Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to all! It is hard for me to believe that over a week ago was our Christmas celebrations and two days ago was our New Years celebration. Time has really flown. The kids, I think, had a great time at all of our celebrations. We had Christmas Eve mass where the kids got to bring up two pieces of the manger scene: This year it was Mary and Joseph. Although it wasn't baby Jesus, and I knew both of them wanted to bring it up, I thought it best that neither of them should do it. So they did their part and we had fun with Derek and Kyrsten, Kyrsten's family, Bubba, Papa, Brian and our family. In order to save seats for the entire group, Trevor and I walked (because the weather was SO nice) to church an hour before it started. While walking to church, Trevor says something to the effect of, "Mom, you look really fancy. In fact, if someone saw us walking down the street right now, they would think you looked really fancy." He then started talking about wanting to get me a smoothie which I wasn't sure where it was coming from, but I really enjoyed our short walk to church.
We headed out to Grandma's house for our yummy crab and prime rib dinner with the exchanging of gifts. It always is a great way to wish each other a very Merry Christmas! The kids made out with some fun Star Wars and artsy toys as well as some clothes. As always we had to rush home in order to be back before Santa came to our house that evening.
Also as usual, Trevor was up around 7 and stayed in our bed with us until we allowed him to wake Gwen up at 7:30. Gwen got her big Cinderella doll she asked Santa for, and Trevor got his video games he wanted. Trevor got a bunch more diary type books and a few board games to play as well. Before long, it was off to Bubba and Papa's house to have the next Christmas and my birthday celebration. We brought over a few favorite things from Christmas and were off for an overnight. It makes more sense to not have to rush back home when it is easy to hang out there for the night. So we played a game of dominoes and left in the morning to do our fourth Christmas. After that, the kids and Russ with the rest of the family got to do their skating time. Gwen quickly tried to figure out how to skate on her own. She's not quite there yet, but she learned a lot in a short time.
The time between that evening when we were finally able to be at home to organize and clean until now seems to have passed in a blur. We did get out to see Chipwrecked at some point, as well as take the tree down and put away all Christmas decorations, so we really are ready. Now it is just about deciding what to play with or what to do next. We went out to the lake house for New Years but even that felt like it was two seconds rather than two days. I know I was really worried about how the kids were going to do this break, but it seems to have worked out well. Perhaps it was the change of toys and the want to play with someone else. I'll take it though. Now, if I could fast forward to March I'd be good. January can often be too cold and depressing for me. Only 62 days until our vacation, which doesn't sound too far away! Yay! Just a few more finalizing details that I can work on and we will be all set.
So bring on 2012! It's going to be a great year for us all, I have a feeling!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas season memories
So now we get into the creative side of the kids. As I said before, Gwen really has been into building things, and while I have never seen that side of Trevor, he is creative in his own way. He prefers to be creative with board games as in this instance. I think he is finally realize that Gwen can be a playmate, especially with board games. This game, doesn't really have a name, other than Trevor calling it a combination of all the games they use: "Monopoly, Life, Jenga". They use the car and houses or hotels from Monopoly, build garages and houses with Jenga pieces, then play out their lives with cards (career cards), money, and spinning the wheel from the game of Life. I almost didn't want to make them move, but it was a school day. I hope there are many of these days in the week off of school. I like that I don't always have to be breaking up fights.
And these last two pictures, are for Gwen. She asked me one day this week to build things with the Legos in the basement. I'm not sure why they were out in the first place, but these are Trevor's legos. He had gotten an airport to build a large airplane, star wars ships and figures, as well as other activities I'm sure that I don't even remember. They eventually ended up in a box or two in the basement. So anyway, they were out and Gwen wanted to play with them, so I put her where she wouldn't get into anything and let her go at it. It took her at least an hour or so to come up with this boat. The bottom part is part of an airplane but everything else she added. I thought she did a great job. It didn't seem like she was very interested in really playing with it once it was built, but I am just amazed that she saw all the pieces and picked them out in order to come up with what she did.
My memories of the Christmas season this year are for the most part, very joyous. I was pleasantly surprised. This first picture is not really related to the Christmas season. It was a picture that I had to take after Gwen had found my bright red lipstick and tried it on without any help of a mirror or myself. Reminded me of when Trevor got into my finger nail polish and put it on himself and all over my bathroom. Thankfully, Gwen didn't get it anywhere except her lips and face. And of course she was so proud.
Anyway, this Christmas season was eventful, and our annual festivities of Christmas haven't even started. We got the largest tree we ever have...11 ft. It was fun to decorate and admire until the base cracked and leaked water everywhere. Then it tipped over. Since then, it hasn't been able to be straight upright. So next year or before next year we need a bigger tree stand.
I wrote in this year's Christmas letter that I knew by next year at this time, Trevor would probably be able to beat both Russ and I at chess. Well, I didn't even last a week beyond the letter. Granted, I don't know much else other than how each of the pieces move, but Trevor already has such patience and foresight to know how to strategize a winning game.
Music has probably been the biggest change to my family Christmas season memory. As long as there is a song playing on our all-Christmas music station, she likes it. Her new favorite is Rockin' around the Christmas tree. I had a Kidz Bop CD in the pile of Christmas music that has a version of that song on it, which has been played plenty. Along with the Muppets Christmas and a few other songs that I haven't heard on the radio. What I will remember most about this year was that if Gwen heard a song on the radio, even just once or twice, it would often get stuck in her head and randomly she would belt it out. My favorite is when she out of the blue started singing the song that we heard from Wham!...I think the title is "Last Christmas". It really got me because she only had part of the chorus, and I tried to help her out, but I got stuck, and she filled it right in: "Last Christmas...I gave you my heart..but the very next day, you gave it away. This year, I'll save you from....." Quickly, Gwen said "tears mom." and she finished the lyrics.
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So now we get into the creative side of the kids. As I said before, Gwen really has been into building things, and while I have never seen that side of Trevor, he is creative in his own way. He prefers to be creative with board games as in this instance. I think he is finally realize that Gwen can be a playmate, especially with board games. This game, doesn't really have a name, other than Trevor calling it a combination of all the games they use: "Monopoly, Life, Jenga". They use the car and houses or hotels from Monopoly, build garages and houses with Jenga pieces, then play out their lives with cards (career cards), money, and spinning the wheel from the game of Life. I almost didn't want to make them move, but it was a school day. I hope there are many of these days in the week off of school. I like that I don't always have to be breaking up fights.
And these last two pictures, are for Gwen. She asked me one day this week to build things with the Legos in the basement. I'm not sure why they were out in the first place, but these are Trevor's legos. He had gotten an airport to build a large airplane, star wars ships and figures, as well as other activities I'm sure that I don't even remember. They eventually ended up in a box or two in the basement. So anyway, they were out and Gwen wanted to play with them, so I put her where she wouldn't get into anything and let her go at it. It took her at least an hour or so to come up with this boat. The bottom part is part of an airplane but everything else she added. I thought she did a great job. It didn't seem like she was very interested in really playing with it once it was built, but I am just amazed that she saw all the pieces and picked them out in order to come up with what she did. 
So while there wasn't enough snow this season for it to be a white Christmas, I think that there will be ways for the kids to entertain themselves if they don't have a chance to be outside. Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
'Tis the busy season
Everyone always seems extra busy during this time of year. It really makes me dread the next month that is coming because I know it will slow WAY down. Perhaps to the point of wanting to shut my door and not leave the house. But I digress....right now it is busy. Last week was very busy for us. Russ was traveling for the week, which in some ways made it less hectic knowing that I just had to know where the kids needed to go, rather than the whole family. I also warned Trevor because I know he appreciates the little down time he does have with the ever increasing demands of homework, piano practice and the want to play video games. That for sure has taken a back seat to everything else going on. He maybe gets to play once or twice a week.
So on to this week. Monday was crazy with Chess, dinner, dance class and then directly to hockey pictures. No time for anything that day. Tuesday, I was off for a holiday PTA event but thankfully the kids didn't have to be brought anywhere to do anything. Wednesday, the kids had their last swimming lesson of the session, but my better judgement said to abandon the swimming lesson to make sure we made the preschool Christmas program on time. It was a very cute show as always, and the bells performance was wonderful.
I decided that because we didn't have anything going on Thursday, we would run on over to the mall for our annual Santa pictures. It was a perfect setting. Just in case, I brought a book for Trevor to read, but in the end it wasn't needed. We walked right up to Santa and no one else came to the line for at least 10 minutes. That meant 10 minutes of in depth discussion with Santa. It also meant that when the three pictures they tried to take of the kids didn't turn out, they were gracious enough to take 4 more before I found one I really liked. Or at least where they both looked ok.
The kids told Santa what they wanted...Gwen wanted a big Cinderella doll...although funny thing, she told her mom the day before she wanted a big Sleeping Beauty doll and I don't think Santa is going to bring her two...I guess we'll see. Trevor was not very specific. He preferred to talk about all the things he has done and ask a lot of questions about how old he was, and if our Frankincense (Elf on a Shelf) could stick around for the rest of the year because he was pretty much a member of our family. It wasn't fair that he had to be away the rest of the year and miss his birthday and such. And Santa thought that it wasn't a big deal if the Elf stuck around. Ummm....maybe our Elf will write a departing note or something.
So apart from that discussion, it was a very good trip to see Santa. I hear that there are some families that ask their teenagers to at least stand behind or next to Santa for those same pictures. I would even promise to keep all those pictures away from the public eye until they had kids of their own....I love to watch the kids grow up with the same Santa every year. That is one tradition I am happy to continue.
So on to this week. Monday was crazy with Chess, dinner, dance class and then directly to hockey pictures. No time for anything that day. Tuesday, I was off for a holiday PTA event but thankfully the kids didn't have to be brought anywhere to do anything. Wednesday, the kids had their last swimming lesson of the session, but my better judgement said to abandon the swimming lesson to make sure we made the preschool Christmas program on time. It was a very cute show as always, and the bells performance was wonderful.
I decided that because we didn't have anything going on Thursday, we would run on over to the mall for our annual Santa pictures. It was a perfect setting. Just in case, I brought a book for Trevor to read, but in the end it wasn't needed. We walked right up to Santa and no one else came to the line for at least 10 minutes. That meant 10 minutes of in depth discussion with Santa. It also meant that when the three pictures they tried to take of the kids didn't turn out, they were gracious enough to take 4 more before I found one I really liked. Or at least where they both looked ok.
The kids told Santa what they wanted...Gwen wanted a big Cinderella doll...although funny thing, she told her mom the day before she wanted a big Sleeping Beauty doll and I don't think Santa is going to bring her two...I guess we'll see. Trevor was not very specific. He preferred to talk about all the things he has done and ask a lot of questions about how old he was, and if our Frankincense (Elf on a Shelf) could stick around for the rest of the year because he was pretty much a member of our family. It wasn't fair that he had to be away the rest of the year and miss his birthday and such. And Santa thought that it wasn't a big deal if the Elf stuck around. Ummm....maybe our Elf will write a departing note or something.
So apart from that discussion, it was a very good trip to see Santa. I hear that there are some families that ask their teenagers to at least stand behind or next to Santa for those same pictures. I would even promise to keep all those pictures away from the public eye until they had kids of their own....I love to watch the kids grow up with the same Santa every year. That is one tradition I am happy to continue.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Traditions
Remembering years past with the kids, I always thought I would enjoy, as they would, the same Christmas traditions. Most of the time, in fact, I insist on them. This year, I have tried to allow for some changes, while keeping most things the same. And then I see how some of the traditions have lost their interest. I don't know if it is their age, or if it is truly not as interesting, or if I'm more of a scrooge than usual.
Here are some changes to year's past: We got our Christmas Tree early, although not significantly, and it is at least 3 ft taller than usual. We have always had it in the room with a vaulted ceiling, but this year we truly took advantage of it. As a result, we had to buy more lights and garland...and maybe an ornament or two :-)
I have had to change out Gwen's Christmas Stocking at her request to a light blue Cinderella stocking. The rest of ours are Winnie the Pooh red ones. She had Elmo last year, but has never really gotten into him, so it really didn't make sense to keep her to that one.
Although the traditions are still there, the feelings have changed: Frankincense was scary at first to both Trevor and Gwen, is not as interesting, unless they use it as a weapon against the other sibling when they are doing something bad....for example Trevor says to Gwen, "Oh...Frankincense did you see that? Gwen wasn't being a good listener. Make sure you report that back to Santa." I've been trying to balance it all out when I catch the kids behaving too, but it for sure isn't as magical as he once was. The chocolate advent calendars are being used, but often forgotten in the morning. I remember last year and the other years, 5 minutes would not go by when the kids were awake and they both had their chocolate in hand for the day. Christmas movies: Gwen has the choice to watch them twice a week or so while Trevor is at school and she would rather not. Trevor, if given the choice currently wants to watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid which he got for his birthday. It is a very good adaptation from the book, but over a Christmas movie? I'm a little bummed. The books are way too young for Trevor now. He has to read 20+ minutes a day and thankfully he has a whole new selection with the series of Magic Tree House and the last three books of Diary of a Wimpy kid. Gwen's only interest in the books are of course the one Princess Christmas book we have. All the others could go out the door. Again, I'm a little bummed.
We still have yet to visit Santa at the mall. I think I'm going to bring the kids next week on Thursday. I have to add to my collection! On the topic of pictures, I took the annual pictures in front of the tree and they both did very well at that. Those are ordered and will be here soon so they will be sent out shortly. I had my annual cookie swap, and got a good deal of cookies that have almost all been eaten. Those were yummy!
Something that they are both excited about is that they are both going to carry in two parts of the Nativity scene at church on Christmas Eve. Gwen will have Mary and Trevor will have Joseph. I couldn't have gotten baby Jesus if I wanted to, but I knew that would not be a good idea. Major fighting would ensue. But that is another thing that has lost interest - our Fisher Price Nativity. It was opened and set up but not played with except the occasional song every once in a while. Oh well. Kids grow up, I guess it cannot always be as exciting as the first year. I'm guessing Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning will hold the same magic. That I'll hold onto for as long as I can!
Here are some changes to year's past: We got our Christmas Tree early, although not significantly, and it is at least 3 ft taller than usual. We have always had it in the room with a vaulted ceiling, but this year we truly took advantage of it. As a result, we had to buy more lights and garland...and maybe an ornament or two :-)
I have had to change out Gwen's Christmas Stocking at her request to a light blue Cinderella stocking. The rest of ours are Winnie the Pooh red ones. She had Elmo last year, but has never really gotten into him, so it really didn't make sense to keep her to that one.
Although the traditions are still there, the feelings have changed: Frankincense was scary at first to both Trevor and Gwen, is not as interesting, unless they use it as a weapon against the other sibling when they are doing something bad....for example Trevor says to Gwen, "Oh...Frankincense did you see that? Gwen wasn't being a good listener. Make sure you report that back to Santa." I've been trying to balance it all out when I catch the kids behaving too, but it for sure isn't as magical as he once was. The chocolate advent calendars are being used, but often forgotten in the morning. I remember last year and the other years, 5 minutes would not go by when the kids were awake and they both had their chocolate in hand for the day. Christmas movies: Gwen has the choice to watch them twice a week or so while Trevor is at school and she would rather not. Trevor, if given the choice currently wants to watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid which he got for his birthday. It is a very good adaptation from the book, but over a Christmas movie? I'm a little bummed. The books are way too young for Trevor now. He has to read 20+ minutes a day and thankfully he has a whole new selection with the series of Magic Tree House and the last three books of Diary of a Wimpy kid. Gwen's only interest in the books are of course the one Princess Christmas book we have. All the others could go out the door. Again, I'm a little bummed.
We still have yet to visit Santa at the mall. I think I'm going to bring the kids next week on Thursday. I have to add to my collection! On the topic of pictures, I took the annual pictures in front of the tree and they both did very well at that. Those are ordered and will be here soon so they will be sent out shortly. I had my annual cookie swap, and got a good deal of cookies that have almost all been eaten. Those were yummy!
Something that they are both excited about is that they are both going to carry in two parts of the Nativity scene at church on Christmas Eve. Gwen will have Mary and Trevor will have Joseph. I couldn't have gotten baby Jesus if I wanted to, but I knew that would not be a good idea. Major fighting would ensue. But that is another thing that has lost interest - our Fisher Price Nativity. It was opened and set up but not played with except the occasional song every once in a while. Oh well. Kids grow up, I guess it cannot always be as exciting as the first year. I'm guessing Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning will hold the same magic. That I'll hold onto for as long as I can!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Gwen the puzzler
Well, she made it through the big even that was Thanksgiving and Trevor's birthday without a big hitch. She was a big helper the day of his birthday which I was very thankful for. It appears as though she is slowly learning that everyone's birthday is special to them for that one day and she cannot do anything about it, so she might as well enjoy it.
We had her preschool conference last Thursday and it went very well. Right now she is not very interested in drawing or writing, and actually I'm sort of surprised. When she is at home, if I ask her to create a card for someones birthday she loves to do it. If we break out new pens, pencils, or markers she right away wants to use them. But if she is at preschool it seems as though she does the minimum for what is asked and then runs to the next thing. Perhaps preschool is too fun and if she can play first, she would love it. She is also working on her friendships and working out conflicts without the help of the teacher. I'm debating on picking up a few more days of child care here and there to see if that would be fun for her. But overall it was a great conference! She is one great kid!
Something that I've finally put together is that she is different from Trevor in the way that she plays. I have always known that she likes her dolls where he liked his cars, and I simply figured that you play with cars different than you play with dolls. But she also likes Legos. She wanted to play with Trevor's lego people which I just thought was an extension of dolls. She also wanted to put the legos together to make houses or vehicles for the Lego people. And then there has always been her love of puzzles. She can put together the 50 states in under 2 minutes if she feels up to it. I love that if we are ever talking about different states, like yesterday morning I was explaining my love of Hawaii again and Trevor started asking about Texas and Gwen ran to get out the states puzzle so she could put it together and Trevor could show her which state we were talking about.
It seems to me that it she really enjoys putting things together....I wonder if this will translate to a career for her in some way. Maybe a fashion designer...that is something I would see as fitting her interests.... Have I explained how she cannot get enough of my jewelry? She loves the necklaces and one class ring that I have in my jewelry box. When she asked to wear one, I explained when she was wearing a pretty dress I would let her borrow them. Now, whenever she is wearing her two playdresses, she runs upstairs and grabs one of the necklaces and class ring and wears them throughout the day. Putting together the perfect outfit is a must for this girl. And what gets me is that she has a whole box filled with her own jewelry and she will play with it, but she knows it isn't good enough to actually wear out in public. *sigh* Maybe if I hit up Claires she will be satisfied....
We had her preschool conference last Thursday and it went very well. Right now she is not very interested in drawing or writing, and actually I'm sort of surprised. When she is at home, if I ask her to create a card for someones birthday she loves to do it. If we break out new pens, pencils, or markers she right away wants to use them. But if she is at preschool it seems as though she does the minimum for what is asked and then runs to the next thing. Perhaps preschool is too fun and if she can play first, she would love it. She is also working on her friendships and working out conflicts without the help of the teacher. I'm debating on picking up a few more days of child care here and there to see if that would be fun for her. But overall it was a great conference! She is one great kid!
Something that I've finally put together is that she is different from Trevor in the way that she plays. I have always known that she likes her dolls where he liked his cars, and I simply figured that you play with cars different than you play with dolls. But she also likes Legos. She wanted to play with Trevor's lego people which I just thought was an extension of dolls. She also wanted to put the legos together to make houses or vehicles for the Lego people. And then there has always been her love of puzzles. She can put together the 50 states in under 2 minutes if she feels up to it. I love that if we are ever talking about different states, like yesterday morning I was explaining my love of Hawaii again and Trevor started asking about Texas and Gwen ran to get out the states puzzle so she could put it together and Trevor could show her which state we were talking about.
It seems to me that it she really enjoys putting things together....I wonder if this will translate to a career for her in some way. Maybe a fashion designer...that is something I would see as fitting her interests.... Have I explained how she cannot get enough of my jewelry? She loves the necklaces and one class ring that I have in my jewelry box. When she asked to wear one, I explained when she was wearing a pretty dress I would let her borrow them. Now, whenever she is wearing her two playdresses, she runs upstairs and grabs one of the necklaces and class ring and wears them throughout the day. Putting together the perfect outfit is a must for this girl. And what gets me is that she has a whole box filled with her own jewelry and she will play with it, but she knows it isn't good enough to actually wear out in public. *sigh* Maybe if I hit up Claires she will be satisfied....
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thankful for my little Turkey
Another year has come and gone. Another year where it is getting harder and harder to remember my life before being a mom. Although in some respects it seems to be getting more challenging, I would say that in the same respect, it brings a bigger rewarding feeling as you get through it.
We spent the day how I thought Trevor would enjoy it. He requested that I make him his eggo waffles for breakfast...I guess I make them better out of the toaster than he does?....I threw in a quick batch of pillsbury sweet rolls that both kids enjoyed. We headed to Benihana for lunch since that is Trevor's favorite place to eat...but on Sundays they are open at 1pm at the earliest. If anyone has ever eaten there, their lunch portions are not much smaller than their dinner portions. So while we wanted to eat dinner on the early side, most of us were pretty full after the big lunch.
But the lunch was a fun time. Backtracking a bit....for the past two days Trevor has had a little head cold. Nothing by far to worry about or to derail him from anything, but as I have previously mentioned, he has a hard time sleeping, nightmares, talking in his sleep, etc. So he isn't exactly well rested. Hopefully tonight will be different, but during the last few days he has been very lethargic. So when we were out to lunch, he seemed tired, but I think he still ate ok and had a good time.
We came back home, had dinner, sang, open gifts, ate more and played with a lot of his gifts. As a slight side note....Gwen did a great job today letting Trevor be in the spotlight. I think it helped having her birthday recently and yet also having some extended family too. She is beginning to understand her day will come again and she respected Trevor's wishes to open his own gifts, blow out his own candles and more than one occasion today both kids hugged each other and told each other they loved them. (it warms a mom's heart)
We were able to drag he away from his most prized possession, the 3DS to play with the dart guns, but he also really enjoyed every single gift he got. The kitten and Trevor and even Gwen got squealing over the spy R/C car. And because we started the nighttime routine early enough I'm pretty sure I won't be seeing much of Trevor until he reads and rereads his Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. At least he can put a bunch of reading minutes into his reading log now. But I also had to repeat to him the fact that he CANNOT wake up before 6:30am to read. And that he would have plenty of time to read before and after breakfast if he got a good night's sleep. I am happy that he does love to read.
Looking back at the past year, I know that this year is going to be a significant improvement for Trevor. We have really found a groove and a lot of his interests and can make sure he gets to enjoy life and learn a lot too. I can't wait to see what this next year brings to him.
We spent the day how I thought Trevor would enjoy it. He requested that I make him his eggo waffles for breakfast...I guess I make them better out of the toaster than he does?....I threw in a quick batch of pillsbury sweet rolls that both kids enjoyed. We headed to Benihana for lunch since that is Trevor's favorite place to eat...but on Sundays they are open at 1pm at the earliest. If anyone has ever eaten there, their lunch portions are not much smaller than their dinner portions. So while we wanted to eat dinner on the early side, most of us were pretty full after the big lunch.
But the lunch was a fun time. Backtracking a bit....for the past two days Trevor has had a little head cold. Nothing by far to worry about or to derail him from anything, but as I have previously mentioned, he has a hard time sleeping, nightmares, talking in his sleep, etc. So he isn't exactly well rested. Hopefully tonight will be different, but during the last few days he has been very lethargic. So when we were out to lunch, he seemed tired, but I think he still ate ok and had a good time.
We came back home, had dinner, sang, open gifts, ate more and played with a lot of his gifts. As a slight side note....Gwen did a great job today letting Trevor be in the spotlight. I think it helped having her birthday recently and yet also having some extended family too. She is beginning to understand her day will come again and she respected Trevor's wishes to open his own gifts, blow out his own candles and more than one occasion today both kids hugged each other and told each other they loved them. (it warms a mom's heart)
We were able to drag he away from his most prized possession, the 3DS to play with the dart guns, but he also really enjoyed every single gift he got. The kitten and Trevor and even Gwen got squealing over the spy R/C car. And because we started the nighttime routine early enough I'm pretty sure I won't be seeing much of Trevor until he reads and rereads his Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. At least he can put a bunch of reading minutes into his reading log now. But I also had to repeat to him the fact that he CANNOT wake up before 6:30am to read. And that he would have plenty of time to read before and after breakfast if he got a good night's sleep. I am happy that he does love to read.
Looking back at the past year, I know that this year is going to be a significant improvement for Trevor. We have really found a groove and a lot of his interests and can make sure he gets to enjoy life and learn a lot too. I can't wait to see what this next year brings to him.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
One crazy week
It was a busy week for us, ending on a "last day of being 7" for the young man. Both kids had school until Wednesday this week and the only activity that didn't happen was Chess club on Monday. I'm sure Trevor would have wanted it to happen, but at least we were able to keep mostly busy until Thanksgiving. The kids even had swimming lessons on Wednesday, and I'm sure because most people left for the weekend, she had a private lesson. Trevor had a few less kids in his class as well.
Thanksgiving Thursday went off without a hitch...I think. I did my usual turkey, stuffing, rolls, green been dish. The kids were kind enough to help with the cleaning the night before and day of. We had a houseful of 15 people, still missing a few folks but had a good time.
This year Black Friday started Thanksgiving evening. I picked up a good friend at 10pm and we didn't get back home until about 3:30am. Strangely enough, I didn't pick up anything more than some stocking stuffers for Christmas, mostly some REALLY good deals on home stuff and some snowpants for Trevor since his have gone missing. We went from Toys R Us to Herbergers to Kohls to Target. Kohls was a complete disaster and the one store I could have done without. Herbergers was the one I came out of thinking that I got a really good deal and it was very well run. It was a very different night than in the past because of how early the stores were open. I do think I like it better this way because I could come home and sleep for a little while before the kids woke up. It did take me most of the day to recover from everything that had happened that day.
So the rest of the day was pretty low key...finishing up the cleaning...laundry....just relaxing....then Trevor and Russ were going to go to the Wild game, but Trevor decided he didn't want to go. So Russ took Gwen instead. I thought Trevor was going to get upset, but he didn't. He genuinely didn't want to go. So he and I had a little time to ourselves. I decided I wanted to have a little date night with him, and we went to California Pizza Kitchen. He said he was going to be embarrassed only with one other person, but when we got there, and he saw that it wasn't like a table for 10 and only the two of us, he was good. I had a very peaceful and pleasant conversation with him. Because we were at a mall, I also asked him to come and get his Christmas sweater with me because I knew they were still having good sales. That spawned some questions about if I like to shop or not. I know I have said it before, but I really need to do that more often. The night ended with us chatting right before he went to bed about what a good time we both had that night. And I also know that Gwen had a great time too.
And now it is Saturday. We spent the morning seeing the new Muppet movie, and I was VERY VERY happy. I'm glad I had the kids watch the Muppet Show because a lot of it references that as well as a bunch of the Muppet movies. The kids are familiar with The Muppets Take Manhattan but none of the other ones. And I know they probably didn't appreciate the 80's music as I did, but WOW....I have a big appreciation for Jason Segel. I watched him on SNL and learned he co-wrote the story and if that guy doesn't have a perfect understanding of the Muppets I don't know who does. I hope they do well with the movie!
And now we begin the preparations for the kid to turn 8. I think I'm ahead of the game and feeling pretty good about being ready for tomorrow. More to come tomorrow on that event.
Thanksgiving Thursday went off without a hitch...I think. I did my usual turkey, stuffing, rolls, green been dish. The kids were kind enough to help with the cleaning the night before and day of. We had a houseful of 15 people, still missing a few folks but had a good time.
This year Black Friday started Thanksgiving evening. I picked up a good friend at 10pm and we didn't get back home until about 3:30am. Strangely enough, I didn't pick up anything more than some stocking stuffers for Christmas, mostly some REALLY good deals on home stuff and some snowpants for Trevor since his have gone missing. We went from Toys R Us to Herbergers to Kohls to Target. Kohls was a complete disaster and the one store I could have done without. Herbergers was the one I came out of thinking that I got a really good deal and it was very well run. It was a very different night than in the past because of how early the stores were open. I do think I like it better this way because I could come home and sleep for a little while before the kids woke up. It did take me most of the day to recover from everything that had happened that day.
So the rest of the day was pretty low key...finishing up the cleaning...laundry....just relaxing....then Trevor and Russ were going to go to the Wild game, but Trevor decided he didn't want to go. So Russ took Gwen instead. I thought Trevor was going to get upset, but he didn't. He genuinely didn't want to go. So he and I had a little time to ourselves. I decided I wanted to have a little date night with him, and we went to California Pizza Kitchen. He said he was going to be embarrassed only with one other person, but when we got there, and he saw that it wasn't like a table for 10 and only the two of us, he was good. I had a very peaceful and pleasant conversation with him. Because we were at a mall, I also asked him to come and get his Christmas sweater with me because I knew they were still having good sales. That spawned some questions about if I like to shop or not. I know I have said it before, but I really need to do that more often. The night ended with us chatting right before he went to bed about what a good time we both had that night. And I also know that Gwen had a great time too.
And now it is Saturday. We spent the morning seeing the new Muppet movie, and I was VERY VERY happy. I'm glad I had the kids watch the Muppet Show because a lot of it references that as well as a bunch of the Muppet movies. The kids are familiar with The Muppets Take Manhattan but none of the other ones. And I know they probably didn't appreciate the 80's music as I did, but WOW....I have a big appreciation for Jason Segel. I watched him on SNL and learned he co-wrote the story and if that guy doesn't have a perfect understanding of the Muppets I don't know who does. I hope they do well with the movie!
And now we begin the preparations for the kid to turn 8. I think I'm ahead of the game and feeling pretty good about being ready for tomorrow. More to come tomorrow on that event.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
It's Trevor's Turn
With his actual birthday coming up, the time has come to focus on Trevor. Much to the disappointment of Gwen. Which is strange because at least Trevor has to let her tag along to his birthday party and I let her have her friend party without Trevor.
So today was the party, because having a birthday on or near Thanksgiving is not very travel friendly for his friends. We move it usually to the weekend before so we can stay in the same month. During the summer, he had asked to have his party at a place termed Chutes and Ladders. It is an outdoor park that does have some water spraying involved. I tried to explain that even if the actual park was closed, that they turn off the water around Labor Day. Trevor thought that as long as it hadn't snowed by his party, he could still have it there and possibly even involve getting wet. Oh how quickly he forgets how yucky it gets in the fall. Strangely enough, the same day as his party is the day that we get snowed on.
This was the second year in a row we decided to get out of the house and let someone else help with the party planning. Good for me because although I can be organized enough to plan a party, I usually don't like trying to stay low stress when I have to entertain the guests. This year we went to a party place where they had mini golf, batting cages, a soft foam ball pit/ball shooting area, arcade, bumper cars, and laser tag. The place was packed with people. Some probably close to their teens, and some younger than Trevor's group. But really, it was a great age at least for him to be there. They didn't get to do the batting cage because it didn't move as quick as he wanted it to, and I didn't know really how it all worked anyway. But otherwise the kids did get to do everything else. Laser tag was Trevor's favorite. Gwen was happy playing the arcade games, doing a mini golf round, and she got into the ball pit early enough to avoid the huge kids.
Then of course the weather hit throughout the time we were there. Thankfully, we were able to get home at a decent time, but everyone was pretty hungry. Immediately, Trevor wanted to get back outside in the snow. Also thankfully, his snowpants from last year still fit him. It wasn't quite enough snow to make a snowman...I think...but I know he had a good time sweeping the deck off and finding other fun things to do with the snow.
It's Trevor's turn to be in his favorite place - the spotlight. Although officially 8 days away, I think because of the party, I'm calling it in his birthday week now. I'm excited to see what he makes of his special week!
So today was the party, because having a birthday on or near Thanksgiving is not very travel friendly for his friends. We move it usually to the weekend before so we can stay in the same month. During the summer, he had asked to have his party at a place termed Chutes and Ladders. It is an outdoor park that does have some water spraying involved. I tried to explain that even if the actual park was closed, that they turn off the water around Labor Day. Trevor thought that as long as it hadn't snowed by his party, he could still have it there and possibly even involve getting wet. Oh how quickly he forgets how yucky it gets in the fall. Strangely enough, the same day as his party is the day that we get snowed on.
This was the second year in a row we decided to get out of the house and let someone else help with the party planning. Good for me because although I can be organized enough to plan a party, I usually don't like trying to stay low stress when I have to entertain the guests. This year we went to a party place where they had mini golf, batting cages, a soft foam ball pit/ball shooting area, arcade, bumper cars, and laser tag. The place was packed with people. Some probably close to their teens, and some younger than Trevor's group. But really, it was a great age at least for him to be there. They didn't get to do the batting cage because it didn't move as quick as he wanted it to, and I didn't know really how it all worked anyway. But otherwise the kids did get to do everything else. Laser tag was Trevor's favorite. Gwen was happy playing the arcade games, doing a mini golf round, and she got into the ball pit early enough to avoid the huge kids.
Then of course the weather hit throughout the time we were there. Thankfully, we were able to get home at a decent time, but everyone was pretty hungry. Immediately, Trevor wanted to get back outside in the snow. Also thankfully, his snowpants from last year still fit him. It wasn't quite enough snow to make a snowman...I think...but I know he had a good time sweeping the deck off and finding other fun things to do with the snow.
It's Trevor's turn to be in his favorite place - the spotlight. Although officially 8 days away, I think because of the party, I'm calling it in his birthday week now. I'm excited to see what he makes of his special week!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It's Time to Play the Music
So I have no idea who reads this blog. I do know that it is mostly my immediate family and that my intention for writing this is to give it as a gift to my kids when they are old enough to have their own kids. Regardless, I don't know how many people understand my interest obsession with The Muppets. So I will create a short backstory.... Yes as a child, I watched Sesame Street. I really liked it. Even when my younger brothers were watching it, I would also enjoy catching an episode or two. But really I became a true muppet fan when my dad and I would watch the weekly show when it was in its first run. I know as I was older, I could sometimes catch it on syndication but I will always remember The Muppet Show as an occasion where my dad and I saw it together.
When Jim Henson died while I was in Junior High, I was very sad. I knew there would never be another Muppet Movie or Muppet Show like what he had put on in the past. Granted I was a bit of a snotty teenager thinking about all this at the time, but oh well. I would like to clarify that I am obsessed more with the Muppets associated with the Muppet Show and Muppet Movies, not necessarily Jim Henson, but I also knew of the association of what he brought to the whole creative side of things.
So I grew up, met my love, and brought along with my obsession. I have all Muppet Movies, I had acquired a bunch of VHS tapes that I have let go....I think...and tried to continue to collect any DVDs that I don't have, that I think are worth seeing. Like I said, since Jim Henson's death there haven't been a TON of movies that have measured up to the Jim Henson era. We named our two cats Piggy and Kermie (both girls) that we got in 1998. I have a tattoo of Kermit that I got in 2006. I do have the first 3 Seasons (of 5) that they released via Disney. Oh, that reminds me...how lucky is it that Disney now has acquired The Muppets? It's now a permanent attraction at Disney World much to my LOVE!!! Plus, Disney has got a great marketing strategy and plenty of funds to draw from!
I am extremely tempted to get the whole series via a non-disney supplier of the Muppet Show. I do know that Disney decided to edit the shows individually and not include everything as originally shown. It makes me sad, but I don't know that I'm the type of person to care a whole lot about one particular show, I just like being able to watch a show here or there and get into the big skits like Pigs in Space, Swedish Chef, and Muppet Labs. I do wonder how much longer they are going to wait to release those last two seasons! Maybe after their new movie?
Yes, I am very excited to see the new Muppet movie. Like I said, its now a Disney property and they are promoting the heck out of it. I already got a free movie pass when we do go. But the reason I'm really writing is that although I had watched most of the Muppet Show series, I thought I should break it out in preparation for the movie. I would like the kids to be at least knowledgeable about the music they will hear at the movie.
And so it begins. I decided to start at the beginning even though I thought the beginning was a bit slow. Fortunately, I hit the kids at a perfect time in their lives. Because the show was less than a half hour, it keeps Gwen's attention and Trevor is ROLLING around laughing so hard about everything in the show that he often misses most of the next thing that happens because it is so fast moving. It just gives me such a warm feeling to be able to share this feeling with them. Thankfully, I think I have a good thing to throw on the TV when we are looking for a quick pick-me-up.
For those of you that are interested: I'm pretty sure that Trevor's favorite part is anytime Stadler and Waldorf talk. He knows they do or say something funny. But the one he is currently quoting all the time is a skit that Fozzy did about the Wild West where he came in and held up the saloon with pickles. You have to ask him about it if you really want to see something fun!
So 15 more days until the release! It's time to play the music! It's time to light the lights! It's time to get things started!!!!!
When Jim Henson died while I was in Junior High, I was very sad. I knew there would never be another Muppet Movie or Muppet Show like what he had put on in the past. Granted I was a bit of a snotty teenager thinking about all this at the time, but oh well. I would like to clarify that I am obsessed more with the Muppets associated with the Muppet Show and Muppet Movies, not necessarily Jim Henson, but I also knew of the association of what he brought to the whole creative side of things.
So I grew up, met my love, and brought along with my obsession. I have all Muppet Movies, I had acquired a bunch of VHS tapes that I have let go....I think...and tried to continue to collect any DVDs that I don't have, that I think are worth seeing. Like I said, since Jim Henson's death there haven't been a TON of movies that have measured up to the Jim Henson era. We named our two cats Piggy and Kermie (both girls) that we got in 1998. I have a tattoo of Kermit that I got in 2006. I do have the first 3 Seasons (of 5) that they released via Disney. Oh, that reminds me...how lucky is it that Disney now has acquired The Muppets? It's now a permanent attraction at Disney World much to my LOVE!!! Plus, Disney has got a great marketing strategy and plenty of funds to draw from!
I am extremely tempted to get the whole series via a non-disney supplier of the Muppet Show. I do know that Disney decided to edit the shows individually and not include everything as originally shown. It makes me sad, but I don't know that I'm the type of person to care a whole lot about one particular show, I just like being able to watch a show here or there and get into the big skits like Pigs in Space, Swedish Chef, and Muppet Labs. I do wonder how much longer they are going to wait to release those last two seasons! Maybe after their new movie?
Yes, I am very excited to see the new Muppet movie. Like I said, its now a Disney property and they are promoting the heck out of it. I already got a free movie pass when we do go. But the reason I'm really writing is that although I had watched most of the Muppet Show series, I thought I should break it out in preparation for the movie. I would like the kids to be at least knowledgeable about the music they will hear at the movie.
And so it begins. I decided to start at the beginning even though I thought the beginning was a bit slow. Fortunately, I hit the kids at a perfect time in their lives. Because the show was less than a half hour, it keeps Gwen's attention and Trevor is ROLLING around laughing so hard about everything in the show that he often misses most of the next thing that happens because it is so fast moving. It just gives me such a warm feeling to be able to share this feeling with them. Thankfully, I think I have a good thing to throw on the TV when we are looking for a quick pick-me-up.
For those of you that are interested: I'm pretty sure that Trevor's favorite part is anytime Stadler and Waldorf talk. He knows they do or say something funny. But the one he is currently quoting all the time is a skit that Fozzy did about the Wild West where he came in and held up the saloon with pickles. You have to ask him about it if you really want to see something fun!
So 15 more days until the release! It's time to play the music! It's time to light the lights! It's time to get things started!!!!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Deck Project
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.
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.
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