A Hare Piece & Other Fables

A Hare Piece

We have this 60 piece puzzle that Simon enjoys putting together with one of us. Simon really doesn't need us to help him assemble the puzzle, he just wants company! The puzzle is the Tortoise and the Hare with the story on the back of the box Today after it was assembled and in its glory on the floor, Eric asked Simon about his favorite part of the puzzle to which he responded "a hare piece". It just sounded funny.

Put Grandma Down

This story happened a while ago and I still giggle just thinking about it! As you all may recall, Eric's mom broke her femur on January 5. (By the way, she can now walk with full pressure using a walker!!) We were visiting her way back when she was recently home from rehab. Grandma has this nifty lifty chair that reclined, went way back, returned upright and lifted one out of the chair. All mechanically with a remote. Well, Simon was ALL over that puppy and Grandma let him try the remote. Simon was way into it, and I told him to stop, or that's enough, or one more time, or no more, etc. etc. Well, he was way too excited and did not stop so I emphatically pulled out the mother voice and with all authority said "Put Grandma down!". Well, Grandma laughed histerically and we all joined in because really, who ever says "put Grandma down"?!?!?!

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On our most recent visit while Grandma was showing off her walking, Simon asked her "where you going?"

At the Zoo

This past Sunday before church started, Simon was flipping through the pew Bible and asked me to read him a Bible Story. I asked him which one and he said "Jonah and the Big Fish". We talked a bit about Jonah. He flipped pages and asked what story we were now on. I mentioned the story of Daniel in the lion's den. I asked him "where was Daniel"? Simon answered "at the zoo" so matter of factly. Then I asked him what Daniel was doing at the zoo. Simon responded with "in a big fish".

Today's To Do

1. get changed out of jammies
2. pick up Simon from preschool
3. clean up kitchen
4. make lunch & put pasta sauce in the crock pot
5. play
6. clean my bedroom
7. play
8. hope little ones take a nap at the same time
9. schedule 1 year appointment (which will include shots)
10. schedule 1 year pictures
11. post birthday party pics
12. consider adding thank you's to this ever growing list
13. a little project time for me while watching Ace of Cakes
14. while doing all of these, add wipe noses, get drinks, potty assistance, diapers, rescue little hands from trouble, unclimb a little climber, moderating sibling moments, tiny-item policing, and letting a little helper help

We Heart This

Oh, the Eames Chair. Aaahh, beauty and comfort all in one! (Otherwise known as the potato chip chair!) This has been on our wish list for as long as I can remember! Someday, we will have 2 lounge chairs and possibly dining chair versions as well.

And there is a chair like this that Eric also dreams of having in our home. Not sure of the name or if this is the exact chair. Here's to dreaming and hearting!

Famous at 1

Norah made the local paper! She appeared on page 17, representing the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade along with a large American Flag supported by the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club. Click on the link below to check out her newspaper photo! (The sixth picture and pictures on the 2nd page are of her cousin Emmie picking up parade candy, curbside!!!)

Villa_Park_Argus

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Norah had a delightful 1st birthday last Tuesday and her party was tons of fun this past Saturday! Pictures will be added soon! One of the highlights is that she actually blew out her own candle!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Norah Noel

Irish Eyes

by Chauncey Olcott & George Graff, Jr.

When Irish eyes are smiling,

Tis like a morn in spring.

With a lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world is bright and gay

When Irish Eyes are smilng

Sure, they steal your heart away.

There's a little shamrock named Norah

who is one this St. Patrick's Day;

She smiles & laughs and brings joy our way

and we can't help but adore her!

Happy 1st Birthday, Norah Noel!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy & Simon

First Bloom

Here is the first bloom in my perennial garden. It is quite small, so it is noticeable only if you "stop and smell the roses". We played our little hearts out all day today in the very warm sun!!! Also glad to note that tulips from the "tulip free for all" are popping through the dirt. I am forcing some indoors for the first time ever. They are growing before our eyes, very fun.

St. Patrick's Day Parade as Promised

We had a fantastic time at the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. We wore light weight coats, basked in the sun, and were toasty at a balmy 50 degrees! So many coatless people!!!

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Such a reunion it was. We joined Eric's cousin Rhonda and Martin Wilmot, their son and family Peter, Kristin and Emmie for the parade. Their traditional standing post is in front of the DeVries Animal Hospital. The DeVries are members of our church and share a kindred moment with Norah. You see, Mrs. DeVries fell and broke her arm and needed surgery the exact day that Norah was born. They are hospital buddies. Mr. DeVries visited us in the hospital and we wished his wife well! So, we saw the Devries, Wilmots and Wilmots, Martens, Mrs. Hoiser, Mrs. St. John, Rebecca and Michelle in the high school marching band, and Uncle Jim who was there because Aunt Julie was marching down the street for York Township.

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As in previous posts, I report the best entries and giveaways during the parade. Because this is an election year, it was heavy on the politicians. Definitely needed more music, people or things flying through the air, high action, etc. Simon and Emmie were curb side and Emmie definitely scooped up candy faster than Simon. Of course, my boy did not care about the candy. Because Emmie was adorable in her candy harvesting, a local paper photographer snapped away and asked Kristin for her name. I happened to mention that Norah will be one on 3/17/St. Patty's Day and he took her picture as well. Also mentioned the candy harvester and the little leprachaun were cousins. We'll see if the two girls will get their 5 minutes of fame in the local paper next week! Do you know how hard it is to chase down the food pantry entry as they pass you by when you are not paying attention?!?! Heaven forbid, I had to run through coatless parade people for about a block to drop off our cans of Spaghettio's and creamed corn! The big truck behind the food pantry was honking, but did the pantry people stop and wonder why some big truck kept honking at them? No, because every automobile honks in a parade! Simon was supposed to hand the food off during the parade, but he was a pooped puppy by the time the food carts rolled down the street.

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Fabulous freebies include:

1. pad of paper from Pete DiCianni, running for Mayor of Elmhurst
2. kohlrabe seeds from Joe Cantore, Forest Preserve
3. poms & plastic football from the Elmhurst Eagles (Simon slept with the football)
4. bead necklaces worn by Mommy, tugged by Norah
5. candy from countless coatless people, including Aunt Julie
6. milkbone (for our sitters dogs), from Addison Township Elected Officials
7. cold "lattes" in plastic cups courtesy of the Wilmot's
8. coffee, hot chocolate, cookie treat from DeVries Animal Hospital
9. cookie and chips, b/c Mommy wouldn't stand in line for a fee hotdog from Prudential

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Pictures of our day!

Kristin helping Emmie and Simon pick up candy and freebies curbside! Aunt Julie tossing candy!


The green awninged building across the street is Tree Towns, which is one of Eric's printers for business.
Pooped little leprachauns!

Irish, Chirish, or Birish?

So, are you

Irish - and truly celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Chirish - claim to be Chicago Irish and adopt St. Patrick's Day?

Birish - and are Birthday Irish?

We are definitely Birish. One more sleep until the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day parade! So excited, check back later for pics of the event. We're looking forward to 50 degrees and being outside!

St. Patrick's Day as never before:

1. found graphic tees for Simon, Norah, and myself
2. found green pants and dress for Norah, embrace the kelly green
3. found a leprachaun hat on e-bay
4. home decor items now include one hanging ceramic shamrock and a vinyl tablecloth
5. shamrock window clings, have them for many other holidays so why not St. Patty's Day
6. watercolored shamrocks with Simon to decorate the house
7. plan to attend the parade in Elmhurst
8. am looking for a corned beef and cabbage recipe
9. realizing, and starting to recognize Irish vs. Celtic
10. love how Simon calls Norah "our little shamrock"

Gourmet Cuisine

Our Valentine's Day dinner, alone. Even the high chairs were banished from the table and sent to the corners! Shrimp cocktail, mixed greens, marinated peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, pear and havarti salad, and baked clams, dessert platter and gelato. Sooooo fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat!New Year's Eve Feast - Cuban Surf & Turf! Pork tenderloin, shrimp, pineapple-cilantro rice, and salad. Super yum!!!

New Year's Day breakfast!

Individual brunch bakes made to order with hashbrowns, toast/muffins and fruit.

Catchin' Up - Part 1

The elephant ears came home from a preschool project. Simon added his own wrapper snapper tube for a trunk. He played with it for days; shooting and drinking water and making elephant noises.
(Jan. 26, 2009) Norah is turning into quite the block girl, this has been one of her favorite places. All the blocks belong in one of those wrapping paper boxes with wheels and gets stashed under our couch. She knows it's there. She crawls to the couch and pulls the box out herself!
(Feb. 5, 2009)

And then sometimes crawls into boxes!

(Feb. 9, 2009)200 diapers or 2 kids?!?! What can you fit in a box?

(Feb. 23, 2009) January 24, 2009 - 10 months old

Our sweet girl!

March 7, 2009 Another use for books!!!

Simon and I discovered Norah like this after a nap.

(Jan. 21, 2009)

Norah with an h

Friends of ours brought us a bottle of wine shortly after Norah was born, and it was called "Nora". Now how cool is that, even if it does not have an h? So I inquired about it through a local wine store and found out that it could be ordered for me for a cost of $17.99. A bit high for me, as I am sitting here drinking my $2.99 Winking Owl from Aldi and am quite pleased with it. Usually we go for the $8.00 and under or what's on sale at the grocery store. So, Nora, we will not purchase you to celebrate Norah's birthday and well, we will just blame it on the missing h!

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny . . . .

So remember the yogurt commercial where the girl hung her yellow polka dot bikini in plain sight as she slimmed down? Well, in my closet I hung one of my favorite summer dresses (which almost fits, but is a bit squeezy) to visually remind me of what I am working towards.

Teachers, Teachers

I remember all of my elementary teacher's names and a few memories of each. Not entirely sure why I thought of this. Perhaps I wonder how I will be remembered in some way by my students.

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K - Mrs. Colossomo - One time we put all of our checked out library books in a box upon returning to the classroom. She put the box on a high shelf for a week. The next week, the entire class returned their checked out books and we got the blue ribbon on our door. She had dark hair. I missed coloring an egg because we left for CA early on spring break. I brought back a shell for every classmate. Morrika Williams may have been met in Kindergarten. I have no idea where she is. My rest rug was reclaimed by Mom at the end of the year. I was distraught, that was my rug. Looking back, what would I have done with my rest rug?!?!?!

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1st - Mrs. Fitzgerald - A lovely white, haired old teacher. I remember I daydreamed a lot and did not finish my coloring pages. One day when cleaning out my desk, I asked if I should do them; I was told to toss them. The boy who sat in front of me had bare naked crayons, and that bothered me. He would always turn around and say "I have a bare naked crayon".

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2nd - Mrs. Poirer - She always had a classroom pet, except the year I had her. I received a smiley face stamp because I was the only one who knew the definition of a "ladle". I think I lost a tooth in her room and didn't want it to wash down the sink. She was short.

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3rd - Mrs. Brenner - She made me stay after school the first day to finish a worksheet. I think it was math.

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4th - Mr. Bertelli - He sat in the back of the room to work the record player during music time with him. We sang "Sing, Sing a Song" a lot. We also copied pages in the dictionary for classroom punishment during recess.

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5th - Mr. Bertelli - Had him for 5th grade as well. He was a quiet teacher. Not like Mr. Raschka across the hall. I won a ribbon in 4th or 5th grade for some written test we took, possibly Social Studies. I was worried about it during one tornado warning and asked Mom if I could take it in the basement with me if we needed to go for safety.

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I always ran home to watch "Little House on the Prairie".

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6th - I was the first class of 6th graders to go to middle school (6-8) instead of junior high (7-9). I only remember the name of Mr. Hatfield, who had a ferret and made us write to him in journals every day. I still have them. My language arts teacher had us create class stories by each person saying one word at a time around the room. The teacher I had for silent reading after lunch read "Where the Red Fern Grows" out loud to us; it is still my favorite book. I learned what a Gingko leaf looks like.

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7th - I only remember Mr. King because one could never color a map well enough for him. I learned to color in circles at the borders and to only color in one direction. How is that Social Studies? The atlas created is still in my posession, with an awesome table of contents and index I might add! We read Old Yeller and saw the movie after reading it in my language arts class. I dissected a flower and a frog and stabbed, more like strongly poked, my lab partner with a pencil because he never helped in any way.

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8th - I hated Mr. Borg my math teacher. Every year I had to practice my French Horn hours the last week my practice log was due. Some time in 6-8 grade I ran for student council and made a poster, "If you don't like green beans, vote for Becky Wiens" - how ridiculous was that?!?!

Easy Peezy and So Delish

I've discoverd two new fantastic recipes!

1. Mushroom Parmesan - inspired by the famous chicken parmesan and thanks to Giada. Cut the stem off of a portobella mushroom (use as many as you wish). Drizzle with olive oil and grill both sides on the stove top. I don't have a stove top grill, so I just used a regular pan until it was browned on both sides. Put marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan to cover, place mushrooms on the sauce. Put sauce on the mushroom and add desired amount of parmesan and mozzerala cheese. Bake until warm and cheese is melted. (I do not see why you cannot add any herbs/spices as desired plus salt and pepper.) Yum!!!

2. Homemade Sticky Buns - probably not the healthiest option, but a definite crowd pleaser. Seriously easy, using puff pastry and a muffin pan. Click on the link for an easy peezy version of sticky_buns! Easter brunch here we come!!! Since I've never used frozen puff pastry, I did not know the possiblities. I am going to attempt to make spinach cheese wheels for an upcoming baby shower, recipe on the back of the box! Who knew?

10 Items or Less . . .
. . . current library checkouts

1. Library Lion - thanks to K's nursery pics, my curiousity was roused
2. Nora and the Great Bear
3. Tikki Tikki Tembo - one of my childhood faves
4. Today I Will Fly - anything Mo Willems writes is hysterical
5. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - for me

11 Days

until this!!! Please let there be warmer temps, a sunny sky, and happy-healthy children! For those of you who don't know, I love a parade. This may stem from my marching band days ions ago!!!

I just won . . .

. . . . this on ebay for a great deal!!! Check back for pics of Norah, our little Shamrock, wearing this lovely hat!!!!