As I get older, the size of the bag I carry around just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I was rummaging through it last night searching for something, and found a bunch of notes with funny kid sayings and little updates I wanted to remember… so I thought I’d better get them all jotted down somewhere not in danger of getting lost forever. So here you go, in no particular order…
Funny things Evie has said over last couple of months:
“Hey! We’re just hangin’ out!”
Eve, what are you doing in the bathroom? “I just washing my hands!” Why? “I need to wash the monster down the drain. He’s standing right there.”
I gently reminded Eve that she should turn off the water when not using it, so as not to waste it. I then needed to use the bathroom, and Eve remained – to keep me company. I, um, really needed to go… and Eve made the following observation… “Mommy – you’re wasting your pee-pee.”
There is no rushing Eve... which means our mornings are really interesting. And not frustrating, at all. After about 20 minutes of constant reminders to put on her coat, put on her boots, stop reading that book, get out of the laundry basket, and put on your coat already… we were finally headed out the door. When I was gathering up my bag and miscellaneous stuff… Eve yells from the doorway - “Alright, Mommy – Hup-two-three… let’s go! Hurry… we’re going to be LATE!”
It took me a while to figure out one night before bed that when Eve was talking about the “long-n-slower,” she was referring to the “jogging stroller.”
She constantly calls us a “silly goose.”
She called Daddy back in her room one night to ask him “what is THIS?” She was touching her eyebrow, so he told her that’s what it was. She replied,”I take it off, now.”
My laptop is “Mommy’s cuper.”
Before Christmas, we set up our nativity scene. It was tough thing to ask Eve to find the willpower not to touch and play with the pieces. Each morning, she’d go look at it and say “Good morning, Baby Jesus!” Baby Jesus is in a blanket and basket – and she claimed it was “his carseat.” When we’d tell her that his mommy was Mary, she’d ask, “but, where is her little lamb?”
I may have shared this one, already. I forget what I was explaining to Eve, but apparently she didn’t care for my tone… and told me, “I don’t want to hear it from you, Mommy.”
After we went to see Santa in December, Eve told us she wanted a reindeer for Christmas. But we didn’t need to worry, because she wanted “not a lot… just ONE.”
Eve’s response to just about anything negative is “it’s okay, Mommy. That happens.” Not such a great reply to things like hitting her sister, or pooping in her underwear.
Eve has “nightmares.” We frequently wake up and hear her yelling things in her sleep like, “Mommy get me out!!” or “I pursh the button!” or “NO, Josie – I do it!!”
She thinks it’s funny to tell us to “kiss her,” then after we do, she “wipes off” the kiss, and giggles and giggles.
We attended Ryan’s graduation from Mankato State in December, and someone used an air horn during the presentation of diplomas. Eve’s eyes got really big… and she smirked and said, not quietly – mind you, “Mommy TOOTED!” A little later during the ceremony, she started singing, again – not quietly, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town…”
If Eve catches someone doing something they weren’t supposed to be… she’ll smirk and tell them they are “BUSTED!”
“Eww. It’s tooty in here.” If you know my husband, I think that one is self-explanatory.
And from Josie…
“I’m a professional, Mommy. Don’t try this at home.”
“Daddy, did you know Mommy is on the naughty list? She tooted on Santa’s lap.”
With pouty lips, “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?”
Josie likes to “surprise” us, and will get herself dressed in her jammies or in her outfit for the day all by herself. If she needs help getting an arm out of a sleeve, or her head through the neck hole, she’ll ask for help, but will tell us “don’t look, it’s going to be a surprise!”
On the way to a play date at Lucy’s house, “That was so nice of God. He put the Gronaus so close to us!”
Does that make you so happy?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The doldrums of February are upon us, and hopefully, we’re experiencing the last cold snap of the season. I have to keep reminding myself that I choose to live here, I choose to live here, I choose to live here. The question “when will it be spring?” is a common one at our house, because spring brings the magic of going to the park, going for walks, and not having to be mindful of the piles of dog poo hiding in the snow in the backyard.
We had our annual group luncheon at work today, and this year the planners purchased jerseys and hats for each associate with the number 4 – to signify our division’s move into the 4th spot in the rankings of providers of group life insurance in the nation. We had a pretty phenomenal year being able to surpass our sales goal in this tough economic environment. I’m extremely grateful and aware of how fortunate I am to work for a company that can provide all of its associates with a 5.5% distribution into our performance share plans, when so many are struggling to keep and/or find a job in this market. Anyway – our executive vice-president was, as would be expected, excited to celebrate our success in 2008 today. He was sporting his hat and jersey with pride, and was walking around telling everyone to “suit up!” For some reason, it really cracked up. Maybe you need to know him to appreciate it… let’s just say that the phrase “suit up” sounds a bit foreign coming from his mouth. Almost as comedic as the fact that our senior vice-president not only knows who Flavor Flav is, but has watched his reality show. These are gentlemen who have worked for the company for 40+ and 35+ years, respectively – just to give you an idea of their ages.
I think it’s time for some kid updates. Let’s see. We’re getting close to the deadline for making a decision regarding where Josie will be going to preschool in the fall. Applications are due soon… and we’re currently making the rounds of public school tours. We’ll submit our application into the pool for St. Paul’s 4-year-old program, but aren’t entirely convinced that’s where we truly want her – even if somehow, we’re actually able to get in via the lottery system they have to use due to high demand. We’re touring a tuition-free charter school option tomorrow morning, and if that one doesn’t seem like a good fit for us, either, we’ll probably end up putting her in a private program. I’m anxious for the decision to be made, as is Josie. I think she’s a little confused by all the tours, and just wants to know when she gets to go to school, already. She’s soaking up everything around her, and has shown a great interest in numbers. She’s pretty good at writing all her numbers, but hasn’t, yet, been as interested in writing letters. Although she is very curious about what every word starts with, and has begun to be able to tell me what sounds different letters make and has been able to recognize all the letters for quite some time now. I’ve gotten her a bunch of “school books” to help her with her small motor skills, and she loves to play “school” at home at night while dinner is cooking.
Josie finished up ice skating lessons a couple of weeks ago, and did really well. Pat said he sees a really competitive edge in her already (which I’m a little torn about – is that a good thing, or not? How do we foster healthy competition without pushing too far?) as she loved the part of the lessons where the kids raced one another from one side of the ice to the other. She’d make it and quickly turn to see who she had “beaten” and then smirk with satisfaction when she realized she was one of the fastest. But the thing that I love about her (well, one of the many!) is that she’s already a good sport, and doesn’t taunt… well, anyone besides her sister, at least. So far, she’s tried soccer and swimming, and gymnastics and ice skating lessons. Now I think we’ll have her take a dance class, next – from a very reputable and respected teacher I conveniently happen to know quite well.
We’ve had an action-packed week with the excitement of Patrick traveling for work, (“why did the airplane take daddy away?”, “is daddy still in the little rock?”, “when will the airplane bring daddy home?”) then Josie throwing up at daycare the same day that he left, and me readying myself mentally for dealing with a bout of the flu, alone with the girls. She didn’t throw up again, but she started complaining of intense ear pain the next day. I got her into urgent care – and she has a double ear infection. And she couldn’t be more thrilled! Because that means she gets to take medicine! And what better thing in the world is there than medicine?! It’s pink! And yummy! I see great potential for hypochondria in her future.
I overheard a couple of conversations in the kitchen this morning between Eve and Josie while I was getting ready in the bathroom, and Patrick was in the basement feeding the pets.
Eve: “Josie…”
Jo: “What?” (said with a slightly annoyed tone.)
E: “Did you get a owie?” (this is in reference to the fact that Jo slipped and slid down the stairs leading to our bedroom, on her belly and got rug burn on her tummy as a result)
J: with a dramatic sigh, “Yes. On my tummy. I have a band aid.”
E: “Ooohhhhh. I’m so sorry. Oooohhhh. It will be okay. Was there blood?”
Sidenote – blood is the greatest fascination in the world right now. The moment anyone says “ouch”, the immediate question to follow is “is there BLOOD??”
J: “No. No blood. But you can’t take off my band aid. (an added statement for Eve’s benefit since Jo still holds a grudge over the fact that her sister removed a band aid from her knee once in the bathtub, like 2 years ago…) It has to stay on for a long, long time. Like, ‘til we’re old.” (Which in Josie’s mind, is probably like my age, since she asked me on my birthday if I was going to die soon?)
Followed by the following conversation:
E: “Josie! I’m not saying ‘na na na nah’ to you!”
J: “Yes – I know that, Evie.”
E: “Does that make you so happy?”
And in Evie news… we’re potty training! Somewhat successfully… and I have to keep reminding myself that she is a very different kid than Josie. A couple of weeks ago we were at daycare pickup and found out that she had peed in the potty for the first time that day. She had been sitting and “trying” for a while, but without any results. So we made a very big deal about what a big girl she was and what a good job she was doing… and honestly, Betty has been putting in a lot more effort than we have. Or, I guess I should say, than I have. She battles me quite a bit, and I’m going have to find a lot more patience from somewhere deep down inside as she will go for Daddy and Betty much better than she will for me. She’s using it as a stalling technique before bed, but has been “putting pee-pee” in the toilet pretty regularly. I’m still not convinced she’s entirely ready as she’s still having very wet diapers during naps and at night… but we’re starting down the path to being diaper-free… Amen!
Eve loves to watch movies, and loves music of any kind. She’s constantly walking around the house singing songs, and likes it when I start to sing a song, then let her finish the last word or phrase of a line. She dances to any music she hears, and doesn’t even get discouraged too much when her sister tells her that “jumping’s not dancing, Evie.” We still rock with Eve for a few minutes every night while we talk and cuddle before bed and the other night Pat was snuggling with her and said, “Eve, I love you.” To which she responded sweetly, “oh, Daddy… I love Mommy, too.” We say the standard “bless us oh Lord” prayer before dinner each night and Eve very nicely folds her hands and prays with us. We finish up with the sign of the cross and “Amen”… to which Eve adds excitedly every time, “Let’s eat!” She’s as sweet as she is stubborn, which makes life around our house quite the roller coaster ride. She looked up at me at dinner the other night and said, after I had scolded her about something, and told me, “Mommy. You’re a cutie-pie.”
We had our annual group luncheon at work today, and this year the planners purchased jerseys and hats for each associate with the number 4 – to signify our division’s move into the 4th spot in the rankings of providers of group life insurance in the nation. We had a pretty phenomenal year being able to surpass our sales goal in this tough economic environment. I’m extremely grateful and aware of how fortunate I am to work for a company that can provide all of its associates with a 5.5% distribution into our performance share plans, when so many are struggling to keep and/or find a job in this market. Anyway – our executive vice-president was, as would be expected, excited to celebrate our success in 2008 today. He was sporting his hat and jersey with pride, and was walking around telling everyone to “suit up!” For some reason, it really cracked up. Maybe you need to know him to appreciate it… let’s just say that the phrase “suit up” sounds a bit foreign coming from his mouth. Almost as comedic as the fact that our senior vice-president not only knows who Flavor Flav is, but has watched his reality show. These are gentlemen who have worked for the company for 40+ and 35+ years, respectively – just to give you an idea of their ages.
I think it’s time for some kid updates. Let’s see. We’re getting close to the deadline for making a decision regarding where Josie will be going to preschool in the fall. Applications are due soon… and we’re currently making the rounds of public school tours. We’ll submit our application into the pool for St. Paul’s 4-year-old program, but aren’t entirely convinced that’s where we truly want her – even if somehow, we’re actually able to get in via the lottery system they have to use due to high demand. We’re touring a tuition-free charter school option tomorrow morning, and if that one doesn’t seem like a good fit for us, either, we’ll probably end up putting her in a private program. I’m anxious for the decision to be made, as is Josie. I think she’s a little confused by all the tours, and just wants to know when she gets to go to school, already. She’s soaking up everything around her, and has shown a great interest in numbers. She’s pretty good at writing all her numbers, but hasn’t, yet, been as interested in writing letters. Although she is very curious about what every word starts with, and has begun to be able to tell me what sounds different letters make and has been able to recognize all the letters for quite some time now. I’ve gotten her a bunch of “school books” to help her with her small motor skills, and she loves to play “school” at home at night while dinner is cooking.
Josie finished up ice skating lessons a couple of weeks ago, and did really well. Pat said he sees a really competitive edge in her already (which I’m a little torn about – is that a good thing, or not? How do we foster healthy competition without pushing too far?) as she loved the part of the lessons where the kids raced one another from one side of the ice to the other. She’d make it and quickly turn to see who she had “beaten” and then smirk with satisfaction when she realized she was one of the fastest. But the thing that I love about her (well, one of the many!) is that she’s already a good sport, and doesn’t taunt… well, anyone besides her sister, at least. So far, she’s tried soccer and swimming, and gymnastics and ice skating lessons. Now I think we’ll have her take a dance class, next – from a very reputable and respected teacher I conveniently happen to know quite well.
We’ve had an action-packed week with the excitement of Patrick traveling for work, (“why did the airplane take daddy away?”, “is daddy still in the little rock?”, “when will the airplane bring daddy home?”) then Josie throwing up at daycare the same day that he left, and me readying myself mentally for dealing with a bout of the flu, alone with the girls. She didn’t throw up again, but she started complaining of intense ear pain the next day. I got her into urgent care – and she has a double ear infection. And she couldn’t be more thrilled! Because that means she gets to take medicine! And what better thing in the world is there than medicine?! It’s pink! And yummy! I see great potential for hypochondria in her future.
I overheard a couple of conversations in the kitchen this morning between Eve and Josie while I was getting ready in the bathroom, and Patrick was in the basement feeding the pets.
Eve: “Josie…”
Jo: “What?” (said with a slightly annoyed tone.)
E: “Did you get a owie?” (this is in reference to the fact that Jo slipped and slid down the stairs leading to our bedroom, on her belly and got rug burn on her tummy as a result)
J: with a dramatic sigh, “Yes. On my tummy. I have a band aid.”
E: “Ooohhhhh. I’m so sorry. Oooohhhh. It will be okay. Was there blood?”
Sidenote – blood is the greatest fascination in the world right now. The moment anyone says “ouch”, the immediate question to follow is “is there BLOOD??”
J: “No. No blood. But you can’t take off my band aid. (an added statement for Eve’s benefit since Jo still holds a grudge over the fact that her sister removed a band aid from her knee once in the bathtub, like 2 years ago…) It has to stay on for a long, long time. Like, ‘til we’re old.” (Which in Josie’s mind, is probably like my age, since she asked me on my birthday if I was going to die soon?)
Followed by the following conversation:
E: “Josie! I’m not saying ‘na na na nah’ to you!”
J: “Yes – I know that, Evie.”
E: “Does that make you so happy?”
And in Evie news… we’re potty training! Somewhat successfully… and I have to keep reminding myself that she is a very different kid than Josie. A couple of weeks ago we were at daycare pickup and found out that she had peed in the potty for the first time that day. She had been sitting and “trying” for a while, but without any results. So we made a very big deal about what a big girl she was and what a good job she was doing… and honestly, Betty has been putting in a lot more effort than we have. Or, I guess I should say, than I have. She battles me quite a bit, and I’m going have to find a lot more patience from somewhere deep down inside as she will go for Daddy and Betty much better than she will for me. She’s using it as a stalling technique before bed, but has been “putting pee-pee” in the toilet pretty regularly. I’m still not convinced she’s entirely ready as she’s still having very wet diapers during naps and at night… but we’re starting down the path to being diaper-free… Amen!
Eve loves to watch movies, and loves music of any kind. She’s constantly walking around the house singing songs, and likes it when I start to sing a song, then let her finish the last word or phrase of a line. She dances to any music she hears, and doesn’t even get discouraged too much when her sister tells her that “jumping’s not dancing, Evie.” We still rock with Eve for a few minutes every night while we talk and cuddle before bed and the other night Pat was snuggling with her and said, “Eve, I love you.” To which she responded sweetly, “oh, Daddy… I love Mommy, too.” We say the standard “bless us oh Lord” prayer before dinner each night and Eve very nicely folds her hands and prays with us. We finish up with the sign of the cross and “Amen”… to which Eve adds excitedly every time, “Let’s eat!” She’s as sweet as she is stubborn, which makes life around our house quite the roller coaster ride. She looked up at me at dinner the other night and said, after I had scolded her about something, and told me, “Mommy. You’re a cutie-pie.”
A long overdue picture update.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
This batch of pictures is much like the thoughts that ramble around in my head. Random, scattered and sometimes, because the settings aren't quite right... a little bit fuzzy. :)
Daddy and Josie on her 4th birthday, 1/19/09
Mommy and Jo. Happy Birthday! 1/19/09
The Birthday Recital with Lucy
Happiness is... a new tutu.
Happiness is... your sister's birthday balloons.
Happiness is... making birthday cupcakes.
Happiness is... free Wild tickets to your company's corporate suite.
Happiness is... an abundance of food... and drink... before the Wild game.
Happiness is... big hugs from Daddy.
Happiness is... building a snowman at Grandma Sue's.
Happiness is... snuggling in pajamas.
Happiness is... an apple snack during open gym playdates.
Happiness is... bowling for the first time with friends!
Happiness is... just happy.
Happiness is... dancing along with your favorite princess dvd. In fancy slippers.
Happiness is... breakfast at Grandma Sue's. And a new haircut!
Happiness is... hugging your first snowman. Brr!
Daddy and Josie on her 4th birthday, 1/19/09
Mommy and Jo. Happy Birthday! 1/19/09
The Birthday Recital with Lucy
Happiness is... a new tutu.
Happiness is... your sister's birthday balloons.
Happiness is... making birthday cupcakes.
Happiness is... free Wild tickets to your company's corporate suite.
Happiness is... finding out a bunch of your friends are also going to the Wild game the same night! Me with Sara and Dana - 1/17/09.
Happiness is... an abundance of food... and drink... before the Wild game.
Happiness is... big hugs from Daddy.
Happiness is... building a snowman at Grandma Sue's.
Happiness is... snuggling in pajamas.
Happiness is... an apple snack during open gym playdates.
Happiness is... bowling for the first time with friends!
Happiness is... just happy.
Happiness is... dancing along with your favorite princess dvd. In fancy slippers.
Happiness is... breakfast at Grandma Sue's. And a new haircut!
Happiness is... hugging your first snowman. Brr!
Happy Birthday, Josie-girl
Monday, January 19, 2009
Josie - today you turn 4.
This has been a much anticipated day in your world. You've been looking forward to being 4 almost as much as you've already been looking forward to being 5. You asked me this morning as we walked together up the sidewalk to Betty's house if you had already turned 4, almost as if you truly expected there to be some magical, sparkly moment when IT happened, and you were afraid you missed it. I told you that yes, the whole day today marks the occasion of turning 4 - but that technically, you weren't born until 6:29 p.m., so that would mark the actual turning point. You had already moved on to the anticipation of more birthday presents at daycare, so I was basically speaking to myself. But I'll forgive you. You are so completely and totally fascinating to me. Your comprehension level of pretty much everything around you has skyrocketed in the last few months and let me tell you - you are funny. And inquisitive. We have hit the "why" stage with you hardcore. And yes, it tires me out - but I love that you're not satisfied with an easy answer. I hope you keep this trait. I'm also incredibly impressed in how much you've blossomed socially as of late. Just last night I was watching you actually relish in being the center of attention as you opened your gifts with Daddy's family. This hasn't really happened much before. School is a hot topic around our house for the past few months, and you are more than ready for something new. You're a sponge, and you crave learning new things. You've found a new love for dance and a deeper love for anything Disney Princess-related. You are in a stereotypical "girly" stage, through and through. The other day you tried on every dress in your closet. And you're so cute doing it, I even hung them all back up without complaining. Too much. But you're also finding out how much you love to skate, and just to be outdoors, in general. Not on nature hikes, mind you, but just outside playing. You'll be out there way longer than any good parent should normally let you, and not complain the entire time. You love to "shovel," and you love to help us out around the house, in general. Somehow, sadly, I'm sure this stage will pass, but I'm gonna soak it up while I can. I can't do justice to the entire awesome nature of your little being here. To know you is to truly love you, and I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are turning a corner into a world of being a child versus being a baby - and I am both incredibly saddened and incredibly proud. If you ever read the things posted here, I hope you can understand that the lack of updates about you as of late is only a reflection of my own frustration over not being able to capture everything about you and being overwhelmed by it all, and therefore, just plain not doing it. I told someone the other night that everything that you and your sister do lately is "blogworthy," and it is beyond my capability to keep up. So I'm busy just soaking it all up. I think that is a forgivable thing. As is the lack of reasonably sized paragraphs in this post. At least, I hope so.
I love you from your nose to your toes, Josephine. Happy Birthday.
This has been a much anticipated day in your world. You've been looking forward to being 4 almost as much as you've already been looking forward to being 5. You asked me this morning as we walked together up the sidewalk to Betty's house if you had already turned 4, almost as if you truly expected there to be some magical, sparkly moment when IT happened, and you were afraid you missed it. I told you that yes, the whole day today marks the occasion of turning 4 - but that technically, you weren't born until 6:29 p.m., so that would mark the actual turning point. You had already moved on to the anticipation of more birthday presents at daycare, so I was basically speaking to myself. But I'll forgive you. You are so completely and totally fascinating to me. Your comprehension level of pretty much everything around you has skyrocketed in the last few months and let me tell you - you are funny. And inquisitive. We have hit the "why" stage with you hardcore. And yes, it tires me out - but I love that you're not satisfied with an easy answer. I hope you keep this trait. I'm also incredibly impressed in how much you've blossomed socially as of late. Just last night I was watching you actually relish in being the center of attention as you opened your gifts with Daddy's family. This hasn't really happened much before. School is a hot topic around our house for the past few months, and you are more than ready for something new. You're a sponge, and you crave learning new things. You've found a new love for dance and a deeper love for anything Disney Princess-related. You are in a stereotypical "girly" stage, through and through. The other day you tried on every dress in your closet. And you're so cute doing it, I even hung them all back up without complaining. Too much. But you're also finding out how much you love to skate, and just to be outdoors, in general. Not on nature hikes, mind you, but just outside playing. You'll be out there way longer than any good parent should normally let you, and not complain the entire time. You love to "shovel," and you love to help us out around the house, in general. Somehow, sadly, I'm sure this stage will pass, but I'm gonna soak it up while I can. I can't do justice to the entire awesome nature of your little being here. To know you is to truly love you, and I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are turning a corner into a world of being a child versus being a baby - and I am both incredibly saddened and incredibly proud. If you ever read the things posted here, I hope you can understand that the lack of updates about you as of late is only a reflection of my own frustration over not being able to capture everything about you and being overwhelmed by it all, and therefore, just plain not doing it. I told someone the other night that everything that you and your sister do lately is "blogworthy," and it is beyond my capability to keep up. So I'm busy just soaking it all up. I think that is a forgivable thing. As is the lack of reasonably sized paragraphs in this post. At least, I hope so.
I love you from your nose to your toes, Josephine. Happy Birthday.
Hey! Why didn't someone tell me it was 2009??
Monday, January 12, 2009
So I have a confession. I've been, um... kind of... seeing someone else. It's nothing personal - it's just so... well, new - and exciting. It's someone much younger, and more in touch with what's going on in the world today. Alright, I'll just tell you. It's Facebook. There. It's out in the open. Are you happy now?? I know, Blogger. I've been neglecting you. I promise - I'll be back. Please be patient with me. We go too far back to just throw it all away... I have to let Facebook down gently, or we all could be in trouble. I try to pull away - but... the hold is just too strong... soon, Blogger, soon. Wait for me.
(Pretend there's a really witty title up in here.)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Every day, there are the beginnings of numerous blog posts rattling around in my head.
chirp, chirp.
As you can see - they rarely make it out. Let's just follow the "no news is good news" way of thinking for the time being; I promise I've got pages of funny things the kids have said written down, and tons of cute pix and vids just waiting patiently to be posted, and updates aplenty regarding what we've been up to. But there are gifts to be wrapped, and clothes to be folded - and hell. Who am I kidding... a nap to be taken! (Cut me some slack - I'm on vacation!) So I wish you all a truly blessed and happy Christmas with family and friends. Now, where's my blankie?
chirp, chirp.
As you can see - they rarely make it out. Let's just follow the "no news is good news" way of thinking for the time being; I promise I've got pages of funny things the kids have said written down, and tons of cute pix and vids just waiting patiently to be posted, and updates aplenty regarding what we've been up to. But there are gifts to be wrapped, and clothes to be folded - and hell. Who am I kidding... a nap to be taken! (Cut me some slack - I'm on vacation!) So I wish you all a truly blessed and happy Christmas with family and friends. Now, where's my blankie?
One of Many...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
... reasons I love my husband:
He makes me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when we run out of lunch meat. But not just any peanut butter and jelly sandwich - the kind of peanut butter and jelly sandwich that he HATES.... the heavy on the peanut butter kind. Apparently he suffered some sort of traumatic thick peanut butter incident as a child, and has never recovered. Thick peanut butter makes him almost as angry as cauliflower does. I know. Don't ask. Anyway - he knows that I don't care for his style of PB&J - which equals thin peanut butter. Peanut butter so thin you can barely see, hear or smell it on your sandwich. Peanut butter portions so thin that I actually feel sorry for my children when I find out that he's made them PB&J sammies for lunch without me there to intervene. Because what kind of a life is a life without thick peanut butter??! Thank God they've got me to balance out the thin peanut butter insanity.
What was I talking about...?
Oh, yeah. How much I appreciate that he's able to overcome his phobia and make me a proper PB&J sammy because he knows how happy it makes me to have a thickness of peanut butter no less than a mattress. A mattress with a pillowtop. And then he puts in in a sandwich baggie, and labels it lovingly with a "C" so I know not to mistakenly grab one of his sandwiches by mistake. Because believe you me... the wrath he has to endure if I get an inappropriate thickness of PB on my sammy... oh, yeah. Quite embarrassing - especially at work. :)
And how lucky am I that he hasn't kicked me to the curb and told me to make my own frickin' sandwiches?? I know. Damn lucky.
He makes me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when we run out of lunch meat. But not just any peanut butter and jelly sandwich - the kind of peanut butter and jelly sandwich that he HATES.... the heavy on the peanut butter kind. Apparently he suffered some sort of traumatic thick peanut butter incident as a child, and has never recovered. Thick peanut butter makes him almost as angry as cauliflower does. I know. Don't ask. Anyway - he knows that I don't care for his style of PB&J - which equals thin peanut butter. Peanut butter so thin you can barely see, hear or smell it on your sandwich. Peanut butter portions so thin that I actually feel sorry for my children when I find out that he's made them PB&J sammies for lunch without me there to intervene. Because what kind of a life is a life without thick peanut butter??! Thank God they've got me to balance out the thin peanut butter insanity.
What was I talking about...?
Oh, yeah. How much I appreciate that he's able to overcome his phobia and make me a proper PB&J sammy because he knows how happy it makes me to have a thickness of peanut butter no less than a mattress. A mattress with a pillowtop. And then he puts in in a sandwich baggie, and labels it lovingly with a "C" so I know not to mistakenly grab one of his sandwiches by mistake. Because believe you me... the wrath he has to endure if I get an inappropriate thickness of PB on my sammy... oh, yeah. Quite embarrassing - especially at work. :)
And how lucky am I that he hasn't kicked me to the curb and told me to make my own frickin' sandwiches?? I know. Damn lucky.
The Morning After
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Josie and Eve,
Something happened last night. Something bigger than you can understand, but I want to put in writing my take on a small piece of the history that you were part of – even though you are too small to realize it.
We watched coverage of the events on television, and I’ll apologize now for not having given you my full and undivided attention. Josie – you probably won’t remember watching the colors of the night, red and blue, on the screen, and seeing the states across our country fill in with those colors. You are 3, and you wanted to break everything into “good guys vs. bad guys” or “mean and nice.” And you probably won’t remember that Mommy was sad… not because of what was on t.v., but that Daddy wasn’t there to watch it with us. He was traveling for work, so Mommy had to settle for talking to him on the phone. It wasn’t the same, and I will always regret that Daddy was in Texas (of all places) while history of this magnitude was being made. Eve – you won’t remember laughing at Mommy as I cheered when the color I was pulling for popped up on the screen, and you would yell, “Again!” You can thank the people of the United States for fulfilling your wish, as Mommy had a lot more cheering to do before the night was over.
A Man named Barack Obama became both the 44th and the 1st, all in one night. He will be our nation’s forty-fourth president, which, in and of itself, is not all that historic. It was time, and someone needed to be the next president. But what is historic is the fact that he will be our nation’s first African-American president. And if events hadn’t unfolded the way they did, we would have seen ballots this election year with America’s first woman presidential candidate. So either way, big changes and big choices for America. We heard a lot of talk this election year. Much of it, I’ll admit, bores me to tears, and annoys me beyond belief. But what will hold up in my memory from this year are some of the words which resounded over and over again: Change. Hope. Country First. Maverick. Make sure you guys look up that last one along with “Tina Fey” and “SNL.” It may not mean much to you, but trust me- it was comedy gold in 2008.
I’m not going to turn this into a political platform on which to launch my views and beliefs to the world. I’m not that kind of person. I believe what I believe, and I firmly respect the right of every human being to believe what they believe, whether it differs from my own view or not. I may disagree with many of the beliefs and views of those around me, even family and friends, but you will never hear your mommy in a heated argument trying to persuade someone that what they believe is wrong. There are plenty of others out there who derive pleasure from that task; I honestly don’t see the point.
When you are old enough to want to do the research, there will be mountains of material available for you to read and listen to in order to get the facts behind what the candidates in the presidential race of 2008 championed for. And I hope to instill in each of you the ability to listen, and read, and form your own opinions. You can learn a lot by just listening and watching. There’s a whole lot of B.S. out there; the trick is learning to filter through it to get to the good stuff. And if you want to be one of those who speaks their minds and tries to persuade others, then I will support you – as long as you speak the truth. And if you want to sit back with me and just take it all in – I’ll be there for that, too.
One of the things that I take away from this election, and I think that no matter which side of the fence you sit on, you’d have to agree that what we witnessed last night and the impact it had throughout the world, was truly astounding. Now we wait to see the effects of the impact. Many times elections are, unfortunately, about choosing the “lesser of two evils.” This election didn’t feel that way to me. We had to choose between two very different candidates with very persuading arguments. Maybe I was more invested in the election this year, because I’m a mother now and the choices we make will affect you, Josie and Eve. I hope and pray that America has chosen wisely for you and your future.
Love,
Mommy
Something happened last night. Something bigger than you can understand, but I want to put in writing my take on a small piece of the history that you were part of – even though you are too small to realize it.
We watched coverage of the events on television, and I’ll apologize now for not having given you my full and undivided attention. Josie – you probably won’t remember watching the colors of the night, red and blue, on the screen, and seeing the states across our country fill in with those colors. You are 3, and you wanted to break everything into “good guys vs. bad guys” or “mean and nice.” And you probably won’t remember that Mommy was sad… not because of what was on t.v., but that Daddy wasn’t there to watch it with us. He was traveling for work, so Mommy had to settle for talking to him on the phone. It wasn’t the same, and I will always regret that Daddy was in Texas (of all places) while history of this magnitude was being made. Eve – you won’t remember laughing at Mommy as I cheered when the color I was pulling for popped up on the screen, and you would yell, “Again!” You can thank the people of the United States for fulfilling your wish, as Mommy had a lot more cheering to do before the night was over.
A Man named Barack Obama became both the 44th and the 1st, all in one night. He will be our nation’s forty-fourth president, which, in and of itself, is not all that historic. It was time, and someone needed to be the next president. But what is historic is the fact that he will be our nation’s first African-American president. And if events hadn’t unfolded the way they did, we would have seen ballots this election year with America’s first woman presidential candidate. So either way, big changes and big choices for America. We heard a lot of talk this election year. Much of it, I’ll admit, bores me to tears, and annoys me beyond belief. But what will hold up in my memory from this year are some of the words which resounded over and over again: Change. Hope. Country First. Maverick. Make sure you guys look up that last one along with “Tina Fey” and “SNL.” It may not mean much to you, but trust me- it was comedy gold in 2008.
I’m not going to turn this into a political platform on which to launch my views and beliefs to the world. I’m not that kind of person. I believe what I believe, and I firmly respect the right of every human being to believe what they believe, whether it differs from my own view or not. I may disagree with many of the beliefs and views of those around me, even family and friends, but you will never hear your mommy in a heated argument trying to persuade someone that what they believe is wrong. There are plenty of others out there who derive pleasure from that task; I honestly don’t see the point.
When you are old enough to want to do the research, there will be mountains of material available for you to read and listen to in order to get the facts behind what the candidates in the presidential race of 2008 championed for. And I hope to instill in each of you the ability to listen, and read, and form your own opinions. You can learn a lot by just listening and watching. There’s a whole lot of B.S. out there; the trick is learning to filter through it to get to the good stuff. And if you want to be one of those who speaks their minds and tries to persuade others, then I will support you – as long as you speak the truth. And if you want to sit back with me and just take it all in – I’ll be there for that, too.
One of the things that I take away from this election, and I think that no matter which side of the fence you sit on, you’d have to agree that what we witnessed last night and the impact it had throughout the world, was truly astounding. Now we wait to see the effects of the impact. Many times elections are, unfortunately, about choosing the “lesser of two evils.” This election didn’t feel that way to me. We had to choose between two very different candidates with very persuading arguments. Maybe I was more invested in the election this year, because I’m a mother now and the choices we make will affect you, Josie and Eve. I hope and pray that America has chosen wisely for you and your future.
Love,
Mommy
Test Your Color IQ
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
This is how I spent part of my lunch break today. I scored a 23... post a comment and let me how you did!
Lions and Bears and Cats and Dogs and Dragons... and a Fairy Princess... Oh My!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Halloween 2008 was more fun than you could shake a stick at. I watched the Gronau kidlets (and my own, as well, in case you were wondering) in the a.m. while Mama Meg danced with Pirates and was even able to whip up a yummy lunch and happily report that all four children survived my watch unscathed. Yes!
The Gronaus departed and The Dalys happy-nappy'd and then went to Daycare Betty's for a quick little Halloween party action before hitting G'ma/G'pa Dalys for a little pre-trick/treat lasagna supper and visit.
We booked it back home to meet up with the awaiting Mathews' family and hit the sidewalks for some sweet candy-action. Eve didn't know what to think of the hoopla; we went to the home of our next door neighbors first, and she wanted the girls to come in the house to see her husband before we left. We left, and went to the neighbor on the other side... and when they opened the door... Eve went right on in! Guess she thought each house would be like the first, and we were going to do a whole lot of visiting before the night was over. Will was less than thrilled the first couple of stops, but then he figured out that steps = house = candy... and repeat... and he was more than willing to keep it up. And a cuter dragon you've never seen than his brother, Keaton. Perfectly content to chill in the stroller, and catch a little nap.
(Sidenote... Eve has been in bed for almost an hour. She's still awake, and right now she's saying, "I want to get up. I'm awake. I want cereal. I want to get dressed." A little while ago, it was, "I want to go in the baby swing." Followed by, "I have a hair in my mouth. I need my toothbrush." It could be an interesting night. Oh, now it's, "I don't feel good. I want a Kleenex. I have boogers.")
Back to the play-by-play. We met up with a gaggle of Gronaus and continued on. Yadda yadda yadda... candy, walking, costumes, beautiful night, fun friends, cute kids... I'm really tired today. See for yourself (in reverse order. Stupid, stupid Blogger):
End of the night... Eve, Jo, Will and Keaton.
Keaton and Tricia.
"Get. Me. Out. Of. This. Costume." I've never seen a more forced smile.
Happier moments.
The Mathews Family - sans Keaton.
Away in a... stroller, the little Dragon Keaton, lay down his sweet head.
All our kids. On someone else's steps.
Woof, woof! Eve played up being a puppy.
Eve and Will.
Baby Keaton and Mama Tricia.
Sir William Growlsalot. 
Eve and Jo. A matched set, even in costumes.
With cousins Trevor (ninja) and Trent (batman).
The Gronaus departed and The Dalys happy-nappy'd and then went to Daycare Betty's for a quick little Halloween party action before hitting G'ma/G'pa Dalys for a little pre-trick/treat lasagna supper and visit.
We booked it back home to meet up with the awaiting Mathews' family and hit the sidewalks for some sweet candy-action. Eve didn't know what to think of the hoopla; we went to the home of our next door neighbors first, and she wanted the girls to come in the house to see her husband before we left. We left, and went to the neighbor on the other side... and when they opened the door... Eve went right on in! Guess she thought each house would be like the first, and we were going to do a whole lot of visiting before the night was over. Will was less than thrilled the first couple of stops, but then he figured out that steps = house = candy... and repeat... and he was more than willing to keep it up. And a cuter dragon you've never seen than his brother, Keaton. Perfectly content to chill in the stroller, and catch a little nap.
(Sidenote... Eve has been in bed for almost an hour. She's still awake, and right now she's saying, "I want to get up. I'm awake. I want cereal. I want to get dressed." A little while ago, it was, "I want to go in the baby swing." Followed by, "I have a hair in my mouth. I need my toothbrush." It could be an interesting night. Oh, now it's, "I don't feel good. I want a Kleenex. I have boogers.")
Back to the play-by-play. We met up with a gaggle of Gronaus and continued on. Yadda yadda yadda... candy, walking, costumes, beautiful night, fun friends, cute kids... I'm really tired today. See for yourself (in reverse order. Stupid, stupid Blogger):
End of the night... Eve, Jo, Will and Keaton.
Keaton and Tricia.
"Get. Me. Out. Of. This. Costume." I've never seen a more forced smile.
Happier moments.
The Mathews Family - sans Keaton.
Away in a... stroller, the little Dragon Keaton, lay down his sweet head.
All our kids. On someone else's steps.
Woof, woof! Eve played up being a puppy.
Yo, mamma. I mean, Obama. The kids mowed over this sign, and Meg was worried the fate of the election lay on the lawn of an Eastsider.
Let me go... there's more candy over there!
A princess and her pet.
Ed was all about manners. "Thank you! Merry Christmas!"
Eve and Will.
Try to tell me you've seen anything cuter than this. Just try. That's what I thought.
Baby Keaton and Mama Tricia.
Sir William Growlsalot.
Eve and Jo. A matched set, even in costumes.
With cousins Trevor (ninja) and Trent (batman).
Josie and daycare friend, Lily.
Some of the kids from Daycare Betty's house.
An update in pictures...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Josie at gymnastics class at Central High School.
Ready for class to start!
Eve - happy to see the camera!
A happy girl in a twirly dress, ready for a teaparty at the Gronaus, followed by her very first play - HSM at Maplewood Community Center.
Finally! A swingset all their own.
She'd sleep in there if we let her.
Fall festival at church. Loved the pony rides.
Josie has picked this EXACT horse all three years we've taken her.
Bouncy thing = Big fun.
Eve spent most of her turn getting tossed around by the big kids. But she still loved it.
Fancy princesses.
Pre- (or post-) soccer practice at the playground with Eden.
Pat took this picture... during the game.
Yup - also during the game. Must be discussing plans for the tire swing.
Okay - that's more like it!
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