This? Tofu for you, mama!!!And this? Pancakes, 'basketti, animal crackers, and oh, a flamingo, too.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Play-Doh Fun!
This? Tofu for you, mama!!!And this? Pancakes, 'basketti, animal crackers, and oh, a flamingo, too.
Something I'm attempting to instill....
My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.
~J. Brotherton
~J. Brotherton
Why I love you...
Norah & Elliott.... This is one of the many, many reasons that I love you.
When you rang the doorbell today and then charged in, carrying these in your hands, faces beaming, declaring, "mommy, we picked these for you. aren't they bootiful?", I loved nothing more than being your mom.
xoxo
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
We are the champions, my friend-
Aidan took 3rd place overall in the Pinewood Derby. So he won all his races (6) and they averaged his times to get his place. He was thisclose to 2nd place!!
Go Darth Taiter!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
My Little Patient
Elliott did really well yesterday with his tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy. He was a real trooper and did so well in recovery. When he came to, the nurse told me that they asked him if he had anyone waiting for him. He said, "yeah." They asked who he wanted, and he said, "grandma Jeanne." They said, "is she here?" He said, "no." Silly kid. They asked if mom was ok, and he said, "sure."
Here are some photos-
Showing off the matching bands
About to leave for the holding room, after having the happy juice
Post-surgery
Perking up before we left
Here are some photos-
Showing off the matching bands
About to leave for the holding room, after having the happy juice
Post-surgery
Perking up before we left
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Aidan's Rally Sign?
I found this drawing sitting out. I had nothing to do with it. It cracks me up and makes me proud :)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Conquering SkeeBall
I don't think its meant to be played this way. Future rock climber maybe? Or maybe just a monkey.
Monday, September 08, 2008
The Addition of Ike
We bribed Norah. We've actually been bribing her for 2 years now. And she finally followed through. So we had to hold up our end of the deal and get her a cat. After seeing many cats, she picked Ike - a 1.5 year old boy stray. Ike's a great cat - - he loves the kids, loves attention, lets them manhandle him while continuing to purr, and never uses his claws (he's not declawed). Quinn doesn't love him, but that's another story.
Ike also likes the basement rec room, which is fine by me, because that keeps his hair out of the rest of the house. He's a serious shedder.
Ike also likes the basement rec room, which is fine by me, because that keeps his hair out of the rest of the house. He's a serious shedder.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Butterflies
I think this is the first year our butterfly bush has lived up to its name. We've got monarchs like mad in our backyard.
First Day of School
Back to school!! One first grader and two in JK. 2.5 hours to myself. Whatever will I do?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Elliott's first person
Just this last week, Elliott started drawing stick people. He's never drawn a face or person prior to this. Watching him, he switched to his left hand when it came time to draw the left arm and left leg. What a strange kid!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wahhhh
My whiny little man. He can find anything to cry about. This time it was because he wasn't quick enough to get a tootsie roll at the parade. Gotta love him.
First Missing Tooth
Aidan lost his first tooth recently. He looks like such a big boy and so cute!! He was so excited to get a visit from the Tooth Fairy!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Too Cool For (VB)School
Can you believe it? Yeah...my kids went to a week of VBS (forget that we don't belong to a church and/or they've never been to one). They went to the one associated w/ the twins preschool. And they loved it. Aidan went to a week of Y camp later on and said, "Mommy, I don't want to do summer camp again next summer, ok? But I want to go back to bible camp!" They had a blast.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
aidan in uniform
Aidan's a big boy now...he takes Tae Kwan Do once a week for an hour and really likes it. He has to practice during the week, and he has to learn how to count to 10 in Korean and learn the TKD creed. Serious stuff!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Chivalry is not dead
Last Friday, Aidan went on a field trip to a nature preserve with his class. One of his female classmates forgot her jacket, so he offered his to her and let her wear it until they got back to school.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Puzzle Mania!
This weekend, the dynamic duo went from doing 25pc puzzles to doing 100pc puzzles! WOW! Elliott is a boy obsessed. He does them over and over and over. Last night, he fished his cucumber chunks out of his salad and pieced them back together.
durrrr...
Uh, apparently one does not need as much edumakashion to read this as they need to read Lynn's blog.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
She Spells!!!!
This is Norah's version of Mommy! She handed it to me and told me it was my name!! Momee!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Spring! Spring! Spring!
(ok, i dont know how to rotate that, since its not sideways on my file. huh.)
Yeah, its officially spring, but its hard to believe it when there's still snow on the ground and its still pretty cold out. But look at this!!!!
My Little Hunter
While we were driving today, the kids saw a deer crossing sign and asked what it was. I explained and then Elliott asked, "daddy took those things off the deer. what were those things?"
Me: antlers
E: why?
Me: for decoration, I guess. that's something hunters do.
E: when I grow up, I am going to hunt.
Me: do you know what hunting is?
E: yes, I shoot the deer.
Me: with what?
E: with a cannon. yeah. I would use a cannon.
Me: what would you do with the deer after blasting it with the cannon? would you eat it?
E: NO! EW! Nuffin'. I do nuffin' with it.
Me: antlers
E: why?
Me: for decoration, I guess. that's something hunters do.
E: when I grow up, I am going to hunt.
Me: do you know what hunting is?
E: yes, I shoot the deer.
Me: with what?
E: with a cannon. yeah. I would use a cannon.
Me: what would you do with the deer after blasting it with the cannon? would you eat it?
E: NO! EW! Nuffin'. I do nuffin' with it.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
D-d-d-d-d-Dora!
The kids got to meet Dora while at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America this past week. Norah hid behind a sign, while the boys ran up for the photo op.
Eggcellent!
Easter Eggs!!!
Someone asked me if I got a new camera yet. Yes, I did. I got the Nikon D40x. I love it, but I am also still very very much learning how to use it.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Let's see....to catch up:
All 3 kids are swimming, with Aidan being the best. N & E do it mostly underwater, but its still swimming. And its very cool. Too bad they (the dynamic duo) have a hard time listening to their swim teacher.
We had N & E's conferences in February.
They are doing great in preschool and the teachers are really happy with how far they've come since the start of the year. They're finally starting to separate themselves from each other (yay), but often times, Norah will still trail Elliott, whereas he's more independent at school. She's also the troublemaker of the two - the one who tackles him, the one who has her mama's wandering mind and the need to do something else while still listening to the teacher talk....
We had Aidan's 2nd conference in March.
He's doing GREAT!!! Not counting his specials, he got all 4's!! Last report card, he had 3 or 4 3's, so he made some improvement. (4's are the highest you can get). His teacher said that he's made so much improvement from the start of the year and she's so proud of him. He's reading, he's doing addition, and he's become much more social and is starting to be more sure of himself. We're still working on being assertive. Which is funny, because he so does not have that issue at home.
His Speech and Language Pathologist said that he's made so much improvement, as well. He met a lot of his goals with her, but still have some, and then she set some further goals for the next 12 months.
He's going to start a TaeKwando class at the Y in 2 weeks. I hope he likes it. I think it will help him with the assertiveness thing and with his confidence.
He's also said that he wants to do t-ball again this summer. I gave him the choice between that or soccer. I am kinda surprised, and wish he had chose the latter, but what are you going to do? It was his choice.
Norah is in dance - she has her recital on Wednesday. Then she'll continue with it for the next session. She's really enjoying it and its nice to see her interact with other girls. Although she doesn't know that I see her. Because she does not want me to watch her. She's made that very very clear. Every week. Weird kid.
Elliott's been taking a sports class - they go over the basics of soccer, kickball, and football. He has really enjoyed it. I think I'll have him take it again, so that he has a good grasp on them and can choose a sport in fall. But he's also taking a preschool movement class in 2 weeks. Gotta keep them busy, right?
What else?
Aidan is 6. Which just floors me. Not so much that he's 6, but that I've been a parent for 6 years. I don't feel old enough, and it still seems like just yesterday that he was a baby.
Norah's got mad drawing and coloring skillz. She colors completely in the lines. And she's drawing some cool pictures - people with hands and feet and hair and accessories - like popscicles or cat tails. Cats (natch). All of her faces - people or animals - have straight faces. Never a smile, never a frown, never anything but a stern, straight face. Its rather funny.
Both Norah and Elliott are starting to spell. Finally! We've got their names down, which was my goal before they started K4 this fall.
Norah will start seeing a psychologist in 2 weeks. Oh yay. The GI person and I decided that enough was enough and it was time to end this ridiculous behavior. She's still withholding. And then there is the whole won't-go-on-the-potty thing. Good times.
And finally...the kids will take their first real road trip next week. Its spring break, and we're taking them to MN for a few days. Going somewhere where its warm. ha ha. They're quite excited, as am I.
All 3 kids are swimming, with Aidan being the best. N & E do it mostly underwater, but its still swimming. And its very cool. Too bad they (the dynamic duo) have a hard time listening to their swim teacher.
We had N & E's conferences in February.
They are doing great in preschool and the teachers are really happy with how far they've come since the start of the year. They're finally starting to separate themselves from each other (yay), but often times, Norah will still trail Elliott, whereas he's more independent at school. She's also the troublemaker of the two - the one who tackles him, the one who has her mama's wandering mind and the need to do something else while still listening to the teacher talk....
We had Aidan's 2nd conference in March.
He's doing GREAT!!! Not counting his specials, he got all 4's!! Last report card, he had 3 or 4 3's, so he made some improvement. (4's are the highest you can get). His teacher said that he's made so much improvement from the start of the year and she's so proud of him. He's reading, he's doing addition, and he's become much more social and is starting to be more sure of himself. We're still working on being assertive. Which is funny, because he so does not have that issue at home.
His Speech and Language Pathologist said that he's made so much improvement, as well. He met a lot of his goals with her, but still have some, and then she set some further goals for the next 12 months.
He's going to start a TaeKwando class at the Y in 2 weeks. I hope he likes it. I think it will help him with the assertiveness thing and with his confidence.
He's also said that he wants to do t-ball again this summer. I gave him the choice between that or soccer. I am kinda surprised, and wish he had chose the latter, but what are you going to do? It was his choice.
Norah is in dance - she has her recital on Wednesday. Then she'll continue with it for the next session. She's really enjoying it and its nice to see her interact with other girls. Although she doesn't know that I see her. Because she does not want me to watch her. She's made that very very clear. Every week. Weird kid.
Elliott's been taking a sports class - they go over the basics of soccer, kickball, and football. He has really enjoyed it. I think I'll have him take it again, so that he has a good grasp on them and can choose a sport in fall. But he's also taking a preschool movement class in 2 weeks. Gotta keep them busy, right?
What else?
Aidan is 6. Which just floors me. Not so much that he's 6, but that I've been a parent for 6 years. I don't feel old enough, and it still seems like just yesterday that he was a baby.
Norah's got mad drawing and coloring skillz. She colors completely in the lines. And she's drawing some cool pictures - people with hands and feet and hair and accessories - like popscicles or cat tails. Cats (natch). All of her faces - people or animals - have straight faces. Never a smile, never a frown, never anything but a stern, straight face. Its rather funny.
Both Norah and Elliott are starting to spell. Finally! We've got their names down, which was my goal before they started K4 this fall.
Norah will start seeing a psychologist in 2 weeks. Oh yay. The GI person and I decided that enough was enough and it was time to end this ridiculous behavior. She's still withholding. And then there is the whole won't-go-on-the-potty thing. Good times.
And finally...the kids will take their first real road trip next week. Its spring break, and we're taking them to MN for a few days. Going somewhere where its warm. ha ha. They're quite excited, as am I.
the return of the slacker!
Norah has discovered the art of being girly.
She loves to apply scented hand lotion several times a day.
She loves all her lip balms - flavored princess, flavored hello kitty, glittery gloss - its all good.
And best of all, she loves putting makeup on her Barbies. Oh yeah. She found a little Barbie makeup compact among my old Barbie stuff (gross) and I gave her some q-tips and she goes to town, making her Barbies "pretty". Pretty scary is more like it.
I'd share a photo, but apparently, either my new camera or my mac or something doesn't want to cooperate with sharing photos on the internet.
She loves to apply scented hand lotion several times a day.
She loves all her lip balms - flavored princess, flavored hello kitty, glittery gloss - its all good.
And best of all, she loves putting makeup on her Barbies. Oh yeah. She found a little Barbie makeup compact among my old Barbie stuff (gross) and I gave her some q-tips and she goes to town, making her Barbies "pretty". Pretty scary is more like it.
I'd share a photo, but apparently, either my new camera or my mac or something doesn't want to cooperate with sharing photos on the internet.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Barbie Night Out
Apparently barbies like wine just as much as a mama does. Looks like they may have had some kind of wild night.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Again, amazed by the memory
The other day, Aidan was asking me who his uncles were. I gave him hints and he named all of them. Then he asked, "what about Rob?" I said, "sure, I guess you can call him an uncle." (because I have no clue how I'd explain 'that's mommy's cousin's husband' to a 5 year old). So then he said, "oooooooh! ooooh! Craig! Uncle Craig! I like him. This one time (at band camp. just kidding) we were at grandma jeanne and grandpa john's and we sat in our van and pretended to drive places. That was fun."
Shit. That was a long time ago!!!
Shit. That was a long time ago!!!
That's right, girl.
Norah: "what's that, mommy?" (points to diamond above jewelery store sign)
Me: "a diamond."
N: "oooh. I like diamond."
Me: "and what else? what are diamonds?"
N: "they my best friend."
good girl.
Norah made up a new little ditty. I often sing her "I see london, I see france, I see Norah's underpants." because I am trying to teach her not to show the world her undies when wearing a dress. So anyway, when we drive downtown, we pass this area where we can see into the Miller (brewing co.) Valley and see Miller Park. They know that the Miller sign=beer. She decided to sing a song, set to 'i see london', and it goes:
I see beer
I see beer
I see beer
every where!
Let's hope she doesn't sing that at school or we may hear CPS knocking on our door.
Me: "a diamond."
N: "oooh. I like diamond."
Me: "and what else? what are diamonds?"
N: "they my best friend."
good girl.
Norah made up a new little ditty. I often sing her "I see london, I see france, I see Norah's underpants." because I am trying to teach her not to show the world her undies when wearing a dress. So anyway, when we drive downtown, we pass this area where we can see into the Miller (brewing co.) Valley and see Miller Park. They know that the Miller sign=beer. She decided to sing a song, set to 'i see london', and it goes:
I see beer
I see beer
I see beer
every where!
Let's hope she doesn't sing that at school or we may hear CPS knocking on our door.
Monday, November 05, 2007
four times two
Holy cow. I can't believe that it was 4 years ago that they were these 3lb 4oz babies. It really seems like it was just yesterday that I was this pregnant beached whale like person. And now...look at them. 4 years old. Going to preschool. Jumping up %ages in their growth chart. Identifying letters and numbers. Wearing undies.
All About Aidan
Aidan still loves his phonics. And he loooooooves talking. Certainly didn't get that from his mama. Boy wakes up talking....literally. One night, I spent the night in the bottom bunk when there was a thunderstorm and each boy needed a parent. In the morning, I was woken up by the sound of Aidan's voice. He was doing his warmups, apparently. Practicing all of his phonetic sounds. Got to get that voice box in shape for all that chatting he'll do all. day. long.
We got his report card today. I was VERY pleased :) Our conference is on Friday, so I am excited to hear and talk more about it.
Aid started basketball today. I didn't take him --daddy did-- but he said that it was so much fun to watch him. That he's come so far since last year's soccer camp. I'd have to say the same about swimming. We've held off on swim lessons for him for about 2 years now, because it was such a struggle (despite him having been in them since he was 6 mos). He's finally confident in the pool and wants to and is excited to take swim lessons next session. My boy is growing up!!
We got his report card today. I was VERY pleased :) Our conference is on Friday, so I am excited to hear and talk more about it.
Aid started basketball today. I didn't take him --daddy did-- but he said that it was so much fun to watch him. That he's come so far since last year's soccer camp. I'd have to say the same about swimming. We've held off on swim lessons for him for about 2 years now, because it was such a struggle (despite him having been in them since he was 6 mos). He's finally confident in the pool and wants to and is excited to take swim lessons next session. My boy is growing up!!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Hooked on phonics....
Aidan loves him some phonics. He can be found walking around, reciting his sounds. Tonight, we were discussing trick-or-treat and he said, "halloween. h-h-h-h-h-h (making the 'huh' sound). halloween starts with 'H' !" Sometimes, we'll be trying to spell words, and he gets frustrated because he hasn't learned those sounds yet. Oops.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Phonics Rule!!
Aidan recently started Jolly Phonics in school and since then, he's taken a great interest in learning how to write words. I am so excited. He's never really been very interested. Next stop...reading!!!
Anyway, on Saturday, he sat down with a pencil and paper and said he was going to do some writing. He asked for my assistance, but I said I would only help him break down the words into sounds, because its better for him to learn on his own.
Here's what he wrote:
I lv u.
I lv mom.
skol (school)
tres (trees)
dg (dog)
kt (cat)
kfe (coffee)
fsh (fish)
snak (snake)
zbra (zebra)
How awesome!!
Since then, he's been writing all weekend. I took advantage of it and dusted off a workbook I had and had him work on writing some numbers, as well.
Anyway, on Saturday, he sat down with a pencil and paper and said he was going to do some writing. He asked for my assistance, but I said I would only help him break down the words into sounds, because its better for him to learn on his own.
Here's what he wrote:
I lv u.
I lv mom.
skol (school)
tres (trees)
dg (dog)
kt (cat)
kfe (coffee)
fsh (fish)
snak (snake)
zbra (zebra)
How awesome!!
Since then, he's been writing all weekend. I took advantage of it and dusted off a workbook I had and had him work on writing some numbers, as well.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Quest for a new toy...
Humor me.
I am on a mission to prove that I deserve and will utilize a good camera. I want a DSLR. Bad. So I've been playing with ours to try and prove myself to C.
I am on a mission to prove that I deserve and will utilize a good camera. I want a DSLR. Bad. So I've been playing with ours to try and prove myself to C.
.
And they're off...
Twice a week, for 2.5 hours, all 3 of my kids are in school. Wow. That's just so weird.
I can't believe that my babies are in preschool. It seems like just yesterday, they were these tiny little 3 pound babies that were smaller than my boobs!
1 year old!
and then they were 2!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
One Down, Two To Go...
My baby went back to school today. What a long day for him. It surprises me that they have them go for only 2.5 hrs their first year, but then year two.....WHAM! 7 long hours. That's a big adjustment. He did really well, though.
We started our morning off with a very talkative Aidan. So excited, telling us how excited he was. He had his breakfast of choice: scrambled eggs and toast, and chose what he wanted for his first school lunch (turkey on a bagel, tomatoes, grapes, applesauce, water. I stuck some whole grain cheetos in there as a treat, but surprisingly, they came home. I guess the lunch was a wee bit big for a small boy.) He was excited and chatty his whole way to school and then we got on the playground and he clammed up. I don't blame him. We got to follow them into class and sit down on the rug and hear a story called The Kissing Hand.
He seemed AOK when it was time to leave. A little reserved, but good.
It was so weird to not have to race back at 11:10 to pick him up. And even more strange to have complete silence at naptime and no one to talk to or play with.
We went back at 3:20 to pick him up and he was so excited to see us and even offered up information about his day: they had PE and Art. They took a tour of the school to see the rooms where specials are and the cafeteria. They had a snack and he didn't eat it. There was a classmate who "made some bad choices and spent a lot of time in the office." Funny how that sticks out. And he also told me about all the rules and about how they have a counting rhyme to tell you how long you get at the water fountain when you get a drink.
We ended the day with a celebration dinner - outdoor dining at a local Mexican place. Yum.
He's excited for tomorrow, so it must have been as good as he's saying.
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