Luedtke Land

Cheater Post

2012-02-02T13:32:00.002-06:00

I am borrowing this idea from Two Adults, One Brown Baby. Too much fun!

You like it?--you leave a link to yours and I will read it. You hate it?-read mine if you wish and shuffle along.

A to Z

A. Age: 37, closer to 40 than to 30. Yikes, how did that happen?

B. Bed size: Queen. Anything bigger would not fit in our room.

C. Chore that you hate: Taking the garbage to the street and returning the cans back behind the house.

D. Dogs: Love that my kids love the neighbor's dog down the street and they get to "walk her home". They give her water, a treat, and then play games on my neighbor's iPad. Walking Muffin home seems to take a half an hour, even though she lives just four houses away. I enjoy dogs if someone else owns them.

E. Essential start to your day: Cuddling with hubby sans CPAP and snoring.

F. Favorite color: Pink, I think for me. Green in March and December. Red in December and February. Bright colors in May through September. Orange in October and November. I like colors. Not too sure about a true fave.

G. Gold or silver: Gold for wedding ring and "real" jewelry from my honey. Silver for all other accessories.

H. Height: 5'8". Although one doctor visit measured me at 5'5", from a pull down ruler from the ceiling. I asked for a re-measure, still 5'5", until a year later. This happened just a couple of years ago.

I. Instruments that you play: Piano when I was growing up, pretty sure I lost all ability. French Horn through post-college, I'd be terrified to pick one up and play again. Handbells since 1999.

J. Job title: Speech and Language Pathologist and Home Manager and Little People Referee.

K. Kids: Two, Simon 6 1/2 (first grade), Norah (3 1/2, preschool).

L. Live: the Midwest, away from all of my immediate family and near all of Eric's immediate family.

M. Mother's name: Sharon Adeline

N. Nicknames: Rebecca at work, Becky everywhere else.

O. Overnight hospital stays: 2005 when Simon was born, and 2008 when Norah was born.

P. Pet peeves: People picking noses and nails.

Q. Quote from a movie: not quite my forte

R: Right or left handed: Right

S: Siblings: I'm the middle child, between 2 sisters. There is a wine called The Middle Sister.

T. Talents: (added as there was no T), I tell my kids that my special talent is peeling tangerines or oranges in only one continuous piece. True talents are crocheting, knitting, and sewing.

U. Underwear: New within the last year, I think.

V. Vegetable(s) you hate: Peas, none will cross my lips - ever. But I will heat them up for my kids.

W. What makes you run late: Getting everything done that everyone needs for the day ahead or the outing at present.

X. X-rays you've had: Ultrasounds and dental. One head scan when migraines were constant.

Y. Yummy food that you make: bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, french toast casserole, shrimp lasagna rolls, enchiladas, buttermilk pancakes, homemade pizzas

Z. Zoo animal: Puffins. A puffin is like a bird and fish in a penguin-like body. The zoo by my parents house has puffins and they are delightful.

Overheard during play

2012-01-29T10:22:00.002-06:00

"Hi batman. Do you know who I am? I am Hello Kitty!"

Can barely believe . . .

2012-01-26T23:42:00.004-06:00

. . . . that we are antibiotic free!!! Don't really want to jinx myself, but since our run of illness since December 23rd is approaching an end, I feel a bit happy. What will I do without remembering at the almost too late moment to give the correct dosage on the dash out the door?

Let's just pray that it worked. And that ear pain is long gone. And it won't return. While I strive to be friendly and hospitable, stay away scary green germs!

Daily but Precious

2012-01-26T08:12:00.003-06:00

Norah: "Mommy, after we play in the snow, can we go to the beach?"

**********

Norah: "Simon, can I tell you a secret?"

Simon: "Sure, in this ear."

Norah: "Ok" (scoots closer, puts mouth near ear) "Oh, it's a secret. I can't tell you. Nevermind."

**********

Norah: "I really love you!"

**********

Norah: "Is it summer today?"

Mommy: "Nope"

Norah: Will it be summer tomorrow?"

Mommy: "Nope"

Norah: "When will it be summer?"

Mommy: "After spring."

**********

Simon: "Mommy, when it is summer, can we go to the beach/pool?"

Mommy: "Yes"

**********

At any mentioning, decorating, or seeing Valentine Day things:

Norah: "It's Valentime's today!"

**********

At any mentioning, decorating, or seeing St. Patrick's Day things:

I love how she says and knows shamrocks. And still some confusion between St. Patrick's Day and her birthday. Any mention of them being the same day, she responds with "It's my birthday today." Answered with a "no". Then questioned if it will be tomorrow. I just say it is a long ways away. For her it is.

**********

Daily, but precious and I don't want to forget.

(My home computer is so stinkin' slow. It takes forever and a day to print something for email and to open any link. Since my work laptop is new and super fast, I have been using that. I don't want to put pictures on my work computer. That means it will take forever and a day to deal with pictures. Someday, when you see one, you will know I took the time to download and upload and wait, a long time!)

Christmas, All the Months Long: January Edition

2012-01-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

Happy January 25th!!

I am trying a new thing this year.

Every month, on the 25th (or during some free time on a day very near to the 25th), I will do something Christmas related. As I do this activity, whatever it may be, remind myself of the meaning of Christmas.

Christmas in January's activity may be:

1. Felt ball ornaments (materials on hand, intended to make last December, but can't find my instructions or remember where I saw the idea.)

2. Sew on decorative strip of fabric picture/pattern, from my apron panel, onto red towels to match my lovely apron (that Mom made for me!)

3. Make a master list of my February - November 25th days to fill.

Will you join my Christmas, All the Months Long?

Will January 25th find you in a mood that is 'Tis the Season?

White and Bright

2012-01-22T21:26:00.003-06:00

My "outside" is white and bright and lovely.

It is not brown all around.

A new week lies ahead of me,

and here I go to make it the best it can be.

I am not alone and on my own,

For God will guide my attitude.

As I complete each day with all that I need to do.

Spending the days trying to add a splash of fun,

to make it not exactly like the one just done.

So here I go,

white and bright,

pleasant and right.

At least this is what I think,

tonight . . .

on Sunday night!

Double, with Another Round

2012-01-15T11:18:00.002-06:00

Simon woke with persistent complaints of ear pain. His energy faded quickly during church. He wanted to go home, put on PJs, and rest in his bed. At 9:30 a.m.

So, off to Urgent Care he goes. And of course, he has double ear infections with the right ear being worse. Off, again, to the pharmacy for another round of antibiotics for him.

Poor little guy, ear pain is so not fun.

He was sick over his Christmas break. Tomorrow he has no school. I was looking forward to something fun to do. Perhaps after 2-3 doses of antibiotics, he will feel up to something fun to do on his Mommy and Norah day. I was thinking of visiting the Garfield Park Conservatory, haven't been there since the hail damage. Or out for lunch. We do have a great coupon to use!

We did sneak in sledding fun yesterday. I love that I barely have to zip coats and only tie on scarves, they can dress themselves!!!!! They can also walk up the hill by themselves, only Norah needed some assistance with carrying up the sleds. We all had a blast, and Norah loved it. She did not like wipe outs. Simon had a blast and did not stop sledding, climb hill, go back down. He went down dozens of times, and loved the wipe outs. Of course hot chocolate was enjoyed by all at home after!

Projecting Hiatus Over

2012-01-13T16:57:00.002-06:00

I am glad to announce my project hiatus is over. I am interested and eager to begin my projecting once again. In fact, I completed fingerless mitten/dinosaur gloves for Simon. They were quick easy and he is happy. I started and completed a curly scarf for ME!! Yes, I had picked up some royal blue yarn and some fun fur yarn in silver and white. Those are my school colors. I often have parent meetings on casual wear Fridays or spirit wear days, and I don't feel professional enough in my gray t-shirt with royal blue SPARTANS written across. Now I have my accessory in school colors. I am amazed at how warm just wearing a scarf makes you feel.

I have a friend, who checked out a book from her library, so I could make a copy of this pattern, to make with green yarn that is sitting in my yarn bin. It will be a crochet garment, which I am not always incredibly fond of. I have been searching for a shrug or capelet, and this is the shape I desire.

I also just purchased size 19 knitting needles to use with my birthday yarn from Simon to make this scarf. I am in search of more cost friendly double pointed needles, cable needles, or another set of single pointed needles in size 19. I have a feeling many people will be receiving this scarf from me as a gift this year. I have a feeling it will be a one ball project. With only 12 stitches per row, my guess is it will knit up quickly. And feel scrumptious!

And then this is tempting to me, as it is knit in one piece from the top down.

Of course, I really do no need to get the tea set completed. I really have only just begun as not one piece is completely finished!

It seems this year my projects of interest are for me. And that may be the focus of this year. Taking some time and doing things for me. I'll have to think about it, plan it, actually schedule it, and follow through. I'll keep you updated.

Scratch that sick free feeling

2012-01-12T07:35:00.003-06:00

Late last night Norah awoke crying, uncomfortable, stuffy, coughing, and with a fever. We will, after all, fill that antibiotic that awaits us at the pharmacy. Here's a conversation:

How are you?

A little bit sick.

or How are you feeling?

a little bit feeling

Does anything hurt?

Nope

Which ear hurts?

This one

sigh,

A conversation overheard in the bathroom between Eric and Simon after Simon's shower last night:

Why is your shoe on the counter?

Because it is wet.

Why is your shoe wet?

Because it fell in the toilet.

Hmmm and sigh,

At least it is the old shoe with an almost toe hole on the sole, these shoes have been delegated to outside play shoes. Until today when the snow comes (today!) and we will have to wear boots.

Kickin' it to the curb

2012-01-11T20:37:00.005-06:00

Well, we have not had the sleepiest of nights nor the clearest of days. Norah has a cough that continues day and night. But small fries do not know how to cough the junk up and out of their system. She has not complained of pain nor has she pulled her ear in discomfort. That nasty antibiotic still sits at the pharmacy. Our opinion? Everything is draining out of that little head of hers. So she coughs and blows her nose and gets extremely tired by the end of the day. I think we are on the road to snot-free, pink-free, puke-free, fever-free, infection-free days. Because seriously, what else could creep in and take root? I say kick the icky-sickies to the curb and don't return.

I do have a plea for a hard frost to get rid of all of these germs.

On a side note, we are quite excited to receive inches of snow overnight. This would make it the first batch of white ground cover for playing, shoveling, packing, building, and possibly sledding. I secretly want it tomorrow, as tomorrow, 1/12, is my guess for the first considerable snowfall to happen in January. Yes, our family January excitement comes in guessing snowfalls and recording it on the calendar.

Mom 1/12

Norah 1/15

Dad 1/18

Simon 1/20

Let the flakes fall!

Same Evening is Lovely

2012-01-09T22:48:00.002-06:00

While attempting to schedule same day doctor appointments is typically impossible, I am 2 for 2 in securing same evening appointments within an hour after calling. It seems that if you call around 5:30 p.m., our family is able to see a doctor within minutes! I called at 5:10 for a 7:30 appointment this evening and experienced an immediate return call that stated we could come in right then as the office was open!

Norah has had this cough and today it increased. I do not enjoy "rushing" to the doctor, but am hesitant as she is supposed to attend preschool and day care tomorrow. Her seal bark cough at 3:00 a.m. improved until the afternoon. Then once she started coughing, she seemed to endure the cough attack. Some dry coughing and some loose sounding coughs. I got the stink eye from others while we were at the library. So, off to the doctor we went.

After completing a 10 day antibiotic for 6 short days, one ear looked "okay, as it should after an ear infection". The other ear was red and looked "not great". So, if this cold is on the way out, her ear could be fine. BUT, if this cold progresses and gets worse, then the ear is more than likely to be re-infected.

The great Dr. called in a prescription JUST IN CASE we have a bad night with crying and complaining. Because for an ear to go from red to infected is practically nothing. Or in case if she does not get better by Wednesday, we can decide to go pick up the antibiotic. Without needing another doctor appointment I tell you. Love this doctor.

I have a feeling we will need the antibiotic. As I am working in a quiet house, she is moaning in her sleep with an occasional burst of crying.

And so I must go now to comfort my icky sicky lil' miss . . .

A week at home, literally

2012-01-03T21:51:00.006-06:00

On December 22nd and 23rd, Eric dealt with the chills, fever, and body aches.

On December 23rd, Norah received antibiotics for an ear infection.

On December 24th, Simon went in to the doctor due to concerns with wheezing and coughing, given an oral steroid and continued use of inhaler.

On December 26th and 27th, Simon was throwing up with low grade fever. Possible side effect of oral steroid, or just unlucky.

On December 27th late in the afternoon, his eye looked pink.

On December 28th, Simon was given eye drops for pink eye. Becky laundered lots of bedding and blankets around the house.

On December 29th and 30th, Becky endured the icky sicky stomach bug with throwing up, no energy, and bad headaches.

On December 31st in the middle of the day, Becky turned the corner and had some energy and felt a bit better. Company was on its way.

On January 3rd, Simon complained of ear pain and has one ear infected with the other on its way. Given an antibiotic with something else added to help get rid of his bug.

Norah still has a cough.

So, the week after Christmas we stayed housebound and played with toys and watched some movies and snuggled when needed. And housebound, I mean I went to doctor's visits and one outing on Thursday before I knew I was sick. I can tell you that I may be a bit stir-crazy. But, the longer one stays at home going nowhere farther than around the block, it is easy to just stay at home. I could make do with comfy cotton and discovering pantry/freezer/cabinet goodness. It really was pleasant to just play away the days.

Let's hope we all get better and stay healthy!

Merry Noel

2011-12-23T17:15:00.002-06:00

I love, love, love the carol Noel this time of year. Even more so since March 17th, 2008. Because that is when we gave our baby girl Norah, Grandpa Leon's name backwards. But I have loved "Noel" since childhood. That is when, usually on Christmas eve, we turned our hymnals upside down and quietly sang "Lee-ee on, lee-ee on . . .". We turned the refrigerator Noel magnet upside down whenever someone (probably Mom) fixed it. My parents rearranged our "N O E L" stocking holders on the mantle when they were here for the holidays before Norah was born. I once took a picture of Noel in lights backwards, only it was frontwards for us (I think we were on the wrong side of the fence.) Only now, it will always be someone's name, backwards or not!

Simon has Grandpa Lussow's name.

Norah has Grandpa Wien's name.

And I love that, having a boy and a girl.

But Noel, has become even more special and lovely this Christmas.

Norah sings it, loves it, and calls it her song. Another recent conversation:

N: Mommy, is that my song?

Me: Yes, it is Noel.

N: Is it Simon's Noel song too?

Me: No, Simon does not have the name Noel.

N: Where is Simon's Norman song?

Me: Simon does not have a Norman song.

Merry, merry Noel to you!

Grandma's Recipes

2011-12-21T11:02:00.004-06:00

Thank God that Simon is at school and Norah is at the sitter. I am trying to read a few recipes of my Grandma's from a few sources. While all very similar, still a difficult task. Plus, Grandma made perfection, and while hoping for close, I am fully expecting a non-success. But here is to hoping!

Peppernuts and Zwiebach here we come!

My favorite line? (It's in the parentesis.)

Add 2 C. heavy cream and 1 C. milk. (I use 3 cups cream).

Of course Grandma would use 3 cups of heavy cream!

I am sure that Grandma could never have envisioned that her granddaughter would be using a computer and the internet to bake her goodies!

The Christmas Story, kids version

2011-12-21T09:54:00.002-06:00

One of our Advent devotion activities was to have the kids tell us the Christmas story, and write it down every year. Although the story won't change each year, how they tell it will change as they grow up. I need to find a small notebook for this purpose.

Simon's story went like this:

"Baby Jesus was born. 9 weeks. Actually 9 months. Mary was baking and Joseph was working. A shephards saw a group of shining angels. The shephards and wise men went to see Jesus asleep in the manger. Mary had a baby who got born. We were born once. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem, because there was no room at the inn."

Norah's version:

"A donkey. Mary was riding him. Joseph was holding the donkey. The rabbits, the stable.

Question of "Why?" was asked:

Because baby Jesus needed to sleep.

Question of "Who came to visit baby Jesus?" was asked:

The little cow, Belchior, his cat". (Our Nativity book names the wise men as Caspar, Melchior, and Belthazar.)

I love the part how Mary was baking and Joseph was working!

Handmade Christmas

2011-12-21T09:08:00.007-06:00

Cow hat - done, wrapped, given, received, opened, and loved.

Cow scarf - done, wrapped, given, received, opened, and loved.

You know a gift is loved when it is worn and not removed from the moment of opening. It was so cute, and I will post a pic.

Two accessory scarves knitted, done, ready to wrap, and give to the sitters. Each was a one skein yarn scarf of 12 stitches straight knitted. Made with that thin yarn with the "stringy fringe". While not difficult, I started one on the weekend and the other I started on Monday. I worked on it last night after bell choir rehearsal and grocery shopping. Finished this morning. Whew, stitches are freshly completed. Will be given today.

Three cotton crocheted dishcloths made and placed in an angel decoration, wrapped with a kitchen towel. Given to school teacher today, preschool teachers tomorrow. I made those on Thanksgiving. Glad to have 3 made, was hoping for a few more.

Three clutch/pouches made. Two given to nieces, one for my own lil' miss. Two created awhile ago. The last one made last Saturday to be given on the same day.

Crocheted Tic Tac Toe, ready to get wrapped. For my lil' guy.

ALL THAT IS LEFT TO MAKE are dinosaur mittens. I am giving up on my knitted dinosaur fingerless mittens. Forget knitting in the round with 3 needles. At least for now, with only a few days left with lots to do. I found this, and will make my own pattern. Very cute, may add orange spikes. Jo-Ann came through with a great fleece selection that cost less then 3 bucks for 1/4 yard of green, 1/8 yard of white, and 1/8 yard of orange. For all of the certified teachers out there, be sure to sign up for your 15% discount card at Jo-Ann's. I use it often.

Needle-ss to say, I am tired. I can honestly add that I am crafted out. I really do not want to pick up another hook, needle, craft scissors, seam ripper, thread, yarn, or fabric. How are all my other crafters fairing?

And now, off to do some baking, and wrapping, and cleaning!

Treasuring and Pondering

2011-12-12T09:27:00.004-06:00

Like all Mom's, Christmas is a busy time where we have our regularly scheduled events with the addition of creating magic. I love, love, love Christmas. I almost love the time before Christmas more than Christmas itself. I love giving gifts. I love thinking about the person and putting meaning into the gift. I recently talked about "layering" gifts with someone, where thought goes into the details of the gifts I give. I love making gifts and saying sweet prayers and thinking positive thoughts about the person who will receive the gift. I love wondering how they will use the gift and what they think upon opening.

So, for me to be behind in gift creation leaves me in a place of enjoyment, excitement, and good stress. I am in great shape in completing this and this for my niece at Eric's family's Christmas this coming Saturday. All hat pieces are created and just need to be attached and I have to finish the last 1/3 of the scarf. Of course that is the part that requires me to follow the chart for cow patches, but the end is in sight. I just have to decide if I will make the udder border or just a fringe end. My niece is artsy, 18, and wants the cow. I am thinking udders. I shall see.

Then, I need to figure out how to knit on double pointed needles, start and finish this project as it is quite desired by my little boy. Which means I must make it when his eyeballs are not near me. That means when he is in school on my days off (when I should be doing other things) or when I should be asleep. Then, that is it for handmade gifts. Simon is receiving a crocheted tic tac toe game, since he raved and loved the one he saw me send away to someone else. Norah is receiving that little clutch I displayed some time ago.

I remember my Mom collapsing with fatigue or having migraines on big important days, like Christmas. I think I now understand. Making magic is wonderful, but does take a toll on the energy bank!

I am most joyous about how much Simon and Norah enjoy our daily Advent devotions and prayers (we have several we must do). We have a little prayer box that is sought out each night. I KNOW the story of the birth of Jesus. But doing these devotions, I have found I have some questions. 1. How far is Nazareth from Bethlehem? and 2. What is the difference of being engaged, espoused, pledged to be married, or married, and which one was Mary and Joseph at the time of Jesus' birth? I also find myself treasuring and pondering in my heart.

My favorite is Luke, and my favorite verse of all:

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

I can only imagine what the little word "all" includes. I wonder how she treasured and pondered. She did not have a camera or writing materials readily available to record the event. Did her treasuring and pondering create a memory that lasted forever? Did she realize her gift to the world would last forever and ever and know that her story would be recorded in the greatest book of all?

From Norah's preschool Christmas program yesterday:

The Mother:

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;

"To me be as it pleased God," she said.

"My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."

Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

The Father:

We sing our thanks for Joseph, the guardian of our Lord,

Who faithfully taught Jesus through craft and deed and word.

Grant wisdom, Lord, and patience to parents everywhere

Who guide and teach the children entrusted to their care.

No wonder God really, really, really loves the little children, and that He guides and protects the parents.

A recent conversation in the backseat b/w Simon and Norah:

S: There is a Christmas tree

N: It is an outside tree. Not a Christmas tree.

S: But it has lights and ornament.

N: It is NOT a Christmas tree.

S: Yes, it is a Christmas tree.

N: No it is not! It does not have a skirt!

Daytime Conversations

2011-12-01T14:37:00.002-06:00

A car conversation I had with Norah today:

Me: What do you want to get Simon for Christmas?

Norah: dinosaur slippers.

Me: That's what he may want Santa to bring him in his stocking. What else do you think he will like?

Norah: a truck

Me: What kind?

Norah: blue and yellow

Me: What do you want to get Daddy for Christmas?

Norah: dinosaur slippers

Me: I am not sure he wants that. What do you think he will like?

Norah: a little house

Me: He already has a little house.

Norah: Where is it?

Me: Right there (and I point to our house as we drove by to go to Burlington on our errands) What do you think Daddy would like?

Norah: a car

Me: What else?

Norah: a bush

Me: I'm not so sure. Do you have another idea?

Norah: a firehydrant

Hmmmm . . . she said what she saw, out the car window, as we were driving.

I love the gift ideas for others that come before the idea of gift giving is truly developed!

11-11-11

2011-11-11T01:11:00.010-06:00

Have a great vertical minute and vertical hour on vertical day in vertical year!

Make a wish at 11:11 on 11-11-11!

It is a once in a century experience!

Check out how I made 11-11-11 extra fun and special by clicking here!

A huge and special thanks to all of our veterans who have served to protect us, our rights, our freedom, and the privileges that we enjoy each and every day.

All Creatures Great and Small

2011-11-10T07:02:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning around 8:00, I went to throw out a bag of garbage and this is what I found. EEEEWWWW! The scream could not be missed by the others in the house!!!!!

Norah took her job of watching if the possum crawled out of the can quite seriously. It occupied her for quite some time!

It never crawled out. We threw more bags in the can, on top of the possum. The garbage man probably took him away on Monday.

Tis' The Season

2011-11-10T06:52:00.002-06:00

Tis' the Season is upon us! I would like to say that I am probably half way done with the gathering of the gifts. I started months ago, and just need to go through my stash to see what needs to be filled in. Grandma G made these awesome little bags with notebooks and pens for her little granddaughter. Well, my little girl cannot get enough little books so this is perfect little present for under the tree. Norah picked out the butterfly fabric and helped me make it. But since it has "disappeared" for a few days, I do believe she has forgotten about it.

I found the orange notebook and the little pens at the dollar store. I bought the last pack of pens. The green butterfly notebook was in a pack of 2, only one was missing, I got it for 50 cents! I found the other tiny butterfly notebook in my desk at work. I think this came from Debbie in Japan.

I am ripping out the final seam to turn in wrong side out again. So that I may re-sew the bottom seam to hide some previous stitches. I do not like how they popped through to the right side. I am also considering redoing the flap to have the lining fabric show when snapped shut. And to move the snap closer to the edge to allow for an easier close when a bit more full. Other than that, this was "easy peasy lemon squeezy".

I may not be a bag lady, yet, but this was quite fun! I think I am just a project girl. Simple, little, and fun.

Vertical Day Ahead

2011-11-07T11:43:00.002-06:00

This coming Friday in addition to the important Veterans Day, is Vertical Day. This year, it is a once in a century experience. Just look at the date 11-11-11, all numbers vertical. How cool is that! A couple of years ago, my biggest vertical day fans decided they should come to Chicago to spend vertical hour/minute, on vertical day, in the vertical year with me and my family. Well, that was a loooong time ago and plans have changed. Plus, they have a wedding to attend and what a cool wedding anniversary to have 11-11-11. I hope that they give a really cool vertical wedding gift. (like striped coffee mugs, christmas ornaments vertical in shape or stripes, perhaps some handmade striped/vertical goodies, and if they give the gift of money, it should be in singles or in 11's). I can personally say, that I have been married 11 years this vertical year - since we were married in 2000.

I decided, that I should give them 11 gifts, costing no more than $11.11 not including the cost of shipping. Using what I have and being resourceful, my package began the trek to CA on 11-1-11. Now I just had to send a vertical day gift on a vertical day, that is how I celebrated 11-1-11. The thing is, I did not snap 1 picture of any of the contents or any of the package(s). Can you believe that? I was so focused on our Halloween happenings and making it to the post office that I did not document my biggest joy of this 11-11-11. You will have to see vertical greatness through their eyes. I will list them out once I know they have all been opened, I can't ruin the surprises.

Where will I be at 11:11 on 11-11-11? Why I will be lunching and making the greatest wish of the century at Eleven City Diner on the corner of 11th and Wabash. What will you do at 11:11 on 11-11-11?

Boo to You . . .

2011-10-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

. . . from my Lil' Roo!

Magical Moments,

2011-10-30T21:37:00.004-05:00

. . . from the shores of Lake Michigan.

2 year old Fuji trees. These are our favorite apples.

I love this picture. It is my new favorite.

Norah's First Day of Preschool

2011-10-30T21:27:00.002-05:00

It is the night before Halloween. Lots of pictures to be taken tomorrow. That means, I must take off quite a number of pictures from the camera. These include Norah's first day of preschool, our MN State Fair Trip, our trip to MI, and Norah's preschool Halloween party. Now, I have lots of pics to post!

Here are Norah's first day of preschool pictures. From the Tuesday just after Labor Day. My strong and independant little girl has a shy and unsure side. We noticed it first during the week of VBS. This side came out of her again, on her first day of preschool. She is still a lil' thing encountering the big unknown world!

No smiles here.

Definitely not happy about the church/preschool sign picture.

She found and picked a dandelion, perhaps the only joy in her morning of being left somewhere fun for 2 1/4 hours.

Her cubby, and still not happy.

We left her in tears. About 3 weeks ago she finally bounded into preschool with eagerness and no tentativeness about being left there.

Along My Side

2011-10-27T21:05:00.004-05:00

I think I just found my first crochet-along! Not that I need another project, my basket is overflowing and my time is never enough. I am excited to make a project when I am free, but comment with others and perhaps make a new connection. Seriously, check out this key-yute project!

Half Medalion Bag

A small discovery

2011-10-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday Eric decided to mow. I decided I wanted to be outside and not inside. I declared it a great day to be done with the garden. I went out to dig up the carrots (extra sweet and yummy), get rid of all the tomato plants after first plucking the few red and ripened tomatoes. Plenty of green ones went in the yard waste bag. Trimmed down and got rid of most other lingering plants bearing no more produce. I was ready to yank out the measly pumpkin plant with a thin and sad vine. BUT, hold on, at the end, we discovered one lone pumpkin. Small and green, but still there. I doubt that in 2 weeks it will be orange. But one can only wait and see. At least there is one last hurrah with the garden! That was a fun moment and the kids were more than excited. And we had enough carrots and herbs to share with old neighbors who happened to be driving by and neighbors we do not see very often. Boy, do we miss them! One used to live next door and was quite grandmotherly to our children who enjoyed watching them grow up in our "back yard" while she looked out her kitchen window.

Our stash made a delicious beef stew (carrots, parsley, oregano, chives). I do have plans for next year's garden! Less tomato plants, let the snap peas climb, plant earlier, don't bother with lettuce and spinach, grow herbs by seed, don't overcrowd one end and under plant the the other, and carrots are worth the wait.

One lonely pumpkin hanging on the vine,

waiting to turn green

for Halloween time!

2011-10-13T08:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was not a good day.

Looking back, there have been several not so good days.

Days can be hard.

I do not want good days to just be on birthdays, holidays, and vacations.

I did not expect this stage of adulthood to be so tough. I have had periods in my life where I struggled to figure out who I was, how to be, or how to change. I seem to always be working on some inner quality to better myself, and I am tired of it. And I once got there, I was confident and happy. In the past recent years events have happened out of my control that have had huge effects on my emotions. I want to go back to being confident, life being easy, and to just be, without the work. I now understand how the job of a parent is the most difficult thing you will ever do. Babies were anticipated, cute, lovely, and I knew what to do. Toddlers and preschoolers were right up my alley. Since a bit of stubborn, feistiness, attitude, and orneriness has entered our life with a fierce entrance and a constant presence, I am a bit worn down. Consistency is the answer, but man do I have to be vigilant in offering that consistency. I have a never ending list of things to do from sun up to sun down, and when the sun has set the list is not done and I could always do more. I feel like I cannot complete anything, which causes me to shut down and do nothing. Add a part-time career that carries with it huge responsibilities, and I feel even more stretched.

And to top it off, I feel alone and a bit lonely. Time commitments and priorities have drastically shifted leaving little time for me. That has huge effects on personal relationships. I do believe with the invention of wonderful technology, I am noticing a lack of direct contact. And again, with not so good days, little time, the feeling that I cannot do anything right or well, I sort of am, well . . . down.

Love/Hate Friday

2011-09-30T20:58:00.000-05:00

Hate: That I, myself, had to take a sick day, for me. A serious allergy that presented with intense post nasal drip that resulted in the body also reacting with asthmatic symptoms. Seriously, a wet-loose cough mixed with a dry breath-grabbing cough equals no sleeping at night and sore tummy muscles.

Hate: That last night I gave in to use the vaporizer only to find gray gunky stuff dropping out of the cylinder. Yuck and major disappointment at midnight. I considered sleeping on the bathroom floor with the shower steaming.

Hate: I actually felt a bit guilty calling in sick. I did not have a fever and no bodily fluids to truly call me "sick". Although sheer exhaustion arrived as I only slept about an hour last night.

Love: Same day appointments. Love the doctor, will switch to her.

Love: She reacted with severity when looking in my throat. She must have asked me 5 times if I had asthma as a child. She verified my need to stay home from work. Guilt was erased.

Love and Hate: The cocktail of medications prescribed to me! An antibiotic (as my immunity is reduced with acute coughing, this is to prevent infection), a steroid to calm the bronchials, a nasal spray to reduce the mucho swelling in the nasal passages, and Claritin D to reduce the mysterious allergy that I am reacting to. She suggested Benadryl to knock me out at night, scared to add that. Since the steroid and Claritin hype me up.

Love: The sitter had Norah so I doctored alone, the hubby went to the pharmacy for me, and I napped on the couch with one kiddo napping and one watching a movie after school.

Love: My volunteering at a local church resale allowed me to pre-shop and snatch up some awesome deals!

Hate: Kids will outgrow what I snatched, hopefully not until spring!

1st Grade

2011-09-22T20:47:00.002-05:00

Back on August 23rd, we went to "Meet the Teacher", and started Simon's second year at this fine school. We found out who his teacher would be starting the next day, we found his room, he chose his desk, and we forgot to look at his locker. We signed on for the bus, knowing when and where it would pick him up. That moment we found out when the bus would drop him off back home, at our corner. This whole hot lunch thing and milk ticket was very confusing. And don't forget to pick up t-shirt order forms and join the PTA and check out after school activities. Oh, and the gym was crowded with every other student with 1-2 parents in tow. I love "Meet the Teacher", but it is overwhelming. Next year, though, we will have all day busing and lunching under our belts!

Oh, and isn't he handsome! Since he is a "busser", we take his picture by the school sign the day before at "Meet the Teacher".

The first morning of first grade!

Walking to the bus.

And there goes my lil' guy, all day long. I did not cry, felt some heart pangs. It is a long day, I do miss him and wonder what he is doing and how he is. I included a note for him in his lunch. The first day, he took one bite of his sandwich, but grinned ear to ear when I asked if he saw my note. First grade is a huge adjustment for him and for all of us!

During

2011-09-22T20:36:00.002-05:00

During the siding project, we experienced quite a bit of a mess. But in the end, it was all completely worth it! Getting in or out of our house that day was a bit difficult. I would go to one door, and discover siding piled up in front of the door. Mosey on over to the back door, same thing. Must go through the garage and step over pieces here and there. A bit inconvienient for ONLY ONE DAY! The siding removal and re-do was completed in just one day. A grand total of 2 days for both roof and siding!

A little more off the sides.

A fresh wrap.

Lookin' like new!

Nothin' like a bit of rain thrown into the day. They are standing out our back door, next to our neighbor's garage. Which is original wood siding. I am now aware of all types of housing exteriors.

Bins and Chocolate

2011-09-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

Sometimes all it takes are plastic bins and chocolate to make me happy! We spent Saturday working non-stop around the house. Straightening, cleaning up, and maintaining a put-away house has been a constant struggle. Not that our house is tiny, but it is a 2-bedroom filled with 4 people and their things. Now that that the roof, siding, and kids' bedroom ceiling projects have been completed, we can now focus on "decorating" Simon and Norah's room.

Back in the day, we created a gender neutral room when we were waiting for Simon. Our theme was alphabet blocks, and we spent money on paint for wood panels, a dresser, rug, and a few accessories. We borrowed a crib and spent $20 on a changing table. We did not paint the room or replace the pull shades already put in there when it was an office.

Waiting for Norah, we only changed the sleeping situation and added a dresser. Simon moved to a junior sized bed and Norah took the crib. I have not planned, designed, or created a little boy's room or a little girl's room. We are now having that fun. When they were babies, we consciously did not spend a lot of money on a baby's room as we knew it would be for a few short years and a more child-like room would be fun to design.

The trick is to plan, design, and create a room that is both a boy's and a girl's room.

We lofted Norah's bed using IKEA bin storage holders. Two of these on one end, one on the other end with this one to act as the stairs up to the bed. Eric used pins and brackets to fasten the bin holders and the bed all together. It is now Simon's bed, so he sleeps up in the air. Norah's bed sits underneath and comes out, sort of a half-bunk. She sleeps in the bed Simon used to sleep in. That is the bed Eric made; it is heavier and too nice to drill into, so they swapped beds. Believe it or not, that was not even an issue. Simon invited Norah to sleep in his bed for her Sunday nap! (We do have a rail on the side so no one tumbles to the floor.)

In the space of approximately 1 1/2 beds, we have 2 beds and tons of toy storage. Library books now have a spot in their room. So in a 12 x 12 room, we have two beds, all that toy storage, 2 dressers, a desk, a "hamper" for furry friends, and two bins to hold backpacks.

Pictures would help depict this, but I will give up precious time to take pictures,download, save, and attach another day! Plus you are still waiting for pictures of our new siding and our State Fair trip! It's been busy adjusting to all the changes around here.

Yet to do:

1. Move Norah from a crib mattress to an IKEA sized junior bed mattress.

2. Find bedding for her, tricky as the mattress is crib width and 10 inches shorter than a twin. We have found that blanket "throws" work best. Just finding a little girl one that coordinates somewhat with Simon's is difficult. It is fall, so blanket season is just around the corner.

3. Pull shades are maroon, need to find a valance.

4. I have my eye on the block throw and the floral throw from here. Not sure if I want the fleece/plush look over the quilted/cotton afghan look. I do like how the colors match. I am not a quilt person, so I tremble at making them. I may head over to my local craft store to see what easy-to-sew quilts and backs are available.

5. I want to make book slings for them. Especially for Simon on the top. Not sure if Norah needs one, but sort of want the equity.

7. I could make the book sling, a pillowcase, and a valance with fabric for each. Maybe.

8. Hang up their 1 year frames, name fames, framed palm branch, and baptism banner.

9. We are thinking of a large bulletin board to go on the one whole blank that is available. We seem to collect lots of things that could hang on display.

And that is a room.

Now, for the chocolate.

For Mother's Day, I received a Groupon Coupon for a chocolate making class with a friend. We went yesterday. We went early, walked along the lake front, enjoyed dinner together, and then enjoyed the chocolate class. We made richly decadent, lavishly beautiful chocolates. We made caramel, ganache, flavored fondant fillings, and even painted the molds. I have a box of chocolates that I can savor with Eric on special evenings. These are rich enough to share. I will not share with Norah and Simon, as they do not yet appreciate this fine level of chocolate!

I foresee a train trip to downtown, lunching at Eleven City Diner, then walking a short block or two for chocolates. Anyone care to join me on 11/11/11, at 11:11, for lunch at Eleven City Diner located at 1112 Wabash, and then head over for chocolate! It will be fantastic! I cannot think of a better way to celebrate vertical "hour", on vertical day, in the vertical year!

The promise of organization is in the air.

Like I said, bins and chocolate made me happy this weekend!

Lil' Roo

2011-08-31T20:56:00.004-05:00

My kangaroo costume is coming along great! I cleaned up the basement; my craft area and the office area are now clean, organized, and extraneous items put away. Whew, now I can work-work down there. I can craft down there. And with all clean ups, I vow to put things away after the use of items. Hah! But so far so good.

In the clean up I found this awesome tan, heavy fabric. Not really fabric, but not sure what you would call it. It is even a bit heavier than upholstery fabric. I had purchased a large amount for something, but decided against that fabric. After closely viewing kangaroos in the zoo and google images, I am now aware of kangaroo color. Not dark brown.

I remembered that I have an a-line tunic dress pattern already in my possession. Sew easy! I cut it out one day, sewed it up the next. I did not make it two-sided, but did add a second coordinating/matching layer from the straps down past the arm pit an inch and a half or so. That was for a more finished look. Because I previously made the 2-sided a-line tunic dress, this was eezy-peezy lemon squeazy!

I have plenty of that heavy fabric to make a tail. Just need to figure how to attach and if it will be bothersome. Any suggestions for a removable tail would be greatly appreciated. Last year's Big Bad Wolf had some tail discomfort when sitting down. But the tail cannot fall off, remember, this is a kangaroo and not Eeyore.

Today, I made a(nother) dash to my local Jo-Ann that is closing Sept 1st to reopen to a bigger store Sept 2nd, just a longer dash away, to look for more deals. I found overall buckles. At 90% off. I think that will be the perfect way to fasten this awesome kangaroo dress. No need for dressing and undressing struggles.

A previous dash to Jo-Ann resulted in finding the awesome kangaroo yarn at $1.50 a skein. I just paid $5.50 for the hat pattern.

I will head to the new Jo-Ann's store to look for pouch material. I am thinking a creamy fake fur. I am also considering fur around the bottom of the dress. Not sure. I could crochet a pouch and trim along the bottom, reduces the number of materials. Must consider.

Needed:

Main kangaroo costume: practically done. Just need to find an under long sleeve shirt for day and possibly something warmer if cold on Halloween and tights that coordinate.

Hat: pattern ordered, yarn in possession, a long car-ride this weekend makes for crafting time. (We are heading to the MN State Fair!)

Pouch: still needed, just need to google images for shape of pouch, cut, and sew onto dress in perfect location.

Tail: not sure how it will all work out

Joey: furry friend found in my bin from early childhood days of beanies and other stuffed animals for playing zoo, sorting, tossing, and having a good ol' time

Feet: What?!?!?!?! Not even in the plans?!?!?! Today, Norah states that she will need feet. I just discovered and ordered these. Rarely are shoes purchased brand new; and these will come in handy for more than just a costume! They look kangaroo-ish to me!

Completely original and handmade Halloween costume with great deals, that is quite fantastic in my book!

Norah already has the hands pointing down while jumping ready to go! (Because she needs to bounce, and have a joey.)

I bet you can't wait to see it; I can't either!

(I might just pack it on my quick trip to MN just to show my Mom! Rarely is she the first to see something.)

During

2011-08-30T21:49:00.003-05:00

During the roof

The view from our family room window looking at the trailer on our driveway. A wheelbarrow was used to dump the old roof into this trailer. Quite noisy!

Before

2011-08-30T21:40:00.002-05:00

Before

cozy pup

2011-08-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

Norah needed a sleeping bag for her little puppy. Simon had one for his bunny. Naturally, Norah's furry friends felt a bit left out. To the fabric bin we went, and Norah picked out the perfect combination! Paw prints with pink gingham. Now wouldn't you sleep a bit more comfy?

Not quite possible,

2011-08-26T21:10:00.004-05:00

I am finding it difficult to watch a movie with subtitles and crochet away. Quite awhile ago I read "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". An intensely moving book, written by someone who suffered a cardiovascular accident. A CVA, or a massive stroke. He was left with the ability to understand everything, completely. And move an eye. It was called "locked in syndrome". He managed to write a book by blinking it to someone. Previously, he was the editor of Elle magazine. I recorded the French movie with English subtitles from t.v. This fascinates me. But, I cannot crochet. Perhaps I need some training like Jessica, who wants to read and knit at the same time (I think it was her, I could not find her post about it). I see the possibilities now.

Read the book. It is very good.

Halloween

2011-08-25T21:13:00.005-05:00

I know, I know, why am I crazy talkin' about Halloween?

That is sooo far away. Let's review this week first.

We are just barely getting through the first week of school. I am overwhelmed. I have so much to do. I don't know where to start. I really do, I just know the impossibility of the task ahead of me. I am actually over-caseload, and have to make a schedule for me to see my students based on their schedules. I have so many classes to avoid. It is nearly impossible. Plus did I say that I am over-caseload? Oh, and I am sharing my space this year. I am supposed to share my desk with this person. Only, she plans to be there the same days that I am there?!?! Really, of the other 2 1/2 days I do not work could not be arranged to have her come then? And I am sure we will want some of the same students. Ahhhh, such is the first week of school. And even though I worked a full day more than usual, I have had zilch time to accomplish this impossible feat.

And Simon was quite overwhelmed with his first day of first grade. Hopefully this weekend I can put up the lovely going to school pictures. He seemed calmer and less nervous on his second day. He actually ate a full breakfast and some lunch today. I'll add more later.

But how does Halloween fit into all of this? Somehow today Norah has decided she wants to be a kangaroo for Halloween. Yep, so she can have a Joey and can bounce. Her favorite animal is a kangaroo, and she spent minutes looking at them at the zoo; she did not want to leave. We could have watched them all the day long. I have it all planned out, of course. Thanks to the lovely internet.

Simon is thinking about being a Home Depot worker. He also shared this today. Because the new sitter has a Home Depot apron with some tools. I am all over this. The first Saturday of any month, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, a child aged 5-12 with an adult will receive a child sized Home Depot apron and a project kit. October 1st is the day Daddy and Home Depot Man will go. Of course we will call to confirm this program continues. If not, we will purchase this - it will not break the bank. Apron, some plastic tools, goggles, a tool bin. All set.

Any costume is about the accessories and usually the hat. So, in a week or so this pattern will be ready for me to purchase. Of which I will add a big pink bow to one of the ears. Referring to Google images of real kangaroos and kangaroo costumes along with following these directions, I will make a tail and a pouch to add to a brown shirt/sweatshirt and pants. A stuffed kangaroo has been selected from my bin of stuffed animals from early childhood days. We will see if it is a good size for the pouch.

Oh, and candy bags? Well, just drop the candy in the joey pouch and place desired goodies in an apron/tool bin and we are good to go. It just helps snacking along the way that much easier!

Like I said, it is about the accessories.

I love how my children really do choose the most appropriate costumes for themselves. This is Norah's first time choosing.

"But Mommy,

2011-08-21T20:58:00.004-05:00

I want you to stay at home!"

Setting:

Walking home from our new daycare provider's family picnic. Simon was holding my hand walking slowly to the car. Norah was trotting along holding Daddy's hand a few sidewalk squares away from us.

Topic of conversation:

I was reviewing that tomorrow I return to work. Simon will spend a few days at the new sitter's. And then start 1st grade on Wednesday.

Simon's response:

His lip turns pouty, his eyes become sad, and he says "but Mommy, I want you to stay at home".

My heart strings pull!

We had a lovely summer, doing mostly whatever passes our fancy (starting July 3rd)! We enjoyed long days at the pool, library, parks, picnics, pajama days, garage sales, bowling, time at Grandma and Grandpa Sota's, with some friends, strolling around the block, playing around the yard, gardening, reading, complaining about writing, cleaning, jobs around the house, new roof and siding, beach fun, zoo trips, lego time, toy time, playing all day with sibling, squabbling with sibling, crafting, projecting, and loving our time together.

Granted I had my moments of housework piled high with limited desire to do it. Or dealing with yet another day's routine of unload the dishwasher, make breakfast, load the dishwasher, clean something, dissolve a squabble, make lunch, clean up lunch, prep dinner, pack a swim bag with snacks, load up on sunscreen, watch two kids like a hawk at the pool, drag the exhausted kiddos home from the pool, snack for one - bath for the other - switch and repeat, make dinner, clean up dinner, kids to bed, little bit of housework, and fall asleep on the couch!

But I will always take those lazy summer days back! Norah became quite attached to me and will now sadly say ,"but I really love you", while hugging me tight around the neck with no release in sight, as I head out the door without her. Her little body may be in for a shock with a new sitter and starting preschool.

Simon does not want me to go back to work and wants me to stay at home. Little does he know what is in store for him in all-day 1st grade beyond taking his lunch to school. His system is in for a shock. We might be too, with homework, reading, packing a lunch, and keeping it all together!

This year, though, I get all day Monday with just my little Norah. And I get Thursday mornings all to myself, while Lil' Miss is in preschool. And Friday afternoon? Let me tell you that I am done at 11:30. I do not have to scoot right away as lunch at the new sitter's is at 12:00. I will pick her up at 12:30. That gives me some time to breathe and complete a task or two before heading out the door, run an errand or two on the way, have a lunch-date with my Eric, grocery shop, or head to the library for me! Since she will have eaten, we can head straight to an adventure or come home to nap if needed (more alone time for me) until Simon comes home on the bus.

And the bus plan? Well, right now Grandma is slotted to be at our house Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon to be with Simon from bus time until I get home. I think they both will love that little bit of time together, possibly 1 to 1.5 hours. That means one pick-up for me and Simon will get off the bus and come home EVERY DAY!!! Such a gift. I hope it works out!

June 2012 cannot seem any farther away than tonight.

To work I must go. My heart will hurt as I leave my babies tomorrow. I will deal with 1st grade in a day or two. Too much for this Mommy's heart to handle tonight.

Topless with Men on the Roof

2011-08-12T08:40:00.002-05:00

Today, we are topless. Yep, completely uncovered and free to the elements, with men on the roof! Today is roofing day! The roof is currently being scraped off into a large trailer parked in our driveway. The new roof will arrive and piled on our grass by 10:00 and we will sleep in our beds today recovered with a new roof! Thank God for no rain today!

Tomorrow we will be sideless with a 50% chance of rain.

This morning Simon asked with tears appearing in his eyes and a lump building in his throat, "Will this be the last day of our white house?" I replied with a definite "yes". But then explained that only the color of our house will change to wicker and we will still live inside. He seemed to acknowledge understanding. Norah's eyes looked confused when the trucks showed up.

Not a bad 11th year anniversary gift! Blessings do come with hail, wind, and water damage.

With an "h"

2011-08-10T21:47:00.005-05:00

In 3 1/2 years, there have been two instances when the "h" was left off of Norah in the written form. The first time was in her baptismal bulletin. The second time happened today, on her preschool letter for an at-home visit by the teacher. Perhaps they have not yet received the forms with an official spelling of her name, with an "h". I am not incredibly disturbed by this. We chose to add the silent "h". It really is not that unusual. After naming her with our chosen spelling, we learned that the "h" makes the name Norah Celtic. Which totally suits her and her birthday. We love the elegance that the tiny last letter brings. Nora just seems too short, and as if something is missing. The "h" brings happiness. Norah is not a Nora. She is Norah, with an H.

I'm sure it won't be the last time.

Makes Me a Heart

2011-08-09T19:12:00.002-05:00

A recent and totally random conversation between Norah and me.

N:He's in my heart

Me: Who?

N: Jesus

Me: Do you know he loves you so much?

N: Yes

Me: Do you love him so much?

N: Yes

Me: What does Jesus do for you?

N: Makes me a heart

A few of the little books that Norah carries around daily include devotional, prayer, and Bible board books. Nothing wrong with always on our minds!

With a Cherry on Top

2011-08-05T14:32:00.002-05:00

After a 2nd insurance adjuster visited the house, we received coverage worthy of paying insurance! Our full roof and all siding are covered as well as the ceiling and walls of Simon's and Norah's room. Previous adjuster covered the ceiling and walls, half of our roof and 3 sides of siding, but missed a lot of the details I do not understand. The contractor even covers our deductible! Woo-hoo!!! So far the extras we are going to cover include a new garage window, a new Chicago window (a big picture window flanked by two smaller windows), outside lights, shutters, and I am sure a mailbox will be added to this list. It will look like a new house. Here we go Wicker dutch lap with Driftwood shingles!!!! We will be uncovered and re-covered next Friday and Saturday! Things like the kids room and guttters will be completed after that. Whew, a whirlwind job.

Lunch, To Go

2011-08-04T13:14:00.006-05:00

I ordered this, to go along with Simon's lunch system. And fell in love with this to match my own lunch box. Simon's lunch box and back pack are plain blue, so the sports theme will jazz him up a little bit. His lunch box is perfectly sized for these Rubbermaid containers. We L.O.V.E. these containers. I pack an entire lunch for each kid in a container for picnics. We arrive at our location, snap the lid off, and they are munching away faster than imaginable! The reusable bags and containers should make prepping his lunch a snap!

I know, I know, I could have made them. But right now, I felt like just purchasing it already made. On our plate of things to do this month include, but not limited to:

sorting through and labeling recently purchased school supplies
completing and returning registration forms for one school, one pre-school, and 2 sets for the new daycare provider
moving into my new "room" at school, popped in yesterday and my boxes still in old office and hallway filled with furniture
getting a head start on work organization (printing out all students demographic info, goals/objectives, making my chart of annual review dates, creating data folders with attendance sheets, thinking about new program to support, getting students' schedules for making my schedule, etc.)
new siding and roof on our house (long story, but insurance is allowing us to now move forward), I have a feeling this could be done by the start of school. And a small fear that we will be topless and sideless the first week of school.
And actually starting school! My first day back is August 22nd. Simon meets his teacher on August 23rd and he starts August 24th.

All while still enjoying summer and having fun with the kids. On that note, off to the pool we go!

Cheeky and Stingy

2011-08-02T12:39:00.004-05:00

We have a cheeky squirrel. We see each other through the back door window about the same time every early morning. I am looking at the indoor/outdoor thermometer to see how hot it is already. He is lurking in/on/near/around the garbage and recycle bins. I am looking out the window to see the sun, check the sky, ponder what the day will bring, and other early morning thoughts. He is looking in to see what I will do. Sometimes I open the door just to see him scamper away. He usually has some little scavenged nubbin from the cans.

The other day I ventured outside early to weed in the cooler part of a hotsy totsy day. I wandered around the back, and heard some scampering. We were not that far apart, me on the sidewalk and he on the top of the fence. We looked at each other for what seemed like time standing still. I don't recall who moved first. I think I stepped forward and he immediately ran the fence line away. I hoped he would not jump out and land on my head or shoulders with paws outstretched and scratching. I just wanted to go to "no-man's land" and cut off the withered hosta flower stems and pull out some lanterny weed things that grew to practically bush size. I was glad I walked around the house without incident.

Only to have my Honey tell me about the wasp nest on the oregano and chives corner of my vegetable garden. Bees in a constant buzz don't entice me to pick oregano. Convinced the kids that if I went out the front door, around the garden to the bean corner, I would not get stung. Only to discover another wasp nest. With bees buzzing around. Nothing like being terrified to pick a few fresh garden beans.

I am not fond of this quote of which I read in learning how to rid of a wasp nest.

"Wasps are not the friendliest creatures at the best of times and when you are threatening their home they are, rather understandably, likely to get pretty mad."

And then my Lil' Miss asks "can I go see it?" Um, no and double no to that one! Not a chance!

More Trevors Purchased

2011-08-01T13:37:00.003-05:00

We went on a few errands today. First we landed at the dollar store, I so love that store! We purchased toothpaste, q-tips, marker boards and window clings for my school/work, and snacks for the pool. Thanks to garage sale money funding a few fun snacks for the pool! Included in those snacks were "trevors". They are red, chewy and so delish. When we next head down to the pool, we'll be sure to pack and enjoy these when the whistle blows!!! I think that is the only sweet candy that my boy eats.

Next we found ourselves at the local ACE Hardware store. I also love that store, too. I grew to love the local hardware store ever since living in Madison, WI. There I purchased new garden snippers. We also searched for the in-store cat, not seen today. Perhaps next time. That is why my kids love the local hardware store - to see the cat.

Came home to clean the house in order to go to the pool with our Twizzlers. Well, that did not quite happen. Clean up took way, way, way to0 long and then lunch happened. Not enough time was left to swim as we are off to school-supply shop early this evening.

And now Norah naps, would not have done well swimming when over-tired.

A "trevor" . . .

2011-07-28T07:22:00.003-05:00

. . . is edible. It is something that a 3-year old wants to eat. We eat it on car rides, at the pool, and at home for a snack.

A recent request

2011-07-26T19:58:00.002-05:00

Norah: Mommy, I want some oni (pronounced "oh-knee")

Mommy: Oh, I don't know what that is.

Norah: You know, what I ate before. It is round.

Mommy: Oh, another piece of pepperoni.

I was making homemade pizzas, and we enjoy snacking on the pepperoni. I was floored by how she described it in two different ways. Her language is incredible and her articulation is extremely clear!

But I still love when little words come out all mixed up. Like when she asks to have a "trevor". Any guesses to what that may be?

Lazy Days of Summer

2011-07-26T09:34:00.004-05:00

We are enjoying the lazy days of summer. We wake up a bit early due to Lil' Miss awakening around 6:30. I make her stay in her bed or room until 7:00. Simon sleeps and lounges sometimes until 8:30. Breakfast occurs whenever we feel like it or need it. The kids play around the house with their toys, something that is fun to see. For example, right now Simon is wearing a fireman hat, swim trunks, and his fireman rain boots. He is ready to jump in and splash out the fire!!! I eventually scrub face, brush teeth, and dress into something that is wearable in public, put dishes away, and move on to what is next. This week, we move on to swimming lessons. We walk out of our house at 10:30 for 10:45 swim lessons. This week is much more comfortable sitting and waiting for them than last week.

Today we will move to the grassy area outside of the pool for a picnic lunch and story time presented by the library. It will finish just in time for the pool to open at noon. We plan to swim away the afternoon. Shower, bath, popsicles, dinner prep, dinner, clean up, and bedtime to follow.

How are your lazy days of summer?

In the works . . .

2011-07-24T03:10:00.006-05:00

Well, I recently made a fabulously seasonal purchase for 'Tis the Season gifts. I found these beauties,

For Simon:

Item #1

Item #2

My little boy with a summer birthday is set for trunks, as his size 6's fall off his waist this year. Will need something like this, in blue or white I am not sure. Need to check colors for matching.

Possible new pair of these.

For Norah:

Item #1

Item #2

Item #3

Item #4, in the pink/green floral

Still looking for something like this, size 5 or 6 (that way it'll last 2 years)

(Simon is now a reader, please do not mind the vagueness of details.)

So then I thought the next best thing is a bag for them to carry all of their belongings to a day of fun in the water. Then my load should be smaller. I doubt it, but one can only hope. I haver searched etsy, asked a few lovely ladies for ideas, searched the internet and now have so many options my head is spinning. Some contenders:

* purchased cinch sacks #1 and need to find #2 (I bought green as pink was n/a) at Target

* realized I could make bags, that always gets me into trouble

* cinch sack, tote bag so many choices

* canvas, patterned cotton, oil-cloth, vinyl-covered cotton, laminated fabric

* may reconsider cinch sacks at Target

The details are always fun to plan. I find that I over-think everything, which is a good thing. Because then, since it is all thought out, the final product is always perfect!

From Casting on to Knitting Off

2011-07-22T23:21:00.011-05:00

Here is the very beginning of my first knit project beyond knit a row ande/or purl a row. Note my little helper, she was giving me my yarn, in her cute pajamas made by Grandma. Both of my children leave my projects alone, except for sometimes "helping" by holding my yarn as Igo. They are curious about my tools and how I use them, but there has been absolutely no unraveling. I also wrote out my rows to cross off when completed, which I used for approximately 2/3 of the project. Then I purchased a handy dandy counter that hangs right on the needle. From the local yarn shop that is heavenly near where my parents live.

My project as I left Minnesota. It was lovely to be able to knit each day here and there throughout and after bedtime, as I was not in my house so not as much to do. I must knit looser then required for gauge; my project measured a bit wider and I was close to the documented completed length earlier than anticipated. I completed the bottom garter stitch pattern in the car ride home as my lovely Eric drove the whole way.

A closer look where the cables turned to the garter stitch featuring a button hole. Guest appearance of my garage sale gloves that bring out the blue and yellow/peach in the yarn. These gloves are long and feel very soft - like cashmere.

(I may have to cinch the button holes a bit smaller, I think the buttons will fall through as I wear it. As I said, I may knit looser than I'm supposed to.)

Completed laying flat.

Picture taken by me. I know, I know, a neck warmer with a t-shirt looks quite silly, but I was NOT going to put on my winter coat for the full effect. Would you, in 90+ degrees with high humidity? Actually, at that point it was stormy and felt cool, relief that did not last too long.

So what did I learn with this project?

how to knit and purl in the same row

that the cable stitch is quite simple, but looks amazing

once the pattern is established, the project is quite fun and quick

how to knit the garter stitch

how to decrease in knit

how to knit a button hole

I may learn to enjoy knitting more than crochet. That just makes me dually yarnly talented!

Pics Problems

2011-07-22T10:27:00.003-05:00

Granmda G appropriately asked for pics of my finished project. This makes sense, where else can I brag about my completed projects? This rainy morning was a perfect chance to get pictures from camera to computer, rotate, crop, upload to blog and share the story of my first knit cables. I have restarted the computer 3 times, waited minutes after each click for anything to happen, unable to close programs, other programs bug-a-boo me up when trying to get to pictures. So, I now supposedly have the pictures in my July folder of the 2011 file of my Pictures folder. I cannot open that up, and another computer restart was required. I use my work computer for easy text only posts, email checks, and blog reading. Our personal computer in the basement is completely frustrating at the moment.

We went to swimming lessons in the pouring rain with occasional thunderstorms. A "safety day" was had in the lobby. We drove the 1.25 blocks to swimming lessons to prevent complete soakage. Such is the rainy/stormy day after days of humidity. Perfect pool days, but still quite icky.

And we are back to hot and steamy, quite the soupy-soggy day!

Garment Ready for Winter, not just because of the temps.

2011-07-21T13:25:00.004-05:00

On the hottest day of the year, I finished knitting my neck warmer. I also bought gloves at a garage sale to match. Crazy, isn't it?!?!

Imagine, in 5-6 months, days will be 90-100 degrees colder and the ground cover will be completely different.

Ecstatic/Heart Broken

2011-07-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

The sheer joy of visiting long distance Grandma and Grandpa does not erase the intense sadness of leaving Daddy for a number of days. Excited little boy at our house this morning. Sad little boy at our house tonight.

Christmas in July

2011-07-06T21:43:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to me, from my Simon! When Eric asked him what he wanted to get me for Christmas, Simon said yarn and a crochet hook. He was easily convinced that I had my stash of hooks, but he personally selected the skein of yarn. And just today, I picked out this pattern from etsy to knit for myself. This is my small project for up at my parent's house next week. I am hoping it goes smoothly I am a bit apprehensive with the cables and let's not think about the button holes/"placket". I showed him what I was going to make with his yarn, and he was extremely excited. He did not forget the gift he gave! My neck warmer will be a variegated yarn with blues, greens, and purples. Rarely do I project for myself!

Overcoming My Hesitancy To Knit

2011-07-05T16:51:00.004-05:00

Knot that I knead another project.

Knot that I have enough time.

Knot that have unfinished projects lurking.

But, I saw this and ordered it before I changed my mind.

I figured since I became an expert crocheter by making this, I could become a better knitter with this afghan.

Sew, I now have another fall/winter project.

Pattern soon to arrive in the mail.

Yarn and colors to ponder.

Then stitch, stitch, stitch away!

I actually invited a friend to join me. Perhaps I will have a knit-along of my own!

Since I rarely give up on a project, I am sure I will conquer.

And if I get stuck along the way, I'll just yelp for help from this lovely lady. Only, she doesn't know it yet. Lucky her, huh?

Good-bye hesitancy to knit beyond knit & pearl only!

My Little Boy is 6!!

2011-06-29T22:47:00.003-05:00

Thursday, my little boy was first seen by our eyes and held in our arms 6 years ago! I can hardly believe all of the changes in the last year, let alone 6! I cannot believe he is 1/3 of the way to early adulthood! Highlights of this past year include:

going to kindergarten, by bus

riding a two-wheel bike

learning to read

tying his shoe

choosing a weather appropriate and matching outfit and dressing completely by himself

doing more jobs around the house and being quite helpful

showering on his own, and rinsing out ALL of the shampoo

losing a Grandpa

wanting to lose a tooth

making new friends

loving and adoring his sister even more

enjoying telling those silly, early jokes

learning what disappointment feels like

enjoying being on a t-ball team

talking to family members on the phone in detail

still his kind and helpful little guy

taking decent pictures of Mommy and Daddy together, I do exist in some pics!

loving Sunday School, and feeling confused if we just go to church

He is such a joy to spend time with and a great little guy! We are blessed beyond measure with the gift of Simon!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, SIMON!

Teacher Gift

2011-06-29T22:41:00.004-05:00

Here is what I made for Simon's end of the year teacher gift. He wanted me to make her a picnic tablecloth. We worked together and came up with roll-up picnic place-mats with a napkin in a bag. He helped pick out the fabric, zoom the foot pedal along the fabric before washing, and hung around during sewing. I am quite pleased with the final result, and would like to make a set for us! I had no pattern, just created after a bit of Google browsing.

Panda Mania Fun!

2011-06-29T22:28:00.004-05:00

Here are the Panda XING signs Eric made for me. I lined them on the sidewalks where our 200 lil' pandas could be walking around the grounds.

Ranger Pete (MC - only available Monday and Tuesday) and Scout Scottie (MC - taking over Wednesday -Friday), rigged up a zip line to send a stuffed panda down from the balcony every day. Ranger Pete filled out post cards to be "zipped" down to Scout Scottie updating all of us on his hunt for the elusive panda while reviewing the Bible point of the day.

Our Bible Challenge Teacher, Mrs. Nottingham. She does a phenominal job every year. This year she was joined by Bible Buddy Panda.

A picture of the main set freshly completed on Sunday afternoon. I love the back-lit bamboo screens.

More to come I am sure. That's what I have for now!

Panda-Panic? Or Panda-Manic?

2011-06-26T06:22:00.004-05:00

My head is spinning.

It is showtime! VBS Panda-Mania begins on Monday! My family, just as much as I, are ready for VBS to begin. I spent all day yesterday at church rearranging the rooms to make them ready. Decorating was beginning in the school area. I will spend most of today helping with with sanctuary decorating and wrapping up loose ends.

I am so tired. My family misses me. My house misses me. My garden misses me. My weeds don't.

Once Monday comes, I hope that time spent on this at home is over. My tiredness will move to exhaustion!

Almost there! And almost done!

Let's just say it is a good thing I have a strong work ethic, a need for organization, a drive for perfection, and not afraid to problem solve in a non-traditional manner.

We Are Okay

2011-06-22T06:21:00.005-05:00

I would say that last night was the weirdest weather I have experienced in a long while. It was a soggy day, or as a meteorologist referred to, a soupy day. Hot and humid. Simon's rain-date make-up t-ball game was completed. The weather was starting to change at the beginning of that game. A breeze picked up, it seemed a bit cooler. The sky turned quite cloudy and starting to look heavily clouded and gray. But not the pea-green scary stormy sky. Fifteen minutes after arriving home, we hear the sirens, which are perched on a pole at our pool one block away. No rain. No thunder. No winds. No lightning. Just sirens. We calmly grab Chutes and Ladders and Connect Four and get into the basement. Playing the games was a great diversion tactic while Eric checked the weather on the t.v. Until the power went out. Then all calm was gone. Norah is terrified of thunder. She runs to a lap that is available and burrows. She usually says "eek" after each clasp. Amazingly, she was the calmer one, I think because she did not see or hear the storm before going into the basement. Eric did run back upstairs to get flashlights, candles, lighter, and my wallet. Simon became quite nervous, "If Daddy is gone, there will be just the 3 of us". We prayed all together. He was worried. I have never heard sirens blow so many times in such a short period. We heard wind gusts and the door rattle one time. We heard a couple of thuds of a branch hitting our roof. It sounded like a much bigger branch than actual size seen in the morning. I was a bit nervous as well. I was glad when it was over. Power did not return until around 2:45 a.m., we think. Power at Eric's work continues to be out at 6:30 a.m.

Other comments made with a shaky voice and tears:

"I don't want our house to get knocked down." Simon
"I don't want my bed to get broke." Simon
"Will our bookshelf break?" Simon
"I want our books." Simon
"I don't want my box of trains to get broke." Simon
"We are all safe." Norah
"That was a bad thing to happen on the first day of summer." Simon has been reading the calendar, and was quite excited for the first day of summer. He and Norah spent from 9:00-1:30 at a friends house while I worked on VBS at church. Then we came home for Norah's nap, a quick dinner, the game, and then the evening in the basement. Not quite the pool time and grill out Simon had hoped for! Plenty of summer to come.

I took a brief walk this morning, only to have rain chase me back home. Large branches and parts of trees are down on every block. It looks like homes are okay, so far.

We dodged something this time! And I am very thankful that we are okay.

Free time is at a minimum, and quite costly these days

2011-06-15T12:10:00.002-05:00

I am knee deep in VBS preparations, and to be honest, it is absolutely no fun right now. I am spending about as much time on it as I work, if not more, and it is all for free. I do not enjoy finally getting out of school and pouring over lists and names and numbers and deciphering poor handwriting. I don't enjoy spending the few hours I get of free time each day totally on VBS. My floors are covered with crumbs and sticky spots, mountains of laundry need to be folded, dishes need to be put away and washed again to be put away again, and so much to do. I cannot really concentrate for a long period of time, as a 3 year old still requires attention. Especially when playing outside. And, the weather is a at a perfect temperature where you feel the same indoors and out. Daytime highs of 70's and maybe reaching 80. This is absolutely perfect for walks, bike rides, playing outside, and parks. I sneak something kid friendly in each day as I have subjected them to hours long meetings and errands as well as work time for me. I WILL NOT DO THIS NEXT YEAR! Instead, I will help with something easy, fun, and more directly with the kids. There is a reason I am in direct contact with students rather than administration. Or maybe I'll just drop the kids off and have a few hours to myself.

And on top of all of that, I am getting ready for Eric's birthday, Father's day, Simon's birthday, paperwork for daycare, scheduling doctor's appointments, and signing up for swimming lessons.

So, these last 10 minutes or so of writing this post, well, each minute is costly! Now I am off to clean the kitchen just enough to put the dishes from lunch away so I can spread out paper on the table and pour over forms and names again while the kiddos hopefully play really well together!

The morning of March 17th,

2011-06-07T14:05:00.008-05:00

our little Shamrock turned 3! Here, finally, are some pics! This post highlights the morning. The rest of the pics will follow. This was my first birthday of Norah's where I did not work. I loved being home all day with the little lady! We sure played and had fun!

Being the early riser, she was up before the crack of dawn. Can you tell? And she awoke to this package in the middle of the room?

The wrapping was a cape and a crown. And underneath was what every little girls can spend hours in pretend play!

After Simon left on the bus, Mommy, Daddy, and the birthday girl went out for a doughnut!

Then Mommy and Norah headed to her little Exploring Toddler Class. Or "Toddler Toddler Class" as she calls it.

And we met some leprechauns on the way home!

More birthday fun to come!

(I am finally able to catch up)

Embarking on Summer Projects

2011-06-02T09:18:00.003-05:00

After school is done for me and Simon's last day ,
And preparations for and actual rummage sale, birthdays, father's day, VBS, cleaning the basement and garage, additions to the playhouse, possible kids' room redo, and garden,
While enjoying the pool, summer reading program, bowling for free, and library events,
During summer reading, writing, and math skill maintenance,
After squaring away child-care for the fall,
While enjoying a trip to MN to play at Grandma's,
and enjoying plenty of other summer fun events,

I have some plans for projects. (And you may wonder why pictures never pop-up here, whew!)

What could I possibly add to that list, besides sleep?

t-shirt dress or no-sew tutu for Norah's princess Halloween costume (to be worn with already made cape and crown)
a crochet tea set for Norah's Christmas present
consider making t-shirt dresses or tunic dresses for nieces christmas gifts or pillowcases for nieces and nephew
decide whether or not to crochet bead-trimmed socks to sell at my church's fall craft sale. "Grandma Sally", who lovingly enjoys Norah in the nursery adores her socks and invited me to sell at her table.
read enough "adult" books to enter the drawing for the summer adult reading program at the library
make book slings for the play house and book slings by the kids' beds
perhaps arrange my caseload and prepare folders with calendars, data sheets, goals/objectives, and a game plan to get ahead on next school year.

So much fun ahead! I admire all of my readers who post their weekly progress on projects. I cannot even imagine accomplishing all of that crafting in one week! So, instead of posting what I have crafted, this is my post of best intentions!

Because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ

2011-05-29T21:27:00.005-05:00

I have a friend.

Who has a friend.

Who has a best friend.

Who has a daughter.

Who lost her husband and two young children (5 yrs and 18 mos) in the tornado in Joplin, MO.

Please pray hard for her, and all others touched by recent violent storms.

If you would like to read more, get tissues, and click on the link below:

http://www.joplinglobe.com/obituaries/x816761141/Russell-T-Rusty-Howard-Harli-Jayce-Howard-Hayze-Cole-Howard

I cannot imagine. I hugged and kissed and loved my family with gratitude today.

I cannot stop praying for Edie, and I have no words to say to God. Just thoughts of sheer and utter sadness, and the hope for hope going heaven-wards to be correctly interpreted and showered upon the family left behind.

I cannot image.

Abandoned

2011-05-23T08:19:00.002-05:00

Since discovery of the mallard's nest, we were curious as to how we were to trim our bushes. Since Mama duck came, laid an egg, and left for the day, we figured we could carefully trim the bushes while she was gone. Shagga-fied bushes in the middle of June after planting pretty annuals is not an option, trimming had to happen. Boxwood bush trimming was successful and the nest was left intact and untouched. The next morning, one egg was kicked out, in the flower bed and cracked. Probably eaten. Then the next day another egg was out of the nest. Mama and Daddy were nowhere to be seen. Gone, abandoned. No more egg laying or incubation initiation. Abandoned nest. Which allows for more egg trauma. Norah keeps stating they are hatching. Simon stated maybe they are like eggs in our refrigerator to cook. Doesn't help that we noticed duck eggs for sale at $6 a dozen at our farmers market on Sunday. Sunday, the culprit revealed himself. A fence-sitting, egg-eating squirrel was sighted on our front porch rail just above the location of the nest.

We are a bit sad for the ducklings that aren't to be. We were looking forward to the waddling out of our bushes . . . .

But, such is nature. My theory? Maybe this was Mama duck's first egg laying experience and she learned something from it. Not a good sitter, this time. Perhaps a nest next year?

Mallard Mania

2011-05-09T10:12:00.003-05:00

One day, one egg, one family all in a tizzy about mallards. Mallard Mania here we come. After a quick Google about "how many eggs does a mallard duck lay?", I learned this following information. We could be in for an exciting 8-12 days followed by an exciting incubation period!

Found Information:

Males and females pair up in late fall. Nesting begins in early to mid Spring. Nests are usually made away from the ducks' main body of water. The male and female will scout out the nest site together, looking for sites with low predator activity. Even though she can safely fly in and out of the nesting location, she does not anticipate that she'll have to walk out once the ducklings hatch. Nests may be located close to busy streets or in enclosed courtyards. The female will return to the selected site to lay an egg each day, then return to the water to be with the male. Mallards lay between 8-12 eggs and muscovies lay between 12-18 eggs. The egg laying process last for an equal number of days. Once egg laying is complete, she will leave the male (who will wait at the water for her) and she will begin incubation. By waiting to incubate until egg-laying is complete, this ensures all the eggs hatch at the same time. At this stage the females will only leave the nest to quickly get food/water and briefly visit with the male, usually very early in the morning and late in the evening. She can be observed taking flight in the direction of her preferred body of water. In 24 to 28 days for mallards ( 28 to 32 days for muscovies ), all the eggs will hatch within a twenty-four hour period and the mother will lead her brood back to the water where her mate should be waiting. Returning to the male ensures protection for both the female and the ducklings.

If an unattended nest is discovered and it has less than 8 eggs, it may be safe to assume that the female has not yet completed egg laying. She will only begin incubating the eggs once egg laying is complete.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good thing we do not reside in a courtyard. Unfortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard did not consult us about the coopers hawk. I guess from curbside appeal, our humble abode looks safe.

Here come the Mama Duck

2011-05-09T07:21:00.005-05:00

So yesterday in the warm afternoon, Norah and I enjoyed popcorn and lemonade on our front porch while Eric took Simon to the doctor. Norah exclaimed "egg"!!! We looked under our bush, and there was a loose nest with a large, white egg. While we feed the many neighborhood sparrows, occasional cardinals, and therefore coopers hawks, with our bird feeder, we have never noticed nest-al activity before. No sign of Mama or Papa yesterday evening. I began to ponder how to explain a possible abandoned egg, or how to sneakily get rid of an egg that never hatched. And the sadness that could follow. Not to worry, not to worry.

This morning as Eric left for work, he took Norah outside to see Mama Duck sitting on the egg and Papa Duck standing watch in the street. We will spend all day watching the situation, wondering why Papa flew away, will Papa come back, where did Papa go, how will the baby get food, and trying not to scare Mama off her egg as we noisily play outside.

We live 1 1/2 blocks from a water retention pond and we have walked many-an-evening to see the ducks. Sometimes 100 ducks have gathered there, so we are not surprised to see this wayward family.

It adds excitement to the spring. Daffodils, lilacs, tulips, and duckling - oh my!

Oh, and the Tulip Free For All is this week, free tulips! I think I will go on Thursday perhaps 1, 2, or 3 times for a recycling bin full of tulips. Simon's school has a fall clean up or planting and tulips would be nice to see in the spring.

Speaking of Simon, he has just finished his antibiotic for his ear infection. He now has viral bronchitis and needed a nebulizer treatment yesterday at the doctor office. According to Eric, he took it okay. At least we are past the kicking and screaming while receiving the neb, but he gagged after a minute or two. He has thrown up immediately after a treatment before. Not a fun thing. We will be using the inhaler as needed. He left for the doctor feverish, mopey, and silent. He returned talking. It's amazing what he can do with enough air! Hopefully this doesn't continue and develop into asthma. Each time the doctor's bring it up, and each time it is a wait and see. He seems to only have these breathing troubles with respiratory illness.

So we will spend the day resting, coughing, reading "Are You my Mother?" and watching the situation out our front window. Perched on stools, my little ones can see Mama Duck on her nest under the bush in the front flower beds.

Rubber Bander

2011-04-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

Simon is playing t-ball.

Practices only so far.

Pictures and first game on Saturday.

He is a River Bandit.

River Bandits feed into the St. Louis Cardinals.

Norah calls him a "Rubber Bander".

He looks so adorable in his shirt, hat, and t-ball pants.

Easter

2011-04-25T23:36:00.002-05:00

Easter was lovely. I did a super fast most of the house clean up the night before. I have this crazy need that the house must be in perfect order (tables, counters, flat surfaces, dishwasher and floors clear of clutter) and items in their place. Kitchen, living-dining room, family room, and bathroom were straightened, dusted, vacuumed, steam-mopped, and cleaned. The kids' room was clean minus dusting and vacuuming. My/our bedroom, is always last on the list and never gets done. Just shut the door! Then the baskets and eggs had to be filled and hidden. This year, the kids decided the E.B. was coming. I have never uttered the word "Easter Bunny" in this house. Not a fan, sort of creepy. But somehow he was a-comin' on over. So we decided the baskets were from us and left on the table at their spots. Eggs were hidden outside, by the E.B. And the kiddos were beyond excited and thrilled. I still have yet to really utter E.B.'s name, still not a fan. So the break-down of the day went like this:

awake early, peruse and enjoy baskets
shower and get ready to leave the house by 7:40 a.m.
arrive just on time for the 8:00 bells warm-up with church to follow
church is grand and lovely and moving and beautiful and my favorite day of the whole church year, our church knows how to have a festival Easter Sunday
breakfast downstairs by the youth - yummy!
a quick stop at Grandma's on the way home
a family picture taken by Grandma, as Simon has been asking since Palm Sunday for a family picture
the outdoor egg hunt - Norah opened her pink and white eggs as she went along, Simon opened his blue eggs after he found them all. She is impulsive and he is orderly in how things are done.
make, bake, and eat resurrection rolls with ham and cheese for lunch
quick nap, awake lil' miss early to arrive to the family destination on time
arrive at 3:15 to eric's brother's house as dinner was strongly declared to be between 3:00 and 4:00
didn't sit down for dinner until close to 6:00, not the best situation
Norah declares nearing leaving "I gonna miss my cousins"
desserts and more play time and home by 9:00 p.m., later than hoped for
talked to my mom
finished the great hawk's game with a win
off to bed

A week's worth of junk

2011-04-14T21:14:00.003-05:00

of junk pickin' that is! Yep, our next town over had their annual free week of garbage removal. That town gets only 1 container of garbage removal per week, so for this past week it was a free for all of goodness. My children have learned that "other people's trash is our treasure". Now people truly do put aside treasures in hopes that someone will find a new home for it. Others put out a true pile of trash. So for several evenings we drove up and down many streets along with the junk trunks. Not my competition, as they are searching for metal. Us, just plastic passes our fancy. We don't even mind if it is faded. My children have learned some great tricks. Exclamations of "pieces missing, don't take it", "can I get out", and "yuck, it's too dirty that's trash". Or 30 minute screaming tantrum of "I want that tricycle" when in fact it was a baby scooter, and we were cruising way past bedtime. Last night Eric and I brewed some choice coffee, loaded up the kids, and enjoyed some family togetherness. It ended up at Wendy's for frosty's. Quality time together, doing what I love.

Here is a list of treasures rescued and reasons why:

a big wheel (we have one, but two kids who enjoy doing the same thing at the same time, possible rummage sale item as Simon no longer needs training wheels)
a beautiful and large play kitchen (to replace the freebie one we already have. The new one sits against the wall instead of the awkward two-sided one. Old one already in the rummage sale pile)
a doll crib that had 2 dolls and bottles inside (because it was free, and it made Norah happy)
a frog garbage can (because it is fun - possible item to take to school)
a wooden abacus (Simon used it to count my turns and stops)
a wooden letter flip-a-roo abacus like thing
two little kid plastic outdoor chairs (because one is not enough, and they entice little buts to stay seated. Different colors though, cause ownership confusion)
a convertible coupe car (because Norah will enjoy it)
a cozy coupe (in great condition. I never see these at rummage sales, I can sell it. We already have two, and one of those will be added to the rummage sale. I had to pass up another cozy coupe as my kids were already buried to their noses in trash, oh - I mean treasures)
a large plastic storage bin (for our stuff, somewhere)
a three drawer plastic organizer thing (for construction paper, lined paper, and coloring books on the project table)
the game Crocodile Dentist
a Norah sized panda bear (VBS theme this year is Pandamania, and as co-director I am panda minded. Norah beloved it immediately post washer and dryer and has named it Pola -thinking it was a polar bear. So we now have Pola, the panda bear that MUST be shared with VBS)
a velcro ball dart-like game (awesome for home or school)
a plastic bowling plate (that holds our already owned plastic bowling pins in place)
a six foot tall backboard-less Little Tykes basketball hoop (since Simon outgrew the little one, anything can be fixed)
half of a six foot tall hoopless basketball hoop (hoping to fix above item, can be tossed in recycle if it does not work; we do not have a one can limit in our town)
a Little Tykes backboard (hoping this will make the fix it job even easier)
two baseball tees (to decide which one is better and sell the other one on the rummage sale)
a T.V. tray (I was hoping to find more, but successive trays were all broken)
trainer roller-blades (little kid roller-skate like roller-blades that fit over shoes)
girl roller-blades (for friends with a bit older girl who may enjoy them - totally not trash)
two red and yellow wooden chairs (one without a seat, easily fixed and added to our yellow and red accented basement)

One thing I did not do is change my mind and dump my items onto someone else's trash pile. I also did not break up a set that was completely intact. Seriously, why take just the chair seat?!?!

Overall, another year of success at junk pickin'! We all enjoyed our time and found some great treasures that we would never pay full price for at the store. Nothing like a bit of soapy water, elbow grease, glue, or screws to make it like new. And I can safely say that I have had my fill! If only I had a trailer . . . .

A Shout Out to E.B. Loan

2011-04-11T09:50:00.002-05:00

Have you ever known a published author?

I had a lovely experience during this school year to work with an author. Yep, a true author with her name printed on the book cover and all words written by her. She was a fantastic assistant to an incredible student of mine. She brought such great knowledge and kindness each day and made this student as successful as possible each day of school. She has moved on to the next phase of her life focusing on her family and her writing.

But she is published, did I tell you?

Her name is Elizabeth Loan and it looks like her latest book may be published, it was not just a few weeks ago. It is entitled "Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom". She has a few other books that sound just as thrilling! Check out her site, if you are a reader and looking for a new read, consider one of her books. She could be the next author in your book club!!!

How exciting.

I know an author!!!

Recent Blessings

2011-04-10T21:51:00.002-05:00

There are so many things to blog, with so little time. Welcome to IEP season in full force! I have no idea where the time goes, but by the end of the day there is no energy to deal with pics and posts. Seriously, the memory card is full so I NEED to carve out some picture time. Recent events filled with blessings:

Norah's birthday was a day filled with joy! It was a Mommy day, her first birthday where I did not have to work. We went to her "Little Class" all decked out in her shamrock wear. Then we picked up a Shamrock shake and small fry to share for a little treat at home. Simon loved her up when he came home from kindergarten. We had lunch and went to the park, as it was a warm day. We climbed, swung, slid, and flew kites. All while wearing a green tiara! Then home for naps, presents and a lovely breakfast dinner. With cake for dessert. She loved her doll house, snap-n-style dolls, and rain coat. A very lovely day to turn 3!!!
Watching my sister and her husband deal with their life turning completely topsy-turvy in Japan due to the natural disaster. Seeing how God protected and took care of them every step of the way.
Being able to take a small family vacation to truly relax and have some fun. St. Louis was a great vacation spot. Great deals made it all possible! Highlights included City Museum, the best zoo ever, Turtle Park, the hotel pool, and the Arch. Incredible amounts of fun.
Having Grandma at our house for several days was just magical. Not one ounce of hesitation, separation anxiety, or unsured-ness. Just pure joy and love.
Watching the confusion on Simon's and Norah's faces when "the other" Grandma was with us and Grandma. They rarely have 2 Grandmas together and it was just neat to have that experience.
Norah's family birthday party with so much love in the family. Simon and Norah are at the age to really know and enjoy time with cousins.
Knowing that despite what last year brought, we really are okay and will be okay and can handle anything with God carrying us and helping us to make the best choices with what we have.
A meal with Grandpa in Milwaukee. So odd to say hello, eat, then say good-bye. We are so used to days on end before we depart. We already used the trail-a-bike he found and brought for us (since it was 83 degrees today), such a fantastic way to bike as a family.
Mail in the mail for the kiddos in the playhouse!
Warmer weather!
Two kids who truly love each other and enjoy each other. So many moments of sibling hugs, hand holding, kisses, giggles, reading together, and taking care of each other. They are both sweet on each other.

On Solid Ground

2011-03-25T00:08:00.001-05:00

My sister's email that is lovely to share.

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello! We send you our greetings and love. It truly has been a crazy, scary, horrible, and yet unbelievable, amazing two weeks of our lives. God truly has been with us during this time. I don't know where to begin for the stories are many. I was home alone when the quake occured and it was a very long 5 minutes.Then the earth continously moved and quaked for one solid hour. After that, there were aftershocks consistently, and continue to occur. Masato was working near the ocean and then had to help people move up to the mountain to avoid the tsunami. He finally met me at church Friday night aroung 8:00 pm. We spent that night in the church, and then Saturday afternoon, returned to our apartment to gather a few clothes, emergency food, bank books, and headed to the small town where I used to work. We were there until last week Thursday afternoon. Thursday morning we drove to a small airport in Ibaraki prefecture near the town called Mito. we
orginially had tickets to fly to Sapporo, Hokkaido (northern island of Japan) for sunday, but by the grace of God we canceled those tickets and bought tickets for Friday. Since Friday the 18th, we have been staying at Christ for The Nations Japan outside Sapporo, in the town called Ishikari. People here have been wonderful; feeding us, giving us a place to stay, showing us where to go shopping, helping me figure out bus schedules and subway systems. Hokkaido is safe, I am told, by everyone here, and even the US Embassy in Sapporo. According to the US Embassy, Hokkaido is clear of all radiation and aftershocks. Hokkaido has plenty of food, gas, clean water. I am connected with the US Embassy in Tokyo, and almost daily get notices from the Embassy informing people around the 50 mile area and now in Tokyo to be careful of water, radiation. We were checkeed for radiation after arriving in Sapporo and were told that we were ok. People normally range
between 50 and 100. We ranged between 110 and 150. I asked what number we have to start being concerened. That number is 10,000. So, we have very very very little exposure.

What We Lost:
we are thankful that we are alive, that we are together, and that we are not harmed. We left our home with about three-four days worth of clothes. I also grabbed our bank books, my passports, health card, two flashlights (dad taught me to be prepared), emergency food, our bibles, and some bottled water. We left our home, and all of our belongings. I do have to admit it is a bit easier to get dressed in the morning!

Our Plans for the Future:
The current plan is stay in Hokkaido for awhile. Masato will be attending Christ for The Nations Bible School. One year ago Masato started the second year of his job, knowing that it would end this year (2011) in March. As a result of that information we have been praying for the next direction. As December and january came, we had the sense that God was leading him to go to Bible School. At the beginning of March, he came to this school for three days. He had peace and was 80% certain that he was going to go to Bible school. He didn't know if he was going to start in April or in September. So, even though to you, this news may come as a shock that Masato is now going to attend bible school, this has been something that we have been praying and thinking about for the past few months. He will also start looking for part time work.

As for me, I have two job interviews tomorrow, Friday March 25th. One is part time work teaching English, and one is a potential voice recording work.

We are even blessed to have friends from our church in Iwaki attending school here in Sapporo. He protected us up to this point (the stories are endless) and I know that He will continue to provide for us in the days and weeks to come.

What Next:
we do know that Masato will be starting Bible school. I don't want to go back to Iwaki. The earth is still shaking, the nuclear power plant situation is not yet clear, and the US Embassy still has a 50 mile limit around the power plant. Gasoline, Food, and water are still major problems in Iwaki, even though many of our friends have started to return to Iwaki and have started work. Masato thinks that one trip back is needed. He thingks that he needs to fill out paperwork for his job, clean out the apartment, and pick up the car that is sitting in the airport and bring it back to Hokkadio. He is not too excited about going back in the near future because of the current situation in Iwaki and what US Embassy's restrictions are. So for him, when to go back and do this is a very big question and probably a weight on his mind. He also wants to see his family. They live in Onahama (the fishing port very near Iwaki and damaged by the tsunami)and have
decided to stay where they are.

Ways To Help:
One way is to please pray for us. we are still processing all that has happened. We do have needs: transportation, financial, healing, and others that we are not sure that we have right now.

words of encouragement are always welcome! Email, facebook, letters/postcards are welcome. I have enjoyed your emails/postings and hearing about daily life stuff is great! (thank you Dad for your email the other day about simple every day life. I really appreciated that)

Some of you have asked if you can send money. Yes, you can. we humbly say thank you. I am not sure the easiest way to send money from the states to Japan. i have always done it the other way. If you are interested in sending us money, please let me know and I will contact you personally with our bank information.

Our Mailing Address is as follows:
Christ for the Nations Japan Bible School
c/o Masato and Debbie Tanaka
Hanakawa kita 6-5-157
Ishikari, 061-3216 Japan

If you have any questions, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them. We both love you. We thank you for all of your prayers, concerns, and love.
God willing, we would love to come to the States to see all of your beautiful faces,
Love,
Debbie and Masato

From the Land of Tomorrow

2011-03-16T14:10:00.000-05:00

An update from my sister, Debbie, who lives in Iwaki, Japan - in the Fukushima prefecture, near the nuclear plant.

She is quite shaken - physically and emotionally. It is truly a miracle that Masato and her are together. They live 15-18 km from the ocean, and within 20 km of the nuclear plant. Masato works close to the ocean. His car was the only car not swept away and that could start in the parking lot. The water was up to the tires. He was able to get to Debbie. They shook for an hour during the initial earthquake. Their 3rd floor apartment, in case of a Tsunami, would be safe unless it was a huge Tsunami. The earthquakes in Iwaki, where they live, have a jolt kind of feeling. The earthquake night they slept in the church as it is a newer building with better earthquake building technology. They did not want to be on the third floor with all of the aftershocks. Then they went to Funehiki, 45 km from the plant. That is where she lived and worked first before moving to Iwaki. There, the aftershocks are felt more like a swaying or rocking back and forth. She can hear the earth rumble before she feels the swaying as the earth continues to move beneath them. They have 2-3 days worth of clothes with them and she has her passport. Masato does not have his. Iwaki has no water, no gasoline, no food, no electricity. It is good they are not there, especially with the radiation issues. Funehiki has water, gasoline, limited food, and limited electricity. All of her friends are accounted for, scattered, but alive. On March 20th, they have tickets to get to Hokkaido, where they have friends who are there and have prepared everything that they need. I think that means they will leave their car in Funehiki. Also, if she has to leave Japan, it will be easier for her to leave from Hokkaido than it is to try to get to Narita. At this point in time, they have peace at this time about the decision to move farther away from their home, again.

Please keep praying for them as well as all of Japan during this difficult time.

Three Sleeps

2011-03-14T20:09:00.006-05:00

Three sleeps,

until my little girl

turns 3,

on 3-17 ! ! !

So very exciting. We started the celebration by going to the St.Patrick's Day parade this past Saturday. I thought I brought a newly charged camera battery, impressed that I changed the battery. The charger light was green, people. However, contrary to the green light, the camera did not even turn on at parade time. We have one picture of the bundled kiddos waiting for the parade to start. It was fantastic fun, chilly, but a good time had by all. (Despite the frowns in the only picture we have)

We have been enjoying corned beef. Easy to prepare, tender on the taste buds, and oh so good!!!

Lessons Learned Prior to the Cookie Jar

2011-03-10T19:47:00.002-06:00

Baking cookies is usually a delectable experience. Usually is the key word.

I learned a long time ago from a teacher with whom I was blessed to work, that adding a 1/4 cup of flour to chocolate chip cookie dough creates a more domed cookie. This is interesting to note, if you, like me, do not enjoy a flattened cookie post cooling. I have utilized this technique so many times that I believe it is fool-proof. This may be my first cooking secret to share.

I learned recently that substituting stick margarine for real butter is totally fine and acceptable. Cookies are still quite tasty, and the missing butter is - well- not missed.

However, tonight, with a sore knee on my mind along with two kids in the tub trying to NOT splash water out of the tub, I decided to start a batch of cookies. Our small group/Bible study meets tomorrow evening and we are to bring the treats. I was trying to get ahead.

Lessons learned tonight:
1. Baking powder, baking soda, and salt add an important amount of flavor and lift. Forgetting these creates a bland cookie tasting experience, discovered after batch #1 came out of the oven.
2. Not adding the full amount of stick margarine/butter is not recommended. Quite important for spreading and browning effects, discovered after batch #2 came out of the oven.
3. Forgetting both 1 &2, not recommended.
4. I truly believe that all problems can be solved. The first batch was quickly determined a failure and became company to the contents of the garbage can.
5. Then, I added not quite the full amounts of salt, baking soda, and baking powder. The taste of batch #2 was close to delicious, even though they were quite dome shaped. Not much spreading action occurred during the baking process.
6. A bit more margarine, from the tub this time as my sticks were gone, was added. Oh my goodness did these cookies spread, quite flat I might add. A bit more spreading than I enjoy, but I am sure they taste fine.

I considered scrapping the whole baking event after batch #1, but then I would have to make a plan B for treats for tomorrow. My mantra of "use what I have" would be totally negated. We'll see how they look and taste later when my main and honest cookie-taster comes home from an evening meeting.

Waiting for Spring

2011-03-08T20:53:00.002-06:00

We are all waiting for Spring. Simon is not sure if it will ever come. We seem to be going at status quo over here, which still seems quite busy. Our day starts at 5:30 am with Little Miss ready to play "spider". My hand has become her affectionate little "spider" that tickles, plays, hugs, and converses with Norah at any given cuddle time. Morning is declared at the first hint of sunlight with the declaration of "hungry in my tummy tummy tummy". This girl can eat 3 breakfasts and loves cereal. Then we race to catch the bus or get to work. Mommy days are jam packed with a variety of activities. The race is on to pick up the small fries after work. A smooth running machine to make dinner, clean up dinner, read, finish any schoolwork, record reading, clean the kids, pack the backpack, pick out tomorrow's clothes, brush the teeth, say prayers, settle into bed. And then it is usually 8:00 p.m. With another list to tackle.

Oh, and did I mention how well Simon is reading?!?!? It is AMAZING what he has learned in 6 months. So we are spending more time with our noses in books.

AND, Norah still needs quite the assistance to remember the value of "underwear is fun to wear, keep it dry".

And, it is IEP season. Lots of computerized paper work to complete now and calendar double checking to make sure nothing is forgotten. Whirlwind of mental thought.

But spring break is fast approaching, well, 3 weeks away. Not quite here, yet. However, we are planning a trip to St. Louis. See some friends, the zoo, City Museum, the arch, the wide Mississippi River. A quick restaurant search just discovered Eleven Eleven Mississippi. Now how cool is that? Too bad we won't be there on the 11th of the month.

Not much else. Realizing that Kindergarten is almost over and my little girl will be 3 next week. Toddler-hood will soon transition to a preschooler. Don't tell her that, she believes she is turning 3 and going to Kindergarten.

The Saturday Box

2011-02-05T08:17:00.003-06:00

We have been having some clean-up issues. Mostly because the 2 1/2 year old still dumps a whole bin to find one small toy to carry around and then leaves the toys dumped. Only to repeat with another container 2 minutes later. Partly because the 5 1/2 year old creates great set-ups that really are difficult to take apart, but pieces stay scattered around the set-ups. Somewhat because Mommy has decided that she is not going to put away plastic that she, herself, did not take out to enjoy. Frequently because toys are not put away when done being played with and the mess just expands throughout the day. Occasionally because nobody really tries to clean up abandoned plastic and the house wakes in the morning as if little elves continued playing all night long. Mommy desires a put-together house at the end of the night without put-it-away battles in the clean up war.

I stumbled upon the greatest idea and may have WON the clean up war! I initiated "The Saturday Box". We announce it is time for the Saturday Box clean up and announce what areas are to be cleaned. The timer is set for 15 to 20 minutes. And then the two tykes clean, some guidance is provided by stating what needs to be picked up and put away. After all, she is only 2 1/2 years old. Reminders like "edge to edge and corner to corner" help the little guy put on his careful eyes. Upon hearing the beep beep that ends the clean up time, butts are sat upon our couch. Then Mommy and Daddy go through the pre-determined rooms to be cleaned and pick up ANYTHING left behind. Those treasured items are stored in a bin in our room and are gone until the next Saturday. The first thing done on Saturday morning is to put away the Saturday box items, in "Saturday Box" fashion.

The first two days of this new battle plan filled the bin to overflowing. Three or four days later we had great cleaner-uppers. Simon was appalled that his blanket and Blue Bear disappeared on day one; Norah missed many furry friends. I think it is working!

The clean house treaty is in effect. Peace and tidiness have been restored.

Snowed In

2011-02-02T14:33:00.003-06:00

Seriously, we were snowed in our house! We were not able to open our front or back doors! Thanks to the garage door to let us out. After almost 24 hours of snow flying and wind howling, we ended up with 23 inches of snow! After wind gusts of 50 mph, we have snow drifts that vary from knee-high to waist-high! . With a small patch of low snow under the swing in our tree. Snow drifts are amazing. We can see only 2 inches of our 3 outside garbage cans that stack together next to our back door

With EVERYONE ELSE in the exact same predicament as us, we are sitting at home warm, well fed, happy, and having fun. The kids L.O.V.E the snow and were outside forever this morning while we plowed out. Simon and Daddy-o are sledding at the local hill as I type. Norah is napping, hopefully forever. The dear girl woke up at 4:00 needing a bath and felt it was playtime and breakfast time immediately following. Nap away honey bunches!

Simon's school district already declared a school closing for tomorrow. I think it is because they cannot dig out the buses by tomorrow morning and the cold that is to come. That is why the boys are sledding, slide away while it is warm!

The last time we went sledding I thought about the irony of sending my beloved child sliding down a very large hill of snow and ice on his backside, when I freak out about him climbing high or dangling dangerously at the park.

Great pics to come.

It's Still a Vertical Month

2011-01-20T23:11:00.000-06:00

Usually I am all out and gung-ho about vertical days and minutes. I acknowledged 1-11-11; however, I was not all that excited throughout the day. My mind was heavily focused on a big IEP meeting for a tough student of mine. I may have caught 11:11 a.m. during school that day. highlights were two simple emails sent by a co-worker that said "Have a won-derful day!" and from a friend, and a voice-mail message left at 12:12 wishing me a happy vertical day and minute!

Then I came home with my two lovely children, and decided to make something of the day. So we had hot chocolate and I used our vertical mug. Simon is old enough to take somewhat of a decent picture and then Dad came home to capture the rest. Vertical day ended well.

1-11-11

Do you get it?

Why no couch cushions covers, you ask? Well, that is because even though Norah subscribes to the fact that "Underwear is fun to wear; keep it dry!", she does not always keep it dry. She happened to have an accident while sitting smack dab in the middle of the couch. Literally, on the crack between the two cushions, which caused a quick stripping of the covers and off to the dry cleaners.

Skating on Thin Ice

2011-01-20T16:11:00.012-06:00

Today after school, Simon bundled up to his nose with snowpants, coat, and multiple accessories. I slapped on Simon's ice-skates and he hobbled out the door to skate on the sidewalk. Yep, I said sidewalk. You see, snow then rain then falling temperatures then more snow resulted in the slush freezing to a sheet of ice. EVERYWHERE! Since it has been cold, we have had ice-walks for a few days now. If Simon was a more advanced skater, he could have actually skated around the block. Seriously, nobody's walks are clear, despite shoveling efforts! Shoveling seemed to have a worse effect. Norah cried because she wanted her skates. Somehow she forgot that she doesn't have skates. Her options? Stay inside or put on boots to play on the ice. She stopped crying and chose the boots. Simon lasted longer than I thought and did quite well. Norah does not last long outside. Her tiny hands get so cold, even with mittens. Hot cocoa upon returning inside was necessary. We warmed up, ate lunch, and he went back out for round 2, while Norah napped!

Even though . . . .

2011-01-18T06:32:00.002-06:00

. . . . . I lived the first 15 years of my life in Green Bay, WI and 2 years of graduate school in Madison, WI, I will not drink out of my "W" cup anytime this week. No Wisconsin influence will be happening in this household! We proudly fly the Bears flag. Bears vs. Packers? GRRRRRR all the way! Bear down, Chicago Bears! We are after all, Monsters of the Midway! And the Midway is where we'll play (and win)!!

"but it is not working"

2011-01-13T22:22:00.003-06:00

Simon immediately reads his prayer request in his prayer request box the second he goes to bed "Dear God, please let my heart to not feel so sad". Then sometimes he cries or sobs when going to bed at night. He repeats "I miss Grandpa. I didn't want Grandpa to die. I didn't want him to go to heaven". Tonight, when comforting him, I said as he was missing Grandpa that, that is why we are praying so hard. He said "but it is not working". Our hearts break for him.

On Monday, I took the kids to the library for new books just to get out of the house late in the afternoon before dinner. Only to find out our beloved Ms. Rachael (children's librarian who knows all kids by name), is leaving at the end of this week. And then Daddy had a meeting that night. Simon was hysterical. I think he thought that Dad might not come back; he asked if he was sleeping at the church and if he would see him in the morning. From approaching the library check-out counter to all the way home and for a little while at home and then again at bedtime he sobbed "I don't want Daddy to go. I don't want Ms. Rachael to leave. I didn't want Grandpa to die." Over and over, while hard crying. Too many things going on for his little head and big heart to handle. And he will dearly miss Ms. Rachael, she is the first person he asked a question to in the public environment. He will wait until he sees her to ask for a desired book,even though there are other librarians available to help. Norah will always grab a puppet and get Ms. Rachael to play - and usually get a hug. So the little guy is dealing with tough feelings right now. We just hug, hold, love, pray and help him through the best we can.

I think my grief is through him and his loss of a wonderful Grandpa.

Handmade Items

2011-01-09T21:54:00.003-06:00

Well, besides the playhouse (with the fabric postcards), there were many other handmade gifts this past holiday season.

Pictured here are three hats made for two nieces and a nephew and slippers for the feet of my two kiddos. The bottom of Norah's slippers is the fabric with rubbery dots and the insides are lined with fleece.

Simon's snowman hat. He watched me make so many and said around Dec. 20th "Mommy, I really want a snowman hat." I caved and bought yarn in his favorite colors of blue and yellow. Being late in December, I had to work on it during the day with him around. He noticed and asked why I was making a hat in his favorite colors. Since it was "tis the season not to ask questions", I said that since I made a little girl hat for the Giving Tree at church, I should make one for a little boy. He responded by informing me that the Giving Tree was over. Sigh. He then exclaimed "I know, we can give it to the hat and mitten tree at my school". Whew, I was saved and could continue stitching and plan to wrap it up for him for Christmas. He got the coordinating scarf by New Year's Day (not pictured).

SLIPPERS, Warm and cozy. I feel fantastic when I find a project for my boy. So many patterns and materials are girlish. I enjoy a good project for him. Who loves the slippers more? Simon, I think because they feel like socks rather than a shoe or a hard-soled slipper.

Norah's hat on quite backwards. There is a HUGE flower you cannot see. I will post a better picture. I am currently working on a coordinating scarf for this hat. The problem with Norah? She has quite a few hats. It's not that she is a hat girl, she just happens to have a hat mother.

Two pillowcase pictures yet to be uploaded, but will come - to share with my fellow project-ers who read my blog!

Simon's Prayers and Norah's Questions

2011-01-05T15:20:00.003-06:00

A while ago we told Simon that Grandpa was going to heaven soon, such unpleasant and unwelcome news for a 5 year old. He did not want that to happen. Simon prayed the following prayre for the last couple of weeks.

"Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Angels guide me through the night.
And wake me with the morning light.
Dear God,
Please let Grandpa NOT go to heaven.
Amen."

Then glared at me, like I could will that to happen. I quietly said "Dear God, please let my heart not feel so sad. Amen". And he repeated me. "Then God and Grandpa will be in my heart" Simon declared on his own.

He wrote his prayer request on a slip of paper,"Dear God, please help Grandpa feel better." and put it in his prayer box.

We visited Grandpa on 12/31/2010. Norah was unsure and uncomfortable. She said "I want out of here. I want to go home". We visited in the facility for only a few brief minutes, where we said "Grandpa, we love you", blew kisses and offered winks.

Eric and the kids delivered brunch to Grandma at home on 1/1/11. Before Norah's coat was off, she spilled out with "Is Grandpa home from the hostipal?" How perceptive are the little ones. I asked how Grandma and Grandpa's was when they returned. Simon stated "It's just Grandma's house; Grandpa is not there."

Grandpa passed away 1/2/11. We told Simon after lunch. He slumped his shoulders right away. He didn't want to be hugged or near us. He said "but I wanted Grandpa to feel better and go home". He really did not understand or like our response that Grandpa is ALL better and at home in heaven with God. He quickly stomped to his room and we heard "Dear God, please help Grandpa feel better." He asked "is Grandpa was in my heart now?"

Later that afternoon I saw him throwing his prayer request in the garbage. I asked if he wanted to keep it, and he stated he was done with it. But he wanted to write a new prayer request. I asked what he wanted to write and he said "Dear God, please help my heart not feel so sad. Amen".

Later that evening he asked Eric "Can I talk to God on the phone?"

Eric discussed prayer and talking to God, but it is harder to hear his answers.

Simon has stated a few times since then that "I can tell Grandma that Grandpa is in her heart".

I am sure there will be more questions and conversations to come.

I took Norah on my lap and told her that Grandpa died and went to heaven.
Norah: He sleeping?
Me: No
Norah: He at duh hostipal?
Me: No
Norah: He at home?
Me: No
Norah: Where he is? (asked with emphasis)
Me: In heaven
Norah: Where dat?

And then we were back to playing and talking about whatever passed her fancy.

Later that evening Norah kept asking "Grandpa dying?" and "Grandpa dying off?"

Such sweet and sad comments from our children dealing with big emotions and abstract thoughts.

We now pray that our hearts and Grandma's heart do not feel so sad and that Grandpa is happy with God in heaven. While we are sad and missing Grandpa, we are grateful that Grandpa is rejoicing and praising God in heaven.

Happy Vertical Year

2011-01-01T11:11:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year to You All, a Vertical one at that!!!

So, to begin with, I hope you have a wonderful

May you accomplish all you resolve to do in the next 365 days!!!

For me, I think I will resolve to:

1. Work on my Halloween scrapbook. That way, every fall, we can look back at all the Halloween fun through the years. What a great way to document all the growing. I haven't started, but I have my orange album.

2. Work on my Christmas scrapbook. That way, every holiday season, we can look back at all the seasonal happenings through the years. What a great way to document all the joy. I haven't started yet, but I have my red album.

These will be great coffee table additions, when the coffe table is not for puzzles, fisher price nativity, games, and little toys.

And that is enough resolving for now. My personal growth and improvement resolution has yet to be determined.

New Address

2010-12-30T09:12:00.004-06:00

If any of you ever send mail to Simon and/or Norah addressed with 3017 S. Stair Way, Basement, in a sealed envelope with our real address, we will be sure to deliver the mail to the correct location.

Santa Came!!!

2010-12-28T22:48:00.001-06:00

And left tracks, a tunnel, and a bunny! We must have been a good boy and girl!!!

The Last Gift of Christmas

2010-12-28T19:48:00.008-06:00

The German pickle ornament is the last gift of Christmas. The pickle ornament is hidden somewhere in the tree. Whoever finds it gets the extra, last gift of Christmas. While it is usually a hot cocoa mix, family game, or homemade brownie mix, this year it was wrapped in the favored snowmen nesting boxes. All seven of them! Simon and Norah took turns opening to see what was hidden where. Norah opened the littlest box to reveal . . .

two skeleton keys. One on a green frog key chain with an "S" and one on a blue dolphin key chain with an "N". They light up and make noise. But what do these keys open?

Perhaps the garage door? Of course each one had to try their key.

Perhaps the front door? After a few tries definitely not the front door. After all, Santa's key worked to open this door.

Another try just might work.

Perhaps the back door. Which is directly in line with the basement door.

Eric stood by the closed basement door as a clue. Simon looked at him, pondered, and asked "the basement"? Maybe. So he goes down a few stairs and exclaims "Daddy, your project"! He has yet to see. He turns the corner, and goes straight to the door. They were both so excited and shook with joy. Sheer, happy joy!

They first noticed those big boxes, what could possibly be in there?

But, we stop to read mail first. Fabric postcards mailed directly to

3017 S. Stair Way

Basement.

Bean bag chairs were in the large boxes!!!! She did not let go of her key or mail!

A very happy boy!

In and out and in and out! Oh, the possibilities. We took the keys away, let them have the key chains. For some reason our spare skeleton key locks the door from the outside, but sticks when attempting to unlock from the outside. Sort of defeats the purpose of a spare key. So until the dutch door is completed, the keychains remain keyless. The framed square is a porch light. The slit below is the mail slot. The letters are the address.

Thanks Daddy, your "little project" is awesome!

The porch light is on in this picture. They love it. Grandpa's tools and building set are on "Simon's" end. A doll bed and high chair are on the other end. The bean bags come in and out. Books have been strategically placed by the respective bean bag chairs. A little treasure box has been placed on an unfinished shelf on the inside. A sheep bell, purchased in Milwaukee for Simon by Grandma and Grandpa a while ago, is hung right now on the door knob. It will be added to the wall next to the porch light for the doorbell. Christmas day Simon said, "Mommy, when you get my slippers, just ring the doorbell to get a hold of me".

We all enjoy and love the new playhouse. It has also been referred to as a clubhouse. I imagine cold winter, housebound days to include lunch in the little house in the basement. And perhaps sleepovers on hot summer days. Book nooks, hideouts, and who knows what else the imagination conjus up will come our way. It is theirs to do with as they please, mostly!

9 Degrees of Thanks

2010-12-28T16:05:00.008-06:00

Now that I can be in the basement for longer periods as well as during the daytime, much more catch-up is to come!

Here is a glance back to Thanksgiving. Not in order of events.
Fun at Grandma's and Grandpa's with ALL of their toys!!!

Fun at the Holidazzle Parade.

Projects and making cookies with Grandma.

Outside with Grandpa. The kids were beyond excited as this was the first snow of the season for them.

Play "sleeping" on the big triangle step.

Working on the traditional Thanksgiving Day puzzle. Simon enjoyed putting in the shaped pieces.

Of course, the Attitude of Grattitude fitness walk with Mom. Dad came along for wheelchair support. Mom would walk, ride, walk, ride. She received tons of encouragement when the 3K runners lapped us on their second trip around the lake. Plus our signs gave her some attention as well! It was 9 degrees people, we were cold and bundled. But once we started walking, we warmed up a bit. What a wonderful experience to walk across the finish line WITH MY MOM!!!! The song that played as we crossed was so perfect for Mom, of course now I cannot remember what it was.

Before the race. Mom with her personal cheering section. What a fan!

That's me next to Mom, wearing the warmest coat I have ever had!

We stopped at my Aunt and Uncle's on the trip up to MN, who live approximately 5 hours away from us. Since we left at 3:00 p.m., it was fantastic to stop driving around 9:00 p.m. instead of driving another 2-3 hours! We had a great evening and the next morning filled with fun as we visited my Uncle's tractor and then their friend's farm. We saw 1 hour old twin calves, lots of milking "ladies", a calf hut, happy farm dogs, and Simon and Norah rode the biggest tractor we have ever seen - hooked up to a manure spreader. The most impressive thing for Simon and Norah? The cows pooping in the barn. Seriously, he became disappointed when one was not pooping. He even enjoyed scooping the poop down into the trough. He could have been a hired hand! They talked about the pooping cows for days, people, for days! Puppies, toddlers, and calves are all the same - bounding with excessive amounts of energy. The calves in the hut were overflowing with non-stop attention seeking movement! We drove just the 2-3 hours to St. Paul with sleeping kids in the back seat, warm coffee in our hands, and each other to chat without interruption. We parked at my parents just as the snow started to fall. We missed driving in the snowstorm with perfect timing.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip filled with so much fun. Of course we enjoyed a delicious meal with my family and we were all filled with thanks.

Fisher of Men

2010-12-22T02:47:00.002-06:00

Our kids are loving our two Advent activities. They love the tree on our fridge and cannot wait to see what trinket or snack comes out next. Norah pretty much is the eater of the snacks. And she must carry around the trinket for the day when it's not a snack. I think Simon is really listening and trying to understand. The other day they were playing fishing with tubes that had long straps. He said "I am a fisher of men. And you are a fisher of a girl."

Mom at Christmastime

2010-12-22T02:14:00.002-06:00

Being a Mom at Christmas time is simply pure magic! Magic. Magic filled with excitement, anticipation, kindness, giving, and pure joy all wrapped up in tiny bodies!

Simon is beyond excited about the gifts he has chosen to give to family members.

I found out Norah has decided to give me tools, just like Daddy. She told Eric I needed "hammering".

Simon and Norah cannot wait to do our advent devotions each day. Norah fills in the blanks for the Usborne Nativity book, and says words like Bethlehem, manger "table" for stable, and many other key points in the story. Do you know the names of the three wise men? Well, it is a hoot listening to a 2 1/2 year old say "Melchior, Caspar, and Belthesar". Sort of comes out as "Bebuhsar". I cannot believe our tree on the fridge is almost complete.

Ever run errands at Christmastime and visit the potty at least twice at every stop/location/store? Once to check it out and confirm, yes, Mommy, there is a bathroom here. And a second visit to actually pee. And sometimes a third visit to finish business. All while wrangling winter coats, bags, and who knows what else at the moment. Thank goodness that we left Santa's lap dry. Ever wonder how many times he gets peed on during a day? I'm glad it wasn't Norah!

I love that we have a huge handmade Christmas. They are getting slippers, hats, pillowcases, the playhouse, and mail all created with love by us. The pillowcases are large gift bags.

My "stress" is greatly reduced now that desired Santa items are secured! All Simon wants from Santa is a tunnel and lots of tracks. When he visited Santa, I saw Santa talking and talking and talking. Simon did not answer. I wandered over and encouraged Simon to answer Santa. Santa replied, "I think I stumped him". I asked "what did you ask him, Santa?" To which he answered "what else does he wants besides a tunnel and tracks." I said "oh, Santa, he always asks for only one thing from Santa." Santa was so kind! Then we visited Santa another time. We went to Lilacia Park to see all the light displays and visit Santa in the park on a very cold night. Norah was freaked out and really did not go near him. We were cold, so we went into Mrs. Claus's Cupboard for free cookies and hot chocolate. Norah wanted a stuffed animal on the shelf, to which we said no and said they were decorations. We mentioned that she could ask Santa for a new furry friend if she wanted to. She marched herself out the door, down the path and right to where Santa was. She climbed right up to him, and said she wanted a furry friend in her stocking. We interpreted for Santa that a furry friend is a stuffed animal. He asked her which animal. She did not answer. He provided choices, a puppy? no response. a bunny? Yeah, a bunny. She has yet to change her mind. After several inquiries, he assured us that our good little girl will get a bunny - a bit stressful with the late decision. He also confirmed prompt and fast delivery to be made for Simon's request. Santa sure has quite the options and connections and great customer service. I am quite calmed down, now.

Which leaves us up way, way too late at night. We are very tired. But when else are we supposed to get all of this done?

I can finally understand the desire to shop at stores starting at 10:00 p.m. Not that I have. But I understand.

We are tired, busy, and very happy!

It's pure magic and love. I cannot wait to first pray and then play on Christmas Day!

Merry Merry, Where?

2010-12-18T06:12:00.004-06:00

Where have I been? Well, that basement project I've talked about - well it is a playhouse under the stairs to be discovered on Christmas. The kiddos will open their skeleton keys and find their new house, at 3017 S. Stair Way. (Simon was born on the 30th and Norah was born on the 17th of different months). Since "Daddy's Project" is completely recognizable, they cannot be downstairs, or the surprise is ruined.

There goes my blogging, emailing, some projecting, and general basement-ing until Christmas. I usually take sometime on a weekday morning with Norah playing in the basement or in the afternoon with Simon playing in the basement to update this blog. Not so much as of late! Kid-less time begins around 8:00 at night. There is competition people. Dishes, straightening, cleaning, laundry, present projects, wrapping, errands, that need to be completed in a precious few hours. And we are going to bed way, way too late these nights.

So that is where I have been. Blocked from the basement! But I do have some great pics to share, soon. I hope soon!

Giving Thanks

2010-11-22T20:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! May your hearts have much to be thankful for this year. We are on our way north to enjoy my family for Thanksgiving. We are very gratefull for the many blessings God has given us, all the love we feel and give, and protection He has showered on us this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all those you love and hold dear in your hearts!

Fridge Fronts

2010-11-21T23:18:00.006-06:00

Live a Colorful Life traditionally sports a fantastic fridge front that I have always admired every holiday season. I searched all of her "Decembers" and could not find her fantastic fridge. You'll have to ask her. Now I will join her on a month-ish or so of a barren fridge front. In my house, that is difficult to do!

Here is how my fridge looks currently. I love these little turkey-lurkeys!

Here is how my fridge will look come December 1st. Thanks to last year's order from Christa pre-Fairy Tale Pumpkin. I saved my Advent kit for this year. I didn't have the time to put together a display last year, and we used "What Color is Advent?", a devotional book mixed with "I Spy" from our church. I am earlier at planning Advent this year. Wanting to keep costs low, I perused Etsy for idea. (Shhh . . . yes, I do browse the site to get my own creative juices flowing for my own personal use. I do make some purchases!) I vetoed the mini-muffin tin after some consideration. I liked the magnetic containers, but not the price. I found a bag of 10 small containers for $1.00 at my local dollar store, I bought 3 packages. Then, I found magnetic vent covers that I could cut and hot-glue to the bottoms. Next, I searched for some seasonol paper on hand, stamped the numbers, and used double sided carpet tape to adhere to the lid. Last, I placed the devotional slip around the inside of the container and filled with the little treasure. Some containers needed a heavier magnet. Only 2 items did not fit the container and are in a safe hiding spot (if only I can remember where that is!). There is only one problem, I need 1 mustard seed. I misplaced the tiny but mighty treasure! Please, any reader out there who has mustard seeds, can you spare one and send to me? I would be grateful!

Oh, and the interesting thing? Her devotions are all New Testament. Every Lutheran Advent material our church has starts with the creation and includes important Old Testament events. I am very excited for this new Advent-ure! I am thinking it will delve beyond the Christmas story. Thanks, Christa for your kit!

Buy . . . buy . . . buy . . .

Project Update

2010-11-18T21:08:00.004-06:00

I took this picture standing at the bottom of the stairs, facing towards the laundry side. See therail and the stairs on the far left?

Ahh, the new basement sink. I don't miss the double basin cement-titious baheamouth that took forever to drain after 2 loads of laundry and sported a coating of slime. Hmm, I think my parents will enjoy this sink more as a guest than the old one?!?! My first reaction, the handles are too nice for filling a mop bucket.

How, you may wonder, did the heavy looking water softener filled with salt get removed from this picture? And how did that cement-titious sink basin walk up the stairs? Well, for once we greatly appreciated the Mexican junk truck man that combs the neighborhood for great finds. Eric snagged one picking up pipe that was set out on the curb. Eric, his brother, and a man who spoke not a lick of English grunted that bad boy up and out. Then, he was willing to take the sink. That did not want to go up the stairs in one piece. So, Mr. Mexican Man went to get his axe and busted it on out of here. Eric showed great appreciation by giving him 3 cold beers. I was glad to be grocery shopping at the time with Norah. I don't do well when items don't easily enter or exit the house. Good-bye cylidrical salt holder and goodbye hunk of cement! Now, my kiddos want to wash their hands pretty much every time we come down to change the laundry.

Can you see Simon's handwriting and drawing? He wrote "Simon and Daddy working on the little project." He drew stairs on the inside of the closet. He declared to Daddy the other day "You are almost done with the little project", of which he does not even know.

I love how Daddy has glasses and I dearly miss the spiral bodies Simon used to draw!

Halloween Happened

2010-11-17T22:23:00.016-06:00

Walleye, our scarecrow, was created at Scarecrow Fest with Uncle Gordon. Loved in extreme amounts by Norah. Protector of our jack-o-lanterns. Immediately after trick-or-treating, Norah dumped her candy and dug in! (Note the blue-plaid dress handmade by Grandma - perfect!) We hosted a chili and hot-dog dinner with the fixin's and hot chocolate/tea/cider for neighbors and trick-or-treaters. A fire pit in the driveway warmed us all!

We enjoyed a Halloween party with friends! Oh, I mean Nemo and a "green giant vegetable guy something". Norah was interested and loved carving her pumpkin. She dug in the guts a couple of times.

You will fiind Norah caught in the act for a second time! This time she dragged the chair into the kitchen. Climbed onto the counter. Took the candy basket down from the top of the refrigerator. To eat candy first thing in the morning. Prior to this event, she dragged the chair into the kitchen. With scissors. To cut open Halloween candy. And started eating the Smarties. Which is the best potty-training reward ever, by the way! (Yesterday, she took herself to the potty and went ALL DAY with NO accidents! Woo-hoo, we're on our way!)

You will also see the finishers at the 3k Pumpkin Fun Run at my school. Simon finished 199th, I finished 203th with Norah on my shoulders at 204th. When you are 2 1/2 and insist on walking while holding your new best friend's hand, you will get slowed down. Norah was not agreable at photo time.

One more picture at the end for the cuteness factor! (If you click on this one, you'll see Simon is holding onto his tail.) They played the parts well! We enjoyed visiting the library in character and sharing treats with the librarian via Lil' Red's basket of goodies

Enjoy the pics!

More Than Excited

2010-11-16T21:56:00.004-06:00

We are more than excited to pack up our car, stuff our little ones into car seats, and endure the late afternoon/evening/night 7 hour drive to Grandma's and Grandpa's house. No, it is not over the river and through the woods. It is through the woods (of WI) and over the river (St. Croix River)!

Reasons to be excited include: (in baker's dozen style)

Second trip this year away from home; that makes this feel like a get-away vacation. So we have plans to enjoy!
It has been over a year since my children have gone to Grandma and Grandpa 'Sota's house! It'll be time to play and I'm sure a little spoiling in love and attention!
I get to see my parents, my sister, my longest and bestest friend, and maybe cousins.
This year totally beats cold turkey sandwiches in the hospital for my Dad and sister while Mom is sleepy and icky sicky. This year totally beats crying not being able to call Mom about cooking a pumpkin because canned pumpkin was unavailable due to a shortage.
Mom and I are walking in the Giving Thanks - Atttitude of Gratitude fitness walk. Mom is training for her first ever road race - 1.5 mile walk around beautiful Como Lake. Pray for no snowy or icy conditions as that will prevent her participation. We get t-shirts!
Not leaving the house after that walk to eat, watch football, play games, and perhaps play in the yard (because of energized little people), and #6. Hoping we'll see some of the Thanksgiving day parade.
Insisting that Mom does NOT cheat by putting together chunks rather than pieces of her Christmas puzzle. Having Simon enjoy this puzzle tradition with us!
Not stepping foot in any store on "Black Friday", because I am mostly done with shopping! But perhaps a sneak to a fabric store with Mom for a fabulous coupon deals.
I, as in Becky, get to decide to either go to a Gopher hockey game with my longest and bestest friend or send my Dad and Hubby so I get some girl time with Jo. Hmmm, right now it is the Gopher game for me, one of the toughest tickets to get in town!
Be sure to send the guys to an ACE store to redeem this awesome coupon on Saturday!
Possibly take the kids to see the Holidazzle parade in downtown Minneapolis!
Maybe check out this new breakfast joint I found a coupon for.
And then the long trek back to IL; which is "over the river and through the woods". Along with everyone else.

Where have we been?

2010-11-15T08:42:00.002-06:00

Well, no busier than anyone else. But few spare minutes in a day. And more items to do than there is time for. Perhaps at nap time today I can post pics. It just takes time to download pics, save to file, rotate, and load. So, what have we been up to?

Playdates with new kindergarten friends. Age 5 and Kindergarten is a great time where kids can play on their own, with occasional peek-ins to make sure all is okay. Nice to see Simon develop friendships.
No more nap time for Simon, rare is the need for a nap.
Except with this time change! Never before has it affected our children than this time. We have been up between 4:30 and 6:00 every day since. The kids pretty much fall asleep during dinner and can't stay awake past 6:30-7:00 p.m. Yesterday Norah napped at 3:00 p.m. and woke at 3:30 this morning. Some naps were needed. We are tired.
Recovery time after creating all aspects of Halloween; whew, that wore me out. Pics to come I promise.
Dealing with the wolf hat arriving in the mail on November 5th. Simon wants it, it is fleece lined and warm so a fun winter hat for him. Not sure if he will actually wear it.
Eric working on the basement project. Updated pics to come. Simon LOVES LOVES the project and "helping" his Daddy work.
Creating gifts for Christmas. Have two hats to make - one for a niece and one for a nephew. Other little niece's is ready to wrap! And my own kids' handmade slippers are completeed. Considering making a superhero cape for Norah.
Celebrating vertical day, quite low key this year. Not many activities, due to Halloween recovery. But just wait until next year (11-11-11).
Spending our days in the bathroom and saying things repeatedly like: "Are you wet or dry? Do you have to go pee? Did you pee in your underwear/pull up? Is you pull up wet or dry? Mommy has to go potty so let's have you try. Keep sitting there. Underwear is fun to wear - so keep it dry." All while having potty parties when successful and celebrating with smarties!
Preventing Lil' Miss from climbing every second of the day. (Pics to come on this as well.)She has been caught climbing everywhere. We had to purchase this for furry friend (stuffed animal) storage because her basket kept getting dumped out and used for a stool. You know, to turn on the light to avoid taking a nap. This product met all our requirements: squishy to prevent climbing, plastic so not breakable and washable, can see through the holes to find desired furry friend, and big enough to hold a loving collection of stuffed animals! It's amazing what becomes a stool or a step - baskets, containers, cabinet handles, chairs dragged everywhere, counters, under bed rolling containers, etc.
Reminding Lil' Miss to "Play with toys, not tools. Are you touching Mommy's things?"
Listening to constant, and I mean constant, talking from Lil' Miss as she does not stop! So fun to have a little chatter-box and she can be quite hysterical!
Reading daily to Simon, having Simon read daily, practicing his writing, and keeping up to date with his school.
And both of us working as well and trying to complete the typcial household tasks, or putting them on hold!