Funny thing about how projects always seem to become more than what they are intended to be. And other funny thing, they never seem to be COMPLETELY completely done, there are always improvements to be made or grand ideas to put in to make it even better. But with today comes the point to that we can say the deck project that was originally slotted to take a month, started the beginning of August has come to a close. We had our final final final inspection that was passed in a matter of seconds after the inspector arrived. I went back and looked at our permit record and noticed that although originally it was something that started the beginning of August, we had the first inspection with footings on Sept. 12th....which means from the time that there was absolutely nothing but holes until the final deck board and railing was up was a little over 7 weeks.
Originally the project simply entailed tearing off the old deck boards and replacing them with new ones. However, once the deck boards came off, there was warped boards, no appropriately used footings, and glued ledger boards (instead of screwed in). So basically the frame was completely unusable. Ok...tear everything out. Dispose of old lumber. Draw out new plans. Discuss with city building and planning on a few occasions. I have to say....I LOVE our city building and planning people. EVERYONE that I dealt with, permit approval, inspectors, even the operator getting me to the correct person was so fast in getting back to me, or so helpful with questions I had (even if I had no idea what I was asking about) and generally had a very laid back attitude which for me was nice.
Because we had to go the route of getting a permit, we decided to wrap the deck around our 3 season porch. We had to have 14 footings. We found 5 but the previous builders were only using 2 for the deck and neither was actually doing anything other than leaning on the concrete. So we had someone else come out and dig 11 footings because we could use 3 of the ones they already had. And then the same company came back and poured the cement and put in the anchors. Then came the construction. My dad came over once a week, sometimes more as we were his designated Habitat for the Family house this quarter. Since he has retired, he has been doing Habitat for Humanity via 3M once a week in St. Paul or wherever they are working for that month. Russ had been working on the deck during the weekends whenever he could get a free minute or two. Derek and Brian came over and helped out as well.
And now we have this gorgeous, beautiful, large deck that is fully inspected and good for the life of the house, or at least as long as we are going to be there. We were planning on having a deck party but with the yucky weather coming up and the lack of time with other events going on, I think we are going to try to keep it clean and have a joint Thanksgiving/Deck party on the same day.
Thank you to my dad for making this all happen and thank you to Russ for rearranging your house project plans to help make it happen as well. It is beautiful! I am posting the deck pictures on facebook because I feel like I mess up the format of this when I post pictures. The only picture I did not take is the one of the bench that was added after the inspection today. Perhaps more benches will be built as we have a little bit left over decking material. Or maybe I can get my privacy fence after all.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
The month of October
I feel like a broken record when I say that I cannot believe how packed our months have become, from now until the new year. I know it isn't going to slow down at all until then, and at that point, I wish it would speed up to get through the dead of winter.
October was filled with so many things, and even things that aren't a usual annual event for us. We had two weddings, three birthdays, plus non family birthday parties and Gwen's own friend birthday party and just as it slowed down we had to get ready for Halloween. To say I did not do a very good job being a mom this Halloween would be an understatement. I had to make some priority changes and we had a deck project thrown in there to keep up with as well. So instead of going to a pumpkin patch or even carve our pumpkins this year, we made sure to get vaccinated, put new tires on the car and head over to some fall/Halloween or birthday parties depending on the child.
But let me start with the first part of the month. We went to two extended family weddings, one out of town and one in town. The kids had a blast at both and got to dance the night away. In between the two weddings was Gwen's birthday with the family. She was given princess and fairy toys, games, and clothes which she loved. She is at the point where she does not believe it is her birthday until she blows out her candle after everyone has sung to her. Of course when she had her party with her friends a week later, she then expected to be turning 5, I mean she already was 4 right????
**completely side note, I don't remember if I recorded one of her favorite explanations of rooms in our house. she is quite literal when I ask her to go to the bathroom: if I ask her to go to the bathroom before going somewhere, she tries to go upstairs because those are the two rooms that have baths in them. I have to say that she needs to go to the potty room because the bathroom on the main level only has a toilet and sink (or half bath for those of you knowledgeable enough in looking at houses). The bathroom cannot be called a bathroom unless it has a bath in it.
So she had her party with her friends and we tried to play some games, but she was not happy with the choice of musical chairs. I don't know if she assumed she should win because it was her birthday or had to win for a different reason but I had her doing something else pretty quick. The hit of the party was making their own crowns. Whoever was the buyer at Target that came up with that one got a huge bonus I hope!
The other two weekends of October involved deck work. There will be another post and pictures to follow on that when the final inspection occurs on Wednesday. So instead, the kids did not go to a pumpkin patch, or get to carve pumpkins this year. We were able to partake in a family Halloween party last night, which I think was better than any other cold walk through a corn maze. Although I am a little sensitive to the cold, so it is probably just me talking. The kids got to see a bunch of their friends in their Halloween costumes and hang around with them for a few hours.
So today, being the last day of October, and Halloween I thought I would close up the month with a post. This week is the start of the next month, Trevor's birthday month, Christmas shopping planning, and oh yeah, Thanksgiving. Already planning my black Friday strategy.....
October was filled with so many things, and even things that aren't a usual annual event for us. We had two weddings, three birthdays, plus non family birthday parties and Gwen's own friend birthday party and just as it slowed down we had to get ready for Halloween. To say I did not do a very good job being a mom this Halloween would be an understatement. I had to make some priority changes and we had a deck project thrown in there to keep up with as well. So instead of going to a pumpkin patch or even carve our pumpkins this year, we made sure to get vaccinated, put new tires on the car and head over to some fall/Halloween or birthday parties depending on the child.
But let me start with the first part of the month. We went to two extended family weddings, one out of town and one in town. The kids had a blast at both and got to dance the night away. In between the two weddings was Gwen's birthday with the family. She was given princess and fairy toys, games, and clothes which she loved. She is at the point where she does not believe it is her birthday until she blows out her candle after everyone has sung to her. Of course when she had her party with her friends a week later, she then expected to be turning 5, I mean she already was 4 right????
**completely side note, I don't remember if I recorded one of her favorite explanations of rooms in our house. she is quite literal when I ask her to go to the bathroom: if I ask her to go to the bathroom before going somewhere, she tries to go upstairs because those are the two rooms that have baths in them. I have to say that she needs to go to the potty room because the bathroom on the main level only has a toilet and sink (or half bath for those of you knowledgeable enough in looking at houses). The bathroom cannot be called a bathroom unless it has a bath in it.
So she had her party with her friends and we tried to play some games, but she was not happy with the choice of musical chairs. I don't know if she assumed she should win because it was her birthday or had to win for a different reason but I had her doing something else pretty quick. The hit of the party was making their own crowns. Whoever was the buyer at Target that came up with that one got a huge bonus I hope!
The other two weekends of October involved deck work. There will be another post and pictures to follow on that when the final inspection occurs on Wednesday. So instead, the kids did not go to a pumpkin patch, or get to carve pumpkins this year. We were able to partake in a family Halloween party last night, which I think was better than any other cold walk through a corn maze. Although I am a little sensitive to the cold, so it is probably just me talking. The kids got to see a bunch of their friends in their Halloween costumes and hang around with them for a few hours.
So today, being the last day of October, and Halloween I thought I would close up the month with a post. This week is the start of the next month, Trevor's birthday month, Christmas shopping planning, and oh yeah, Thanksgiving. Already planning my black Friday strategy.....
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The vacation from school
Well, this week was a week that Trevor only had school on Monday and Tuesday due to the MEA teacher break. Gwen had school on Wednesday, but not Friday. So the kids had some extra time to harass play with each other. Towards the end of the summer, I knew it was getting to the point where they are disagreeing more than agreeing to play with each other and so when this break came up, I was going to have to plan for some activities to keep them off of the other one. Wednesday Trevor went in for his flu mist, Thursday we did a kid swap at a friends house, Friday we visited the new Disney Store at the MOA, and Saturday my mom took the kids overnight.
Through the past week, it is clear to see that both kids really have such an incredible appetite for playing around: Gwen with her dolls, singing songs, dancing, crafts like painting, coloring, gluing and has now discovered how to pump herself on the swings at school. She has been asking me a lot when we are going to Disney World. Because we are keeping it a secret from the kids, I cannot tell her that we are going, but I also don't want to discourage her from thinking we aren't going to go - because whenever she had asked throughout the past year, I had said that we will go back when she is 4. Now that she is 4 she expects to know. And she wants it to be today.
Gwen is really getting into the tween shows on Disney Channel. Anything having to do with A.N.T. Farm or the songs that the lead actress sings, she has memorized. She also has been wanting to watch Shake it Up....that show deals more with dancing though. So I guess she has a show for singing and one for dancing.
Trevor has been very interested in his Chess learnings and wanting to try to learn how to beat anyone and everyone. He has his next meeting tomorrow and I know he is hoping to move off of pawns and rooks so he can start putting more of the pieces on the board and play an entire game. But I'm not worried. He will keep coming back if he feels like he can learn more...and from what I hear there is a lot to learn. Another thing he recently discovered is a website called Brain Pop. It was a link given through the school but it requires a subscription. I didn't look at it in great detail, but they gave a free 5 day trial membership so I signed him up for it. He spent most of his time learning about the various revolutions and wars up until World War II. Which then lead him to ask about playing Risk. The trial membership expired today, and I think I'm going to have to see how much it costs to pay for the membership. I can see and hear everything that he does on the computer and I was impressed at how it kept his interest yet explained about things like the American Revolution and Spanish-American War.
This week will be all about finding ways to use their costumes. Gwen can wear hers to dance class tomorrow. Trevor's school costume party was cancelled for this year, but he has been invited to go to another location for a different kind of costume party. Gwen can also wear her costume at Sunday school next week too. I wish it was going to be as nice next Monday as it is going to be tomorrow. Unfortunately, the costumes are not exactly warm for the kids.
So we are plodding on. Today is 9 weeks until Christmas. Are we all ready for that??? So much to do, so little time!
Through the past week, it is clear to see that both kids really have such an incredible appetite for playing around: Gwen with her dolls, singing songs, dancing, crafts like painting, coloring, gluing and has now discovered how to pump herself on the swings at school. She has been asking me a lot when we are going to Disney World. Because we are keeping it a secret from the kids, I cannot tell her that we are going, but I also don't want to discourage her from thinking we aren't going to go - because whenever she had asked throughout the past year, I had said that we will go back when she is 4. Now that she is 4 she expects to know. And she wants it to be today.
Gwen is really getting into the tween shows on Disney Channel. Anything having to do with A.N.T. Farm or the songs that the lead actress sings, she has memorized. She also has been wanting to watch Shake it Up....that show deals more with dancing though. So I guess she has a show for singing and one for dancing.
Trevor has been very interested in his Chess learnings and wanting to try to learn how to beat anyone and everyone. He has his next meeting tomorrow and I know he is hoping to move off of pawns and rooks so he can start putting more of the pieces on the board and play an entire game. But I'm not worried. He will keep coming back if he feels like he can learn more...and from what I hear there is a lot to learn. Another thing he recently discovered is a website called Brain Pop. It was a link given through the school but it requires a subscription. I didn't look at it in great detail, but they gave a free 5 day trial membership so I signed him up for it. He spent most of his time learning about the various revolutions and wars up until World War II. Which then lead him to ask about playing Risk. The trial membership expired today, and I think I'm going to have to see how much it costs to pay for the membership. I can see and hear everything that he does on the computer and I was impressed at how it kept his interest yet explained about things like the American Revolution and Spanish-American War.
This week will be all about finding ways to use their costumes. Gwen can wear hers to dance class tomorrow. Trevor's school costume party was cancelled for this year, but he has been invited to go to another location for a different kind of costume party. Gwen can also wear her costume at Sunday school next week too. I wish it was going to be as nice next Monday as it is going to be tomorrow. Unfortunately, the costumes are not exactly warm for the kids.
So we are plodding on. Today is 9 weeks until Christmas. Are we all ready for that??? So much to do, so little time!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
So much to do, so little time
Through the past few weeks, there has been so much going on, and so much to record but never enough time or motivation to get it all done. I know this feeling is only going to get more and more the continual feeling for the years to come, but looking at it, I often wonder why. I have a child in school M-F from 9 to 3 and another in school from 9-12 M, W, F. This is 50% more "time to myself" than last year. Last year I was even in school, taking 2-3 classes and getting everything done. So where is my new found alone time? Gone. I now clean the house, prepare the meals, do the laundry, run errands, and make sure the kids are ready and available for all their activities. Thankfully, I am not a single parent, so I do have help, but we all have additional commitments outside of our immediate family.
For the first part of October, we have had two weddings and three birthdays. Our family has had wonderful memories as a result: Gwen getting to dance her heart out, Trevor getting some yummy food. Trevor has had some sadness in knowing that his birthday is not in the immediate future, but at least he has been planning his own special day.
We also had some new activities: Trevor started chess club and Gwen started her dance lessons. I know both had a wonderful time, and I think Trevor (aw heck...who am I kidding...I was surprised how much he enjoyed it) had a different philosophy about chess club. He said he won 4 games and lost 2, which I was happy about. I knew he wasn't exactly a beginner but I wouldn't move him up to intermediate. Their lesson last Monday was on pawns and rooks. They had to play games with all pawns and see how many games they could win and then they can start adding rooks in. It sounds like a great program and we'll see how often he wants to do it.
We already had Trevor's first conferences. We were given a lot to consider, but told that he was a great fit for the type of classroom that we chose for him, which was a good thing. I had my first big event for the school and seemed to go off without a hitch. We had another monthly meeting where a decision had been made to cancel the school costume party. They will be replaced with an all-school service project that some people are very excited about. But of course there are some that are disappointed too. But the school has to do what is best seeing as how it is less than two weeks out.
I always remind myself that pretty much from the start of school to the new year is crazy busy, but that doesn't mean that our responsibilities lessen any! So until then, I'll just try to do my best and getting what needs to be done, done. In the mean time, we will make sure to do the most important things: making the wonderful memories that the kids will remember for a lifetime!
For the first part of October, we have had two weddings and three birthdays. Our family has had wonderful memories as a result: Gwen getting to dance her heart out, Trevor getting some yummy food. Trevor has had some sadness in knowing that his birthday is not in the immediate future, but at least he has been planning his own special day.
We also had some new activities: Trevor started chess club and Gwen started her dance lessons. I know both had a wonderful time, and I think Trevor (aw heck...who am I kidding...I was surprised how much he enjoyed it) had a different philosophy about chess club. He said he won 4 games and lost 2, which I was happy about. I knew he wasn't exactly a beginner but I wouldn't move him up to intermediate. Their lesson last Monday was on pawns and rooks. They had to play games with all pawns and see how many games they could win and then they can start adding rooks in. It sounds like a great program and we'll see how often he wants to do it.
We already had Trevor's first conferences. We were given a lot to consider, but told that he was a great fit for the type of classroom that we chose for him, which was a good thing. I had my first big event for the school and seemed to go off without a hitch. We had another monthly meeting where a decision had been made to cancel the school costume party. They will be replaced with an all-school service project that some people are very excited about. But of course there are some that are disappointed too. But the school has to do what is best seeing as how it is less than two weeks out.
I always remind myself that pretty much from the start of school to the new year is crazy busy, but that doesn't mean that our responsibilities lessen any! So until then, I'll just try to do my best and getting what needs to be done, done. In the mean time, we will make sure to do the most important things: making the wonderful memories that the kids will remember for a lifetime!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
A conversation worth recording
So today was the first day of Sunday School for Gwen. That meant Trevor came to church and left for the Children's Liturgy during mass. We were talking about going up for communion, and although we had already discussed it previously he asked to stay behind. I had asked him to come up with me because they will do a blessing for those not old enough to receive the communion. Facts are this: once we hit January, we will start preparing for his First Communion. I believe it is a once-a-week meeting for a few hours and then middle to end of May is when the event happens. So although he has been asking for a few years now when he gets to receive communion, I have always said when he is 8. That is how old he will be. So today, he asked me why his friend, who is already 8 hasn't had First Communion. I explained that unless he has gone through the preparation, he would not be allowed. Trevor also tried to explain that he has tried the bread before (I think he either did it as part of his Sunday School or perhaps in Vacation Bible school.) Without getting into too much detail I explained that there was a difference between the blessed bread at mass and the bread that he had tried. I knew he wasn't exactly happy with my answer because I know he is trying to find out if there is any way he can have communion, but he moved on. Next he asked me how old you have to be to have the wine at communion. I explained that when you receive you first communion, it is the whole thing, you can have both the bread and the wine. He was a bit surprised at that. But the next comment made me use every ounce of patience not to break out in laughter: "So, does that mean I get to have wine parties?" Meaning: because he was old enough to drink the wine at church, that should mean that he should be old enough to drink wine everywhere....right? Oh Trevor, I love your mind. I think he did know the answer to that one but I think the fact that he will get to try it on his first communion satisfied him for the time being.
Monday, October 3, 2011
My Sweet Gwendolyn Caroline
Well, the mom made it through the big day. It was a tricky one to navigate through, what with a wedding on the weekend that was out of town and a house to get organized for another 15 people. Yes, we probably went overboard with the presents, and Trevor had a hard time dealing with the fact that it is Gwen's special day. But I did my duty and talked with him about it, and had my alone time with him on the walk back from school. He did become very proud when I let him "buy" his own gift for her, and she was genuinely so happy that he got her the only doll that she didn't have yet - Pocahontas.
This birthday was one of the only times where either Trevor or Gwen had a birthday during the week that conflicted with people who worked and this time Trevor going to school. Last year Gwen's was on a Sunday, before that a Saturday, and really, she didn't remember her Friday birthday, I would bet. Trevor's has always gotten into the Thanksgiving break during the birthdays that he would remember. I think it was good for Gwen to be able to celebrate her birthday at school and then come home and have her time to celebrate it with her family....then later on with some friends.
She is very easy to read when it comes to gifts....I guess we are all lucky in that respect. She loves all things princess and you can often find the same gift that comes in variation to each of the princesses. The look on her face when she opened all bazillion presents she got was so happy and grateful (at least that is what I'm hoping). And now we....er...I mean she has so many new toys to play with that she will enjoy them for the weeks to come before she will get more princess stuff.
She is excited to start dance next week, and then she will be in her prime. I cannot wait to see her in her new little outfit and remembering the dances she practices. Little Miss Gwen, you keep me on my toes and can always surprise me with all the little details you put into your playing. She quietly recites the lines from all the princess movies, or songs that she sings (current favorite is "SWEET CAROLINE....BUM BUM BUM....good times never seem so good...SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD" - she's getting ready for wedding number 5 this weekend!!!) and loves to play with all sizes of dolls. From the new squinky sized to the big "sister" dolls she has. She even dresses up as the princess herself and plays out the movies.
Our whole family is so blessed to have a kind, caring, generous and close-proximity family. I don't even want to imagine what it would be like to not have all of you around us. Thank you to Bubba, Papa, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Tinkerbell, Aunt Kelsey, Cousin Ethan, Uncle 'Bacca, Uncle Derek, Aunt Kyrsten, Aunt Tracy, and Aunt Amy. You all did make this the best birthday a 4 year old princess could have. We love you all!
This birthday was one of the only times where either Trevor or Gwen had a birthday during the week that conflicted with people who worked and this time Trevor going to school. Last year Gwen's was on a Sunday, before that a Saturday, and really, she didn't remember her Friday birthday, I would bet. Trevor's has always gotten into the Thanksgiving break during the birthdays that he would remember. I think it was good for Gwen to be able to celebrate her birthday at school and then come home and have her time to celebrate it with her family....then later on with some friends.
She is very easy to read when it comes to gifts....I guess we are all lucky in that respect. She loves all things princess and you can often find the same gift that comes in variation to each of the princesses. The look on her face when she opened all bazillion presents she got was so happy and grateful (at least that is what I'm hoping). And now we....er...I mean she has so many new toys to play with that she will enjoy them for the weeks to come before she will get more princess stuff.
She is excited to start dance next week, and then she will be in her prime. I cannot wait to see her in her new little outfit and remembering the dances she practices. Little Miss Gwen, you keep me on my toes and can always surprise me with all the little details you put into your playing. She quietly recites the lines from all the princess movies, or songs that she sings (current favorite is "SWEET CAROLINE....BUM BUM BUM....good times never seem so good...SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD" - she's getting ready for wedding number 5 this weekend!!!) and loves to play with all sizes of dolls. From the new squinky sized to the big "sister" dolls she has. She even dresses up as the princess herself and plays out the movies.
Our whole family is so blessed to have a kind, caring, generous and close-proximity family. I don't even want to imagine what it would be like to not have all of you around us. Thank you to Bubba, Papa, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Tinkerbell, Aunt Kelsey, Cousin Ethan, Uncle 'Bacca, Uncle Derek, Aunt Kyrsten, Aunt Tracy, and Aunt Amy. You all did make this the best birthday a 4 year old princess could have. We love you all!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Needs to be recorded
I am behind, yet again, and I know I'm going to have to take a fast forward, before I can catch up again. Tonight is the eve of Gwen's birthday and I still have to decorate her door, an idea I got from a parent friend. Thanks Shena! Anyway, I have been thinking about the fact that I wanted to record a little quirk about Trevor that he seems to have inherited from me, but a little from Russ as well, as Russ does do some talking in his sleep.
I do know that I do, or have in the past, moved around a lot in my sleep. I do remember that my mom has said that I have walked downstairs and not remembered the event the next morning. Trevor has always had difficulty sleeping well at night. It gets bad directly before (like 1-2 days) before he gets hit with a cold. The way that it gets bad is through nightmares. If he is in the middle of a bad cold where he coughs through the night or has trouble breathing through his nose, he often wakes up uncomfortable throughout the night. So I'm often in his room trying to comfort him, giving him ibuprofin and such.
So he has woken up crying out on a few occasions, but like I said, it is usually attributed to a cold. Sometimes when he has these nightmares, he will get out of bed and come looking for me. And then not remember any of it in the morning. When he is upset, and it seems to be probably something he was dreaming about, he may or may not try to talk to me about it, and if he does - whatever he says is gibberish. I've come to understand that unless he doesn't go to sleep, whenever I see him after I say goodnight, he is sleepwalking and cannot hold a conversation, or will not remember it the next morning. I've tried to ask him to repeat what he said, but he can't even hear that. The only thing I try to do is guide him back to bed and make him as comfortable and calm as possible so he can continue to sleep without being bothered by nightmares.
One night last week I woke up shortly after I went to bed and found Trevor sleeping in Russ's spot. He had pulled his pillow pet and blanket with him but was still sleeping on Russ's pillow. I didn't have the energy to move him and figured when Russ came to bed he would move him himself. Well, an hour or so later, Gwen woke me up because she had to go to the bathroom. I quickly scooted her out so she didn't see Trevor and want to join in the family bed. Russ heard her get up and came upstairs to try to help. I told him he might as well stay in Gwen's room because Trevor was in his spot. So we both went to bed. I woke up before 7 to take a shower and Trevor was still in the same spot as earlier in the night. But when I came out of the bathroom he was gone.
Later on, Russ asked me if I knew why he was in our bed. I told him I thought it could have been a nightmare. But he hadn't been talking to me at all. I asked Trevor if he remembered having a nightmare last night and he said no, why? I asked him if he remembered why he came into my bed last night and he didn't believe me that he did. That one surprised me. I figured that he woke up from the shower and just went back to his room to change for the day. But I don't think he was fully awake when that happened either. We spent most of the next few minutes with him arguing that he never was in my bed and me promising that he was.
So that will be something to watch for the future. Hopefully he wouldn't just walk outside to sleep on the lawn or something like that. That would be pretty crazy. But I guess I will continue to check in that guy for the years to come anyway.
I do know that I do, or have in the past, moved around a lot in my sleep. I do remember that my mom has said that I have walked downstairs and not remembered the event the next morning. Trevor has always had difficulty sleeping well at night. It gets bad directly before (like 1-2 days) before he gets hit with a cold. The way that it gets bad is through nightmares. If he is in the middle of a bad cold where he coughs through the night or has trouble breathing through his nose, he often wakes up uncomfortable throughout the night. So I'm often in his room trying to comfort him, giving him ibuprofin and such.
So he has woken up crying out on a few occasions, but like I said, it is usually attributed to a cold. Sometimes when he has these nightmares, he will get out of bed and come looking for me. And then not remember any of it in the morning. When he is upset, and it seems to be probably something he was dreaming about, he may or may not try to talk to me about it, and if he does - whatever he says is gibberish. I've come to understand that unless he doesn't go to sleep, whenever I see him after I say goodnight, he is sleepwalking and cannot hold a conversation, or will not remember it the next morning. I've tried to ask him to repeat what he said, but he can't even hear that. The only thing I try to do is guide him back to bed and make him as comfortable and calm as possible so he can continue to sleep without being bothered by nightmares.
One night last week I woke up shortly after I went to bed and found Trevor sleeping in Russ's spot. He had pulled his pillow pet and blanket with him but was still sleeping on Russ's pillow. I didn't have the energy to move him and figured when Russ came to bed he would move him himself. Well, an hour or so later, Gwen woke me up because she had to go to the bathroom. I quickly scooted her out so she didn't see Trevor and want to join in the family bed. Russ heard her get up and came upstairs to try to help. I told him he might as well stay in Gwen's room because Trevor was in his spot. So we both went to bed. I woke up before 7 to take a shower and Trevor was still in the same spot as earlier in the night. But when I came out of the bathroom he was gone.
Later on, Russ asked me if I knew why he was in our bed. I told him I thought it could have been a nightmare. But he hadn't been talking to me at all. I asked Trevor if he remembered having a nightmare last night and he said no, why? I asked him if he remembered why he came into my bed last night and he didn't believe me that he did. That one surprised me. I figured that he woke up from the shower and just went back to his room to change for the day. But I don't think he was fully awake when that happened either. We spent most of the next few minutes with him arguing that he never was in my bed and me promising that he was.
So that will be something to watch for the future. Hopefully he wouldn't just walk outside to sleep on the lawn or something like that. That would be pretty crazy. But I guess I will continue to check in that guy for the years to come anyway.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
At some point a shift happened
So yes, kids get older. Their interests change, they discover things that are new and things that they like. And I also know that a big change does happen when they get older...like teenagers. But really, since the start of school, both kids have really surprised me with their likes that have changed recently.
Trevor's change has been very nice from a homework perspective. I know some of it has to do with the ease of his reading now. Over the last part of the summer, he has really enjoyed rereading his Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and even started writing in his journal part of the do-it-yourself book. So I've tried to run to the library before we head out on a longer car ride in order to get new books for the kids to enjoy in the car. I want to try to distract the kids in other ways than the movie. So for Trevor, I thought he was more interested in the series books, but nah...he'd rather do a comic strip book like Garfield. And he'll reread the books many times, which is also a bonus for me. For his class, his homework is to read at least 20 minutes every day and record how much he reads in a journal which I have to initial. His teacher then gives out a prize at the end of the month for the kid that has read the most. I haven't even had to set a timer for the 20 minutes, it ends up being close to an hour before he realizes he has been reading for a while. Now we just have to make sure to have books that remain interesting to him. Thank goodness for libraries!
Then there is Gwen. She has always loved music, and has gotten some enjoyment out of some of the songs that Russ plays. A newer show on the disney channel is called "A.N.T. Farm" it is about a gifted program for kids that are 10-11 years old that go to high school. I'm guessing that it is targeted at 10-11 year olds, but Gwen LOVES the show. She made me put a picture of the show on her "about me" poster for preschool. I've been looking on other kids and yep, the shows on PBS kids, Nickelodeon, Disney Jr...and then Gwen with A.N.T. Farm. She loves the songs that the main character sings and the title song from the show. She asks to watch any show that is on the DVR or cable box we have from the series. I guess part of the issue might be from me because I've been having the radio on Radio Disney which plays a lot of the tweener songs on it, and she knows most of the words, but oh well. She still loves her baby dolls, princess dolls, and playing dress-up so she isn't 10 years old yet!
Trevor's change has been very nice from a homework perspective. I know some of it has to do with the ease of his reading now. Over the last part of the summer, he has really enjoyed rereading his Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and even started writing in his journal part of the do-it-yourself book. So I've tried to run to the library before we head out on a longer car ride in order to get new books for the kids to enjoy in the car. I want to try to distract the kids in other ways than the movie. So for Trevor, I thought he was more interested in the series books, but nah...he'd rather do a comic strip book like Garfield. And he'll reread the books many times, which is also a bonus for me. For his class, his homework is to read at least 20 minutes every day and record how much he reads in a journal which I have to initial. His teacher then gives out a prize at the end of the month for the kid that has read the most. I haven't even had to set a timer for the 20 minutes, it ends up being close to an hour before he realizes he has been reading for a while. Now we just have to make sure to have books that remain interesting to him. Thank goodness for libraries!
Then there is Gwen. She has always loved music, and has gotten some enjoyment out of some of the songs that Russ plays. A newer show on the disney channel is called "A.N.T. Farm" it is about a gifted program for kids that are 10-11 years old that go to high school. I'm guessing that it is targeted at 10-11 year olds, but Gwen LOVES the show. She made me put a picture of the show on her "about me" poster for preschool. I've been looking on other kids and yep, the shows on PBS kids, Nickelodeon, Disney Jr...and then Gwen with A.N.T. Farm. She loves the songs that the main character sings and the title song from the show. She asks to watch any show that is on the DVR or cable box we have from the series. I guess part of the issue might be from me because I've been having the radio on Radio Disney which plays a lot of the tweener songs on it, and she knows most of the words, but oh well. She still loves her baby dolls, princess dolls, and playing dress-up so she isn't 10 years old yet!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A new routine I am still not used to
Ah well, you think you are going to get more time, but nah...probably not. I do eventually think it will slow down, but honestly not until next year. I remember this feeling going from back-to-school straight into Gwen's birthday to Trevor's birthday to Christmas. I guess that's what happens when everyone's birthdays are so close together.
Anyway, we went through a few first days of school here! Trevor's was on the traditional day after Labor Day. Gwen actually had a school gathering, what they called open house for her preschool where we went and dropped off her school supplies. It was only supposed to run from 9 to 10 or you could come in the afternoon but do you think I could get her out of there? Even after I had let her go into the childcare the week prior. Nope, she was ready to spend the whole day there.
Thankfully, Trevor was SO excited to get back to school, and never mentioned one word about being sad that he wasn't going back to his old teacher's class. I think it helped that we met his new teacher and she made him feel very comfortable. The weather has been so nice that we have been walking to and from school a lot. Because his classroom is the farthest away from the front door I have also found an alternate entrance that the other bikers and walkers use for the time being.
His second day of school was a "rough day" as he put it. He has a hard time keeping his ears open if something is going on. For example he is watching tv, and I try to call to him, he wouldn't hear it. If he is reading a book, same thing. If he is playing his imagination games, nope...gone. So it didn't surprise me that he missed his class being called in from recess. By 15 minutes even. So he was told that if he did it again, he would get a pink slip (something that he is terrified to get). I guess his teacher also asked him repeatedly to focus on some classwork which he did not do. That got him another pink slip warning. So that day wasn't the best. But on Friday, he found out that for their weekly choice time, as long as they are able to go outside for recess (as in if the weather allows....no rain, or below zero temperatures/wind chills) they are able to use their Friday choice time as additional outside time. I can tell you at that moment, his school year turned around. He LOVES LOVES LOVES recess. His favorite subject in school is gym. I am pretty sure there is no way to tire him out until the clock turns 9:01pm. He is just full of energy. So that was a big score.
So immediately, I knew I had to figure out how to remedy the recess situation. Explaining to him to pay more attention would not do a bit of difference. I decided to get him a watch with an alarm on it, set to a minute before he was supposed to come inside. So far, so good. I'm not sure if we have the correct time set to come in or not. I may have to adjust it a few more minutes, but he knows to be listening or at least come closer to where they call for classes so he has yet to be late back to class since the watch.
And then Gwen has really been trying to adjust to her new schedule. She goes to preschool M, W, F from 9 to noon. It is a half hour longer per day and one extra day per week than last year. She has I think 4 more kids in her class than last year so it is a bit more to get used to. She has enjoyed seeing a lot of her friends come back and meet new ones as well. The strangest thing I think is that perhaps it is because she has a big schedule adjustment, or because she is having a growth/development spurt, but she is ALL out of sorts. She is sassing off to her friends and family (I am not certain about her preschool teachers...I hope not). And then today, she fell asleep in the car at 10:30 in the morning. Her sleeping has been out of whack. I guess I would call this period one of disorganization for her. So probably is some sort of growth thing. I hope she grows out of her choice of words soon. It worries me that she doesn't really have a whole lot of respect right now. Not to say I don't think I could remedy it by taking away her favorite things, but I just don't want it to have to come to that. Goodness....I never would have thought boys and girls would be THIS different!
And then there is my routine. I am so confused right now. I generally don't have any idea what day of the week it is because I'm thrown all off. I volunteered at school a few days this week and will continue to do so at least once a week, plus PTA responsibilities, plus wondering if I have too few or too many activities for the kids....blah...never ending. Only 20 more days until Gwen's birthday. Gotta get that started soon! Here comes the rush of days...weeks...months!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Finishing up summer vacation
As per usual, I am a little behind on the posting. Over the past few weeks we have been trying to get those last few things done before knowing that school is coming, as well as cooler weather, to not be as hot doing things as used to be. I have had the chance to go to a Twins game, take Trevor on a lunch date to one of our favorite restaurants, and go out to the Science Museum. We did also get a chance to meet Trevor's new teacher last week and make sure that we are all ready to go for the start of school.
My dad, brothers and I all got to go to a Twins game, and it was always fun to spend a very nice night at an outdoor ball park. AND not have to worry about keeping an eye on someone. We were two rows in front of a person who caught a foul ball, and the game score wasn't very good for the home team, but it was a wonderful event with the family.
Last Wednesday, I was able to get Gwen excited to try out her childcare again before her preschool started up again. I used that time to get a few of my work things done, but also to take Trevor to Benihana for lunch. I have to say it is SO much less expensive for lunch than it is for dinner. We have to remember that for the next time we want to eat there as a family. Trevor was at first not wanting to go because he wanted the family to be there with us. Then he was worried about how much money I was going to have to spend. So he offered to pay for us. I explained that it was my treat, and that I wanted to spend some time with him, just him and me. When we arrived and were seated at a full table, he said he was much more excited. He was worried that it was going to be just him and me at the table. He said he was going to be embarrassed. I let him get an adult order of shrimp and along with most of the table, we ordered double the shrimp sauce. We mostly talked about whatever was on Trevor's mind which, at the time, was how he was sure that this meal was going to cure his cold. He seemed to feel it working and wanted to remember all the steps that he did during the day to drive the cold away. It was a very pleasant conversation and again, one where I didn't have to keep an eye out for the kid running around.
Last Monday, Gwen, Trevor and I went with my dad to the science museum to spend the day. It was meant to be just T
revor, as Gwen is a little young for the science museum, but we made do. We started off in the body section, and Gwen accidentally found the sneezing girl. It FREAKED her out. For those of you that don't know where it is, it is a mist-blowing mechanism that is meant to explain that if someone does not cover their mouth when they sneeze, the germs can travel up to 15 feet through the air. Last time we were there, Trevor loved it. 
I was surprised that he didn't race right over there and that Gwen found it first. But once he found it, if we were ever in the area, he tried to become the scientist of the area, explaining and demonstrating the activity to anyone around. But then he saw the lab area. It stated it was for ages 8-13 so when Trevor really wanted to get in, the people working the area said that if an adult went with him, he could still enter. So I went with and we did the cheek cell demonstration. It worked and he saw his cells. He also got a small magnifying glass to take with him which he really likes. Gwen tried to play along but was more interested in the things outside the lab.
We headed to the 1st floor which was called the big backyard. I had no idea they had a mini golf course there. My dad decided to be scorekeeper, so the kids and I had fun just playing around. It was a nice enough day so that we even got a splash or two in the water. We came back in to eat lunch and play in the dinosaur and weather area. Finished up with the news anchor jobs and headed back home.
That afternoon we headed up to the school to visit with Trevor's new teacher. Trevor was won over the minute he found out he had a "job". If you don't know, Trevor loves to be asked or find out he can be a helper in some way. I think he sees it as a teaching-type thing, so ever since he found out that he is going to be a lunchroom helper for the first week of class, he has been saying that is why he is looking forward to going back to school.
That brings us to Labor Day weekend. We were at the lake from Thursday night through Sunday night. It is always wonderful to see and play with family. It wasn't warm enough for us to go on a boat ride, although Gwen did get her swimming in on Friday morning before a cool front came in. Trevor also decided he was going to start writing in a diary/journal. He has been reading and rereading his "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books. He has 3 reading books and one activity book and the activity book was where he started his journal. In two days he wrote and illustrated 32 pages in his book. When he finds something he likes, he really goes all out. I don't know that we are going to be able to make it to his birthday without first getting him a new journal. Although with school starting up, I'm not sure how much time he will have.
I am happy to say that I had a glass of wine to celebrate making it through the summer. I hope all you moms did too!
Even without all the family activities, I have been also trying to get my stuff together for all the other non-kid tasks I have going on. But really, I want to make sure the kids use their last few days of summer vacation as having fun.
My dad, brothers and I all got to go to a Twins game, and it was always fun to spend a very nice night at an outdoor ball park. AND not have to worry about keeping an eye on someone. We were two rows in front of a person who caught a foul ball, and the game score wasn't very good for the home team, but it was a wonderful event with the family.
Last Wednesday, I was able to get Gwen excited to try out her childcare again before her preschool started up again. I used that time to get a few of my work things done, but also to take Trevor to Benihana for lunch. I have to say it is SO much less expensive for lunch than it is for dinner. We have to remember that for the next time we want to eat there as a family. Trevor was at first not wanting to go because he wanted the family to be there with us. Then he was worried about how much money I was going to have to spend. So he offered to pay for us. I explained that it was my treat, and that I wanted to spend some time with him, just him and me. When we arrived and were seated at a full table, he said he was much more excited. He was worried that it was going to be just him and me at the table. He said he was going to be embarrassed. I let him get an adult order of shrimp and along with most of the table, we ordered double the shrimp sauce. We mostly talked about whatever was on Trevor's mind which, at the time, was how he was sure that this meal was going to cure his cold. He seemed to feel it working and wanted to remember all the steps that he did during the day to drive the cold away. It was a very pleasant conversation and again, one where I didn't have to keep an eye out for the kid running around.
Last Monday, Gwen, Trevor and I went with my dad to the science museum to spend the day. It was meant to be just T
revor, as Gwen is a little young for the science museum, but we made do. We started off in the body section, and Gwen accidentally found the sneezing girl. It FREAKED her out. For those of you that don't know where it is, it is a mist-blowing mechanism that is meant to explain that if someone does not cover their mouth when they sneeze, the germs can travel up to 15 feet through the air. Last time we were there, Trevor loved it. 
I was surprised that he didn't race right over there and that Gwen found it first. But once he found it, if we were ever in the area, he tried to become the scientist of the area, explaining and demonstrating the activity to anyone around. But then he saw the lab area. It stated it was for ages 8-13 so when Trevor really wanted to get in, the people working the area said that if an adult went with him, he could still enter. So I went with and we did the cheek cell demonstration. It worked and he saw his cells. He also got a small magnifying glass to take with him which he really likes. Gwen tried to play along but was more interested in the things outside the lab.We headed to the 1st floor which was called the big backyard. I had no idea they had a mini golf course there. My dad decided to be scorekeeper, so the kids and I had fun just playing around. It was a nice enough day so that we even got a splash or two in the water. We came back in to eat lunch and play in the dinosaur and weather area. Finished up with the news anchor jobs and headed back home.
That afternoon we headed up to the school to visit with Trevor's new teacher. Trevor was won over the minute he found out he had a "job". If you don't know, Trevor loves to be asked or find out he can be a helper in some way. I think he sees it as a teaching-type thing, so ever since he found out that he is going to be a lunchroom helper for the first week of class, he has been saying that is why he is looking forward to going back to school.
That brings us to Labor Day weekend. We were at the lake from Thursday night through Sunday night. It is always wonderful to see and play with family. It wasn't warm enough for us to go on a boat ride, although Gwen did get her swimming in on Friday morning before a cool front came in. Trevor also decided he was going to start writing in a diary/journal. He has been reading and rereading his "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books. He has 3 reading books and one activity book and the activity book was where he started his journal. In two days he wrote and illustrated 32 pages in his book. When he finds something he likes, he really goes all out. I don't know that we are going to be able to make it to his birthday without first getting him a new journal. Although with school starting up, I'm not sure how much time he will have.
I am happy to say that I had a glass of wine to celebrate making it through the summer. I hope all you moms did too!
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