Mission Accomplished

For the past few months, off and on, I have been on a mission to find the perfect vacation house for our annual getaway with Steve's parents, his sister and her family. Between limited weeks that would work for all of us and several amenities we wanted (or needed) the house to have, it's been quite a challenge this year. We finally found a great choice last night and I officially booked it this morning!!! What a relief! I was getting so tired of looking at house after house (although what people did about stuff like this before the internet is beyond me!) They all started blending together and I have pages of notes trying to keep it all straight. There's a huge sense of accomplishment when it's all done, though, and I know the rest of the family appreciates all the searching that took place. So, without further ado, here is the winner: Luxury Dome Home on Private Lake Michigan Beach! Pretty cool, isn't it?? Annie was looking at the websites with me last night when I found this one and she was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement! This will certainly be our first time staying in a dome-shaped house! Here's another link with more pictures if you're interested.

In other news, Annie's team won another two rounds in Battle of the Books today and they are now guaranteed to get either a gold or silver medal depending on how they do on Friday!! She is thrilled! Caroline found out this afternoon that she can get her braces off in two weeks! Yep, she's thrilled, too!

On a not-so-thrilling note, I'm still feeling under the weather and it took me a long time to stop coughing and fall asleep last night (I saw 1:15 a.m. come and go on the clock). Why is it that I can feel blah during the day, but function pretty well and then as soon as I dare to LIE DOWN and get some rest, the coughing starts?? I need sleep, people! I took a nap this afternoon, but had a few coughing spells then as well, so I have no idea what to expect tonight. I'm hoping for the best!

I also have to share what kept me company while I was lying in bed trying not to cough last night (Steve was snoozing, so I don't think that qualifies as keeping me company). I started reading a book I have called Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids by Christina Katz. Good stuff in this book, from making time to write to all the basics of getting started and actually making some money. There is a lot of great practical advice in here from someone who's been there, done that and I can't wait to read more! If you're a writer mom, check it out!

Off to make one of my favorite dinners, Pasta with Hashed Brussel Sprouts and Toasted Pine Nuts (so much better than it sounds!)that I found on one of my favorite cooking-themed blogs, Orangette. I also can't wait to relax with my boys tonight (the girls are with their dad and step-mom) and try to get a little more rest.