Monday, June 29, 2009

Another week is finished

It was another quick week, with Trevor's program being "A Little Bit of Broadway". At the end of the week was a program that they put on for the parents. They performed from 3 movies, "Mary Poppins", "Lion King", and "Beauty and the Beast". On Friday they sang songs and danced two songs from the three movies. There were a lot of kids, so the teachers did a good job of wrangling them into performing that day. It sounded like Trevor did a really good job in the class. I had thought that all the classes had some recess time so the kids could get some energy out, but doesn't sound like this one did. Also, one of Trevor's friends rode the bus to the activity and I knew Trevor was going to want to do that. And by the time the end of the week rolled around, I was pretty sure that he could do it. So now I have to figure out how to get him on the bus for future programs.

I was able to video tape the performance, and it was nice that I did that. It really turned out well, and I think because I hyped up how excited I was to go and watch the show, he really sang and performed well.

So after the performance, we drove out to the lake for the weekend. It had been hot all week, and was also that Friday. So Trevor and I were looking forward to the water that day. We got a ride out to a quiet part of the lake then Kevin, Brian, Trevor, and I all played around in the water. The water temp was 86 degrees, and after a few jumps off of the boat, Trevor was confident enough to jump himself off of the boat. Since the water temp was so nice, he didn't want to stop, but we did drive back to the beach and Brian was kind enough to stay in the water and play around with him for a while longer.

We ate at the Stone's Throw for dinner, and then played our usual dominoes and went to bed. The next day wasn't the nicest, and the guys had a project to build some small decks. It took the whole day, but ended up in nice new places for the kids to not get slivers in their feet anymore. On Sunday, we were able to get some boating, swimming, and sun before heading back. Trevor slept most of the ride home, but did get a lot of sun on his face. We did put sunscreen on, but didn't reapply after his hours in the lake. After the lake time, he was still outside doing his golf.

So last night, he was sick. Thankfully, only once, but was up 4 times throughout the night. I think it was more related to the sun than anything, but I guess we'll see. He already is back to normal in eating and energy. But we'll be taking it low key today.

It was a great week and weekend. Hope to have many more of them this summer.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I have heard about this phase

I wonder if it come over girls more than boys. It is the "clothes-less" phase. Trevor never did anything like this. There were times when Trevor would take off his clothes, but that was usually because they were soiled and he didn't like being in them.

Gwen, on the other hand, would prefer if she and her dolls were naked. She has always liked to lift her shirt up to her arms, and while she has had one-sies on, it hasn't mattered, I would prefer she get out of this phase before she start going to school. Although when I was at Trevor's preschool, there were a few girls that were doing the same thing, obviously subconsciously.

So not only do I have to undress any dolls that have the ability to be undressed, but I have to try to convince her that before we can go anywhere, she needs to have the correct amount of clothes on. And with going outside to play in the pool or sprinklers on hot days, this can get confusing I'm sure.

Yesterday, we had Gwen's gym day where at the end of class, they give stamps. Usually one on each hand. But she got a big kick out of getting a stamp on her belly for the first time. She loves to be able to see it, or at least part of it, and then see the ones she got on her hands. And then put her in front of a mirror.....big fun for her! While she is very reserved about adults for the most part, she loves seeing herself in the mirror and will make lots of faces and noises at herself.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day Weekend

It was a little busy, but a great time for the kids and hopefully the dad this weekend. We played outside in the pool/sprinkler on Saturday morning while Russ got some yardwork done. Then on Saturday evening, we went to the first Twins game of the season. This year, Gwen was tall enough so that we had to buy her her own ticket. It was a very packed game, so much so, that Trevor got to enjoy his first wave (a few times around). Unfortunately, the Twins didn't win, but we got to see home runs by Brandon Harris, Delmon Young, and then the family favorite Joe Mauer.

I was pleasantly surprised that Gwen lasted through the whole game until we left at the top of the 8th inning. She climbed around the seats, colored in her coloring book, and then was entertained by the food at the end part of our game. Trevor spent most of the game asking questions, and figuring out that there are other people that used to play on the Twins. And of course when he found out that Kirby Puckett has died, he focused in on that for the rest of the day.

So the actual Father's Day was also busy. Dad got to sleep in extra late, so we headed over to a birthday party in the afternoon. While it wasn't a bright sunny day, the kids got to slide down an inflatable waterslide and still enjoyed the water as it was still pretty warm outside. When it started to drizzle we headed inside for some toy playing. Then for dinner we headed up to a restaurant that we don't care to eat at, but Dad sure does ;-)

The kids now need a day to recover....but it's time to do our next activity. And it's supposed to be HOT this week. I'm excited!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Week one of summer programs

Well, we made it though. It surely was very much better, and Trevor was in different spirits after his "Son Rock Kid's Camp" week. He had something to replay after he came home every day. He practiced being the director and playing songs as well as telling all the kids where to go. We went to the "concert" and carnival on Thursday night, and then did golf practice on Friday.

After golf practice we went to get Trevor a summer hair cut. He was a bit puzzled by getting all his hair cut off, but we are still assuring him he is going to like the less hair when it is hot out. Unfortunately, Trevor caught a little summer cold, so on top of everything, he is still a little off.

It is crazy to imagine that the 4th of July is two weeks away. That always feels like the middle of summer...although I know it isn't. But I do know that they start putting out their back-to-school supplies after the 4th too. I'm hoping to get Trevor excited by that. We found out this week that he is in the AM Kindergarten class. So change is coming!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I went on an adventure!

For my family members....and to Brian....I hope I don't ruin your own blog by posting this. Disclaimer that I was only a spectator to this whole contest and I hope he gives you a real insider view.

So Tuesday was the premiere night for Brian's (and crew) 48 hour film project. It was a perfect movie-watching night because it was rainy and dreary. Brian and I had planned on meeting at a nearby restaurant/bar for dinner beforehand, but the weather was so bad and causing such traffic issues that I left an hour and a half before showtime and while sitting in traffic I was very concerned that I wouldn't make it in time.

Also, while I was sitting in traffic, the car started to overheat. The warning light came on and it hit the highest temperature that it would read. So I was scared to even pull over and stop because I didn't know if the car would start again. Remembering back to my driver's training days, I knew that if I wanted to help the temperature, I should turn on the heat. So I cracked the windows (think rain pouring down now) and blasted the heat. Thank goodness it did work, however now I was dripping sweat. I guess I got my wish that I wanted to be hot hot hot!

I survived that ordeal to make it to meet Brian to get my ticket before entering the premiere. I met some of the fellow project people and then we went in to get some snacks and our seats. This showing was 13 of the 92 (I believe) Minneapolis projects. We were handed a voting ballot so that we could vote on our top 3 favorites. We then could also see the different genre's of movies that everyone submitted. Brian's film was horror and they were up first. For those that don't know...their project was to complete a 4-7 minute film in 48 hours. They drew genre's out of a hat, and had to have 3 elements in their film. 1) A character named Kevin or Kathleen Schnable, 2) a sandwich (as a prop), and 3) a line of dialogue being, "I hope they decide soon". It was interesting to see all the ways that these groups incorporated the elements into their films.

I, of course, was also paying close attention to the sound in all of the films. Brian did a stellar job on his own project, and I was amazed at the quality of the others. They ranged from crazy-feedback-type-sound to Hollywood movie quality.

So the different genre's were very long stretching....Brian's group was horror. They used a great location to give it that "scary" feel. The next was Drama....I have to say....high school students could have done a better job writing the script. Woman enters restaurant, breaks up with fiancee, and leaves with the guy she cheated on her fiancee with. One of my favorites was the romance genre....it was about a couple that meets and then finds out that they are cousins and wonders if they should continue "dating" or what have you. It was funny and well timed. Another one that was silly....unintentionally...or maybe not was the foreign film. They used German as the foreign language, but only used a first level amount of German. "Ja" was used a lot. And last, I have to mention that there was a "Ghost" genre that everyone was talking about. It was a BAD movie for me to see because it involved a young boy, his younger sister and a gun. I'll stop there. Of course you could argue this had to be a "good" movie if it made me disturbed, because that was its intention. But really? For me? I was very close to walking out of the theater, because I could predict what it was doing and was not happy about it.

Anyway, the shows concluded, we voted and met up with the crew again to meet at the after party. Turns out, no one notified the cafe that there was to be an after party, so when everyone got there, no one could get in. There were a few workers cleaning up, but no one to answer the people outside looking in.

So instead we headed back to my neck of the woods to have a little dinner and chat. It was just Brian and I, so we had a nice chat....something I haven't really done much of since turning into an adult as I have realized since Kevin's wedding planning days. It was interesting to hear about everything that went into the planning and execution of the movie and what would be next for them.

So overall....a new experience and a bit of an adventure for me. Congratulations to Brian....it was super cool to see your name on the big screen! I hope this is the first of many and maybe next time even an award or two to go along with it!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

The unofficial official start to summer

My crazy younger brothers are in a duel on the water of our parent's cabin where I spent this past weekend. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh (as in a huge sigh, not screaming). I know it has been a while since I last had an entry, and again, there are things that happened, but I forget to write down. I forgot my computer this weekend, and don't use it a lot anyway, but I think I was going to write an entry about this past week.

I was a little nervous starting the week off because there wasn't a lot planned for the week. Then, things popped up. The fact that we had gotten through two weeks previously also made me think we could make it one last week.

Then I decided, based on the weather forecast that we would head to the cabin for the weekend. And with that, the summer truly kicked off. I could list off the insanely small things that could have made it just a little bit better, but I won't. It was a wonderful weekend, and not knowing how the kids would react to the fact that the water level in the lake is different than it has been the past 3 years, it was a good weekend to start our new routine and places to go.

We did discover that Gwen is not a fan of sand on her feet at all. I had thought it was just in her shoes, but even with bare feet, she was not a fan. I'm taking little steps to get her used to it, and when we were at the public beach, she eventually was walking in the wet sand, but still had to be carried across the dry sand. Then when we were at the other beach, she got some on her legs by sitting down, and she was not happy.

She did LOVE the little inflatable pool that we had out on the side deck. We made it like bathwater, and she wanted to stay in there for hours. It was like bathtime except she could splash all over the place and get in and out and no one cared.

I will say, I can't wait until the lake water is warmer, and the weather is warmer so that we don't have to wait to go swimming in the morning. Ah, but I did mention to my mom this weekend, that it was scary to me watching Trevor this weekend, because the times that we came up to Hatfield when I was younger, are the most memorable to me when Brian was Trevor's age now. So there are some big deja vu moments whenever Trevor is running around on the beach and in the park.

We'll be back in two weeks, and the water will be warmer, and hopefully the weather too. Now is the time that I wish the days would slow down. Especially the warm days. I'm really not even wanting to turn on the air. I like wearing shorts...I even get cold with those on in our house. We'll see what we can do this week.....

Monday, June 8, 2009

Random thoughts....

In no way are these like "Deep Thoughts", by Jack Handy. I keep forgetting to write down things that I mean to write down, so hopefully I can remember a few of them now.

I got a few pink sparkly whistles from a party I went to a while back. I put them into the music instrument pile of stuff, and Trevor has been blowing on them. Because he can read, or at least is getting close to reading just about everything, I have decided not to correct him when he reads the sticker on the whistle and calls it a "holy whistle".

I know I have nothing to truly be worried about, but I am simply shocked at how big Trevor is outgrowing clothes. I have to keep reminding myself that there are many different companies that make different sizes. I have now bought him two different items of clothing from different companies in the 10/12 size range. At this rate, I'm going to have to buy Jr. sizes by his 8th birthday.

Gwen loves to give people things. Crayons, markers, toys, blocks, cars, books...whatever you want. I had started to wear flip flops when the weather wasn't as cold as it is now. But the past few days, I've had to put socks back and wear other shoes. Gwen has gotten me my flip flops and pulled off my socks at least once a day so I can wear those shoes.

My Livestrong yellow bracelet has bit the dust. After a few years, and Gwen's love, it broke while I took it off to give to Gwen last night. I have an order coming in for another 10 bracelets so not to worry, but I probably should have done this sooner. She's still holding on to the broken bracelet, but she keeps asking for it even when she has it.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Maybe we'll have a very polite kid....

As Trevor is getting older, we are trying to instill simple manners in him. He knows them, but needs reminders every so often. So with it, Gwen is also learning her manners as well. She has been saying "Welcome mama" if she gets something from me, and occasionally if she gives something to me. So then I have to have her try to say "Thank you" instead. I've heard her do it to Trevor, but for some reason, she doesn't want to say it to me. Hmmm..... We are also working on "please", and again she knows how to use it, but when I ask her to say it before I give her something, more often than not, she says, "No way, mama."

She loves to dance and turn around, but I know would love to know how to jump and get some air. She's been trying it for a while, but just can't quite lift her feet off the ground.

Trevor's big news of the week was that he "graduated" from his swimming class this last session. He's been in the class for at least a year, but he really has learned how to swim. He can tread water for quite a while, and he's learning good form on the different swimming strokes. It's pretty cool to see him swim...granted at this point it is a lot of flopping around, but he's got goggles on, and knows how to move his arms and legs if you ask him one of the strokes. I think we are going to take the summer off from lessons, unless we do one at the end of the summer for a week.

So one last week of no camps until the summer begins! Golf lessons for Trevor starts on Friday, and we have a few events to take care of this week, so I'm really looking forward to this week. I just hope it warms up!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Wonder what I was worried about....

It gives me a lot of hope looking back over the past week and a half. I was so concerned that Trevor would drive us batty being around with no structured events....like preschool. But so far, it's been very very manageable. We've had our moments, but I've now hit my stride, and he's doing very well. Yesterday we had an impromptu playdate and he did very well.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my toughest days, but with the playdate yesterday and dinner taken care of tonight, it's going to go very well.

We watched a few of Trevor's home movies on Monday night. It was very cute. We saw Trevor's 2nd birthday, and I realized that his verbal ability was where Gwen is right now. The girl speaks in complete sentences now, loves to name all the people she knows, climbs over and onto anything and everything, and warms up to love her own attention wherever she goes. She definitely has her own way of doing things and loves to play with toys in her own way. I'm trying to imagine how her 2nd birthday is going to go, and it'll be interesting.....

I also have to give a little shout-out to my hubby of 9 years on this beautiful day. This past year has been great, as we've been through a lot in these past 365 days. And I feel so much stronger than ever. I think the "energy" around me has been surrounding the number 9 because when I checked out at Cub for our weekly groceries, my total came to $99.99. Pretty cool, huh? Maybe I should play the lottery.....6/3/09.....6+3 = 9, our 9th Anniversary....