Grammie has arrived for a visit during her Spring Break. We are all being well fed, the laundry is done, the dishes are done (and put away...we get to play Scavenger Hunt for things like the cheese grater). Household chores are done so timely, the clothes are washed and put away on the same day that they were once on your back. This is not how my house normally works. I could get used to this. Kind of like having a cleaning fairy around the house.
Upon arrival, Grammie asked why we never go to the City when she comes. So we went to the City and enjoyed a day at the aquarium. LOVE the aquarium. As we were walking in, two Italian gentlemen informed us that "they have run out of fish". With their accents, that was one of the funniest things I have heard. They were trying to be funny, but put a little Tony Soprano spin on that line, and it becomes ten times as funny as intended. Needless to say, there were plenty of fish to be seen.
Half way into the day, my daughter raises her hands in astonishment, and says to me, "Where is YOUR MOTHER?" She did not ask, "Where is Grammie?" Apparently, when Grammie is in trouble for losing the group, she becomes MY MOTHER. My daughter continued, "Why does she do that?" I answered simply, "Because she can."
Grammie went to eat lunch with our Little Boo at school. On Sunday night, Grammie asked which of the kids would like to invite her to eat lunch with them. Dead D-E-A-D silence. Then finally, the Pipper responded, "He would." So Grammie went to each lunch with her grandson. And he got to pick a friend to sit with them.
Grammie did not go eat lunch with Pipper. Pipper finally got up the courage to explain to Grammie that having an adult come eat lunch with you in 3rd Grade is super, super embarrassing. "Painful." And again, I was asked, "Why does YOUR MOTHER want to come eat lunch with me?" That phrase, YOUR MOTHER, makes me smile. Not something I expected out of my eight year-old daughter. But when raising kids, expect the unexpected.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Where Is My Blue Ball?
Once very 12 months we are asked to bowl for charity. And we gladly accept because it happens to be for the neighbors and everyone knows we have the BEST neighbors in the whole world. They are fun and they accept us for the crazy people that we are. No qualms. (At least that I know of.)
So last weekend we grabbed our bowling bag from the basement and aspired to reach a score of at least 100 pins. You see, we have our own balls, shoes, and sports-looking bowling bag. Several years ago, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law found the perfect Christmas gift for the brother and his wife who had everything, but their own bowling equipment. Ta-da! We are equipped.
It was a dark and stormy night. Perfect night for strobe lights, bad 80's hair band music, pitchers of Miller Lite, and glow-in-the-dark bowling for dollars. And we knocked down some big 'uns. Yah...
About half way into the night, my neighbor friend, returns from the bathroom with a bowling shoe flapping. On her return, she blew a shoe. The sole was definitely loose. We all laughed and made fun of her trying to bowl with a broken shoe.
About three-quarters of the way into the night, I made a trip to the restroom. And on my way, I stepped on something sticky and ka-boom! My shoe started flapping. I had to pee so bad so I continued into the restroom and laughed hysterically, by myself, at the strange coincidence of the two Sue's with flapping bowling shoes. It was one of those moments where you SERIOUSLY look for the hidden camera.
I shared the news of my appendage with the gang and we all laughed. I chucked a few balls down the lane, with my handicap. It was ugly. My game was gone. So I took off my shoes and called it quits. We wrapped up the night and went to put our balls away. Only guess what?!?! My ball was gone. My shiny blue ball was gone. And it even has my name on it.
I kept asking people if they accidentally put my blue ball in their bag. Then Sue's hubby asked, "Was it schweddy?" Obvious play on the Saturday Night Live Skit, Schweddy's Balls. I just love my schweddy blue bowling ball. It all went into the gutter from there.
Good news! The bowling alley called to report they did indeed find my schweddy blue bowling ball. So next year, when I get the call to bowl for charity, I will be ready. My blue ball has been located. And it is no longer schweddy.
So last weekend we grabbed our bowling bag from the basement and aspired to reach a score of at least 100 pins. You see, we have our own balls, shoes, and sports-looking bowling bag. Several years ago, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law found the perfect Christmas gift for the brother and his wife who had everything, but their own bowling equipment. Ta-da! We are equipped.
It was a dark and stormy night. Perfect night for strobe lights, bad 80's hair band music, pitchers of Miller Lite, and glow-in-the-dark bowling for dollars. And we knocked down some big 'uns. Yah...
About half way into the night, my neighbor friend, returns from the bathroom with a bowling shoe flapping. On her return, she blew a shoe. The sole was definitely loose. We all laughed and made fun of her trying to bowl with a broken shoe.
About three-quarters of the way into the night, I made a trip to the restroom. And on my way, I stepped on something sticky and ka-boom! My shoe started flapping. I had to pee so bad so I continued into the restroom and laughed hysterically, by myself, at the strange coincidence of the two Sue's with flapping bowling shoes. It was one of those moments where you SERIOUSLY look for the hidden camera.
I shared the news of my appendage with the gang and we all laughed. I chucked a few balls down the lane, with my handicap. It was ugly. My game was gone. So I took off my shoes and called it quits. We wrapped up the night and went to put our balls away. Only guess what?!?! My ball was gone. My shiny blue ball was gone. And it even has my name on it.
I kept asking people if they accidentally put my blue ball in their bag. Then Sue's hubby asked, "Was it schweddy?" Obvious play on the Saturday Night Live Skit, Schweddy's Balls. I just love my schweddy blue bowling ball. It all went into the gutter from there.
Good news! The bowling alley called to report they did indeed find my schweddy blue bowling ball. So next year, when I get the call to bowl for charity, I will be ready. My blue ball has been located. And it is no longer schweddy.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Dancing with Dad & Birthday Bowl-A-Rama
As tradition has it, a group of dad's and daughters, meet each February for the Daddy-Daughter Dance. This year, our darling diva dictated what her hair would look like. And was glittered from head to toe. But most importantly, she picked out her father's outfit so it would match HER dress. Por supuesto...(of course).
She's the most beautiful daughter and she radiates a room with her smile. She's going to be something very special in her adult life. She's an old, old soul. Definitely thinking of others before herself, in most situations. And an artsy-fartsy kind of girl. Reminds me of my sister at her age. And it is all about fashion...
After she was primped, we had a little time so she decided we should take some pics that she could hang in her locker at school, with the family dog, Dewey.
Dewey the Bouncing Dog is very loved
Princess ready for The Ball
 |
| Daddy and Daughter Duo |
He wouldn't let me snap any photos of JUST HIM---
This is the best one taken. BOO!
But I did capture a lot of good video.
Happy Birthday Little Boo!
It is no fun until someone is wearing cake.
And belly giggling.
Candles and .... smoke!
Mission Bowling Birthday Party: Success. He was surrounded by his best buddies and classmates. And we were thankful for Amber, a great party hostess. Nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy your child's party.
Our little guy is the most kind, appreciative, and thoughtful son. He makes us proud in every way. Happy Birthday Little Boo --- we love you! So much to look forward to. But for now, we are just enjoying your precious smile and belly giggles.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Pinewood Derby --- & Snowzilla, Snowpalooza, Snowmageddon, Blizzaster, etc
Wow! And I'll say it backwards. Wow! The Bears did not get to go to the Big Game. In other news...
After much warning --- We had some wind and snow this week. After listening to the winds gust all night, we awoke to this in front of our garage. Drifts worthy of a little bit of news coverage. And two days off of school. (Picture me telecommuting with a husband, two kids, two neighbor kids, and a barking dog providing assistance.)
And out our basement window...we saw this. Note: The deck sits 8 feet off the ground.
So the Big D got out the Binford 6000 model snowblower (yes...Tool Time--Tim Allen reference) and plowed us out. You can see the snow caves that the kids made. But they had to dig quick because our temps dropped to below zero. And they were ff--ff--freezing.
In other news, our boy raced his "Stinger" car in the Pinewood Derby last weekend. In his Tiger Cub Den, he came in 4th out of 4 but we reminded him, "Someone has to win. And someone has to come in last. The important thing is that you are in the race and that you have fun." Nostalgic, isn't it. Seriously, this is where you start to sound like your parents by providing advice that has been handed down for generations.
And his Den had the fastest car in the whole Derby. Actually, his best buddy had the fastest car recorded in all the years that his Pack has done the Derby. But nonetheless, it was a lesson in life. He and Dad had a blast making the car. And while trying to fix a wheel the night before, the wheel broke off of the car. So with a fast repair, it was raceable. And it was a VERY close race. Look for the yellow & black car in the video below. You can see how much fun they had racing. 3---2---1---GO!
After much warning --- We had some wind and snow this week. After listening to the winds gust all night, we awoke to this in front of our garage. Drifts worthy of a little bit of news coverage. And two days off of school. (Picture me telecommuting with a husband, two kids, two neighbor kids, and a barking dog providing assistance.)
And out our basement window...we saw this. Note: The deck sits 8 feet off the ground.
So the Big D got out the Binford 6000 model snowblower (yes...Tool Time--Tim Allen reference) and plowed us out. You can see the snow caves that the kids made. But they had to dig quick because our temps dropped to below zero. And they were ff--ff--freezing.
In other news, our boy raced his "Stinger" car in the Pinewood Derby last weekend. In his Tiger Cub Den, he came in 4th out of 4 but we reminded him, "Someone has to win. And someone has to come in last. The important thing is that you are in the race and that you have fun." Nostalgic, isn't it. Seriously, this is where you start to sound like your parents by providing advice that has been handed down for generations.
And his Den had the fastest car in the whole Derby. Actually, his best buddy had the fastest car recorded in all the years that his Pack has done the Derby. But nonetheless, it was a lesson in life. He and Dad had a blast making the car. And while trying to fix a wheel the night before, the wheel broke off of the car. So with a fast repair, it was raceable. And it was a VERY close race. Look for the yellow & black car in the video below. You can see how much fun they had racing. 3---2---1---GO!
Best Friends--Cutest Tiger Cubs
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Go Bears! And Whoever Favre is Playing for This Year
GO BEARS! (thus the beautiful blog text & background colors) Football excitement peaked this week in Chicagoland. The Bears and Packers are playing and three of our family members are rooting for the Chicago Bears. Well, our daughter thinks the Packers colors are better, but that is only for the purpose of rebellion. She is a Bears fan, at heart.
The boy roots for whoever Favre is playing for this year. He has a rainbow collection of Favre jerseys in his closet. And this has turned him into a Vikings fan. (I do like the Vikings colors) But today, I reminded him that the Vikings are not going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are! So today, he is rooting for da Bears.
We are watching the game and the little guy has his Nerf ball tucked under his arm. He is our instant replay, live, in the center of the living room. Much more entertaining than the actual game. Although the things that come out of the Big D's mouth, as usual, are equally entertaining. He just called for Cutler to be replaced by the local high school quarterback.
We've been cursing Canada for sending their arctic air our way. The kids and their friends and I escaped last weekend for a romp at the indoor water park. Nothing like watching them burn energy, while escaping into a chick book. It is very relaxing for me. Even with four kids in tow. They are awesome kids that I can take, literally, ANYWHERE. Symphony, Opera...well, I think I'll pass on that one. But they really do know how to behave in public.
The Big D and I have been selling Piper's Girl Scout cookies. At work. And she managed to get her buns out on the street this morning. She sold five boxes. In this day and age, I seriously don't want her going door to door. So that means we get to be honorary Girl Scouts for two weeks. And I have to admit that I considered ordering a case of Thin Mints under a pseudo-name (Edith Smith) so I can deliver them to a secret hiding place in the garage freezer.
But I can't do that. I quit eating all sugar and "bad" carbs three weeks ago. I have been focusing on getting 8 servings of fruits and veggies every day. Have you ever tried that? It doesn't leave room to eat much more. I'm stuffed constantly. But stuffed with food that tastes great and provides nutrition. This is where having my mother, for a mother, growing up, was GREAT. She didn't buy snack foods. Our snacks consisted of frozen fresh fruit and pickles & cheese on crackers. No chips, pop, or other ready-to-eat items wrapped in plastic. I'm back to my roots. And I'm already 10 pounds lighter and feeling like I can keep up with these rugrats.
And I'm going to need that energy. In May, I'm doing my second annual triathlon. 20 laps in the pool...yah, I know. I could do that in my sleep. (This is where those four hour per day practices become a life skill, worthy of the childhood pain.) Five miles on a spinner bike. No problem. But 3 miles running around the local park. That is my weakness. And that is the reason I must train for this blasted thing. It gets my butt off the couch and outside. And Dewey the Bouncing Dog is thankful for that. He LOVES (LOVES!) to go for wogs. (not a typo)
Wogging is an art. You run until you feel like you are going to throw up. Then you walk. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. I don't jog. I wog.
By the time you read this, I hope the Bears are headed for the Super Bowl. And if The Pack wins, well sheds some tears for us. Any Given Sunday. And we are used to saying, "Next Year". Cuz we are Cub fans too...
GO BEARS!
The boy roots for whoever Favre is playing for this year. He has a rainbow collection of Favre jerseys in his closet. And this has turned him into a Vikings fan. (I do like the Vikings colors) But today, I reminded him that the Vikings are not going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are! So today, he is rooting for da Bears.
We are watching the game and the little guy has his Nerf ball tucked under his arm. He is our instant replay, live, in the center of the living room. Much more entertaining than the actual game. Although the things that come out of the Big D's mouth, as usual, are equally entertaining. He just called for Cutler to be replaced by the local high school quarterback.
We've been cursing Canada for sending their arctic air our way. The kids and their friends and I escaped last weekend for a romp at the indoor water park. Nothing like watching them burn energy, while escaping into a chick book. It is very relaxing for me. Even with four kids in tow. They are awesome kids that I can take, literally, ANYWHERE. Symphony, Opera...well, I think I'll pass on that one. But they really do know how to behave in public.
The Big D and I have been selling Piper's Girl Scout cookies. At work. And she managed to get her buns out on the street this morning. She sold five boxes. In this day and age, I seriously don't want her going door to door. So that means we get to be honorary Girl Scouts for two weeks. And I have to admit that I considered ordering a case of Thin Mints under a pseudo-name (Edith Smith) so I can deliver them to a secret hiding place in the garage freezer.
But I can't do that. I quit eating all sugar and "bad" carbs three weeks ago. I have been focusing on getting 8 servings of fruits and veggies every day. Have you ever tried that? It doesn't leave room to eat much more. I'm stuffed constantly. But stuffed with food that tastes great and provides nutrition. This is where having my mother, for a mother, growing up, was GREAT. She didn't buy snack foods. Our snacks consisted of frozen fresh fruit and pickles & cheese on crackers. No chips, pop, or other ready-to-eat items wrapped in plastic. I'm back to my roots. And I'm already 10 pounds lighter and feeling like I can keep up with these rugrats.
And I'm going to need that energy. In May, I'm doing my second annual triathlon. 20 laps in the pool...yah, I know. I could do that in my sleep. (This is where those four hour per day practices become a life skill, worthy of the childhood pain.) Five miles on a spinner bike. No problem. But 3 miles running around the local park. That is my weakness. And that is the reason I must train for this blasted thing. It gets my butt off the couch and outside. And Dewey the Bouncing Dog is thankful for that. He LOVES (LOVES!) to go for wogs. (not a typo)
Wogging is an art. You run until you feel like you are going to throw up. Then you walk. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. I don't jog. I wog.
By the time you read this, I hope the Bears are headed for the Super Bowl. And if The Pack wins, well sheds some tears for us. Any Given Sunday. And we are used to saying, "Next Year". Cuz we are Cub fans too...
GO BEARS!
Monday, December 27, 2010
His Father's Son & My Daughter
Christmas 2010 is a wrap and what a pile of loot these kids received. They must have been very, very good this year. (And they have been)
Our almost tweenie girl got her dream room from Santa. A futon/couch for her room and a nightstand. Can you imagine? That was exactly what she wanted. I asked her if she would be disappointed if she didn't get toys from Santa. "Uh, no. Right?" Everything is followed with, "Yah, right?" That is her little tweenie lingo for okay.
And Boo got every Star Wars toy a six year-old could dream of. He's been putting together Legos and battling with Jedi force since Christmas morning.
Thanks to everyone for the gifts and such a special Christmas morning. I just wish I could capture their excitement at this age in words. But it isn't possible. Truly a very special time for us all. They are just thankful, appreciative, and truly enveloped in joy. We feel so blessed.
Our almost tweenie girl got her dream room from Santa. A futon/couch for her room and a nightstand. Can you imagine? That was exactly what she wanted. I asked her if she would be disappointed if she didn't get toys from Santa. "Uh, no. Right?" Everything is followed with, "Yah, right?" That is her little tweenie lingo for okay.
And Boo got every Star Wars toy a six year-old could dream of. He's been putting together Legos and battling with Jedi force since Christmas morning.
Thanks to everyone for the gifts and such a special Christmas morning. I just wish I could capture their excitement at this age in words. But it isn't possible. Truly a very special time for us all. They are just thankful, appreciative, and truly enveloped in joy. We feel so blessed.
So here's some Christmas Eve pics which I am going to title ---
His Father's Son
And you ALL know what I mean by that...hahahaha!
Finally, a good pic of them together.
SO BLESSED!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Our Family and GFS Rocks!
So last week I just about threw in the towel on the holidays. A gazillion potlucks...with no time to even shop for the necessary items, let alone cook them. Yes, we had bagels for dinner one night. Why? Because it was the only thing left in the frig that was edible. Unless you count ketchup. And at work, women all around me asking if my shopping was done. Yes, in my spare time, between 2 & 3am at the Walmart Supercenter. NO! Not done. I was stressed to the max.
Then I found GFS. Gordon Food Service. Working mother's dream. Steak chili in cans---YES STEAK! Heat and repeat. And frozen mini mint chocolate eclairs. My kind of potluck food. Except...sweet pea daughter got sick and I didn't make it to the potluck "baby shower luncheon for the lady that just had twins". So you know what we had for dinner! High-sodium but still better-than-bagels, steak chili. And two days later, eclairs were delivered to the 60th birthday party / neighborhood ladies afternoon delight. GFS rocks!
After staying home with congested daughter, I returned to work and there were 100's --- okay, dozens --- of color-copied pics of me in that blasted 1990's craft fair holiday sweatshirt with the matching ribbons in my hair. Everyone's cube in the cube farm, within 20 people of me, had this picture, of me smiling, with that forsaken, joke of a holiday sweatshirt. Safe to say, Miss Chris got me good. Rumor has it there was even a couple hanging above the urinals. I can only hope they said, "For a good time call". And you know what they say about paybacks. I can take it and DISH IT OUT.
I recovered but only after turning as red as the holiday sweater that I wore on that particular day. And when I saw this picture, I realized that I really did look as tired as I felt. As I mentioned, I was about to throw the towel in. But I re-thought and used it as a pillow.
Then came the weekend and the piano recital. Our prodigy son did great. He walked up on stage, bowed, and then banged out Up on the Housetop, with his fingers on the wrong keys of the big piano. But it didn't phase him. He played the whole song about 1/2 an octave down. He bowed and then came back to his seat. So proud. Not sure that is something I could have done at six.
And his sister did a perfect rendition of Silent Night in her fashionista party-perfect dress. She has improved so much over the last year. And I can only think how well she would be doing with a LITTLE practice...just 5 minutes each week. Nonetheless, it was a stellar performance by the K kiddos. We are proud parents!
And this week, both kids had their singing programs at school. You come to their music class and listen to them bang on drums and ring bells and sing. So stinking cute. Boo is right under the little girl with the striped pink jacket.
Only two more days of the cube farm remain in 2010. Then I'm free to be until January 3rd. And I am going to spend EVERY single minute with the kids and za big D. Seriously, I live for these breaks with our family. Pippster said it best, "Our family rocks!"
Then I found GFS. Gordon Food Service. Working mother's dream. Steak chili in cans---YES STEAK! Heat and repeat. And frozen mini mint chocolate eclairs. My kind of potluck food. Except...sweet pea daughter got sick and I didn't make it to the potluck "baby shower luncheon for the lady that just had twins". So you know what we had for dinner! High-sodium but still better-than-bagels, steak chili. And two days later, eclairs were delivered to the 60th birthday party / neighborhood ladies afternoon delight. GFS rocks!
After staying home with congested daughter, I returned to work and there were 100's --- okay, dozens --- of color-copied pics of me in that blasted 1990's craft fair holiday sweatshirt with the matching ribbons in my hair. Everyone's cube in the cube farm, within 20 people of me, had this picture, of me smiling, with that forsaken, joke of a holiday sweatshirt. Safe to say, Miss Chris got me good. Rumor has it there was even a couple hanging above the urinals. I can only hope they said, "For a good time call". And you know what they say about paybacks. I can take it and DISH IT OUT.
Okay. You asked for it. Here it is with all of its glory.
Not my shining moment but clearly very funny.
Post worthy....but I don't think the picture does the
gold glitter glue justice.
gold glitter glue justice.
I recovered but only after turning as red as the holiday sweater that I wore on that particular day. And when I saw this picture, I realized that I really did look as tired as I felt. As I mentioned, I was about to throw the towel in. But I re-thought and used it as a pillow.
Then came the weekend and the piano recital. Our prodigy son did great. He walked up on stage, bowed, and then banged out Up on the Housetop, with his fingers on the wrong keys of the big piano. But it didn't phase him. He played the whole song about 1/2 an octave down. He bowed and then came back to his seat. So proud. Not sure that is something I could have done at six.
And his sister did a perfect rendition of Silent Night in her fashionista party-perfect dress. She has improved so much over the last year. And I can only think how well she would be doing with a LITTLE practice...just 5 minutes each week. Nonetheless, it was a stellar performance by the K kiddos. We are proud parents!
And this week, both kids had their singing programs at school. You come to their music class and listen to them bang on drums and ring bells and sing. So stinking cute. Boo is right under the little girl with the striped pink jacket.
And pipsqueak is in the back row, 3rd from the left, in the white t-shirt.
She loves, loves, loves to sing.
Only two more days of the cube farm remain in 2010. Then I'm free to be until January 3rd. And I am going to spend EVERY single minute with the kids and za big D. Seriously, I live for these breaks with our family. Pippster said it best, "Our family rocks!"
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