Tom had a gig -complete with light show and fog machine-tonight, but he is busy getting presents organized for the morning now.
The boys and I went to Cindy and Rick's for Christmas Eve dinner-which was a lot of fun. The coffee, cookies and dinner were all wonderful. The boys exchanged gifts with Trevor and Annika and we headed back home to get ready for bed.
After opening Christmas pajamas, Ian got his Santa cookies and milk ready, along with a card he made today that says "Santa, I Love You". We read the Grinch while Connor began serious meltdown hour, mostly due to his big molar teeth that are coming in this week. Great timing!
Ian was in bed and the boys were asleep rather quickly. So now, the work begins-Tom is putting together toys and I will be getting things ready after I finish this.
My mom is coming in-she was supposed to be here this evening, but her flight was canceled so she is flying out tomorrow morning and will be here in the afternoon. She decided to stay over in the airport, so I've checked on her a few times and she seems to be okay. Her flight is early and going through Atlanta now, instead of Detroit, so I imagine that she should have no really troubles getting here, but I am keeping my fingers crossed. Say a little extra Merry Christmas for her as I know she is a little disappointed not to be here as planned and staying in the airport cannot be any fun.
Alright-off to make Santa's arrival is very smooth! Stay tuned for Christmas details tomorrow!
Merry Christmas to everyone and may you have a peaceful and joyful time with family or friends.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Preparations
Cookies....errands....making ornaments with googly eyes....Ian adding sprinkles to cookies... dropping off presents....rearranging the furniture....cleaning....phone calls....emails....work....
I actually put the boys to bed tonight and took a bath. Then I tackled the dishes (did I mention that the dishwasher is not cleaning? RRR) and attached photos to ornaments. Next a cup of tea before finishing presents and deciding what will need to get done tomorrow.
But the best part was driving home with the boys tonight and spotting an enormous lighted snowman in one of the neighborhoods. We followed the lights and discovered a little cul-de-sac had music and tons of Christmas displays. The boys were totally awed and Ian was delighted to point out everything he saw to Connor, who responded with a big "WOW!" each time.
As we drove away, Ian said, "Santa said hi to me."
All the hustle and bustle is worth it to see their faces and hear their happy voices.
I actually put the boys to bed tonight and took a bath. Then I tackled the dishes (did I mention that the dishwasher is not cleaning? RRR) and attached photos to ornaments. Next a cup of tea before finishing presents and deciding what will need to get done tomorrow.
But the best part was driving home with the boys tonight and spotting an enormous lighted snowman in one of the neighborhoods. We followed the lights and discovered a little cul-de-sac had music and tons of Christmas displays. The boys were totally awed and Ian was delighted to point out everything he saw to Connor, who responded with a big "WOW!" each time.
As we drove away, Ian said, "Santa said hi to me."
All the hustle and bustle is worth it to see their faces and hear their happy voices.
Monday, December 22, 2008
You Know You are Loved When.....
-your husband asks you if you want an English muffin, with the timeless phrase:
"I only took one bite out of it and Connor dropped it on the floor, but it's okay."
That's love.
-your son, who has just yesterday learned checkers by playing 5 matches against you, before your husband steps in to teach him how to play correctly (so you can't move backwards in checkers?). Following about 10 rounds of checkers yesterday, he wakes at 7am to say:
"So, Mommy, are you ready to play checkers?"
-your little son starts every conversation with:
"Daddy? Mommy?? D-mommy? Mommy? MOMMY??" (must verbally acknowledge him before he will continue with the actual point-which will contain the words "Lightning McQueen".)
-Your husband who has a toothache and has a gig at 5pm, still offers to take you to the grocery store, drives AND pays for the groceries. Which is good, because otherwise we would have no groceries. ;)
-your son tells you that while your car is very cool, it would be waaay cooler if you painted the entire outside of the car in "camo".
"Because that would be really, really awesome, Mommy!" Riiight.
-your son who is glowing with fever, yet also glowing with personality wants to sit with you all the time.
"I want up, Mommy." I pick him up, his little body roasting and radiating.
"Right, Mommy!" His new encouragement when I do something "right." We have slept on the couch for the past two nights because being sick is not right.
-your son thinks that you only want Disney Princess girly stuff for Christmas.
"We're boys and we don't like that girly stuff. Only you do, Mommy."
Do you know how tempted I am to get Ian something Disney Princess for his stocking?? Seriously??
If someone could wrap up all of these classic phrases and moments, put them in a box for me and give them to me year after year-that would be the best present in the world. I am so afraid I will forget something, but I always know how much I am loved.
"I only took one bite out of it and Connor dropped it on the floor, but it's okay."
That's love.
-your son, who has just yesterday learned checkers by playing 5 matches against you, before your husband steps in to teach him how to play correctly (so you can't move backwards in checkers?). Following about 10 rounds of checkers yesterday, he wakes at 7am to say:
"So, Mommy, are you ready to play checkers?"
-your little son starts every conversation with:
"Daddy? Mommy?? D-mommy? Mommy? MOMMY??" (must verbally acknowledge him before he will continue with the actual point-which will contain the words "Lightning McQueen".)
-Your husband who has a toothache and has a gig at 5pm, still offers to take you to the grocery store, drives AND pays for the groceries. Which is good, because otherwise we would have no groceries. ;)
-your son tells you that while your car is very cool, it would be waaay cooler if you painted the entire outside of the car in "camo".
"Because that would be really, really awesome, Mommy!" Riiight.
-your son who is glowing with fever, yet also glowing with personality wants to sit with you all the time.
"I want up, Mommy." I pick him up, his little body roasting and radiating.
"Right, Mommy!" His new encouragement when I do something "right." We have slept on the couch for the past two nights because being sick is not right.
-your son thinks that you only want Disney Princess girly stuff for Christmas.
"We're boys and we don't like that girly stuff. Only you do, Mommy."
Do you know how tempted I am to get Ian something Disney Princess for his stocking?? Seriously??
If someone could wrap up all of these classic phrases and moments, put them in a box for me and give them to me year after year-that would be the best present in the world. I am so afraid I will forget something, but I always know how much I am loved.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Tom bought the boxed set of Charlie Brown holiday DVD's and we promised Ian we would watch with hot cocoa and popcorn last night.
Ian was helpful for much of the day, including with pulling old bermuda grass and weeds and helping to get them into the green barrel. Following that, he and Connor spent a good portion of the afternoon running errands with me. Connor was running a fever by the end of errands and Ian continued to be pleasant and conversational.
He helped chose dinner and ate much of it. Following that, we gave him his mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows and a bag of popcorn. Connor fell asleep for a few hours on the couch during dinner, but we included him in watching the movie. It was so nice to just have the Christmas lights on, and sit bunched up on the beanbags together.
This morning, Connor is feeling much better. Ian is sitting on the floor playing Legos and I washed the kitchen floor with baking soda, peroxide and a little vinegar to get the grout clean. It looks very clean, but rinsing the floor is a pain. But it is clean! Like, really clean!
Today, we are going to assemble a gingerbread house for Ian and I am working on finishing some of my Christmas presents (I cannot say as some of my trusty readers might be recipients) and try to get to the grocery store so we don't have to go later this week.
Special note: Ian now weighs 38 pounds-just two pounds away from the booster seat! I have left some crackers out for him to snack and I am wondering if I buy him a booster seat and show him, if he might feel incentive to actually eat.
Ian was helpful for much of the day, including with pulling old bermuda grass and weeds and helping to get them into the green barrel. Following that, he and Connor spent a good portion of the afternoon running errands with me. Connor was running a fever by the end of errands and Ian continued to be pleasant and conversational.
He helped chose dinner and ate much of it. Following that, we gave him his mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows and a bag of popcorn. Connor fell asleep for a few hours on the couch during dinner, but we included him in watching the movie. It was so nice to just have the Christmas lights on, and sit bunched up on the beanbags together.
This morning, Connor is feeling much better. Ian is sitting on the floor playing Legos and I washed the kitchen floor with baking soda, peroxide and a little vinegar to get the grout clean. It looks very clean, but rinsing the floor is a pain. But it is clean! Like, really clean!
Today, we are going to assemble a gingerbread house for Ian and I am working on finishing some of my Christmas presents (I cannot say as some of my trusty readers might be recipients) and try to get to the grocery store so we don't have to go later this week.
Special note: Ian now weighs 38 pounds-just two pounds away from the booster seat! I have left some crackers out for him to snack and I am wondering if I buy him a booster seat and show him, if he might feel incentive to actually eat.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Panic
Mornings are not a Murphy-friendly time. We tend to run late, due to whatever is happening-Ian not wanting to get up or get dressed in timely manner or Connor not wanting to get his jacket on or Tom waking up late or me trying to make breakfast, make lunch, pack bags, pack the car and remember to eat breakfast.
This morning, Connor slept until 7:20am, through a deluge of rain and allowing me to have a quiet shower and get the dishwasher unloaded before breakfast. Ian got dressed without too much commotion and was pleasant to deal with, so of course you know that things are going much too smoothly.
Tom leaves for school and because I tend to have a guitar and several bags of school stuff and the boys backpack, I went in the garage to put my belongings in the car before getting the boys into the car. Ian followed me into the garage and we get everything situated quickly. We just need to get Connor.
And the door back into the house is now locked.
Connor is on the other side, talking to me and calling me. I knock on the door and plead with him to open the door. (no, I didn't have my keys-they were in the house) He clearly doesn't understand what I am asking him to do, as he first begins knocking back on the door. Then sensing my urgency, begins to cry. And then wail. I give up trying to coerce him to open the door and struggle between anger and panic.
Ian, ever the righteous brother, gives a monologue on what Connor did and why it is wrong-through the door. Meanwhile, I am not exactly certain where Tom hid the spare house key. I run around to the back door, which Connor does know how to unlock. I pound on the back door for him to unlock the door, but I can see him rolling on the floor by the washing machine, screaming as he probably thinks we have now left him behind. Or more likely from listening to Ian lecture him.
Thankfully and before I start to smash windows or find a neighbor, I remember that I left a key hidden a few weeks earlier and hoped that I hadn't moved it. It was still there and I ran around to the garage to open the house door.
Now Connor is at the back door, looking for me as he has finally figured out that I was at that door waiting for him. He is practically purple and heaving with alligator tears, so I scoop him up and sit with him for a moment. Then, we get into the car-with keys-with Connor- and we are now running ten minutes late.
Lesson: I need to carry keys with me. I need to teach Connor not to lock me out. I need to know where the spare keys are kept. I need to react a little more calmly so that Connor doesn't panic. I also need to laugh because it's a pretty good story.
This morning, Connor slept until 7:20am, through a deluge of rain and allowing me to have a quiet shower and get the dishwasher unloaded before breakfast. Ian got dressed without too much commotion and was pleasant to deal with, so of course you know that things are going much too smoothly.
Tom leaves for school and because I tend to have a guitar and several bags of school stuff and the boys backpack, I went in the garage to put my belongings in the car before getting the boys into the car. Ian followed me into the garage and we get everything situated quickly. We just need to get Connor.
And the door back into the house is now locked.
Connor is on the other side, talking to me and calling me. I knock on the door and plead with him to open the door. (no, I didn't have my keys-they were in the house) He clearly doesn't understand what I am asking him to do, as he first begins knocking back on the door. Then sensing my urgency, begins to cry. And then wail. I give up trying to coerce him to open the door and struggle between anger and panic.
Ian, ever the righteous brother, gives a monologue on what Connor did and why it is wrong-through the door. Meanwhile, I am not exactly certain where Tom hid the spare house key. I run around to the back door, which Connor does know how to unlock. I pound on the back door for him to unlock the door, but I can see him rolling on the floor by the washing machine, screaming as he probably thinks we have now left him behind. Or more likely from listening to Ian lecture him.
Thankfully and before I start to smash windows or find a neighbor, I remember that I left a key hidden a few weeks earlier and hoped that I hadn't moved it. It was still there and I ran around to the garage to open the house door.
Now Connor is at the back door, looking for me as he has finally figured out that I was at that door waiting for him. He is practically purple and heaving with alligator tears, so I scoop him up and sit with him for a moment. Then, we get into the car-with keys-with Connor- and we are now running ten minutes late.
Lesson: I need to carry keys with me. I need to teach Connor not to lock me out. I need to know where the spare keys are kept. I need to react a little more calmly so that Connor doesn't panic. I also need to laugh because it's a pretty good story.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
One More Day!
One more day, two more Kindergarten concerts before vacation unofficially begins on Friday.
I changed up the blog a bit with a new header photo and new template. I like the new colors, but not that everything appears smushed into the center. Let me know your thoughts....I'll tweak it a bit more as I think about it and use it more.
Other than that, Tom and I are both rather crabby tonight....which at least we both are admitting crabbiness. Adding to our mood was the fact that we found out tonight that the Santa present we chose for Connor was oversold and is not available on any website. Meaning we are back to figuring out a cool present for him AND we probably have to actually go into the toy store. Blurg, as Liz Lemon would say.
After a complete reading of the Grinch (the Grinch played by Tom and me as the narrator), the boys were back to their bedtime antics (see previous post). At one point, I heard them jumping around and getting wild, so I went all Mommy on them. As I walk in and holler, "GET INTO THAT BED RIGHT NOW!"-Ian flies into his bed, pulls his blankets up and pretends to be asleep. "Do NOT think that you can fool me with pretending to be asleep this whole time. I know you are awake, young man." Silently continuing to feign sleep-a rather stellar performance. Connor, on the other hand, has gotten into bed but continues to ask for stuffed animals already sandwiched somewhere in his bed. "Where Ribbit? " I respond that I honestly do not care where Ribbit is and have no interest in looking for him. Ribbit miraculously appears from under ten other cars and animals. Following this, the boys finally go to sleep.
It's definitely a comedy routine at our house.
I changed up the blog a bit with a new header photo and new template. I like the new colors, but not that everything appears smushed into the center. Let me know your thoughts....I'll tweak it a bit more as I think about it and use it more.
Other than that, Tom and I are both rather crabby tonight....which at least we both are admitting crabbiness. Adding to our mood was the fact that we found out tonight that the Santa present we chose for Connor was oversold and is not available on any website. Meaning we are back to figuring out a cool present for him AND we probably have to actually go into the toy store. Blurg, as Liz Lemon would say.
After a complete reading of the Grinch (the Grinch played by Tom and me as the narrator), the boys were back to their bedtime antics (see previous post). At one point, I heard them jumping around and getting wild, so I went all Mommy on them. As I walk in and holler, "GET INTO THAT BED RIGHT NOW!"-Ian flies into his bed, pulls his blankets up and pretends to be asleep. "Do NOT think that you can fool me with pretending to be asleep this whole time. I know you are awake, young man." Silently continuing to feign sleep-a rather stellar performance. Connor, on the other hand, has gotten into bed but continues to ask for stuffed animals already sandwiched somewhere in his bed. "Where Ribbit? " I respond that I honestly do not care where Ribbit is and have no interest in looking for him. Ribbit miraculously appears from under ten other cars and animals. Following this, the boys finally go to sleep.
It's definitely a comedy routine at our house.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
GO TO BED!
How do you not love this little face? Even at 3:00am, 6:00am or 10:00pm, when his chipper spirit implores you to get him something to eat, to drink or simply to join him in whatever he wants to do.
3:00am.
"Mommy??" (Mommy groggy with sleep)
"Huh?"
"Cereal."
"Connor, it's 3:00am. Go to bed."
"No. Cereal. Theese way." (pointing)
"Connor, seriously. Go to bed." (getting up to put him back into bed)
"No. Cereal. Theese way. THEESE WAY!" (Connor is remanded to his bed.)
A half an hour passes. Soft padding feet return to my bedside.
"Mommy?"
"Yeah, Connor." (not even opening eyes)
"I want up."
I pull him up next to me in bed and he falls asleep like a puppy, warm and floppy.
6:30am. Connor slides out of bed.
"Mommy?"
"Connor, it's 6:30, dude. Seriously."
"No. Mommy? Cereal. Apple JACK!" Runs off to kitchen. Returns dragging large container of apple juice.
"Mommy?"
"Yeah, Connor."
"Apple Joooose!" Pointing to juice. "There!"
I am forced to comply.
9:00pm. This time, Connor should be asleep from his 7:45pm bedtime. Ian is sound asleep. After a series of reprimands for jumping on the bed and falling off, the door slams and feet pad down the hall into the kitchen.
"Mommy?"
"Connor, go to bed."
"No. I want water."
"Connor, you had water. Time for night-night."
"No. No night-night. Water." Walking toward refrigerator, undaunted.
"Connor, it's bedtime." I scoop him up and return him to his bed.
"No, Mommy! I want water." I cover him with the blanket.
"No. Mommy. I want juice."
"Good night, Connor."
"No. Mommy, I want Lightning McQueen car." Ever the procrastinator.
Five minutes later, repeat scene.
Five minutes after that, repeat scene. Finally the child falls asleep sometime around 9:30 or 10:00pm.
3:00am. Repeat from the beginning.
Whatever possesses this boy not to sleep-be it active brainwaves or some kind of retribution for something I did to my mother as a child-YAWN....I am getting too tired to finish this point. Occasionally he sleeps until 7:15am. Occasionally he goes right to sleep.
Only occasionally.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Happy Birthday Super Aunt Sooooz!!!
I adore my sister-in-law and wish her a lovely birthday today. We all love and miss you, Soooz! We cannot wait for our Mini-Murphy reunion so we can hold a belated celebration. xoxoxo
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday Funnies
Friday came and went with few moments to catch a breath, but a day of normalcy would be too boring for us.
Tom enjoyed his day off with the boys-spending a decent chunk of time helping Ian build a Lego Agent speedboat that Ian bought with his own money. That is a story on its own and I'll find a day to write that for you. Let's just say that the concept of gift cards is a lesson that is not easy to understand.
We baked cookies and ziti for the Karate Christmas party (yes, I baked!)-Ian ate bread and butter and five million cookies, plus cake. Following dinner, the kids were brought over to sit for the raffle for prizes, including a Nintendo Wii, a skateboard and several gift cards for various restaurants, massages and for the karate studio store. Ian sat very patiently, with his hand raised the entire time. All of the other kids won the big prizes, but Mr. Meza decided to make sure that everyone has their name called for something. So, Ian won a gift card to MiAmigos restaurant. Again, because handing him a small card isn't terribly exciting, he wasn't quite sure how to react. Mr. Meza explained that he could take the card in for an ice cream or dessert at the restaurant. Says Ian, "Can I buy some Legos with it?" Anyway, I think Mr. Meza has a soft spot for Ian because he came back a few moments later with a little purple rubber martial arts bracelet for him. We explained this shows that Ian is a black (or purple) belt leader. He promptly took him home and put it around Froggy, because Froggy is a purple belt leader and he didn't go to the party. So cute.
Beyond that, the day was spent with sharks with frickin' laser beams on their head and secret agent submarines and rescue missions.
Connor woke us up this morning by having discovered a tupperware box of cookies on the kitchen counter, got a chair and got them down, carried them in to us and announced:
"HEY, COOKIE!" Vigorous pointing followed.
His latest phrases:
"Hey, Mommy!"
"Hey, Ian!"
"Hey Guys!"
"Hey Daddy-Mommy!" (I am back to being Daddy before he self-corrects)
"Watch this" Pops entire cookie into mouth.
As I say, there is really isn't a dull moment in our house. At least in our estimation, there is always a good story to be told.
RUNNING LOG: Ran 1/2 hour today -down to the main street and back-with three walk sessions interspersed. The better running shoes make a HUGE difference! Goal is to run without walking down and back to the house. That might take a few tries!
Check out the sidebar for some new pictures courtesy of Sarah!
Tom enjoyed his day off with the boys-spending a decent chunk of time helping Ian build a Lego Agent speedboat that Ian bought with his own money. That is a story on its own and I'll find a day to write that for you. Let's just say that the concept of gift cards is a lesson that is not easy to understand.
We baked cookies and ziti for the Karate Christmas party (yes, I baked!)-Ian ate bread and butter and five million cookies, plus cake. Following dinner, the kids were brought over to sit for the raffle for prizes, including a Nintendo Wii, a skateboard and several gift cards for various restaurants, massages and for the karate studio store. Ian sat very patiently, with his hand raised the entire time. All of the other kids won the big prizes, but Mr. Meza decided to make sure that everyone has their name called for something. So, Ian won a gift card to MiAmigos restaurant. Again, because handing him a small card isn't terribly exciting, he wasn't quite sure how to react. Mr. Meza explained that he could take the card in for an ice cream or dessert at the restaurant. Says Ian, "Can I buy some Legos with it?" Anyway, I think Mr. Meza has a soft spot for Ian because he came back a few moments later with a little purple rubber martial arts bracelet for him. We explained this shows that Ian is a black (or purple) belt leader. He promptly took him home and put it around Froggy, because Froggy is a purple belt leader and he didn't go to the party. So cute.
Beyond that, the day was spent with sharks with frickin' laser beams on their head and secret agent submarines and rescue missions.
Connor woke us up this morning by having discovered a tupperware box of cookies on the kitchen counter, got a chair and got them down, carried them in to us and announced:
"HEY, COOKIE!" Vigorous pointing followed.
His latest phrases:
"Hey, Mommy!"
"Hey, Ian!"
"Hey Guys!"
"Hey Daddy-Mommy!" (I am back to being Daddy before he self-corrects)
"Watch this" Pops entire cookie into mouth.
As I say, there is really isn't a dull moment in our house. At least in our estimation, there is always a good story to be told.
RUNNING LOG: Ran 1/2 hour today -down to the main street and back-with three walk sessions interspersed. The better running shoes make a HUGE difference! Goal is to run without walking down and back to the house. That might take a few tries!
Check out the sidebar for some new pictures courtesy of Sarah!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
SCORE!
As noted, I was beginning to feel a sense of impending panic when I visited four local Target store and one Wal-Mart without finding the Lego Agents Mobile Command Center. Even Tom, who doesn't get obsessed about finding toys, offered to look for it. I immediately asked my friends if they happened to see one in their errands to let me know.
My friend Julie sent me a text this afternoon, saying she had found the Lego set and offered to buy it for me. I said YES and paid her back this evening. So, my Ian present is really done. Of course, I have gotten him a few books and little stocking stuffers, but this is going to be THE present. Thank you, Julie! And a special thanks to Lynn, who also took some time to visit some Targets for me as well-this was a full out operation!
My friend Julie sent me a text this afternoon, saying she had found the Lego set and offered to buy it for me. I said YES and paid her back this evening. So, my Ian present is really done. Of course, I have gotten him a few books and little stocking stuffers, but this is going to be THE present. Thank you, Julie! And a special thanks to Lynn, who also took some time to visit some Targets for me as well-this was a full out operation!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Let the Busy-ness Begin
As we move into the final stretch before winter break, rehearsals, concerts and Christmas activities abound.
First of all, the Sonoran Desert Chorale is presenting "Peace on Earth" this Saturday and Sunday. Tom will be playing, so we are heading for a non-stop weekend.
I have several Kindergarten concert rehearsals, where squirrely children mixed with holiday cheer make for interesting renditions.
Ian has his VIP Karate Party on Friday night, with prizes (including Nintendo Wii) to be drawn. We are bringing ziti and cookies to share, so tonight was cookie night and tomorrow will be more cookie night.
And I need to get to a Target that has the Lego Agents Mobile Command Center tomorrow or Friday. Apparently, this Santa present is quite a big deal, since two Targets I visited are sold out. It's on sale and it must be found. (friends in the Phoenix area-if you see it, PLEASE CALL ME!) Target has it on sale for $80.00 until Saturday and I had no idea it was going to be the seller that it is or I would have scooped it up during one of the 50 visits to the Lego aisle in Target over the last two months.
Connor has several therapy appointments in the next few days too-including his last speech of the year and possibly with Sarah at all. How do you thank someone who has done so much for your child for almost a year? I am working on figuring that out.
Just rereading this schedule is making me sleepy! So, if posts don't come regularly, you know why!
First of all, the Sonoran Desert Chorale is presenting "Peace on Earth" this Saturday and Sunday. Tom will be playing, so we are heading for a non-stop weekend.
I have several Kindergarten concert rehearsals, where squirrely children mixed with holiday cheer make for interesting renditions.
Ian has his VIP Karate Party on Friday night, with prizes (including Nintendo Wii) to be drawn. We are bringing ziti and cookies to share, so tonight was cookie night and tomorrow will be more cookie night.
And I need to get to a Target that has the Lego Agents Mobile Command Center tomorrow or Friday. Apparently, this Santa present is quite a big deal, since two Targets I visited are sold out. It's on sale and it must be found. (friends in the Phoenix area-if you see it, PLEASE CALL ME!) Target has it on sale for $80.00 until Saturday and I had no idea it was going to be the seller that it is or I would have scooped it up during one of the 50 visits to the Lego aisle in Target over the last two months.
Connor has several therapy appointments in the next few days too-including his last speech of the year and possibly with Sarah at all. How do you thank someone who has done so much for your child for almost a year? I am working on figuring that out.
Just rereading this schedule is making me sleepy! So, if posts don't come regularly, you know why!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Secret Agents with an All-Star Cast
Rick and Cindy dropped the kids off on Sunday morning to finish their Christmas shopping (I'll admit that I am jealous that they are practically done) and so, the kids spent the morning with me, watching SpongeBob Hot Pants and playing Secret Agent Legos. Annika, being the eldest of the bunch and easily bored with preschool antics, decided to take the secret agent game a step further. We created profiles and photos for all of them.
Real Name: Ian
Age: 4
Spy Codename: Agent Chase Speed 553
Spy Skills: Dodging, Undercover, Codes, High Jumper
Best Spy Skill: Dodging
Real Name: Trevor
Age: 4
Spy Codename: Agent Chase Michael 11
Spy Skills: Dodging, Speedy, Sports
Best Spy Skills: Speedy
Real Name: Annika
Age: 8
Spy Codename: Agent Jennifer Franklin 559
Spy Skills: Dodging, Fake Accents, Disguises, Computers, Good with Animals
Best Spy Skill: Fake Accents
Real Name: Connor
Age: 2
Spy Codename: Dr. Inferno
Spy Skills: Good Distractor, Cute, Destructive
Best Spy Skills: Disarming Cuteness
Apparently Dodging is a very important spy skills and the name Chase was highly regarded. The kids picked out all of their own information and Annika provided most of Connor's info, with a little input from me. Otherwise, they get all the credit.
I'd give you more information, but they might have to kill you. Or they might kill ME for doling out their information in the first place! Yikes!
How do you like the secret agent poses? I think my spy skill is secret agent photographer!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Noun, Verb, Smurf Word
Connor is fixated on "Lightning McQueen Caaar" as most know. You wonder if he has surgically attached the car to his hand. He repeats the phrase "Lightning McQueen Car" all day-to where Tom likened it to the Smurfs cartoon, where smurf can mean anything. Instead of blue half dressed creatures, it's race cars.Mommy: "Hi Connor!"
Connor: "No, Lightning Queen Caaar!" (the word sounding very East Coast)
Mommy: "Do you want some breakfast?"
Connor: "Lightning Queen Caaar!"
Mommy: "Cheerios?"
Connor: "Mommy?"
Mommy: "Yes, Connor?"
Connor: "LIGHTNING MCQUEEN CAR!"
You can play spot the car in any of the photos. Some are McQueen, some are random cars. He also requests the Cars theme song, "Real Gone" and sings the opening guitar chords throughout the day. Sheryl Crow, I hope you're listening.
Connor: "Mommy....Lightning McQueen Car...pick?" (pointing with a very sharp, repeated gesture at the tv, similar to those guys who wave airplanes to their parking spots. )Mommy: "You want to pick?"
Connor: "Yyyyessss! Lightning McQueen Car!"
Mommy: "You want to see Cars-again?" I have lost count how many times we have watched. My brain automatically begins shut down mode when it's on.
Connor: "YYYYESSS! Lightning McQueen Car! Where?!? Where go?"
Mommy: "I'm putting it in the tv. It's right here."
Connor: "Yay, Mommy! Lightning McQueen Car!"
Last week, Rick and Cindy watched Connor for awhile and when I picked him up, the movie Cars was on the tv and what appeared to be every Cars car that the Wines family owned strewn out on their living room floor. They know how to keep him happy.
Most visitors are lately greeted with a "Hi, Julie!" (everyone is Julie now) and then "Lightning McQueen Car!" It makes you wonder if he will ever give up his Cars phase or if he will always enjoy cars.He has no fear, so race car driving may not be off the table.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Adventures of Froggy and Ribbit
The boys have entered the stuffed animal phase, where carrying a beloved stuffed toy everywhere is imperative. Ian keeps Ted on his bed, (who likes to sleep and read by himself all day-some bears have all the luck) along with his Southwest airplane (which is reserved for long distance travel only) and Froggy is the companion of choice when he goes local. Froggy attends daycare, riding strapped into the carseat with Ian. He occasionally gets threatened with being ripped in half at daycare by other nefarious preschoolers, but always comes home unscathed. Froggy also pens his own cards and eats purple ice cream. 
Connor finally got on the bandwagon with his own twin frog, the aptly named "Ribbit". Connor will occasionally come over to ask, "Where Ribbit? Where?" with arms outstretched. He doesn't carry Ribbit around as much, but Ribbit does enjoy some lengthy discussions with Froggy. Froggy has a distinctive voice-a cross between a mobster and a Muppet-and talking with him does require patience.
Froggy and Ribbit were presents from Grandma Sheila when we visited the aquarium over the summer. The boys liked the frogs then, but only recently have showed strong attachment. Froggy is beginning to get that love-worn look and his medical label is a decidedly mucky color. I keep it on because how can you not keep the medical label on? God forbid we have a Froggy 911 emergency. And also because that is the only way to tell Froggy and Ribbit apart. That and the purple ice cream stain on Froggy's mouth. 
Froggy and Ian have also come up with a song and simple philosophy that is somehow deeply true. "Everything Changes" was a song that Ian created tonight, along with Froggy. I learned it by rote from Ian, who insisted that I learn and remember it. It was not too hard, considering that "everything changes" was the only line in the song. I know that this little phase will change, as I have learned tonight, but I hope the Froggy and Ribbit adventures don't change too quickly and stick around for a bit, because they are a very enjoyable duo.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Christmas Meme!
Christmas Meme-Thanks, Michelle!! I love these!
1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Actually, I have been buying the cute felt gift bags at Michael's (large ones) and at Target (in the dollar section) and keeping them to reuse every year. I am working on becoming green and not buying wrapping paper or paper gift bags.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial and I sooooo want the pre-lit tree! I hope we will find an awesome cheapy pre-lit tree after Christmas.
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually on Black Friday or that weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? Probably around New Year's Day or that weekend.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not too much, but I'll drink it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? It's hard to remember my gifts, honestly. I remember getting two of the same Barbie one year, which I thought was totally cool.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? I have the Peanuts characters posing as nativity on my little Christmas tree, but I don't choose to purposely put up a nativity.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My mother. She never gives me ANY IDEAS of what she wants or needs-hint, hint Mom! I need some direction! Connor is also a little harder than Ian.
9. Easiest person to buy for? I agree with Michelle-I am pretty easy to buy for, hee, hee. I think Ian is also very easy to buy for.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I hope not to hurt anyone's feelings for this, but being a music teacher, I would get all kinds of musical note/music adorned gifts-scarves, ornaments, t-shirts, stationary. Honestly, I do not like or enjoy any musical note items, except actual music.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? I mail them, but I do send a few fun email ones in addition.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas and the Grinch
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually begin picking up things in November, but I usually get going in mid-December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Tom-do you remember that gift that we recycled at Becca's party and everyone loved it....what was it??? Obviously, the answer is yes.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? This year, we'll have ham, scalloped potatoes (my mom makes the best scalloped potatoes!) and always tops on my list are Cindy's cookies, which I am sooo looking forward to this year! YUM!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We have colored lights, but I actually like clear lights better. But I am not buying new lights.
17. Favorite Christmas song? We are huge fans of Ella Fitzgerald and her Christmas album is on all the time at our house. Beyond that, I love the Bruce Springsteen Santa Claus is Coming to Town, even though he sounds like he swallowed a razor blade.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I used to travel among so many houses and I really never got to be home all day for Christmas. So, we try to make it a point to be home on Christmas for the boys to enjoy playing and we can set our own traditions. However, living away from family makes it unavoidable to travel around the holidays, but it is a huge stressor for me, so I tend to veto the traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes! I sing them every day in December at school.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star-which our tradition right now is to let Ian put the star on the tree. He LOVES that!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I think my second family Betty and Dave used to open their presents at midnight on Christmas Eve/Christmas, which I always thought would be fun-but I never stay awake for that! I let the boys open their new pajamas on Christmas Eve to sleep in and then they will be up early, I am certain.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Snowbirds.
23. What I love most about Christmas? I love how excited my boys are for Christmas and all of the fun that comes with it. I enjoy trying to decide what Santa will bring them and having them bake cookies and write letters for him. It has changed my whole perspective on Christmas.
1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Actually, I have been buying the cute felt gift bags at Michael's (large ones) and at Target (in the dollar section) and keeping them to reuse every year. I am working on becoming green and not buying wrapping paper or paper gift bags.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial and I sooooo want the pre-lit tree! I hope we will find an awesome cheapy pre-lit tree after Christmas.
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually on Black Friday or that weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? Probably around New Year's Day or that weekend.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not too much, but I'll drink it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? It's hard to remember my gifts, honestly. I remember getting two of the same Barbie one year, which I thought was totally cool.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? I have the Peanuts characters posing as nativity on my little Christmas tree, but I don't choose to purposely put up a nativity.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My mother. She never gives me ANY IDEAS of what she wants or needs-hint, hint Mom! I need some direction! Connor is also a little harder than Ian.
9. Easiest person to buy for? I agree with Michelle-I am pretty easy to buy for, hee, hee. I think Ian is also very easy to buy for.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I hope not to hurt anyone's feelings for this, but being a music teacher, I would get all kinds of musical note/music adorned gifts-scarves, ornaments, t-shirts, stationary. Honestly, I do not like or enjoy any musical note items, except actual music.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? I mail them, but I do send a few fun email ones in addition.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas and the Grinch
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually begin picking up things in November, but I usually get going in mid-December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Tom-do you remember that gift that we recycled at Becca's party and everyone loved it....what was it??? Obviously, the answer is yes.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? This year, we'll have ham, scalloped potatoes (my mom makes the best scalloped potatoes!) and always tops on my list are Cindy's cookies, which I am sooo looking forward to this year! YUM!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We have colored lights, but I actually like clear lights better. But I am not buying new lights.
17. Favorite Christmas song? We are huge fans of Ella Fitzgerald and her Christmas album is on all the time at our house. Beyond that, I love the Bruce Springsteen Santa Claus is Coming to Town, even though he sounds like he swallowed a razor blade.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I used to travel among so many houses and I really never got to be home all day for Christmas. So, we try to make it a point to be home on Christmas for the boys to enjoy playing and we can set our own traditions. However, living away from family makes it unavoidable to travel around the holidays, but it is a huge stressor for me, so I tend to veto the traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes! I sing them every day in December at school.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star-which our tradition right now is to let Ian put the star on the tree. He LOVES that!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I think my second family Betty and Dave used to open their presents at midnight on Christmas Eve/Christmas, which I always thought would be fun-but I never stay awake for that! I let the boys open their new pajamas on Christmas Eve to sleep in and then they will be up early, I am certain.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Snowbirds.
23. What I love most about Christmas? I love how excited my boys are for Christmas and all of the fun that comes with it. I enjoy trying to decide what Santa will bring them and having them bake cookies and write letters for him. It has changed my whole perspective on Christmas.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
If You Love Something.....
At 9:40pm, Tom and I were working on the computer when we hear some weepy sounds coming from the boys room. Ian pads in, tear-streaked cheeks, saying, "Daddy, I'm sad."
He sits for a moment and we ask what is wrong.
"I just love caterpillars." More tears. "I miss my bug jar because I love it."
The bug jar, given to him by my mom, is a little jar that is worn like a necklace and has magnifying sides for closer examination. I have no earthly idea what became of it, but I have hunted high and low with no luck. After friends Annika and Jesseca spent an evening admiring/stalking a small green caterpillar, Ian has been on a caterpillar/bug jar kick.
"I love my bug jar so I can catch a caterpillar and it turns into a butterfly and I can keep it."
We discuss how awesome caterpillars are and how we can build a butterfly net.
"Yeah, I totally know how to do it. Mommy, we need to build a robot butterfly net and I can do it!" I tell him that he might want to patent that idea.
"I want a butterfly to keep as a pet." We discuss how butterflies and caterpillars aren't really meant to be pets. We look up caterpillars on Wikipedia. Ian sat on my lap, enthralled with the various caterpillars (the hairy ones are "girl caterpillars"). The discussion went from caterpillars to worms. I was okay with caterpillars. Worms aren't my favorite, but we managed to look at a few and discuss good worms vs. not so great worms. And how a worm is not a caterpillar.
The discussion moves along to butterflies, a topic that I am much happier with and we look at a few butterfly facts before looking at a video of a monarch butterfly emerging from his cocoon. At one point, we looked at cocoons of bees and then of a cockroach-which was enough to put me in a cocoon. Blecch.
For a few moments, I thought how fascinated he was all of this. Like a junior entomologist, he was spouting off facts and his curiosity was peaked.
As soon as he went off to bed, I went to Amazon looking for that bug jar on his wish list (we couldn't find it, so we put on it there) and discovered a butterfly garden that you can buy complete with several caterpillars where you can cultivate them into butterflies and release them.
It might be just the thing so that we can learn how to love something, by letting it go free.
He sits for a moment and we ask what is wrong.
"I just love caterpillars." More tears. "I miss my bug jar because I love it."
The bug jar, given to him by my mom, is a little jar that is worn like a necklace and has magnifying sides for closer examination. I have no earthly idea what became of it, but I have hunted high and low with no luck. After friends Annika and Jesseca spent an evening admiring/stalking a small green caterpillar, Ian has been on a caterpillar/bug jar kick.
"I love my bug jar so I can catch a caterpillar and it turns into a butterfly and I can keep it."
We discuss how awesome caterpillars are and how we can build a butterfly net.
"Yeah, I totally know how to do it. Mommy, we need to build a robot butterfly net and I can do it!" I tell him that he might want to patent that idea.
"I want a butterfly to keep as a pet." We discuss how butterflies and caterpillars aren't really meant to be pets. We look up caterpillars on Wikipedia. Ian sat on my lap, enthralled with the various caterpillars (the hairy ones are "girl caterpillars"). The discussion went from caterpillars to worms. I was okay with caterpillars. Worms aren't my favorite, but we managed to look at a few and discuss good worms vs. not so great worms. And how a worm is not a caterpillar.
The discussion moves along to butterflies, a topic that I am much happier with and we look at a few butterfly facts before looking at a video of a monarch butterfly emerging from his cocoon. At one point, we looked at cocoons of bees and then of a cockroach-which was enough to put me in a cocoon. Blecch.
For a few moments, I thought how fascinated he was all of this. Like a junior entomologist, he was spouting off facts and his curiosity was peaked.
As soon as he went off to bed, I went to Amazon looking for that bug jar on his wish list (we couldn't find it, so we put on it there) and discovered a butterfly garden that you can buy complete with several caterpillars where you can cultivate them into butterflies and release them.
It might be just the thing so that we can learn how to love something, by letting it go free.
Thankful Post #30-Finally!
I appreciate my blog readers who have stuck by me through this month of numerical mishaps and tardiness. (neither of which should be shocking to anyone, honestly) I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share with you and have such faithful friends in the blogosphere. I am grateful for my 4-going-on-40 year old Ian, seeing his talents and strengths unfold and continually finding myself amazed at how his mind works. Yesterday, I was honored to get a phone call that Ian is the student of the month at the karate studio. He was interviewed by Mr. Meza yesterday, so it should be quite a read when it's ready. I really used to laugh at the quote that as a mother, your child is your heart walking outside of your body. I used to think, what sap! But ain't it the truth. He taps into my deepest emotions, perhaps because I see myself in him.
I am grateful for my loving husband, who, despite tough times, remains my happy half and I think we'll look back on these years and realize that we can weather many storms and keep ourselves together. He is a good person and he loves me very much-that I always know. (photo of Tom courtesy of Ian)
I am so grateful for my little Connor, for this face with a shining smile and an emerging personality that I honestly wondered if I would ever see. I love that every other phrase out of his mouth is "Lightning McQueen Caaar". I love that he hums, even when it drives us up a wall. I adore his enthusiastic "Yyyyyeeeesss!!!" when we finally have guessed what he wants. He is beautiful- and he would be beautiful and wonderful even if he never emerged from his shell....I love him no matter what. I also love all of my family and friends, because they have enriched my life tenfold. A million fold. I am grateful that you are all in my life.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
TIMBER! and Thankful Post #29
So, if you watched the previous video with our tree decorating festivities......
Sunday morning, Curious Connor, who has been removing ornaments and replacing them all onto one branch, was by the tree. I was trying to catch a few winks on the couch and Ian was, naturally, reading his Lego magazine.
And then the sound of the tree falling, ornaments tinkling and crashing and Connor saved only by the tree falling against the door and not completely on the floor. He was completely stunned and sat very quietly on the couch while Tom and I wrestled the tree into the garage. No tears, but almost like he knew it could have been much worse. Two legs snapped off the base, so Tom scouted about for a new base, which he found Sunday evening at Lowe's.
The ornaments survived, even the breakable ones on high branches. There were a few ornament casualties from Friday-including....
Decapitated Snoopy
It's not over til the Snowman breaks his xylophone
and another Snoopy is floating in the atmosphere, separated from the Moon.
The Glitter Trumpet (Tom's "favorite") has thankfully survived. We don't really like this ornament, which is exactly why I keep it because our students take delight in giving us some of the most garish musical ornaments imaginable. It's always a good laugh whenever that gilded trumpet is unearthed.
And because I am not the most timely person, it is only fitting that I am a few days behind in finishing my gratitude posts. I wasn't quite sure what to write, but today unfolded and wrote itself.
This morning, one of Tom's colleagues lost her husband to cancer over the weekend and at one of my schools, a preschool teacher-younger than me-died over the weekend. Hug your family a little closer and be ever so grateful for the time that we spend with each other-whether it's in person, via email or on the phone. To be grateful for a loved one's presence even if the time with them feels short. I am sure that these two people, who are missed greatly, will find much peace and happiness in their next journey.
Sunday morning, Curious Connor, who has been removing ornaments and replacing them all onto one branch, was by the tree. I was trying to catch a few winks on the couch and Ian was, naturally, reading his Lego magazine.
And then the sound of the tree falling, ornaments tinkling and crashing and Connor saved only by the tree falling against the door and not completely on the floor. He was completely stunned and sat very quietly on the couch while Tom and I wrestled the tree into the garage. No tears, but almost like he knew it could have been much worse. Two legs snapped off the base, so Tom scouted about for a new base, which he found Sunday evening at Lowe's.
The ornaments survived, even the breakable ones on high branches. There were a few ornament casualties from Friday-including....
Decapitated Snoopy
It's not over til the Snowman breaks his xylophone
and another Snoopy is floating in the atmosphere, separated from the Moon.
The Glitter Trumpet (Tom's "favorite") has thankfully survived. We don't really like this ornament, which is exactly why I keep it because our students take delight in giving us some of the most garish musical ornaments imaginable. It's always a good laugh whenever that gilded trumpet is unearthed.
And because I am not the most timely person, it is only fitting that I am a few days behind in finishing my gratitude posts. I wasn't quite sure what to write, but today unfolded and wrote itself.
This morning, one of Tom's colleagues lost her husband to cancer over the weekend and at one of my schools, a preschool teacher-younger than me-died over the weekend. Hug your family a little closer and be ever so grateful for the time that we spend with each other-whether it's in person, via email or on the phone. To be grateful for a loved one's presence even if the time with them feels short. I am sure that these two people, who are missed greatly, will find much peace and happiness in their next journey.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thankful Post #27: Thanksgiving Day
We spent the day with the Wines and their extended family. Rick, Matt, Cindy and her Aunt Joyce cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Ian was excited to dress up a bit and wore his dress shirt and jacket all day long. Connor went for the casual dress up, complete with untucked shirt, sans jacket and the necessary swipe of dirt on one cheek. 
Trevor and Annika were very gracious hosts and the kids played well for much of the day. Connor destroyed a few Lego ships and a snowman craft, but keeping things out of his reach is a rule Ian has learned the hard way many times. 
I've said it before, but being away from family is hard around the holidays. We missed everyone tremendously, but grateful to spend the day with good friends who consider us family. Stay tuned as more posts come-I got a little behind with the festivities!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful Post #26
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
As we get ready to visit my friend Cindy and her crew, I just want to say to our families that we miss you terribly, we love you and we are all very, very thankful for each one of you.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thankful Post #25
My heart is going out to Mumbai and the hostage situation in India. While we are enjoying family and friends and reflecting on the aspects of our lives that we are grateful for, we have to keep these people in our hearts as this situation continues to unfold.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thankful Post #24
Well, today I am just grateful that my little Kindergarten performance went well! My last school had a little Thanksgiving feast, complete with construction paper hats (turkeys, pilgrims, etc). They were very cute-no weird echo/tempo issues, which is good for Kindergarteners. Music teachers will understand what I mean.
I haven't played piano in awhile, but no clunkers to report. However, the principal, who is a very nice guy and obviously enjoys music, played guitar with us. After dropping his very nice guitar at the beginning of the program, I think it was a little out of tune. Then, on one song, he was playing in a different key, producing a very interesting bi-tonal effect I haven't heard since my senior year of 20th century music theory. But, the kids were cute and that is what matters. I did feel bad as there were only a handful of parents-who can afford to come in to school at 1:45pm for a 10-minute performance?
And now, it's on to holiday music-which COULD be fun, but out here in Arizona, where church and state are intertwined in a very sticky way, it's quite a challenge as a music teacher. I also have a lot of classroom teachers who like to decide what songs will be taught in my class-which is irksome most of the time. But, I forge ahead and hope for the best!
So, thanks to all those little voices today-one of the best Kindergarten concerts to date!
Note on the posting dates: Okay, today is the 25th. I SHOULD be on 25 and somehow am on 24. Raven asked if I have a calendar somewhere and I do, but apparently my number challenges are far-reaching. It is really astounding, considering my sister-in-law is a math teacher and my mother's entire family are all really good at math. To that math kid I tutored last year-I am so, so sorry.
Ian was also asked what he was thankful for in Karate today. His reply was, "My little brother, my friends and my mom!" Mr. Meza reminded him, "Hey, what about your dad? He's pretty cool too!" Ian said, "I am very thankful for my dad too!" He also hugged me when I picked him up at daycare today, saying "Mommy, I love you more than a turkey!" Now that's love!
I haven't played piano in awhile, but no clunkers to report. However, the principal, who is a very nice guy and obviously enjoys music, played guitar with us. After dropping his very nice guitar at the beginning of the program, I think it was a little out of tune. Then, on one song, he was playing in a different key, producing a very interesting bi-tonal effect I haven't heard since my senior year of 20th century music theory. But, the kids were cute and that is what matters. I did feel bad as there were only a handful of parents-who can afford to come in to school at 1:45pm for a 10-minute performance?
And now, it's on to holiday music-which COULD be fun, but out here in Arizona, where church and state are intertwined in a very sticky way, it's quite a challenge as a music teacher. I also have a lot of classroom teachers who like to decide what songs will be taught in my class-which is irksome most of the time. But, I forge ahead and hope for the best!
So, thanks to all those little voices today-one of the best Kindergarten concerts to date!
Note on the posting dates: Okay, today is the 25th. I SHOULD be on 25 and somehow am on 24. Raven asked if I have a calendar somewhere and I do, but apparently my number challenges are far-reaching. It is really astounding, considering my sister-in-law is a math teacher and my mother's entire family are all really good at math. To that math kid I tutored last year-I am so, so sorry.
Ian was also asked what he was thankful for in Karate today. His reply was, "My little brother, my friends and my mom!" Mr. Meza reminded him, "Hey, what about your dad? He's pretty cool too!" Ian said, "I am very thankful for my dad too!" He also hugged me when I picked him up at daycare today, saying "Mommy, I love you more than a turkey!" Now that's love!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thankful Post # 23
First of all, let us start by being thankful that I have correctly numbered this post in sequential order today. I hope the Math Goddess is appeased. I am thankful for having a great little car that gets me from place to place safely and rather efficiently. Tonight, I had to replace one of my tires and all day I thought about its safety and my own safety as I rolled around town on a very low tire. Sometimes I get in the car and don't think twice about anything like tires or brakes. But, I don't need fancy, big or expensive. I just need safe and something that will not break the bank. I also hope by the next time that I need to buy a car, I can get a hybrid or whatever environmentally-friendly car will be around by then.
And a quick homage to my other cars....my little Geo Prizm, which was my very first car when I got my first teaching position. It lasted me for over 12 years, including many, many trips between the Hudson Valley and Long Island. 
And the Jetmobile aka my Ford Escort, which was my college car. This car last a lot longer than it should have. It had automatic seatbelts, a cool trip timer, and it held all of my college stuff every single year.
There was one more car, which I don't have a photo, but it suffered quite a bit in my hands. It was a Chevy Monte Carlo-which I had to parallel park every day in front of my house. I drove it around in high school and never bothered to check the oil, have oil changes or look under the hood. After an afternoon of serious engine knocks, I literally blew a hole in the engine from it being bone dry. My uncle showed me an engine that was intact compared with the one that I blew up-and have gotten regular oil changes since then. He found an engine to replace it and somehow I managed to keep driving the car.
So, let's be thankful for a good set of wheels and remember to check tires and oil frequently!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thankful Post #22
Yesterday's should have been #21. Apparently sequential counting is not one of my stronger points. Good thing my son is going to Kindergarten next year...maybe I will get to practice math all over again as he learns.
It was roughly ten years ago that I ran the New York City Marathon. Back in the day, B.C. (before children) I ran quite a bit, doing 5k's and had a few running buddies too. The New York Marathon was my one and only marathon-and one of the most memorable things I have ever done for myself. Running in New York City (or "The City" as we New Yorkers say-as if there are no other cities in existence) is indescribable. The Verazano Bridge was disconcerting as it wobbled and bounced under the feet of all the runners on it. Brooklyn had people handing out candy and bottled water to the runners and they cheered like you were a movie star. In Manhattan, my family and friends met me and had a sign. You ran really, really fast in the Bronx and it was all mind over matter in Central Park toward the finish. My suggestion to anyone running or wanting to run a marathon, NYC is the place to do it.
As a side note, I have little black running gloves from the marathon that I got before starting the race. I still have the gloves, still wear them. One of my favorite treasures from that day.
All THAT being said, there is NO way that I am running another marathon in the near future. Besides the time commitment, it is very physically demanding. And post-baby me is just hoping to be able to run down to the main road and back. So, I tried that today. My sneakers are terrible for running and with about a quarter way to the main road, my lungs were exploding and my mind was talking to me. Just to the next street. Just to the stop sign. Chin up. When I wasn't running, I worked on walking tadasana with open posture, like a walking/running meditation.
But I look back at myself. And I am grateful for what the human body-my human body-can do.
It held together solidly to run a marathon. It survived the birth of two beautiful, impossibly large babies. While it has not been the same since their arrival, I have learned to appreciate it more than I ever did years ago. I need inspiration to continue to keep it in good condition-sometimes it's time or motivation issues-but I hope that this winter I can make a good effort to continue to treat it well with yoga, maybe some running and making better food choices and continuing to be grateful whether I reach my goal or not.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thankful Post #20
Connor was accepted into preschool today! He is eligible to begin in January. We still have a lot of details to work out and consider, but we feel strongly that this will be a good situation for him.
I am so thankful that he was eligible-by the hair of his chinny-chinny-chin, really. His scores were really quite good, except in two areas, which only showed a moderate delay, compared with a severe delay from last year.
In other news, I am really too tired to report on Ian's two or three hour conversation about secret agents tonight. I found him a little "how to be a spy" book in JoAnn's last night for a dollar. More on this tomorrow, when I think about how to give you the condensed version.
Until then, Agent Secret Girl 725 out.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thankful Post #20
I am thankful for these wonderful short stories-short enough to enjoy one during lunch hour or waiting at the doctor's office. It's also one of my favorite forms to read, because I find it a true literary art to craft a brilliant story in only a handful of pages. Last year's guest editor was Stephen King and he was inspired to write his own set of short stories after his work on the 2007 Best of Short Stories. I also took a moment to leaf through his new book, Just After Sunset and hopefully I'll get to read those stories in the near future.
I also hopped over to Goodwill, looking for stuffed animal turkeys. My teacher lunch bunch are avid Goodwill shoppers and encourage me to stop and look. Not only did I find two turkeys (for music class game songs), but I also found a Joyce Carol Oates book for $1.99 as well as The Memory Keeper's Daughter for 99 cents, both in nice condition. Other treasures included a Lightning McQueen puzzle for Connor for 70 cents and a very cute shelf for Ian when we repaint for only $3.00. I was very happy with my finds-especially the books-and Connor, having a rough day of running a fever, calmed down when we opened his new puzzle.
This book is one that I discovered at Barnes and Noble the other evening and immediately placed on my Christmas list for myself. I thumbed through, wishing I had my laptop or a notebook to work on some of the exercises. Sometimes I think my blog could be, might be and probably will be a large part of my memoir, so it couldn't hurt my blog writing either. The only thing is I don't know if I can wait until Christmas for this one!I also want to highlight a stellar new writing website called Publexicon, which is a blog production of Billy from Chapter and Verse. His evocative poetry is great inspiration and his Publexicon is a terrific source for a fledgling writer-want-to-be like me.
Feel free to share books you are reading in the comments!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
When Your Heart is All Broken into Pieces
We all suffer difficult friendships and encounter confrontation. It's hard enough when it's yourself.
Tonight, after putting my sons to bed, I hear weeping and talking from the room. Ian comes out in tears, needing his clock to see what time it will be "when I can come home to play with Mommy."
I tuck him back into bed (alarm clock in place and visible to him) and he begins weeping.
"Mommy, nobody wants to play with me. None of my friends want to listen to me. I ask them to play but they just ignore me or they don't want to play with me. " Enter more sobbing tears.
Besides trying to not cry myself, he talks more about how two of his daycare friends will play with him, but the others won't. The realities of life are awakening at age 4. Sadly, this isn't the first time that he has cried over friends, and sadly, it will not be the last.
Ian isn't much for chaos and rambunctious play. He likes to be the organizer, the rule giver and most times, he has a long-winded approach. Young boys at age 4 who thrive on active, imaginative play leave him in the dust. Or he finds kids (usually older kids or adults) who like more organized games. But he wants the rambunctious kids to conform and it probably will not happen. Especially at age 4.
On the other hand, he has a gentle heart. A few kids test out mean words or phrases and he takes them all in and holds onto them until bedtime. He explains that "his heart is all broken into pieces now". So, not only do I have to sweep up his pieces and help him put them back together, I now have to fix my own heart too.
We talk about how to deal with mean words that hurt and how to be strong. How to ignore and choose to play with those who are our friends. How to protect your heart by being strong. We test out a few phrases to say to those who speak mean or angry words. We talk about when it's time to ask a grownup for help. We talk about how some friends aren't being mean, they just really want to play instead of listen. We talk about the good friends he does have. (by the way, Uncle Mike, Cousin Sam and Trevor made this list)
Our next-door neighbor kids invited Ian over this afternoon to play. Then, they came over to our house, played in the backyard, watched a movie and had a wonderful time. They have come over looking for Ian every day this week. They asked if he would be home tomorrow. I talked to Ian about that and he agreed that it was nice to have friends who love to come and see him.
He is now busy "putting his heart back together" by looking at his new Lego catalog with his nightlight. I still hear him sniffling in there.
Now, I need to figure out how I will put my heart back together and learn how to guide him through this. (probably for the next fourteen years or more!) Unfortunately, we all go through this and maybe that's how we become who we are. But no one told me how much it hurts to see your child endure this, especially one with a gentle and good heart.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thankful Post # 18 (?)
I don't know what the date is to figure out my post number!
It's been fun to make friends on the Internet- and while I love all of my readers dearly, I have to give props to my blog friend, Michelle. I think that I found Michelle via the Scrapbook Addict forum (she is a serious scrapbook/stamp addict!) and we participated in the Scrapbook Addict blog ring. I think she is still on the blog ring, but I am not. She would always, always leave comments on my blog and it has been a nice friendship.
Now, my scrapbooking has been non-existent for quite some time, as much I enjoyed it and still love playing with my photos and all. However, after working for Scrapbook.com for a few years, I accumulated tons of Bazzill scrapbook paper-which is really lovely paper with gorgeous textures and colors. I ended up sending her a bunch of paper from my stash in exchange for her creation of my thank you cards for Connor's autism walk.
She also knows that my son, Ian, is a mail checker. This boy checks the mail religiously every single day, looking for mail. Uncle Mike and Aunt Terri send him letters, as does my sister-in-law Kristen, plus he gets Lego magazines, a kids magazine and now, he has a penpal in Michelle. She has been making him some of the most adorable cards and he loves opening them. The latest came yesterday-to congratulate him on his orange belt and he sat with that orange penguin card in the car talking about it for the entire ride to daycare. He loves orange! What's a penpal? Why does she live far away? Why is the penguin wearing underwear? Do you know what penguins like to eat? Do you know where penguins wear three buttons? (aka brads fastened on the paper) On and on.
So, Michelle, I am grateful that you always bring a bright spot to my day with your comments here and also thankful that you brighten up my son's day with those beautiful handmade cards! I cannot wait for a day to get together and share some margaritas and do some crafts together-it will happen someday!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thankful Post #17
I backtracked, since Terri reminded me that I was out of numerical order on my posts (which made me laugh, because I was not quite sure what number I was on anyway, so thanks for spotting that, Terri!)
I am really thankful for my second job, with the Sonoran Desert Chorale. Besides being such stellar musicians, it is such an enjoyable group of people to be around. I don't sing in the chorale, mainly because I have become increasingly self-conscious in my middle age about singing anything but children's songs. Of course, the work is either all or not much.....but this week, I have been finishing grant reports, organizing two community events and organizing instrumentalists and volunteers for the upcoming concerts. While much of the time, I am really finding my way in some of the work, the chorale board members are good mentors for me as well. My only wish is that I had more time to devote to this type of work. One problem is that I really like to focus on my work without interruption. To do that would mean not having any of the boys around and sometimes that happens or I work late at night. Luckily, I can sometimes come home and work a few hours on Friday or Tom will pick up the kids if he is off that night so I can work. But it's a great part time job. And it's on my brain tonight as we just finished our board meeting.
While I am at it, I'll do a little fundraiser plug too. If you look on my left sidebar and see the GoodSearch link....this is a fundraiser for the chorale that uses the GoodSearch search engine.(based on Yahoo) If you use GoodSearch to do Internet search, the Chorale gets 1 cent per search. If you follow the link, you can set your search browser to GoodSearch on behalf of the Chorale and earn money. If you use GoodShop and make holiday purchases, the Chorale gets a higher percentage of the amount of the purchase made. So, if you are looking for an easy way to make a donation, this is a great help!
I am really thankful for my second job, with the Sonoran Desert Chorale. Besides being such stellar musicians, it is such an enjoyable group of people to be around. I don't sing in the chorale, mainly because I have become increasingly self-conscious in my middle age about singing anything but children's songs. Of course, the work is either all or not much.....but this week, I have been finishing grant reports, organizing two community events and organizing instrumentalists and volunteers for the upcoming concerts. While much of the time, I am really finding my way in some of the work, the chorale board members are good mentors for me as well. My only wish is that I had more time to devote to this type of work. One problem is that I really like to focus on my work without interruption. To do that would mean not having any of the boys around and sometimes that happens or I work late at night. Luckily, I can sometimes come home and work a few hours on Friday or Tom will pick up the kids if he is off that night so I can work. But it's a great part time job. And it's on my brain tonight as we just finished our board meeting.
While I am at it, I'll do a little fundraiser plug too. If you look on my left sidebar and see the GoodSearch link....this is a fundraiser for the chorale that uses the GoodSearch search engine.(based on Yahoo) If you use GoodSearch to do Internet search, the Chorale gets 1 cent per search. If you follow the link, you can set your search browser to GoodSearch on behalf of the Chorale and earn money. If you use GoodShop and make holiday purchases, the Chorale gets a higher percentage of the amount of the purchase made. So, if you are looking for an easy way to make a donation, this is a great help!
"Mommy, I've Got Something to Show You!"
For some reason, Blogger feels I should be underlining. Sorry for the inconvenient read!
Ian has been into wearing footie pajamas to bed. Last night, he comes in to me and announces:
"Mommy, I have something to show you!" I turn around to see what he is talking about. The child begins to unzip his pajamas.
I turn back around quickly, "Ian, that's inappropriate! Zip up your pajamas!" He continues to reach down into the feet of his pajamas for a little set of cars he has managed to hide. He unearthes them with a tremendous smile.
"See, Mommy! You didn't know where I was hiding them!" So true.
So later that evening when all is quiet, I decide to go and check on the sleeping children. First of all, Connor has managed to fall asleep against the door, so Tom has to do some one-armed maneuvering to get him to roll over so we can open the door. Once we get in the room, he settles Connor into bed and I go to look at Ian, who looks like he is sleeping with an uncomfortable arched back.
Upon closer inspection, I realize he has something hidden in his pajamas.
Tom and I actually turned the lights on to take photos of him and Ted, of course. And this morning, Ted still has a prime snuggle spot with Ian.And since Connor should not be outdone here, I spent some time sorting through winter clothes (aka long-sleeved shirts and long pants) and came across his Thomas the Train snow boots bought by Grandma Sheila last season. I looked inside the boots to find a car and a little man, cleverly hidden in the boots by her as she is very good at maximizing space.
Connor became very intrigued by these boots and yet didn't know what to do with them. I put them on his feet (they are his size) and he tromped around all afternoon with snow boots on. (mind you, I think it was about 80 degrees here) Outside on the swing set, in the house and yes, even out to Tom's gig in the evening. Nothing like a good pair of boots.
I'll make this thankful post #18 by saying how grateful I am that they have a sense of humor and they constantly give me some terrific blog material. Thanks, boys!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thankful Post #15 and 16
I probably would have written a post yesterday, but we are having some internet issues, so after restarting the computer a dozen times and playing around with the modem, I gave up doing internet anything yesterday.
To start, I want to say how thankful I am for internet. Really. When asked yesterday about our long-distance relationship back a mere 14 years ago, Tom and I talked about our three hour drives, handwriting letters, expensive phone calls. This was just before the computer was a household necessity and before Internet. To think how much EASIER it would have been to have internet then?! In just a few short years, we have come a long, long way and it is truly amazing to think that my children will not know anything without Internet. And now we have trouble doing anything but sitting and being a part of the Internet world. It is truly missed when it isn't available to us! So, Internet gods, what offering are you looking for?? I created a special post for you so I hope you will look kindly on us now.
My second thankful post would be for our friends Julie and Sean, who are so much fun to hang out with, as we did last night-swapping some truly outstanding stories and then they introduced us to Guitar Hero. We enjoy and appreciate their company so much. Plus, Ian wanted to make Julie cookies for her birthday and he created for her one of the best birthday cards I have seen from him yet. Thankfully, he hasn't been introduced to Guitar Hero yet.
To start, I want to say how thankful I am for internet. Really. When asked yesterday about our long-distance relationship back a mere 14 years ago, Tom and I talked about our three hour drives, handwriting letters, expensive phone calls. This was just before the computer was a household necessity and before Internet. To think how much EASIER it would have been to have internet then?! In just a few short years, we have come a long, long way and it is truly amazing to think that my children will not know anything without Internet. And now we have trouble doing anything but sitting and being a part of the Internet world. It is truly missed when it isn't available to us! So, Internet gods, what offering are you looking for?? I created a special post for you so I hope you will look kindly on us now.
My second thankful post would be for our friends Julie and Sean, who are so much fun to hang out with, as we did last night-swapping some truly outstanding stories and then they introduced us to Guitar Hero. We enjoy and appreciate their company so much. Plus, Ian wanted to make Julie cookies for her birthday and he created for her one of the best birthday cards I have seen from him yet. Thankfully, he hasn't been introduced to Guitar Hero yet.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thankful Post #14
Oh, lordy, as my great-grandmother used to say. I am finding it incredibly hard to feel anything but unhinged (as my friend Julie so eloquently mentioned today!) and thankful is about the last thing I am right now. Sometimes looking deeper for some gratitude can be a very soothing balm.
Tomorrow morning, bright and very early, our speech therapist-who doubles as a photographer-will be taking our family holiday photos for us. Those who follow my blog know that I am usually behind the camera and rarely do you see photos of all four of us together. Or the four of us looking halfway decent! I imagine she has her work cut out for her tomorrow.
She has even guided me out of dressing the boys in matching outfits (that was a hard talk-down) but she convinced me to think out of the box and so we have some new variations on outfits.
All these photographs I collect are my little treasures. Yeah, Michael and Tom bug me about how many photos I have on my computer (A LOT!) but this is what I have of fleeting moments that are gone before I have gotten the chance to truly savor them. The chunky cheeks that Ian had just a year ago are becoming chiseled. Connor looks more like Ian every moment. His photos are turning more poetic as he finally emerges with beautiful eyes looking, smiling and living fully. No more hollow glances and quiet frustration. They grow before my eyes and I cannot even see it until I examine each photo. And each time I see my photos, delightful surprises abound.
So, I am thankful for this record of time and thankful that we do have megapixels, SLR and all the goodies I honestly cannot comprehend. (or have money for!)
Yet to have the four of us together, as we never will be again....I know I will be grateful this opportunity came along. I will be examining them with stories in my head, poems to write, awakening memories that will be welcomed back with fondness.
Tomorrow morning, bright and very early, our speech therapist-who doubles as a photographer-will be taking our family holiday photos for us. Those who follow my blog know that I am usually behind the camera and rarely do you see photos of all four of us together. Or the four of us looking halfway decent! I imagine she has her work cut out for her tomorrow.
She has even guided me out of dressing the boys in matching outfits (that was a hard talk-down) but she convinced me to think out of the box and so we have some new variations on outfits.
All these photographs I collect are my little treasures. Yeah, Michael and Tom bug me about how many photos I have on my computer (A LOT!) but this is what I have of fleeting moments that are gone before I have gotten the chance to truly savor them. The chunky cheeks that Ian had just a year ago are becoming chiseled. Connor looks more like Ian every moment. His photos are turning more poetic as he finally emerges with beautiful eyes looking, smiling and living fully. No more hollow glances and quiet frustration. They grow before my eyes and I cannot even see it until I examine each photo. And each time I see my photos, delightful surprises abound.
So, I am thankful for this record of time and thankful that we do have megapixels, SLR and all the goodies I honestly cannot comprehend. (or have money for!)
Yet to have the four of us together, as we never will be again....I know I will be grateful this opportunity came along. I will be examining them with stories in my head, poems to write, awakening memories that will be welcomed back with fondness.
"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."
Aaron Suskind
Aaron Suskind
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thankful Post #13
The end of yet another long day, but enjoyable to watch a backyard full of children (six to be exact!) running and playing. Hopscotch. Hide and seek. Chase. Pulling each other around in the wagon. Coming inside for ice pops. Thinking how I used to be one of those kids, playing the neighbor's yard.
I am thankful that, while I am not technically "old", I honestly feel young at heart. I truly believe that, even though the body changes and deteriorates, that old can also be a state of mind. If you think you are old and less capable, believing that makes it harder to be well and happy. I have met several people over the years who are stellar examples of living life young. One former co-worker from the jewelry store years ago was working part time, driving, baking Grand Marnier cakes for everyone's birthday, on the board of an organization and would go to movies. She was more active than I was in my 20's! My mom still reports in that she is still making appearances. She was in her seventies back then. My sister-in-law's parents are another set that come to mind. Tom and I always admire them for so much, but their independence and participation in different activities is always something we love about them.
I also know a lot of people who aren't physically active, but have determined spirit and such a healthy approach to life and citizenship. I am thankful for the opportunity, first to know this young-at-heart individuals who keep my life in perspective and then to watch my children play and run because it keeps me happy and light-hearted even when I feel winter-bluesy.
I am thankful that, while I am not technically "old", I honestly feel young at heart. I truly believe that, even though the body changes and deteriorates, that old can also be a state of mind. If you think you are old and less capable, believing that makes it harder to be well and happy. I have met several people over the years who are stellar examples of living life young. One former co-worker from the jewelry store years ago was working part time, driving, baking Grand Marnier cakes for everyone's birthday, on the board of an organization and would go to movies. She was more active than I was in my 20's! My mom still reports in that she is still making appearances. She was in her seventies back then. My sister-in-law's parents are another set that come to mind. Tom and I always admire them for so much, but their independence and participation in different activities is always something we love about them.
I also know a lot of people who aren't physically active, but have determined spirit and such a healthy approach to life and citizenship. I am thankful for the opportunity, first to know this young-at-heart individuals who keep my life in perspective and then to watch my children play and run because it keeps me happy and light-hearted even when I feel winter-bluesy.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thankful Post #12
Whew, one of those days where I took me until 9:48pm (right now!) to catch my breath. Before I down some much-needed Nyquil, I wanted to gather my thoughts on a thankful post. Unfortunately, I feel a bit melancholy today, even though it has been a pleasant day. I took Ian to try on some new pants-he sprouted up in the last few weeks and has a bunch of high-water pants for his emerging lankiness. He enjoyed picking out new pants and we found a few of those favorite "6-pocket" pants that he loves so much. Finding him a nice in-between jacket was not in the cards today, as they all had football logos on them. I want to get him something microfleece that doesn't have pictures on it. Ian's requirement: it must have a hood. We'll keep looking.
The boys spent the evening with Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rick while I attended the Chandler Schools Night of Recognition. The superintendent re-awarded me the Arizona Working Parent of the Year award along with the board members. It was really nice and a bit unnerving as there were tv crews there. I ducked out before the end so that Cindy and Rick weren't too long with the kids.
And I decided that I am really thankful for both Cindy and Rick. They have watched the boys a million times and vice versa. They are our family here. We are spending Thankgiving with them and looking forward to seeing all of Cindy's extended family too. I am so grateful for their friendship and I have no idea how I would survive without Cindy in my life.
The boys spent the evening with Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rick while I attended the Chandler Schools Night of Recognition. The superintendent re-awarded me the Arizona Working Parent of the Year award along with the board members. It was really nice and a bit unnerving as there were tv crews there. I ducked out before the end so that Cindy and Rick weren't too long with the kids.
And I decided that I am really thankful for both Cindy and Rick. They have watched the boys a million times and vice versa. They are our family here. We are spending Thankgiving with them and looking forward to seeing all of Cindy's extended family too. I am so grateful for their friendship and I have no idea how I would survive without Cindy in my life.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thankful Post #11
I am thankful for all of the veterans who served our country well. You are honored for your willingness to put your country before yourself.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thankful Post #10
I am so thankful for my husband, who is a great husband and super dad. He is incredibly busy with gigs over the next two months-very good for the bank account-but always tough because he is out almost every day.
Last night, I could feel myself succumbing to what is probably bronchitis, after a month of everyone else being sick. I went to school and taught with minimal voice and now I am ready to crawl into bed. After canceling Connor's therapy this afternoon, I asked Tom to get the boys from daycare and handle them for the evening. He took them to the park, got them dinner, handled all of the dinner drama (and there is a LOT of that lately) and after making some more business calls, is now playing Star Wars with the boys. Tomorrow, he is taking them to a parade and will probably get most of the boy detail so I can shake this cold without taking any days off this week. (we are off tomorrow)
This past weekend, he took some well-deserved time to go for a long hike on Piestawa Peak on his own. He helped me with grocery shopping on Sunday before his gig. He helped with bath time after the gig too. The nice part of this time of year is that he gets to play a lot and it is obviously fulfilling for him. There is a lot of great music to look forward to and despite the grueling schedule, he enjoys performing.
So, as I get ready to crawl under my down comforter (I know, it's like 68 degrees here....brr!) and watch some tv, he is busy with two very loud and happy boys, getting them ready for bed. I am just grateful for all of the little things that he does for all of us, because the little things make such a difference.
He is loved very, very much!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Thankful Post #9
It's time to wish my brother-in-law Chris and my sister-in-law Kristen a very happy 1st anniversary! Word has it that Kristen will be enjoying a spa day with my other sister-in-law Terri before an anniversary dinner and I hope Chris and Kristen have a wonderful evening celebrating the first of many years together.
I am so thankful for my brother-in-law Chris. I don't get to talk to him very often anymore, but he has been a great friend and both he and Michael have been the brothers that I never had growing up. And having brothers is a lot of fun! My son Ian is very impressed with Uncle Chris, who spent time putting Legos together with him. And as we all know, you rate very highly in Ian's book if you manage to sit through a good Lego session with him. And I am thrilled that he has found Kristen, who has completed the sister-in-law club very nicely. (she got big Ian ratings when she sent photos of her cat and horse-although the puppy card was admired by both Ian and Connor) Kristen is a great spa buddy (part of the sister-in-law pact) and she is a lot of fun to be around. I just wish I could be around these two more often.
I am most thankful for these two people who provide great friendship to not only Tom and me but to my boys as well. Congratulations on your first year of marriage and happy anniversary!
Thankful Post 8: Ian's Thanks
So, I sat down to type my gratitude post and Ian asked what I was writing. After having to explain thankfulness, Ian wanted to dictate his thanks and "send to everyone I know!" So, here goes....I am thankful that I am myself.
I am thankful for Connor because I just am.
I am thankful for Trevor because he is my friend.
I am thankful for Uncle Mike and Sam because I love them.
I am thankful for Annika because she is a lot bigger.
I am thankful for Mommy because I love you, so much that you can make me sad.
I am thankful for Daddy because he's good at Legos and he knows what the problems are when I do something wrong.
I am thankful for Aunt Terri because she loves to play games.
I am thankful for Aunt Soooz because she makes funny faces and she has different hair.
I am thankful for Uncle Chris because he knows how to build Legos because I teached him how.
I am thankful for Grandma Sheila because she is good at stuff.
I am thankful for Grandma Sandy because I just am.
I am thankful for Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rick because they are Trevor and Annika's mother and father so they can be safe.
I am thankful for Justin because he's my friend.
I am thankful for Justin and Jessica because they're my two best friends.
I am thankful for Snowball. (neighbor cat)
I am thankful for Mr. Meza because he does karate a lot.
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