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.