Wiggly!

Yep, it has happened!!!!

SIMON HAS HIS FIRST LOOSE TOOTH!!!!

And he could not be more excited.  He has waited a very, very long time for his first wiggly tooth.  He discovered it this weekend and CANNOT keep his hands from wiggling his tooth.  (I keep making him wash his hands, oh the germs.)

I will never forget the last day of Kindergarten.  He came off the bus with his head hung low, all sad and mopey.  He became teary when he saw me.  I asked him if he was excited for summer.  He first stated he would miss his teacher. Then, he said "Kindergarten is over, I am still 5, and I haven't lost a tooth".  Starting in Kindergarten, each class has had a loose tooth chart and whenever a kid lost a tooth, their name would be added.

I wonder if there are any other 2nd graders that have yet to loose their first tooth?

We have his Grandma made tooth pillow all ready.   I hope his tooth fairy is ready!!!!

Simon brought a whole apple for his fruit snack today in hopes of losing it at school.  You see, they have tooth necklaces that have a tiny container that holds the lost tooth.  So much excitement for a little boy to handle.

Beyond Excited, dozen style

I love this time of year, especially when experienced through the eyes of little ones!  Amazingly, with this extra week since Thanksgiving was "early", I am not overboard where I am constantly listening to Christmas music.  YET! (wait until tomorrow). I do have to wrangle and relax 2 kids to make it to Christmas without losing their skins.  This year's joys so far:

1.  Thanksgiving was all done-and-over when dishes were being carried upstairs post turkey dinner.  Because, my little one's eyes saw snow-flakes falling from the sky.  Bodies became overjoyed and the magic of Christmas set in.  Nothing melts a heart more than hearing a 4-year old say "Happy Merry Christmas" over and over.  We couldn't help but walk around the block and attempt to make a snow angel in a dusting's worth of snow in a dress.

2.  Both kids each declare multiple times that they know what they want to get family members, including me.  Simon once said to me, "I can't wait for Norah to not be around so I can tell you what I want to get her."  Norah wraps up some of her little items on a daily basis with a recipient in mind.  I love my cheerful givers!

3.  The eternal hope that secrets can and will be kept has set deep in my heart.

4.  The play house now has a snowman door mat and a Christmas musical doorbell (secured from a rummage sale find this past summer).

5.  After picking the kids up yesterday after a Faith Weaver Friends church program, Norah declared that we "have to get set up for Christmas".

6.  This morning Norah said "I am the only one waiting for Simon to get up and put up the tree".  The excitement is high.  Today we will "build" the tree and tomorrow we will decorate the tree. Simon asked why we don't get a real tree, and that he wants one.  Sorry kid, not when it's branches are so close to the fireplace.

7.  Grandma brought over a train and a countdown clock.  Imagine the excitement.

8.  Last year I stored kitchen Christmas items in a spare cabinet in the kitchen.  I brought those out, and tis' the season has been upon us in the form of placemats, mugs, and towels.

9.  I actually remember that I purchased a book similar to this one.  Now I am deciding what to put in our Advent Calendar.  We have done the same thing for a few years now.  We always have the Usbourne Advent story and nativity book each night.  This is lovely, and the excitement builds until Baby Jesus arrives.  I am thinking this year that I will put a Christmas song title in the containers for each day.  Our devotion will be reading in the book what the carol means and how it came to be.  Then, we will listen to it (I'm sure we will have it on one of our many cd's) and sing along.  Simon is a great reader, so he can read the devotion.  This will be something new that we have not yet done.

10.  Next Wednesday Elmhurst College has their Lessons and Carols.  I LOVED this during college as it was a warm, relaxing, spiritual and welcome calm break amongst finals preparation.  It totally puts me in the right mood for the season.  Luminaria are available for $1 to go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  Simon and Norah each get one in honor of their lovely Grandma.  This event has become one of my traditions.  I have gone with girlfriends and dessert after, I have gone with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and last year we tried as a family.  Norah was a bit young and both fell asleep.  I like this to be a family tradition and Eric loves the beauty of the evening as well.  We will decide if we go to the 4:00 or the 7:00 service.  I am sooooooo excited!

11.  Simon has told us what he wants for Christmas.  But what he wants from Santa is a secret.  Grandma told us - what he told her- what he wants for Christmas, a bit unrealistic.  As she stated he wants a guitar and an iPod.  Seriously?!?!?!

12.  And my projects get completed (mostly during Thanksgiving break), and some have been added.  Some not even started.  YIKES!!!

I soooo love this time of year.  I almost enjoy the time before Christmas more than Christmas itself.

My absolute other very favorite moment?   Well, there are two.  The first with my family in church singing Silent Night, in the candle-lit church.

The other? On Christmas Eve, the children are nestled all snug in their beds. The night is dark and quiet, interrupted only by the dim white lights of the Christmas tree.  All decked out in glory and the magic of joy in the morning.  The mantel filled with angels and stockings hung with the hope of Santa's gifts.  The table elegantly set for Christmas breakfast.  Eric and I soaking up the moment just looking and sipping our wine.  Thankful that we absorbed the Birth of Jesus, the true reason of the season and were blessed enough to provide a happy Christmas.   And that we got it all done!

Hug those you love!

We know two families that are struggling with the movement required to perform all the little activities in daily life.

One is a high school friend of Eric's that has been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease.  He has progressed to where moving his arms has become a true struggle and his legs are starting to feel weak.  His kids are in middle school and his loving and lovely wife is a special education teacher.

The mother of another family we met through our sitter and Simon's school had a very serious car accident.  She broke her radius, has fractured vertebra, and a constricted spinal cord.  She is in a rehab facility for quite some time, probably until early December.  They have a girl who is in the first grade.

Hug your kids and those you love, be grateful for every little thing, and be glad you are able to do what usually causes complaints!

And if you can add these two families to your prayers, God will hear.

Once upon a time . . .

I don't view Norah as a princess.

• She loves worms; digging for them, holding them, playing with them, fishing with them, and excited about them on rainy days
• She touches any animal that comes her way; dogs, cats, fish, worms, caterpillars, roly poly bugs, snakes, turtles, etc.  Just no spiders!
• She loves dirt and everything about digging in it.  From planting seeds to just digging and moving it around.
• She'll play anything with Simon.  Cars, legos, animals, sports, chase, race, hide-n-seek, doll house, anything pretend, etc.
• She is loud, opinionated, silly, super fun, strong willed, super chatty, and emphatic.  Did I say she is loud?  
• She does not play with dolls.  Any stuffed animal is loved and adopted without question. Parting with such items is unnecessary and never considered.
• She has never had any clothing item with the word "princess" written nor has she had any princess toys.
• We have NEVER EVER called her a princess.
• We have not watched a lot of princess movies.  Some are just way too scary.
• She does love to wear dresses.  Daily.  We are stocked with knit dresses and knit pants/leggings.

Since Halloween provides a chance to dress up as something you are not, this fits my Norah.  She has decided to be a Princess again.  She told me that she can be Minnie next year.  

Simon is ecstatic.  He has his princess back.  Let the rescuing begin!

I do love that she is not a specific princess, named and costumed by Disney.  She is just a pretty princess.  With a lovely, satin dress bought by Grandma (to be worn again next Easter - I am all about dual purpose when it comes to Halloween) and pink sparkly shoes.  A cape and crown to accessorize and a wand designed with and to be made with Daddy.

And there is still time to change her mind back to Minnie.

I don't think so though, I believe her mind is set.  Only time will tell. 

14 out of 19

I have created 14 of the 19 pieces needed for Simon's dragon scarf.  Just need to cut the felt pieces, and assemble all parts.  Whew!!

• back
• belly
• mouth
• tail
• 2 round parts for nostrils
• 2 small pieces to add to nostrils
• 2 ears
• 2 eyes
• 2 streams of fire
• 2 white felt eyes
• 2 black felt eye balls
• white felt teeth

If I knew all the details about this scarf, I may have chosen a simpler pattern.  But, I am glad that I made this scarf.  I increased my pattern reading skills for knitting. I have never blocked my knitted or crocheted projects.   Following some online suggestions on how and why to block acrylic yarn, I made my first attempt.  Once the pieces are dry, I will lay out the length of the scarf belly and scarf back to also steam and dry. My ironing board is only so long!

Then, assembly is needed.  I am looking forward to seeing the final product!

Change of Character

So my Lil' Miss does not want to be a princess. Honestly, she is not the princess type.  Norah wore her red and white polka-dot jumper dress to preschool. Her teachers told her she just needed a bow to look like Minnie Mouse.  She now wants to be Minnie Mouse for Halloween.

NOT a princess.

She was o-kay with being a princess; I am not so sure she loved and clung to the idea with utmost excitement.

But Minnie, this actually suits her better.  She has a strong, true love for small figurines of characters.  An intense, burning love, where she must constantly hold a small character.  This love has lingered since she was itty-bitty.   LOVES her characters.  Today she wore a dress with a pocket, and seconds after donning it, Eric asked me to check the contents of that pocket.  A tiny pony was inside, all cozy and comfy.  Hence the need for pockets.  Small, plastic animals or characters are necessities of daily life.  Didn't you know?

So, Minnie seems to be the costume that she loves and that fits her best.

I went to one more resale, Rhea Lana, if you've ever heard of it. If not, see if it is in your area and go, quality items slightly used at great prices.  While there, I picked up a red and white polka-dot bow clip from a vendor.  While perusing the clothes, I found a black and white polka-dot turtle neck and a black and white polka-dot zip-up hoodie that is lined in red!   I also found Minnie Mouse shoes, for $8.00.  A quick check on ebay found them available for $29.95 plus $9.95 for shipping.  I think I got a pretty good deal!  Since Norah's foot is approaching a size 11, her new Minnie Mouse shoes sized 11-12 will be played with for some time to come.  Maybe worn out and about as well!

I made her close her eyes while I put them on her feet.  She was so happy when she opened her eyes.  So happy in fact, that she took them off in just one minute and said, "I don't want to ruin them".

Minnie Mouse ears will be made from felt and hair clips from my basement stash. That's a project we will make together.   I found 1 1/2" wide white elastic in my basement stash and bought a belt buckle at Jo Ann's.  All I need is a big, white, bow to attach to the belt.  I'm hoping to use a large, white hair bow to attach to the middle of the belt.  If I have to make a bow, I will.  Making bows is just so fussy.

Once October comes, no more changing minds!!!  She can be a princess or Minnie Mouse.  I think it will be the mouse.

Oh, and our brave knight is still just that.  He's been happily playing knight since I completed his helmet and found a chest plate with a matching shield at Good Will.  He has made his own sword out of Grandpa's wood and tool set gift.   But oh, the sadness, he was so sad.  The brave knight lost his princess to rescue and protect.  I told him he must now be brave and save his Minnie.

Well Said

Eric asked at dinner last week, "How do we know that there were dinosaurs?". 

My Little Mister sat pondering. 

My 4 year old Lil' Miss answered, "The big rock comes and then their skins peel off and their bones are left". 

And there you have it.

How To Play 30 to Milk

Here is our story, on how to play 30 to Milk, Ready Set Go.  This game brought out the giggles and a lot of family fun.

You need an imaginative, 4-year old girl, who wants everyone at the table to guess something. 

We all were trying to guess what Norah drank for lunch, snack or sometime today. Norah emphatically repeated "ready, set, go" while pounding her fist on the table.  She added "30 to milk" to her chant somewhere along the game.   We shouted our answer all at the same time, to which she awarded each of us zero points. I received 12 20 points for giving her a kiss, then 29 more points for blowing her kisses. She kept saying "ready, set, go", and Eric asked "go where?". She mapped out a route, and declared whoever returned to the table first won. So we all went off running around the house, repeating "30 to milk, ready-set-go".   Some tickling may have been involved.  An unsuccessful attempt for the adults to hide and take a nap was thwarted by the little people.   And dashing to return to the table first enjoyed by all.  Overall, an interestingly fun game.

I really don't know. 

But it sure was fun!

Because I can't help myself . . .

I found a pattern to make this

And then I found a pattern to make this

If you recall from Octobers past, I like to make costumes for my kids.  Not just for the day of Halloween, but items that will last for dual purpose.  So, my knight in shining armor will have a sturdy helmet for bravery and a fiery dragon to slay.  But after the sugary day on October 31st, he will have a hat and scarf set for the upcoming winter.  

Perhaps this will be played with more than even I realize.  I can only imagine a fiery dragon capturing the lovely princess and the brave knight slaying the beast to rescue the fair maiden.  

They will be hand-made, but very boy!  Not cheap plastic that doesn't fit, always falls off, needs a strap modified, or broken after a few uses.

The only difficulty may be finding a variegated green yarn without cream, tan, brown, or camo colors.

Not that I need another project, but I can't help myself.  Simon is thrilled when I make him something. Thrilled, to the point of asking me each day if that is the day I will finish.  Norah has dragon jealousy. She forgets her cape and crown were made for her by me long ago.

A very busy day . . .

Here is what I did today.

12:00 a.m.  Awakened by a wiggly lil' miss who crawled in and bumped me awake and left me with no room left in the bed.  I carried her back, and since I was up, it was difficult to return to a sleeping state.

2:30 a.m.  Awakened by snoring.  The snorer got up and went to work.  I was awakened enough that I could not return to that dreamy, sleepy state no matter how strong my desire was to slumber.  So I got up and:

• checked work items via computer
• made a list
• sorted laundry, started a load and switched a load
• ran upstairs from the basement to silence alarm to prevent waking my lil' miss, she was up before 6:00, and before Eric returned from working 
• emptied dishwasher, loaded dishwasher, washed dishes by hand, cleaned counters
• turned light and watched a raccoon waddle away from our garbage cans
• made oatmeal for my lil' miss
• made my lunch
• made coffee
• showered and readied myself for work

7:10 drove myself to work, eating an egg cheese bagel made for me by Eric

7:30 hit the ground running at school, took a 30 minute working lunch, not sure if  I even used the bathroom, no breaks

3:45 forced myself to leave school for the day-care dash to pick up Norah and come home to Simon and rescue Grandma

4:00ish checked my lil' mister's homework folder, planned dinner, breathed for a bit

4:30 or so:

•  made dinner (corn dogs, carrots and tator tots for the kids and leftover beef roast and fixin's for me)
• math homework while food "baked"
• cleaned off table

5:30

• ate
• math facts practice
• reading, I dozed a bit on the couch while Simon read to Norah and myself

7:45 

• readied the kids for bed 
• changed laundry around 
• emptied dishwasher, put dinner dishes in dishwasher, wiped counters, swept kitchen floor, wiped table

8:30

• changed laundry and started to fold
• watched the 9:00 news
• Eric came home from his golf outing

9:45 felt really, really tired, but still wanted to get things done, like fold another load of laundry

And after all of that, my floors still need a vacuum and a mop and my bathroom could stand a cleaning. My work could use some time management planning.  Good thing there is always tomorrow!

I don't fold socks and if I pick up small plastic items, it usually goes into the garbage.  So I really don't pick up small plastic items.  I have enough to do!!!

A Fabulous Fair Day

Today, we went to the fair.  I knew it would not compare to the MN State Fair, so I had no expectations, just to see animals and have fun.  Any fair should be able to meet those.

I WAS IMPRESSED!!!!

We had an absolutely awesome time.  Fantastic.  And a perfect substitute for the MN State Fair.  Plus it was only 70-ish degrees outside.  The Sandwich Fair is only 1 hour away!  Parking was free, Eric and I paid $8 to get in, Simon was $5 and Norah was free!  While everything was about 5 times smaller, almost every important fair aspect was there.

Here is what we did:

1. Saw, touched, and smelled cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens/roosters, chicks, a 3 day old calf, pregnant cows - we think. We didn't have Grandpa to confer as an expert farm consultant.
2. Milked Maggie the cow, don't worry, Maggie was sculpted and did not moo.
3. Saw a sheep and cows being showered.  The sheep was quite vocal. 
4. We heard a girl talk fondly of her sheep, and that next week they were going to market.  But they won't die next week.  The week after that.
5. Watched short snippets (due to my kids attention spans) of junior cow, goat, pig and sheep judging.  The cow judging was in a spot of grass just outside the cow barn.  In the afternoon we noticed a huge crowd that must have decided the final beef cow judging.  I would have stopped to watch, but we were off to see rabbits.
6. Saw lots of things you just do not see every day!
7. Climbed on tractors, as often as possible!
8. Saw The Great American Duck Race.  The second show we were chosen!  So Simon and Norah  helped me to race a Mallard Duck, we had Tella Tubby.  When the duck whistle blew, I dropped our duck into the pool and we encouraged and splashed Tella Tubby to second place.  The best part was the border collie shepherding the ducks.  
9. Kids enjoyed corn dogs.
10. We enjoyed the pork sandwiches, purchased just outside the swine barn.  I always love that.  I thanked the pigs for my tasty sandwich!
11. I especially enjoyed the Home Arts building, and found out that I and my Mom could enter into the fair.  They want to fill up the building so entries are welcomed from anywhere.  And no rules of having to complete the item within the year of the fair.  This excites me!  Much smaller building, but lovely.  We saw cakes, cookies, canned goods, and all categories of needlework, yarn goods, quilts, afghans, and sewn items. 
12. The lady I talked to mentioned the Post Office on the grounds.  I forgot about this and did not find it to check on a postal stamp for a postcard.  Something to check on next year!
13. Enjoyed the Arts and Crafts building, filled with kid projects.  Like Lego and perler bead creations, drawings, simple craft projects and dioramas created by kids.  This excites the kids! Photos also entered, by adults, I think.
14. Heard and smelled the tractor pull.
15. Saw a radio station there.
16. Wandered through 2 commercial buildings.  My fave freebie is a pasta stirrer with holes in the handles to measure 1, 2, 3, or 4 servings of pasta.  The kids received medals for being a Champion of Health.  Simon totally was shnuckered into the rubber bristled broom, for $20.  He told us we needed that and he likes to sweep.
17. Many exhibits to walk past, plenty of food stands and gimmicks.  Midway like games were splattered throughout the fair, so we constantly had to tell kids about spending our money wisely and not on a quick one minute or less game where they would uncontrollably sob if they did not win anything.  Plus, we bought them a duck whistle, since we raced our duck for free.
18. Enjoyed the one stage of music to rest our tired tootsies.
19. That, is where I sat down next to a woman crocheting.  I, of course, brought my great take along project.  She started talking to me and asked what I was making, and I told her the whole story of how my amazing quilting aunt was having this project along and I had to join.  She was working on a doily thing with cotton yarn.  Her junior high and/or high school kids were serving in the Catholic church diner and she was waiting for their shift to be over.  She lives local and has spent the week at the fair. She works for he sister for Lion Brand yarn patterns or something like that.  Small story, she used to live in Villa Park and went to the same high school as Eric and his siblings.  She did not recall the names, even though she was just one year behind his sister in high school.  She shared some tough childhood life events, that she did not have an ideal childhood, and moved away to live her life as she wanted.  Her husband recently lost his battle to dementia.  She was so positive and upbeat.  Just us two ladies crocheting away a few minutes.  And in the end, she gave me her little half hour project.  We did not snap a picture, exchange names, give phone numbers, or share websites.  We ended with "maybe I'll see you next year at the fair".  It was lovely.
20. We ran into a teacher who works at my school and goes to the fair every year!
21. We ran into the lady who works in our church nursery and cared for Norah during Bible study and sometimes church when she was tiny. 
22. We watched the end of a cowboy show.  
23.  Three of us fell asleep in the car on the way home.  We had a very lovely, happy day at the fair.

What the differences were:

1. Size - just not as huge.
2. No daily parade
3. No birthing center for all farm animals.  
4. Not as big vendors, like Spam and Home Depot, unless I missed them,
5. While we do not eat a ton of food on a stick at the MN state fair, I sure missed people walking by and wondering what in the heck they were eating.  The variety was just not present at Sandwich. I was impressed with the pork booth and corn on the cob was present. There was a root bear stand that seemed to promise uniqueness.  
6. Princesses and the Butter Queen
7. No all you can drink milk
8. No crazy hats that everyone wears all day at the MN state fair.  Like the chicken hat, pickle hat or fish hat.
9. Not much 4H that I could tell, but definitely an FFA presence
10. No Grandma or Grandpa to enjoy the fair with, to teach farm facts or to enjoy obscure places and spaces with.
11. Not multiple stages for entertainment and places to rest.
12. Not 7 or more hours away over a holiday weekend!  So close to home!!!

We are all very happy this fabulous fair day!

4 Years in Review

Norah was born 4-ish years ago.

Five years ago I was moved to work in a new school.  Changing positions was not a novel idea, I changed positions quite a bit.

I had worked with preschoolers, but I was moved to the middle school.  I cried.

I really hated it.  The kids walked, talked with intelligibility, sat, wrote, read, answered questions . . . I had no clue what they needed from me.  I was told to clean up the caseload and reduce it.  So who really needed my services?  I was stuck in a room in the back of the library.  I saw no other adults unless I left my room.  One teacher had a joining door and she saved my sanity, I loved her and loved that she asked about my youngins'.

I cringed each day as I opened the door to enter. I never before watched the clock hoping school was over.  I had been at that school for about 2 years, like 8 years prior.  A LOT had changed and whenever I asked questions I was referred to someone else who knew the answer.  And then I was told "but you worked here before, you should know".  As if things always stay the same years and years later!

Then my room in the back of the library was to be converted to a green room, so I had to box up everything, pack it up and move for my 2nd year.  By the offices, in the front of the school.  I had a lovely neighborhood.  I enjoyed seeing my teacher neighbors at passing time.  I could conduct administrative tasks with ease and quickness.  I decided that I had to learn to like my job as going through my career unhappy was not good for my health, sanity, and family.  I quickly learned what they needed from me, and have quite the strategies and support to give to these students.

Then at the end of my 2nd year, I had to pack up everything into boxes because of a huge summer of construction and improvements.  Moving in was relatively easy as I had to just put things back the way they were.  After all my stuff was found, since all teachers' items were stored in PODS outside.

Then the next year a wall was to be be built, splitting my office, again.  I guess historically my office had been two;  I had a "back" door and a "front" door in my small, rectangular room.  But lovely and large for a speech/language therapy room. But no more.

So I had to pack up everything into boxes again after my 3rd year and move to the other side of the school for my 4th year.  And share with the OT.  And learn a new neighborhood of teachers.  I quickly adapted as I was away from the offices, had large windows, shared a printer with my hallway, had lots of space, and enjoyed the company.

I have just spent two days, with my kids in tow, setting up my room and getting ready for my 5th year at the middle school, my 14th school year!  Last night I realized that I am in GREAT shape for the start of the year.  Thanks to not having to unpack one box, decide where to put my desk, and how to arrange my room!!!  All I had to do was wipe down the furniture, tear paper off of my shelves, hang my posters/decor on the walls, empty my drawers, and arrange my desk-top and the tops of my shelves.  Mental effort can be spent on actual job-like duties!

Love/Hate Thursday

I love being off of work in the summer.  It's like I lead a double life.  Working Mom by school-year, stay-at-home Mom in the summer.

I hate that I am still working on accepting the fact that Eric's work does not allow him to take a week off for a summer vacation.

I'm in denial that summer break is coming to a close.

I love french press coffee in the morning.

I hate washing the french press glass by hand.

I love this, bought super super cheap.  It goes in the dishwasher.

I love going to sleep with a clean kitchen.  It doesn't happen often.

I hate waking up to empty the dishwasher.  I grumble when I do, and that's about daily.  I want to wake up and start the day by making breakfast with easy clean up.  Not dealing with the day before.

I love, love, love, the size of my kitchen and the cabinets within.  LOVE!

I love my projects and being a little bit crafty every day.

I dislike the unfinished and untouched projects collecting cob-webs!

I love that there is delicious yarn and a new pattern waiting for me.  I may just have Eric wrap it up and give it to me for my birthday.  It's that delicious.

I love numbers and dates and patterns they may have.   I love that on August 12, 2012 Eric and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary.

I love that we are going to see a movie and dine across the street from our first home together.  That is dinner AND a movie, I cannot recall the last time.  We would have coffee after, but our coffee house closes at 8:00 on Sundays.

I love getting new glasses.  These will be my frames.

I hate waiting for them, about a week or a little more.

I love the many pool days we have had, never shivering when we get out.  Makes for quite dry towels at the end.

I love that this week is cool.  We will be able to clean up our neglected yard and enjoy being outside, without melting.  I think I am ready for all things cool, crisp, apple-y, orange-red-yellow-brown, and fall!!!

I love that the we have been invited to a block party with the theme of "hoedown".   Costumes, hayrides, games, crafts, food, desserts, and good people.  Any ideas for a hoe-down like dessert to bring?

Anything you are loving or hating right now?

Trick-Or-Treat Wardrobes

So, I am now not too late in Halloween costumes.  I think my kiddos have decided, and am hopeful that they will not change  their minds.  The best thing is that I only have to gather, create, or purchase 1 costume.  The other only requires acquisition of an accessory.  Such exciting times, I know.

Norah wants to be a princess.  I am shocked.  This may change.  She previously declared she wanted to be a bee.  I have already made her a cape and a crown for a previous birthday gift.  We were looking on Etsy this morning for ideas.  After some discussion, I realized she is not a tutu kind of girl, but more of the satin dress.  She pulled out one of her long satin dress up dresses and emphatically told me that was a princess dress.  So, more looking for dresses (I'm not a huge fan of sewing sleeves and gathers and things that require button holes or zippers).  I would be sort of willing to buy a dress rather than having to make one.  Then, I wonder about her last year's Easter dress.  Then I re-discovered a satin dress with pink and green stripes that Grandma could not resist buying on sale for Norah.  This was a recent purchase.  It coordinates with her cape quite nicely.  Norah is quite willing to make her own star wand out of perler beads.  Tonight Daddy asked her if he could make her a wand, to which she said yes.  All that is left are her shoes.  If her feet don't grow, her Easter shoes should be fancy enough to wear and not worry about ruining as they probably to most likely won't fit her next spring.  Unless Payless and a coupon come through and provide something more pink-ish and sparkly (size 10 or 10 1/2 if anyone finds a bargain)!

Simon has decided to be a knight.  Both Simon and Norah are in love with this cute little show called "Mike the Knight".  We have nothing knight-ish in the house.  This will require gathering, collecting, purchasing, or creating.  Accessories always make the costume.   Here is one option to use as a guide.  However, we are interested in more of a helmet than the crown.

Items neeeded: armor/breast plate, shield, helmet, sword and sheath, and black boots.

Perhaps Halloween and party stores can supply some of these items as a knight is not an obscure costume.   I just hate spending money and getting flimsy material that rips one minute after donning it.  The idea of buying a costume is against my grain.

But how cute for my brave knight to save his darling princess!

Does that mean I am the lovely queen?

Project Bag

I recently saw this on Etsy.  I loved the simplicity and the fabric of it, but realized I could make it.  Not that I need another bag or purse.  I like the ones I have.  But, I found this  free pattern and fell in love.  I made a bag for Norah using two fabrics I used on her reversible dress.  It is adorable.  I put a pocket on the inside and the outside for her as she loves pockets.

I found some fabric that my Japanese sister gave me.  No, she is not Japanese, she lives in Japan.  I think she got it from her 100 Yen store (or a name something like that).  Similar to our dollar stores.  I thought it perfect and I had just enough.  My requirement was to use all materials from my stash.  I did not have a pretty patterned lining for this, but I did have red satin-like material.  (Left over from a red cape for Lil' Red Riding Hood a few Halloween's ago.)  I put two pockets in the lining, red on the inside of the pocket and the floral material for contrast on the outside of the pocket.

This was a pretty simple pattern with very easy to follow directions.  The only problem or difficulty was within myself.  Some of the details caused extra thinking and some seam ripping.  I was not ruffled or frustrated.  The variety of my finished projects has provided enough experience to carry me through sewing small projects quite well.

 Here are my on-the-go items.  Keys, cell phone, card holder (for store discount cards, reward cards, library card, etc that won't fit in my beloved small wallet),  and wallet.  Oh, I usually toss in a lip gloss as well.  But that's pretty much it!  Did you notice they are all red?

This was fun, and I cannot wait to use it.  Sometimes as my purse, sometimes to tote a small project, and I can't wait to see for what else it will come in handy.

I'm thinking of whipping up more of these beauties sans pockets.  I would use them to give gifts.  Giving gifts with useable wrapping is so very pretty, oh - and functional, too.

(Please do not mind the shadowy pictures.  I used my laptop to take the pictures on the couch.  No downloading needed and instant sharing.  Convenience won over a better photo!)

Not a "Fair" Comparison

The MN State Fair is the best fair in all of the land.  I mean the very best.  Nothing can compare.  People here say, "oh, I've been to fairs".  They just cannot comprehend the huge-ness of the MN State Fair. I have loved the fair since the first time I went.  Then, my college had to start before fair time.  I was able to go with my best friend and Dad before the fair started.

Then I stayed in IL.  I always return to work 2 weeks before Labor Day, so the fair has never been a possibility.  My return visit to the fair was on my maternity leave when Simon was itty-bitty.  We then had a second visit when my school was under construction and my work/school year started after Labor  Day.  We went during the first week of the fair and loved it! If I recall correctly, this was also the year Mom spent fair time in the hospital.  Simon now starts school 1 week before Labor Day.  We have to drive late Friday, of Labor Day weekend, to get there.  Driving back to IL on Labor Day is not a day of rest and traffic increases greatly once you pass WI Dells.  Madison to Chicago is usually bumper to bumper.  We went last year for the great State Fair weekend, but man was everyone ty-rid the entire next week.  I feel it not quite fair for Eric to spend his Labor Day off of work every year driving in a car.  The beginning of the school year is tough enough for me, but taking that weekend trip seemed to put me a bit backwards last year.  Granted, we play VERY HARD at the fair for two full days.  My parents live about 5 blocks from the entrance so we walk there and can come and go as we please.  Spending two full days at the fair is awesome, but you could not ever see EVERYTHING in those two days.

We have decided that we will go every other year to the State Fair.  I have to stop checking the website for daily events, new attractions, and the advertised new "food on a stick".  Can a person be "fair-sick"?

This year is the year that we do not go to the MN State Fair.  To still give us a big fair feeling, we are going to try the Sandwich County Fair in Sandwich, IL.  About an hour away from home.   A bit closer.  This fair is touted as a great big fair, we'll see about that.  But, if we get a sense of farm and have fun, this will work for the other, every-other year fair fun! It won't be the "great MN get together", but it'll be a fair!  And we'll have a ton of fun!

Bed and Breakfast

We enjoyed hosting our very own B & B.  Grandpa came, slept, and left.  Yep, we picked him up from the Metra in the evening.  How ironic that he took the Amtrak by bus from MN to IL.  We went out to eat for dinner then home for him to ready himself and his bike for his trip.  My two youngins thoroughly enjoyed seeing his flat cup, pantry, s and stove.  Simon was at the ready to help with his tool box in tow.

He woke early, ate oatmeal, and started his journey.  Off he biked down our little street on his way back to MN.

Our little street, to the Prairie Path, to the next destination, day by day.

50 miles per day.
10 days.

What a trip!

I officially joined and am part of an "along.  What is an "along?"  It is where several people work on the same project at the same time.  Usually one or a few people organize the whole thing for several people to follow.  This one is on-line, checking in on flickr, and  I am hooked.  Yep, I know only one person in this "along".  My aunt, an amazing quilter, is the only one I know.  I am not a quilter.  But this "along" fuses sewing and crochet.  I love small sewing projects and my heart is in yarn.  I can sew small squares of fabric, blanket stitch around, and then crochet a pretty border.  This may be the only "along" I'll ever do with my aunt, so I had to say yes and jump right in!  Not that I need another project, not at all!  But since touching yarn daily calms my soul and spirit, I embraced this project.

This will be for my curly girly's bed.  I wanted to use the girliest fabric I could find.

So, I bought charm packs.  NO cutting needed!  Not at all.  I can cut straight lines, but not 2 lines square to each other.  The main reason I am not a quilter.  I learned what a charm pack and a layer cake means when buying fabric.

I am now a fan of charm packs, by the way.  

I figured out a layout for these pretty fabrics.  There is a pattern of sorts to my arrangement of fabrics.  Looking back, I wish I picked just one or a few fabrics for the back.  I could go and order fabric for the back, but  I am all set to go.  The blanket will be almost reversible, with lots of girly fun and color all over.  This little girl print will last her quite a number of years.

I started with just one block, to make sure I had all steps figured out.  I sewed the two fabrics and a  right sides together with a cotton batting, turned it right-sight out, ironed and top-stitched.  Then I blanket-stitched around with white cotton crochet thread.  I counted, planned, crocheted with trial and error fervor, until I figured out a  symmetrical pattern.  I needed all sides to be the same, starting and ending with the same number of stitches.  The square had to lie flat with the corners neat and tidy.  I did not want it overly hole-y or completely solid.  I think I have a pattern!

Now, to sew, stitch, crochet, repeat, repeat, and repeat!

Sixty, Part Two

I am really not a fan of weeks when Eric works 60 or more hours.

He is not such a fan of that either.

Sixty

1. Last week was a very long week.
2. Last Sunday we went to church and were to have lunch and go to the pool.
3. But then it stormed.
4. The sky was an erie color and the wind and temperature change was intense.
5. The power went out before the storm began.
6. When the view out the window was milky white and the trees were sideways, we headed to the already darkened basement.
7. More than a thunderstorm, but less than a tornado.
8. Not a long storm, and barely any rain.
9. It was a lovely 65 degrees after the storm; it was previously in the 90's. It heated right back up in no time!
10. We hadn't had lunch, I didn't want to open my fridge.
11. Nothing around us was open, until we found that one restaurant.
12. Nobody had power.
13. 90-100 miles per hour winds were reported.
14. Sunday we slept upstairs, the kids were a bit scared.
15. I never thought we'd wake up with no power.
16. We spent the day buying batteries and flashlights and finding a cold place to get some relief.
17. Walmart was closed.
18.  Kohl's was closed.
19. KMart was closed.
20. Good will was open, but no AC and flickering lights.
21. Finally, the Dollar General had some AC to borrow.
22. The 2 pools in town were closed because they had no power to run the pumps
23. I could not sit outside without shade to watch Simon play baseball.
24. Instead, I emptied the dirty dishwasher and washed everything by hand.
25. I had water and by lighting my burners I could use my stove.
26. We ate popcorn and fruit, in the basement, with battery candles, lanterns, and flashlights.
27. The kids weren't too sure of the whole experience.
28. Because I slept on the pull out couch, they were asleep in no time in the playhouse.
29. Eric went to work that night, he had power there.  He had lots to do.
30. He took my cell phone to charge overnight.
31.  I honestly was quite freaked out with the two kids in the basement with no power and no connection and the sole responsible adult.
32. I'd run to the neighbors if needed.
33. I fell asleep, if I dwelled on that thougtht I'd never sleep.
34. Woke up with no pwer.
35. Wiped out the completely empty and defrosted refrigerator and freezer.
36. Dressings and such went to a neighbor's fridge running on a generator.  Freezer contents were resting cool and comfy at a friends house.
37. Took Simon for a haircut and browsed the neighboring store while waiting; loving the AC the whole time.
38. Lunched with Daddy.
39. Came home to the hot house to put on bathing suits and headed to a cousin's house for a family gathering.
40. They had a pool, electricity, and AC.
41. Simon changed his mind and chose to sleep at his cousins' house instead of being in the 4th of July parade, for baseball. 
42. They had power and food.
43. Eric and I came home the night of July 3rd, to the tree off of the wires across the street (thanks to Asplundh), and power restored around midnight. 
44. I caught up on laundry in the morning.
45. We went out for breakfast BY OURSELVES!  I leisurely sipped as much coffee as I desired.
46. I may have dozed on the couch.
47. The sirens 2 blocks away beckoned me to the parade. 
48. I was outside, in the shade, for less than an hour, and was a dripping mess.
49. Simon would have melted and been miserable the rest of the day.
50. Family party at Eric's Mom's in the afternoon of July 4th.
51. Headed to our friend's for their annual bash.
52. Walked a few blocks to see fireworks in the park.
53. Simon and Norah fell asleep DURING fireworks, wearing sound proof ear mufflers.
54. Came home and settled into an air conditioned house with power for night.
55. They played power outage, downed trees, severe weather with the doll house and lego firetruck.
56. I grocery shopped to fill the fridge and freezer. 
57. That was a job.
58. Actually, losing power for 60 hours is exhausting, especially in record breaking over 100 degree heat with miserable humidity.
59. I most missed a fan and the radio.
60. Yesteerday's power outages due to 2 downed live wires near our neighborhood was quite scary.  My kids are a bit gun-shy.  The burrrrrge of power shut down is not a pleasant sound.

We were okay.  Uncomfortable and a bit inconvenienced - of course.  Some people were out of power longer than us and dealt with significantly more damage.  Com Ed deserves a huge shout out for working 16 hour shifts then going home to sleep for 8.  Over the summer holiday! My guess is most of them went home to the same condtition of no power.  Several states were called in to help with the vastness of this storm's damage.  Let's just hope for rain.  Not storms!

The beginning of summer is here

Chocolate chip cookies were a hit. A rare treat to have CC cookies BEFORE lunch! And then Simon proceeded to eat his ENTIRE lunch. He was finally most excited to ride his bike to the library to sign up for the summer reading program. His summer work tasks to maintain skills sound fun to him, he's eager to start tomorrow. He told me that he does journals in the morning and math after lunch. Since he's used to school all day, this does not even phase him.  In Simon's echoing words from his lovely teacher, "We don't want to waste any learning time."   I do not want him to forget the skills he worked so hard to learn this year. Oh, those tricky math facts!!!  We don't want to waste what he learned.


Oh, and he came home telling us he went up to receive his pin for Perfect Attendance!! We didn't even   know.  He was sick, but it was over his Christmas break.  The boy was at school every single day for first grade!   Every single day! 


As I tucked him into bed, he asked me: "Mommy, after we do our homework (a.k.a. summer work) tomorrow, can we go to the bookstore to get my timer bookmark?"  He is finishing up spending his Grandma on the curvy street's Christmas money by buying one of those bookmarks that has a timer on top.  Since the summer reading program is in increments of 15 minutes and he needs to read 20 minutes every school day, this will come in handy on a daily basis.  He is so excited.  Of course I said yes.  He is a bit disappointed that we cannot bike there (too busy of streets).  

First and Last in First

I sent homemade chocolate chip cookies with my first grader way back on his first day of first grade.  He didn't eat any, he only ate one bite of his sandwich.  He'll be greeted with homemade chocolate chip cookies when he gets off the bus on his last day of first grade.

Norah and I have a job to do to make his surprise treat!

June 1st

Simon's last full day of school (a half day on Monday).
He has a hot dog and chips lunch in his room. 
He is so happy.
Although he announced yesterday that he will be doing math on Monday. 
Norah's last half day at the sitter, until next fall
Pool opens tomorrow.
I turned the heat on today.
Wanted to jump in a pool last weekend.
BBQ with friends planned tonight.
Will  bake the best potatoes ever for my dinner and some to share.
Will wear pants and long sleeves and bring coats.
My upper jaw is sore and tender in the back, but overall I am doing great.
I've eaten oatmeal, broccoli cheese soup, baked potato, and a shake.
My Dad is recovering just like me.  
Only, I think his was a much bigger surgery.
Simon is supposed to have baseball practice this evening.
He will dress in layers and wear a coat
He has a night game tomorrow under the lights.
He is so excited.
Last year's night game was rainy and chilly.
I'm hoping for just chilly this year.


How's your June 1st? 

Numb

My mouth is numb.  The roof, upper jaw, and some of my lips are numb.  Swallowing is weird.  I usually abhor the numb feeling, but today I am hoping it hangs around as long as possible today.

You see, I had my upper wisdom teeth pulled this morning.  They showed up in the back of my mouth around the same time that Norah was teething.  Not the most fun event to wake up looking forward to attending.  The worst part was the shots to the roof of my mouth.  Not so fun.  I hope the numbness last awhile.  Biting on gauze right now is just fine with me.  I did take some pain medicine to help when the numbing agents leave me.  And will take more when needed; it is not prescription - just over the counter.

So, numb today on a dreary, chilly rainy day. Norah is at the sitter and Simon is still at school.  I can rest, sleep, and even mope if I want to!

I hope you are not numb today!

Biking Local

Simon is road ready on his bike.  With one of us coaching him of course, on the rules and etiquette of the road and bike tips and tricks as we go.   He L.O.V.E.S it!  He made it to the library and back with ease awhile ago. At that time, I declared that we would be on the bikes all summer long.  If we want to go somewhere local, it will be on the bikes.  No need to start the car and drive such a short distance.  Simon finished an earth friendly/recycling unit at school, so this is one we are going to take care of the earth.  

Since we chose wisely on the location of our house (11 years ago), we can bike to many places.  We are sort of "on a grid".  Our house is not a part of a subdivision with one way in and out that encroaches on a major intersection that discourages biking and walking to places.  We have a variety of road options and destinations that allow for self-motivated modes of travel.  Granted, we have to navigate some pretty busy streets every so often, but that is a learning process and we are careful.

Norah can scoot on her Skuut bike up to a mile, so far.  She can keep up pretty good with Simon slower biking.  I can either walk fast or bike slow behind them.  But, she still loves the bike trailer and wants to ride whenever she can.  That just means I pull the trailer, her, and the contents of the errand.

In the last week, I have biked to ACE, Jo-Anne's, and the park in one trip with Norah.  I biked with Norah to Simon's baseball game (with a stop to return books at the library that reduced my load by an estimated 20 pounds).  Simon insisted that we bike to Aldi for our grocery shopping, with me pulling the groceries home in the trailer.  He did great, but he was wiped out.  The slight hills were difficult for him on his single speed bike. I biked solo to the Farmer's market to pick up the beloved pretzel bread for our Memorial Day snack.

I did drive to the library near bedtime with Norah and felt like I betrayed my bike.  My bike revolted by acting up and giving me gear trouble.  Some of the trips above were driven with access to the middle gear only.  It has since been fixed, and let me tell you it is much better driving with more than 2 gear options!

I have a 15 speed blue bike with an awesome removable front basket.  I can honestly say I have never bought a brand new bike.  My Dad junk picked this for me a very long time ago and it is still great.  The basket is removable for shopping trips.  Pick up the handles and it comes off, place it on the rack and flip the handles down and it is on the bike.  Great Christmas gift from my parents.  

I am not interested in knowing how many miles I biked and how fast I rode them for each trip.  I would say I am a recreational and destinational bike rider.  I'm hoping there is some exercise benefit as well. Although, it would be interesting to know how many miles we can log this summer. . . .

Simon was so happy to bring these to school to pass out to his classmates for his summer birthday treat.  We bought the supplies on Tuesday and he delivered them today, Friday.  I asked him if I made them pretty quick or if it took a long time.  He said it took a long time.  I beg to differ.  (25 total made)

Projects Projects!

I have been quite busy with a bunch of small projects.  (Pics are living on the camera.)  I crocheted up 2 cotton washcloths that matched two dishtowels, one which wrapped a delicious round loaf of crusty bread all tucked into a basket.  This was given to Simon's school to be raffled off at the teacher appreciation luncheon.  I do have pics of that, it was a lovely gift.  I would feel special if given a gift like that.

I went back and bought more of those lovely and colorful dishtowels, crocheted up 4 more dishcloths and wrapped all together for my Mom's Mother's day gift.  The package was shipped in the mail and was very colorful upon opening.  She received the package on Friday or Saturday and actually waited until Mother's Day to open it up.  She woke up and opened it first thing, but it was still Mother's Day and not before.  She has no patience and cannot keep her own gifts secret.  This is an accomplishment.

I just finished 25 crocheted bookmarks for Simon's summer birthday treats to pass out to his classmates.  He went with me to Hobby Lobby to pick out the supplies.  With coupons and sales, I would say $7.00 for 22 kids is a good deal, with leftover supplies to make another 25 bookmarks.  He decided on baseball beads with red cotton yarn.  (Chain 70, slip on a bead and slip stitch to chain, slip stitch down the chain, slip on bead and attach as before with a slip stitch.  Weave in ends.) Then I stapled each bookmark to a 6 1/2 by 4 1/4 piece of card stock in the shape of a number 7.  Then Simon stuck on a label that had typed on it "A bookmark for your summer reading!  From Simon".  He is a happy boy.  I love that I found a craft project for a boy, and that he is proud of it and it makes him happy.

Last night's prayer:
"Dear God,
I love you because you made Mommy know how to crochet.  I am thankful that I went to the store to get the stuff. . . . "

I am working on a crochet market tote bag for Simon's teacher's end of year gift.  I am using blue, green, and white crochet cotton.  Will put in that wonderful crusty bread.  Not sure what else, am thinking about a gift certificate to a local farmer's market.  Not yet sure what the bag will hold when given.

Am slowly working on that afghan to donate.  It is such an easy project to take places.  Just knit every row, each row only 20 some stitches.  Super easy.

And, I am still deciding on colors for my beach bag.  I am leaning towards royal blue, light blue (copenhagen), lime green and white.  Although, am considering oatmeal instead of white.  I am also tempted to do bright color on the bottom third, lighter color on the middle third, and white/light straw color on top.  Possible blue or pink with that.  So, nothing moving forward yet.  Here is the pic of the blue/green/white color scheme that I think is the winner. (Color only, not style of bag.)

And then there is always the tea set . . . .

and the Christmas cabled scarves . . .

And not enough time.

On the work side of things, I am wrapping up my year.  A $3 dollar garage sale air popper caused lots of delight in popcorn parties at school and after school snacks at home.  My office walls are looking quite bare and I am slowly but surely checking off my to-do items on my list.   Come May 30th, lots more time to work on the above!

Custom Means Deciding

So this custom bag, means I get to decide on what colors I want.  I will spend a lot of time making this bag, so it will last a long time.  That means I'll live with the colors I choose for a long time.  Today I am considering a natural, straw for the base.  Then, a darker pink and lighter pink for the colors.  Or dividing the rows equally and getting lots of bright colors.  Hmm, better think some more.  Just trying to envision the final project of me walking 1.25 blocks with my own custom handmade bag filled with my items to the pool.

Out of curiosity, how many and what colors would you pick?

Oh, the possibilities!  My eyes leaped to one of these bags, we'll see what you like.

A New Pool Bag

This summer I will carry my own pool bag.  My style, with my items. Items that could be carried include a towel, sunscreen, magazine/book, water, snacks, our "walking" key, pool pass, hat, sunglasses, phone, and maybe the camera.  Simon and Norah have their own cinch sacks to carry their own plush towels, water bottles, snacks, goggles, chair clips, and pool toys.  I will not schlep their belongings the 1.25 blocks to and from the pool.  Whining on the way home that it's too heavy will not be effective; they are welcome to leave it on the sidewalk and whoever walks by will have a pleasant treasure to take home.  I am NOT schlepping their things (I'll let you know in August if I stuck to my guns.)

I am hoping to sneak in a wee bit of reading this summer pool side.  By wee bit, I mean a page or two.  Perhaps some projecting a few stitches as well?  They are not yet strong swimmers, so this is mostly doubtful.  Plus, I like to remain cool in the pool.  I am not a sweaty sunbather.

So,  I would like a fun beach/pool bag for me.  A lot of thought has been put into this.  I have the straw bag from our honeymoon, I so love that bag.  I may still use it, despite the fact that it has faded.  The turquoise is not as brilliant and bold as it once was.  But I still am fond of it.  I'll probably start the summer with it as pool time is not that far away.

I fell in love with this pattern which uses cotton yarn.

Then I saw this pattern, which I may like even more than the love above.
 

Then, I found this pattern.  This uses raffia yarn and has the feel of a straw bag.  So cool for a pool bag, don't you think?  I found rayon raffia ribbon on 100 yard spools and not too pricey.  A new fiber to add to my skill set is always exciting.  I was thinking of turquoise, pink, green, orange, or white.  Leaning towards turquoise (I always fall for the bright blues when it comes to pool-wear), pink, and white.  But pink and orange are interesting as well.  Turquoise and green are pleasant together, too.  But what about that third color?  Do I add another? Not yet sure. Any suggestions?  

What would you throw over your shoulder if you were to walk 1.25 blocks to the pool carrying only your belongings for the first time since schlepping kiddo's items?

This just may be my project at my Mom's house in June!  Must arrive with a project or two in tow!

(sorry about the underlining, centering, and fuzzy pictures issues. blogspot is not too cooperative tonight.)

And the winner is . . . .

US!!!

Ever put your name in a raffle and win?  We did.  Simon's school had a Trivia Night fundraiser with a raffle.  (Remember our spectacular date night?) In support of the event and the school, I convinced Eric to buy 25 raffle tickets.  He let me do all the choosing.  I entered things like Bulls tickets, Blackhawks Tickets, Cubs tickets, Sox tickets, spa package, 1st grade special events for Simon to enjoy, dance classes for Norah,  four chances at winning our town's pool passes, among other things.  I cannot recall them all.

And we won!!!  As I was making my decisions, and there were plenty, I really wanted the pool passes.  We do live 1 block and 10 steps from our local pool.  We live there all summer long.  But we didn't win that.

Are you ready?

Do you want to know what we won?

Really?

Should I make you wait?

Should I make you guess?

What could it be?

Hmmm, is it a _______?

Who will enjoy or benefit from it?

Are you annoyed?

Well here it is.

We won "Landscape and Beyond 2012" - lawn cutting for a resident within our school district!  Now how exciting is that?!?

I know my Eric loves to cut the grass.  But if it is cut for him over and over and over, we will have plenty of Saturday mornings or weekday evenings or Sunday afternoons for other projects or play!   I hope he enjoys it.  Especially since he puts in so many hours at work!

The other option is to offer it to someone who needs it more than us.

Go Rays!

Last year Simon was a River Bandit.

This year he is a Ray. A Tampa Bay Ray.  (We are ecstatic that he is not a Sox.)

He is in the "farm" level of our town's baseball system. Yep, baseball.  The T, as in T-ball, is gone.  Players pitch for the first 2 innings, then the coaches pitch the rest of the game.

Last Saturday was Opening Day and his first game.  I forgot the camera.  That was a day where Eric enjoyed an all day men's retreat from church.  I took the kids for a Cub Scout's "Clean the Prairie Path " event-outside for 2 hours picking up litter and walking about a mile.  Norah says that she "cleaned up the world". I took them out for $1.00 burgers.  Home to rest.  Showered and readied myself to look nice for a date, with my honey, after the baseball game.  We had a sitter, and were going to enjoy some time together.  I was BEYOND EXCITED for that.  So, I forgot the camera.  Eric came home in time to pick up Simon and head to the game early, as he is helping out with the team. Don't worry, there will be LOTS of baseball with long games. Plenty of opportunities to snap a picture of my lil' guy.  Have I ever said that little boys in baseball uniforms are about the cutest thing ever?

It was quite chilly, and thankfully not drizzly.  Norah spent the game eating a ring pop, eating snacks, and riding her  new-to-her Skuut bike.  (We snatched the Skuut bike up at the used kids store along the Prairie Path on our walk back to the car after cleaning up the world!)

Wouldn't you know it Norah and I made the website?  Our picture is there.  I, in my pink winter-ish coat and Norah in her purple down coat and heart fleece hat.  Do you see her?  We were chilly.  After our summery March, Opening Day of baseball felt like winter.

At least I look good, thanks to my shower and readying myself!

Ta - Duh! and You Have to Clap

Norah has been putting on "shows" for a long time now.
She loves to sing.
She loves to belt out a made-up song, standing on a stool, trying to twirl, and sometimes falling to the floor.
Some of you have been lucky enough to hear her, uh-hem, singing.
She wants to be on the stage someday.
Except, when she has a chance to sing with her preschool in front of the church, she experiences stage fright mixed with the need to escape.
We guess she doesn't want to share the stage.

Actually, she is quite dramatic, expressive, and hysterical.
I mean, we bust a gut laughing.
She is funny.
Her facial expressions, body movements, and how she uses her voice is entertaining.
Her audience must clap at the end.
The end is known by a deep bow with an arm extended across her body, accompanied by a slight curtsy.

The show is usually delayed by the necessity to find the stool to stand on, her "song-book" (a.k.a. some plastic play-dough toy with a removable piece that has a hinge and opens), the dress-up item of choice, and the microphone (Duplos made into a stick or a toy telescope).
So tonight, we had stool issues, and decided to use the large wooden step down into the family.
Why didn't we think of this sooner?
She could actually dance on it without the fear of a possible twisted ankle.
It is large enough to share.
The audience has chairs to face her.
We are considering crafting up a rod with a velvet curtain to create the full stage effect.

Tonight's program consisted of  the songs: "Easter Sunday Morning" and "Cockle Doodle Doo" while wearing her kangaroo costume and new garden gloves with the telescope in hand.

Long time favorite songs include "Shiver Shauber What Do You Know?" and "Pass the Budgeon" (a.k. budget).

Simon gets stage jealousy.  He is not chatty or imaginative in his conversation.  He sings a made-up song with just one word, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, or he copies his sister.

Norah declared at one point this evening:  "The show is cancelled; Daddy is not here.  The audience is only one."
He was putting dinner dishes away at that moment.
I said, "Well, you could rehearse or practice until he comes back".
To which she responded, "I don't know the re-curse song."

This little girl is incredibly fun and I love her so much!  I truly hope that someday, I get to see her on the stage.

A bit quiet 'round here

A lil' bit quiet here.  I am in nearing the end of IEP's; only 3 more evaluations to write up and then the IEP's.  One more evaluation to start and then write up.  I think I am done with general annual review meetings.  Trying to serve all of my students while going to these meetings.  It is IEP season for sure!

Eric continues to be crazy, crazy busy at work.  Like, it is only Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. and he has already put in 37 hours this week.   And probably not near done.

That means I am trying to be more helpful at home.  (Remember, it is IEP season around here.)

We are all wearing down, and really looking forward to the break come summer.  (I think for me May 30th and June 5th for Simon!)  I seriously think Simon will get off the bus, hop in the car, and off to Grandma's we go.  What a way to kick off summer.

I still have St. Patrick's Day pics and Easter pics to first just take off of my camera.  Not ready to deal with our "slower than my work laptop" computer in the disheveled basement.  But, we are slowly cleaning the basement which has been neglected and declared the stashing spot.  Oh, and I am getting ready for a rummage sale. I will breathe some free space when the collected items leave my house!

I am up (sluggishly) at 5:30sih and I go strong until 8:30/9:00 at night.  That's when I yarn, sit, read, cht with Eric, pick up around the house, consider other tasks, or fall asleep on the couch.

I generally get some yarn time in, a little sneak here and there and a bit at night.  Last night I so wanted to work on another cabled scarf that will go in my Christmas gift stash, just couldn't do it.  I love my simple and chunky cabled pattern; the scarves work up so quick and are very soft and warm.

See you later, when I can.

A Car Conversation

On Thursday, I rang bells for Maundy Thursday service. Evening services prove tricky as the timing quickly approaches/overlaps bedtime. So I drove myself early to practice, then Eric followed with Simon and Norah. During this time of Lent, I usually feel a bit Good-Friday-ish every Tuesday. You see, Tuesday is bell choir rehearsal, and practicing songs for the time of Jesus' crucifixion is a bit somber. Rightly so. Much happier and blessed feelings come when practicing for the Easter resurrection music.

Since our household currently holds strong opinions on girls and boys, you will often find the girls together and the boys together. Norah drove home with me. Without fail, she was chatty. I love this about her. She is talkative, inquisitive, making connections, and will say anything on her mind. I did not, and do not have this with Simon.

Norah: Are we taking the moon home?

Me: No, we cannot take the moon home.

Norah: But when I look at it, it is moving.

Norah: How does Jesus get through?

Me: What?

Norah: How does Jesus get through?

Me: Get through what, honey?

Norah: How does Jesus get through and into our hearts?

Now I was driving, and trying to give the best answer possible. I said Jesus loves us and is always with us. His spirit is inside of us. I will follow up with we need to have faith and believe in Him.

I have a feeling this little girl will stun me more than once with important questions of life, at unexpected moments. I love her so much.

This Lent season has been so special with the kids. Moments I don't want to forget:

• Making our Hallelujah banner.
• Simon following along and reading the responses with gusto.
• Norah singing in church, only humming along as she cannot read and doesn't know all the songs.
• Norah's conversations in church. Simple questions with simple honesty. Truly, the faith of a little child. No wonder Jesus truly and deeply loves the little children.
• Simon singing "Lamb of God" at home.
• Norah's drawing on the fridge; a cross, with Jesus on it. She put dots on the hands and feet, and knew they were for nails. She drew this in church.
• Their excitement of receiving their Easter postcards in the mail, and singing the songs I wrote (Christ the Lord is Risen Today and He Lives). We did whisper-sing the Alleluia part.
• Having them both notice the stripping of the altar, the darkness of Good Friday, and understanding this was a sad/hard time. But Jesus' death was the most incredible sacrifice and gift of life ever.
• Knowing that Hallelujah/Alleluia is to be said on Easter with great rejoicing.

Many blessings to you on Easter. May you celebrate God's greatest gift of love insuring that we have an undeserved and eternal home in heaven.

Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed.

Alleluia

Oh, to stand!

I just saw my child do one of the funniest things I may have ever seen in this journey of motherhood. I caught a glimpse of Norah in the bathroom. I did a double take when I investigated closer. I saw her peeing at the toilet standing, facing forward, and leaning just a bit. She declared "I want to pee like Simon". I almost busted a gut laughing, but the seriousness in her voice and expression told me she really wanted to pee standing up. I told her that girls must always sit on the toilet. Oh, the tears at learning that she cannot stand to pee. I told her she does not have a pee-pee and she is not a boy. Girls always sit to go to the bathroom. She was not behaving badly; she was not mischievous. She was thinking and her wheels were spinning. After some hugging and comforting, the bubble bath distracted her from her disappointment.

Then, into the tub she goes. Spray and clean the accident. Throw the clothes in the laundry. This was not on the straightening, cleaning, prepping, and cooking list!

I am hosting Easter Brunch with a small side of Norah's birthday with Eric's family. I love Easter. I love ringing bells during this time. I love Easter brunch. Eric's family pitches in. Here is the menu:

Breakfast:

At church after service

He is Risen Rolls (at home)

Appetizers:

(not a fan, I'd rather people eat most of the food I've prepared)

bacon wrapped sausage

hard boiled eggs (perhaps deviled eggs)

Main Event:

ham

cheesy potatoes

french toast bake

egg basil strata

spinach lasagna

homemade applesauce (my pork lovin' family adores applesauce on the side)

On the sweet side:

fruit plate

homemade cinnamon rolls

frosted almond cake (for b-day purpose)

jelly beans

For the glasses:

mimosas

juice

ginger ale

(I even purchased leeks for potato leek soup. And the beans for bean and ham soup. I sure hope there are leftovers!)

Last weekend Simon said "and our postcards will come in the mail". He was full of anticipation and excitement. I have in the past sent them Easter fabric postcards each year; and they are displayed on the mantel as our Easter decorations. So, I spent this morning with Norah in preschool making them so no pairs of eyes would see what I was doing. I pulled off the total mail surprise with mail from my house to my house. Whew!! They also know to expect an outside egg hunt. Have all items, just need to fill and mark eggs. I don't do candy; Simon won't eat any and Norah will eat all.