Gingerbread House 2011

The boys have been jacked out of their minds about Christmas. For whatever reason, Neil has been talking about gingerbread houses daily. So today while at Aldi, I spied a Gingerbread House kit... and it was on sale, what could be better! Here is what was able to make it onto the house, the rest had to be eaten so it wouldn't go bad.

Neil's Preschool Holiday Party

Neil's class held a party today which was kicked off by a concert. The kids sang a few holiday songs then we enjoyed a nice buffet together. Here is a still shot of Neil with a few of his girlfriend's.

I had a chance to chat with a few of the other parents and they all said how they always hear stories of Neil from their children (I'm not sure this is a good thing). Anyway, the little girl on the far right recently told her mom that she and Neil were going to be married. True to his gender, Neil has never mentioned this to me.

Now if you have the six and half minutes here's the concert video.

Winter Wonderland

Went to a holiday event at the Parks and Rec center last night. The boys got a chance to see Santa, which had to occur separately since Ben had no interest in sharing his lap time with Neil. Neil asked for a toy train (the abundance of Thomas items must not be enough), while Ben asked for ear plugs (what he means is head phones). They had an opportunity to make a Christmas tree ornament, bounce on the inflatables, ride the mini train, see Santa's reindeers up close, and best of all watch a juggler's act. Both of them were totally into this guy. The absolute highlight was when he juggled fire and pretended to burn his butt. "He burned his butt!! Ha-ha.", Neil exclaimed numerous times. I was more impressed that the juggler was able to propel his 300-some pound mass on a unicycle. Either way he was quite an entertainer.

Ben's School Journal's

Ben has been keeping a journal each month at school. Here are some of his entries:

An apple is red.
I play.
I went out to eat.
A pumpkin.
Carrot.
A berk is brown. (Not sure what what a berk might be.)
I went out to eat.
I like to eat turkey.

Trick or Treat

Ben decided against the awesome make-up. Too itchy. Oh well maybe next year.

Pre-Halloween Dress-up Pics

Here's Ben ready for his school party.

Neil got this cool dress-up stuff courtesy of Busia & Papa's Birthday gift.
We'll see if he ditches the Batman costume for this when he goes trick-or-treating.

Ben's Speech Update

Direct quote from one of Ben's Speech Pathologists
"I just wanted to touch base with you about Ben’s speech. First off, he is an absolute gem! He is a hard worker and very polite! I have noticed that he is speaking VERY clearly lately, especially when he slows down and thinks about what he’s about to say. He still has some errors which is not unusual, but he is self correcting!"

September 11 Half Marathon

I feel like I've been working on this forever. But the day finally came and the weather was mostly cooperative. It was sunny, but a little too warm for my liking. I've run this trail 3 times before in preparation and knew it had been kicking my butt. Running trails is definitely not like running in my neighborhood. So that said I was very pleased that I was able to truly run until about the 9 mile mark or so. Okay, truth be told I did allow myself to walk at the water stations, much harder to drink and run than I realized.

This route was mapped out to loop back on itself in a couple of locations. The ironic thing about this was I was able to run past the 5 mile mark with the race leader (a very tall man), only he was on his 9th mile. The race also had some pace setters running with signs. I knew I was good when I was in sight of the 2:15 and 2:20 for quite some time. Only thing was 2:20 must have injured herself cause I passed her while she was walking at about the half way point so much for that strategy.

I was able to keep one woman in my sights until the 9 or 10 mile mark which carried me through mentally. We talked before hand and she told me this was her 7th half and that she would be doing the full Chicago Marathon in October. So in my mind I was always in good shape if I could still see her. Once she lost me I had to find a new mental focus that came way of a man who was running the race with a flag. It was humbling to think about the people who lost their lives 10 years prior and what they endured was so much great than what I was currently doing. Now when I say he carried a flag. I don't mean a little 8" flag, I'm talking a 3 foot flag on a pole.

So here's my thoughts about my time and the point when I could no longer run that kind of makes me sad. As I mentioned there were a few passes where depending on where you were in the race determined which direction you would turn. Coming up on the 9 mile mark, someone ahead of me panicked and mistook a pass for a switch and started yelling that we were going the wrong way we missed the pass. So just like a herd of dumb sheep many of us turned back. My poor weary brain allowed this to happen so I can only blame myself. I'm not sure how long it took, but someone finally came to their senses and realized we were going the right way. So back again. I like to think I could have done the race in under 2h 30m if it hadn't been for this, but I have no plans to do this trail again to find out. Shortly after that is when I started my run and walk method to finish the race.

I'm happy enough with 2h 36m 29s. I would like to do another half marathon in the future, but the next one will need to be on concrete or asphalt; no more trails... at least for the time being.

Notes about how I feel on day 2: My muscles all still feel really good I did about three mini yoga sessions yesterday so that must have helped. What is really bothering me is my knees, my throat and my eyes. Had a ton of dust in my shoes so maybe that's why my throat and eyes are so sore. Next time I'll remember to ice my knees that day. Also found out my official chip time was 2h 34m 35s.

Even felt pretty good at the end.

The sign Neil made for me.

The sign Ben made for me.

My medal which Neil enjoyed wearing around for about an hour.

Blackberry Farm

We spent our Labor Day in Aurora at the Park District's Blackberry Farm. Similar to Greenfield Village with antique farm equipment displays and buildings like the blacksmith, pottery and weaving, but very much geared towards younger kids. The boys were able to race pedal tractors, play with corn kernels, pet farm animals, ride a carousel, take a hay ride, ride the train and a pony named peanut butter.

Corn kernel play.

Neil on the blue horse, of course.

Had to divide up here, Neil wanted front of the train, Ben the caboose.

Our hay ride.

Ben's First Day of Kindergarten

Today went well for Ben in Mrs. Baranoski's PM kindergarten class. He meet a new friend while waiting in line whose name was Neil. So they had that to discuss. Ben reported that the teacher taught him how to raise his hand if he need to use the restroom, which he did today and it wasn't scary or anything. Today he colored a picture of a raccoon.

Box Tops Bingo

You may have noticed the Box Tops for Education coupons on the General Mills cereal boxes (but they're on more than just cereal). Ben's new school participates in this fundraiser and has the added incentive of a prizes every time you fill a 25 space bingo card. We've been stashing these away for most of the summer and almost have our first card filled. So if you see any and don't have another use for them please set them aside for Ben. Thanks.

This link will show a complete list of products where you can find these:
http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/clip/Brands.aspx?WT.ac=UHP_PartProducts

Library Reading Progam

The boys have been participating in the library's reading program this summer. Each week they receive prizes and drawing entries in exchange for reading eight books. They've particularly enjoyed going to a local sweet shop where they can pick ice cream, gourmet popcorn, cotton candy, or cookies. Also they really liked the giant bubble blowers which were shaped like swords. By the way, the program theme was 'A Midsummer Knight's Read'. One of the other prizes was admission to the Dupage Children's Museum. Here's our pic from the day. Next weekend they will get to attend the end of the program Final Fair.

Of course, he is in the driver's seat.

Working at mission control.

Inside the space ship. Wondering if they will change
this exhibit now that the space shuttle is kaput.

I think he is going to like science.

The last time I saw them dry for the day,
it was the same affect as going to the pool.

Garden: Day 45

Here we are still harvesting a nice crop of romaine, plus now we've had two delicious little cucumbers, as well as, some sugar snap peas. Looking forward to zucchini next.

4th of July weekend

Busia finds the best stuff at the dollar store.

Ben caught on a little faster than Neil.

The boys with cousin Morgan in Aunt Donna & Uncle Dan's pool.

Hope it was hot enough for the Texas Rodens.

Me and the boys enjoying 'Fun Island'.

Camping in Muskegon, MI

The sandy beaches of the western shore is hands down more fun
than our rocky eastern shore here in Illinois.

Experiencing the great outdoors by way of a slug.

All of our kiddos ready for an awesome day at Michigan Adventure.

Probably the only non-blue ride Neil had, but pretty fun all the same.

We had such a wonderful time with our friends, the Wasson's and the Thomson's. The Wasson's are seasoned campers and I've taken to calling my friend Jill 'the camp counselor' because she is always armed with an amazing array of things to keep the kids occupied. The Thomson's were experiencing  their second trip and it's always fun to introduce people to things you really enjoy. Hoping we can repeat this trip again soon.

Garden: Day 21

So far we have sampled the dill on some salmon and red skin potatoes. More importantly we are now harvesting enough romaine to accommodate my daily salad habit. Unfortunately we did lose our red pepper plant. Keeping our fingers crossed for the other one and the two yellow peppers.

Funny Conversation

Here's one that made me giggle:

N: Mommy can I see your painted toes?
H: Yes.
N: Did you paint them with a paintbrush? (Here I'm sure he's picturing his watercolor paintbrush.)
H: Yes.
N: There black.
H: Well, actually they're plum.
N: Can I have painted toes?
B: No. Painted toes are only for girls.
N: I could have blue. Blue is for boys.

(Later that evening, when I recounted the story to Brian he was quite firm that no blue painted toes are not for boys.)

Garden: Day 1

Trying to grow a little bit of everything.
We'll see what we get.

Neglecting the Blog

Bri at the Polish Restaurant, Szalas.

My 20 year reunion with some of my high school friends.

Feet are in midair as if he just collapsed there.

Our new patio door which we hope will stop that pesky water problem.
Also fixed the floorboards and drywall, but it's really hard to get a picture
from inside to come out with all the light shining in. Additional bonus:
the in-window blinds do a beautiful job of hiding all the grubby handprints.

 

 

My mother's day present from the boys.

Easter Bunny Visit

Our clubhouse held a visit with the Easter Bunny and complimentary pancake breakfast today. Here's our pics:

Neil was also eager to give the Bunny a hug.

They look particularly twin-like when they choose
the same color shirt from their drawers

Hope the Bunny doesn't have a super-sniffer,
I'm straight from the gym. (Check out Neil cuddling.)

Spring has Sprung

It's really good to be outside again. I'm particularly excited about Blue being willing to let the boys play with her now instead of insisting that it's Brian or me. We also got to go to the really cool playground by city hall which the boys enjoy tremendously and let me relax on a bench while reading a magazine. Which made me think to myself, "Ahh, this is the life".

Ben puts his whole body into throwing, that's good right?

Look Neil wearing jeans instead of sweatpants!

Spring Fling

Ben and Neil got to enjoy the festivities at Ben's school for the Spring Fling Event. The school seems to have a specific formula of activities so the boys are getting pretty good about knowing where to go and what they enjoy. Coloring eggs was not very interesting, but water painting butterflies really captivated both of them. The egg hunt was limited to 4 per child which I had to enforce with Ben... he was on a mission. Here are some pics from our morning.

Sensory table – the boring one cause the "gak" table
was cooler with its slimy, gooey stuff.

Ben was next to that Bunny lickety-split, Neil was hesitant,
but decide it was okay after all.

Ben painting with every color, while Neil painted his blue –
big surprise, this boy will be dying his hair blue in no time.

Snack room: saved the best for last.
Momma and Ben may go to blows over the chocolate this Easter.

Luck of the Irish

I've known the boys would have today off school for a number of weeks and in the back of my mind I kept hoping the weather would be beautiful so we could enjoy a day at the zoo. So this morning when I looked at the forecast I did a little mental jig. We can only usually handle about 2-hours at the zoo (when your 3 feet high that's a lot of walking). So I'm strategizing how we can drop the dog off at the groomer after 9 and be to the zoo by 10 and done by lunchtime. La-la-la everything is humming along perfectly.

About half way there, all of a sudden my car's dash starts beeping (read: ALARMING) at me saying oil pressure STOP car. I pulled to the shoulder of I-55. I immediately called Bri and told him I was going to call roadside assistance. He said okay, but try restarting to ensure it's not a computer glitch. Restart car, rev engine all seems okay, merge back on to freeway… just before being up to speed dash starts again demanding STOP with a picture of an oil can – just in case I can't read English I guess. So back on the phone to Bri and explain that I'm calling roadside assistance. Hang up, call roadside assistance. The number is on my windshield, which I had noticed lately, cause I was in need of a oil change. The woman asked for the ID number blah, blah, blah. "I'm sorry my records show that expired on 2/26. Wha-wha. So after another call to Bri, next plan is to call the dealers assistance. Speak with the serviceman. He asks me have I checked the cars oil with the dipstick, "Umm, no I am on the side of the freeway with two toddlers in the car, not in the position to do that." (Mentally thinking: could I have found the dipstick?) Serviceman gives third number for a tow truck driver. Finally get someone to agree to come get my broken car (that was not my loving husband).

After 20-30 minutes (or a sing along including row, row your boat; twinkle-twinkle little star; and old McDonald) Bri showed up. He did check the oil which was fine so that can he brought wasn't helpful. Just like a good knight, he let the boys and I pile into his what I will now be referring to as our Hooptie since it showcases a need of body work, smells of fast food and most importantly is paid in full. After all the excitement we opted to have an early lunch at McDonald's. Where the coke fountain machine sprayed all over Ben and I.

We finally made it to the zoo at 11:30. Spent two hours, saw all of the boys usual favorites and then came home with Shamrock Shakes from McDonald's, again.

So that is my tale of the Luck of the Irish. From now on please remember… that phase is said in irony.

Footnote: I can not explain what is wrong with my car as the serviceman only spoke "french" to Bri, but it is covered by our warranty. But luckily they found another recommended repair that was $200.

The boys at their favorite picture spot.

St. Patty's Day Parade

Neil watching the parade in Plainfield.
Unfortunately Ben was home sick.