Moments like these...

We recently got some fun mail. My Aunt Pat sent the boys a little hello note and in it she included some ice cream money. So today we ventured out to enjoy a cone. Thank you Aunt Pat for making our day! This outing caused us to slow down and enjoy each others company. It lasted about 45 minutes and it is moments like these when I really love being a mom.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Grace in Small Things #19

1. A nice Sunday with my family...a visit from good friends (Thanks Casey and Katie for stopping by.)

2. Ready for another good week with the boys. Walking really does wonders for my soul! Ahhh!

3. A motivating sister! Let's do "the program" Raina!

4. A lemonade vodka in a tall glass on a summer evening.

5. Henry's snuggle - may he always find me, his mama, to be a safe place.

6. This song...it was on that video with the wedding entrance. A friend played it at a playdate...and it reminded me that it totally makes me smile!

Grace in Small Things #18

1. 11 followers on my blog. I know a few people read but it is fun to know who you are. You can become a follower by signing up on the right hand side. (and Peggy I am counting you as the two or three people that you are...hehehe!) Totally makes my day..if I make your day with my ramblings...make mine...come on I dare ya!

2. Kid needles...we were on a hunt and found them at a learning store. I got a big pack and would be willing to send you one if you are in need. Charley is busy making a beaded necklace for his little friend's birthday tomorrow. The needle makes things FAR less frustrating! We will be threading cereal, noodles, beads, and more in the coming months.

3. Rainy morning in pjs - transition to sunny outing for lunch with daddy -transition to quiet afternoon during naptime - and hoping for a peaceful evening.

4. Caught up on laundry...kitchen cleaned up..ready for the weekend.

5. Water..I have been drinking more of it and craving it more often.

Give us insight...

So today we went up and had lunch with daddy. He had forgotten his cell phone at home today..which I hate because then I feel like I can't get a hold of him. Which might be the point of leaving it home, wink! wink!

During our lunch Ed asked me about the f-a-i-r...and if there was any interest. He and I, I guess, are surrounded by people who do the state fair - big. They take a day off work and take the kids...and some even take an extra day off work to go back with just their spouse. I guess, Ed and I don't get it. Maybe we weren't raised with the "State Fair" experience. I know Wisconsin has a great one too. I sure would love to go and eat...but the crowds, the hot, and the dirty just don't appeal...what are we missing? What is the draw...there are even people who move away but travel back far distances to come back for this event. Enlighten us...maybe next year we will give it a try. Or maybe you are like us and you don't get it either...or maybe you don't go because...I don't know. Share...either email or comment! So curious...keeps me up at night.

Sorting laundry with a surprise

This morning I was sorting our clean laundry to fold and Henry was helping. He was looking mainly for "OCKS!" and putting them in a pile. After we sorted one basket we moved on to Charley and Henry clothing. And for the first time I heard a clear "arley". His attempt at saying his brother's name. We can't wait to hear what he calls Charley...looks to be pretty accurate.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Smiles at dinner...

Tonight for dinner we pulled out one of our meals..it was made by Paula..it was delicious...a chicken thing. Along side it I made some corn on the cob but cut it off the cob for something different. It was delicious and it makes me excited to pull it out of the freezer this winter. I froze 25 cups of it...in 2 cup bags!



But the biggest smile came over this...first off, this afternoon we got back from walking to get corn and I sat down outside and the boys were puttering around. I grabbed that book I referenced the other day. I got excited about a recipe and that brought Charley over. He grabbed a small cooler from the garage and came over and sat next to me. We started reading all the different recipes. Then he started noticing words he could read in the book...love those teachable moments that just pop up. Next thing I know Henry is sitting next to me on the other side. He went in the garage, tipped over the bucket with all the chalk, brought it over, tipped it over, and plopped down on it. For 10 minutes we sat there excited over recipes. So one of the recipes was for biscuits. I usually make them with Bisquick. These looked simple enough. So I gave them a try! THEY TURNED OUT! ED couldn't help smile as he ate his first one. I was elated. You know how certain things have a taste that you can't forget...tacos from Taco Bell, fries from McDonalds, kraft mac and cheese, etc....well Bisquick biscuits taste like Bisquick. So tonight I found my biscuit recipe. I am PUMPED! I can't say enough good things about this book. There are so many tips in there that are so helpful and it is done so that you feel like it is possible!



I was also smiling because my car was in the driveway! All fixed and looking like brand new! I even vacuumed it out before we took it in so it is all clean inside! So tomorrow we will be off on adventures again :) It was a nice two days of being stranded at home. Tonight at dinner we talked about the word stranded. Life is good. So are the biscuits!

It took almost 20 months

We have waited almost 20 months for this moment. Well daddy is actually still waiting because Henry refuses to say daddy. But tonight it begins. Listen, be patient. This is outside the boys bedrooms. They have been put to bed for the night.

This changes everything...it is hard enough to let him fuss it out at times...but nearly impossible to ignore this little voice.

I need to clarify. He has been saying mama for forever. But he hasn't figured out how to call for me. So around the 20 second mark you hear him saying...MAMA! hey, Mama! Around 40 seconds it is done...i just kept taping for a minute.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More free fun....

So without a car this morning we decided to walk to a nearby park that has a pond. A couple weeks ago we fished with Uncle Greg at the pond. I grabbed four end pieces of bread that usually go to waste, why? I have no idea, and actually I took 2 seconds and cut them up into small squares because I knew it would last longer.






Then we took off for the pond. We spent 40 minutes throwing bread in and looking at the fish, painted turtles, and even a snapping turtle. It was early and peaceful and I was sweating from my morning walk (you will notice that I point out the walking often, I am trying really hard to stay motivated and it helps to brag about the walking- holds me accountable!). Then we played at the park and walked the 20 minutes back home. The big excitement occured when Charley's bag of bread fell in the lake and we retrieved it with the minnow net that I threw in the stroller to catch grasshoppers with...if we felt like it. Who knew it would be used to rescue the bread. Charley did the whole rescue thing with my encouragement. Henry was determined to try it too but didn't.





On our walk home we passed the farm with cows and there was our neighbor gathering corn to feed the cows. When we got home we plunked down in the driveway to peel crayons so we could make a present for a birthday party coming up this week and over strolled the neighbor. He had lots to share about the land our neighborhood is on...it all used to be his family's land. Now they are down to the small farm by Lifetime where they just raise beef cattle. He said they will have some new calves this winter and he would love Charley to come over to see. AWESOME! He mentioned how people complain about the farm from time to time...with the manure smell etc. Personally, I love that we live in a pretty big suburb but that in the middle of it all is this farm! Keeps it real! He told me to enjoy these years with the boys because his are all of to college and it felt like yesterday when he was puttering around the farm with them at his feet. Good reminders for my day.

Naptime for Henry and Charley will enjoy some quiet time. Daddy might be home for dinner tonight. I know the boys will LOVE that...and so will mama. Hopefully soon we will hear about the car. I have enjoyed the last two days ...so far...

On a side note: As we were walking up to the playdate last night I explained to Charley that the house has a trampoline but that I preferred he not play on that tonight. He asked Why? and I gave him the reason that he didn't know how to do it, and that I didn't have a car to drive him to the doctor if he got hurt. He responded with a, "But mom, you just jump." After dinner all the kids went on the trampoline...including Charley. It has safety sides so I felt better about it. But I told the other moms about Charley telling me that "you just jump mom!" And it reminded me of a story my mom told me about when I was little. I wanted to jump in rain puddles and asked why I couldn't...and her reason..well there wasn't a good one. I still am very nervous about trampolines but we'll take it one day at a time.

Two things....

1. I am not pregnant.

2. This evening we had a great time with some friends...all surviving another night with husbands working their tails off. When it was time for us to WALK home Charley didn't want to go. All the boys were going to jump in the pool. So I let him jump in the pool quick. Why? Because throwing your unhappy kids in the stroller for a 20 minute walk home is a lot different than throwing your unhappy kids in the car for a 3 minute car ride with the radio to drown out the whining. He got out of the pool fine when I said it was time to go. So the walk home could have been far worse...although I think I threatened at least 16 times that if he didn't stop whining we were NEVER going to do this again.

Note to other moms: Leaving with a stroller does leave more time for your child to drive you loony as he/she whines all the way home. Especially when it is past his/her bedtime.

Life without a car...

So the last couple of days I have been in turmoil over whether I should rent a car while my van is in the shop to get the dent fixed that my van obtained when....Ed was driving. ha! Need to make that point. So for a about 7 hours yesterday I called the car fixing place to change my mind or ask questions about renting the car (for a small $22/day). When it came down to it I decided that we could do this. We could live without a car for two days. I can walk to a lot of necessary places...if I find them necessary. I found that when I returned home today from dropping off the car I noticed a different feeling. I was relaxed, at ease, feeling no pressure. I wasn't completely prepared for these two days...obviously, when nap time rolled around and realized I only had 3 diapers left. So Ed will pick those up on the way home. I think that not having a car today took the pressure off the need to go out and about. I could relax and feel like we were home for the day and free. I mowed the lawn, did some laundry, washed a few windows, kept kitchen cleaned, watched some kiddos for an hour or two, played a game of candy land, watched the boys putter around outside, and did whatever else that fills our days.

This evening is another long one for me. Ed thought we were going to be at my parents so he set up plans to work late every night. So we are sticking with that. I know it is hard for him to miss out on the time with us and I struggle keeping sane when I know he isn't coming home to give some relief...but I have MANY INCREDIBLE mommy friends who have husbands that travel often or work late all the time. So for me, one week, a night here or there....is nothing. A group of mommy friends who deal with the evenings as single mommies started a little dinner hour playgroup, Hoot and Howl. Tonight we will join a few friends for a potluck dinner, a cocktail, and some fun. And guess what...we can walk there. I get lost finding this mom's house every time I go so I am going to use my birthday gift, the GPS, and walk our butts over there. I will get in my exercise for the day, the boys will get some fresh air, and tomorrow I will know will be okay because with or without a car.... I can get to friends.

Grace in Small Things #17

1. BLTs - This time of year with a tomato from our garden - can't beat it. Recently I discovered that adding lettuce to any sandwich really makes it better. I am not a sandwich person- but lately yum!

2. Closet space - I have been working on trying on clothes and deciding what I am going to consign, donate, and toss. I have room in my closet and am starting to get the fall shopping itch...but will try to hold off for another month!

3. My laptop: I love that I can sit anywhere in our house and waste time on this machine.

4. A feeling of anticipation for the upcoming fall routine. Summer is splendid, but our summer activities have ended and for the last two weeks and the upcoming week ahead we are at lose ends. Fall brings a new routine that will challenge us and offer sanity.

5. Walking with my boys. They have been really good about going with me for stroller walks. Charley still fits in the double jogger. I have been packing them a breakfast and off we go. It really helps me start the day off right. Maybe they get it.

Nothing today meant...

1. A 50 minute walk to the "yellow" park. The boys ate breakfast and mama got her sweat on!

2. Cartoon while mama showered.

3. Target grocery trip - and we only spent $51.00 today! And that included: Milk for us, milk for Hank, three boxes of cereal, bread, fruit (cantaloupe, bananas, apples, and grapes), lunch meat, eggs, and more! I am freaking out over a job well done! Thanks to that book I referenced a few days ago!

4. Home for lunch.

5. Henry went down for a nap and actually slept.

6. I vacuumed out my van while Charley puttered around.

7. Charley did some painting...


8. While I ....



9. Henry woke and we headed to the pool where we hung out with fabulous friends. Charley was in his glory with his friend John and Micheal. I enjoyed great conversation with Paula and Henry ate a huge bag of grapes! Wonderful!






10. Dinner

11. Bed within moments!

A great day of nothing!

A little 'nothing' is all we need.

After another busy weekend I found that my Henry wasn't feeling good. He hasn't napped normal in more than three days. He woke in early early obnoxiously early this morning. His nose began running yesterday afternoon and today it was like a faucet. After just a 45 minute snooze he woke up with a very disturbing cough so I rushed him to Urgent Care to get a handle on things. We are supposed to leave tomorrow to spend the week with my sister at my mom and dads. I began dreading the trip this morning in the obnoxiously early hour when Henry called out to me, "maaaamaaaa, maaaammaaaaa!"

After two hours at Urgent Care...we found out...nothing. So we will see how tonight goes, what tomorrow brings, and head to our regular doctor if needed. Disappointed am I that we are not voyaging down to my mom and dads. Always a fun adventure! Devastated is Charley when we told him. I will have to make this week ROCK! But most of all I think there was a little relief in my mom and sister's voice. All three of us have been running ragged with plans and even though this week would have been awesome ....we could all probably use a little "nothing." See here.

Mama Raina - I wish you a week of "nothing." Enjoy every peep that little smiley guy gives you. Mom, work hard, get your stuff done, enjoy your girls night on Tuesday and feel rested for your next fun weekend. And as for me...we will take things slow this week...board games, sprinkler parks, the library, the usual...with maybe a little more snuggle time and nap time for both boys. The summer is coming to a close faster than ever. We got Charley's teacher assignment and his meet the teacher date. Reality is hitting. Though saddened that our week of fun with Aunt Raina and cousin Eli is not going to work out this week - I know we will find the blessing in "nothing."

A summer evening party for Uncle Greg!

Tonight we went to a party to celebrate Greg's accomplishment this week. He is now officially Dr. Schneider. The boys wore t-shirts to brag of their relation to Greg. In one week he will head off to Michigan to settle himself in his new "hometown" and he will begin teaching in October. So tonight his good friend Paul and his wife gave up their Saturday evening and their house to help send Greg off with a bang. It was a fun party on a perfect summer evening. Even mom and dad came to celebrate!

The boys were troopers...it is events like these that I realize how lucky I am with my boys. They really come through for me when we are at public events- especially when Ed can't be there. A few reminders to settle down, stop interrupting people etc...but for the most part they keep busy, are friendly, and leave quietly when it is time. Henry didn't even nap today.

Congratulations Greg! I didn't want to do a huggy goodbye because I don't want to make a big deal about the move. It makes me sad to think we didn't take advantage of our close proximity these last few years...but I think we did do a few things - of course we could have done more. And Michigan isn't too far! See you soon!

He's gonna be that kid...

As a teacher I worked with a lot of children. Now with two boys I am constantly thinking...what is he going to be like in first grade. Today after a short nap Charley came down and got out his StarWars coloring book. He worked hard to pick a picture and told me his plan. Then he colored for like 5 minutes and then came and showed me....He is going to be "that" kid. The one that was super excited about the project but then worked hard and fast and then came to me with....something that was colored with one color and lots of white uncolored space. My response, "Oh, Johnny, looking good - keep up the good work!" His response,

"Oh, teacher, I am done. " I then continued to encourage him to work a little more...

Charley came to me today to show his picture and then continued to explain, "I like how I colored and all the white is snow. It snowed all over here and here. Is that okay mama?"

Sure, it is okay...but that kid that finished in 5 minutes when he was given 30 minutes, used one color when he has a box of 64 colors, and has the ability to make far less "snow" show up on his paper drives me crazy! And I can see my future....that will be my son! And I will continue to encourage but love his snowy pictures - hey, at least we live in Minnesota!

Great ideas...

So a big part of our budget for me is the grocery bill. We are trying to save money but still eat great. One of the blogs I follow is this one and she is the author of two books. I own her other one and loved it and I just got this one on Amazon for like $12.00 and it arrived yesterday. I haven't read it from cover to cover yet...but we made zucchini bread today using her recipe and it was delicious. And her blog today explained how to freeze corn. We bought a dozen ears at the farmers market last Sunday and the week got away from us and we still had too much left. So I used 6 ears of corn and followed her easy directions and froze two meals of corn (2 cups and 3 cups). Which cost us 2.00 for the half dozen of corn...so what a deal! This winter we will enjoy some corn for $1.00 a bag! I also froze some of our bread that we made today. Her book has lots of easy recipes and a ton of great ideas for saving money with the groceries. Her ideas make sense and I am pumped to implement more of them. We are hitting a farmers market tomorrow morning so that we can freeze a little more corn...and maybe something else!

Do you freeze or can anything that helps stock up for the winter? How do you save money grocery shopping?

My day, so far, in numbers!

3 : The number of yummy martini's I had last night while celebrating friendship with a group of amazing mommy friends.

45: The number of minutes I was up in the middle of the night regretting the 3 martinis.

26: The number of minutes past 7:00 that I got to sleep. Thank you Henry for sleeping a little later.

5: the number of loaves of zucchini bread Charley and I made this morning with one of the zuks from our garden! 1 big loaf and four mini loaves!


90: the number of minutes Henry slept this morning for a morning nap...not sure why....hope he isn't getting sick. And will he nap this afternoon!

4: The number of loads of laundry I got done today.

67: The number of minutes it took to mow the lawn.

6: The hour in which I hope my dear husband will appear with a smile.

8: The hour in which I predict my head will hit the pillow.

Friends who are moms!

What a wonderful night of friends who happen to be moms - Paula, Mom of 3

Last night was the annual Mom's Club Anniversary Dinner. It was my first time attending. There were 20 plus mom's who were able to attend. We got to dress up and have a night out as friends. One of the amazing moms who organized the event said it was a night of friends who happen to be moms. We celebrated, enjoyed yummy food, and sipped several drinks.

When I started my journey as a stay at home mom I joined this non-profit organization in hopes of finding friends for myself and my boys. Through this group I have connected with a number of women and know there are many more that are there for support and friendship when the moment presents itself. The group has helped keep me sane by getting us out of the house with play dates, book club, Mom's night out, and more. My meal coop evolved from this group of fabulous women. I have developed some friendships that I know will last way longer than the years of diapers.

Being home is tougher than you think it is going to be. I had this vision of what it would be like, what it would feel like, and how it would effect me as a woman. It can be very secluded and one can feel very alone. Days can pass without leaving the walls of your home or talking with anyone who doesn't needs their shoes tied or their butt wiped by you. The Moms Club has made being home a joy. It has made the rough days better and the great days greater. It is not an obligation but there if you need it. Most of all it has connected me with great women who are there to laugh with, chat with, cry with, support, and celebrate. It is a chance to relate and be real with other women who are living a similar life of motherhood. Last night was great. Thank you Paula and committee for organizing such a fun night out!

Lynelle and I - a best friend who came out of my membership to MOMS Club

When it rains...

Save the worms!



Today McKenna popped over to play. It rained steady all day! There was finally a break in the rain so we hustled outside. Not sure what we were going to do. Then it came to me - SAVE THE WORMS! I presented the issue of rainy days bringing out the worms but then they can't get back to the grass without some help. So we wandered our street and both Charley and McKenna picked up a bunch of worms...with my help. Then they deposited them back in the grass.

Grace in Small things #16

1. Rainy mornings in pjs...with content happy boys and productive mama!

2. Crockpot - doesn't heat up the house but makes it smell yummy all day! And when dinner time rolls around there isn't a huge mess in the kitchen. Tonight - pizza rice.

3. 20 minutes on my elliptical - I will admit with sagging shoulders looking at my toes...I have not used my elliptical since we moved it out to the central part of our house. HOWEVER, I have been walking more and I used it today! WOO HOO! I am motivated and going for it! Hoping for new jeans in September - it is okay to dream right!?

4. My diet coke! Time to crack it open...fizzzzzzzzzzzz

5. The moment when I THINK all the boys clothes are folded and put away! It doesn't happen very often but boy does it feel good to be mostly caught up.

Presenting ....Dr. Gregory

Ph. D.
in
RHETORIC and
SCIENTIFIC and TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATION

Final Oral Examination
by
Gregory S.

Science in the Science Museum: Representing Science for the Public



This morning Henry and I ventured down to the University of Minnesota to watch my brother do his thing! It was kind of a surprise. My mom flew in last night as a surprise. We texted him on the way up to say that Henry and I were on our way. We arrived in plenty of time. We got to sit in a room of 20 plus people who were all there to support, learn, and celebrate 7 years of hard work. I am the first to admit that I had no idea what my brother has been doing these last few years. People would ask and I would just smile, tip my head, and say...ask him. Today I got to see the "professor" in him as he stood in front of us and shared his knowledge, ideas, and thoughts. He added humor and took drinks of water without dribbling. Recently, we asked Greg to be Henry's Godfather. It made me very proud to think that his nephew, his godchild, the little one who he is responsible to help lead down the right path in life, make wise decisions, be safe, live smart...etc....at 19 months of age he was already witnessing a role model becoming a doctor. Greg did a great job, was spoken highly of by faculty, and was obviously supported by many today and Henry got to sit on my lap and watch. I know he is too little to get it...because frankly a lot of it went right over my head too - but he was a trooper and sat silently during the 40 minute presentation and then wandered the grounds of U of M with much enthusiasm. What a beautiful campus - I had never been. Flash forward 19 years and I would love to see him really walking this path of learning. We are so proud of you today Dr. Gregory S. You are off to great adventures! Henry was witness to a huge accomplishment today. I love that we were there. I am glad we surprised you - just a little. Congratulations! You. Did. It!


Uncle Greg, Grandma Barb, Henry, and Greg's advisor

Celebrating with lunch!

Thank you Lynelle for picking up Charley from camp and letting him play at your house so that I could be there for this big moment! You save my ass daily! I owe you so much jam!

Five things....ummmmmm...ummmmm

Charley is an expert at drawing out his bedtime goodnight with Ed and I. After reading and chatting for a bit he always ends with "I have three things to tell Mama or daddy (whoever is NOT in the room). " He then proceeds to go UMMM...ummmm...until both Ed and I are feeling like fire will shoot out of our ears or our heads will explode. We don't rush bedtime but my goodness...listening to him come up with things...wasting time with ummmmm...kills us. Tonight Ed came down and said, "Charley only had 5 things to tell you tonight." So I can only imagine the ummmms that Ed was tortured with.

Here are his five things...

1. He can't wait for Grandma to get here. (they are coming this weekend)
2. Can't wait for ooey gooey Camp.
3. Maybe we could go to McColl Pond Park tomorrow.
4. Maybe we could get a babysitter and go to a movie with him.
5. Maybe we could do something as a family like go to Chucky Cheese or to a restaurant like the Crab (probably Red Lobster).

Oh, my son Charley.
You are one of a kind.
Your days are blessed with fun!
Sleep tight my son.

Tomorrow IS Ooey Gooey Camp....so he will get one thing on his list checked off.
Whew!

Sushi Night!

I love when I can put a genuine, excited, deep down smile on Ed's face. And one of the things that puts a smile on his face is sushi making with my brother. My brother and his girlfriend Liz joined us last night for a little sushi making and some canasta....and of course some Cootie and block building with the boys. Charley met his first "snake reading" goal and chose as his reward to stay up an extra 15 minutes. So he stayed up to witness the sushi making extravaganza. We had red snapper, salmon, tuna, and opah. Charley didn't try any though. It was a yummy night! Making your own sushi is much cheaper than going out for sushi - something that I know Ed would like to do more often (eat sushi that is). Thanks for a fun night Uncle Greg and Liz. We know you are both going off to have exciting adventures in Flint, MI and Africa but know that you are always welcome at our house...just bring a little tuna and some sushi rice!

On a side note! I haven't eaten out for two weeks (this includes two weekends)! Think of how much money we are saving. I will go out on Thursday for our Mom's Club anniversary dinner. But so far no fast food, no take out, no pizza night, and no big dinners out with the family. Good for us in so many ways...healthier and wealthier.

He plays...

Where's Henry? Oh! There he is. He found the shopping cart full of toy food and kitchen stuff. Wheeled it over to this little nook in the house and set up his kitchen. He sat here and busily cooked for 20 minutes without disturbance. Ed and I couldn't believe it! He was PLAYING!

Plenty Of Pesto!

For the last couple of years I have committed to making a large batch of pesto to freeze in serving size portions in our freezer in August. I use a recipe from my friend's mom Marty. Yesterday we went to the farmer's market and bought four big bunches of basil for $4.00.

Step 1.

Pinch the leaves off so there isn't stem and wash in cold water.


Step 2.

Dry leaves with salad spinner (ours doesn't work well) so I pat dry with a towel. Then let them lay on a towel until completely dry. If you aren't using them right away you can gently fold them in the paper towel and place in fridge...but best to just make it right away.



Step 3.

Use the recipe and add the other ingredients. Use a food processor to produce the wonderful pasta topper. Usually I freeze in ice cube trays and then pop them out and put in Ziploc bags ready for anytime we are in the mood. However, the boys LOVE pesto on their pasta so this year we are freezing them in larger portioned containers.

Henry is almost 20 months and Charley is 4 1/2

Henry is almost 20 months and his vocabulary is starting to emerge. He chit chats for much of our walk (we have gone a couple times this week - just him and I). He repeats what Charley says or anyone else that is excitedly saying something. He can now say...well these just come to mind.

mama
turtle
puder - computer
waer - water
wet
meball - meatball
Go!
poop
ball
ruck - truck
car
book
mo - more
cheese
chers - cheers
fish

Now Charley will be five Oct. 25...and as I mentioned earlier today he is taking off with his reading. Very exciting. Not too into practicing his bike riding skills but he will sit with me for an hour making words, reading books, doing activity books, etc. So I will go with it and pray that he forever loves learning!

My boys amaze me everyday and I am thankful that they are healthy and happy and mine. Their excitement can get a little overwhelming...Ed and I had to glance at each other, with raised eyebrows, on our way home from the grocery store this evening. Charley was repeatedly singing the word Zipper at the top of his lungs and Henry was shouting and trying to repeat him. Ed and I had both come out of a daze and had no idea what the zipper thing was all about but they were both happy and giggling. If only they could have toned down the volume.

They make us smile - most of the time :)

Night night!

Build a word...

Get some magnetic letters or bath letters. Have your child stick them up so he can see them all. Start by you, the parent, posting a word on the fridge:

Cat

Have your child sound out the word or read it. (Make the word fit your child's ability...you could even just do letters).

Then either:

1. Tell your child to change the word cat to....bat, mat, sat, etc. A sequence of words might be : cat, sat, mat, map, cap, lap, tap, top, etc....

2. Or let your child build a word and challenge you to read it. Then go back and forth taking turns building and reading. When I do this Charley I usually build off his word to make a word that rhymes his by just changing a letter.

* Please note that I do these things with Charley because he LOVES it. He begs to play school and enjoys sitting and doing things like this. If he didn't I WOULD NOT force it or shove this down his throat.

Make reading fun!

Make reading fun by having your child keep track of how many books or how many minutes they read. I made a snake...something my son would think is cool. But you can do anything....We also created a place where he can keep all the books he CAN read. This bucket allows him to find a quiet place to practice. He can easily find the books he can read on his own!

My boy can read!

Charley has shown a huge interest in reading. I dug out my beginning beginning reader books and away he goes. Yesterday we made a snake and he gets to keep track of how many books he reads. Today he and I decorated a pail to store all the books that he can read. It is his I can read bucket.

Liquid Gold...

In an effort to try and cut down on our grocery bill we are going to hit Costco today. It will be my first time. I am determined to buy what we need and not what looks like great deals (like huge containers of cheese puff balls). Ed and I are determined to budget life and one of the areas that we can control is our grocery bill. So today we will go to see what we can buy in bulk so that we aren't buying it every week. So this morning I cleaned out our freezer to make room...one thing for sure. We will not be buying chicken breasts...I have so many chicken breasts in our freezer it is almost exciting to think of how many recipes I could have made these last couple weeks without buying chicken breasts.



Those of you who know what this is....you know how sickening this is for me to come across and toss...whether it is the emotional tie or the value and hard work that it takes to produce and extract. Take a moment to pause as this is tossed into the garbage. Those of you in this stage of pumping....use it! Don't waste it! Insist on a girls night out, go to a movie all alone, or go sit in your car and read your book! Anything! It is really hard to throw this away - avoid my experience.

*On a side note...Charley has taken to sleeping in his underwear and a t-shirt and then wants to run around like that during our morning play. Not sure I am loving this stage. Yes, it is only a stage and I will nip this one in the butt...literally! Very soon! I just can't stand looking at R2D2 or Batman smiling at me on his behind.

playing around with the camera...

Pay attention so you don't miss the moments

I was talking with a friend recently and she was saying how they had been at the zoo all morning and it had gone perfect. They weren't rushed, they were able to leave without a tantrum, baby didn't have a blowout, nursing was needed when there was a bench in the shade...everything fell into place. She appreciated the outing and respected it! I totally understood. There are times when you step back during parenting and think - wow, I can't believe this is going so well. Or after the fact: wow- I can't believe that went that way.

Today was one of those days. We had the playdate at the sprinkler park and instead of plunking our crap by the park side we plunked by the sprinklers. I got Henry going with the sprinklers...and since we have been there often lately this is what I saw...



Yes folk! I got to sit on the towel with my friend Meg and talk about life while Charley was off running crazy and free. And my little man Henry! He actually ran up to me, told me "one more" and then took off to....




run through the sprinklers and then he came running right back to me to tell me one more time! I did take a moment and think to myself...this is an amazing moment. I respected the moment. I savored it. I am guessing on Monday when we hit the park again with other friends it will not go like this. But hey, I got it once and this I will take it.



Pay attention friends! Your children grace you with these moments periodically. Where everything from the wind, the temperature, a place to sit, the fellow children at play, and the company you are keeping are - perfect! You deserve these moments. I got this today. I wish you all many of them.