Short Story is - had a wonderful time in Ireland. Great trip, great family, great memories. Made it with just my carry-on, and I am hooked. No more checking bags for me, if I can help it.
Christopher ended his year at Lakeshore, and I boo-hoo-ed like a baby. What a great year. What great teachers and what a phenomenal program. Way to go Humble ISD.
Mallory is fab-o - about to turn 3 and thinking she is all-that. Love to see her every morning, all tousle-headed and sleepy - wanting to climb in my bed. And most mornings (shhhh) - I let her. She and her brother come down together and it might just be the cutest thing I have ever seen.
Headed to San Diego on Saturday to see some old friends - L, K, and S. Going to a SHRM conference (for HR geeks) and gonna see them at night. Pretty sure we'll be laughing a little - OK, maybe a lot. Can't wait.
That's it - just didn't want so much time to pass between posts. More next time - promise.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The weekend before it all starts . . .
I am heading out this week for our Guzewicz family trip to Ireland.
I started talking to Christopher last night about it. In between the "I am going to miss you" comments that break my heart, he seemed excited about the fact that (1) he and Daddy would be "in charge" (what a great phrase) and (2) I would be leaving him a prize and a note for each day I am gone. Suddenly the "missing you" comments were replaced with "what kind of prizes?"
Typical kid. Typical, perfect, awesome kid.
We hit a couple of milestones today as a family. We went to Fuddruckers for my early Mother's Day lunch and the kids did really well. They have finally grasped the concept of being in a restaurant (or, like my little blond perfect, awesome kid says, a lunch-ta-raunt) so we enjoyed lunch together. Big moment for us - restaurants are getting easier and easier.
Then we went to the pool and the two of them had a BLAST! And, I didn't have to get wet. I got to watch them from the sidelines and they played with some other kids - it was fantastic. The weather was perfect - life was good.
You may be wondering about my one-bag adventure - it is still ON! I packed my first packing cube on Friday and will be experimenting with more tomorrow. Cannot wait - very excited about it all.
Stay tuned for more Ireland updates after May 21st. Until then, like the Irish say, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I started talking to Christopher last night about it. In between the "I am going to miss you" comments that break my heart, he seemed excited about the fact that (1) he and Daddy would be "in charge" (what a great phrase) and (2) I would be leaving him a prize and a note for each day I am gone. Suddenly the "missing you" comments were replaced with "what kind of prizes?"
Typical kid. Typical, perfect, awesome kid.
We hit a couple of milestones today as a family. We went to Fuddruckers for my early Mother's Day lunch and the kids did really well. They have finally grasped the concept of being in a restaurant (or, like my little blond perfect, awesome kid says, a lunch-ta-raunt) so we enjoyed lunch together. Big moment for us - restaurants are getting easier and easier.
Then we went to the pool and the two of them had a BLAST! And, I didn't have to get wet. I got to watch them from the sidelines and they played with some other kids - it was fantastic. The weather was perfect - life was good.
You may be wondering about my one-bag adventure - it is still ON! I packed my first packing cube on Friday and will be experimenting with more tomorrow. Cannot wait - very excited about it all.
Stay tuned for more Ireland updates after May 21st. Until then, like the Irish say, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Things to watch on Crossland Chronicles
What a spring we have before us here at the Crosslands - lots to talk and write about.
But first, some pics from the park. These kids are pretty danged cute - danged, what a great Texas word.
But first, some pics from the park. These kids are pretty danged cute - danged, what a great Texas word.
I love taking them there on the weekends and torturing them with the camera. Hahahahahahahahah!
So, my newest obsession is a trip to Ireland with my Mom, sister, and brother in May. While I was in search of some new luggage for this excursion, I stumbled upon more than one website that toted the idea of no checked luggage for international travel. One of the writers even said, "There are only two kinds of luggage in international travel - the one you carry on, and the one they lose." So, in an attempt to try out this one carry on bag for a week concept, I started looking at the kinds of bags that would provide me a good experience in trying this, and I fell into a bunch of websites that talk about "one bag" travel.
And, I am hooked. Hook, line, and sinker. So, , I am making this trip with ONE CARRY ON BAG.
I will do my best to chronicle the progress here - these websites have so much information on how to do this - and I am excited for the challenge. More to come about this adventure - stay tuned!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Crossland March Madness
Or should it be "Spring Madness?" We are having some fun over here, nonetheless.
First, the weather is beautiful - after a pretty cold, wet winter for us Texans, we got a glimpse of some BEE-UUUU-TIII-FUL days. Days where the line at the nurseries was so long because you could not, could NOT resist buying something to put in the ground. We were no exception, so we first tried to hit a big nursery chain here, saw the crowds and mayhem, and headed up the road to Lowe's. We picked out different color petunias and put them in the ground. The kids? Yeah, they loved the "watering" part more than the "planting" part".
First, the weather is beautiful - after a pretty cold, wet winter for us Texans, we got a glimpse of some BEE-UUUU-TIII-FUL days. Days where the line at the nurseries was so long because you could not, could NOT resist buying something to put in the ground. We were no exception, so we first tried to hit a big nursery chain here, saw the crowds and mayhem, and headed up the road to Lowe's. We picked out different color petunias and put them in the ground. The kids? Yeah, they loved the "watering" part more than the "planting" part".
It's also rodeo season here -- and I love the rodeo. We took the kids to the carnival part, and then Dewey and I took in a night performance. It was a lot of fun - went with some good friends and enjoyed the evening out. The kids LOVE the carnival - and they are getting braver and braver.
Having a great time - hope you are too. Come back soon!
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Blessing of Baking and Cooking
I was lucky enough growing up to have learned the trade of baking and cooking - from my Mom, my neighbors, etc. Although my hectic schedule does not always allow me the luxury to cook the way I want to, I do indulge myself on occasion because I just think it is good for the soul. 
(2) I was on the contributor list for the potluck breakfast for our Leadership Meeting. I decided my contribution of choice was going to be a homemade Cinnamon Roll. From scratch. You see - I think there is something very real about working the magic of a dough - a real dough. The kind where y
ou dissolve the yeast and add the flour and hope it rises - and then hope it rises again - you know what I mean. I broke all cardinal rules about cooking for others - I tried a recipe for the first time and was planning to serve it. I knew I had a safety net, though - I could always stop at Shipley's on the way to work. One picture to the left is them before they went in the oven - the other is them after baking. They were so pretty - and they were very good!
This week offered me two opportunities to use my skill sets:
(1) One of the guys that I work with has become the proud father of two Weimeraner puppies. He was picking them up today. Of course, he needed some candy-dipped and pink-sprinkled Milk Bones to welcome Minni and Bell.
(1) One of the guys that I work with has become the proud father of two Weimeraner puppies. He was picking them up today. Of course, he needed some candy-dipped and pink-sprinkled Milk Bones to welcome Minni and Bell.
(2) I was on the contributor list for the potluck breakfast for our Leadership Meeting. I decided my contribution of choice was going to be a homemade Cinnamon Roll. From scratch. You see - I think there is something very real about working the magic of a dough - a real dough. The kind where y
ou dissolve the yeast and add the flour and hope it rises - and then hope it rises again - you know what I mean. I broke all cardinal rules about cooking for others - I tried a recipe for the first time and was planning to serve it. I knew I had a safety net, though - I could always stop at Shipley's on the way to work. One picture to the left is them before they went in the oven - the other is them after baking. They were so pretty - and they were very good!
And the best part is - these little activities fed puppies, our team of leaders, and Joanne's soul. Talk about a return on investment! Take that, Wall Street.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Welcome 2010
The holidays are past and now it's time to embark on a brand new year. A year filled with who-knows-what, but a year nonetheless that one would think would have to be better than its predecessor, right?
So, maybe it's time to reflect on some highlights of 2009:
1. This year, we lost the last of my Dad's generation of Guzewicz's, good old Uncle Ed. He got to heaven to wish my Dad his 5 year anniversary there, and we all imagine that the reunion of that spectacular family was pretty awesome within St. Peter's walls. Can't wait to see them again someday.
2. I attended my second Guzewicz Thanksgiving in Rhode Island / CT. Loved seeing my cousins and their families - I hope we keep that tradition going. I love being around people who miss and love my Dad as much as me, and they will be an important part of helping to convey to my children who my Dad was. The good news is, both kids possess so much of my Dad inside them, it won't be hard to tell them what Dad was like.
3. We inaugurated our first African-American President. Awesome.
4. I attended a scrapbooking weekend in Blanco with great friends, and began what I hope is a yearly tradition. I like being away for the weekend and getting to nap, relax, scrapbook, cook, laugh, etc. And guess what? We didn't even turn the TV on. Unheard of!
5. Debbie T. - this one is for you: My beautiful son was diagnosed this spring with PDD-NOS, which is a mild autism spectrum disorder. It was a long journey of people putting this kid under the microscope and coming out the other side saying that yes, he qualifies for extra support. To this ex-teacher, those words are golden. God has seen it fit to put me here in Humble, Texas, where I have a phenomenal school district who has supported him all year with a beautiful teacher and a curriculum designed just for kids like him, and a world-class medical center where the best neuro-developmental pediatrician I could find did his assessment. And the short story is, most people either don't know or would be very surprised by that dx, because is so seemingly "normal", but this year of support has been tremendous in terms of helping him with his social delays. I had VERY supportive friends along the way who let me cry and worry and laugh and be relieved - and never judged or made light of it. And, guess what? I think that little boy is perfect. Just perfect.
(All right Debbie - I have officially "come out". :))
6. This year, I have learned more about being a leader, about being humble, about reading a chapter or two from books that I myself have written, and about just how precious those around me really are. Who could ask for anything more?
7. My gorgeous little blond girl has allowed me to watch my son learn social skills every day in the house, and has provided me and her Dad one more angel to make us laugh and realize just how blessed we are. I can't imagine what life would be like without her.
Hope your 2009 reflection brings you satisfaction and joy, and I certainly hope that 2010 brings you everything to make your life exactly what you want it to be.
So, maybe it's time to reflect on some highlights of 2009:
1. This year, we lost the last of my Dad's generation of Guzewicz's, good old Uncle Ed. He got to heaven to wish my Dad his 5 year anniversary there, and we all imagine that the reunion of that spectacular family was pretty awesome within St. Peter's walls. Can't wait to see them again someday.
2. I attended my second Guzewicz Thanksgiving in Rhode Island / CT. Loved seeing my cousins and their families - I hope we keep that tradition going. I love being around people who miss and love my Dad as much as me, and they will be an important part of helping to convey to my children who my Dad was. The good news is, both kids possess so much of my Dad inside them, it won't be hard to tell them what Dad was like.
3. We inaugurated our first African-American President. Awesome.
4. I attended a scrapbooking weekend in Blanco with great friends, and began what I hope is a yearly tradition. I like being away for the weekend and getting to nap, relax, scrapbook, cook, laugh, etc. And guess what? We didn't even turn the TV on. Unheard of!
5. Debbie T. - this one is for you: My beautiful son was diagnosed this spring with PDD-NOS, which is a mild autism spectrum disorder. It was a long journey of people putting this kid under the microscope and coming out the other side saying that yes, he qualifies for extra support. To this ex-teacher, those words are golden. God has seen it fit to put me here in Humble, Texas, where I have a phenomenal school district who has supported him all year with a beautiful teacher and a curriculum designed just for kids like him, and a world-class medical center where the best neuro-developmental pediatrician I could find did his assessment. And the short story is, most people either don't know or would be very surprised by that dx, because is so seemingly "normal", but this year of support has been tremendous in terms of helping him with his social delays. I had VERY supportive friends along the way who let me cry and worry and laugh and be relieved - and never judged or made light of it. And, guess what? I think that little boy is perfect. Just perfect.
(All right Debbie - I have officially "come out". :))
6. This year, I have learned more about being a leader, about being humble, about reading a chapter or two from books that I myself have written, and about just how precious those around me really are. Who could ask for anything more?
7. My gorgeous little blond girl has allowed me to watch my son learn social skills every day in the house, and has provided me and her Dad one more angel to make us laugh and realize just how blessed we are. I can't imagine what life would be like without her.
Hope your 2009 reflection brings you satisfaction and joy, and I certainly hope that 2010 brings you everything to make your life exactly what you want it to be.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Dad
Dear Dad,
Tomorrow marks the day that you would have turned 85. If you are listening, I have a couple of things to tell you:
Tomorrow marks the day that you would have turned 85. If you are listening, I have a couple of things to tell you:
- First, foremost, and most importantly - God, I miss you. Every. Single. Day. I know you are with our heavenly Father, living the life you always dreamed of living, but it's not the same without you. And some days, I still spill over with sadness about it.
- Your grandson is really something special. He has your universal appeal and your heart. A little piece of you dwells within him and I see it all the time. Please watch over him and when I can't be with him, keep him in your loving care.
- Your granddaughter is my little Polish girl and you would love her. Love. Her. She is spunky and fun and giggly and bossy and she loves full body hugs. She's a real Guzewicz and I hope she stays that way. She loves her brother and they have so much fun together. It's really a beautiful thing. Please protect her as well, and when I can't be with her, keep her in your loving care.
- When I was at a golf tournament this past weekend, I shared the shuttle with a man who reminded me so much of you. He was with his own daughter who was taking him out for the day to the tournament. He was so happy to be getting out to see the "old guys" play and to walk the course. I told his daughter to treasure every day that she had with him, because she had no idea just how much she will miss him someday. He was precious and meeting him was the highlight of my day.
Have a wonderful birthday, Daddy. Until we meet again, I will count on the Holy Spirit, wisdom of the God Most High, Guiding Creator of power and love, to teach me to walk in the paths of knowledge, health, safety, and a powerful will to improve.
Love,
Joanne
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