This will be a shorter blog because I am vacationing on Lake Michigan for our 14th annual Bitcherie Weekend (which should be 15, but COVID).
The kids had a great week. I’m definitely getting “end of school year” vibes and, really, it’s a first for them because the end of kindergarten was interrupted and the end of a year of first grade at home isn’t quite the same.
The kids are still getting their reading in while they eat dinner, which is so much more fun when your dinner is served in a pineapple!
This girl is always ready for gymnastics! She has two skills to learn before she can move to the intermediate level, which I hope happens before fall registration. Getting into classes is extremely difficult and I’m hoping moving up a level will ease that a bit.
Jason thought Amaya might like to sort ball cards in her sleep lol.
Tuesday was bananas. The kids had after school art until 5pm. Then there was a 2nd grade art show at the school at 5:30pm. And the boys had baseball at 6pm. To make it work, lunch was sandwiches on the playground. I took at 5pm call from the parking lot so I could make it to the art show before the boys had to be at the baseball field. And it all worked out!
Amaya bumped into Milan <3
It was “change your name” day in her class and Amaya chose the name “Sally.” (Her name tag is in the heart on her shirt.) She also had show and tell and brought Sally’s paw print. Sweet girl.
A sample of the art from the show. This was silhouette work.
Steven said, “This was when I was really, really into Hot Wheels.”
Sammy’s
Amaya’s
The boys finally got their uniform shirts! Steven had a great game! In his words, “two hits, two runs, and two stops in the field!”
Friday night, while I was away, Jason and the kids had a downstairs sleep-with-parent night. Fun daddy!
The kids had a great Saturday with Daddy. A relaxing morning, baseball practice and Amaya picked up the new bike we ordered last weekend.
Amaya had 14″ wheels which were too small for her so, now that she can ride a two-wheeler confidently, she moved up to 20″ wheels and hand breaks. Big move for our girl!
Sunday morning was quiet. I called Amaya and she told me, “The boys are watching racing and I’m making a board game.” Jason sent me this pic of Steven recording the race on his iPod. 🙂
The kids had an amazing afternoon today! Penni came by and took them to Kensington State Park. I am so happy they got quality time with Penni.
They were so excited that they were waiting outside for Penni to arrive. I got to talk to them all through the Nest cam.
Lake time! Summer is here!
Finally, here are some pics from Bitcherie Weekend! We had a wonderful little house, a short walk from the lake, in a little vacation community.
I was away in New Mexico from Sunday- Wednesday night but that didn’t stop lots of activity back home in MI. When I travel, I love getting texts from the kids. “ILYMYIW” is my new favoirte from Amaya.
On Monday, Sophia took the kids to the boys’ swim class with a break for a treat before all going to Amaya’s gymnastics class.
The boys had baseball on Tuesday and, no, their uniform shirts still aren’t in yet. Their coach said that four teams in the leauge are still waiting. The boys try to wear orange, red or yellow when they can. Right now the Astros have a 1-4-1 record.
With her own money, that she’s been saving, Amaya bough herself roller skates. She’s still getting the hang of it but we know this girl will get it if she puts her mind to it.
Cuddles with Sophia after Amaya’s Wednesday gymnastics class.
Amaya is applying to be a member of Thornton Creek’s Lighthouse Team. (They boys might, too, but haven’t yet.” Under, “why I’d be a good member of the team”, she said that she is “responsible, brave, helpful and kind.”
“Thornton Creek Elementary Lighthouse Team members are to understand and practice the 7 Habits. Members will work closely with the faculty’s Lighthouse Team and represent the student body’s ideas and goals for Thornton Creek Elementary. Members will also help plan leadership events and leadership opportunities throughout the school year and ensure Thornton Creek’s consistency as a Leader in Me school.”
The boys both had a great game on Thursday with 2 hits a piece and multiple RBIs and runs.
Sammy, gearing up to play catcher
The school’s Cub Scout troop had a bike safety event at the same time as the boys’ game and Amaya brought her bike to attend. There was a riding course and also people there to help teach bike safety. Amaya is now an expert on helmet safety.
She also gave her roller skates a try!
Just growing up faster and faster, and telling me that parents (especially moms) are embarassing! It’s too soon for that!
Our weekend was amazing with a visit from Nana and Auntie! The last time Auntie was here, SSA were still in cribs in their nursery!
It was a beautiful Friday afternoon and the kids were excited to show Auntie their shells from Florida.
Kids had a lot of fun showing Auntie and Nana how the ride bikes and scooter.
Amaya needed a little roller skating support. At the rink, they have the helpers for kids who are still learning.
Saturday morning Auntie got to join Nana on her regular trip to Starbucks. (With an added bonus of a van that wouldn’t start, a rescue ride back in my car and a tow truck for the van.)
Baseball practice was on and off due to rain and, when it was officially on, Sammy bowed out but Steven was excited to practice and Amaya came for playground time.
More shell sorting! Steven wants to sort his shells by type and when/where he got the. (Vs. right now where they’re just sorted by location and date.) The Florida shells just keep on gving!
Our afternoon activity was roller skating at Bonaventure. I may have had the most fun and would love a roller skating date with Jason.
Can you spot me in the photo below? 🙂
Nana napped on Amaya during bedtime shows <3
This morning the boys had an extra baseball practice so all 7 of us went. Amaya drank her coffee and played on the playground while Jason and the boys practices. Nana and Auntie had very comfortable seats to watch.
We had a wonderful lunch outside at Centre Street Grill. So, so happy it’s nice weather again.
Photos by the fountain (which isn’t on for summer yet but still looks really pretty).
This afternoon the kids spent time outside and then the boys went to a trampoline birthday party.
We made it through last week, with lots of great moments despite our sadness. (In case you missed it, we said goodbye to our sweet, sweet Sally on Monday. I wrote about it here.)
I can’t say enough about all of the amazing friends and family who took time this week to reach out about Sally. It’s meant everything.
Monday, as we went about our day waiting, we had a great family breakfast together at a little place in Commerce. We had to place 2nd orders for Sammy and Amaya after their finished their first order of pancakes.
The van really needed a thorough vacuuming so, while we were staying near the vet, 4/5 of the Clines took care of that work. One Cline played on her switch and lifted her feet when asked.
I’m not sure I mentioned this when writing about Sally but, depsite the time in the day to get the kids back to school, we decided to just let them have the whole day off. There were still unknowns and focusing was difficult. (And it turned out to be the right move.) Since it was a beautiful day, Sophia took the kids to a playground while I tried to get some work done.
After – on our way home from the vet – we all needed a pick-me-up so we stoped at Stuart’s for some ice cream – first visit of the season.
At one point I put my head in my arms on the table and I felt a little hand take mine. It was my sweet, empathetic Steven. <3
Tuesday we dove back into life which included a baseball game for the boys. The Astros lost but Steven made it on to base (twice, I beleive).
Sammy, taking his sweet time making his way back from the outfield.
Amaya, trying to make her lap a solid seat for her daddy.
These days I’m rarely outside when the kids get on the bus but the weather is so nice now that I love stepping outside in the morning. Especially when it means I get a few more minutes with these three. It’s hard to believe we have less than 5 weeks of school left!
This time of year, it’s common for the kids to eat dinner outside on our deck. This time of year it’s also common for me to work outside on the deck! I spent a lot of this week outdoors and it was fabulous.
At gymastics on Wednesday, Amaya achieved her backbend kick-over. I wanted to bottle the pride I saw on her face, to pull out again when I need a pick-me-up.
On Thursdays the Astros had their first win and it was a big one! Both boys got RBIs and one of their teammates hit a grand slam. They also got their hats – but no uniform shirts yet.
Amaya is making friends with all the other siblings at the games. It’s great when they’re at Thornton Creek, which is most of the time, because she also has playground access.
Our girl…
On Saturday morning, Jason had help from Amaya and Steven while he dethatched our lawn. Expert rakers to the rescue!
Meanwhile, I went to Motor City Comic Con for my chance to meet William Shatner. I took my photo (separate by plexiglass), attended his panel and got an autograph. Definitely a “must do” experience, especially given Shatner’s age. (While we were in line for autographs, he zoomed right up to the table on an electric wheelchair. Not only was it fast, but it got him through the crowds quickly without the normal fanfare of people trying to stop him.)
The afternoon activity was our friend Elly’s 6th birthday party. All 3 kids were invited and had a blast. Sammy said it was his 2nd favorite birthday party (after his freind Ben’s). Bounce houses and cotton candy machines are surefire kid pleasers!
I had a 12:30pm flight to Albuquerque today which was delayed to 2pm which meant I got extra time at home with everyone. <3
Jason took an early trip to Home Depot and Steven was so excited to join him. He even got dressed early this morning in preparation for more yard work.
One of the boys (Sammy?) took this picture of Amaya with her bubbles.
Amaya found a frog on the kids’ climber. She named him “Spot the Frog”, says she’s seen him before and is sure he’s calm with her because she’s a “friend of nature”.
I’m off to NM for a few days where I’ll miss everyone too much but will look forward to getting home later in the week.
While i was flying, fun continues at home with more raking, reading and dinner out. ❤
We said goodbye to Sally this week. She was a best friend for seventeen and a half years, and a loved member of our family, deserving of her very own tribute here.
In October 2004, I was getting ready for a move to Florida. I was out for lunch with my friend Tony and I commented I wanted to get a cat after the move. He mentioend that our mutual friend Tyler’s wife, Kim, just found a kitten in the bushes near their home in Jersey City and were looking for someone to adopt her. It was meant to be.
When I met Sally she was just 8 weeks old and recovering from fleas and an eye infection. Her name was Chervil at the time – the friend named pets after herbs and spices – but I name pets after astronauts. Our sweet Sally was named for the incredible Sally Ride.
I picked her up in Jersey City and took her home on the Path and subway in a big Ikea bag, feeling like I was holding the best secret in my lap. Sally and I bonded from minute one. She was my girl and I was hers.
Our first photo – October 24, 2004
Going to pick up Sally in Jersey City
Home with me!
My apartment was almost empty in preparation for my move.
I remember this so vividly. We went to Nana and Papa’s house for a night or two before heading down to FL.
As small as Uncle Dave’s shoe
It was only two weeks later that Sally and I moved to Florida together. Just us girls in our Naples, FL condo. She was full of energy and did all of her early growing in those years.
We lived in a 2nd floor condo with a screened in lanai so Sally was able to get lots of “outside” time. In fact, since we were on the 2nd floor overlooking a private preserve, sometimes I left the screen door cracked to the lanai so she could spend her day in fresh air.
Right away she decided that sitting on my lap, and sleeping on or next to me, was the best place to be. It’s difficult to fall asleep right now becuase I miss her weight and warmth on my back.
My girl grew a ton in our 20 months in Naples and then we were off to Ann Arbor, MI where she lost her warm, FL lanai and had to settle for part-year screen door. But she had more room to roam and as much love as ever. This is the house we were in when Sally first met Jason. We had a wonderful time there together.
Sally had a lot of moves in Michigan. From Ann Arbor we move in with Jason in Pinkney for about 4 months and then spent a year back in downtown Ann Arbor in a small condo. From there it was off to a rental house in Plymouth for two years before we made it to Cheltenham Drive in October 2013 becuase it’s the time in Sally’s life when I have the fewest pictures of sweet Sal. But she had more love than ever – it got bigger and bigger with every passing year.
When I was pregnant – especially in the later weeks when I was mostly bedbound – Sally didn’t leave my side. I was always so curious about what she did or didn’t intuitively understand about what my body was doing during that time. When Steven, Sammy and Amaya were born, I brought home hats from the NICU each night so Sally could grow accustomted to their smell. It took her a while to get comfortable with the kids – and vice versa – but I think she always knew they were important. (Jason just said, “She watched over those babies. She’d stand guard outside their nursery but she wouldn’t go in their room. She knew they were delicate.”)
This was my first photo with all my babies.
With my baby girl
Jason and Sal. He always respected the flop down.
Sally and the kids
The best cat.
I met Sally on October 24, 2004 and I said goodbye to her on May 9, 2022. Her goodbye came quickly which means Sally didn’t suffer long – and either did we – but, even knowing how old she was, I’m still reeling. I know all 5 of us are still feeling it. There’s a Sally shaped whole in my heart.
Circumstances on Monday morning led us to take Sally to an emergecy vet wtih surgical and hospital facilities. Jason, the kids and I all took the morning off to be there with Sally while we learned what was going on with her medically and what the options might be. I was hoping we’d bring her home but preparing myself that it might not be the case. I’d taken her to the vet on Friday, 5/6 because her litter box behavior had changed. The vet throught it might be stress related to construction in our house but, unfortunately, that wasn’t the issue.
Before we left, I took this beautiful photo of my sweet girl.
Jason and his sweet Sal.
The vet did intake for Sally and then Jason, the kids and I left while they did initial tests. We had a wonderful family brunch together and stayed in the area until I got the first call from the vet. She said that there were no initial major issues except that her bladder was filled with blood. 🙁 It was possible the issue was bladder stones but it would be some time until we knew more so we decided to go home. Jason headed into work and Sophia took the kids to a playground while I tried to work.
Around 1:30pm I got a call that broke my heart. The extradordinarily compassionate vet gave me a rundown of all that was well with Sally and then got to the point – a tumor in her bladder. She wasn’t a good surgical canidate due to a heart murmer, kidney function and age and, even if she was, it wasn’t a cure. The vet explained that I could bring her home if I wasn’t ready to say goodbye but her symptoms would continue and her quality of life would decline. She agreed that humane euthanasia was the most selfless choice I could make for my beautiful, sweet cat.
At 3:30, with Sophia as our emotional support guide, Steven, Sammy, Amaya and I went to say our goodbyes to Sally. It was crushing. There were many, many tears. The experience was compassionate and gentle and so terribly sad.
My last pictures with my first best girl. She was so loved.
Steven and Sammy opted to stay with me while Sally went to sleep. I want to spend a little itme as possible thinking about that moment but I will also be glad she went to sleep in my arms, hearing how much I love her.
My house feels emptier. At night, for sure, but also during my work day where she was a steady companion over the past two years. I look at the pictures I posted, though, and I feel so much gratitude for our time together and the life we shared. She was the best companion.
This was a busy, busy week for Team Cline. Lots going on for all of us.
Steven was all curls on Monday morning. He put some gel in his hair after his Sunday night shower and what a difference!
The kids – especially the boys who have to track for school – are doing a great job with their daily reading.They’re even asking for new books in series they like.
This week, at long long last, work started to replace all the carpet in our house with wood – upstairs and downstairs. It looks like it will take about two weeks to complete including work on the stairs – timing of which is TBD because that wood isn’t in yet.
Looks so nice!
With her swim graduation, Amaya is trying out 2x/week gymnastics in May. It’s a later class – 6:30pm – which makes it much easier for me to take her some days. She’s doing so well and working to level up from beginner to intermediate. I just love her focus.
On Tuesday I headed to a work conference at the Detroit Airport Westin and work continued on the house…
Bobes and Sophia
I miss the kids a ton when I’m away and they definitely miss me, too. Love these texts so much.
Wednesday – May 4th – Jason’s birthday!! It was a busy day for everyone including the birthday dad.
Thornton Creek had walk/bike to school day so Sophia and the kids walked together. It took about 20 minutes. Not a bad walk at all except they have to cross Beck without a crossing guard. I think that’s why, even though there’s a route just under 1 mile, we get a bus.
Amaya rescued every worm she found on the sidewalk. By the time she got to school she had 7 in her hands and carefully placed them in the grass. Our friend of animals.
Stickers for walking!
Sophia helped everyone celebrate Jason’s 53rd! It was a May the Fourth Star Wars themed party with keto cheesecake dessert and cards from the kids.
Text from my sweet girl, thanking me for giving her life
Amaya has struggled to fall asleep lately. She’s sometimes up until near 10pm but falling asleep on one of us always seems to help move the process along.
This was in Amaya’s school work on Thursday. One again, friend of the animals.
The boys’ first baseball game was rained out on Tuesday so Jason and I both got to go their first on Thursday. Uniforms aren’t in yet but the boys don’t seem to care. (Though photos will be difficult on Monday if they’re not in by then. Fingers crossed.)
All of the boys on the team are first or second graders at Thornton Creek and the coach is the same coach they had last year- their friend Ruxin’s dad. This year the boys play machine pitch, like Amaya did last year on her softball team. They get five pitches or 3 swings, whichever comes first.
Steven playing catcher
Sammy at first
Steven got a hit at his last at-bat! We were playing the best team in the league and the Astros (boys’ team) lost by a big margin but they had fun and Steven was thrilled with his hit.
Steven on first.
Wood complete in the princess guest room! We defintely need a few rugs for noise dampening, especially for when Sally jumps off a bed in the middle of the night. *THUMP*
Amaya was up late on Thursday night and eventually fell asleep on the couch with our sweet Sally.
Go to sleep late
Wake up late
Get a ride to school from mommy
Not a bad way to start a Friday!
Sophia was off on Friday for her birthday (Happy Birthday, Sophia). It was an afternoon snack of cupcakes that Jason brought home for the kids. Then we took Sally to a last minute vet appointment to check in on some little box issues she’s been having. 🙁 It seems manageable and soemthing we can help her through. My sweet cat.
Before bed, Amaya threw a birthday party for Jason – Star Wars tablecloth and all.
Amaya was proud of this math achievement so I want to share here. 🙂
We think the housework is stressing Sally so she has some gabpentin to help with anxiety. It knocks this girl out – face straight into the blanket. They suggested I try a half dose if she gets very sluggish so I may give that a shot through the week.
Saturday the boys had baseball practice and Amaya joined them so she could ride her bike at the school. Afterwards, the kids spent hours outside.
We had a big family adventure to see Stars on Ice at Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit. It was 12 skaters – olympians, world medalists, national champions – you get the gist. Very impressive. Nathan Chen was obviously a stand-out but we also really enjoyed Jason Brown and pairs / ice dancing skaters.
Amaya has a big crush on Nathan Chen and not because he’s a great skater, she says.
Midway through the second half, Sammy said to Jason, “I don’t want this to end, do you!?!”
Each half opened and closed with group numbers. The rest were solo/pair performances.
Steven was totally engaged. He even remembered how some of the ice dancing teams ranked in the Beijing Olympics in February.
This morning, while I slept, Sammy got an overdue haircut. He said his head felt smaller lol. He looked at some pictures of past haircuts he’s had to pick the length he wanted.
All his hair!
Mother’s Day pics with my amazing kids – human and feline. I truly feel blessed. No idea how I got this lucky but I’m grateful.
We had brunch out with Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette and then came back to the house. Steven decided that Amaya shouldn’t always be the party planner and planned a Mother’s Day even that inluded gifts, show and tell, goody bags, a slide show of cute animals, lemonade and a Miguel Cabrera presentation.
Steven with my goody bag
Loving cute animals
Watching with Grandma
Back to cruising around the neighborhood.
The kids spent hours outside and wrapped up the day with dinner on the deck. A perfect May 8th.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and have a great week!
Amaya specifically asked if I could name this week’s blog “New York and Michigan” and that’s an easy yes. For the two of us, at least, it sums up our week!
On Monday, Sophia shared this post-school photo of Amaya. It looks like she had a styling class from Cindy Lou Who. 🙂
I was in OH so Amaya joined Sophia and the boys at swim and brought her laptop with her for some reading time.
After swim, Steven told Sophia, “I feel so good right now, and I’m so happy!” And Sammy said, “I feel so good right now, too.” I looooove that these boys are loving swim. I know I say this all the time, but they’ve come so far.
After swim, Sophia took the kids to 7-11 to redeem free slurpie coupons that they earned at school. These may be their first ever slurpees!
On Tuesday, Amaya officially graduated from AquaTots program! Perfect timing, too, because Tuesday was her last day in swim for a while so she can try an extra class of gymnastics each week. I’m also so proud of Amaya. She’s loved swim for a long time and set her mind to becoming a great swimmer. I’m hoping we can find somewhere she can keep up lessons (if she wants to, of course).
On Thursday afternoon I was driving home from work after a board meeting and, right as I was about to pass Thornton Creek, got a call from the school saying Sammy had a cough, headache and fever. Fastest pick-up ever!
I’ll cut to the chase – both rapid and PCR tests came back negative for COVID, flu and RSV so it looks like he had just one of those viruses you get… but nothing to worry about in particular.
It was a wild afternoon. Sophia took Sammy for his tests while I took Steven to school for my volunteer shift at the school book fair. Meanwhile, Amaya was at gymnastcis and was able to arrange for her friend’s mom to drop her at school afterward since no one would be home. So many moving parts and pieces in our lives these days. It’s chaotic and wonderful.
Bobes, getting ready to check out the books.
Amaya, post-gymnastics, was ready to shop!
We got home to find Sammy tucked in bed wtih Jason (still in his mask from when we weren’t sure quite what he had).
Sleepy Bubba
Knowing that Sammy just had a run-of-the-mill virus, on Friday morning Amaya and I set off for a girls weekend in New York! It was a semi-last minute trip. We just booked it a few weeks ago and centered it on an opportunity to see Charlie compete in gymnastics.
Turns out April 29th is our date.
Somehow this was the first time we realized we could play Super Mario Kart on the plane. Definitely a great way to pass time together.
We got back to Aunt Sara & Uncle Dave’s house while Charlie was still in school so Amaya got in some trampoline time and had lunc with Nana and Savta before picking Charlie up at school
Cousins!!
The girls spent the whole afternoon working on gymnastics. Charlie is an amazing teacher.
First up was backbend practice
Then Charlie taught Amaya a beam routine! So impressed with them both.
Amaya’s got her splits down
Back in NY, Sammy had a quiet day at home with Sophia while he recuperated. That meant lots of TV time and a bunch of iPod time.
Bobes and Sophia, with one of Steven’s new book fair books.
Even Sally is interested in Among Us
On Saturday morning, Sammy wasn’t felling up to baseball while Steven hit 2/12 fair balls. First game is Tuesday!
Saturday was full of Charlie’s sporting events starting with a volleyball game in the morning. Amaya wore her “Charlie” shirt in support. ❤️
Charlie serving
It was a beautiful day out so we spent hours outside. Amaya and Charlie rode bikes, there was more gymnastics, and Nana, Papa, Savta and Auntie all came to spend time with us.
Bike riders in the background
Nana on the balance beam
We wrapped up the day with Charlie’s gymastics competition. It was amazing to get to see her compete.
My wonderful men and first girl, back at home.
Morning goodbyes are also super sad for Amaya but she powered through.
First first class upgrade since this girl was an infant. She was in heaven.
We had a quiet afternoon at home. Tomorrow, work starts to replace our carpet with hardwood so we had to prep the house. Then we had some great outdoors time.
I’m going to wrap up this blog with some totoally new to me photos from Auntie. These are pictures that Savta and Saba brought to Israel when they visited her in 1977. She was a new aunt who couldn’t bear to be away from her niece. I know that feeling well.
