After nap, the kids like to go outside and play in the back yard. I love this too. Especially as we try to take advantage of the last bit of summer. After too long, the kids will be inside, in front of the tube, running around wildly, using outside voices inside, or all of those things at the same time.
The Girl came running in at some point to use the restroom. The Little Man wasn't but a few minutes behind her. He hates being outside for too long without her. I guess he needed to use the facilities as well. He didn't even bother knocking. He just burst right through the closed door, and into this conversation:
D: BRO!!! Get out of here! I am trying to go potty!
P: ME TOO! I have to go so bad, Wanie!
D: OK, I am done you can come in if you want. (Brief pause) But I don't want to hear about how disgusting it smells in here though OK?
P: OK
D: I'm serious, Bro, I really bombed it out in here, and I don't want to hear how gross it is, OK?
P: OK, I won't say anything.
Nice.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Baseball Banter
Thank goodness for a little Indian Summer weather! You don't have to know me too well to know that I have been soaking in every last ray. I am so sad to see the sun setting so much earlier each and every day. Truth be told, I don't get too crabby about the cooler weather until after the holiday season is gone, but I sure wish the sun would stay out longer. The shorter days kill me.
Since it was so gorgeous today, I had The Little Man out playing some more baseball this evening. I'm telling you, this kid can't get enough of baseball. It sure makes Daddy happy to see him so interested in sports, and baseball in particular.
After some warm-up swings with our Better Batter Tee (seriously, that tee has to be one of the best toys we have purchased), he was ready to go sans the tee . After playing a little while on his own, he realized that it was hard to be the pitcher, batter, and catcher all by himself. He was running himself ragged. Plus, with all that running around, it was hard to cheer himself on.
The Little Man has found that he likes to give himself little pep talks as he plays baseball. He says things like "SMMMAYACK!" each time he smacks the ball. Sometimes he'll say things like, "Get ready for my best shot ever!" Other times a "BAAYAM!" adequately describes how he feels when he really gets a hold of the ball. All this with the most serious, deep, even growly type voice. His face even has a slight furrow in the brow. The boy is serious. I thought it was cute when he tried to mix his interests a little and congratulated himself with a "Cachow!" from the Cars movie.
After all that banter had gone silent, from running all around and playing all three of the vital positions needed to get in some batting practice, he decided he needed to recruit some help. It was hard at first to understand exactly what he needed. He went around to all three of us, asking if anyone wanted to "Pway baseball with me". That was followed with, "I need to be da batter, but can you be da gluber?"
The what?
He wanted someone to play the "gluber".
Huh?
He ran off to get a visual aide. As he came around the corner, I knew instantly what he wanted me to do. He had a baseball glove in one hand.
"Come on, Mommy! I will be da batter and you can be da gluber."
Ah ha, he wanted me to be the pitcher/catcher.
With a glove.
Or when you are three, "a glub", and that position is called "The Gluber".
Since it was so gorgeous today, I had The Little Man out playing some more baseball this evening. I'm telling you, this kid can't get enough of baseball. It sure makes Daddy happy to see him so interested in sports, and baseball in particular.
After some warm-up swings with our Better Batter Tee (seriously, that tee has to be one of the best toys we have purchased), he was ready to go sans the tee . After playing a little while on his own, he realized that it was hard to be the pitcher, batter, and catcher all by himself. He was running himself ragged. Plus, with all that running around, it was hard to cheer himself on.
The Little Man has found that he likes to give himself little pep talks as he plays baseball. He says things like "SMMMAYACK!" each time he smacks the ball. Sometimes he'll say things like, "Get ready for my best shot ever!" Other times a "BAAYAM!" adequately describes how he feels when he really gets a hold of the ball. All this with the most serious, deep, even growly type voice. His face even has a slight furrow in the brow. The boy is serious. I thought it was cute when he tried to mix his interests a little and congratulated himself with a "Cachow!" from the Cars movie.
After all that banter had gone silent, from running all around and playing all three of the vital positions needed to get in some batting practice, he decided he needed to recruit some help. It was hard at first to understand exactly what he needed. He went around to all three of us, asking if anyone wanted to "Pway baseball with me". That was followed with, "I need to be da batter, but can you be da gluber?"
The what?
He wanted someone to play the "gluber".
Huh?
He ran off to get a visual aide. As he came around the corner, I knew instantly what he wanted me to do. He had a baseball glove in one hand.
"Come on, Mommy! I will be da batter and you can be da gluber."
Ah ha, he wanted me to be the pitcher/catcher.
With a glove.
Or when you are three, "a glub", and that position is called "The Gluber".
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Mall Is Full of Famous People
We needed to run some errands at the mall. I don't generally go to the mall all that often, so when I do, the kids think we are going on a field trip to a candy store. They love the escalators, or "Magic Stairs" if you are talking to The Little Man, and beg to ride them over and over as if we were at Six Flags. They also love the fountains, wide open corridors to run through, and the Pet Store. It's hard to keep them contained, really.
The Little Man must have had too much Star Wars on the brain today while we were there. Everywhere we looked there were characters from his new favorite movies. As we were driving in, The Girl thought she saw Obama entering the mall (there may be a bit too much of the Today show on in the morning or too many political ads running. (I'm going to go with both.)) She hollered out, "Mom! I think I just saw Barack Obama!"
I laughed and replied, "What? Girl, you are crazy!"
After a brief pause while she was more closely scrutinizing who she thought was Obama, she said, "Oh! Ooops! Nevermind. That's not Obama! That would have been crazy though because it would have been like 'WOW, we just met the president at the mall!' "
I was still giggling a bit and said, "Yes, that would've been crazy to meet Obama at the mall."
She came back with, "Well, that guy looked a lot like him, but ya, it would've been too crazy."
The Little Man wanted in on the conversation too. He rarely likes to be left out. He came back with, "Who are you talking about Wanie?"
She said, "You know, Obama. The guy who's trying to be the president...OBAMA!"
The Little Man said, "No, Wanie not the pwesident. He's on Star Wars. It's Chewbama."
Thankfully, she corrected him because I was laughing too hard.
Later as we walked down the corridor of the mall (OK I walked quickly because the kids were running at an Olympic pace), The Little Man stopped dead in his tracks in front of a gentleman talking on his cell phone. As I got closer I could hear that the gentleman must have had some sort of device in his throat/larynx/voice box because his voice sounded a bit on the robotic side. As I caught up to The Little Man, he remained still in front of the man on the cell phone. Finally, he loudly said, "Whoa! That voice is just like Yoda!"
Thankfully, he was still in a running mood because he scooted right along after that comment making it much easier on me to get out of there before I could really feel the embarrassment sink in.
Returning jeans has never been so amusing.
The Little Man must have had too much Star Wars on the brain today while we were there. Everywhere we looked there were characters from his new favorite movies. As we were driving in, The Girl thought she saw Obama entering the mall (there may be a bit too much of the Today show on in the morning or too many political ads running. (I'm going to go with both.)) She hollered out, "Mom! I think I just saw Barack Obama!"
I laughed and replied, "What? Girl, you are crazy!"
After a brief pause while she was more closely scrutinizing who she thought was Obama, she said, "Oh! Ooops! Nevermind. That's not Obama! That would have been crazy though because it would have been like 'WOW, we just met the president at the mall!' "
I was still giggling a bit and said, "Yes, that would've been crazy to meet Obama at the mall."
She came back with, "Well, that guy looked a lot like him, but ya, it would've been too crazy."
The Little Man wanted in on the conversation too. He rarely likes to be left out. He came back with, "Who are you talking about Wanie?"
She said, "You know, Obama. The guy who's trying to be the president...OBAMA!"
The Little Man said, "No, Wanie not the pwesident. He's on Star Wars. It's Chewbama."
Thankfully, she corrected him because I was laughing too hard.
Later as we walked down the corridor of the mall (OK I walked quickly because the kids were running at an Olympic pace), The Little Man stopped dead in his tracks in front of a gentleman talking on his cell phone. As I got closer I could hear that the gentleman must have had some sort of device in his throat/larynx/voice box because his voice sounded a bit on the robotic side. As I caught up to The Little Man, he remained still in front of the man on the cell phone. Finally, he loudly said, "Whoa! That voice is just like Yoda!"
Thankfully, he was still in a running mood because he scooted right along after that comment making it much easier on me to get out of there before I could really feel the embarrassment sink in.
Returning jeans has never been so amusing.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I'm So Tired a Real Title is Eluding Me
WHEW! It's been busy again! We just got back into town from the mountains. We spent some time with our church at a retreat focusing on reconnecting. It was great! And I would say pretty successful.
Right now, all I can think about is reconnecting with my own bed, but I will share some fun from the last few days:
1. The kids did fabulous in the room we shared. They both got to sleep on the top bunk which amused them to no end. I thought for sure we would have problems through the night with bad dreams, night terrors (no they are not the same as bad dreams), falling out of bed, and all things that would not allow a mother or father to sleep. But no! The kids both slept well. So did the hubby. I however, waited up most of each night waiting for something to happen. Anything really.
2. Taking a nap in the middle of the day doesn't sound like much fun, but it is. I thought we would be missing out on a whole bunch of fun going on during a "free time" by forcing our children back to our room for a much needed nap, but really we so needed it, and it helped make our evening go just that much smoother. Plus, not having to do in by myself was nice too. Hubby and I read our books, and also caught a few Z's ourselves.
Yes, I just listed taking a nap as a highlight of our weekend. It was awesome.
3. S'mores. Enough said.
4. Changing leaves in the mountains. Beautiful.
5. Bringing my own food into the Y's dining hall: Yummy and SO necessary. I think it played a pivotal role in the weekend going so beautifully.
7. Our dog having such a good time at our dear friend's home this weekend that she didn't want to come home. It's hard to leave your dog behind when you think she could be difficult for the caregivers because she can be quite needy. Especially when you are hoping that the caregivers will still want to be your friends after watching the needy dog. She did amazingly well, and I was sad to have to make her leave. They assured me though, even though she was well behaved and their kids liked having her around, that it wasn't possible for them to keep her.
Shucks.
It's time to reintroduce myself to my soft comfy sheets, and my warm and cozy bed.
I am sure as soon as my head hits the pillow tonight, all those things I posted back in #1, that I waited up for all weekend long, will actually happen just as I shut my eyes.
Clearly, I have a busy night ahead of me and I should get started.
Right now, all I can think about is reconnecting with my own bed, but I will share some fun from the last few days:
1. The kids did fabulous in the room we shared. They both got to sleep on the top bunk which amused them to no end. I thought for sure we would have problems through the night with bad dreams, night terrors (no they are not the same as bad dreams), falling out of bed, and all things that would not allow a mother or father to sleep. But no! The kids both slept well. So did the hubby. I however, waited up most of each night waiting for something to happen. Anything really.
2. Taking a nap in the middle of the day doesn't sound like much fun, but it is. I thought we would be missing out on a whole bunch of fun going on during a "free time" by forcing our children back to our room for a much needed nap, but really we so needed it, and it helped make our evening go just that much smoother. Plus, not having to do in by myself was nice too. Hubby and I read our books, and also caught a few Z's ourselves.
Yes, I just listed taking a nap as a highlight of our weekend. It was awesome.
3. S'mores. Enough said.
4. Changing leaves in the mountains. Beautiful.
5. Bringing my own food into the Y's dining hall: Yummy and SO necessary. I think it played a pivotal role in the weekend going so beautifully.
7. Our dog having such a good time at our dear friend's home this weekend that she didn't want to come home. It's hard to leave your dog behind when you think she could be difficult for the caregivers because she can be quite needy. Especially when you are hoping that the caregivers will still want to be your friends after watching the needy dog. She did amazingly well, and I was sad to have to make her leave. They assured me though, even though she was well behaved and their kids liked having her around, that it wasn't possible for them to keep her.
Shucks.
It's time to reintroduce myself to my soft comfy sheets, and my warm and cozy bed.
I am sure as soon as my head hits the pillow tonight, all those things I posted back in #1, that I waited up for all weekend long, will actually happen just as I shut my eyes.
Clearly, I have a busy night ahead of me and I should get started.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I'm Trying to Slide That Last Part Right Past You
Seems like we (hubby and I) are trying whatever we can to keep The Little Man entertained while sister is away at school. He seems to be very clingy, lovey, and needing a lot of extra attention. It has been nice to have him all alone and get to see what makes him tick.
I found this to work quite well...
It really is one of his most favorite things to do, even after the 10th time.
Hubby has found another way...
I am sure he is thrilled that he is up on my blog without a shirt on.
Also, today I thought it would be fun to get my nose pierced.
It was!
I found this to work quite well...
It really is one of his most favorite things to do, even after the 10th time.
Hubby has found another way...
I am sure he is thrilled that he is up on my blog without a shirt on.
Also, today I thought it would be fun to get my nose pierced.
It was!
Monday, September 15, 2008
If You Can't Say Something Nice...
Playing outside before nap is always a toss up. You just never know if The Little Man will be too tired to play, but not want to admit he's too tired, and then throw fits over small things. Other times, he does great and will tire himself out for a good nap. Which is obviously why I risk taking them out close to nap time in the first place.
Today, he did well...for about 20 minutes. Then he was pooped out. He started getting whiny and grumpy. He didn't want to play nicely anymore. It's a frustrating transition because you can't tell right away what the problem is. Once you've got it figured out, you're already frustrated with the bad behavior. There are many times that I want to lose my patience and just let him know how annoying his behavior is, but I know that isn't going to help the situation. Then there are times when I accidentally slip out an opinion or two...I try to forget that those times have ever happen, but I am trying to be authentic here.
Today was a day I was able to keep my thoughts to myself, but The Girl was not.
me: Little Man, go get your motorcycle and bring it into the garage
P: Moooooommmmmy! (followed by an overly exaggerated sigh)
me: Come on. You can do it. It's your motorcycle and you got it out. Now it's time to put it away
P: (another audible sigh)(followed by whimpers) I just can't do it, Mom!
D: If I hear you say you can't do it just one more time, I am really going to get ticked off!
Hearing those words come out of her mouth made me realize the importance of keeping my opinions to myself.
Today, he did well...for about 20 minutes. Then he was pooped out. He started getting whiny and grumpy. He didn't want to play nicely anymore. It's a frustrating transition because you can't tell right away what the problem is. Once you've got it figured out, you're already frustrated with the bad behavior. There are many times that I want to lose my patience and just let him know how annoying his behavior is, but I know that isn't going to help the situation. Then there are times when I accidentally slip out an opinion or two...I try to forget that those times have ever happen, but I am trying to be authentic here.
Today was a day I was able to keep my thoughts to myself, but The Girl was not.
me: Little Man, go get your motorcycle and bring it into the garage
P: Moooooommmmmy! (followed by an overly exaggerated sigh)
me: Come on. You can do it. It's your motorcycle and you got it out. Now it's time to put it away
P: (another audible sigh)(followed by whimpers) I just can't do it, Mom!
D: If I hear you say you can't do it just one more time, I am really going to get ticked off!
Hearing those words come out of her mouth made me realize the importance of keeping my opinions to myself.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
We are Prim and Proper Here
Having a 3 and a 5 and a half year old leads to a lot of potty talk. I try to keep it to a minimum, but alas, my children have been caught many times saying words that most moms don't want to hear their children saying unless they are in the bathroom. Every time they are caught, they are remorseful, but still end up doing it again. They do try, though...
While we were watching some Sunday night TV, a commercial came on with Michael Phelps. Apparently, he will be on a talk show giving an interview. I am thinking that this talk show isn't of the serious journalistic variety, but more of the silly type as the question that they chose to advertise was one that asked if Michael has ever peed in the pool.
With that, The Girl turned and looked at me wide eyed. I just looked back at her like, "What?" I was trying to not bring too much attention to it. She just kept staring at me with big eyes, and finally said, "Mom! You probably should have muted that, don't you think?"
Still not trying to make it too big of a deal, I said, "What do you mean?"
That's when she leaned in close and spoke only out of the very corner of her mouth. Her teeth stayed clenched and her voice was very low and deep as she very condescendingly said, "That man said 'pee in the pool', Mom. That's kind of gross don't you think?"
The audacity of that Journalist!
Doesn't he know that young children are trying to enjoy some clean, fun, Sunday night TV?
The Girl would never be caught speaking of such things.
She saves that kind of banter for her brother and their farting contests.
While we were watching some Sunday night TV, a commercial came on with Michael Phelps. Apparently, he will be on a talk show giving an interview. I am thinking that this talk show isn't of the serious journalistic variety, but more of the silly type as the question that they chose to advertise was one that asked if Michael has ever peed in the pool.
With that, The Girl turned and looked at me wide eyed. I just looked back at her like, "What?" I was trying to not bring too much attention to it. She just kept staring at me with big eyes, and finally said, "Mom! You probably should have muted that, don't you think?"
Still not trying to make it too big of a deal, I said, "What do you mean?"
That's when she leaned in close and spoke only out of the very corner of her mouth. Her teeth stayed clenched and her voice was very low and deep as she very condescendingly said, "That man said 'pee in the pool', Mom. That's kind of gross don't you think?"
The audacity of that Journalist!
Doesn't he know that young children are trying to enjoy some clean, fun, Sunday night TV?
The Girl would never be caught speaking of such things.
She saves that kind of banter for her brother and their farting contests.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Exerpts from Today
Random conversations I took note of today:
The Girl and The Little Man are playing "Go to Sleep". The Little Man wants The Girl to do something for him because he is unable to. She wants nothing to do with helping him out.
P: Seriowswee Wanes, if you just help me, den I could pway.
Translation: Seriously Lanes, if you would just help me, then I could play.
The Girl takes a break from playing "Go to Sleep" to tell me this news flash:
D: Mom, sometimes when I lay down on my pillows and blankets, I feel so very royal.
The Girl and The Little Man are playing "Explorers" in the playroom with the lights off and a small flashlight. The Little Man gets scared and wants the lights back on after The Girl shows him some shadows she can make with the flashlight:
P: (Running out of the playroom with very wide eyes) Mommy! Something bery scary is in da playroom!
(Translation: Something very scary is in the playroom!)
Me: Really? What's going on in there?
P: Wanie turned off da wights and den I saw bery mysterwious shadows all over da walls.
(Translation: Lanie turned off the lights and then I saw very mysterious shadows all over the walls.)
Me: Really? What kind of shadows were they?
P: Day were bery mysterwious (small pause) and scary too.
(Translation: They were very mysterious...and scary too)
Some big words for some little people.
The Girl and The Little Man are playing "Go to Sleep". The Little Man wants The Girl to do something for him because he is unable to. She wants nothing to do with helping him out.
P: Seriowswee Wanes, if you just help me, den I could pway.
Translation: Seriously Lanes, if you would just help me, then I could play.
The Girl takes a break from playing "Go to Sleep" to tell me this news flash:
D: Mom, sometimes when I lay down on my pillows and blankets, I feel so very royal.
The Girl and The Little Man are playing "Explorers" in the playroom with the lights off and a small flashlight. The Little Man gets scared and wants the lights back on after The Girl shows him some shadows she can make with the flashlight:
P: (Running out of the playroom with very wide eyes) Mommy! Something bery scary is in da playroom!
(Translation: Something very scary is in the playroom!)
Me: Really? What's going on in there?
P: Wanie turned off da wights and den I saw bery mysterwious shadows all over da walls.
(Translation: Lanie turned off the lights and then I saw very mysterious shadows all over the walls.)
Me: Really? What kind of shadows were they?
P: Day were bery mysterwious (small pause) and scary too.
(Translation: They were very mysterious...and scary too)
Some big words for some little people.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Nails and Shopping and Hair! Oh My!
I guess I needed a little break. I didn't feel too tired, and I wasn't burned out about anything, and truth be told, I really didn't feel like anything in particular was chapping my hide, but I felt like I needed a little break from life yesterday. Just because.
Whenever I feel like that, first I laugh because it ain't going to happen (yes, I just used the word "ain't"). Then I try to think of ways that can make me feel like I have the day off when really I don't. I already knew I was going to be spending yesterday with my mom and youngest sister for their birthdays, so I thought that would be as good of time as any to pretend to take the day off. You know, in the name of celebration and all. Add to that the fact that both children were in school at the same time for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes and you have the making of some good quality down time.
So, first things first, on my "Off Day", I got up extra early and showered. Sounding like and "Off Day" to you already, isn't it? It's just that I didn't want to spend any of that 2.5 hours getting ready. I wanted every single minute of that 2.5 hours to do fun stuff or no stuff...whatever. As it turns out, I was able to used a good chunk of that time to get my nails done. Two thirds of the party was getting their toes done, and I have had an unfortunate big toe toenail issue on both feet, so I didn't want to waste precious polish on the tootsies right now, but I didn't want to miss out on the hanging-out-doing-nothing-while-someone-does-work-on-you thing, so I chose to get my fingernails done instead.
That right there should give the people who know me in real life, a good laugh. For those of you who don't know me, or who do and haven't paid close attention to my hands, I don't have fingernails. Well, OK, I have fingernails. They are just VERY short, flat bedded, and kind of ridgy. Since I can't grow fingernails AT ALL, I choose to just let them be and try not to attract attention to what I lovingly call my "Man hands". That does lead to sometimes making the ugly even uglier because the cuticles get over grown and the hang nails are out of control.
I felt like since I needed some maintenance, I may as well throw some polish on those bad boys. At first I thought I would go muted and natural looking for color. You know, as to not draw too much attention to the beasts, but then I threw caution to the wind and went with a deep wine color.
Because I was feeling wild and crazy.
I am actually surprised at how nice it makes my hands look. Even though the nails are so very short. They look good with their cuticles all nice and trimmed up, and there is not nary a hangnail to be found.
I don't think I can make this a habit though because, unlike toenails, polish on the fingernails lasts about half a day, and then it chips. So unless I am moving a manicurist in to my home to live and work, this new look isn't going to stay. But it is fun while it lasts.
After the nails and some lunch at good old Red Robin, it was time for a little shopping. One of my favorite stores in town is very smart and has put a TV in the dressing room complete with movies for the kids. I got about 45 minutes of uninterrupted shopping in before it was time for nap. It was fabulous.
After laying the kids down for a nap, it was time for me to go get my hair done. (See you have already forgotten about having to wake up 30 minutes earlier than normal in order to have this "Day Off", haven't you?) I spent the next 2 hours fretting over and getting a new 'do, as well as coloring over the old 'do's gray hair issues. I came home a whole new woman.
I celebrated by eating cookies and cookie dough after dinner and then turned in a little bit early after watching some tube.
Although the day was busy, it was refreshing. It included: my family, alone time for me, getting a new look, going shopping, and getting pampered. It did not include: calorie counting, exercising, working on proofs, returning emails, running errands, following any to-do lists, or blogging.
Pure bliss, I tell you.
Plus, the people (little and big) who won't let me have a real day off unless I go out of town, didn't even notice I was gone.
Success.
Whenever I feel like that, first I laugh because it ain't going to happen (yes, I just used the word "ain't"). Then I try to think of ways that can make me feel like I have the day off when really I don't. I already knew I was going to be spending yesterday with my mom and youngest sister for their birthdays, so I thought that would be as good of time as any to pretend to take the day off. You know, in the name of celebration and all. Add to that the fact that both children were in school at the same time for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes and you have the making of some good quality down time.
So, first things first, on my "Off Day", I got up extra early and showered. Sounding like and "Off Day" to you already, isn't it? It's just that I didn't want to spend any of that 2.5 hours getting ready. I wanted every single minute of that 2.5 hours to do fun stuff or no stuff...whatever. As it turns out, I was able to used a good chunk of that time to get my nails done. Two thirds of the party was getting their toes done, and I have had an unfortunate big toe toenail issue on both feet, so I didn't want to waste precious polish on the tootsies right now, but I didn't want to miss out on the hanging-out-doing-nothing-while-someone-does-work-on-you thing, so I chose to get my fingernails done instead.
That right there should give the people who know me in real life, a good laugh. For those of you who don't know me, or who do and haven't paid close attention to my hands, I don't have fingernails. Well, OK, I have fingernails. They are just VERY short, flat bedded, and kind of ridgy. Since I can't grow fingernails AT ALL, I choose to just let them be and try not to attract attention to what I lovingly call my "Man hands". That does lead to sometimes making the ugly even uglier because the cuticles get over grown and the hang nails are out of control.
I felt like since I needed some maintenance, I may as well throw some polish on those bad boys. At first I thought I would go muted and natural looking for color. You know, as to not draw too much attention to the beasts, but then I threw caution to the wind and went with a deep wine color.
Because I was feeling wild and crazy.
I am actually surprised at how nice it makes my hands look. Even though the nails are so very short. They look good with their cuticles all nice and trimmed up, and there is not nary a hangnail to be found.
I don't think I can make this a habit though because, unlike toenails, polish on the fingernails lasts about half a day, and then it chips. So unless I am moving a manicurist in to my home to live and work, this new look isn't going to stay. But it is fun while it lasts.
After the nails and some lunch at good old Red Robin, it was time for a little shopping. One of my favorite stores in town is very smart and has put a TV in the dressing room complete with movies for the kids. I got about 45 minutes of uninterrupted shopping in before it was time for nap. It was fabulous.
After laying the kids down for a nap, it was time for me to go get my hair done. (See you have already forgotten about having to wake up 30 minutes earlier than normal in order to have this "Day Off", haven't you?) I spent the next 2 hours fretting over and getting a new 'do, as well as coloring over the old 'do's gray hair issues. I came home a whole new woman.
I celebrated by eating cookies and cookie dough after dinner and then turned in a little bit early after watching some tube.
Although the day was busy, it was refreshing. It included: my family, alone time for me, getting a new look, going shopping, and getting pampered. It did not include: calorie counting, exercising, working on proofs, returning emails, running errands, following any to-do lists, or blogging.
Pure bliss, I tell you.
Plus, the people (little and big) who won't let me have a real day off unless I go out of town, didn't even notice I was gone.
Success.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I think I am Going to Be Singing That Song for the Next Week
The Little Man seems to have been neglected. I have been blogging a lot about The Girl, with a slight sprinkling of The Little Man here and there. It hasn't been on purpose, but more because The Girl has really been coming into her own, what with school and all. The poor Little Man, he's just been hanging out in the background, waiting for her to come home, and then sits quietly while she goes on and on about her day.
Before I make this a post about her, I digress. This will be about a couple of the fun things The Little Man has been up to. He's gotten interesting lately, or I've been able to pay closer attention to him more lately because we have many more hours in the week we are alone together now. Here we go:
1) The Little Man still loves Cars the movie. Even though he hasn't watched it in quite some time, he loves to play cars, talk about Lightening McQueen, and wear Cars clothing. His favs are his Lightening McQueen shoes. He thinks he can run so fast in those. He even told me today that he would prefer to run to The Girl's school today instead of drive. He thought we would get there faster.
He also has his favorite Mac truck (still from the Cars movie, for those who are unfamiliar) toy. He got the toy for his birthday, and rarely a day goes by without it getting played with. I particularly love to watch him play when he thinks that no one is looking. That's when you'll see a very serious face (complete with a furrowed brow), and then you get an unexpected song as he drives his truck through the kitchen.
For a while I couldn't figure out what he was doing. I mean I knew he was singing, but why then? And what was he singing? Finally, today I figured out the tune. He has been driving all those miles in the kitchen singing "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flats. It's kind of the theme song for the movie. I guess that's his favorite part, when Mac is driving all those miles to get to the final race for the Piston cup, and "Life is a Highway" is playing as the background music. As I watched today, the whole sequence started making much more sense once I figured out the whole singing thing. Shortly after The Little Man takes a song break, McQueen falls out of the back of the truck and screams for Mac to "Stop!" and "Wait up Mac!" and "Don't leave me!"
This whole time I thought he was just playing trucks. Meanwhile, he has been reenacting the entire movie complete with music. Once I figured this out, I sang the "Life is a Highway" song for him. You should have seen the way his face lit up. I ended up singing that song from about 9:30 am until just shortly after dinner, when I had to let him down and tell him he is going to need to sing his own theme music.
2) The Little Man recently came into ownership of some Spider Man jammies. LOVES THEM. They even have the netted fabric that connects from the wrist of the sleeve to the bottom of the bodice part of the shirt. Wouldn't you know, the very first thing he did when I put those things on him (at 12:30 in the afternoon thankyouverymuch), was jumped off his bed with his arms spread wide. He has never jumped off of something that high before (not that I have seen at least, and from the expression on his face afterwards, I think I am right). After the initial shock (from both of us), I asked him what he was doing. He just said he was Spider Man now and he needed to learn how to jump around.
Also, when he wears the jammies, which is A LOT, he would prefer to be called Spider Man instead of his name, and will correct you if you forget.
Considering he has never seen a Spider Man comic, movie, or cartoon, I think his passion for the Webbed One is kind of cute in a I'm-a-Super-Hero-who-will-save-you-and-the-day sort of way.
Plus, it has given us a small break from the "Lipe Sabers".
In which there is still a fierce passion.
3) Lastly, and not nearly as fun, we have been working on a slight regression in the potty training department. After months of no accidents, we have been experiencing a few mishaps here and there. I'm not sure what is going on, but we have decided to put up a potty chart. For 7 beautifully, fun-filled, accident free days, he will receive one jumbo poster sized color book. Complete with pictures of Buzz, Woody, the Monsters Inc. crew, and the cast of The Incredibles. The deal is, I leave the color book out so he gets to look at it, touch it, smell it (if he wants to), but doesn't get to use it. Yes, I get some fits, but in the end it's supposed to motivate when you can see that it's already here, you just have to earn it.
This technique worked really well on The Girl when she experienced the same type of lapse back in the day. So I thought I would pull it out again. He's not so much getting it, but we'll get there. He thinks that by earning a sticker for the day he should be able to have his book. He 's not quite getting the whole it's-a-collection-of-several-days idea here. When it's all said and done, he'll get it. Then I am going to pull out the chart action on some other annoying habits that we are trying to break.
I'm sure he can hardly wait.
Before I make this a post about her, I digress. This will be about a couple of the fun things The Little Man has been up to. He's gotten interesting lately, or I've been able to pay closer attention to him more lately because we have many more hours in the week we are alone together now. Here we go:
1) The Little Man still loves Cars the movie. Even though he hasn't watched it in quite some time, he loves to play cars, talk about Lightening McQueen, and wear Cars clothing. His favs are his Lightening McQueen shoes. He thinks he can run so fast in those. He even told me today that he would prefer to run to The Girl's school today instead of drive. He thought we would get there faster.
He also has his favorite Mac truck (still from the Cars movie, for those who are unfamiliar) toy. He got the toy for his birthday, and rarely a day goes by without it getting played with. I particularly love to watch him play when he thinks that no one is looking. That's when you'll see a very serious face (complete with a furrowed brow), and then you get an unexpected song as he drives his truck through the kitchen.
For a while I couldn't figure out what he was doing. I mean I knew he was singing, but why then? And what was he singing? Finally, today I figured out the tune. He has been driving all those miles in the kitchen singing "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flats. It's kind of the theme song for the movie. I guess that's his favorite part, when Mac is driving all those miles to get to the final race for the Piston cup, and "Life is a Highway" is playing as the background music. As I watched today, the whole sequence started making much more sense once I figured out the whole singing thing. Shortly after The Little Man takes a song break, McQueen falls out of the back of the truck and screams for Mac to "Stop!" and "Wait up Mac!" and "Don't leave me!"
This whole time I thought he was just playing trucks. Meanwhile, he has been reenacting the entire movie complete with music. Once I figured this out, I sang the "Life is a Highway" song for him. You should have seen the way his face lit up. I ended up singing that song from about 9:30 am until just shortly after dinner, when I had to let him down and tell him he is going to need to sing his own theme music.
2) The Little Man recently came into ownership of some Spider Man jammies. LOVES THEM. They even have the netted fabric that connects from the wrist of the sleeve to the bottom of the bodice part of the shirt. Wouldn't you know, the very first thing he did when I put those things on him (at 12:30 in the afternoon thankyouverymuch), was jumped off his bed with his arms spread wide. He has never jumped off of something that high before (not that I have seen at least, and from the expression on his face afterwards, I think I am right). After the initial shock (from both of us), I asked him what he was doing. He just said he was Spider Man now and he needed to learn how to jump around.
Also, when he wears the jammies, which is A LOT, he would prefer to be called Spider Man instead of his name, and will correct you if you forget.
Considering he has never seen a Spider Man comic, movie, or cartoon, I think his passion for the Webbed One is kind of cute in a I'm-a-Super-Hero-who-will-save-you-and-the-day sort of way.
Plus, it has given us a small break from the "Lipe Sabers".
In which there is still a fierce passion.
3) Lastly, and not nearly as fun, we have been working on a slight regression in the potty training department. After months of no accidents, we have been experiencing a few mishaps here and there. I'm not sure what is going on, but we have decided to put up a potty chart. For 7 beautifully, fun-filled, accident free days, he will receive one jumbo poster sized color book. Complete with pictures of Buzz, Woody, the Monsters Inc. crew, and the cast of The Incredibles. The deal is, I leave the color book out so he gets to look at it, touch it, smell it (if he wants to), but doesn't get to use it. Yes, I get some fits, but in the end it's supposed to motivate when you can see that it's already here, you just have to earn it.
This technique worked really well on The Girl when she experienced the same type of lapse back in the day. So I thought I would pull it out again. He's not so much getting it, but we'll get there. He thinks that by earning a sticker for the day he should be able to have his book. He 's not quite getting the whole it's-a-collection-of-several-days idea here. When it's all said and done, he'll get it. Then I am going to pull out the chart action on some other annoying habits that we are trying to break.
I'm sure he can hardly wait.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Is It Too Early for Hibernation?
It's cold outside. I think the high temperature today was in the mid 50's! I am so not ready for the Fall. Have I mentioned here that I am a summer gal? I know some of my friends are excitedly re-doing their closets, getting out their jeans, and looking for sweaters. They are seeking out their favorite pumpkin recipes, looking for the best fall greenery to decorate with, and some are giddy thinking about what this year's Halloween costumes will consist of.
I will tell you: that I will not redecorate until Christmas, I cried when I thought of putting on some jeans today, I never want to see my coat, and Halloween? Well, I will probably throw something together at the last second because I don't want to be a stick in the mud for my kids.
But clearly, I am a stick in the mud when it comes to Fall.
Why? Because fall leads to winter, and winter is L-O-N-G around these parts.
OK, I do like how pretty it is during the fall...and sometimes the crisp air smells good...Ya, I do like some of the fall greenery...and wreathes, I do love a good wreath.
So, today I got to do what I do best when the weather gets cold. First, I slipped on some Cozy's (aka PJ's, Comfy's, sweats, whatever). I am really good at wearing super warm, comfortable, soft, several sizes too big, and a bit worn out clothing. Hubby LOVES it when I walk around the house all dolled up in my jammy pants and XXL sweatshirt. Secondly, and most importantly, I eat. I think it might be part of the comfy thing. OK, I know it's part of the comfy thing. I totally comfort food myself into oblivion.
Tonight's goodness? Meatloaf, baked potatoes with butter and cheese, and broccoli. Thinking about this meal actually helped me to have a better outlook and attitude on the whole day because you can't eat that meal in the summer time. No, that meal is strictly for the cold months. You can't eat it in the summer because it is way too heavy and filling, and also because it takes an hour to bake...at 450 degrees. You can't work with those kinds of temperatures in the summer. So it's been a while since I have served some yummy meatloaf.
I'm sure I lost the majority of you with the mere mention of meatloaf, but it's true. I do love homemade meatloaf. I will only eat it if my mom or I make it. No one/where else. You just never know what other people/places will throw into that loaf. Also, you have to serve it with a baked potato and broccoli. It's the only way to eat it. The most perfect bite would be half a fork of potato (complete with cheese and butter already melted into it), half a fork of meatloaf and a small broccoli floret at the end. I NEVER mix my food. This however, is my one and only exception. It's perfection. At the end of the meal you are warm and stuffed, and the warmness stays with you all night long.
Hubby even made chocolate chip cookies. So I got to top off the meal with some cookie dough and then freshly baked cookies. It doesn't get more comfort food than that. I am so stuffed right now I don't think I could do much else besides sit here and type or sleep.
Which brings me to the last thing I do very well in the cold weather. Since becoming a mother, I have had to give up this last cold weather delicacy. There will be no napping the day away under some warm blankets, eating cookies, and watching movies. I miss it, but we get to do other things now. The kids broke out the dress-up clothes that they were way too busy to play with this summer. The Girl was a Tinkerbell princess and The Little Man was Buzz. They also broke out their blankets and pillows and played my all time favorite game "Night time"...ahhh, I miss that game.
One day, when the kids are older, I hope we get to play that game, but instead of pretending to fall asleep, we really do, and then I can return to what I do so well on cold days: nap the day away. For now, I will have to just over-indulge in the Cozy's and eating.
There's a Hot Cocoa calling my name before bed tonight!
I will tell you: that I will not redecorate until Christmas, I cried when I thought of putting on some jeans today, I never want to see my coat, and Halloween? Well, I will probably throw something together at the last second because I don't want to be a stick in the mud for my kids.
But clearly, I am a stick in the mud when it comes to Fall.
Why? Because fall leads to winter, and winter is L-O-N-G around these parts.
OK, I do like how pretty it is during the fall...and sometimes the crisp air smells good...Ya, I do like some of the fall greenery...and wreathes, I do love a good wreath.
So, today I got to do what I do best when the weather gets cold. First, I slipped on some Cozy's (aka PJ's, Comfy's, sweats, whatever). I am really good at wearing super warm, comfortable, soft, several sizes too big, and a bit worn out clothing. Hubby LOVES it when I walk around the house all dolled up in my jammy pants and XXL sweatshirt. Secondly, and most importantly, I eat. I think it might be part of the comfy thing. OK, I know it's part of the comfy thing. I totally comfort food myself into oblivion.
Tonight's goodness? Meatloaf, baked potatoes with butter and cheese, and broccoli. Thinking about this meal actually helped me to have a better outlook and attitude on the whole day because you can't eat that meal in the summer time. No, that meal is strictly for the cold months. You can't eat it in the summer because it is way too heavy and filling, and also because it takes an hour to bake...at 450 degrees. You can't work with those kinds of temperatures in the summer. So it's been a while since I have served some yummy meatloaf.
I'm sure I lost the majority of you with the mere mention of meatloaf, but it's true. I do love homemade meatloaf. I will only eat it if my mom or I make it. No one/where else. You just never know what other people/places will throw into that loaf. Also, you have to serve it with a baked potato and broccoli. It's the only way to eat it. The most perfect bite would be half a fork of potato (complete with cheese and butter already melted into it), half a fork of meatloaf and a small broccoli floret at the end. I NEVER mix my food. This however, is my one and only exception. It's perfection. At the end of the meal you are warm and stuffed, and the warmness stays with you all night long.
Hubby even made chocolate chip cookies. So I got to top off the meal with some cookie dough and then freshly baked cookies. It doesn't get more comfort food than that. I am so stuffed right now I don't think I could do much else besides sit here and type or sleep.
Which brings me to the last thing I do very well in the cold weather. Since becoming a mother, I have had to give up this last cold weather delicacy. There will be no napping the day away under some warm blankets, eating cookies, and watching movies. I miss it, but we get to do other things now. The kids broke out the dress-up clothes that they were way too busy to play with this summer. The Girl was a Tinkerbell princess and The Little Man was Buzz. They also broke out their blankets and pillows and played my all time favorite game "Night time"...ahhh, I miss that game.
One day, when the kids are older, I hope we get to play that game, but instead of pretending to fall asleep, we really do, and then I can return to what I do so well on cold days: nap the day away. For now, I will have to just over-indulge in the Cozy's and eating.
There's a Hot Cocoa calling my name before bed tonight!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
It's So Thick You Can Cut it With a Knife
Oh, the DRAMA...The Girl is so DRAMATIC. I seriously don't know where she gets it from...
OK, I might have a slight idea.
Between the two of us, there may not be enough room in our home for this much drama, and she is only 5 1/2. I really thought we wouldn't see this until closer to the "Tween" or Teenage years.
I knew she would be full of drama tonight when she was able to break out with the tears, pretty much on cue, while asking if she could go to the park with a friend after dinner. Because she has, "never been to a more fun place in the world, and it would be just horrible, just HORRIBLE if she had to miss it." I had to say no because of the time and the whole "going to bed at a reasonable hour for school the next morning" thing we have going on.
The waterworks were Out. Of. Control.
As if that wasn't enough, she totally turned it on when she thought she had lost her night-time cup.
D: Mom!! I cannot find my cup anywhere!!
me: I think you just brought it upstairs. It has to be around there somewhere.
D: (tears are flowing)NO. NO. NO. It's lost. I have looked EVERYWHERE!
me: Well, it can't be too far, you just had it.
D: It's lost. (Sob, sob, sob) Oh great, it's lost forever! (Sob, sob, sob)
me: Settle down. We'll find it.
D: No, we won't. It's LOST. It is GENUINELY LOST!
And with that I just laughed. I couldn't help it.
Which totally made the situation so much better.
OK, I might have a slight idea.
Between the two of us, there may not be enough room in our home for this much drama, and she is only 5 1/2. I really thought we wouldn't see this until closer to the "Tween" or Teenage years.
I knew she would be full of drama tonight when she was able to break out with the tears, pretty much on cue, while asking if she could go to the park with a friend after dinner. Because she has, "never been to a more fun place in the world, and it would be just horrible, just HORRIBLE if she had to miss it." I had to say no because of the time and the whole "going to bed at a reasonable hour for school the next morning" thing we have going on.
The waterworks were Out. Of. Control.
As if that wasn't enough, she totally turned it on when she thought she had lost her night-time cup.
D: Mom!! I cannot find my cup anywhere!!
me: I think you just brought it upstairs. It has to be around there somewhere.
D: (tears are flowing)NO. NO. NO. It's lost. I have looked EVERYWHERE!
me: Well, it can't be too far, you just had it.
D: It's lost. (Sob, sob, sob) Oh great, it's lost forever! (Sob, sob, sob)
me: Settle down. We'll find it.
D: No, we won't. It's LOST. It is GENUINELY LOST!
And with that I just laughed. I couldn't help it.
Which totally made the situation so much better.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Tooth Fairy Packs Super Glue
I was all over the city today. Seriously, I think I put over 100 miles on my car today. One pit stop was the dentist. The Girl and I had to get our semi-annual teeth cleaning. I never miss it.
Seriously.
I have been going to the same dentist since I started going to see a dentist. His office hasn't moved locations. It's still on the second floor. It does take up much more of the second floor, and also has a much bigger door way/entry thingy going on since they remodeled a few years ago, but pretty much everything else has stayed the same. I even sit in the same office chair I did when I was five.
I trust my dentist, and until he retires (what a horrible day that will be)I will continue to go every six months, on the dot. I have never been afraid of the dentist, like some people who will remain nameless, but those same people would say it's because I have "good teeth". Whatever that means. I brush, I floss, and I see my dentist every six months. I am a model patient, ifIdosaysomyself. I hope my kids feel the same way about the dentist as I do. Which is why I bring them to the same dentist I go to.
Even though his office is all the way across town.
So far, The Girl loves the dentist as well. She gets all giddy with excitement when our appointment day arrives. She loves having her teeth checked, sitting in the big chair, wearing a bib, having her teeth polished, and then getting her free toothbrush and tooth paste at the end of her cleaning. She likes trying to figure out which tall building belongs to the dentist, and heading up the steps to the second floor. As we walked into the building she said, "You know, Mom, it's so much nicer to come here without brother."
I have no idea what she's talking about.
As much as I love my dentist, I do NOT like one single word of a phrase he uttered to me during The Girl's cleaning today. He said, "Well, well. It looks like we have 2 loose teeth!" The Girl shrieked with joy. I tried my hardest not to crumple into a pile of tears.
It's not even her bottom teeth, people. It's her top two front teeth. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? I don't even get to ease into this transformation easily? Seriously, this is like doing a cannon ball into this next phase in life as opposed to just wading in gently.
In a few short weeks (read months, if I can help it), my baby's face will be forever changed. Her whole look will change. Don't even get me started on my feelings about the stage in life where your new adult teeth grow in. Our hygienist was sweet and said, "Oh, she's so cute it won't matter that she's lost her teeth. She'll probably even be cute when her adult teeth come it."
Ya, I totally have seen so many kids look "cute" during this phase.
We should be just fine.
This transition is proving to be more difficult than starting Kindergarten.
I told her when her teeth fall out, I was going to glue them back in. She said I was being "silly".
I was totally serious.
Seriously.
I have been going to the same dentist since I started going to see a dentist. His office hasn't moved locations. It's still on the second floor. It does take up much more of the second floor, and also has a much bigger door way/entry thingy going on since they remodeled a few years ago, but pretty much everything else has stayed the same. I even sit in the same office chair I did when I was five.
I trust my dentist, and until he retires (what a horrible day that will be)I will continue to go every six months, on the dot. I have never been afraid of the dentist, like some people who will remain nameless, but those same people would say it's because I have "good teeth". Whatever that means. I brush, I floss, and I see my dentist every six months. I am a model patient, ifIdosaysomyself. I hope my kids feel the same way about the dentist as I do. Which is why I bring them to the same dentist I go to.
Even though his office is all the way across town.
So far, The Girl loves the dentist as well. She gets all giddy with excitement when our appointment day arrives. She loves having her teeth checked, sitting in the big chair, wearing a bib, having her teeth polished, and then getting her free toothbrush and tooth paste at the end of her cleaning. She likes trying to figure out which tall building belongs to the dentist, and heading up the steps to the second floor. As we walked into the building she said, "You know, Mom, it's so much nicer to come here without brother."
I have no idea what she's talking about.
As much as I love my dentist, I do NOT like one single word of a phrase he uttered to me during The Girl's cleaning today. He said, "Well, well. It looks like we have 2 loose teeth!" The Girl shrieked with joy. I tried my hardest not to crumple into a pile of tears.
It's not even her bottom teeth, people. It's her top two front teeth. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? I don't even get to ease into this transformation easily? Seriously, this is like doing a cannon ball into this next phase in life as opposed to just wading in gently.
In a few short weeks (read months, if I can help it), my baby's face will be forever changed. Her whole look will change. Don't even get me started on my feelings about the stage in life where your new adult teeth grow in. Our hygienist was sweet and said, "Oh, she's so cute it won't matter that she's lost her teeth. She'll probably even be cute when her adult teeth come it."
Ya, I totally have seen so many kids look "cute" during this phase.
We should be just fine.
This transition is proving to be more difficult than starting Kindergarten.
I told her when her teeth fall out, I was going to glue them back in. She said I was being "silly".
I was totally serious.
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Farwell to Summer
This past weekend capped off the unofficial end to summer. Even though summer will hang around on the calendar for 3 more weeks, all things summer will be ending. Since summer is my most favorite season, I have been trying to soak up these last days as much as I can.
I did decide that we wouldn't be going to the pool. We went the week before to say our good-bye's, and truth be told, it wasn't very nice. The kids had a great time for about 30 minutes, and then they were done and cold. That's a sure sign of the ending season. I couldn't bear to have another cool day at the pool. It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and I don't want to ruin any feelings/memories we have of that place.
Instead we did other fun things. We had a date day. This is when Hubby and I go our separate ways, each with one child. That child gets special attention for the date. The Girl and I got pedicures. Since we let the toenails have a break during the winter months from polish, this very well could've been the last pedi of the season...*sigh*....The Girl is right at home in the salon with her feet being pampered. It's a little scary, I wonder what that means for us as she gets older, but so fun too. I love having the time with her and watching her pick out her favorite polish color (It was blue...she always has loved blue polish???). It was also a treat to watch her giggle as they massaged her little feet and legs.
The Little Man got some baseball lessons from Daddy. When we got home, there they were, all set up with an automatic t-ball thing. The Little Man could not have been happier. Every time he hit the ball, he would proudly exclaim, "YETH!" (That's YES! with a slight lisp).
After our dates, the Fam loaded up into the car and went to catch some bug action at the local IMAX theater. The Girl is such a scientist. She couldn't take her eyes off the screen, and I could see her studying every detail of this movie. The Little Man thought the movie was cool too. Not as cool as the popcorn though. I think once the popcorn was gone he lasted about 1 minute before saying he was ready to go. It took some serious persuasion and creative story-telling on my part to get him interested in the movie again. Thankfully, the movie was only 45 minutes long. It was the perfect length.
We also have spent some time in our garden. You always know the summer is nearing end when your veggies are ready to be picked and eaten. We have tons of peppers, cucumbers, and beans right now. I have chopped up the peppers and stuffed them in my freezer for some winter recipes, and the cucumbers and beans are getting eaten just about as quickly as we can pick them. Pretty soon though, we won't be able to keep up with the cucumbers. There are about 12 of them that will be ready next week. Anyone want a cucumber? Also, any recipes using Anaheim and Hot Banana peppers would be greatly appreciated.
(As a side note, when they named those Hot Banana Peppers, they weren't lying. I thought since they looked like their innocent cousin the Pepperoncini, they would be similar in heat intensity. WOW! I was wrong...so wrong. My lips paid the price for about 2 hours.)
Lastly, as a farewell to summer, we spent some time in some of my favorite open space near our home. I am sure you remember this Weeping Willow. We went back again to play. Here are some fun pictures of the kids this weekend.
Rolling around in the grass together:
Ring around the Rosies
**sigh**The Weeping Willow...
I hope we have a long Indian Summer...
I did decide that we wouldn't be going to the pool. We went the week before to say our good-bye's, and truth be told, it wasn't very nice. The kids had a great time for about 30 minutes, and then they were done and cold. That's a sure sign of the ending season. I couldn't bear to have another cool day at the pool. It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and I don't want to ruin any feelings/memories we have of that place.
Instead we did other fun things. We had a date day. This is when Hubby and I go our separate ways, each with one child. That child gets special attention for the date. The Girl and I got pedicures. Since we let the toenails have a break during the winter months from polish, this very well could've been the last pedi of the season...*sigh*....The Girl is right at home in the salon with her feet being pampered. It's a little scary, I wonder what that means for us as she gets older, but so fun too. I love having the time with her and watching her pick out her favorite polish color (It was blue...she always has loved blue polish???). It was also a treat to watch her giggle as they massaged her little feet and legs.
The Little Man got some baseball lessons from Daddy. When we got home, there they were, all set up with an automatic t-ball thing. The Little Man could not have been happier. Every time he hit the ball, he would proudly exclaim, "YETH!" (That's YES! with a slight lisp).
After our dates, the Fam loaded up into the car and went to catch some bug action at the local IMAX theater. The Girl is such a scientist. She couldn't take her eyes off the screen, and I could see her studying every detail of this movie. The Little Man thought the movie was cool too. Not as cool as the popcorn though. I think once the popcorn was gone he lasted about 1 minute before saying he was ready to go. It took some serious persuasion and creative story-telling on my part to get him interested in the movie again. Thankfully, the movie was only 45 minutes long. It was the perfect length.
We also have spent some time in our garden. You always know the summer is nearing end when your veggies are ready to be picked and eaten. We have tons of peppers, cucumbers, and beans right now. I have chopped up the peppers and stuffed them in my freezer for some winter recipes, and the cucumbers and beans are getting eaten just about as quickly as we can pick them. Pretty soon though, we won't be able to keep up with the cucumbers. There are about 12 of them that will be ready next week. Anyone want a cucumber? Also, any recipes using Anaheim and Hot Banana peppers would be greatly appreciated.
(As a side note, when they named those Hot Banana Peppers, they weren't lying. I thought since they looked like their innocent cousin the Pepperoncini, they would be similar in heat intensity. WOW! I was wrong...so wrong. My lips paid the price for about 2 hours.)
Lastly, as a farewell to summer, we spent some time in some of my favorite open space near our home. I am sure you remember this Weeping Willow. We went back again to play. Here are some fun pictures of the kids this weekend.
Rolling around in the grass together:
Ring around the Rosies
**sigh**The Weeping Willow...
I hope we have a long Indian Summer...
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