic does not do it justice.

Saturday was my great-grandma's funeral (my dad's grandma). It was a LONG day. I got to church for the visitation at 9:15 am and didn't go back home until 7 pm. I took Jack to the visitation. Nick came up to church with Hunter in time for mass. It was a nice service and for being 99 years old, there were a decent amount of people there considering she outlived three of her five kids, husband, and friends! After the service, Nick took my other grandma (mom's mom) home and Jack back to the house for nap. I took Hunter to the cemetery and then to my aunt's house. Hunter was so excited to release the dove. That was so nice of him to include Hunter! The little girl below also came back to my aunt's house so they played together. They had a great time and played well together--if they got separated Hunter would say "where is my girl friend?" and she would say "where is that boy?"....too funny. 

Dove release. I guess it flies back to its farm in Belleville within 1.5 hours of being released. 

___________________________

Yesterday was my birthday...it was an OK day. However, Nick woke up SICK. I won't go into detail, but it's that nasty 24 hour bug where so much comes out that you can easily lose five pounds in one day (TMI). He didn't get out of bed all day. Lucky me. I took the kids to church by myself. Took them to the park by myself. Made them lunch by myself. Put Jack down for a nap by myself. Took Hunter to a bday party at Zap Zone by myself. Picked up Jack and went to my parents for dinner by myself. The kids were actually good all day until we went to my parents. I think Hunter was coming down from a sugar high from Zap Zone or something, but he was out of control. ALL I wanted for my birthday was to have two hours of peace. I wanted to read or watch tv (or nap) while Jack napped and have Nick take Hunter to the birthday party. That was it--- and no such luck. Then I texted him b/c I didn't want to get his germs and said, "Can I at least have my new shoes?" (I pick out my own presents in case you didn't know). He said they were in the backseat of his car, so I did get my presents from him and the kids. Not wrapped, but I have to do that myself too. The nice thing is that I get what I want. He makes no attempt to be creative. Not sure if that is good or not. I feel like I get way better stuff b/c he's willing to spend more if he doesn't have to think up something himself. I am very good at taking advantage of this too. (don't feel sorry, he asks for expensive things too). 

I wish I had my camera b/c we got some fun pics at Parker Mills when we went for a walk after church! 

This cool tree was fun to climb on and take pics. 

Handsome little man! 

   The kids ran back and forth "racing" on this bridge at least 20 times...Hunter took his coat and hat off at one point b/c he was sweating! Then Jack would say "I need break" and they'd lay down on the bench and rest for 20 seconds and then off again to race. 

Cutie pie!! 

A small glimpse into them being nice to each other--sitting together, arms around each other, and smiling. Now that is an accomplishment....and Hunter didn't even try to push Jack off the tree! Success! 

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!! 

                                                                         Hunter had so much fun at his friend's birthday party at Zap Zone. They played laser tag, bumper cars, games, etc. He was mad b/c the first game of laser tag he was with three girls and they lost. The next game he purposely sat by all boys so he would NOT be with girls...and they won!  

Bumper cars was so funny b/c he was out to get people! He was so funny when you could see him getting ready to ram someone. He's competitive like that. 

Jack wanted to wear his mask to "nana and pee-paws" so he wore it for 45 minutes in the car and refused to take it off. He had marks all over his face when we got to their house. 

I got these shoes from Nick and purse from the kids. I picked both out. I LOVE both, but the shoes are uncomfortable...I hope once I wear them for a bit they will break in and be more comfortable. I guess for now style is more important than comfort. 

 My parents are always good to me! They got me clothes for pilates, undies from VS (my dad says he picks them out for me--creepy huh?), a crystal serving dish, and these stacking tables for my sunroom from Pottery Barn. I really like them!!! Thanks mom and dad!!! My grandma gave me money to go shopping and my sister paid extra for shipping to get my gift on time and it did not arrive. She feels badly, but it's ok. I know she won't forget about me :)

I am looking forward to my make up birthday--I was trying not to be mad at Nick, but I was SOOOOOO disappointed that I didn't get my two hours. (and I waited on him by picking up pop at the store, cutting up an apple and grapes, etc). Instead I was GO GO GO from 7am till 10:30 pm last night. I need to go to the grocery store and do laundry desperately b/c I was going to have Nick do that yesterday for me! Oh well, life is not that bad when it comes down to it. Just another year older!! 

 

Picture preview!

My friend/photographer/hairstylist, Dayna, took these pictures of the kids a few weeks ago. Her website is www.daynamaephotography.com and I highly recommend her! The kids are always acting up, yet somehow she still gets good pictures of them. I had all these fall outfits picked out (sweater vests of course) and then the day turned out to be a Michigan Indian summer day (80 degrees at the end of October). Anyway, we went to Cobblestone and got some cute pics! Jack is so much more photogenic than he was a year ago when we had pictures done...love them. Thanks Dayna!!! 

 So cute!!!!!!!!!!! Love his smile!!!!!

 Hunter had the fake smile on, Jack has a cheesy smile, but it's ok :)

 I got a large canvas of this and I can't wait to get it! 

Hope you have a good weekend. Our is going to be BUSY. Tonight we are going to the Toledo Zoo with friends....they do their Christmas Lights event. I've never been, but have heard about it and it looks like a lot of fun. Tomorrow is my great-grandma's funeral, so it's going to be a long day for all of us. Sunday is my birthday :) We'll go to church I'm sure and then Nick is taking Hunter to two birthday parties and I'll be napping or reading a book when Jack naps. Is it weird that for my birthday I just want two hours to be by myself and rest? ha! Then we're going to my parents for dinner....I just hope Nick got my gift requests in time (shoes and a purse--what else?). 

Last post about Jack's bday--and mostly pictures :)

Sunday we had grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. over. There were about 15 of us and our kids were the only kids, so they had fun getting all the attention from the grandparents and relatives. My parents got Jack this 4-wheeler below. Hunter has his "gator", but Jack doesn't like to drive it--he'd rather be the passenger. Besides, Hunter would freak out if Jack tried to drive it. 

 Jack was totally out of control. The kid just doesn't put it all together and was off like a crazy person.

 I wish I was a kid in the year 2012. Seriously, the kids and their toys!! What a life. My step father-in-law was commenting about that and it's so true. They are a tad bit spoiled being the ONLY grand kids on BOTH sides of the family!! 

 I just had to include this one above b/c Nick has a beer in his hand and jumping after Jack b/c Nick just paid to have some new trees and landscaping done and Jack was going for a tree. I know Nick wasn't concerned about the new toy, but rather his new tree. He moved fast above then he does when I scream, "Hurry and bring me some wipes, I have kid poo on my hand" or "Hurry and help I have vomit on my shirt from a kid!" Slow as a snail to react most of the time. 

 My parents got Hunter a Spiderman mask and Jack some other one (Avengers maybe??)....they went around and kissed everyone with their masks on :)

 We (well I, since Nick didn't know anything about gifts until they were opened) to Jack a table air hockey table, radio flyer big wheel, puzzles, crayons, and coloring books. I even put the big wheel together at work with my cousin for 45 minutes so Nick wouldn't have to do it. Because.he.sucks.at.putting.things.together. No joke. He won't deny it either. 

 The smile is silly, but still cute! He got banana cake of course! 

This little munchkin is the best. HOWEVER, his mommy's boy personality is worse than ever. I kind of love it, but feel sorry for others. For example, I had to leave last night and when my friend picked me up, I decided to sneak out on Jack b/c I knew it would be BAD otherwise. Once he discovered I was gone I got a text from Nick saying "This is the worst night of my life. Jack cried 'mama come home' for two straight hours. I mean non-stop". Poor Nick. Nothing like adding to my mommy guilt though! And last week Nick arranged a play date for Hunter for the FIRST.TIME.EVER. I was so happy. He took both kids to Jungle Java one evening. I thought they'd be back at bedtime (they left at 5:45pm). One hour later after he paid $15 to get in, he texts me to say they are on the way home b/c Jack cried for me the whole time. I told him to leave the kid home, but he insisted on taking them. Yes, I was so happy. However, I cleaned out the whole fridge, made myself dinner, sat down to eat in peace and watch tv and they were home 15 minutes later. So much for my relaxing night at home for a couple of hours. Then Nick was mad b/c I was annoyed and seemingly ungrateful and it went downhill from there. If I would have just sat on my a$$ instead of cleaning for an hour, I would have been more grateful, but to get a text that he's on the way the moment I sit down was not cool. I truly believe he was just too cheap to pay to buy them food there which is so dumb.