Tom had a gig -complete with light show and fog machine-tonight, but he is busy getting presents organized for the morning now.
The boys and I went to Cindy and Rick's for Christmas Eve dinner-which was a lot of fun. The coffee, cookies and dinner were all wonderful. The boys exchanged gifts with Trevor and Annika and we headed back home to get ready for bed.
After opening Christmas pajamas, Ian got his Santa cookies and milk ready, along with a card he made today that says "Santa, I Love You". We read the Grinch while Connor began serious meltdown hour, mostly due to his big molar teeth that are coming in this week. Great timing!
Ian was in bed and the boys were asleep rather quickly. So now, the work begins-Tom is putting together toys and I will be getting things ready after I finish this.
My mom is coming in-she was supposed to be here this evening, but her flight was canceled so she is flying out tomorrow morning and will be here in the afternoon. She decided to stay over in the airport, so I've checked on her a few times and she seems to be okay. Her flight is early and going through Atlanta now, instead of Detroit, so I imagine that she should have no really troubles getting here, but I am keeping my fingers crossed. Say a little extra Merry Christmas for her as I know she is a little disappointed not to be here as planned and staying in the airport cannot be any fun.
Alright-off to make Santa's arrival is very smooth! Stay tuned for Christmas details tomorrow!
Merry Christmas to everyone and may you have a peaceful and joyful time with family or friends.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Preparations
Cookies....errands....making ornaments with googly eyes....Ian adding sprinkles to cookies... dropping off presents....rearranging the furniture....cleaning....phone calls....emails....work....
I actually put the boys to bed tonight and took a bath. Then I tackled the dishes (did I mention that the dishwasher is not cleaning? RRR) and attached photos to ornaments. Next a cup of tea before finishing presents and deciding what will need to get done tomorrow.
But the best part was driving home with the boys tonight and spotting an enormous lighted snowman in one of the neighborhoods. We followed the lights and discovered a little cul-de-sac had music and tons of Christmas displays. The boys were totally awed and Ian was delighted to point out everything he saw to Connor, who responded with a big "WOW!" each time.
As we drove away, Ian said, "Santa said hi to me."
All the hustle and bustle is worth it to see their faces and hear their happy voices.
I actually put the boys to bed tonight and took a bath. Then I tackled the dishes (did I mention that the dishwasher is not cleaning? RRR) and attached photos to ornaments. Next a cup of tea before finishing presents and deciding what will need to get done tomorrow.
But the best part was driving home with the boys tonight and spotting an enormous lighted snowman in one of the neighborhoods. We followed the lights and discovered a little cul-de-sac had music and tons of Christmas displays. The boys were totally awed and Ian was delighted to point out everything he saw to Connor, who responded with a big "WOW!" each time.
As we drove away, Ian said, "Santa said hi to me."
All the hustle and bustle is worth it to see their faces and hear their happy voices.
Monday, December 22, 2008
You Know You are Loved When.....
-your husband asks you if you want an English muffin, with the timeless phrase:
"I only took one bite out of it and Connor dropped it on the floor, but it's okay."
That's love.
-your son, who has just yesterday learned checkers by playing 5 matches against you, before your husband steps in to teach him how to play correctly (so you can't move backwards in checkers?). Following about 10 rounds of checkers yesterday, he wakes at 7am to say:
"So, Mommy, are you ready to play checkers?"
-your little son starts every conversation with:
"Daddy? Mommy?? D-mommy? Mommy? MOMMY??" (must verbally acknowledge him before he will continue with the actual point-which will contain the words "Lightning McQueen".)
-Your husband who has a toothache and has a gig at 5pm, still offers to take you to the grocery store, drives AND pays for the groceries. Which is good, because otherwise we would have no groceries. ;)
-your son tells you that while your car is very cool, it would be waaay cooler if you painted the entire outside of the car in "camo".
"Because that would be really, really awesome, Mommy!" Riiight.
-your son who is glowing with fever, yet also glowing with personality wants to sit with you all the time.
"I want up, Mommy." I pick him up, his little body roasting and radiating.
"Right, Mommy!" His new encouragement when I do something "right." We have slept on the couch for the past two nights because being sick is not right.
-your son thinks that you only want Disney Princess girly stuff for Christmas.
"We're boys and we don't like that girly stuff. Only you do, Mommy."
Do you know how tempted I am to get Ian something Disney Princess for his stocking?? Seriously??
If someone could wrap up all of these classic phrases and moments, put them in a box for me and give them to me year after year-that would be the best present in the world. I am so afraid I will forget something, but I always know how much I am loved.
"I only took one bite out of it and Connor dropped it on the floor, but it's okay."
That's love.
-your son, who has just yesterday learned checkers by playing 5 matches against you, before your husband steps in to teach him how to play correctly (so you can't move backwards in checkers?). Following about 10 rounds of checkers yesterday, he wakes at 7am to say:
"So, Mommy, are you ready to play checkers?"
-your little son starts every conversation with:
"Daddy? Mommy?? D-mommy? Mommy? MOMMY??" (must verbally acknowledge him before he will continue with the actual point-which will contain the words "Lightning McQueen".)
-Your husband who has a toothache and has a gig at 5pm, still offers to take you to the grocery store, drives AND pays for the groceries. Which is good, because otherwise we would have no groceries. ;)
-your son tells you that while your car is very cool, it would be waaay cooler if you painted the entire outside of the car in "camo".
"Because that would be really, really awesome, Mommy!" Riiight.
-your son who is glowing with fever, yet also glowing with personality wants to sit with you all the time.
"I want up, Mommy." I pick him up, his little body roasting and radiating.
"Right, Mommy!" His new encouragement when I do something "right." We have slept on the couch for the past two nights because being sick is not right.
-your son thinks that you only want Disney Princess girly stuff for Christmas.
"We're boys and we don't like that girly stuff. Only you do, Mommy."
Do you know how tempted I am to get Ian something Disney Princess for his stocking?? Seriously??
If someone could wrap up all of these classic phrases and moments, put them in a box for me and give them to me year after year-that would be the best present in the world. I am so afraid I will forget something, but I always know how much I am loved.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Tom bought the boxed set of Charlie Brown holiday DVD's and we promised Ian we would watch with hot cocoa and popcorn last night.
Ian was helpful for much of the day, including with pulling old bermuda grass and weeds and helping to get them into the green barrel. Following that, he and Connor spent a good portion of the afternoon running errands with me. Connor was running a fever by the end of errands and Ian continued to be pleasant and conversational.
He helped chose dinner and ate much of it. Following that, we gave him his mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows and a bag of popcorn. Connor fell asleep for a few hours on the couch during dinner, but we included him in watching the movie. It was so nice to just have the Christmas lights on, and sit bunched up on the beanbags together.
This morning, Connor is feeling much better. Ian is sitting on the floor playing Legos and I washed the kitchen floor with baking soda, peroxide and a little vinegar to get the grout clean. It looks very clean, but rinsing the floor is a pain. But it is clean! Like, really clean!
Today, we are going to assemble a gingerbread house for Ian and I am working on finishing some of my Christmas presents (I cannot say as some of my trusty readers might be recipients) and try to get to the grocery store so we don't have to go later this week.
Special note: Ian now weighs 38 pounds-just two pounds away from the booster seat! I have left some crackers out for him to snack and I am wondering if I buy him a booster seat and show him, if he might feel incentive to actually eat.
Ian was helpful for much of the day, including with pulling old bermuda grass and weeds and helping to get them into the green barrel. Following that, he and Connor spent a good portion of the afternoon running errands with me. Connor was running a fever by the end of errands and Ian continued to be pleasant and conversational.
He helped chose dinner and ate much of it. Following that, we gave him his mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows and a bag of popcorn. Connor fell asleep for a few hours on the couch during dinner, but we included him in watching the movie. It was so nice to just have the Christmas lights on, and sit bunched up on the beanbags together.
This morning, Connor is feeling much better. Ian is sitting on the floor playing Legos and I washed the kitchen floor with baking soda, peroxide and a little vinegar to get the grout clean. It looks very clean, but rinsing the floor is a pain. But it is clean! Like, really clean!
Today, we are going to assemble a gingerbread house for Ian and I am working on finishing some of my Christmas presents (I cannot say as some of my trusty readers might be recipients) and try to get to the grocery store so we don't have to go later this week.
Special note: Ian now weighs 38 pounds-just two pounds away from the booster seat! I have left some crackers out for him to snack and I am wondering if I buy him a booster seat and show him, if he might feel incentive to actually eat.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Panic
Mornings are not a Murphy-friendly time. We tend to run late, due to whatever is happening-Ian not wanting to get up or get dressed in timely manner or Connor not wanting to get his jacket on or Tom waking up late or me trying to make breakfast, make lunch, pack bags, pack the car and remember to eat breakfast.
This morning, Connor slept until 7:20am, through a deluge of rain and allowing me to have a quiet shower and get the dishwasher unloaded before breakfast. Ian got dressed without too much commotion and was pleasant to deal with, so of course you know that things are going much too smoothly.
Tom leaves for school and because I tend to have a guitar and several bags of school stuff and the boys backpack, I went in the garage to put my belongings in the car before getting the boys into the car. Ian followed me into the garage and we get everything situated quickly. We just need to get Connor.
And the door back into the house is now locked.
Connor is on the other side, talking to me and calling me. I knock on the door and plead with him to open the door. (no, I didn't have my keys-they were in the house) He clearly doesn't understand what I am asking him to do, as he first begins knocking back on the door. Then sensing my urgency, begins to cry. And then wail. I give up trying to coerce him to open the door and struggle between anger and panic.
Ian, ever the righteous brother, gives a monologue on what Connor did and why it is wrong-through the door. Meanwhile, I am not exactly certain where Tom hid the spare house key. I run around to the back door, which Connor does know how to unlock. I pound on the back door for him to unlock the door, but I can see him rolling on the floor by the washing machine, screaming as he probably thinks we have now left him behind. Or more likely from listening to Ian lecture him.
Thankfully and before I start to smash windows or find a neighbor, I remember that I left a key hidden a few weeks earlier and hoped that I hadn't moved it. It was still there and I ran around to the garage to open the house door.
Now Connor is at the back door, looking for me as he has finally figured out that I was at that door waiting for him. He is practically purple and heaving with alligator tears, so I scoop him up and sit with him for a moment. Then, we get into the car-with keys-with Connor- and we are now running ten minutes late.
Lesson: I need to carry keys with me. I need to teach Connor not to lock me out. I need to know where the spare keys are kept. I need to react a little more calmly so that Connor doesn't panic. I also need to laugh because it's a pretty good story.
This morning, Connor slept until 7:20am, through a deluge of rain and allowing me to have a quiet shower and get the dishwasher unloaded before breakfast. Ian got dressed without too much commotion and was pleasant to deal with, so of course you know that things are going much too smoothly.
Tom leaves for school and because I tend to have a guitar and several bags of school stuff and the boys backpack, I went in the garage to put my belongings in the car before getting the boys into the car. Ian followed me into the garage and we get everything situated quickly. We just need to get Connor.
And the door back into the house is now locked.
Connor is on the other side, talking to me and calling me. I knock on the door and plead with him to open the door. (no, I didn't have my keys-they were in the house) He clearly doesn't understand what I am asking him to do, as he first begins knocking back on the door. Then sensing my urgency, begins to cry. And then wail. I give up trying to coerce him to open the door and struggle between anger and panic.
Ian, ever the righteous brother, gives a monologue on what Connor did and why it is wrong-through the door. Meanwhile, I am not exactly certain where Tom hid the spare house key. I run around to the back door, which Connor does know how to unlock. I pound on the back door for him to unlock the door, but I can see him rolling on the floor by the washing machine, screaming as he probably thinks we have now left him behind. Or more likely from listening to Ian lecture him.
Thankfully and before I start to smash windows or find a neighbor, I remember that I left a key hidden a few weeks earlier and hoped that I hadn't moved it. It was still there and I ran around to the garage to open the house door.
Now Connor is at the back door, looking for me as he has finally figured out that I was at that door waiting for him. He is practically purple and heaving with alligator tears, so I scoop him up and sit with him for a moment. Then, we get into the car-with keys-with Connor- and we are now running ten minutes late.
Lesson: I need to carry keys with me. I need to teach Connor not to lock me out. I need to know where the spare keys are kept. I need to react a little more calmly so that Connor doesn't panic. I also need to laugh because it's a pretty good story.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
One More Day!
One more day, two more Kindergarten concerts before vacation unofficially begins on Friday.
I changed up the blog a bit with a new header photo and new template. I like the new colors, but not that everything appears smushed into the center. Let me know your thoughts....I'll tweak it a bit more as I think about it and use it more.
Other than that, Tom and I are both rather crabby tonight....which at least we both are admitting crabbiness. Adding to our mood was the fact that we found out tonight that the Santa present we chose for Connor was oversold and is not available on any website. Meaning we are back to figuring out a cool present for him AND we probably have to actually go into the toy store. Blurg, as Liz Lemon would say.
After a complete reading of the Grinch (the Grinch played by Tom and me as the narrator), the boys were back to their bedtime antics (see previous post). At one point, I heard them jumping around and getting wild, so I went all Mommy on them. As I walk in and holler, "GET INTO THAT BED RIGHT NOW!"-Ian flies into his bed, pulls his blankets up and pretends to be asleep. "Do NOT think that you can fool me with pretending to be asleep this whole time. I know you are awake, young man." Silently continuing to feign sleep-a rather stellar performance. Connor, on the other hand, has gotten into bed but continues to ask for stuffed animals already sandwiched somewhere in his bed. "Where Ribbit? " I respond that I honestly do not care where Ribbit is and have no interest in looking for him. Ribbit miraculously appears from under ten other cars and animals. Following this, the boys finally go to sleep.
It's definitely a comedy routine at our house.
I changed up the blog a bit with a new header photo and new template. I like the new colors, but not that everything appears smushed into the center. Let me know your thoughts....I'll tweak it a bit more as I think about it and use it more.
Other than that, Tom and I are both rather crabby tonight....which at least we both are admitting crabbiness. Adding to our mood was the fact that we found out tonight that the Santa present we chose for Connor was oversold and is not available on any website. Meaning we are back to figuring out a cool present for him AND we probably have to actually go into the toy store. Blurg, as Liz Lemon would say.
After a complete reading of the Grinch (the Grinch played by Tom and me as the narrator), the boys were back to their bedtime antics (see previous post). At one point, I heard them jumping around and getting wild, so I went all Mommy on them. As I walk in and holler, "GET INTO THAT BED RIGHT NOW!"-Ian flies into his bed, pulls his blankets up and pretends to be asleep. "Do NOT think that you can fool me with pretending to be asleep this whole time. I know you are awake, young man." Silently continuing to feign sleep-a rather stellar performance. Connor, on the other hand, has gotten into bed but continues to ask for stuffed animals already sandwiched somewhere in his bed. "Where Ribbit? " I respond that I honestly do not care where Ribbit is and have no interest in looking for him. Ribbit miraculously appears from under ten other cars and animals. Following this, the boys finally go to sleep.
It's definitely a comedy routine at our house.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
GO TO BED!
How do you not love this little face? Even at 3:00am, 6:00am or 10:00pm, when his chipper spirit implores you to get him something to eat, to drink or simply to join him in whatever he wants to do.
3:00am.
"Mommy??" (Mommy groggy with sleep)
"Huh?"
"Cereal."
"Connor, it's 3:00am. Go to bed."
"No. Cereal. Theese way." (pointing)
"Connor, seriously. Go to bed." (getting up to put him back into bed)
"No. Cereal. Theese way. THEESE WAY!" (Connor is remanded to his bed.)
A half an hour passes. Soft padding feet return to my bedside.
"Mommy?"
"Yeah, Connor." (not even opening eyes)
"I want up."
I pull him up next to me in bed and he falls asleep like a puppy, warm and floppy.
6:30am. Connor slides out of bed.
"Mommy?"
"Connor, it's 6:30, dude. Seriously."
"No. Mommy? Cereal. Apple JACK!" Runs off to kitchen. Returns dragging large container of apple juice.
"Mommy?"
"Yeah, Connor."
"Apple Joooose!" Pointing to juice. "There!"
I am forced to comply.
9:00pm. This time, Connor should be asleep from his 7:45pm bedtime. Ian is sound asleep. After a series of reprimands for jumping on the bed and falling off, the door slams and feet pad down the hall into the kitchen.
"Mommy?"
"Connor, go to bed."
"No. I want water."
"Connor, you had water. Time for night-night."
"No. No night-night. Water." Walking toward refrigerator, undaunted.
"Connor, it's bedtime." I scoop him up and return him to his bed.
"No, Mommy! I want water." I cover him with the blanket.
"No. Mommy. I want juice."
"Good night, Connor."
"No. Mommy, I want Lightning McQueen car." Ever the procrastinator.
Five minutes later, repeat scene.
Five minutes after that, repeat scene. Finally the child falls asleep sometime around 9:30 or 10:00pm.
3:00am. Repeat from the beginning.
Whatever possesses this boy not to sleep-be it active brainwaves or some kind of retribution for something I did to my mother as a child-YAWN....I am getting too tired to finish this point. Occasionally he sleeps until 7:15am. Occasionally he goes right to sleep.
Only occasionally.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Happy Birthday Super Aunt Sooooz!!!
I adore my sister-in-law and wish her a lovely birthday today. We all love and miss you, Soooz! We cannot wait for our Mini-Murphy reunion so we can hold a belated celebration. xoxoxo
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday Funnies
Friday came and went with few moments to catch a breath, but a day of normalcy would be too boring for us.
Tom enjoyed his day off with the boys-spending a decent chunk of time helping Ian build a Lego Agent speedboat that Ian bought with his own money. That is a story on its own and I'll find a day to write that for you. Let's just say that the concept of gift cards is a lesson that is not easy to understand.
We baked cookies and ziti for the Karate Christmas party (yes, I baked!)-Ian ate bread and butter and five million cookies, plus cake. Following dinner, the kids were brought over to sit for the raffle for prizes, including a Nintendo Wii, a skateboard and several gift cards for various restaurants, massages and for the karate studio store. Ian sat very patiently, with his hand raised the entire time. All of the other kids won the big prizes, but Mr. Meza decided to make sure that everyone has their name called for something. So, Ian won a gift card to MiAmigos restaurant. Again, because handing him a small card isn't terribly exciting, he wasn't quite sure how to react. Mr. Meza explained that he could take the card in for an ice cream or dessert at the restaurant. Says Ian, "Can I buy some Legos with it?" Anyway, I think Mr. Meza has a soft spot for Ian because he came back a few moments later with a little purple rubber martial arts bracelet for him. We explained this shows that Ian is a black (or purple) belt leader. He promptly took him home and put it around Froggy, because Froggy is a purple belt leader and he didn't go to the party. So cute.
Beyond that, the day was spent with sharks with frickin' laser beams on their head and secret agent submarines and rescue missions.
Connor woke us up this morning by having discovered a tupperware box of cookies on the kitchen counter, got a chair and got them down, carried them in to us and announced:
"HEY, COOKIE!" Vigorous pointing followed.
His latest phrases:
"Hey, Mommy!"
"Hey, Ian!"
"Hey Guys!"
"Hey Daddy-Mommy!" (I am back to being Daddy before he self-corrects)
"Watch this" Pops entire cookie into mouth.
As I say, there is really isn't a dull moment in our house. At least in our estimation, there is always a good story to be told.
RUNNING LOG: Ran 1/2 hour today -down to the main street and back-with three walk sessions interspersed. The better running shoes make a HUGE difference! Goal is to run without walking down and back to the house. That might take a few tries!
Check out the sidebar for some new pictures courtesy of Sarah!
Tom enjoyed his day off with the boys-spending a decent chunk of time helping Ian build a Lego Agent speedboat that Ian bought with his own money. That is a story on its own and I'll find a day to write that for you. Let's just say that the concept of gift cards is a lesson that is not easy to understand.
We baked cookies and ziti for the Karate Christmas party (yes, I baked!)-Ian ate bread and butter and five million cookies, plus cake. Following dinner, the kids were brought over to sit for the raffle for prizes, including a Nintendo Wii, a skateboard and several gift cards for various restaurants, massages and for the karate studio store. Ian sat very patiently, with his hand raised the entire time. All of the other kids won the big prizes, but Mr. Meza decided to make sure that everyone has their name called for something. So, Ian won a gift card to MiAmigos restaurant. Again, because handing him a small card isn't terribly exciting, he wasn't quite sure how to react. Mr. Meza explained that he could take the card in for an ice cream or dessert at the restaurant. Says Ian, "Can I buy some Legos with it?" Anyway, I think Mr. Meza has a soft spot for Ian because he came back a few moments later with a little purple rubber martial arts bracelet for him. We explained this shows that Ian is a black (or purple) belt leader. He promptly took him home and put it around Froggy, because Froggy is a purple belt leader and he didn't go to the party. So cute.
Beyond that, the day was spent with sharks with frickin' laser beams on their head and secret agent submarines and rescue missions.
Connor woke us up this morning by having discovered a tupperware box of cookies on the kitchen counter, got a chair and got them down, carried them in to us and announced:
"HEY, COOKIE!" Vigorous pointing followed.
His latest phrases:
"Hey, Mommy!"
"Hey, Ian!"
"Hey Guys!"
"Hey Daddy-Mommy!" (I am back to being Daddy before he self-corrects)
"Watch this" Pops entire cookie into mouth.
As I say, there is really isn't a dull moment in our house. At least in our estimation, there is always a good story to be told.
RUNNING LOG: Ran 1/2 hour today -down to the main street and back-with three walk sessions interspersed. The better running shoes make a HUGE difference! Goal is to run without walking down and back to the house. That might take a few tries!
Check out the sidebar for some new pictures courtesy of Sarah!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
SCORE!
As noted, I was beginning to feel a sense of impending panic when I visited four local Target store and one Wal-Mart without finding the Lego Agents Mobile Command Center. Even Tom, who doesn't get obsessed about finding toys, offered to look for it. I immediately asked my friends if they happened to see one in their errands to let me know.
My friend Julie sent me a text this afternoon, saying she had found the Lego set and offered to buy it for me. I said YES and paid her back this evening. So, my Ian present is really done. Of course, I have gotten him a few books and little stocking stuffers, but this is going to be THE present. Thank you, Julie! And a special thanks to Lynn, who also took some time to visit some Targets for me as well-this was a full out operation!
My friend Julie sent me a text this afternoon, saying she had found the Lego set and offered to buy it for me. I said YES and paid her back this evening. So, my Ian present is really done. Of course, I have gotten him a few books and little stocking stuffers, but this is going to be THE present. Thank you, Julie! And a special thanks to Lynn, who also took some time to visit some Targets for me as well-this was a full out operation!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Let the Busy-ness Begin
As we move into the final stretch before winter break, rehearsals, concerts and Christmas activities abound.
First of all, the Sonoran Desert Chorale is presenting "Peace on Earth" this Saturday and Sunday. Tom will be playing, so we are heading for a non-stop weekend.
I have several Kindergarten concert rehearsals, where squirrely children mixed with holiday cheer make for interesting renditions.
Ian has his VIP Karate Party on Friday night, with prizes (including Nintendo Wii) to be drawn. We are bringing ziti and cookies to share, so tonight was cookie night and tomorrow will be more cookie night.
And I need to get to a Target that has the Lego Agents Mobile Command Center tomorrow or Friday. Apparently, this Santa present is quite a big deal, since two Targets I visited are sold out. It's on sale and it must be found. (friends in the Phoenix area-if you see it, PLEASE CALL ME!) Target has it on sale for $80.00 until Saturday and I had no idea it was going to be the seller that it is or I would have scooped it up during one of the 50 visits to the Lego aisle in Target over the last two months.
Connor has several therapy appointments in the next few days too-including his last speech of the year and possibly with Sarah at all. How do you thank someone who has done so much for your child for almost a year? I am working on figuring that out.
Just rereading this schedule is making me sleepy! So, if posts don't come regularly, you know why!
First of all, the Sonoran Desert Chorale is presenting "Peace on Earth" this Saturday and Sunday. Tom will be playing, so we are heading for a non-stop weekend.
I have several Kindergarten concert rehearsals, where squirrely children mixed with holiday cheer make for interesting renditions.
Ian has his VIP Karate Party on Friday night, with prizes (including Nintendo Wii) to be drawn. We are bringing ziti and cookies to share, so tonight was cookie night and tomorrow will be more cookie night.
And I need to get to a Target that has the Lego Agents Mobile Command Center tomorrow or Friday. Apparently, this Santa present is quite a big deal, since two Targets I visited are sold out. It's on sale and it must be found. (friends in the Phoenix area-if you see it, PLEASE CALL ME!) Target has it on sale for $80.00 until Saturday and I had no idea it was going to be the seller that it is or I would have scooped it up during one of the 50 visits to the Lego aisle in Target over the last two months.
Connor has several therapy appointments in the next few days too-including his last speech of the year and possibly with Sarah at all. How do you thank someone who has done so much for your child for almost a year? I am working on figuring that out.
Just rereading this schedule is making me sleepy! So, if posts don't come regularly, you know why!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Secret Agents with an All-Star Cast
Rick and Cindy dropped the kids off on Sunday morning to finish their Christmas shopping (I'll admit that I am jealous that they are practically done) and so, the kids spent the morning with me, watching SpongeBob Hot Pants and playing Secret Agent Legos. Annika, being the eldest of the bunch and easily bored with preschool antics, decided to take the secret agent game a step further. We created profiles and photos for all of them.
Real Name: Ian
Age: 4
Spy Codename: Agent Chase Speed 553
Spy Skills: Dodging, Undercover, Codes, High Jumper
Best Spy Skill: Dodging
Real Name: Trevor
Age: 4
Spy Codename: Agent Chase Michael 11
Spy Skills: Dodging, Speedy, Sports
Best Spy Skills: Speedy
Real Name: Annika
Age: 8
Spy Codename: Agent Jennifer Franklin 559
Spy Skills: Dodging, Fake Accents, Disguises, Computers, Good with Animals
Best Spy Skill: Fake Accents
Real Name: Connor
Age: 2
Spy Codename: Dr. Inferno
Spy Skills: Good Distractor, Cute, Destructive
Best Spy Skills: Disarming Cuteness
Apparently Dodging is a very important spy skills and the name Chase was highly regarded. The kids picked out all of their own information and Annika provided most of Connor's info, with a little input from me. Otherwise, they get all the credit.
I'd give you more information, but they might have to kill you. Or they might kill ME for doling out their information in the first place! Yikes!
How do you like the secret agent poses? I think my spy skill is secret agent photographer!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Noun, Verb, Smurf Word
Connor is fixated on "Lightning McQueen Caaar" as most know. You wonder if he has surgically attached the car to his hand. He repeats the phrase "Lightning McQueen Car" all day-to where Tom likened it to the Smurfs cartoon, where smurf can mean anything. Instead of blue half dressed creatures, it's race cars.Mommy: "Hi Connor!"
Connor: "No, Lightning Queen Caaar!" (the word sounding very East Coast)
Mommy: "Do you want some breakfast?"
Connor: "Lightning Queen Caaar!"
Mommy: "Cheerios?"
Connor: "Mommy?"
Mommy: "Yes, Connor?"
Connor: "LIGHTNING MCQUEEN CAR!"
You can play spot the car in any of the photos. Some are McQueen, some are random cars. He also requests the Cars theme song, "Real Gone" and sings the opening guitar chords throughout the day. Sheryl Crow, I hope you're listening.
Connor: "Mommy....Lightning McQueen Car...pick?" (pointing with a very sharp, repeated gesture at the tv, similar to those guys who wave airplanes to their parking spots. )Mommy: "You want to pick?"
Connor: "Yyyyessss! Lightning McQueen Car!"
Mommy: "You want to see Cars-again?" I have lost count how many times we have watched. My brain automatically begins shut down mode when it's on.
Connor: "YYYYESSS! Lightning McQueen Car! Where?!? Where go?"
Mommy: "I'm putting it in the tv. It's right here."
Connor: "Yay, Mommy! Lightning McQueen Car!"
Last week, Rick and Cindy watched Connor for awhile and when I picked him up, the movie Cars was on the tv and what appeared to be every Cars car that the Wines family owned strewn out on their living room floor. They know how to keep him happy.
Most visitors are lately greeted with a "Hi, Julie!" (everyone is Julie now) and then "Lightning McQueen Car!" It makes you wonder if he will ever give up his Cars phase or if he will always enjoy cars.He has no fear, so race car driving may not be off the table.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Adventures of Froggy and Ribbit
The boys have entered the stuffed animal phase, where carrying a beloved stuffed toy everywhere is imperative. Ian keeps Ted on his bed, (who likes to sleep and read by himself all day-some bears have all the luck) along with his Southwest airplane (which is reserved for long distance travel only) and Froggy is the companion of choice when he goes local. Froggy attends daycare, riding strapped into the carseat with Ian. He occasionally gets threatened with being ripped in half at daycare by other nefarious preschoolers, but always comes home unscathed. Froggy also pens his own cards and eats purple ice cream. 
Connor finally got on the bandwagon with his own twin frog, the aptly named "Ribbit". Connor will occasionally come over to ask, "Where Ribbit? Where?" with arms outstretched. He doesn't carry Ribbit around as much, but Ribbit does enjoy some lengthy discussions with Froggy. Froggy has a distinctive voice-a cross between a mobster and a Muppet-and talking with him does require patience.
Froggy and Ribbit were presents from Grandma Sheila when we visited the aquarium over the summer. The boys liked the frogs then, but only recently have showed strong attachment. Froggy is beginning to get that love-worn look and his medical label is a decidedly mucky color. I keep it on because how can you not keep the medical label on? God forbid we have a Froggy 911 emergency. And also because that is the only way to tell Froggy and Ribbit apart. That and the purple ice cream stain on Froggy's mouth. 
Froggy and Ian have also come up with a song and simple philosophy that is somehow deeply true. "Everything Changes" was a song that Ian created tonight, along with Froggy. I learned it by rote from Ian, who insisted that I learn and remember it. It was not too hard, considering that "everything changes" was the only line in the song. I know that this little phase will change, as I have learned tonight, but I hope the Froggy and Ribbit adventures don't change too quickly and stick around for a bit, because they are a very enjoyable duo.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Christmas Meme!
Christmas Meme-Thanks, Michelle!! I love these!
1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Actually, I have been buying the cute felt gift bags at Michael's (large ones) and at Target (in the dollar section) and keeping them to reuse every year. I am working on becoming green and not buying wrapping paper or paper gift bags.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial and I sooooo want the pre-lit tree! I hope we will find an awesome cheapy pre-lit tree after Christmas.
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually on Black Friday or that weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? Probably around New Year's Day or that weekend.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not too much, but I'll drink it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? It's hard to remember my gifts, honestly. I remember getting two of the same Barbie one year, which I thought was totally cool.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? I have the Peanuts characters posing as nativity on my little Christmas tree, but I don't choose to purposely put up a nativity.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My mother. She never gives me ANY IDEAS of what she wants or needs-hint, hint Mom! I need some direction! Connor is also a little harder than Ian.
9. Easiest person to buy for? I agree with Michelle-I am pretty easy to buy for, hee, hee. I think Ian is also very easy to buy for.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I hope not to hurt anyone's feelings for this, but being a music teacher, I would get all kinds of musical note/music adorned gifts-scarves, ornaments, t-shirts, stationary. Honestly, I do not like or enjoy any musical note items, except actual music.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? I mail them, but I do send a few fun email ones in addition.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas and the Grinch
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually begin picking up things in November, but I usually get going in mid-December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Tom-do you remember that gift that we recycled at Becca's party and everyone loved it....what was it??? Obviously, the answer is yes.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? This year, we'll have ham, scalloped potatoes (my mom makes the best scalloped potatoes!) and always tops on my list are Cindy's cookies, which I am sooo looking forward to this year! YUM!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We have colored lights, but I actually like clear lights better. But I am not buying new lights.
17. Favorite Christmas song? We are huge fans of Ella Fitzgerald and her Christmas album is on all the time at our house. Beyond that, I love the Bruce Springsteen Santa Claus is Coming to Town, even though he sounds like he swallowed a razor blade.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I used to travel among so many houses and I really never got to be home all day for Christmas. So, we try to make it a point to be home on Christmas for the boys to enjoy playing and we can set our own traditions. However, living away from family makes it unavoidable to travel around the holidays, but it is a huge stressor for me, so I tend to veto the traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes! I sing them every day in December at school.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star-which our tradition right now is to let Ian put the star on the tree. He LOVES that!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I think my second family Betty and Dave used to open their presents at midnight on Christmas Eve/Christmas, which I always thought would be fun-but I never stay awake for that! I let the boys open their new pajamas on Christmas Eve to sleep in and then they will be up early, I am certain.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Snowbirds.
23. What I love most about Christmas? I love how excited my boys are for Christmas and all of the fun that comes with it. I enjoy trying to decide what Santa will bring them and having them bake cookies and write letters for him. It has changed my whole perspective on Christmas.
1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Actually, I have been buying the cute felt gift bags at Michael's (large ones) and at Target (in the dollar section) and keeping them to reuse every year. I am working on becoming green and not buying wrapping paper or paper gift bags.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial and I sooooo want the pre-lit tree! I hope we will find an awesome cheapy pre-lit tree after Christmas.
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually on Black Friday or that weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? Probably around New Year's Day or that weekend.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not too much, but I'll drink it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? It's hard to remember my gifts, honestly. I remember getting two of the same Barbie one year, which I thought was totally cool.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? I have the Peanuts characters posing as nativity on my little Christmas tree, but I don't choose to purposely put up a nativity.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My mother. She never gives me ANY IDEAS of what she wants or needs-hint, hint Mom! I need some direction! Connor is also a little harder than Ian.
9. Easiest person to buy for? I agree with Michelle-I am pretty easy to buy for, hee, hee. I think Ian is also very easy to buy for.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I hope not to hurt anyone's feelings for this, but being a music teacher, I would get all kinds of musical note/music adorned gifts-scarves, ornaments, t-shirts, stationary. Honestly, I do not like or enjoy any musical note items, except actual music.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? I mail them, but I do send a few fun email ones in addition.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas and the Grinch
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually begin picking up things in November, but I usually get going in mid-December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Tom-do you remember that gift that we recycled at Becca's party and everyone loved it....what was it??? Obviously, the answer is yes.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? This year, we'll have ham, scalloped potatoes (my mom makes the best scalloped potatoes!) and always tops on my list are Cindy's cookies, which I am sooo looking forward to this year! YUM!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We have colored lights, but I actually like clear lights better. But I am not buying new lights.
17. Favorite Christmas song? We are huge fans of Ella Fitzgerald and her Christmas album is on all the time at our house. Beyond that, I love the Bruce Springsteen Santa Claus is Coming to Town, even though he sounds like he swallowed a razor blade.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I used to travel among so many houses and I really never got to be home all day for Christmas. So, we try to make it a point to be home on Christmas for the boys to enjoy playing and we can set our own traditions. However, living away from family makes it unavoidable to travel around the holidays, but it is a huge stressor for me, so I tend to veto the traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes! I sing them every day in December at school.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star-which our tradition right now is to let Ian put the star on the tree. He LOVES that!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I think my second family Betty and Dave used to open their presents at midnight on Christmas Eve/Christmas, which I always thought would be fun-but I never stay awake for that! I let the boys open their new pajamas on Christmas Eve to sleep in and then they will be up early, I am certain.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Snowbirds.
23. What I love most about Christmas? I love how excited my boys are for Christmas and all of the fun that comes with it. I enjoy trying to decide what Santa will bring them and having them bake cookies and write letters for him. It has changed my whole perspective on Christmas.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
If You Love Something.....
At 9:40pm, Tom and I were working on the computer when we hear some weepy sounds coming from the boys room. Ian pads in, tear-streaked cheeks, saying, "Daddy, I'm sad."
He sits for a moment and we ask what is wrong.
"I just love caterpillars." More tears. "I miss my bug jar because I love it."
The bug jar, given to him by my mom, is a little jar that is worn like a necklace and has magnifying sides for closer examination. I have no earthly idea what became of it, but I have hunted high and low with no luck. After friends Annika and Jesseca spent an evening admiring/stalking a small green caterpillar, Ian has been on a caterpillar/bug jar kick.
"I love my bug jar so I can catch a caterpillar and it turns into a butterfly and I can keep it."
We discuss how awesome caterpillars are and how we can build a butterfly net.
"Yeah, I totally know how to do it. Mommy, we need to build a robot butterfly net and I can do it!" I tell him that he might want to patent that idea.
"I want a butterfly to keep as a pet." We discuss how butterflies and caterpillars aren't really meant to be pets. We look up caterpillars on Wikipedia. Ian sat on my lap, enthralled with the various caterpillars (the hairy ones are "girl caterpillars"). The discussion went from caterpillars to worms. I was okay with caterpillars. Worms aren't my favorite, but we managed to look at a few and discuss good worms vs. not so great worms. And how a worm is not a caterpillar.
The discussion moves along to butterflies, a topic that I am much happier with and we look at a few butterfly facts before looking at a video of a monarch butterfly emerging from his cocoon. At one point, we looked at cocoons of bees and then of a cockroach-which was enough to put me in a cocoon. Blecch.
For a few moments, I thought how fascinated he was all of this. Like a junior entomologist, he was spouting off facts and his curiosity was peaked.
As soon as he went off to bed, I went to Amazon looking for that bug jar on his wish list (we couldn't find it, so we put on it there) and discovered a butterfly garden that you can buy complete with several caterpillars where you can cultivate them into butterflies and release them.
It might be just the thing so that we can learn how to love something, by letting it go free.
He sits for a moment and we ask what is wrong.
"I just love caterpillars." More tears. "I miss my bug jar because I love it."
The bug jar, given to him by my mom, is a little jar that is worn like a necklace and has magnifying sides for closer examination. I have no earthly idea what became of it, but I have hunted high and low with no luck. After friends Annika and Jesseca spent an evening admiring/stalking a small green caterpillar, Ian has been on a caterpillar/bug jar kick.
"I love my bug jar so I can catch a caterpillar and it turns into a butterfly and I can keep it."
We discuss how awesome caterpillars are and how we can build a butterfly net.
"Yeah, I totally know how to do it. Mommy, we need to build a robot butterfly net and I can do it!" I tell him that he might want to patent that idea.
"I want a butterfly to keep as a pet." We discuss how butterflies and caterpillars aren't really meant to be pets. We look up caterpillars on Wikipedia. Ian sat on my lap, enthralled with the various caterpillars (the hairy ones are "girl caterpillars"). The discussion went from caterpillars to worms. I was okay with caterpillars. Worms aren't my favorite, but we managed to look at a few and discuss good worms vs. not so great worms. And how a worm is not a caterpillar.
The discussion moves along to butterflies, a topic that I am much happier with and we look at a few butterfly facts before looking at a video of a monarch butterfly emerging from his cocoon. At one point, we looked at cocoons of bees and then of a cockroach-which was enough to put me in a cocoon. Blecch.
For a few moments, I thought how fascinated he was all of this. Like a junior entomologist, he was spouting off facts and his curiosity was peaked.
As soon as he went off to bed, I went to Amazon looking for that bug jar on his wish list (we couldn't find it, so we put on it there) and discovered a butterfly garden that you can buy complete with several caterpillars where you can cultivate them into butterflies and release them.
It might be just the thing so that we can learn how to love something, by letting it go free.
Thankful Post #30-Finally!
I appreciate my blog readers who have stuck by me through this month of numerical mishaps and tardiness. (neither of which should be shocking to anyone, honestly) I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share with you and have such faithful friends in the blogosphere. I am grateful for my 4-going-on-40 year old Ian, seeing his talents and strengths unfold and continually finding myself amazed at how his mind works. Yesterday, I was honored to get a phone call that Ian is the student of the month at the karate studio. He was interviewed by Mr. Meza yesterday, so it should be quite a read when it's ready. I really used to laugh at the quote that as a mother, your child is your heart walking outside of your body. I used to think, what sap! But ain't it the truth. He taps into my deepest emotions, perhaps because I see myself in him.
I am grateful for my loving husband, who, despite tough times, remains my happy half and I think we'll look back on these years and realize that we can weather many storms and keep ourselves together. He is a good person and he loves me very much-that I always know. (photo of Tom courtesy of Ian)
I am so grateful for my little Connor, for this face with a shining smile and an emerging personality that I honestly wondered if I would ever see. I love that every other phrase out of his mouth is "Lightning McQueen Caaar". I love that he hums, even when it drives us up a wall. I adore his enthusiastic "Yyyyyeeeesss!!!" when we finally have guessed what he wants. He is beautiful- and he would be beautiful and wonderful even if he never emerged from his shell....I love him no matter what. I also love all of my family and friends, because they have enriched my life tenfold. A million fold. I am grateful that you are all in my life.
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