What is Christmas morning like in a family full of girls? I picture the mom and dad sipping their coffee, watching the girls read and listen to music and play dolls together.
Here was OUR Christmas morning:
We tried to keep Tug and Kitty calm as the newest member of the family chased them around. His name is Cruncher and he's a baby dinosaur. No joke. He growls at you when you ignore him, attacks people when they walk by, and purrs when you pet him. The real animals are not amused.
We watched our kids move the couches around to capture all of the nano- and hexbugs that had escaped their "habitat."
We ducked as remote controlled helicopters (plural) took flight around the living room, soared over the TV, and crashed into the wall. We learned how to turn the helicopters off, or run them out of batteries so they couldn't fly anymore. The boys learned to turn them back on and charge them up themselves.
We helped the boys into the their new rollerblades, then helped them skate-walk around the driveway (did I mention there is no snow and it was in the 40s?). We soothed Jack through his first skating-related head injury. It wasn't bad, I promise.
We listened to Chuck show Jack how to play his first real electric guitar, and listened to Ryker play his new (hand-me-down from his brother, which was handed down to him from our neighbor Randy) acoustic guitar.
We picked up random shards of paper as Ryker cut up "notes" and Jack sifted through his new I'm Not Bored Anymore Art Jar, the top of which is filled with confetti. (Thanks Baby Oster.)
My mom was up here for the whole thing - and Grandma Bernice and Bob came for Christmas dinner. It was lovely, and we ate on my new Fiestaware plates (thanks Gaga and Papa!) and sat on our new barstools! So exciting!
Then we quickly cleaned up everything, because the cleaning crew was coming the next morning. That's a leftover present from last year (thanks again Grandmommy!). That morning, my mom and the kids hung out in the basement, away from the cleaners, and Chuck and I hung out at Caribou. Each of us had our idilic morning - Grandmommy with the boys, me reading a book and drinking coffee, Chuck entering all of his passwords into a new program and having them digitally encrypted (while drinking coffee). Wait, that makes it sound like Chuck and I don't like hanging with the boys. We do, clearly, but it was nice to take a break.
Then CHUCK suggested that he and I go to the Mall of America. What? He's a maverick - always on search for the best deals, and we came away with $8 jeans and sweaters, so he was right.
All this time we were nursing Ryker through a cough, runny nose and low-grade fever. This morning he complained of an ear ache and a doctor's visit told us he had a pretty bad ear infection. Now happily on meds, he and Jack packed themselves into Grandmommy's car and headed to StL with her. They were a day and a half late in their departure, but are looking forward to hanging out with Gaga and Papa and getting some really good Grandmommy time.
We are now sitting quietly in our clean house, with no dinosaurs or bugs scurrying, no helicopters flying, and no guitars whining. It's very calm, but a little weird. I'll enjoy this gift of quiet, but I do miss my little guys.
By the way, how awesome is my mom? She willingly took both boys with all their crap and instructions on what to do if Ryk's ear drum RUPTURES, and happily drove with them for 9 hours to get to StL. Awesome.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Holidays Are Busy
I didn't update since December 11? Geez. I'll do general updates for you...
Ryker update:
He had his Holiday Program at school last week. He has been singing the songs and doing the little dances around the house for a long time. He got up on stage, smiled hugely and waved at us, then stood perfectly silently for the almost the entire program. He smiled nicely and clasped his hands together. Not a word. Not a dance move. All the teachers took turns trying to coax him into participating, and he would just shake his head no. They kept turning to me and shrugging. Hilarious. He did yell out one line of one song, which made the whole audience cheer, and then stood silently again. Afterwards he seemed perfectly pleased with himself.
He also continues to be fiercely loyal to his brother. If Jack is in a timeout, Ryker tries to spring him loose, or tell us that it's time to let him out. It's pretty cute.
Jack update:
He lost his first tooth! I got a call at work from the school nurse, who we happen to know anyway because she dates our neighbor across the street. She said "Jamie - Jackson lost his tooth!" and I said "exciting!" and she said "yes, but we can't find it, so you will want to watch him..." and then the call dropped. Ummm, watch for WHAT? Wouldn't it just...pass, or something? Anyway, he got the coveted Tooth Necklace, which is supposed to hold your tooth so you can take it home. Only his was empty. He made me write a note to the Tooth Fairy, which he dictated to me. It said "Dear Tooth Fairy, Jackson lost his tooth. He lost it for real." Then he said "Dear Jackson". I said "huh? Are we starting a new letter?" and he said "no, now write Dear Jackson". He thought closings are the same as openings. So cute. We put the note under his pillow and the Tooth Fairy brought him a shiny gold one-dollar coin with a picture of Abraham Lincoln on it. Score!
Jack has also decided he wants to help around the house a lot. Mostly he wants to cook. He now makes breakfast for Ryker (oatmeal and cereal usually - they are hobbits, remember?). He has also helped make spinach lasagna, and gingerbread cookies.
I'm still healing from the back injury. After every 8 physical and/or occupational therapy appointments, they have you see the spine doc for a re-evaluation. Mine was last week. He says I'm right on track. I've been given the entire circuit training routine to start, which is early for people in my condition. That's due to two things - 1) I was an athlete to start with, so I know most of these exercises, and 2) I couldn't DO anything for the first few appointments so they had lots of time to talk to me.
I'm in the first of two machines, but the doc wouldn't graduate me to the Big Girl Machine (my term). I was bummed about that. The machine that I work in right now is all about range of motion, adding in foot-pounds-of-pressure. I'm at 70 foot pounds right now, and they want me over 100. I'm getting there but they only add 5 pounds every appointment, and that's only the 1st of the 2 machines. They've finally found a position that my back will tolerate in traction, so every appointment ends with me getting pulled in half. It is a VERY weird feeling, but helps. The doc also checked all of my leg symptoms, which is the first order of business - getting the nerve pain out of my leg. My right calf is stronger than it was when I first went in, but I am still totally numb from the knee down on the outside of that leg, on the right side/bottom of my foot, and in my pinkie toe. I also still have zero reflex in my right achilles and behind my right knee.
So, that's the back update. All of THAT being said, I'm able to be back at work full days and to perform my job fairly normally. I'm able to help at home and be a mom and wife. So that's good. I told them, though, that I would rate my "progress" on a scale of 1-10 as a 3. The looked surprised and I said "I have high standards for where I want to be." They smiled.
Chuck's weathering the storm of having a not-as-helpful wife and two crazy boys really well. He's also losing crazy amounts of weight on a new eating/workout regiment. My Incredible Shrinking Husband.
Okay - those are the updates. I'm sure I'll be back to tell you all about Christmas too! Happy Christmas Eve everyone!
Ryker update:
He had his Holiday Program at school last week. He has been singing the songs and doing the little dances around the house for a long time. He got up on stage, smiled hugely and waved at us, then stood perfectly silently for the almost the entire program. He smiled nicely and clasped his hands together. Not a word. Not a dance move. All the teachers took turns trying to coax him into participating, and he would just shake his head no. They kept turning to me and shrugging. Hilarious. He did yell out one line of one song, which made the whole audience cheer, and then stood silently again. Afterwards he seemed perfectly pleased with himself.
He also continues to be fiercely loyal to his brother. If Jack is in a timeout, Ryker tries to spring him loose, or tell us that it's time to let him out. It's pretty cute.
Jack update:
He lost his first tooth! I got a call at work from the school nurse, who we happen to know anyway because she dates our neighbor across the street. She said "Jamie - Jackson lost his tooth!" and I said "exciting!" and she said "yes, but we can't find it, so you will want to watch him..." and then the call dropped. Ummm, watch for WHAT? Wouldn't it just...pass, or something? Anyway, he got the coveted Tooth Necklace, which is supposed to hold your tooth so you can take it home. Only his was empty. He made me write a note to the Tooth Fairy, which he dictated to me. It said "Dear Tooth Fairy, Jackson lost his tooth. He lost it for real." Then he said "Dear Jackson". I said "huh? Are we starting a new letter?" and he said "no, now write Dear Jackson". He thought closings are the same as openings. So cute. We put the note under his pillow and the Tooth Fairy brought him a shiny gold one-dollar coin with a picture of Abraham Lincoln on it. Score!
Jack has also decided he wants to help around the house a lot. Mostly he wants to cook. He now makes breakfast for Ryker (oatmeal and cereal usually - they are hobbits, remember?). He has also helped make spinach lasagna, and gingerbread cookies.
I'm still healing from the back injury. After every 8 physical and/or occupational therapy appointments, they have you see the spine doc for a re-evaluation. Mine was last week. He says I'm right on track. I've been given the entire circuit training routine to start, which is early for people in my condition. That's due to two things - 1) I was an athlete to start with, so I know most of these exercises, and 2) I couldn't DO anything for the first few appointments so they had lots of time to talk to me.
I'm in the first of two machines, but the doc wouldn't graduate me to the Big Girl Machine (my term). I was bummed about that. The machine that I work in right now is all about range of motion, adding in foot-pounds-of-pressure. I'm at 70 foot pounds right now, and they want me over 100. I'm getting there but they only add 5 pounds every appointment, and that's only the 1st of the 2 machines. They've finally found a position that my back will tolerate in traction, so every appointment ends with me getting pulled in half. It is a VERY weird feeling, but helps. The doc also checked all of my leg symptoms, which is the first order of business - getting the nerve pain out of my leg. My right calf is stronger than it was when I first went in, but I am still totally numb from the knee down on the outside of that leg, on the right side/bottom of my foot, and in my pinkie toe. I also still have zero reflex in my right achilles and behind my right knee.
So, that's the back update. All of THAT being said, I'm able to be back at work full days and to perform my job fairly normally. I'm able to help at home and be a mom and wife. So that's good. I told them, though, that I would rate my "progress" on a scale of 1-10 as a 3. The looked surprised and I said "I have high standards for where I want to be." They smiled.
Chuck's weathering the storm of having a not-as-helpful wife and two crazy boys really well. He's also losing crazy amounts of weight on a new eating/workout regiment. My Incredible Shrinking Husband.
Okay - those are the updates. I'm sure I'll be back to tell you all about Christmas too! Happy Christmas Eve everyone!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Months of Pictures
Due to some technical difficulties, I haven't posted pics on Flickr for quite a while. I think I've caught up - click on the link on the right sidebar.
(Disclaimer: If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you've seen lots of these already.)
(Disclaimer: If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you've seen lots of these already.)
Christmas Lists and Default Answers
I decided to have the kids dictate to me what they wanted on their Christmas lists this year. Generally we just come up with ideas on our own, but I thought they were old enough now to tell me what they want. I was also pretty sure it would make for a good blog post. I was right, at least for Ryker.
The conversation went just like this (I was typing as we were talking):
Momma: Ryker, what do you want for Christmas? We'll make a list for Santa and Grandmommy and Gaga and Papa and everyone.
Ryker: a phone (he means an iPhone)...silence...A toy. A pian-yo. A kitten.
Daddy: Ryker, do you mean you want your kitty-piano back? (We put it in toy jail because of his behavior.)
R: nods...silence...a Cwismas twee (staring at OUR Christmas tree) Dat's it. What do YOU want?
M: Well that's very sweet of you to ask, but we're making YOUR list right now. Can you think of anything else? Anything more specific?
R: Whatever dey got.
M: You get to say what you want Ryker. Like if someone went to a store, what would you want them to pick out for you?
R: Whatever dey got. A ball. Dat's it. Now yet's get da sweet. (he means the broom - "sweep")
Also, a random Ryker story for your amusement. Or mine, mostly.
We were in the car and I was trying to get him to say the words "ping pong." Earlier, we were in the basement and he was trying to get me to play that and he called it "ting tong" so I wanted him to say it for Chuck.
I said "Ryker, what's that game in the basement with the paddles that you wanted to play this morning?"
He paused, confused, and then goes "fsh". A few of my readers will understand that that is the answer to one of my favorite jokes:
Q: "What do you call a fish with no eyes?"
A: "Fsh"
Okay, that's hard to write because it's a play on words. Or on letters. I'm gonna stop explaining it now and hope you all just understand.
Anyway, I asked again, in another way. It was like playing Taboo or something. He patiently waited for me to rephrase, then paused again and said "fsh." I think it's hilarious that his default answer is fsh. Good boy.
Jack's default expression of disgust is "barnacles."
What's wrong with my children? And are they going to get beat up on the playground?
The conversation went just like this (I was typing as we were talking):
Momma: Ryker, what do you want for Christmas? We'll make a list for Santa and Grandmommy and Gaga and Papa and everyone.
Ryker: a phone (he means an iPhone)...silence...A toy. A pian-yo. A kitten.
Daddy: Ryker, do you mean you want your kitty-piano back? (We put it in toy jail because of his behavior.)
R: nods...silence...a Cwismas twee (staring at OUR Christmas tree) Dat's it. What do YOU want?
M: Well that's very sweet of you to ask, but we're making YOUR list right now. Can you think of anything else? Anything more specific?
R: Whatever dey got.
M: You get to say what you want Ryker. Like if someone went to a store, what would you want them to pick out for you?
R: Whatever dey got. A ball. Dat's it. Now yet's get da sweet. (he means the broom - "sweep")
Also, a random Ryker story for your amusement. Or mine, mostly.
We were in the car and I was trying to get him to say the words "ping pong." Earlier, we were in the basement and he was trying to get me to play that and he called it "ting tong" so I wanted him to say it for Chuck.
I said "Ryker, what's that game in the basement with the paddles that you wanted to play this morning?"
He paused, confused, and then goes "fsh". A few of my readers will understand that that is the answer to one of my favorite jokes:
Q: "What do you call a fish with no eyes?"
A: "Fsh"
Okay, that's hard to write because it's a play on words. Or on letters. I'm gonna stop explaining it now and hope you all just understand.
Anyway, I asked again, in another way. It was like playing Taboo or something. He patiently waited for me to rephrase, then paused again and said "fsh." I think it's hilarious that his default answer is fsh. Good boy.
Jack's default expression of disgust is "barnacles."
What's wrong with my children? And are they going to get beat up on the playground?
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Things I'm Bad At
Following is a list of things I can't wrap my brain around, no matter how hard I try.
1. Time zones - I just don't get how some places can decide to do it, some don't, sometimes you travel and skip whole days....
2. School Picture ordering - I'm fixing it, don't worry. We WILL have pictures of my kindergartener. And the customer service people at Lifetouch MIGHT know my name by now.
3. Quantum Physics - Umm, yeah
4. Indicia - Work thing, but I routinely mess it up.
5. Ironing - An hour ago I ironed my brand new shirt to the towel under it. We don't own an ironing board anymore. And then when I tried to peel it off, the shirt's threads pulled apart.
6. Phones, faxes, email - Okay, I kinda get this one in theory, but when you step back and look at it, it's kind of trippy.
7. The temp in my house - 67 degrees in the house in the summer feels fine, but in the winter it makes me FREEZE. Same temp.
8. Health insurance - Our new HSA confuses the crap out of me. Chuck spent the better part of 2 laps around a lake trying to get me to understand.
9. Kids growing - Anyone who has watched an infant grow into a talking person knows this feeling. But then I try to picture that it's a cell-by-cell kind of growth and then my brain hurts.
10. Corkage fees - Work joke.
1. Time zones - I just don't get how some places can decide to do it, some don't, sometimes you travel and skip whole days....
2. School Picture ordering - I'm fixing it, don't worry. We WILL have pictures of my kindergartener. And the customer service people at Lifetouch MIGHT know my name by now.
3. Quantum Physics - Umm, yeah
4. Indicia - Work thing, but I routinely mess it up.
5. Ironing - An hour ago I ironed my brand new shirt to the towel under it. We don't own an ironing board anymore. And then when I tried to peel it off, the shirt's threads pulled apart.
7. The temp in my house - 67 degrees in the house in the summer feels fine, but in the winter it makes me FREEZE. Same temp.
8. Health insurance - Our new HSA confuses the crap out of me. Chuck spent the better part of 2 laps around a lake trying to get me to understand.
9. Kids growing - Anyone who has watched an infant grow into a talking person knows this feeling. But then I try to picture that it's a cell-by-cell kind of growth and then my brain hurts.
10. Corkage fees - Work joke.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Jack's Parent-Teacher Conference
We had our first parent-teacher conference for Jack today. Hilarious. I knew a lot of what we were going to hear, based on three facts.
1. I am omniscient.
2. I know my kid really well.
3. I had emailed the teacher about a month ago and had a conversation about how he's doing.
I LOVE hearing about how Jack is doing. It gives us insights to how he behaves when he's not around us. It gives us validation about things we already know. It's also just hilarious.
We first talked about his academic progress. He's doing very well with literacy. He is doing even better than that with math. She said he seems to love it. We see that too. He is doing great with physical readiness (strange term, I thought), although when he colors he sometimes rushes and messes up. She showed us a picture that is all colored in "perfectly" except the right side, where he was totally out of the lines. She's like "and over here is where he heard he gets to play after he finishes." HA.
Then there is a section called Life Skills. Here - not so good. He needs improvement there. He talks too much (I don't know ANYONE like that). He is working on being more respectful to others who may be different (this made my heart hurt). He is working on working cooperatively with others and listening to others' ideas. He's really easily frustrated and doesn't want to try things until he knows he has mastered it (Chuck and I both don't know ANYONE like that).
It was great to talk to Mrs. George about all of this. She's great and very willing to work with us. Life skills.
1. I am omniscient.
2. I know my kid really well.
3. I had emailed the teacher about a month ago and had a conversation about how he's doing.
I LOVE hearing about how Jack is doing. It gives us insights to how he behaves when he's not around us. It gives us validation about things we already know. It's also just hilarious.
We first talked about his academic progress. He's doing very well with literacy. He is doing even better than that with math. She said he seems to love it. We see that too. He is doing great with physical readiness (strange term, I thought), although when he colors he sometimes rushes and messes up. She showed us a picture that is all colored in "perfectly" except the right side, where he was totally out of the lines. She's like "and over here is where he heard he gets to play after he finishes." HA.
Then there is a section called Life Skills. Here - not so good. He needs improvement there. He talks too much (I don't know ANYONE like that). He is working on being more respectful to others who may be different (this made my heart hurt). He is working on working cooperatively with others and listening to others' ideas. He's really easily frustrated and doesn't want to try things until he knows he has mastered it (Chuck and I both don't know ANYONE like that).
It was great to talk to Mrs. George about all of this. She's great and very willing to work with us. Life skills.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving
Geez - I haven't updated in weeks. Oops.
First, a brief update of my back situation...
I've started rehab. Diagnosis is early degeneration (aka degenerative disc disease) in my L5-S1 disc (which looks like it's not even there on xrays), herniation in that disc and/or the L4-L5 or BOTH, and a pinched sciatic nerve. The herniation is hard to determine without an MRI, which none of my doctors want to do if we don't have to. But the spine doctor's evaluation of me shows a bit of both.
I have a new home - the rehab clinic. I'll be referring to it by its acronym, PDR. I had a one and a half hour doctor's evaluation. Then I had an hour evaluation with the occupational therapist (OT) and a couple days later an hour eval with the physical therapist (PT). I'll see the OT and PT on a rotating basis - two appointments a week - for awhile, and after 8 appointments I see the doc again. They all work together in the clinic and I LOVE it there. Great people, and spine and neck disorders are all they deal with. They keep telling me it'll be a long road, but I like a good challenge. =)
All of that aside, I was determined to go meet my newest (sort of) nephew, Oskar. It's our year to have Thanksgiving in StL, so we packed up and headed down there. I don't know if it was the fact that we had a baby in the house to play with, or that we had an entire week down there, or that our kids are a bit older and easier to manage, but this was a WONDERFUL trip. We had a blast. I got to see several of my friends, and to spend time with my family.
Oskar is ADORABLE. Just adorable. I loved getting to hold him and play with him and have my kids fawn all over him. Ryker was particularly enamored - wanting to hold him and kiss him every second. He dubbed him "Baby Oster". Kaya and Buster had to deal with the ever-present shadow called Jack. He LOVES them. Buster took his newfound role-model status very seriously and spent a good part of one dinner trying to convince Jack of the health benefits of salad. Kaya, being the oldest of the cousins, spent her time teaching us all about Columbia Slang and getting me addicted to new iPhone apps.
Being in the house with Charlie and BJ is like being in my second home (third, really, after my mom's, but that doesn't have the same ring). And getting to spend time with Christi and Beth is always amazing - they are my sisters is every way except the technicality of having the same mom and dad. Love you guys. Nik, of course, fits right in. We played many games of Bananagrams, my new favorite, and learned that Nik and Christi can make entire boards out of one theme.
And then there's my mom. I'm so, so, so thankful for her. She has always been an amazing mom, and now I get to watch her be an amazing "grandmommy" too. Love you Mommy!
It was a great trip. The return drive was less fun, but we're home. I love being in StL, but I also love my home up here. And now it's time to get back to work!
First, a brief update of my back situation...
I've started rehab. Diagnosis is early degeneration (aka degenerative disc disease) in my L5-S1 disc (which looks like it's not even there on xrays), herniation in that disc and/or the L4-L5 or BOTH, and a pinched sciatic nerve. The herniation is hard to determine without an MRI, which none of my doctors want to do if we don't have to. But the spine doctor's evaluation of me shows a bit of both.
I have a new home - the rehab clinic. I'll be referring to it by its acronym, PDR. I had a one and a half hour doctor's evaluation. Then I had an hour evaluation with the occupational therapist (OT) and a couple days later an hour eval with the physical therapist (PT). I'll see the OT and PT on a rotating basis - two appointments a week - for awhile, and after 8 appointments I see the doc again. They all work together in the clinic and I LOVE it there. Great people, and spine and neck disorders are all they deal with. They keep telling me it'll be a long road, but I like a good challenge. =)
All of that aside, I was determined to go meet my newest (sort of) nephew, Oskar. It's our year to have Thanksgiving in StL, so we packed up and headed down there. I don't know if it was the fact that we had a baby in the house to play with, or that we had an entire week down there, or that our kids are a bit older and easier to manage, but this was a WONDERFUL trip. We had a blast. I got to see several of my friends, and to spend time with my family.
Oskar is ADORABLE. Just adorable. I loved getting to hold him and play with him and have my kids fawn all over him. Ryker was particularly enamored - wanting to hold him and kiss him every second. He dubbed him "Baby Oster". Kaya and Buster had to deal with the ever-present shadow called Jack. He LOVES them. Buster took his newfound role-model status very seriously and spent a good part of one dinner trying to convince Jack of the health benefits of salad. Kaya, being the oldest of the cousins, spent her time teaching us all about Columbia Slang and getting me addicted to new iPhone apps.
Being in the house with Charlie and BJ is like being in my second home (third, really, after my mom's, but that doesn't have the same ring). And getting to spend time with Christi and Beth is always amazing - they are my sisters is every way except the technicality of having the same mom and dad. Love you guys. Nik, of course, fits right in. We played many games of Bananagrams, my new favorite, and learned that Nik and Christi can make entire boards out of one theme.
And then there's my mom. I'm so, so, so thankful for her. She has always been an amazing mom, and now I get to watch her be an amazing "grandmommy" too. Love you Mommy!
It was a great trip. The return drive was less fun, but we're home. I love being in StL, but I also love my home up here. And now it's time to get back to work!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Chronicles of an Insomniac
I've felt pretty guilty for making my mom and Chuck do everything around the house. Then I got my new meds (another course of steroids and a new med for nerve-pain).
Now I'm able to get up easier and walk easier, AND the steroids keep me awake. Really, really awake. And if I am finally able to fall asleep, the 'roids allow me to wake up SUPER FAST! So I'm ready to go when duty calls. No matter WHEN it calls. When my mom got the kids out of the house yesterday and I knew a friend was bringing food over, I managed to clean the island off and sweep the floor. I couldn't get the dirt pile into the dustpan and therefor into the garbage, but at least it was all congregated in one spot instead of spread out all over the house. Improvement.
Last night I read and read and read. It was better than my insomnia-induced late-night-tv marathon on Friday night - I watched every minute of the 10pm news, Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, and Carson Daly all in a row for the first time ever. Personal record and unremarkable all at once.
But back to last night. I decided to read instead of watch crappy tv. I finally fell asleep around 2am. At 2:45am Ryker was sad-moaning in his room. I was ready to help! Put me in, coach! I'm ready!! Apparently his "wip huwt wiwy wiwy bad." As all moms know, lip ailments are best cured by more sleep, and so I put him back to bed. His bed is really low to the ground so that's a little hard to manage but he didn't seem to mind me dropping the blankets on him from 5 feet up and I aimed well, so they covered him just fine.
Then at 4:50am Tugboat decided to get sick. My poor puppy. Only I forgot that I'm not 100% so when I was awoken from a dead-sleep by the sound of...well, you know...I attempted to JUMP out of bed. I froze, carefully folded myself back into my bed, and told Chuck he had to do it.
I guess I'm not completely independent yet. Getting better though.
Now I'm able to get up easier and walk easier, AND the steroids keep me awake. Really, really awake. And if I am finally able to fall asleep, the 'roids allow me to wake up SUPER FAST! So I'm ready to go when duty calls. No matter WHEN it calls. When my mom got the kids out of the house yesterday and I knew a friend was bringing food over, I managed to clean the island off and sweep the floor. I couldn't get the dirt pile into the dustpan and therefor into the garbage, but at least it was all congregated in one spot instead of spread out all over the house. Improvement.
Last night I read and read and read. It was better than my insomnia-induced late-night-tv marathon on Friday night - I watched every minute of the 10pm news, Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, and Carson Daly all in a row for the first time ever. Personal record and unremarkable all at once.
But back to last night. I decided to read instead of watch crappy tv. I finally fell asleep around 2am. At 2:45am Ryker was sad-moaning in his room. I was ready to help! Put me in, coach! I'm ready!! Apparently his "wip huwt wiwy wiwy bad." As all moms know, lip ailments are best cured by more sleep, and so I put him back to bed. His bed is really low to the ground so that's a little hard to manage but he didn't seem to mind me dropping the blankets on him from 5 feet up and I aimed well, so they covered him just fine.
Then at 4:50am Tugboat decided to get sick. My poor puppy. Only I forgot that I'm not 100% so when I was awoken from a dead-sleep by the sound of...well, you know...I attempted to JUMP out of bed. I froze, carefully folded myself back into my bed, and told Chuck he had to do it.
I guess I'm not completely independent yet. Getting better though.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Banjostrand Updates
Presently, I'm sitting on the couch watching at home watching Ryker scream "I want to go back to my school!!!!" on the other couch, while messaging with my mom, who is sitting in the armchair. It's Thursday at 10:30.
I am here because my back is still hurt. I go in for blood work and X-rays tomorrow.
My mom is here because she's helping with the kids and rescuing us from certain insanity.
Ryker is here because we just faux-kicked him out of his daycare. He's been hitting the teachers, so we sent my mom to get him. We've been telling him that he's the first Van Nostrand to ever get kicked out of school.
Jack is at school. His update is that he stuck his tongue out at a 3rd grader. Why? Because the third grader said "hi Jackson" in the lunchroom. The nerve! Also, he tried to kiss a girl in his class. Izzy. My mom went to have lunch with him yesterday and sat with Izzy too and said that she is pretty and smart and talkative. After explaining that it's not okay for him to kiss someone at school, I told him that my mom said that Izzy was very pretty and nice. He goes "I KNOW! That's why I KISSED HER!"
Chuck is at work. And happily so.
I am here because my back is still hurt. I go in for blood work and X-rays tomorrow.
My mom is here because she's helping with the kids and rescuing us from certain insanity.
Ryker is here because we just faux-kicked him out of his daycare. He's been hitting the teachers, so we sent my mom to get him. We've been telling him that he's the first Van Nostrand to ever get kicked out of school.
Jack is at school. His update is that he stuck his tongue out at a 3rd grader. Why? Because the third grader said "hi Jackson" in the lunchroom. The nerve! Also, he tried to kiss a girl in his class. Izzy. My mom went to have lunch with him yesterday and sat with Izzy too and said that she is pretty and smart and talkative. After explaining that it's not okay for him to kiss someone at school, I told him that my mom said that Izzy was very pretty and nice. He goes "I KNOW! That's why I KISSED HER!"
Chuck is at work. And happily so.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Random Observations
1. One of the side-effects of being on Vicodin is that you cannot remember its name. You'll call it Valium repeatedly.
2. You should wear deodorant. It works.
3. Three year olds are hard to understand sometimes. And when he commands your mom to bring you your food, she might misunderstand, take him at his (misunderstood) word, and bring you a spoon instead.
4. Having a numb foot makes it hard to put pants on.
5. You will never be more grateful for your iPhone than when you are forced to lay in bed for several days straight. Angry Birds, Instagram, and Words With Friends will become your best friends.
6. Showering is a privilege. But don't forget deodorant. See #2.
7. If your son feels badly enough for you, he'll actually give you money.
8. If your husband feels badly enough for you, he'll actually buy you a DVD player that streams Netflix so you can watch movies from the bed.
9. If your mom feels badly enough for you, she'll actually put up with both of your sons waking her up at 2:30am and not get in her car and drive back to StL.
That's it. Just 9 today. Time to lay down.
2. You should wear deodorant. It works.
3. Three year olds are hard to understand sometimes. And when he commands your mom to bring you your food, she might misunderstand, take him at his (misunderstood) word, and bring you a spoon instead.
4. Having a numb foot makes it hard to put pants on.
5. You will never be more grateful for your iPhone than when you are forced to lay in bed for several days straight. Angry Birds, Instagram, and Words With Friends will become your best friends.
6. Showering is a privilege. But don't forget deodorant. See #2.
7. If your son feels badly enough for you, he'll actually give you money.
8. If your husband feels badly enough for you, he'll actually buy you a DVD player that streams Netflix so you can watch movies from the bed.
9. If your mom feels badly enough for you, she'll actually put up with both of your sons waking her up at 2:30am and not get in her car and drive back to StL.
That's it. Just 9 today. Time to lay down.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Reason #835 That My Mom Rules
Grandmommy is up here again, unplanned trip this time. She's here to help with the kids and the house because of my hobbled-ness. Chuck has a cold and I have a badly pinched sciatic nerve. The kids have nothing physically wrong with them, but are crazy-in-the-head and acting like trolls. Yes, I just called my kids trolls. Maybe it's the meds talking.
We should talk about the meds. They are, to borrow a phrase from a dear friend, "cray cray." At first I was on two muscle relaxers. The night-time one made me sleepy and I have taken that almost every night for the last 2-3 weeks. The daytime one I took only once, and it made me giggle a lot and twiddle my fingers in the air all the time. I stopped taking that one.
I also was prescribed Vicodin, which I swore I would not take. That was until Wednesday, when the pain got so bad I couldn't walk. Then Vicodin sounded downright fantastic. It afforded me a whole 90 minutes of sleep. Hooray!
Thursday I was prescribed steroids. I didn't get the pack until 7pm, so I had to take all 6 of the 1st day doses in a 3 hour period. I also took a Vicodin, and slept until 4:45am, when I woke up and was READY to GO. Only I hurt too much to do anything, so I sat there playing games on my phone, writing emails, watching tv, and listening to my kids wander around the house. Apparently they get up at 5 but whisper and tiptoe around until 6, when Jack declares "Ryker - we can wake up now!"
My mom came up yesterday to help, which is the best idea ever. Smart woman. Now I can rest and recover more quickly and the kids don't have to deal with my boredom- and pain-induced crankiness.
Now I must get back to my Lord of the Rings trilogy movie marathon.
We should talk about the meds. They are, to borrow a phrase from a dear friend, "cray cray." At first I was on two muscle relaxers. The night-time one made me sleepy and I have taken that almost every night for the last 2-3 weeks. The daytime one I took only once, and it made me giggle a lot and twiddle my fingers in the air all the time. I stopped taking that one.
I also was prescribed Vicodin, which I swore I would not take. That was until Wednesday, when the pain got so bad I couldn't walk. Then Vicodin sounded downright fantastic. It afforded me a whole 90 minutes of sleep. Hooray!
Thursday I was prescribed steroids. I didn't get the pack until 7pm, so I had to take all 6 of the 1st day doses in a 3 hour period. I also took a Vicodin, and slept until 4:45am, when I woke up and was READY to GO. Only I hurt too much to do anything, so I sat there playing games on my phone, writing emails, watching tv, and listening to my kids wander around the house. Apparently they get up at 5 but whisper and tiptoe around until 6, when Jack declares "Ryker - we can wake up now!"
My mom came up yesterday to help, which is the best idea ever. Smart woman. Now I can rest and recover more quickly and the kids don't have to deal with my boredom- and pain-induced crankiness.
Now I must get back to my Lord of the Rings trilogy movie marathon.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween and Sciatica
Halloween is quite possibly the hardest day to get my kids up and out the door. Jack was supposed to have his costume WITH him but not ON him, along with his lunch and his daily folder. Ryker was supposed to have his lunch, his blanket because it's Monday, no show and tell items because it's NOT Tuesday, and a costume either on or off of him. Poor second child.
That would have made the morning challenging enough without the added fun of having terrible sciatic nerve pain shooting down my leg. Long story, but I have a history of back ailments. This round has morphed from lower back pain to achiness, to full-on pinched nerve. It's awesome. I don't know if my intrepid readers have had it, but it is NOT pretty.
So this morning I could not will myself out of bed. Chuck had left for work already. Jack decided about two weeks ago that he will walk himself to the bus stop sans escort, thank you very much. He was in and out of my room for half an hour asking if it was time yet. When it WAS time, he gave me a hug and ran off through the house.
I heard the door open, then slam shut. Then open again and Ryker's voice yelling "SASSIN! You can't go yet! Dere's dat big twuck dere! Watch OUT Sassin!" And then Jack's voice "Ryker - it's okay. I see the truck!" And then Ryker's voice again "SASSIN! You forgot your nunch bag!!!" And then "Oh! Thanks Ryk!" and the door slamming again. Running through the house. And then "no Ryk, I HAVE IT already!" Door opening. Now I'm yelling (from my bed, through two walls) "Jackson GET GOING or you'll MISS YOUR BUS!!!" Then "It's okay Momma! Ryker thought I forgot my lunch but I really didn't!" Door slamming again. Opening again. Ryker yelling "BYE SASSIN!!!"
After about 30 more minutes of me snoozing my alarm, Ryker came into my room and said "Momma, you need get UP now."
Good thing I have my 3 year old to see my 6 year old off to the bus stop and wake me up.
I got him to school, got him dressed (wrong order - he was supposed to be in costume upon arrival), and got up to my work. Then we all got home, fed, and cleaned the house for the random families that end up coming in to hang out tonight.
It was a good thing I had a Yedi Master around, because in the middle of the evening hustle I somehow managed to get my foot stuck in the baby gate downstairs, and because of my back I couldn't bend down to release myself. It was like a bear trap. Here is Yoda healing me. He said "it's okay now, I put cweam on it."
Now I'm trying to rest my back on the couch, with some red wine, my computer, and "The Hulk" playing on the TV. Chuck, Darth, Yoda and one of our neighbor families are off and running through the neighborhood.
That would have made the morning challenging enough without the added fun of having terrible sciatic nerve pain shooting down my leg. Long story, but I have a history of back ailments. This round has morphed from lower back pain to achiness, to full-on pinched nerve. It's awesome. I don't know if my intrepid readers have had it, but it is NOT pretty.
So this morning I could not will myself out of bed. Chuck had left for work already. Jack decided about two weeks ago that he will walk himself to the bus stop sans escort, thank you very much. He was in and out of my room for half an hour asking if it was time yet. When it WAS time, he gave me a hug and ran off through the house.
I heard the door open, then slam shut. Then open again and Ryker's voice yelling "SASSIN! You can't go yet! Dere's dat big twuck dere! Watch OUT Sassin!" And then Jack's voice "Ryker - it's okay. I see the truck!" And then Ryker's voice again "SASSIN! You forgot your nunch bag!!!" And then "Oh! Thanks Ryk!" and the door slamming again. Running through the house. And then "no Ryk, I HAVE IT already!" Door opening. Now I'm yelling (from my bed, through two walls) "Jackson GET GOING or you'll MISS YOUR BUS!!!" Then "It's okay Momma! Ryker thought I forgot my lunch but I really didn't!" Door slamming again. Opening again. Ryker yelling "BYE SASSIN!!!"
After about 30 more minutes of me snoozing my alarm, Ryker came into my room and said "Momma, you need get UP now."
Good thing I have my 3 year old to see my 6 year old off to the bus stop and wake me up.
I got him to school, got him dressed (wrong order - he was supposed to be in costume upon arrival), and got up to my work. Then we all got home, fed, and cleaned the house for the random families that end up coming in to hang out tonight.
It was a good thing I had a Yedi Master around, because in the middle of the evening hustle I somehow managed to get my foot stuck in the baby gate downstairs, and because of my back I couldn't bend down to release myself. It was like a bear trap. Here is Yoda healing me. He said "it's okay now, I put cweam on it."
Now I'm trying to rest my back on the couch, with some red wine, my computer, and "The Hulk" playing on the TV. Chuck, Darth, Yoda and one of our neighbor families are off and running through the neighborhood.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Birds and the Bees - Ryker Edition
This morning I was driving Ryker to school, and we had the following conversation.
Ryker: Who gave us dis house?
Me: No one gave it to us, sweetie, we bought it.
R: We bought it? You and Daddy?
M: Yes, Daddy and I bought it.
R: And den we move in? Me and Sassin and Daddy and you?
M: No, just Jack and Mommy and Daddy. You weren't born yet.
R: Me and Sassin?
M: No, just you -- YOU weren't born yet so we moved in and then you were born later.
Long pause.
R: (in a horribly mournful voice) Mommy, I was SOOO SAD....because you weren't dere when I was born.
M: (laughing) Umm, yes I was. You came out of my tummy. I was definitely there.
R: (pause) You ATE me????
Ryker: Who gave us dis house?
Me: No one gave it to us, sweetie, we bought it.
R: We bought it? You and Daddy?
M: Yes, Daddy and I bought it.
R: And den we move in? Me and Sassin and Daddy and you?
M: No, just Jack and Mommy and Daddy. You weren't born yet.
R: Me and Sassin?
M: No, just you -- YOU weren't born yet so we moved in and then you were born later.
Long pause.
R: (in a horribly mournful voice) Mommy, I was SOOO SAD....because you weren't dere when I was born.
M: (laughing) Umm, yes I was. You came out of my tummy. I was definitely there.
R: (pause) You ATE me????
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Darth Side
Make a pact with me, okay? Please don't correct Jack this Halloween. He is so perfectly adorable and innocent and it will be gone too soon.
Too soon, he'll realize that he was "Darth" Vader, not "Dark" Vader, for Halloween. And then he'll realize it's really unlikely that a weapon would be called a Life Saver. He'll wield a light saber and dress up as Darth Vader and say "Luuuuke, I am your faaaaaather" instead of "bwaahaaahaaa".
And then he'll steal Ryker's innocence by correcting him when he yells "I'm your daddy, Lukie!"
I know that day will come - just give me a few more moments to savor their 6 and 3 year old views of the Darth Side, okay?
Deal?
Too soon, he'll realize that he was "Darth" Vader, not "Dark" Vader, for Halloween. And then he'll realize it's really unlikely that a weapon would be called a Life Saver. He'll wield a light saber and dress up as Darth Vader and say "Luuuuke, I am your faaaaaather" instead of "bwaahaaahaaa".
And then he'll steal Ryker's innocence by correcting him when he yells "I'm your daddy, Lukie!"
I know that day will come - just give me a few more moments to savor their 6 and 3 year old views of the Darth Side, okay?
Deal?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Halloween on the Farm
I learned a new joke the other day. It's kind of an adult joke, but probably fine for this blog.
Q: What do you call sexy farm animals?
A: Brown chicken brown cow (said like "bowchicabowwow"- if you still don't get it, call me)
Recently Jack told me he wants to be a chicken for Halloween. He said it again in the car the other day. I quickly encouraged Ryker to be a brown cow so Chuck and I could make that joke for the next couple weeks.
Ryker said no, that he wants to be a chicken also. Two chickens. Fine. Then Jack suggested that Chuck be the farmer. Good. I asked what I got to be. Ryker said "big cat hen."
So that brings our total to two chickens (neither of them brown, I don't think), one farmer, and one big cat hen. I'll take pics.
Q: What do you call sexy farm animals?
A: Brown chicken brown cow (said like "bowchicabowwow"- if you still don't get it, call me)
Recently Jack told me he wants to be a chicken for Halloween. He said it again in the car the other day. I quickly encouraged Ryker to be a brown cow so Chuck and I could make that joke for the next couple weeks.
Ryker said no, that he wants to be a chicken also. Two chickens. Fine. Then Jack suggested that Chuck be the farmer. Good. I asked what I got to be. Ryker said "big cat hen."
So that brings our total to two chickens (neither of them brown, I don't think), one farmer, and one big cat hen. I'll take pics.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
More Bedtime Stories by Ryker
This has become a favorite for me, and for Ryker. My readers have been so good, I thought I'd reward all of you with TWO bedtime stories. It's not a trip to the Waterpark, but it's a start.
First, "Hey! Wake Up!" by Sandra Boynton. It's about waking up, not going to bed, but Ryker puts his own spin on it. Also notice him putting Jackson in his place about halfway through.
Second, "Jamberry" by Bruce Degen. This video might only be funny if you actually KNOW the book. But notice how excited Ryker gets reading it.
Enjoy. Sleep tight. Don't forget about beffest.
First, "Hey! Wake Up!" by Sandra Boynton. It's about waking up, not going to bed, but Ryker puts his own spin on it. Also notice him putting Jackson in his place about halfway through.
Second, "Jamberry" by Bruce Degen. This video might only be funny if you actually KNOW the book. But notice how excited Ryker gets reading it.
Enjoy. Sleep tight. Don't forget about beffest.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Waterpark
There are a few things that really motivate my children. Ice cream is one. The neighbors are another. But the biggest one? The Waterpark of America.
We have used this as extra incentive before, where Jack had to fill a sticker chart to earn a trip there. Ryker was a baby, so we had Grandmommy along with us to keep an eye on him.
Awhile back we began a family marble jar. We wanted Ryker in on the action and something that we as a family could work towards. That kept Ryker cheering Jackson on and vice versa, because they knew they would benefit too. They chose the prize - a trip to the Waterpark of course.
It worked really well actually, and in a combination of being very close to the top of the jar, and our Groupon expiring, we decided today was the day to give them their reward.
I'm not sure how many of my readers have been there, or if our experience is unique, but getting INTO the Waterpark is the most harrowing part of the whole endeavor. You're GOLDEN once you make it in there.
Our entrance today took about 45 minutes. Thirty of that was spent by Chuck waiting in line with Ryker, and me waiting in the bathroom with Jack. Once that was in order, we got into the actual park, but couldn't figure out the lockers. We brought quarters. Silly us. $6 a locker. And if you want to use a credit card you can't go to one of the desks. They send you to the other one, who sends you back to the first one, who will NOW take your card. IQ test of some sort?
While Chuck was figuring the credit card/locker conundrum, I volunteered to take both boys up to the kid area. Off we went - Jack running in front of me and jumping into the pool area. I looked back at Ryker, who was holding my hand but suddenly not really moving. And there stood my baby, with blood all over his face and chest. He gets nosebleeds all the time so I'm fairly used to handling it, but Jack was now off somewhere and the other guests looked like they might faint, so I hustled Ryker back down the stairs and into the women's locker room, banking on the maturity and swimming prowess of my orphaned 6 year old. I cleaned Ryker up and raced him back out of the locker room and up the steps - back to Jack. Chuck was there by now and burst out laughing when he realized what happened.
So that was the entrance. The rest of the time went swimmingly. Get it? I took to hiding kleenex in random decorative plants so they were readily available when Ryker's nosebleeds started up again. I got him to ride down the lazy river with me, which is a really great way to get him to cuddle - he clung to me like a little monkey the whole way around. I only got worried enough to scan for floating bodies ONCE, and that was when Jack hadn't made it back around the lazy river in 20 minutes. It's not that lazy. Turns out he had found Chuck halfway around and bailed to go back up to the kiddie area.
Anyway, we truly had a blast. The kids had so much fun and were so well behaved. Neither wanted anything to do with the bigger tube slides, but Chuck took full advantage and I went down the body slide once, which was plenty. Jack even tried the body board thing all by himself. It was AWESOME!
Here we are during the entrance exam (the only pics we took all day).
Now we're back home and got the kids to bed about an hour early. They are pruny and tired but happy happy babies.
We have used this as extra incentive before, where Jack had to fill a sticker chart to earn a trip there. Ryker was a baby, so we had Grandmommy along with us to keep an eye on him.
Awhile back we began a family marble jar. We wanted Ryker in on the action and something that we as a family could work towards. That kept Ryker cheering Jackson on and vice versa, because they knew they would benefit too. They chose the prize - a trip to the Waterpark of course.
It worked really well actually, and in a combination of being very close to the top of the jar, and our Groupon expiring, we decided today was the day to give them their reward.
I'm not sure how many of my readers have been there, or if our experience is unique, but getting INTO the Waterpark is the most harrowing part of the whole endeavor. You're GOLDEN once you make it in there.
Our entrance today took about 45 minutes. Thirty of that was spent by Chuck waiting in line with Ryker, and me waiting in the bathroom with Jack. Once that was in order, we got into the actual park, but couldn't figure out the lockers. We brought quarters. Silly us. $6 a locker. And if you want to use a credit card you can't go to one of the desks. They send you to the other one, who sends you back to the first one, who will NOW take your card. IQ test of some sort?
While Chuck was figuring the credit card/locker conundrum, I volunteered to take both boys up to the kid area. Off we went - Jack running in front of me and jumping into the pool area. I looked back at Ryker, who was holding my hand but suddenly not really moving. And there stood my baby, with blood all over his face and chest. He gets nosebleeds all the time so I'm fairly used to handling it, but Jack was now off somewhere and the other guests looked like they might faint, so I hustled Ryker back down the stairs and into the women's locker room, banking on the maturity and swimming prowess of my orphaned 6 year old. I cleaned Ryker up and raced him back out of the locker room and up the steps - back to Jack. Chuck was there by now and burst out laughing when he realized what happened.
So that was the entrance. The rest of the time went swimmingly. Get it? I took to hiding kleenex in random decorative plants so they were readily available when Ryker's nosebleeds started up again. I got him to ride down the lazy river with me, which is a really great way to get him to cuddle - he clung to me like a little monkey the whole way around. I only got worried enough to scan for floating bodies ONCE, and that was when Jack hadn't made it back around the lazy river in 20 minutes. It's not that lazy. Turns out he had found Chuck halfway around and bailed to go back up to the kiddie area.
Anyway, we truly had a blast. The kids had so much fun and were so well behaved. Neither wanted anything to do with the bigger tube slides, but Chuck took full advantage and I went down the body slide once, which was plenty. Jack even tried the body board thing all by himself. It was AWESOME!
Here we are during the entrance exam (the only pics we took all day).
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fresh
The blog needed a fresh look. Ugly? Okay? Don't say a word about the picture not filling the width of the page. I tried for far too long to get it right and finally gave up. I think it'll be a nice little daily reminder of how persistent I can be even when I fail in the end. There's a lesson in there, right?
Tonight I worked on the blog template, but prior to that, I worked on a bunch of things with Jack. Things discussed and/or solved at bedtime:
1: Jack initially said he "doesn't like his life" - in response to which I almost fainted. After some careful prying, I deduced that what he MEANT was that he was upset that he was rushed in the morning and had to take too long in the bathroom. (I'm SO SORRY Teenage Jack, when you go back and read this. Momma's just trying to explain this epiphany to her readers...). See #s 2 and 3.
2: I will attempt to wake up earlier to hang out with him longer in the morning.
3: He will now have prunes or apricots at dinner. We'll leave that one right there.
4: We might take on a version of praying at bedtime.
5: With Chuck's help, I recounted the life of Jesus and his death. I'm not kidding. Not that someone would joke about that.
6: Again, with Chuck's help, we tried to explain the concept of the Holy Ghost.
7: Jack decided that he might very well follow in the footsteps of many in Chuck's family and study theology. And yes, he now knows that word. Do you think at school they'll ask the kids what they want to be when they grow up, and after hearing "doctor, astronaut, fire fighter..." from the other children, he'll respond with "theologian"?
8: Chuck and I decided that Jack might well be Manning (Chuck's late father) reincarnated.
9: Jack is no longer anti-School Picture Day.
10: God did not die, and Jesus was not shot like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.
It was a long, long bedtime, but Jack seemed pleased.
In related news, Ryker went on a field trip to pick apples at the "Apple Church" - and no, that's not it's real name. Rykerisms never cease to put a smile on our faces.
Tonight I worked on the blog template, but prior to that, I worked on a bunch of things with Jack. Things discussed and/or solved at bedtime:
1: Jack initially said he "doesn't like his life" - in response to which I almost fainted. After some careful prying, I deduced that what he MEANT was that he was upset that he was rushed in the morning and had to take too long in the bathroom. (I'm SO SORRY Teenage Jack, when you go back and read this. Momma's just trying to explain this epiphany to her readers...). See #s 2 and 3.
2: I will attempt to wake up earlier to hang out with him longer in the morning.
3: He will now have prunes or apricots at dinner. We'll leave that one right there.
4: We might take on a version of praying at bedtime.
5: With Chuck's help, I recounted the life of Jesus and his death. I'm not kidding. Not that someone would joke about that.
6: Again, with Chuck's help, we tried to explain the concept of the Holy Ghost.
7: Jack decided that he might very well follow in the footsteps of many in Chuck's family and study theology. And yes, he now knows that word. Do you think at school they'll ask the kids what they want to be when they grow up, and after hearing "doctor, astronaut, fire fighter..." from the other children, he'll respond with "theologian"?
8: Chuck and I decided that Jack might well be Manning (Chuck's late father) reincarnated.
9: Jack is no longer anti-School Picture Day.
10: God did not die, and Jesus was not shot like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.
It was a long, long bedtime, but Jack seemed pleased.
In related news, Ryker went on a field trip to pick apples at the "Apple Church" - and no, that's not it's real name. Rykerisms never cease to put a smile on our faces.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Jack's 6th Birthday Weekend
Six year olds pay attention to how much celebrating they get to do. Jack milked this birthday for all it was worth, and we had a great time spoiling him.
It started on his actual birthday, Thursday. I had CJ, his idol and next door neighbor, come with me to take him to school. Ryker, CJ and I traipsed into the school, got visitor nametags, waited with him, and then marched him down to his classroom with his treats for the class. He felt REALLY special.
That night we let him choose where to eat. He picked IHOP. Someday he'll deny that IHOP was his favorite restaurant, but this blog is here to prove it. And to embarrass him. But back to IHOP. Right when the waitress came, Ryker yells "it's Sassin's birfday!!!" We translated for her. Jack asked her several times when, exactly, they were going to sing to him.
Then Friday Grandmommy arrived (always makes the boys SOOO happy) and he got to go shopping with Uncle Ry Ry and Grandpa Mark (a favorite birthday tradition). Ryker got to go too, and then they got to have ice cream. I had to work late, but when I finally caught up with them back at the house, Ryker was running laps around the great room with a new kid-sized shopping cart and Jack was playing with a huge new crane and making bird calls with a water-whistle. I slept in a hotel. I heard the rest of the weekend was lovely.
Just kidding.
Saturday was party-day. Jack's favorite people kept arriving - Gaga, Papa, Ry Ry, Grandpa, Grandma Bernice ("Gram-eece" according to Ryker), Uncle Bob, Uncle Dave, Jill, Nicki, Cullen, the Hayes' kids, Payten, Chuckie & Samantha, old daycare buddies, Miss Mari & Miss Kristy & Miss Pryanthi (all from Ryker's school - Jack's old school), BBall Aunties Kari & Abby & Lisa - as well as lots of other people who Jack tracked on briefly but are friends and family of Chuck and mine (no offense to any of you who are reading this! He's six!). The party was mostly kids running around screaming and playing and the adults eating and talking and enjoying the beautiful fall day. Oh, and sugar. Lots and lots of sugar.
After the party we opened presents and played with all the new toys. They all make noise too. SCORE! There are some pretty sweet toys though, even a kid-version of beer pong. Hilarious. He's going to go to some kegger sometime and say "I'm AWESOME at this - I've been playing since I was SIX!" And then he'll never get drunk, right?
Later Saturday night we had one of MY favorites - Brasa. YUMMY! And more sugar, of course.
Sunday we had two waves of breakfast - first with Charlie and BJ, until they had to run to the airport to start their ten hour trek back to StL, and then with Ryan and my dad, until THEY had to run off to the airport too. Then we had quiet time. I'm not actually sure it was quiet for everyone else, but it was SILENT for me because I had my pillow wrapped around my head and was sound asleep.
After MY nap, we went to another of our favorites, The Tavern on France. It's fairly yummy and fairly inexpensive and you can have gigantic beers and yummy fries. AND, for dessert you can make smores at your table. It was AWESOME. Ryker thought we had lost our minds and stared at the flame in total awe until Jack stood with him, and until he caught site of the marshmallows. Then he was fine. He asked to eat the melted flame-goo once the fire went out. I think he'll eat anything.
So that was the weekend. Thanks to EVERYONE who came out for it. I kept telling Jack how great it was that all those friends came, and how special it was to have 5 people all come into town especially for this. He's very loved. Me too!
It started on his actual birthday, Thursday. I had CJ, his idol and next door neighbor, come with me to take him to school. Ryker, CJ and I traipsed into the school, got visitor nametags, waited with him, and then marched him down to his classroom with his treats for the class. He felt REALLY special.
That night we let him choose where to eat. He picked IHOP. Someday he'll deny that IHOP was his favorite restaurant, but this blog is here to prove it. And to embarrass him. But back to IHOP. Right when the waitress came, Ryker yells "it's Sassin's birfday!!!" We translated for her. Jack asked her several times when, exactly, they were going to sing to him.
Then Friday Grandmommy arrived (always makes the boys SOOO happy) and he got to go shopping with Uncle Ry Ry and Grandpa Mark (a favorite birthday tradition). Ryker got to go too, and then they got to have ice cream. I had to work late, but when I finally caught up with them back at the house, Ryker was running laps around the great room with a new kid-sized shopping cart and Jack was playing with a huge new crane and making bird calls with a water-whistle. I slept in a hotel. I heard the rest of the weekend was lovely.
Just kidding.
Saturday was party-day. Jack's favorite people kept arriving - Gaga, Papa, Ry Ry, Grandpa, Grandma Bernice ("Gram-eece" according to Ryker), Uncle Bob, Uncle Dave, Jill, Nicki, Cullen, the Hayes' kids, Payten, Chuckie & Samantha, old daycare buddies, Miss Mari & Miss Kristy & Miss Pryanthi (all from Ryker's school - Jack's old school), BBall Aunties Kari & Abby & Lisa - as well as lots of other people who Jack tracked on briefly but are friends and family of Chuck and mine (no offense to any of you who are reading this! He's six!). The party was mostly kids running around screaming and playing and the adults eating and talking and enjoying the beautiful fall day. Oh, and sugar. Lots and lots of sugar.
After the party we opened presents and played with all the new toys. They all make noise too. SCORE! There are some pretty sweet toys though, even a kid-version of beer pong. Hilarious. He's going to go to some kegger sometime and say "I'm AWESOME at this - I've been playing since I was SIX!" And then he'll never get drunk, right?
Later Saturday night we had one of MY favorites - Brasa. YUMMY! And more sugar, of course.
Sunday we had two waves of breakfast - first with Charlie and BJ, until they had to run to the airport to start their ten hour trek back to StL, and then with Ryan and my dad, until THEY had to run off to the airport too. Then we had quiet time. I'm not actually sure it was quiet for everyone else, but it was SILENT for me because I had my pillow wrapped around my head and was sound asleep.
After MY nap, we went to another of our favorites, The Tavern on France. It's fairly yummy and fairly inexpensive and you can have gigantic beers and yummy fries. AND, for dessert you can make smores at your table. It was AWESOME. Ryker thought we had lost our minds and stared at the flame in total awe until Jack stood with him, and until he caught site of the marshmallows. Then he was fine. He asked to eat the melted flame-goo once the fire went out. I think he'll eat anything.
So that was the weekend. Thanks to EVERYONE who came out for it. I kept telling Jack how great it was that all those friends came, and how special it was to have 5 people all come into town especially for this. He's very loved. Me too!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Pics
I just put a bunch more pictures on the Flickr site - don't forget to check them out! The newest ones are always posted to the thumbnails to the right.
Bad Idea
It really seemed like a harmless enough project. I have wanted to redo the kids' bathroom since we moved in here. The people before us did two colors with this froggy/caterpillar/praying mantis border going through the middle of the wall. It was sort of cute for a boy bathroom, but the border was peeling off and they didn't do a very good job painting.
We didn't have plans this weekend, so I thought this would be a good accomplishment.
This was a bad idea, for the following reasons:
1. We tried to peel some of the paper off, which was fun and a good bonding thing for Jack and me. It stopped being fun when I had paper stuck under my finger nails and it was all over the floor and I couldn't straighten my fingers out anymore.
2. To take the rest of the wallpaper off you have to spray this gooey stuff on the wall. It's gross and gets everywhere. And after about 2 hours of working with it, I read the fine print on the bottle. It said in big letters on the front that it was non-toxic, but the warnings said that it contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.
3. The project-time doubled when I learned about the cancerness of the gel, because I then had to wash my hands every 14 seconds.
4. I had to tape and I hate taping. It falls down.
5. This is a BATHROOM I'm painting. Bathrooms are small rooms to be locked into with noxious fumes.
6. Bathrooms (especially bathrooms used by small boys) smell badly to begin with.
7. Bathrooms have tiny walls, so you can't get much done with rollers, and there is no where to turn around.
8. Bathrooms have toilets, which cannot be removed and don't actually touch the wall, but you have to paint behind them anyway. To get around the weird configuration of the toilet, I had to contort myself and get nastily smooshed up against it. Read #6 again.
9. Jack and Ryker REALLY like to help do things, so I had at least one companion in the tiny bathroom the entire time.
10. In moments of clarity I'd remember that those are my babies who are now covered in cancer goo and breathing noxious fumes, so I'd have to remove them from the bathroom and wash their hands over and over again.
Now there is one coat up and I quit. I'll do another coat whenever I forget how much I disliked the process, or whenever the ugliness of the first attempt gets to me.
We didn't have plans this weekend, so I thought this would be a good accomplishment.
This was a bad idea, for the following reasons:
1. We tried to peel some of the paper off, which was fun and a good bonding thing for Jack and me. It stopped being fun when I had paper stuck under my finger nails and it was all over the floor and I couldn't straighten my fingers out anymore.
2. To take the rest of the wallpaper off you have to spray this gooey stuff on the wall. It's gross and gets everywhere. And after about 2 hours of working with it, I read the fine print on the bottle. It said in big letters on the front that it was non-toxic, but the warnings said that it contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.
3. The project-time doubled when I learned about the cancerness of the gel, because I then had to wash my hands every 14 seconds.
4. I had to tape and I hate taping. It falls down.
5. This is a BATHROOM I'm painting. Bathrooms are small rooms to be locked into with noxious fumes.
6. Bathrooms (especially bathrooms used by small boys) smell badly to begin with.
7. Bathrooms have tiny walls, so you can't get much done with rollers, and there is no where to turn around.
8. Bathrooms have toilets, which cannot be removed and don't actually touch the wall, but you have to paint behind them anyway. To get around the weird configuration of the toilet, I had to contort myself and get nastily smooshed up against it. Read #6 again.
9. Jack and Ryker REALLY like to help do things, so I had at least one companion in the tiny bathroom the entire time.
10. In moments of clarity I'd remember that those are my babies who are now covered in cancer goo and breathing noxious fumes, so I'd have to remove them from the bathroom and wash their hands over and over again.
Now there is one coat up and I quit. I'll do another coat whenever I forget how much I disliked the process, or whenever the ugliness of the first attempt gets to me.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Three Days of K
It's official. Jack LOVES kindergarten. Loves it. He made three new friends on the first day - none of whom have names that he remembers. He liked his teacher, liked what they did, liked the bus. Each day has been the same report.
The transition hasn't been ALL smiles though. He's discombobulated and throwing smallish fits at night. He is defiant. He comes right out of it, apologizes, gets really lovey dovey. He slept on our floor for most of the night last night.
Ryker is not a happy camper either, in his own little Rykie kind of way. I asked him last night how he was doing without Jackson at his same school. He goes "it okay. But I not happy." I said "what?" and he goes "I not happy cuz Sassin not dare wif me." UGH.
So it's a work in progress. I expected this. Par for the course with Jack and transitions, but we're working through it.
And here's a Ryker story for you all. We've been reading "Llama Llama Red Pajama" every night for awhile now. My mom brought the book and was the first one to hear this. So one of the pages says:
Baby Llama, don't you know?
Momma Llama loves you so
Ryker says "...much." Like we forgot a word. He's never heard that phrase stall out on "so". We love him "so much."
Now he does that every single time we read it. He doesn't make a big deal about it, just quietly adds it in. What must he think about us? "Mommy and Daddy and Grandmommy just can't get this story right."
The transition hasn't been ALL smiles though. He's discombobulated and throwing smallish fits at night. He is defiant. He comes right out of it, apologizes, gets really lovey dovey. He slept on our floor for most of the night last night.
Ryker is not a happy camper either, in his own little Rykie kind of way. I asked him last night how he was doing without Jackson at his same school. He goes "it okay. But I not happy." I said "what?" and he goes "I not happy cuz Sassin not dare wif me." UGH.
So it's a work in progress. I expected this. Par for the course with Jack and transitions, but we're working through it.
And here's a Ryker story for you all. We've been reading "Llama Llama Red Pajama" every night for awhile now. My mom brought the book and was the first one to hear this. So one of the pages says:
Baby Llama, don't you know?
Momma Llama loves you so
Ryker says "...much." Like we forgot a word. He's never heard that phrase stall out on "so". We love him "so much."
Now he does that every single time we read it. He doesn't make a big deal about it, just quietly adds it in. What must he think about us? "Mommy and Daddy and Grandmommy just can't get this story right."
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Kindergarten Eve
It feels like the lead-up to "school" has been super long. It's this THING that comes up over and over again. We talk to him about it, we talked to his daycare providers about it, we talk to family and friends about it. "Well, when he goes to kindergarten..."
I spent several days in the spring going up there, filling out paperwork, taking him to various places for various assessments. Last week was the Open House. Today was the orientation. All leads to tomorrow.
I haven't cried yet. Is that weird? I almost cried dropping Ryker off at school this morning. Jack had stayed home with my mom because the orientation was at 2. I was taking Ryker to daycare, and he was in the backseat hugging his blanket. We got a block away from school and he goes "Momma...why it only me?" Oh my God.
So here's what we know. He goes to the neighborhood public school, and his teacher is Mrs. George. Turns out I played basketball against her in college. Ha! She seems really great. I love his classroom - it's high tech (she has one of 8 Smart Boards in the school and it's AWESOME - Chuck and I tried to play with it at the Open House but couldn't figure it out), it's bright and airy and filled with all kinds of stuff to keep the kids learning and moving and curious. She keeps them moving also, which I liked. She ran us through what the day looks like normally, and I in turn ran my mom through it. She spent most of her professional career as a first grade teacher. She loved what we told her about the classroom so that makes me feel better.
Nonetheless, my little guy rides the bus for the first time tomorrow. By himself. Well not by himself, per se, but not with anyone he knows. And then goes to a big new school with big new people and big new things.
My BABY. If you all need any reminding, it's THIS kid starting school tomorrow:
I spent several days in the spring going up there, filling out paperwork, taking him to various places for various assessments. Last week was the Open House. Today was the orientation. All leads to tomorrow.
I haven't cried yet. Is that weird? I almost cried dropping Ryker off at school this morning. Jack had stayed home with my mom because the orientation was at 2. I was taking Ryker to daycare, and he was in the backseat hugging his blanket. We got a block away from school and he goes "Momma...why it only me?" Oh my God.
So here's what we know. He goes to the neighborhood public school, and his teacher is Mrs. George. Turns out I played basketball against her in college. Ha! She seems really great. I love his classroom - it's high tech (she has one of 8 Smart Boards in the school and it's AWESOME - Chuck and I tried to play with it at the Open House but couldn't figure it out), it's bright and airy and filled with all kinds of stuff to keep the kids learning and moving and curious. She keeps them moving also, which I liked. She ran us through what the day looks like normally, and I in turn ran my mom through it. She spent most of her professional career as a first grade teacher. She loved what we told her about the classroom so that makes me feel better.
Nonetheless, my little guy rides the bus for the first time tomorrow. By himself. Well not by himself, per se, but not with anyone he knows. And then goes to a big new school with big new people and big new things.
My BABY. If you all need any reminding, it's THIS kid starting school tomorrow:
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Quotes
Some funny quotes from this week.
Jack:
Jack was putting his book away at bedtime and really absentmindedly says "You're better than I thought." I said "at what?" and he turns around and goes "like, being nice...."
"I'm better at being NICE than you thought????" (as I attacked him and tickled the crap out of him)
WHAT?
Ryker:
As I was putting him in bed the other night, he asked to hold my hand "for jus couple minutes." This is a request every night. He was kind of hyper so I held his hand and talked very quietly to him.
me: "I love you Ryker. Daddy loves you. Jackson loves you." (still fidgeting) "Grandmommy loves you. Grandma Bernice loves you. Bob loves you."
Ryker: "Doze siwy guys..."
me: "Who?"
R: "Gwampa Mark..."
me: "...and Uncle Ry Ry?"
R: "Yes. Dey yuv me."
me: "Yes, they do."
R: "...and Santa. He yuv me. And Cwisti and Bef. Dey yuv me. And Gaga and Papa - dey yuv me too...and Bwody and Owen (kids at school) - dey yike me.....me."
me: "Yes, they all love you."
R: "...Me. I yuv me."
How awesome is that? Hilarious!
He also says the same things every night to me as I say good night and try to leave him room. It's always some variance on the following:
"I no want you go to sweep now. I want you do your work. And do da dishes. And watch tv - watch baseball, okay? You get your computer. And keep dat gate open jus a wittle bit. And don't forget about brekfast, k?"
Jack:
Jack was putting his book away at bedtime and really absentmindedly says "You're better than I thought." I said "at what?" and he turns around and goes "like, being nice...."
"I'm better at being NICE than you thought????" (as I attacked him and tickled the crap out of him)
WHAT?
Ryker:
As I was putting him in bed the other night, he asked to hold my hand "for jus couple minutes." This is a request every night. He was kind of hyper so I held his hand and talked very quietly to him.
me: "I love you Ryker. Daddy loves you. Jackson loves you." (still fidgeting) "Grandmommy loves you. Grandma Bernice loves you. Bob loves you."
Ryker: "Doze siwy guys..."
me: "Who?"
R: "Gwampa Mark..."
me: "...and Uncle Ry Ry?"
R: "Yes. Dey yuv me."
me: "Yes, they do."
R: "...and Santa. He yuv me. And Cwisti and Bef. Dey yuv me. And Gaga and Papa - dey yuv me too...and Bwody and Owen (kids at school) - dey yike me.....me."
me: "Yes, they all love you."
R: "...Me. I yuv me."
How awesome is that? Hilarious!
He also says the same things every night to me as I say good night and try to leave him room. It's always some variance on the following:
"I no want you go to sweep now. I want you do your work. And do da dishes. And watch tv - watch baseball, okay? You get your computer. And keep dat gate open jus a wittle bit. And don't forget about brekfast, k?"
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Disposable Income
Well, it happened. Chuck got the permanent job at Best Buy. It hasn't been announced at the company, so (1) if you work at Best Buy, oopsies and HUSH YOUR MOUTH, and (2) if you get an urge to write something on his Facebook wall or any other public place, don't.
Okay, now that that's out of the way, I thought it was funny how Chuck and I both reacted to the not-quite-as-tight-purse-strings.
I wanted to eat out a lot. I also bought a new dress, shirt and boots for work.
Chuck also went on a mini-shopping spree. His purchases, not including normal groceries: a label-maker, a new crockpot, a salad-spinner, and the most ginormous bottle of vodka I've ever seen.
Okay, now that that's out of the way, I thought it was funny how Chuck and I both reacted to the not-quite-as-tight-purse-strings.
I wanted to eat out a lot. I also bought a new dress, shirt and boots for work.
Chuck also went on a mini-shopping spree. His purchases, not including normal groceries: a label-maker, a new crockpot, a salad-spinner, and the most ginormous bottle of vodka I've ever seen.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ryker Reads Winnie the Pooh
Here is a video I just found, taken maybe a month ago, of Ryker reading Winnie the Pooh. I miss him while he's at Camp Grandmommy and thus have watched this three times today.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUBNDppl3j8
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUBNDppl3j8
Vacation!
I love vacation. I have two parts to this one.
Part 1: Vacation in Dubuque.
Why Dubuque? Well, I was trying to concoct a nice little anniversary present for Chuck and me. My mom agreed to meet us in Iowa (halfway between Mpls and StL) and take the kids back to StL with her as her part of the present. I decided that we would head to some quaint little town in Iowa for a few days before Chuck needed to get back to work. Dubuque seemed as good as any.
On Friday we drove down to Waterloo, met my mom and ate lunch together, then threw the kids in her car and screeched out of the parking lot. Not really. I couldn't watch as they drove away. Something feels so WEIRD about sending your kids away with someone else. And all we talked about for the beginning of the REST of our drive was how confused the kids looked as we packed them and their things in a different car and shut the doors. But they have Grandmommy and that is HEAVEN to them.
We stayed in this fancy hotel in Dubuque that has been renovated, and we had a corner suite with a whirlpool. There were windows all over the place, and the ceilings were really tall and it was REALLY nice. And I slept for 12 hours. Ahhhh.
Saturday morning we got coffee at this cute little coffee shop. I sat in an awesome chair and he took a picture, then threw this huge tin thing on my lap and I frowned because I knew, without knowing what the tin thing SAID, that he was making fun of me. Here's the shot to prove it. He's such a romantic, isn't he?
Then we went downtown and walked around on the River Walk and watched a train come through while we waited for the winery to open.
Then we did a wine tasting, which I've never done. It was so much fun. The woman was great and pouring generously. And that's sort of funny because it was noon and Chuck and I hadn't eaten a thing since the night before. AND she gave me Ghirardelli dark chocolates and they were so good. She poured them into a napkin for me to take home when we were done. We bought three bottles of wine from her.
Then we ate lunch and headed over to Galena. I had never heard of it, but they had a brewery and we thought that would be fun. We drove into town and it looked like a normal little sleepy old town. Only it's NOT sleepy because there were HOARDS of people walking up and down the streets. We got to the brewery and asked the lady what was going on and she looked confused. I was like "why are there so many people here?" and she was like "oh, it's like this every weekend". Weird. We walked around for awhile and ran into a wine shop - Jamie's Wine Shop. Ha. The sign was too high over the door so we couldn't get a picture of me with it, but we went in and it was CROWDED, of course, because apparently that's how it always is. I asked the woman if SHE was Jamie and she said no and I explained. Turns out they have a label too, so we are now the proud owners of a bottle of a Jamie cab. I'll let you know how it is.
Back in Dubuque, we drove around downtown and tried to find an ATM. We found it, and also found THIS (look carefully, that's me at the bottom of the pitchfork):
Saturday night we went to the casino. The sports bar in there was delicious. We played video poker and figured out that I am a SPEED gambler. I have no idea why, but I play really, really quickly. Chuck was laughing at me. I lost $20. Chuck won $2.
Then Sunday came and we had to head out. On the way back, however, I spotted the town that the Field of Dreams was set in, and decided a quick visit was in order. Who can pass that up? Chuck, for one. But he told me it was all me and kept talking about me "livin' the dream" and that little joke seemed to keep him entertained enough, so off we went. It was ADORABLE. They keep it up really well and it totally is the FIELD OF DREAMS, complete with the corn fields in the outfield. Awesome. We rounded the bases and everything. That's me coming out of the corn just like the players, and crossing home plate. Score.
Then back on the road and home again home again.
Now starts Part 2 - the Staycation. Yay! But I miss my babies. Thanks to Grandmommy for taking good care of them and letting us have a little quiet time.
Part 1: Vacation in Dubuque.
Why Dubuque? Well, I was trying to concoct a nice little anniversary present for Chuck and me. My mom agreed to meet us in Iowa (halfway between Mpls and StL) and take the kids back to StL with her as her part of the present. I decided that we would head to some quaint little town in Iowa for a few days before Chuck needed to get back to work. Dubuque seemed as good as any.
On Friday we drove down to Waterloo, met my mom and ate lunch together, then threw the kids in her car and screeched out of the parking lot. Not really. I couldn't watch as they drove away. Something feels so WEIRD about sending your kids away with someone else. And all we talked about for the beginning of the REST of our drive was how confused the kids looked as we packed them and their things in a different car and shut the doors. But they have Grandmommy and that is HEAVEN to them.
We stayed in this fancy hotel in Dubuque that has been renovated, and we had a corner suite with a whirlpool. There were windows all over the place, and the ceilings were really tall and it was REALLY nice. And I slept for 12 hours. Ahhhh.
Saturday morning we got coffee at this cute little coffee shop. I sat in an awesome chair and he took a picture, then threw this huge tin thing on my lap and I frowned because I knew, without knowing what the tin thing SAID, that he was making fun of me. Here's the shot to prove it. He's such a romantic, isn't he?
Then we ate lunch and headed over to Galena. I had never heard of it, but they had a brewery and we thought that would be fun. We drove into town and it looked like a normal little sleepy old town. Only it's NOT sleepy because there were HOARDS of people walking up and down the streets. We got to the brewery and asked the lady what was going on and she looked confused. I was like "why are there so many people here?" and she was like "oh, it's like this every weekend". Weird. We walked around for awhile and ran into a wine shop - Jamie's Wine Shop. Ha. The sign was too high over the door so we couldn't get a picture of me with it, but we went in and it was CROWDED, of course, because apparently that's how it always is. I asked the woman if SHE was Jamie and she said no and I explained. Turns out they have a label too, so we are now the proud owners of a bottle of a Jamie cab. I'll let you know how it is.
Back in Dubuque, we drove around downtown and tried to find an ATM. We found it, and also found THIS (look carefully, that's me at the bottom of the pitchfork):
Then Sunday came and we had to head out. On the way back, however, I spotted the town that the Field of Dreams was set in, and decided a quick visit was in order. Who can pass that up? Chuck, for one. But he told me it was all me and kept talking about me "livin' the dream" and that little joke seemed to keep him entertained enough, so off we went. It was ADORABLE. They keep it up really well and it totally is the FIELD OF DREAMS, complete with the corn fields in the outfield. Awesome. We rounded the bases and everything. That's me coming out of the corn just like the players, and crossing home plate. Score.
Then back on the road and home again home again.
Now starts Part 2 - the Staycation. Yay! But I miss my babies. Thanks to Grandmommy for taking good care of them and letting us have a little quiet time.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wheels Have Come Off
I generally try to keep this blog from being too centered on my complaints about things. That's not why you three read it. =) You read it to keep tabs on my family and see cute pictures of the kids and hear funny quotes from them. Fine. I actually have a whole separate blog which I use as a dumping ground for the multitude of thoughts that come pouring out of me every day. I keep you guys away from that, and for that you should be exceedingly grateful.
HOWEVER, it's not all unicorns and rainbows and this week, in particular, has been more like cockroaches and thunderstorms. And I'm gonna vent now.
I already started down this path with the last post, about our A/C problems. We had a couple estimates come through and they are dollar amounts I just don't like to see. It's something we need to do, that's fine. But I don't have to like it. And it looks like it won't be able to be done for another week or two.
Also, my mom had a little scare. She is now the proud owner of a stent, and she didn't actually have a heart attack, so that was good. No damage that way. But it would have been nice to just not have her have to deal with that.
Then Jack went to the dentist this morning, for the first time. Don't call the authorities on me. He has 3 cavities and by some lapse in judgement I don't have him covered on my dental insurance. Awesome.
Work is crazy stressful too, so that isn't helping.
Make it all go away.
HOWEVER, it's not all unicorns and rainbows and this week, in particular, has been more like cockroaches and thunderstorms. And I'm gonna vent now.
I already started down this path with the last post, about our A/C problems. We had a couple estimates come through and they are dollar amounts I just don't like to see. It's something we need to do, that's fine. But I don't have to like it. And it looks like it won't be able to be done for another week or two.
Also, my mom had a little scare. She is now the proud owner of a stent, and she didn't actually have a heart attack, so that was good. No damage that way. But it would have been nice to just not have her have to deal with that.
Then Jack went to the dentist this morning, for the first time. Don't call the authorities on me. He has 3 cavities and by some lapse in judgement I don't have him covered on my dental insurance. Awesome.
Work is crazy stressful too, so that isn't helping.
Make it all go away.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Signs Your House is Too Hot
We have been on a new little adventure. I have affectionately dubbed it Realizing How Much We Took Air Conditioning For Granted. Catchy, no?
The repair guy came out Monday and tried to refill the coolant, which was empty. He could hear it leaking out as he poured. Apparently some THING chewed a giant hole in our compressor. This is the critter, as conjured by my vivid imagination (or, more specifically, as conjured by a google search for "monsters"):
So we have to replace our air conditioner, and the repair guy also dissed our furnace so we're likely replacing that as well.
With that as the intro, I bring you a list of ways you can tell that your house is too hot:
1. Your refrigerated butter melts as soon as you spread it on untoasted bread.
2. Your child asks you to read his books to him while he stands in front of his new fan.
3. You refuse your child's request (see #2) because he's blocking the air from cooling YOU off.
4. There are heat warnings, but you have your windows open because it's still hotter inside than out.
5. You take a shower, dry off, get dressed and go to the living room. Your child touches your neck and asks why you didn't dry off after your shower.
6. Your extremely frugal husband suddenly becomes a huge fan of dining out.
I hate ending lists on anything but 5s and 10s, but I have to get back to work. So there.
The repair guy came out Monday and tried to refill the coolant, which was empty. He could hear it leaking out as he poured. Apparently some THING chewed a giant hole in our compressor. This is the critter, as conjured by my vivid imagination (or, more specifically, as conjured by a google search for "monsters"):
With that as the intro, I bring you a list of ways you can tell that your house is too hot:
1. Your refrigerated butter melts as soon as you spread it on untoasted bread.
2. Your child asks you to read his books to him while he stands in front of his new fan.
3. You refuse your child's request (see #2) because he's blocking the air from cooling YOU off.
4. There are heat warnings, but you have your windows open because it's still hotter inside than out.
5. You take a shower, dry off, get dressed and go to the living room. Your child touches your neck and asks why you didn't dry off after your shower.
6. Your extremely frugal husband suddenly becomes a huge fan of dining out.
I hate ending lists on anything but 5s and 10s, but I have to get back to work. So there.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Things I Will Never Understand About My Children
These are musings brought on by my own children, but most, if not all, will apply to other children too, I bet. That there was a sentence with four - count 'em FOUR - commas. And that there was one with two dashes. You guys are in for it.
1. Why does Jack insist on standing while eating at restaurants?
2. Why is Ryker's response to me telling him "you are a good hugger" to say "I'm good at Walgreens and I'm good at the gym"?
3. What is the fascination with cutting paper into tiny shards?
4. Why do they like the omega-3 vitamins so much? They FREAK OUT if we forget them.
5. Why does Ryker dislike changing his pull-up so much?
6. Why do they love playing in the water from the rain barrel? It's nasty.
7. Why does Ryker like sitting in Jack's carseat so much more than his own? They are exactly the same.
8. How can Jack NOT remember living in our old house, but remember the tree house that was in the backyard?
9. What is the obsession with straws?
10. How can they keep swinging the bat, trying to hit a ball, miss it 18 times in a row, and still grin as you get ready to pitch the 19th one? I'd be breaking the bat over my knee and stomping away by then.
1. Why does Jack insist on standing while eating at restaurants?
2. Why is Ryker's response to me telling him "you are a good hugger" to say "I'm good at Walgreens and I'm good at the gym"?
3. What is the fascination with cutting paper into tiny shards?
4. Why do they like the omega-3 vitamins so much? They FREAK OUT if we forget them.
5. Why does Ryker dislike changing his pull-up so much?
6. Why do they love playing in the water from the rain barrel? It's nasty.
7. Why does Ryker like sitting in Jack's carseat so much more than his own? They are exactly the same.
8. How can Jack NOT remember living in our old house, but remember the tree house that was in the backyard?
9. What is the obsession with straws?
10. How can they keep swinging the bat, trying to hit a ball, miss it 18 times in a row, and still grin as you get ready to pitch the 19th one? I'd be breaking the bat over my knee and stomping away by then.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Most Important Meal of the Day
In our house, breakfast has become quite the hot topic.
Chuck and I are trying a different way of eating. I hate the term "diet" because it implies, to me, that I'm only temporarily changing my behavior. This new Thing we are doing just varies the timing of when you consume your calories. It doesn't reduce them at all. If you're curious, you can read more here.
Chuck has already lost 20 pounds. He's only been doing this for a few months, and he's healthy and happy and gaining strength and feels great. My weight loss is coming along more slowly. But enough about me - did I mention Chuck has lost 20 pounds? He's the Incredible Shrinking Man.
As a side-note, he just sent me an article about a study that found that the mere taste of a sugary drink (Gatorade, etc.) will prompt you to perform better. You don't have to actually drink it, you just have to gargle with it. And you can't trick your mouth - it can't be calorie-free. There are receptors in your mouth that know the difference, and report back to your brain that you are about to have some CARBS and your brain says "well, then, GIDDY-UP!". Fascinating. I'm going to try walking around with a noodle in my mouth and see if that helps. Chuck thinks I'll have to rotate the noodle so my mouth doesn't get used to it.
Where was I?
Oh, breakfast...
So while Chuck and I are giving up breakfast (read the article, people), Ryker has developed a fascination with his own consumption of the Most Important Meal of the Day. Every night before bed we go through a series of statements - "Good night sweet boy....love you...sleep tight..." to which he replies "good night....sweep tight...don't forget 'bout bwek-fast."
Last night he woke up at 4:45am sobbing. I went in there and held his hand, which settled him down. He began to fall back asleep and I tried to remove my hand, which, of course, woke him back up. I said that it was the middle of the night and we needed to go to sleep. I said that Mommy and Daddy should both be sleeping. He replied "I don't want Mommy and Daddy to be sweeping. I want you make bwekfast."
Chuck and I are trying a different way of eating. I hate the term "diet" because it implies, to me, that I'm only temporarily changing my behavior. This new Thing we are doing just varies the timing of when you consume your calories. It doesn't reduce them at all. If you're curious, you can read more here.
Chuck has already lost 20 pounds. He's only been doing this for a few months, and he's healthy and happy and gaining strength and feels great. My weight loss is coming along more slowly. But enough about me - did I mention Chuck has lost 20 pounds? He's the Incredible Shrinking Man.
As a side-note, he just sent me an article about a study that found that the mere taste of a sugary drink (Gatorade, etc.) will prompt you to perform better. You don't have to actually drink it, you just have to gargle with it. And you can't trick your mouth - it can't be calorie-free. There are receptors in your mouth that know the difference, and report back to your brain that you are about to have some CARBS and your brain says "well, then, GIDDY-UP!". Fascinating. I'm going to try walking around with a noodle in my mouth and see if that helps. Chuck thinks I'll have to rotate the noodle so my mouth doesn't get used to it.
Where was I?
Oh, breakfast...
So while Chuck and I are giving up breakfast (read the article, people), Ryker has developed a fascination with his own consumption of the Most Important Meal of the Day. Every night before bed we go through a series of statements - "Good night sweet boy....love you...sleep tight..." to which he replies "good night....sweep tight...don't forget 'bout bwek-fast."
Last night he woke up at 4:45am sobbing. I went in there and held his hand, which settled him down. He began to fall back asleep and I tried to remove my hand, which, of course, woke him back up. I said that it was the middle of the night and we needed to go to sleep. I said that Mommy and Daddy should both be sleeping. He replied "I don't want Mommy and Daddy to be sweeping. I want you make bwekfast."
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Museum Mom
Jack had his first art class at the museum this past week. It was centered around crickets. He had a blast. The class is 1-4pm for a week. He got to leave school at lunchtime and come up to my museum. After his class he would wander around with me, meet my coworkers, and do other art projects in my office.
He made new friends - most notably Ross, who is the head of security for the museum. He LOVED Ross, and was fascinated by the fact that everyone in the whole museum had to follow the rules that Ross set for us. He also got to play with old friends. He loves Emily and wanted to hang with her a lot. He also loves Jill, who offices right next to me. That provided endless entertainment, as he could draw pictures and sneak into her office to drop them off, then run away, giggling, to hide somewhere.
Yesterday he had his art show, which is the culmination of his week. Parents are invited to be there. I took some liberties with that invite, and let Jack open up the guest list a bit. When it was time for the guests to go in the room and stand behind their artist, Jack's corner was crammed with me, Chuck, Emily, Lori, Jill and Mike. Mary stopped in too. Benefits of having a mom who works at the museum.
Have I said recently how lucky I am to work there? It has it's stressful moments, sure, but on the whole I love it. It's endlessly challenging, I learn every day, and I get to be around beautiful art and the people who appreciate it. And now I get to share that with my kids too.
He made new friends - most notably Ross, who is the head of security for the museum. He LOVED Ross, and was fascinated by the fact that everyone in the whole museum had to follow the rules that Ross set for us. He also got to play with old friends. He loves Emily and wanted to hang with her a lot. He also loves Jill, who offices right next to me. That provided endless entertainment, as he could draw pictures and sneak into her office to drop them off, then run away, giggling, to hide somewhere.
Yesterday he had his art show, which is the culmination of his week. Parents are invited to be there. I took some liberties with that invite, and let Jack open up the guest list a bit. When it was time for the guests to go in the room and stand behind their artist, Jack's corner was crammed with me, Chuck, Emily, Lori, Jill and Mike. Mary stopped in too. Benefits of having a mom who works at the museum.
Have I said recently how lucky I am to work there? It has it's stressful moments, sure, but on the whole I love it. It's endlessly challenging, I learn every day, and I get to be around beautiful art and the people who appreciate it. And now I get to share that with my kids too.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Growing Boys
Jack is up at the museum with me every afternoon this week for an art class. He's feeling very independent and loving his new Big Boy status.
In that spirit, he has decided that he will now go into the men's restroom. I waited outside (obviously, can you IMAGINE what my male coworkers would do if I tried to stand in there waiting for him?!).
When he came back out he goes "Momma - the toilets in there are GINORMOUS! Like, Ryker could just walk right into one of them."
It took me a second to realize what he was talking about.
"You mean the ones on the wall, with no walls, that are NOT in women's bathrooms?"
"Yes! And they don't flush."
In that spirit, he has decided that he will now go into the men's restroom. I waited outside (obviously, can you IMAGINE what my male coworkers would do if I tried to stand in there waiting for him?!).
When he came back out he goes "Momma - the toilets in there are GINORMOUS! Like, Ryker could just walk right into one of them."
It took me a second to realize what he was talking about.
"You mean the ones on the wall, with no walls, that are NOT in women's bathrooms?"
"Yes! And they don't flush."
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Reactive Baby
Ryker's at it again. That boy is determined to make every hair on my head go gray.
Last night we found two bug bites on the inside of his thigh. They were red and raised and then had a ring of red around them, with another ring of lighter red around those. I brought in the children's benadryl and he FREAKED OUT. My mom put that on some bug bites of his awhile back and he cried and cried. I didn't think that stuff was supposed to hurt. Apparently I'm wrong. He let us put the gel on the bites but cried for awhile and insisted on holding a washcloth. (???)
I scoured the internet after he went to bed to figure out what it could be, and Lyme disease came up as the most likely culprit. This time *I* freaked out.
At 7:59am I called the doctor to schedule an appointment. Chuck took him in. The doctor said that Lyme's is a possibility, but it's also possible that he has a skin infection of some sort. She can treat both with antibiotics, so that's what we're doing. The problem is that Ryker, we think, is allergic to the 'cillins and also cephalosporins. Those are the two major categories of drugs they use to treat these types of things. So now he has to take two different anti-biotics, one of which makes their tummies hurt.
Between bug bites, thunderstorms, tummy aches and fireworks, I don't think Ryker, or I, will get a good night's sleep for awhile. Poor monkey.
Last night we found two bug bites on the inside of his thigh. They were red and raised and then had a ring of red around them, with another ring of lighter red around those. I brought in the children's benadryl and he FREAKED OUT. My mom put that on some bug bites of his awhile back and he cried and cried. I didn't think that stuff was supposed to hurt. Apparently I'm wrong. He let us put the gel on the bites but cried for awhile and insisted on holding a washcloth. (???)
I scoured the internet after he went to bed to figure out what it could be, and Lyme disease came up as the most likely culprit. This time *I* freaked out.
At 7:59am I called the doctor to schedule an appointment. Chuck took him in. The doctor said that Lyme's is a possibility, but it's also possible that he has a skin infection of some sort. She can treat both with antibiotics, so that's what we're doing. The problem is that Ryker, we think, is allergic to the 'cillins and also cephalosporins. Those are the two major categories of drugs they use to treat these types of things. So now he has to take two different anti-biotics, one of which makes their tummies hurt.
Between bug bites, thunderstorms, tummy aches and fireworks, I don't think Ryker, or I, will get a good night's sleep for awhile. Poor monkey.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Ryker's 3rd Birthday Party
After months of awful cold, crazy rain, and some tornados, we had a wonderful day for Ryker's 3rd Birthday Party. It was gorgeous. It was over the 4th of July weekend, so we missed out on some folks but the ones that were here made Ryker feel very loved.
He loved running around with family and friends. He came back inside once every 7 minutes asking if it was time for his birthday yet - Ryker code for "is it time for cupcakes?" I'd say "nope" and he'd go "oh. okay!" and take off running again.
By a twist of fate and ironic timing, we got to welcome Chuck's cousin Maren and her daughter Julia. They live in Washington, so we rarely get to see them. The Van Nostrands are a small bunch - my brother-in-law says they reproduce like pandas - so having Chuck's brother, mom, uncle, two aunts, two cousins and a second cousin there was a rare treat.
Here's a picture of Chuck's second cousin, Julia, with Ryk and Jack. We went ahead and told them she was a cousin. No harm no foul. I think Jack's giving her a tour of our garden.
And here is a sampling of Van Nostrands, with an Emily thrown in for good measure. (She is my former coworker, whose daughter is 14 HOURS older than Ryk.)
And finally, here is the video of us singing to Ryk. My favorite part is the dramatic entrance by Miss Norma at the very end. She was one of the former daycare providers for Jack and Ryk and has known both of them since they were born.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJxvMqjg5yk
Thanks to all for making it special! Same Bat-Time, same Bat-Channel in September for Jackson's party.
He loved running around with family and friends. He came back inside once every 7 minutes asking if it was time for his birthday yet - Ryker code for "is it time for cupcakes?" I'd say "nope" and he'd go "oh. okay!" and take off running again.
By a twist of fate and ironic timing, we got to welcome Chuck's cousin Maren and her daughter Julia. They live in Washington, so we rarely get to see them. The Van Nostrands are a small bunch - my brother-in-law says they reproduce like pandas - so having Chuck's brother, mom, uncle, two aunts, two cousins and a second cousin there was a rare treat.
Here's a picture of Chuck's second cousin, Julia, with Ryk and Jack. We went ahead and told them she was a cousin. No harm no foul. I think Jack's giving her a tour of our garden.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJxvMqjg5yk
Thanks to all for making it special! Same Bat-Time, same Bat-Channel in September for Jackson's party.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Things I Love
Several friends have been doing Love Lists on their blogs recently so I thought I'd join in the fun...
--I love new babies! Welcome Oskar!
--I love the name Oskar Anders Karlsson.
--I love that Jack is still such a little kid that he actually asked me to ask Beth to put Oskar in an envelope and mail him here so Jack could meet him.
--I love that Jack is so mature, on the other hand, that I had a whole conversation with him this morning about the government shut-down.
--I love checking things off a to-do list.
--I love that Nicki is making me stuffed red peppers for my dinner tonight even though she SHOULD be getting her own family ready to head to the lake.
--I love that I get to be around art and smart, talented people all day.
--I love that Jack still says "bee-smorning." Please let no one correct him on that one.
--I love watching Jack help Ryker learn to do new things.
--I love that my mom helps me spend more time with my husband by taking the kiddos for us.
--I love when one of the guys I always play basketball with screams at a teammate for leaving me open. "You CAN'T LEAVE HER, man!"
--I love new babies! Welcome Oskar!
--I love the name Oskar Anders Karlsson.
--I love that Jack is still such a little kid that he actually asked me to ask Beth to put Oskar in an envelope and mail him here so Jack could meet him.
--I love that Jack is so mature, on the other hand, that I had a whole conversation with him this morning about the government shut-down.
--I love checking things off a to-do list.
--I love that Nicki is making me stuffed red peppers for my dinner tonight even though she SHOULD be getting her own family ready to head to the lake.
--I love that I get to be around art and smart, talented people all day.
--I love that Jack still says "bee-smorning." Please let no one correct him on that one.
--I love watching Jack help Ryker learn to do new things.
--I love that my mom helps me spend more time with my husband by taking the kiddos for us.
--I love when one of the guys I always play basketball with screams at a teammate for leaving me open. "You CAN'T LEAVE HER, man!"
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
So Fresh and So Clean
If anyone is looking for gift ideas (big ones) for a young family, look no further. Give them a cleaning service for a year. This was my mom's present to us for Christmas. It took me forever to actually pick a service and get it all squared away, but we are now the proud owners(?) of professional cleaners.
I joke that the only reason my mom wanted to do that was so her grandbabies didn't have to live in a filthy house, but whatever the reason, this gift was GENIUS.
They will come monthly, and the first visit is a deep cleaning where they get every single nook and cranny, and then go back and get it again. Every subsequent visit is maintenance.
The first cleaning was yesterday. Chuck went home for it so he could let them in, and to make sure Tugboat didn't freak out. He was working on his laptop while they were cleaning, and at one point they kindly told him he might want to step outside, as it was "really dusty" in there. Ouch.
When I got home the difference was immediately noticeable. It smelled better. I could walk around without my shoes and not have fur on my feet. (Gross, I know.) Everything was dusted. The sink was GLEAMING. The kids' rooms were ADORABLE and all the beds were made. My duvet cover and comforter were united. My tub has never looked that good, nor has my shower. And there were no animal or human pawprints ANYWHERE.
I made the kids and Chuck parade around with me oohing and aahing. I clearly am more enthralled with this than they are. It made me SO HAPPY.
So there you have it. If you want to do something HUGE for someone, make their house so fresh and so clean.
I joke that the only reason my mom wanted to do that was so her grandbabies didn't have to live in a filthy house, but whatever the reason, this gift was GENIUS.
They will come monthly, and the first visit is a deep cleaning where they get every single nook and cranny, and then go back and get it again. Every subsequent visit is maintenance.
The first cleaning was yesterday. Chuck went home for it so he could let them in, and to make sure Tugboat didn't freak out. He was working on his laptop while they were cleaning, and at one point they kindly told him he might want to step outside, as it was "really dusty" in there. Ouch.
When I got home the difference was immediately noticeable. It smelled better. I could walk around without my shoes and not have fur on my feet. (Gross, I know.) Everything was dusted. The sink was GLEAMING. The kids' rooms were ADORABLE and all the beds were made. My duvet cover and comforter were united. My tub has never looked that good, nor has my shower. And there were no animal or human pawprints ANYWHERE.
I made the kids and Chuck parade around with me oohing and aahing. I clearly am more enthralled with this than they are. It made me SO HAPPY.
So there you have it. If you want to do something HUGE for someone, make their house so fresh and so clean.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
All Grown Up
My little guys are growing up. Inch by inch, literally. They are growing big and strong and smart and funny.
Tomorrow is Ryker's 3rd birthday. 3rd. How did that happen? I've done his birth story already (click here if you haven't read it, or want to re-read it).
It's amazing to me, as always, how much he has changed. And what I love is how DIFFERENT he is from Jackson. I remember when I first knew I was pregnant with him, and I wanted a girl baby so badly (shhh, don't tell). One of my reasons was that I felt like we had "done" the boy baby thing already. Check. I wanted something new, and gender just seemed to be the obvious way to ensure we had a completely different experience. Well, we got it. Ryker is a different boy from Jack, and the experience has been different. More challenging in some ways, easier in some, funnier in some, more stressful is some. We've gone from thinking he was perfectly healthy, to thinking he might have Cystic Fibrosis (remember THAT?!), to figuring out he was really, really allergic to some meds, and back to knowing he was healthy. And huge. I have to say, the most endearing quality we've seen so far in him is his love for Jack. He just loves him, and will protect him to no end. I love that.
Not to be outdone by Ryker's birthday, Jack has had his chance to shine recently as he gets ready to enter kindergarten. Today we had to do his early childhood screening. I read the paperwork last night because I'm a bad, procrastinating mom like that, and found out that he was actually supposed to be screened between ages 3.5 and 4. I repeat: bad, procrastinating mom. Anyway, he did AMAZINGLY well. Stud. The screener was talking to me later and was like "umm, yeah, he did VERY well. I didn't even have to prompt him or given him examples. He's very bright." Awwww... Oh, and he was one inch away from literally being off of her height chart. Ha! 95th% in height and weight.
My big boys. Happy happy mom.
Tomorrow is Ryker's 3rd birthday. 3rd. How did that happen? I've done his birth story already (click here if you haven't read it, or want to re-read it).
It's amazing to me, as always, how much he has changed. And what I love is how DIFFERENT he is from Jackson. I remember when I first knew I was pregnant with him, and I wanted a girl baby so badly (shhh, don't tell). One of my reasons was that I felt like we had "done" the boy baby thing already. Check. I wanted something new, and gender just seemed to be the obvious way to ensure we had a completely different experience. Well, we got it. Ryker is a different boy from Jack, and the experience has been different. More challenging in some ways, easier in some, funnier in some, more stressful is some. We've gone from thinking he was perfectly healthy, to thinking he might have Cystic Fibrosis (remember THAT?!), to figuring out he was really, really allergic to some meds, and back to knowing he was healthy. And huge. I have to say, the most endearing quality we've seen so far in him is his love for Jack. He just loves him, and will protect him to no end. I love that.
Not to be outdone by Ryker's birthday, Jack has had his chance to shine recently as he gets ready to enter kindergarten. Today we had to do his early childhood screening. I read the paperwork last night because I'm a bad, procrastinating mom like that, and found out that he was actually supposed to be screened between ages 3.5 and 4. I repeat: bad, procrastinating mom. Anyway, he did AMAZINGLY well. Stud. The screener was talking to me later and was like "umm, yeah, he did VERY well. I didn't even have to prompt him or given him examples. He's very bright." Awwww... Oh, and he was one inch away from literally being off of her height chart. Ha! 95th% in height and weight.
My big boys. Happy happy mom.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Corduroy - the Video
Ryker has progressed with his rendition of Corduroy, and now you can see for yourself.
A few things to note:
1. He requested that we make this movie. It's the 3rd attempt, on three different nights. First attempt was 12 minutes, second was 7, and this is 6 - a new personal best.
2. It was really hot in his room, so he's only in his pull-up.
3. I think we must say "oh my gosh" too much.
4. That big thing going up his side is a "temporary" tattoo, which has not come off in 3 weeks. It's a zebra.
5. The red dots on him are bug bites, not chicken pox.
Without further ado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdtspSbJNfE
A few things to note:
1. He requested that we make this movie. It's the 3rd attempt, on three different nights. First attempt was 12 minutes, second was 7, and this is 6 - a new personal best.
2. It was really hot in his room, so he's only in his pull-up.
3. I think we must say "oh my gosh" too much.
4. That big thing going up his side is a "temporary" tattoo, which has not come off in 3 weeks. It's a zebra.
5. The red dots on him are bug bites, not chicken pox.
Without further ado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdtspSbJNfE
There's No Place Like Home
...except I'm lucky enough to have several of them. My home sweet home in Bloomington. My home at my mom's house. My home at my aunt and uncle's house. My home at Nicki's. And my home at Carleton.
We had our 10th year reunion at Carleton this past weekend. What an amazing time.
But to back up, I had a huge panic attack Friday morning before Nikki and I left [I have two Ni(c)k(k)is]. I got nervous about the drive down there - that it would take too long and I'd feel sick. I was anxious about being down there and sharing bathrooms (that sends me into panic sometimes). I was nervous that I'd get down there and not feel well and I would have to miss all of the fun stuff. I got nervous that there would be no down-time.
Here's why that is significant - after my Ni(c)k(k)is let me breathe, then calmed me down and forced me into the car, I felt fine. I was fine. We got down to Carleton and all I wanted to do was run around and find people and reconnect and talk to everyone. I just LOVE CARLETON. I love the people. I love the campus. I love the vibe.
Nikki and I did reunion RIGHT this year. We went to a lecture. We spent quality time together. We attempted the class parade - got drenched, but attempted it. We went to Convocation and were able to witness the amazing generosity of other classes (can you say "$7.1 MILLION"????). I had goosebumps. We played trivia. We bought old Carleton gear. We did our class photo, and sat front and center. We had 2 nights-worth of gyro pizza. We sat and had the funniest conversation I will ever have in my entire life. (It's a little sad for me to know that my funniest conversation is over and done-with, but I'll cherish the memories. It's all downhill from here. And for Steph and Nik and Dotty and whoever else might be reading this - Armageddon. Tales from 5th reunion. the Kindle. Banny LaDance. That's what she said.) We danced and stayed up too late.
It was a blast. I was reminded of friends who I have lost touch with, but who are hilarious and awesome.
And if anyone asks - I cured polio. Cure B.
We had our 10th year reunion at Carleton this past weekend. What an amazing time.
But to back up, I had a huge panic attack Friday morning before Nikki and I left [I have two Ni(c)k(k)is]. I got nervous about the drive down there - that it would take too long and I'd feel sick. I was anxious about being down there and sharing bathrooms (that sends me into panic sometimes). I was nervous that I'd get down there and not feel well and I would have to miss all of the fun stuff. I got nervous that there would be no down-time.
Here's why that is significant - after my Ni(c)k(k)is let me breathe, then calmed me down and forced me into the car, I felt fine. I was fine. We got down to Carleton and all I wanted to do was run around and find people and reconnect and talk to everyone. I just LOVE CARLETON. I love the people. I love the campus. I love the vibe.
Nikki and I did reunion RIGHT this year. We went to a lecture. We spent quality time together. We attempted the class parade - got drenched, but attempted it. We went to Convocation and were able to witness the amazing generosity of other classes (can you say "$7.1 MILLION"????). I had goosebumps. We played trivia. We bought old Carleton gear. We did our class photo, and sat front and center. We had 2 nights-worth of gyro pizza. We sat and had the funniest conversation I will ever have in my entire life. (It's a little sad for me to know that my funniest conversation is over and done-with, but I'll cherish the memories. It's all downhill from here. And for Steph and Nik and Dotty and whoever else might be reading this - Armageddon. Tales from 5th reunion. the Kindle. Banny LaDance. That's what she said.) We danced and stayed up too late.
It was a blast. I was reminded of friends who I have lost touch with, but who are hilarious and awesome.
And if anyone asks - I cured polio. Cure B.
Monday, June 13, 2011
OCD - The Sound List
Christi called it in the comment section of the last post. Our sensory issues extend to sounds. Here are the sounds I cannot handle.
-Breathing (I wish I was kidding about that)
-Chewing noises
-Swallowing noises
-Cracking of joints
-Crackling of food wrappers
-Utensils on dishes
-Styrofoam (yes, it makes noises)
-Pens tapping
Again, there are more, I'm sure. Chuck can probably name them all.
I would like to take this chance to point out, as you are all sitting there shaking your collective heads in judgment, that it is NOT FUN to have this malady. I don't CHOOSE this. It makes eating with people and going to movies a horrid experience. I come away physically exhausted from shuddering and holding my hands over my ears. Plus I look like a weirdo.
We think Ryker might be developing this one, by the way. He seems abnormally tuned in, and bothered by, noises around him.
Sigh...
-Breathing (I wish I was kidding about that)
-Chewing noises
-Swallowing noises
-Cracking of joints
-Crackling of food wrappers
-Utensils on dishes
-Styrofoam (yes, it makes noises)
-Pens tapping
Again, there are more, I'm sure. Chuck can probably name them all.
I would like to take this chance to point out, as you are all sitting there shaking your collective heads in judgment, that it is NOT FUN to have this malady. I don't CHOOSE this. It makes eating with people and going to movies a horrid experience. I come away physically exhausted from shuddering and holding my hands over my ears. Plus I look like a weirdo.
We think Ryker might be developing this one, by the way. He seems abnormally tuned in, and bothered by, noises around him.
Sigh...
Friday, June 10, 2011
The OCD Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree
This morning Jack was playing in the entryway and found an extra tub of sidewalk chalk. He showed me, then announced that when he touches certain things, like paper and chalk, his whole body feels funny. Then he goes "even saying the words makes me feel weird sometimes."
Those of you who know me really well, and especially Christi, who shares these afflictions, are laughing right now.
I have a thing about textures. I can't use certain kinds of silverware because it makes my skin tingle and my teeth hurt. I can't touch my fingers, most importantly my nails, to certain kinds of towels. Unfortunately, it's the cheap kinds. I can't touch chalkboards (many people share that one with me, but they generally stop there I think). I'm not fond of chalk either. I hate paper, both because of the texture and because I'm terrified of paper cuts. I can't touch the chips in our plates because the unglazed ceramic makes my whole body shiver.
There are more, but I'm forgetting them now. (Christi - what am I forgetting???)
Anyway, poor Chuck. He's going to have two of us in this house who are afraid of inanimate objects.
Those of you who know me really well, and especially Christi, who shares these afflictions, are laughing right now.
I have a thing about textures. I can't use certain kinds of silverware because it makes my skin tingle and my teeth hurt. I can't touch my fingers, most importantly my nails, to certain kinds of towels. Unfortunately, it's the cheap kinds. I can't touch chalkboards (many people share that one with me, but they generally stop there I think). I'm not fond of chalk either. I hate paper, both because of the texture and because I'm terrified of paper cuts. I can't touch the chips in our plates because the unglazed ceramic makes my whole body shiver.
There are more, but I'm forgetting them now. (Christi - what am I forgetting???)
Anyway, poor Chuck. He's going to have two of us in this house who are afraid of inanimate objects.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Registering for Kindergarten
Today I'm annoyed. I tried this morning to get everything ready to register Jack for kindergarten - officially. The process is next to impossible. I'm not kidding. I need a NOTARIZED version of his birth certificate. I need his immunizations, plus a form filled out by his doc. I need a bajillion pieces of paper filled out by me.
I called the school to make sure I could send in what I have completed, and send the supporting documents later, just so he's on their records and lists and whatnot. I'm getting antsy. The secretary was very nice. She said sure, and then said she could take a bunch of info now and get him on their lists. Great. So we did that and then she goes "half day or full day" because the state only pays for half. I said full. She said "paying?" and I said yes. She goes "oh, you must have talked to Patty."
Umm, no. "No, I didn't talk to Patty. Who is Patty? SHOULD I talk to Patty?"
Secretary: "Oh, well how do you know you're in full day then?"
Me: "I guess I don't. I'd like for Jack to be in full day, and we'll pay."
S: "Well, it's a numbers game. I'll put down that you are requesting that and I'll get back to you....I know I know your name from somewhere...."
M: "Well, my mom brought him up to visit a kindergarten classroom a few weeks ago."
S: "Yes, that was it! So was he assessed then?"
M: "No. He just visited the classroom."
S: "Oh, well he'll need to be assessed."
M: "Is that different than Early Childhood Screening? Because I have THAT set up already."
S: "Yes, this is different. When are you available to bring him in?"
Seriously? And it's only for 15 minutes. What are they possibly going to learn about my child in 15 minutes that will affect anything? They'll learn that he is very shy around new people, that he sucks his thumb still, and that he has gorgeous blue eyes - but that's only IF they can see him when he's hiding behind me with his face buried in the small of my back. Does THAT get us into full day? Are they looking for bribes?
I don't know how anyone figures this stuff out. I'm generally a smart person, with access to a computer and a phone and the ability to take time to make a personal call from work. Not everyone has that luxury.
It will be a miracle if this child actually gets to start school in the fall. I'll throw a party.
Speaking of which, Ryker's bday party is July 2. Save the date. Everyone's invited. If I get my act together soon, I'll send an email out. If I don't have your email address, consider yourself invited anyway. Unless you're the neighbor with the criminal record. You are NOT invited, unless you are also a notary public and want to help us get Jack's paperwork ready.
I called the school to make sure I could send in what I have completed, and send the supporting documents later, just so he's on their records and lists and whatnot. I'm getting antsy. The secretary was very nice. She said sure, and then said she could take a bunch of info now and get him on their lists. Great. So we did that and then she goes "half day or full day" because the state only pays for half. I said full. She said "paying?" and I said yes. She goes "oh, you must have talked to Patty."
Umm, no. "No, I didn't talk to Patty. Who is Patty? SHOULD I talk to Patty?"
Secretary: "Oh, well how do you know you're in full day then?"
Me: "I guess I don't. I'd like for Jack to be in full day, and we'll pay."
S: "Well, it's a numbers game. I'll put down that you are requesting that and I'll get back to you....I know I know your name from somewhere...."
M: "Well, my mom brought him up to visit a kindergarten classroom a few weeks ago."
S: "Yes, that was it! So was he assessed then?"
M: "No. He just visited the classroom."
S: "Oh, well he'll need to be assessed."
M: "Is that different than Early Childhood Screening? Because I have THAT set up already."
S: "Yes, this is different. When are you available to bring him in?"
Seriously? And it's only for 15 minutes. What are they possibly going to learn about my child in 15 minutes that will affect anything? They'll learn that he is very shy around new people, that he sucks his thumb still, and that he has gorgeous blue eyes - but that's only IF they can see him when he's hiding behind me with his face buried in the small of my back. Does THAT get us into full day? Are they looking for bribes?
I don't know how anyone figures this stuff out. I'm generally a smart person, with access to a computer and a phone and the ability to take time to make a personal call from work. Not everyone has that luxury.
It will be a miracle if this child actually gets to start school in the fall. I'll throw a party.
Speaking of which, Ryker's bday party is July 2. Save the date. Everyone's invited. If I get my act together soon, I'll send an email out. If I don't have your email address, consider yourself invited anyway. Unless you're the neighbor with the criminal record. You are NOT invited, unless you are also a notary public and want to help us get Jack's paperwork ready.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Corduroy
I was putting Jack in bed tonight, when Ryker marched in and announced that he could read Corduroy to us all by himself. He hopped up on the bed and got ready. He opened to the first page, then paused, looked at the front cover, and goes "what his name?"
Mom: "That's Corduroy."
Ryker: "Oh...okay. Code-woy was by eh-fant and juh-waff."
(shows picture to me and Jack, who is playing Angry Birds at this point on my phone.)
M: (smiles)
R: "No yaffing."
M: "I'm not laughing, I'm smiling because I like how you are reading to me."
R: "No smi-ying."
M: "Okay. Sorry."
R: "Okay...(going back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. And what HIS name is?" (pointing to the next page)
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. Okay. Code-woy saw stairs. He walkin on dah stairs. See?" (showing the picture to Jack, who isn't watching, and me, who isn't smiling.)
M: (nodding)
R: "Don't go yike dis." (mimes nodding)
M: "Okay, sorry."
R: "It ok...(back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Okay...and what DIS?" (pointing at the escalator in the picture)
Chuck: "That's an escalator."
R: "What?"
C: "Escalator."
R: "Okay. Code-woy go up da esk-yatoh."
So this goes on for awhile. Every time he shows me a picture, I have to not laugh, not smile, and not nod.
Finally I lost it and cracked up laughing. I had tears streaming down my face. I couldn't stop laughing. I was talking through my laughing fit and saying "it's so hard not to laugh or smile!" He thought I was crying from sadness, so he leaned over (I was laying down), hugged me and kissed me, and goes "dat okay Mommy, you can yaff. It ok."
Mom: "That's Corduroy."
Ryker: "Oh...okay. Code-woy was by eh-fant and juh-waff."
(shows picture to me and Jack, who is playing Angry Birds at this point on my phone.)
M: (smiles)
R: "No yaffing."
M: "I'm not laughing, I'm smiling because I like how you are reading to me."
R: "No smi-ying."
M: "Okay. Sorry."
R: "Okay...(going back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. And what HIS name is?" (pointing to the next page)
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. Okay. Code-woy saw stairs. He walkin on dah stairs. See?" (showing the picture to Jack, who isn't watching, and me, who isn't smiling.)
M: (nodding)
R: "Don't go yike dis." (mimes nodding)
M: "Okay, sorry."
R: "It ok...(back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Okay...and what DIS?" (pointing at the escalator in the picture)
Chuck: "That's an escalator."
R: "What?"
C: "Escalator."
R: "Okay. Code-woy go up da esk-yatoh."
So this goes on for awhile. Every time he shows me a picture, I have to not laugh, not smile, and not nod.
Finally I lost it and cracked up laughing. I had tears streaming down my face. I couldn't stop laughing. I was talking through my laughing fit and saying "it's so hard not to laugh or smile!" He thought I was crying from sadness, so he leaned over (I was laying down), hugged me and kissed me, and goes "dat okay Mommy, you can yaff. It ok."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Music Education
Jack and Ryker and I listen to music all the time. Past favorites of theirs, as you might recall, are Michael Buble and the Beatles. The other morning the Beastie Boys came on and Ryker immediately started head banging and clapping. So I guess that's on the list.
For awhile it was "1, 2, 3, 4" by the Plain White T's. Good choice.
More recently Jack has been requesting "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles. Another good choice.
This morning Jack said "Mommy, can we have that one that was on first thing when we got in the car yesterday?" It took me a second, and then I remembered that it was "Stand By Me."
About 3/4 of the way through it Jack is beaming and goes "I really, REALLY like this song."
Then we got to school and he announced "I fink I will wuv dat song and 'Hit the Wode Jack' for my whole entire wife."
For awhile it was "1, 2, 3, 4" by the Plain White T's. Good choice.
More recently Jack has been requesting "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles. Another good choice.
This morning Jack said "Mommy, can we have that one that was on first thing when we got in the car yesterday?" It took me a second, and then I remembered that it was "Stand By Me."
About 3/4 of the way through it Jack is beaming and goes "I really, REALLY like this song."
Then we got to school and he announced "I fink I will wuv dat song and 'Hit the Wode Jack' for my whole entire wife."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Spring Performance
My kids had their spring performance at school yesterday. Jack is a seasoned veteran of these. I've lost track, I think this might be his 4th performance? 5th? Bad mom.
This also marked the second time he's graduated. He graduated from pre-school last year but missed the cut-off for kindergarten, so he stayed at his same school. They kept him busy with other work, and feel like he's really completed kindergarten now, so he got to graduate again. Ironically, he had visited the kindergarten he'll attend next year that same morning. Visit kindergarten, wait seven hours, graduate from kindergarten.
The program was awesome, as usual. The kids are hilarious. If you're having a bad day, go watch some tiny kids singing and dancing. Or crying, as the case may be.
Jack got to start things off. He stood in front of everyone and said in a very loud and clear voice "Pweeze stand for da national anfum." Adorable.
Jack sang and danced. I have videos but they won't upload so you'll have to wait. Ryker mostly stuffed his bandana in his mouth and waved at us.
Here are some pics. They're blurry.
This also marked the second time he's graduated. He graduated from pre-school last year but missed the cut-off for kindergarten, so he stayed at his same school. They kept him busy with other work, and feel like he's really completed kindergarten now, so he got to graduate again. Ironically, he had visited the kindergarten he'll attend next year that same morning. Visit kindergarten, wait seven hours, graduate from kindergarten.
The program was awesome, as usual. The kids are hilarious. If you're having a bad day, go watch some tiny kids singing and dancing. Or crying, as the case may be.
Jack got to start things off. He stood in front of everyone and said in a very loud and clear voice "Pweeze stand for da national anfum." Adorable.
Jack sang and danced. I have videos but they won't upload so you'll have to wait. Ryker mostly stuffed his bandana in his mouth and waved at us.
Here are some pics. They're blurry.
An Infant or a Drop-Leaf Table
One of my coworkers has dubbed me The Most Baby-Crazed Person Who Does Not Want a Baby that she knows.
It's true.
I honestly do NOT want a baby. I'm done with being pregnant, being up at all hours, and being permanently attached to another human being. Our two boys keep us running enough, thank you very much. Plus I don't feel like moving into a zone defense. I made a living, while playing basketball, at finding the holes in zone defenses and exploiting them. (Follow that, all you non-sportos?) I'm not really in the mood to perpetually have one of my children find themselves "open."
What I want is to hug babies up until they begin to cry or need a diaper changed or start talking-back. Then I want to hand them off to their proper caregiver.
I also need something NEW. I'm nesting, for no good reason. I am cleaning and purging and organizing and threatening to paint several of the rooms in the house. I told Chuck that instead of a baby, I'd take a four new bar stools and a dining set.
Is that black-mail? Threatening your husband with another child, or at the very least a whiny baby-crazed wife, if he does not buy you new home furnishings?
It's true.
I honestly do NOT want a baby. I'm done with being pregnant, being up at all hours, and being permanently attached to another human being. Our two boys keep us running enough, thank you very much. Plus I don't feel like moving into a zone defense. I made a living, while playing basketball, at finding the holes in zone defenses and exploiting them. (Follow that, all you non-sportos?) I'm not really in the mood to perpetually have one of my children find themselves "open."
What I want is to hug babies up until they begin to cry or need a diaper changed or start talking-back. Then I want to hand them off to their proper caregiver.
I also need something NEW. I'm nesting, for no good reason. I am cleaning and purging and organizing and threatening to paint several of the rooms in the house. I told Chuck that instead of a baby, I'd take a four new bar stools and a dining set.
Is that black-mail? Threatening your husband with another child, or at the very least a whiny baby-crazed wife, if he does not buy you new home furnishings?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Bull Riding 2011
We have a tradition with Uncle Ry Ry and Grandpa Mark where we all meet up in Des Moines, IA in May for Professional Bull Riding (PBR). The first year was a learning experience for us, wherein we learned that everything we thought we knew about bull riding (and the treatment of the bulls) was wrong. Now we've been several times and sort of feel like we know what's going on.
We drove down on Friday evening and checked into the hotel. The boys were a dream in the car. Traveling is getting easier as the boys get bigger. DVDs can be watched all the way through now, as opposed to the 20 minutes they used to last. We also had the aid of our new Family Marble Jar. Each of us earns a marble for exceedingly good behavior, or random acts of kindness, or any other time Chuck and I feel like it. Once the jar is filled, we'll get to go to the Water Park of America. More on that later, I'm sure.
The hotel presented a first for the boys - Ryker was NOT in a crib, and the boys would share the foldout couch. I threatened life and limb if they got up in the night. Ryker got up anyway - four times. Oh well. Saturday we got up, had breakfast with Ry Ry and Grandpa and then walked around the largest farmer's market I have ever seen. Then the boys headed off on a shopping trip. They arrived back at the hotel with brand new cowboy hats. They were THRILLED.
Jack could not have looked MORE like a cowboy. It was hilarious. Ryker doesn't really have the same build as a rider, but looked adorable anyway.
Dinner was at an amazing steakhouse, where we had a private room and were treated like celebrities. Ry Ry was the amazing uncle he always is, taking the boys for walks around the restaurant whenever they asked. At one point he had Jack curled around his torso, in what he calls a Koala Hug, and was holding Ryker's hand walking through this fancy place.
As a side note of endorsement, if you ever are in Des Moines, you have got to go there - 801. I had an amazing filet and the yummiest mac and cheese I've ever had, along with an amazing cabernet.
From there we went to the arena. We had seats in the 3rd row. It was awesome. Grandpa had earplugs for Ryker, because the introductions are LOUD:
Ryker was entirely confused for the duration of the event. He was a good sport though. Jack loved it. At one point he was sitting in his seat, holding his hat high above his head. I told him he should probably lower it so the people behind him could see past him. He goes "but I want everyone to SEE IT." So proud of his new hat. I was in heaven because I have a slight crush on the rodeo clown, Flint. Love him.
The kids were up way past their bedtime but were angels the whole time. We got them in bed as fast as we could. At 3:30am I awoke to Jack standing next to me, sobbing. He said he was running to tell me something and forgot our door was closed. He ran straight into it. As I'm talking to him, I heard a "blah!" sound from the other room. I asked Jack what he was coming to tell me, and he goes "oh, Ryker is throwing up."
We got Ryker cleaned up, housekeeping got us new sheets, and they were back in bed 15 minutes later. We got through the 4 hour drive without further incident, and have some good stories to tell.
Thanks to Grandpa and Uncle Ry Ry for an amazing trip!!
We drove down on Friday evening and checked into the hotel. The boys were a dream in the car. Traveling is getting easier as the boys get bigger. DVDs can be watched all the way through now, as opposed to the 20 minutes they used to last. We also had the aid of our new Family Marble Jar. Each of us earns a marble for exceedingly good behavior, or random acts of kindness, or any other time Chuck and I feel like it. Once the jar is filled, we'll get to go to the Water Park of America. More on that later, I'm sure.
The hotel presented a first for the boys - Ryker was NOT in a crib, and the boys would share the foldout couch. I threatened life and limb if they got up in the night. Ryker got up anyway - four times. Oh well. Saturday we got up, had breakfast with Ry Ry and Grandpa and then walked around the largest farmer's market I have ever seen. Then the boys headed off on a shopping trip. They arrived back at the hotel with brand new cowboy hats. They were THRILLED.
Jack could not have looked MORE like a cowboy. It was hilarious. Ryker doesn't really have the same build as a rider, but looked adorable anyway.
As a side note of endorsement, if you ever are in Des Moines, you have got to go there - 801. I had an amazing filet and the yummiest mac and cheese I've ever had, along with an amazing cabernet.
From there we went to the arena. We had seats in the 3rd row. It was awesome. Grandpa had earplugs for Ryker, because the introductions are LOUD:
The kids were up way past their bedtime but were angels the whole time. We got them in bed as fast as we could. At 3:30am I awoke to Jack standing next to me, sobbing. He said he was running to tell me something and forgot our door was closed. He ran straight into it. As I'm talking to him, I heard a "blah!" sound from the other room. I asked Jack what he was coming to tell me, and he goes "oh, Ryker is throwing up."
We got Ryker cleaned up, housekeeping got us new sheets, and they were back in bed 15 minutes later. We got through the 4 hour drive without further incident, and have some good stories to tell.
Thanks to Grandpa and Uncle Ry Ry for an amazing trip!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)