In preparation of spending time away from my kiddos while they visit my parents, I was having a serious talk with Elaina about how Grandma will take care of her while she is visiting and that if she needs anything, Grandma can help her. I also reminded Elaina that Grandma H. is my mom and is the one who taught me how to be a good mom too. While on topic, I also decided to inquire if my daughter shared the same opinion of "The Good Mom Title."
Me: "Elaina? Do you think that I am a good mom?"
Elaina: (in the most sincere, serious tone a 5 year-old can muster)(looking me straight in the eye)
"I think that you are the best Mom I could ever ask for."
And AS IF I could love that darling, little girl any more than I already do. Her words were like gold to me.
In the grand scheme of my life, my career and anything I ever choose to do - that alone, is one of the single most defining moments in my life. My daughter's rating of my job performance thus far. Golden.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Portability
Wouldn't it just happen that I have loads of cutie pictures to upload and our desktop (which I prefer) takes a dump the same night I actually have time to spend here?
So the laptop and me. We're becoming friends. It is considerably more comfortable sitting in the recliner with my feet kicked up and cuddled under a warm blanket. And funny enough, if my blog writings actually do survive the test of time for my children to read, how funny to them that we still have a desktop computer? < I like it okay?>
For the sake of catching up, we've been enjoying some pretty busy days around here. Today marks the beginning of Elaina's first elementary school spring break. She's been excited to spend time playing with her friends at the babysitter's house, but she and Lincoln are far more excited for Wednesday when they get to go to grandma and grandpa's house for the remainder of the week. Every single morning, Lincoln gets ticked off when he discovers that it isn't "Grandma and Grandpa day" yet.
While I wouldn't exactly say that I'm excited to ship my kids off, having a break in our routine is good for everyone. My agenda includes tackling some household projects, arriving at work on time and a lovely date with my husband on Friday night. And as long as we're talking about spring break, I hope this 30 degree weather breaks soon so as to give my parents a break to enjoy some time outdoors with my kids! Wish them luck!
So the laptop and me. We're becoming friends. It is considerably more comfortable sitting in the recliner with my feet kicked up and cuddled under a warm blanket. And funny enough, if my blog writings actually do survive the test of time for my children to read, how funny to them that we still have a desktop computer? < I like it okay?>
For the sake of catching up, we've been enjoying some pretty busy days around here. Today marks the beginning of Elaina's first elementary school spring break. She's been excited to spend time playing with her friends at the babysitter's house, but she and Lincoln are far more excited for Wednesday when they get to go to grandma and grandpa's house for the remainder of the week. Every single morning, Lincoln gets ticked off when he discovers that it isn't "Grandma and Grandpa day" yet.
While I wouldn't exactly say that I'm excited to ship my kids off, having a break in our routine is good for everyone. My agenda includes tackling some household projects, arriving at work on time and a lovely date with my husband on Friday night. And as long as we're talking about spring break, I hope this 30 degree weather breaks soon so as to give my parents a break to enjoy some time outdoors with my kids! Wish them luck!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Unprepared
When I had this bright idea to give myself a fresh start with this whole blogging bit, my intention was to blog a little each and every night. Random thoughts. Stuff we did that day. Funny things my kids said. Pretty much anything would be acceptable as long as I made time.
But - TIME! The key component to any project. Definitely need time.
I wasn't prepared for the too-late bedtimes involving pulling out the 5 day-old dangling tooth from my daughter. (which I saddled Eric with) The whining pleas from my son needing his 4th last- hug of the night. At 10:00! My husband whose work schedule generally involves limited traveling seems to amp up this time of year, sending him packing a few times each month. The laundry piling up because this winter has been brutally cold and we're piling on layers of clothes to keep warm. And our once a week commitment to attending "church school" to become new members of the church.
With that said, tonight was one of those random nights of obligation: "Preschool Literacy Night." The only way I even found out about it being scheduled for this evening was by a random check on their website. Also, I didn't exactly know that they intended for the actual *almost* preschoolers to join in. I arrived at the school early and saw other parents walking their Littles into the building. I speed- dialed Eric and told him to hustle our little fellow on up to the school. I was both surprised and impressed at how well Lincoln followed along with the program until story time when he began to pick his nose and held it out to the librarian, announcing "I got a booger!" Right during the story. Right in front of all of the other kids, parents and staff. Awesome!
When you have kids, I think it would be fair to say that you can never be prepared for what will come next!
But - TIME! The key component to any project. Definitely need time.
I wasn't prepared for the too-late bedtimes involving pulling out the 5 day-old dangling tooth from my daughter. (which I saddled Eric with) The whining pleas from my son needing his 4th last- hug of the night. At 10:00! My husband whose work schedule generally involves limited traveling seems to amp up this time of year, sending him packing a few times each month. The laundry piling up because this winter has been brutally cold and we're piling on layers of clothes to keep warm. And our once a week commitment to attending "church school" to become new members of the church.
With that said, tonight was one of those random nights of obligation: "Preschool Literacy Night." The only way I even found out about it being scheduled for this evening was by a random check on their website. Also, I didn't exactly know that they intended for the actual *almost* preschoolers to join in. I arrived at the school early and saw other parents walking their Littles into the building. I speed- dialed Eric and told him to hustle our little fellow on up to the school. I was both surprised and impressed at how well Lincoln followed along with the program until story time when he began to pick his nose and held it out to the librarian, announcing "I got a booger!" Right during the story. Right in front of all of the other kids, parents and staff. Awesome!
When you have kids, I think it would be fair to say that you can never be prepared for what will come next!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Away in P.A.
Pittsburgh (and Pennsylvania in general) is easily becoming one of our favorite weekend and mini-cation destinations. We have become huge fans of the Pittsburgh Children's Museum and only recently discovered the Pittsburgh Science Center. Ah-mazing places they are!
Over the long MLK weekend, we took a quick overnighter to Pittsburgh with the sole objective of playing, relaxing and resting. As a result: we put so much energy into playing that the rest and relaxation were only squeezed in during car rides. Ha! So much for that plan!
Some highlights of our trip include:
* Like many of our other Hotel Hijinx, the pool at our hotel was closed for maintenance. Part of the reason we plan overnighter stays is for the very specific reason of having a pool. They sent us next door (literally, outside to the next building over) to what could only be described as a 1960's style "bath house" which lay claim to a huge sized swimming pool that was only minimally heated. And since they didn't allow any inflatable water-wings, our kids relied on (pool provided) pool noodles and a couple random life jackets that we scrounged up from their heaping pile of kick-boards. Still fun. But not what we were anticipating.
* We chose our hotel location near the ever-popular hot spot "Carson Street." Come to realize that it's only hot to those who are single, early 30's and loaded! Basically a very grown-up venue. And since we decided to walk Carson Street to find a restaurant for dinner, we ended up at what seemed to be a very high class restaurant with our (very tired) 3 and 5 year olds in tow. Eric and I enjoyed our dinners (at "market price!") while the kids laid across our corner booth seat munching on their special order french fries, grilled cheese and chicken strips that the chefs generously prepared upon request. (Classy restaurants: no kids menus!)(doh.)
* Something even more interesting about our dining experience: Once we arrived at our table, Eric was taking off his coat to reveal his MVFD (fire dept.) sweatshirt and a guy one table over asks if that fire department is on Ohio or in Pennsylvania. The guy's face lit up when Eric replied "Ohio" and said "no way, that's where we live!" Seriously, out of small town of about 850, what are the chances that we meet some local villagers at the ritzy, Carson Street establishment?
As for the rest of our trip, I think that the pictures may be the best way for a recap of some of the fun we had at the museums.
The "Yo-You" pulley lifting Elaina into the air (Lincoln did this one too!)
Lincoln at the wheel of a submarine
Over the long MLK weekend, we took a quick overnighter to Pittsburgh with the sole objective of playing, relaxing and resting. As a result: we put so much energy into playing that the rest and relaxation were only squeezed in during car rides. Ha! So much for that plan!
Some highlights of our trip include:
* Like many of our other Hotel Hijinx, the pool at our hotel was closed for maintenance. Part of the reason we plan overnighter stays is for the very specific reason of having a pool. They sent us next door (literally, outside to the next building over) to what could only be described as a 1960's style "bath house" which lay claim to a huge sized swimming pool that was only minimally heated. And since they didn't allow any inflatable water-wings, our kids relied on (pool provided) pool noodles and a couple random life jackets that we scrounged up from their heaping pile of kick-boards. Still fun. But not what we were anticipating.
* We chose our hotel location near the ever-popular hot spot "Carson Street." Come to realize that it's only hot to those who are single, early 30's and loaded! Basically a very grown-up venue. And since we decided to walk Carson Street to find a restaurant for dinner, we ended up at what seemed to be a very high class restaurant with our (very tired) 3 and 5 year olds in tow. Eric and I enjoyed our dinners (at "market price!") while the kids laid across our corner booth seat munching on their special order french fries, grilled cheese and chicken strips that the chefs generously prepared upon request. (Classy restaurants: no kids menus!)(doh.)
* Something even more interesting about our dining experience: Once we arrived at our table, Eric was taking off his coat to reveal his MVFD (fire dept.) sweatshirt and a guy one table over asks if that fire department is on Ohio or in Pennsylvania. The guy's face lit up when Eric replied "Ohio" and said "no way, that's where we live!" Seriously, out of small town of about 850, what are the chances that we meet some local villagers at the ritzy, Carson Street establishment?
As for the rest of our trip, I think that the pictures may be the best way for a recap of some of the fun we had at the museums.
Rocket launch with paper rockets crafted by Eric and Elaina
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Big Mouse
I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to look at a mini- wheel of colby jack cheese the same way ever again. Which is most interesting since that has been Elaina's cheese-of-choice for her lunch sandwiches.
A few weeks back, Lincoln was on a snack spree and wanted to graze on snack food for what seemed to be most of the day. While the rest of the family was in the other room, he helped himself to his snack-of-choice for that moment. I walked into the kitchen to find my precocious little man sitting at the kitchen table chomping on the entire slab of cheese slices, fresh from the deli. Bite mark after bite mark from every angle.
I'm pretty sure he got his requirement of calcium that day.
A few weeks back, Lincoln was on a snack spree and wanted to graze on snack food for what seemed to be most of the day. While the rest of the family was in the other room, he helped himself to his snack-of-choice for that moment. I walked into the kitchen to find my precocious little man sitting at the kitchen table chomping on the entire slab of cheese slices, fresh from the deli. Bite mark after bite mark from every angle.
I'm pretty sure he got his requirement of calcium that day.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Membership and Privileges
It all started about a year and a half ago. Elaina received a postcard from a friend of ours, inviting her to come to Vacation Bible School. She was thrilled, we agreed, she went. And she LOVED it! I can still remember her asking several days after it concluded if she could go back to VBS.
On her last day there, they had a little finale program for the parents to attend with a bonfire to follow. We all had a good time. The following Sunday, they invited the kids back to perform some songs for the congregation and Elaina begged to go. The setting was comfortable and the people were friendly. And since we had previously decided we would start "shopping around" for a church to attend, we found that we settled into this one quite nicely and our search was over before we really began.
It's been some time now that we've been attending church as a family. We've come to know even more people and we've even gotten involved with some of the functions they offer. After all this time, we've decided to make the commitment to become actual members of this church. The membership classes have begun and we will be sharing in membership in the church by the middle of April. I'm trusting that this membership comes with the best rewards program around.
On her last day there, they had a little finale program for the parents to attend with a bonfire to follow. We all had a good time. The following Sunday, they invited the kids back to perform some songs for the congregation and Elaina begged to go. The setting was comfortable and the people were friendly. And since we had previously decided we would start "shopping around" for a church to attend, we found that we settled into this one quite nicely and our search was over before we really began.
It's been some time now that we've been attending church as a family. We've come to know even more people and we've even gotten involved with some of the functions they offer. After all this time, we've decided to make the commitment to become actual members of this church. The membership classes have begun and we will be sharing in membership in the church by the middle of April. I'm trusting that this membership comes with the best rewards program around.
All Yours
I have more than a little catching up to do. Per usual.
Way back when it was actually Valentine's Day, I made my first appearance as a "Room Mom" for Elaina's Valentine's Day party. She was entirely thrilled to see me in her classroom and was beaming with pride as she passed out her heart covered plates and napkins to her friends. The kids were wild with excitement, sugar and their newly- gifted Valentine mail. It was like 27 little jumping beans bouncing, bobbing and babbling for 45 minutes straight. Absolute fun!
The day was even more special when both of my kids received Valentine Day cards in the mail. Some with stickers, some with money and some covered with their favorite characters and 3D glasses. My day, in fact, was made a little more special too when a luscious box of chocolate covered strawberries was delivered to me at work by my Dear Husband. You can imagine my surprise at this gift since I have been known to tell him to save the money of sending flowers since they only last such a short amount of time. Chocolate covered strawberries though - that was creative, thoughtful and delicious!
Way back when it was actually Valentine's Day, I made my first appearance as a "Room Mom" for Elaina's Valentine's Day party. She was entirely thrilled to see me in her classroom and was beaming with pride as she passed out her heart covered plates and napkins to her friends. The kids were wild with excitement, sugar and their newly- gifted Valentine mail. It was like 27 little jumping beans bouncing, bobbing and babbling for 45 minutes straight. Absolute fun!
The day was even more special when both of my kids received Valentine Day cards in the mail. Some with stickers, some with money and some covered with their favorite characters and 3D glasses. My day, in fact, was made a little more special too when a luscious box of chocolate covered strawberries was delivered to me at work by my Dear Husband. You can imagine my surprise at this gift since I have been known to tell him to save the money of sending flowers since they only last such a short amount of time. Chocolate covered strawberries though - that was creative, thoughtful and delicious!
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