Preschool

I've been looking into preschool around here for Mackenzie this year. I figured that she's at the age to start. Turn out, her 4th birthday is 22 days after the cut off. So no formal school for her this year.

Since she can't go to school this year, we're going to have school at home. Every morning, Monday through Thursday. Friday she had dance class again. I've been doing a lot of research and putting things together (still in the process), and deciding on themes, books and activities to make it fun for both kids.

First things first, we start with identifying letters and numbers. The basics :) We will also work on her spelling her name, learning her address and our phone numbers. I have already figured out a few "field trips" to incorporate what they will be leaning. We're planning on going to the children's museum once every 2 months when they change their themes, a couple trips to the Frederick Meijer Gardens to learn, this fall, about leaves, and again in the spring, to the butterfly exhibit. At least 2 times a month to the library to exchange the books we will be using with our themes and to a program weekly at the elementary school called tots and tunes. That should get them a bit more time to socialize with other kids. As we find more things to do and incorporate I will add those in as well.

The kids have said that they're excited to do it, and I hope I can keep them excited for the year. With field trips and activities and crafts that I have planned, I may be able to keep them interested.

I will keep my blog updated with this for sure! Happy new school year!

Family and an Anniversary!

I had such a great time with family being in town this past week.

We seen some family that we haven't seen in, I think, 2 years and we had the privilege of meeting the newest family member.

This huge family got together this time to celebrate my Papa and Grandmas 60th wedding anniversary! To think, 60 years! Woah!

Thursday was our first night together. We gathered for a casual pizza dinner. 

Friday was a day at the beach for some of us and a day of work for others. 

After the beach, we gathered again for dinner. This time, elk burgers! Oh so yummy!

Saturday was the big dinner day. The anniversary party at Schuler's, in Marshall.

The wedding day, and the dinner at schuler's.

Saturday night, after dinner, we couldn't split up. So it's natural for us to sit around a Bon fire.

Sunday was yet another dinner together. The traditional summer dinner of ham loaf (which I love), and a dessert called peach cutchin. I have no idea how to spell that. We also had anniversary gifts and some past birthday gifts.

Finally, Monday was the last dinner we attended. (It was a long weekend for all of us, but definatly the kids were pooped.) We had an awesome fish fry of blue gill! With broccoli and potato salad. One of my favorite meals!

We had a great time visiting and meeting family. The kids loved meeting their new cousin and can't wait to see her again when she's actually able to play with them!

Mary Kay Seminar 2013

A week ago I took at trip to Dallas, Texas for my very first Mary Kay seminar. This year is Mary Kay's 50th anniversary so it was extra special.

I left Detroit Metro airport at 6:55 am on Sunday and was in Dallas at 11:25, right on time.

Once I got there, I got my registration packet, with a ton of free products and my name tag. The name tag is as valuable as gold, gives you access to everything and if you lose it, costs you $50 to replace.

Sunday I went to the Mary Kay headquarters and the Mary Kay museum. That was all really cool!

The Mary Kay building

My friend and roommate, Cathy and I.

I had to take these truck pictures for Marty :)

Silver wings sculpture

Mary Kay's office

Later the first night they debuted the new directors 

And new National Sales Directors (national is one of the highest levels as a consultant in Mary Kay. Once you become a national you get lifetime benefits, life insurance, monthly commission even after you retire, etc.)

The next day was classes and constant dance parties. There was a lot of talk about confidence and how to help build your confidence. We had speeches from top sales directors for some information. One that really stuck out for me was the number 2 sales director. According to her, she has made it (and personally I think she has too). She had her first child when she was 14, her second at 17 and her third at 22. She had formal education up to 9th grade, then got her GED. She has never been to college. She makes commission (not including her 50% of her own sales) into 6 figures annually. That amazed me. 

The third day was my birthday!!! With more classes, recognition and dancing in the morning. That night was awards night, and a lot of fun!

It's an elegant affair with gowns and jewels! Our nationals in their gowns!

On the screen is Karen Piro, top national sales director

The one on the right is our Miss Go Give this year. This is Mary Kay's highest award to receive. To be miss go give means that you've given above and beyond to anyone, without expecting anything in return. This years miss go give donates and personally helps orphans all over the world. She spent almost 6 months of her personal time working with orphans and gave tens of thousands of dollars to organizations.

Justin Rivers from the Voice was the entertainment for awards night

The final day, we had just a short session. We recognized all of the Mary Kay spouses in attendance by having them walk across stage. There were hundreds there this year

And then a quick speech from Mary Kay's grandson Ryan Rogers

That's the end of seminar! It was very inspiring and a ton of fun! I can't wait to go back next year and walk across the stage myself!