Thanksgiving Weekend

Today we prepare for our tour around Wisconsin. This will be Henry's first Thanksgiving. I know he will devour any food that we let him try and his chuckle will make many smile. Before we can enjoy a fabulous turkey dinner with those we love we have a journey to make in our good ol' mini van. Today my job is to pack us up so Ed can load the car tomorrow morning. Ed's family celebrates Thanksgiving around the Appleton area and my family will celebrate on Saturday at my parents. So this year Ed is able to travel with us and we will leave early in the morning and drive 4 - 5 hours to Aunt Katy's. Charley has been hopping around excited to see his "cousins" all week. He loves them. He thinks he sees kids that look like them at parks and he points out things that his cousins play with when we see them in the stores. He looks up to them. Next Thanksgiving he will have a real first cousin to look forward to seeing since the "cousins" he sees this year are his second cousins.

We haven't travelled with Henry for many months so it will be interesting to see what kind of traveller he will be. It was questionable on whether Ed was going to have to work on Friday and I am so glad he is able to come with. Of course the travel companion is a blessing but it is also not thanksgiving without daddy.

This year we will head to my parents on Thursday evening (it will be hard to leave the Kolbe's without a good Canasta game in) and spend the weekend there. We don't get there very often because it is a bit farther so when we go I am always anxious to use my time wisely. Chatting with my mom, playing games with everyone, enjoying the area of Lake Geneva, boat rides with dad (although this time of year that isn't an option). It is always good to be "home". This year my brother, sister and her husband will all be there for the whole weekend so it will be a full house with lots of fun.

We will celebrate Thanksgiving with my family on Saturday. We recently made this our tradition so that those of us with other families or farther to travel can be everywhere and do everything.

I am thankful for many things...but one of the things I am most thankful for ...to have two fantastic families that love our children. Two places that are warm, cozy, and welcoming that allow us all to gather. I love the food traditions, the game traditions, and catching up on everyone's lives. This year a little more chaotic travelling with two children but also that much more filled with excitement. But we are lucky to be able to swing both families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We ponder the idea of switching off years and making things a little less hectic but I really can't imagine not eating potato dumplings at the Kolbe's or missing out on Penny Poker and mom's stuffing at the Schneider's. We eat dinner as a family every night at our house. So staying home to have a cozy Thanksgiving with just the four of us just doesn't make my heart flutter...it is the noisy kitchen, the potluck of food that is cooked with love to share, it is the occasional disagreement or fight, it is the laughter, the standing around the kitchen while the cooks sneak in a second or third glass of wine, and above all else -it is the family that makes holidays a time to anticipate.

I hope you celebrate your way home this year and whether it is quiet with your family or chaotic with extended family...enjoy, be thankful, and step back and listen. It is in the noise and sounds where warmth begins to warm your heart from the inside out. Thank you Aunt Katy and Mom for hosting ... once again! You amaze us!

Deep thoughts

Charley threw a tantrum because he and his friend wanted the orange cup. Why I don't use the same color cup everytime... I don't know. Once they had settled down and both had blue cups I heard myself walking away saying...

"It is not the color of the cup it's what's on the inside that counts. "

Is that not a deep statement or what? If only they could take it in and reflect and realize how smart I am. Ha! Ha! Ha!

It emerges....

The Big Blue Dog from Grandpa Bob...emerges from the depths of our basement, to be enjoyed by a second grandchild....

The Most Beautiful Thing EVER!

"MAMA! MAMA! Come LOOK! Do you want to see the most beautiful thing ever?!" Charley shouted to his mama from across the room. So I brought over Henry and we all gazed across the street at a small tree that has holiday lights on it.



Haley, tell your mom that she has the most beautiful thing ever! in her yard.

Mystery Muffins

Okay, I was nearing a breakdown this afternoon and I remembered...when at this point we bake! Charley and I are the best of friends when baking. Whether Charley is crabby or I am crabby...cooking brings us back to happy. We work together well in the kitchen. He has been a happy helper since he was probably around 2. He likes to add the ingredients and only likes to bake things "with lots of ingredients to measure." He will check first before committing to helping. We often play cooking show and I narrate and call him my assistant. This is even more fun lately because now we have Henry who giggles and watches with interest as we dance around the kitchen.

Now lately, Charley has been into magic so today I thought we would try a new recipe. Banana Peanut Butter Muffins from Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook that I got last Christmas. I will be honest I haven't made too many things from it yet. But I have it out on my counter and look at it often. Every recipe in her book adds a vegetable or fruit puree that kids won't notice. This is for those children who don't like veggies but Charley loves veggies so I don't have to hide them to get him to eat them. So we decided we would make mystery muffins and see if Daddy can figure out the mystery ingredient. Charley just tried one and he loves it. I tried one...and I would say...they are interesting at first...knowing that the mystery ingredient is in there taints my first taste but then it is really actually very tasty. YUM! I think we have a new muffin recipe. Unfortunately daddy is going to have to try one to play along...but he doesn't like banana so that is going to be his biggest challenge. Hang in there honey...it is all for the sanity that this hour of muffin making brought while you drove home from your weekend away.....

Oh, then we realized that Henry couldn't eat these muffins because of the peanut butter so we decided we would make a batch of blueberry muffins. Now the peculiar thing...which has never happened...look what color they turned.


And they baked up blue! HAHAHAHA! CHarley thinks it is a hoot. We used more blueberries than the recipe calle for because I figured it was a more clean way to get some blueberries into Henry.

So two mystery muffins...we were muffin machines this afternoon. Only a half hour until daddy gets home :) EEEEEEK!

supercalafragilistic.... expiealadoscious

Do those two words bring a warm feeling to your heart...do they cause you to step in time..step in time. This morning Charley and I stayed in our pjs....decorated a bit for Christmas...popped some popcorn and sliced up an apple and sat down with a new movie. Yes - Mary Poppins. He loved it. He was hopping on the couch and I even let him jump from the ottoman to the couch during the chimney step in time dance. Even Henry paused in play to watch at times. Charley identified the "magical" moments...because he is into magic these days. He commented that the movie had lots of silly parts. I got all 5 loads of laundry folded. How fun to watch a classic movie that isn't a cartoon.

No deer for Ed or his dad. Sad for them. Sad for the freezer. We still have a quite a bit of time of our weekend left without Ed home. We'll survive. I think often times the build up to these types of weekends are worse than the actual weekend. Because things always flow just fine, we keep busy, and I usually get more done around here when Ed isn't here...I wonder why that is.

Happy Sunday! And remember...a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down! There is actually a meaningful parenting reminder in this movie as the dad realizes he needs to loosen up and enjoy his children...which results in Mary Poppins moving on. hmmmm...never really focused on that message in the movie until today..kind of like the modern day supernanny (a show I do not watch) :)

The Decorating for Christmas Mission was diverted...

And instead we did some organizing. I have had this bug in me the last week or so. I want to purge and get rid of some of the clutter but I don't know where to start. Our bedroom is where I should be working but I attacked this closet today. I told Charley we would decorate for xmas today after we cleaned up the toys and vaccummed. Well while cleaning up the toys I decided...let's organize them and move some of them out of the play area. Maybe if they weren't all out they would be more exciting and get more use. And maybe our house would look less chaotic. So I attacked this closet and here is the result. Let me give you a tour...up above you will find our arts and crafts stuff, a diaper bag, and some empty bins..okay, this shelf is already verging on chaos. The bottom three shelves are toys and tucked on the floor in those bins are hats and mittens etc (another area just waiting to explode). I moved all the jackets we use to the closet in our laundry room since that is where we come and go from. My mom called while I was working on this and I challenged her coat closet...could they donate a coat for a coat charity. Funny thing is...this closet is half filled with coats that I can't imagine parting with even though I haven't worn some of them in 10 years. What is my deal? Anyways...so now the question...do I add more shelves for more toy storage or do I leave the empty space for guests' coats. My mom seemed flustered that I wouldn't keep the space for guests' coats..even though I pointed out that we don't hang our coats in her coat closet (sorry mom). It does look nice to have that empty space....hmmmmm...and will Charley be able to put things away. He took out his doctor bin this afternoon and I noticed it was put back! Maybe he will. I also did the closet in the laundry room. So tonight I promised Charley we would decorate right away in the morning...ugh! I know I am not going to want to do that right away but hopefully his spirit will be contagious. What I really want to do tonight is pull everything out of the kitchen cupboards and organize...but I know that is just the two diet cokes I had today (I usually only have one) and half way through that venture I would peter out and be left with a gigantic mess. So I will just look over at my closet now and then and be happy with my work today. I know it isn't even that great. But it is way better than it was before.

Who needs fancy toys...

just give me some hangers mama!

Surprise presents...

Charley just informed me...and I am documenting this...

"Mama, I want Santa to bring me surprise presents. Not anything on my list. Just surprise presents."

I have fallen victim to the toy catalogs. I have used them to my advantage. I can hand one to Charley and he is occupied for about 15 minutes and then returns to it repeatedly as it lays around. I know I don't want to raise a greedy child but it is also fun to see him go through the catalogs and dream. So for him to say he wants nothing on his list and he just wants surprises...opens my world to possibilities that make me very happy as a parent.

He returned moments later asking me, "But mama, how do the lists get up there. The mailman can't drive them up there."

The questions begin...My wish...just believe my son. Believe!

Good Friends...

Charley has a best friend named Elly. They ask to play often and get to play often. When we tell them they get to play they look like this:




Elly's mom is a great friend of mine. She sees me almost daily. She had us over today for a playdate and then probably could tell I was in for a long weekend so invited us to stay for lunch. She has also offered to have Charley over tomorrow. Very kind. She is one of the few people who Henry will reach for when I am holding him. He knows her and loves her. Lynelle is open to my crazy obsession with naps and allows me to move our outings around so that Henry gets naps in. We have worked out date nights so that our kids can entertain each other while one of us gets to go have some time with our husband...next month we want to do double date and get a sitter for the kids so we can get our husbands involved in our friendship. Charley, Henry and I are lucky to have connected with Lynelle, Elly, and Emma so well. Thank you for all the support and fun times.

Children Change you...

Before Charley I could not stand red wine. But now I prefer it. Before Henry my PMS didn't run my life for a week every month. After Henry, my husband who once believed PMS was just an excuse, is a believer. Since Henry my pms changes my life more drastically one week every month. My poor husband usually gets the brunt...as I twist looks he gives or words he says so that they become attacks on me. My emotions are raging from sentimental, to anger, to frustrated, to happy, the list goes on. My poor mother is the other person who becomes the kind fly who unfortunately gets caught in my web and devoured and spit out. The last few months her visits have been timed just perfectly. Luckily my friend came a little earlier this month so Thanksgiving will be much more enjoyable for ALL! But this weekend could be a little tense since I am home with the boys, with no breaks.

I have a lot of friends pregnant for the first time or for a second time. Know that when you are pregnant you are expecting and planning for your life to change once baby arrives. You know that you will start putting someone else first....But did you know that you might prefer red wine, your shoes may no longer fit you, your body might get back to your pre-pregnancy weight but the shape will never be the same. Did you know your pms could be 4 times worse or better than it was before?

However, knowing all this...the little people you bring into the world make it all worthwhile. Their smiles, snuggles, and hugs will make the unfortunate affects of pregancy and birthing a child tolerable...becaues heck...we all go back and have a second...or a third...and some even more. I just wish my boys would understand that I am feeling like an alligator this weekend ready to snap my giant jaws at anyone who crosses me. I wish they could understand that they need to be patient for me this week.

Without Ed --a Saturday is just another Tuesdsay...

Ed is off to the Northwoods this weekend. He will venture north for his annual hunting excursion. A tradition he has with his dad. He will go to enjoy the quiet in the woods, to read in the freezing tree stand, to think and ponder. He will probably have a good steak dinner. He goes with the intent of filling our freezer with meat that I am slowly beginning to appreciate and enjoy more and more each year I am married to him.

Weekends were a worry that I had when I decided to stay home full time. Would I still feel like weekends were weekends? They do! They are a break from the usual week day activities...they are a time we focus on our family. But most of all Ed is here and we work as a team to give each other time to enjoy the kids and each other and "me" time. We both need and deserve me time on the weekends. Poor Ed usually has a "Honey Do list" to accomplish too. So when I know he is going to be away it adds a stress to my week. It means that my weekend will be just another week day in many days. Which is okay but also hard.

This weekend I hope Ed enjoys his time up north and comes back refreshed. Me...I will be smart with my time. I will enjoy the boys, give them time to play alone, and use my time when they are sleeping wisely. The weekend will go fast and then it will be Monday.

Ed, know that you are missed. You make Saturdays my favorite day of the week! Love you!

My Little Bulldog

Today we went to an indoor climbing park and Charley bolted off with his friend Elly immediately...so I have no pictures of him. But Henry was a little more cautious...he didn't figure out how to do the climbing thing in his area. Maybe next time. But then I got excited to take him into the bigger area and go down a few slides together. He loved the slides. Climbing through the play structure was going to be a good work out....but it turned out to be a bigger reminder to workout......Squeeeeeeeeeeeeezing in and out of all the tubes etc. Henry loved the slides and once getting to the top base I needed to take a breather but he crawled right up to the edge of the slide wanting to go down. He is napping well now.

Being there reminded me of the days when I would take just Charley. It would be our morning outing and I would just crawl around with him watching the other bigger kids and all the mom's who sat on the benches watching their bigger boys run. I couldn't wait for that moment, when my a$% wasn't blocking the way of some little tike trying to go faster than I could climb. Charley and I probably came here twice when Henry wasn't born and he was big enough to run around by himself.

How fast that time goes...now for the next two years I will be shoving myself through the tubes and getting shocked as I go down the slide with Henry. Although, I also know that Henry will probably be independent faster at places like this because he is my second child and he has a big brother who will encourage and lead him. So I will enjoy doing these activities because they bring out the kid in all of us....who doesn't smile flying down a slide with their four year old, friend, their mom, and me with HEnry on my lap all together...yes, they had a nice wide slide.

I loved this t-shirt on Charley and he wore it when he was one and a half. Henry is wearing it at 10 1/2 months.

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Ed

I just realized with the news of the little girl that Mike and Becca are having...Ed and I will finally join the ranks of Aunt and Uncle. I just ...moments ago...realized that we aren't Aunts and Uncles yet!

EEEEEK!

Charley the Artist

Yesterday Charley and I were hanging out drawing on his big pad of paper. I did my best drawing Darth Vader. Then Charley drew his Darth Vader...this is his:



Then I walked away to get Henry, he woke up from his nap. When I returned there was this picture. I thought I knew what it was ...I was astonished. But I asked Charley to "Tell me about this picture" ...still using my teacher language. He said, "That is Java the Hut from Star Wars and I made it dot to dot." I did not know he knew this character. I am amazed. I love to see him growing as an artist.

Peaceful time does wonders...

This morning I woke to feed Henry around 4:30 and then couldn't fall back asleep. After tossing and turning I decided since I went to bed a little earlier I got some decent sleep so why not get up and enjoy the quiet. So around 5 am I got up and came downstairs. I turned on minimal lights, made a cup of hot chocolate, and puttered around on some things that I have needed to do. I organized my coupons, yes I try and use them on things that I normally buy (yesterday I saved 12.77 at Target!), I sorted through the almost 500 pictures I received yesterday from Shutterfly and figured out who was getting which ones, and when Ed came down we chatted about all sorts of little things....WOOOOHOOO he is going to be travelling with us for Thanksgiving! Now it is 7:20 and amazingly neither of my boys have stirred...so yes, I know I could have slept in today...but if I had been sleeping I am sure they would have been up at 6:30. I feel ready for them and what a difference having a little time to myself to think and accomplish something will do to the start of our day. I am vowing to let Charley lead the choice on his clothes today. I am not going to battle him. I am determined to have a great day with no tense moments. OH! And Mike and Becca are having a GIRL! I have a skip in my step today because of that too. I get to buy tights and bows for a little girl!

Okay interrupted by the call of Charley. And Henry wakes too. Charley peed all over his bed...oh well! but cozy pants and a t-shirt were his choice of clothes and that works for me. Henry finally had the big poop he had been working on for the last 48 hours...ahhhhhh, a new day! Off to a good start.

OH! I just told Charley that Uncle Mike and Aunt Becca are having a baby girl and he smiled and giggled. He said, "I don't know what they will call her."

My day has started...and those two hours of quiet are gone but not forgotten.

Boy or Girl?

Uncle Mike with Baby Henry!

Tonight we await the news of whether Uncle Mike and Aunt Becca will be having a baby boy or a baby girl. SOOOOO exciting. We kept ours as a surprise so I can't imagine what it would be like to find out at this point but I am soooo super excited to know and to start thinking about shopping for a niece or nephew. Charley is excited to find out too. He thinks it will be twins...even though I keep insisting it won't be. We are so excited for you! This second half of the pregnancy is so exciting. Things become much more real! Enjoy your evening with this exciting news!

We must be doing something right, right?

Tonight at dinner Charley told me that his friend wanted him to have some gum but he told her "No, because my mama doesn't want me to have that yet." And I asked, "So did you have some?" and he said No. Could I be more proud....not that he can't have gum...it is probably time to have him try that. But because when offered something that he wasn't sure of he said no...if only he could do that in the future when he is offered something far far far more unknown and dangerous.

We must be doing something right, right?

Our Weekend

So last night the boys went over to our friends house and they had a great time. Ed and I got to have a little date and we had an even better time. We didn't really have a plan when we dropped them off but I was dressed for the date. I had on my boots...that I haven't worn for 2 years...I got the xmas before I got prego with Henry. Charley told me that I looked "funny. You look like an elf mama." Haha! I didn't fall though...being out of practice. We were on our way to a favorite restaurant but another restaurant caught our eye, we knew it would be alot more fancy but we were anxious to start enjoying the night. We had a delicious dinner, took our time ordering, talked a bit before even deciding on drinks. Ed had a fun martini and I had a wine sample...so fun! Dinner was delicious and we ended it splitting some turtle cheesecake. Good conversation...and no tears. The last few times we have gone out I have embarassed Ed by tearing up about something, not a bad cry, but a cry to say the least...and you know men and tears. But he is a gentle man and deals well with my emotions. Picking up the boys was fun. Both were happy, well fed, and didn't want to leave. Lynelle said she had never heard Henry talk so much...so fun! Thank you and let's do the couple date soon!

Today we had a lazy morning around the house. I tried a new breakfast pizza recipe. Then Charley and I headed out to see the Madagascar 2 movie. Whenever I go to a movie with Charely I get emotional. I don't know if it is because I rarely go to movies, or because he is just so excited, or if it is that he looks so little sitting in the big chair with the big bag of popcorn, or if it is the comments he makes during the preveiws....it is probably the fact that he is growing up and doing things that we both really enjoy like a movie. And this is our now and not our future any longer. He can do things like play games, appreciate a fun restuarant, help around the house, and go to movies...he is growing up.

The movie was awesome. I loved it! I would recommend it to anyone. I even told Ed if he wanted to escape I know he would enjoy it and Charley would be entertained by it again.

The day will end with hopefully a win by the Packers while Charley naps! YES he iss napping today! A perfect Sunday.

Henry's Personality is Peeking Out

Yesterday I took Henry for his flu booster shot. Charley went to play at his friend Elly's house. Henry and I stopped for some lunch and during lunch I witnessed a little comedy from my son Henry. I was doing the signs for more and all done trying to see if he could tell me if he wanted more or if he was all done. And during this he grabbed my finger and laughed...a belly laugh, and then pulled my finger towards his mouth to bite it. BUT YEAH! He didn't bite it...he just looked at me with these little comedic eyes and laughed even harder. I then gave him more cheerios and he went on his way.

Today at lunch he gobbled up his food from a plastic dish that I brought and then spent some time playing peek a boo with Charley and I using the dish...I think the boy is going to have a little clown in his personality.

He has also become quite the cuddler. In the morning he will lay on top of me with his head on my shoulder or chest and just lay there. And during the day he will just come crawling up and lay his head on my shoulder or put his forhead on mine and nuzzle in. When I was contemplating staying home with my boys one of the things I worried I wouldn't teach my next child to be is a cuddler. Missy, our old daycare mom, taught Charley how to give "loves" and yes, I know we loved him up in our own way but he responded to the word love and gave them to her and others so openly. She also taught him the sign for MORE, PLEASE, and THANKYOU. We enforced it but being your first you don't always know when to start it or feel confident in how to teach it. But I have so far conquered more and am not starting the please, thank you, and all done signs. So we have a cuddler and a signer and a comedian on our hands.

Two Dates for Mama

Today Daddy went to help our good friends the Zifkos work on the house they are building. So it was just another weekday for mama. So to make it a little less like a weekday we went out for a lunch date: Mama, Henry, and Charley. Charley has been begging to go to the Lobster restaurant that we pass by almost everyday. Ed said, "Oh, take him sometime for lunch because the place is always busy at dinner time." So today I thought, why not.

So today we went and had "fancy" lunch at Red Lobster. Red Lobster was a restaurant that was special to Ed and I when we first started dating back in Eau Claire. Both boys were dreams today at lunch. Henry kept busy with cheese, turkey lunch meat, saltine crackers and of course his favorite Cheerios. Charley excitedly ordered a popcorn shrimp meal and finished every shrimp and fry on his plate!

During our lunch my oldest son informed me..out of the blue...

"Mama, I guess I will live in our house for a few more years. And then I will move out into a new house."

I responded, "Oh really, why? I am not moving."

Charley's response, "Because I will be a daddy and I will have my own house."

I then responded, "Yes, you will live with your family not with mama and daddy."

Charley's response, "And you will be a grandma."

I saw my life pass before my eyes as he matter of factly stated this. Charley is definitely a deep thinker.

Now tonight I look forward to dropping these two handsome boys off at my friends house (we have worked out this slick deal of trading one weekend night a month so we can go out with our husbands without the babysitting fee...and it is actually entertainment for the babysitting couple's children.) All the movies that I want to see aren't out yet....so I am not sure what we are going to do but know that from 4:30-7 Ed and I will be trying to act like real adults out on the town on a Saturday night....ignore the fact that most hip adults don't go out until much later. But hey, we'll take what we can get.

one more thing about Charley's "Star wars kit"...

I just played the song for Charley that I just put on here and he was so excited. He said, "Mama, no talking when this song is on."

Then he said, "Instead of playing with my star wars kit I am going to watch the movie tonight with daddy."


p.s. If the music bugs you ...scroll to the bottom and you can pause it or pick a different song :)

Who wouldn't fall asleep -

to the warm voice of Morgan Freeman in the movie March of the Penguins. That was part of Charley's quiet time. His breathing got loud... I fear he will snore someday...and I went to take a peek and he was turned away from the tv...on his tummy on our couch sleeping. The boy still needs a nap...so thank you Morgan Freeman because Charley will be able to play with daddy a little later tonight.

Which reminds me...

Yesterday Charley was playing with this pampers diaper box. And he filled it with some stuff and taped the top with his new tape from his tape dispenser (great gift for a 4 year old). And he was bothered when Henry started using it to balance when standing up. So I told him to put it in our guest room. So he did. I wasn't paying attention to what was in it or why. Then all afternoon he kept telling me in an excited voice,

"Tonight Daddy and I are going to build our OWN star wars stuff. " I said okay and went on with the day.

As soon as Ed walked in he took him into the guest room and showed him the box. He opened it and showed Ed various items he had collected so they could build their own Star Wars stuff. The two items I know were in there ... was a broom for trees and his orange construction hat that would be a pool. He was so excited. They played in there while I put the finishing touches on our chicken dinner.

Ed came out and tipped his head and said "Did you see what was in the box and what it was for?" I said, No. Ed explained and said, "It is kind of sad." I said, "WHY? He is using his imagination." But Ed knows how much fun he had playing with some of the "REAL" star wars toys.

Anyways...it is these stories that I love putting on here because I would otherwise probably forget these moments at some point. So this might be silly to some but our Charley is a thinker and son, someday you will have some real Star Wars toys...I think your daddy will help with this.

A Mother's Hair...To cut or not to cut?

That is the question...
It was the summer before Charley turned one (Oct. 25) that I chopped my long hair and went pixie. It was a shocker to many here in MN because they didn't know me in college with the short hair. Well it is that time again and I have noticed that a hat has become my "do" more days than not. It is harder to do my hair when Henry can't be left unattended. Luckily he takes a nap around 9 so I can get my shower in before we head out for any outings...however, the time is coming when he will drop the morning nap...and the mornings we have to leave before his nap are hard. Yes, I know I could get up early and shower but really, with Ed getting ready and the boys waking ... and still getting up in the night every once in awhile..yes, excuse after excuse...the point.... Boys, I have a hair appointment next Tuesday and I am so tempted to chop it. But I also know that I could save us money if I don't becuase I can go longer between cuts when my hair is long. I am definitely a person that has always enjoyed my haircuts. My mom tells me that when I was little she would take me to get my haircut on crabby days (obviously not every crabby day) and I would be a new person. I like to change it up. I realize it will grow back. What to do...and what in the world would Henry think?

There is some Charley in Henry ... for sure!

I have been going through our pictures to order hard copies of them and to make this free snapfish book that Oprah is offering. I am amazed at the resemblance between Henry and Charley. We all thought Henry was so much Ed when he was so tiny. I think we thought that of Charley too. Now these are pictures around the time Charley turned one...and I really see Henry in him. It is interesting to see your children grow out of the baby and into a little person.

Just sharing

My friend Sarah shared this with me. I thought about it each time I hit up Charley's candy bowl today...sorry honey...but it is true...someday you will understand.


http://www.alphamom.com/holiday/

Scroll down to the article titled:

Repurposing Your Leftover Halloween Candy

What came first....

the chicken or the blog...

today the chicken.

Okay, tonight is the first night I have ever cooked an entire chicken. It took 2 hours..well maybe 1 3/4...I also made greenbean casserole...it is just that season.

I have never roasted an entire chicken. And it was soooooo.easy. My brother has been making his own bread and making chickens that have served him several meals. So I thought...let's give it a try. So tonight I made my first real chicken. SOoooooo easy.

It turned out. Ed said "It was good, not dry." What a compliment. And CHarley asked for more "white chicken" could you dream of anything else. I think I will get a little leftover but not enough like my brother...but hey we are eating as a family of four...since I am nursing and Henry is trying meat a little...so there are four of us.

Anyways...Target was also an incredible deal tonight. Did you know their canned green beans have no salt added and they are only like...59 cents each. I have dragged my feet on believing that they are cheaper than than the big grocers. But they are on many, many things. Anyways...

I have not had a bloggable moment today. Sorry boys...but this chicken was bloggable because as I expand my cooking menu I feel pride in conquering new things especially things that could potentially feed us for two meals.

Okay, I have enjoyed some wine tonight and a good meal....and now it is time for the boys to go to bed. And Yes..it always amazes me when both boys are sleeping by 8:30..I feel like we have it together...and to peek on them and both of them sleeping peacefully is amazing. Time for me...or us...or me...however we spend our evening as long as our boys are getting healthy sleep and we are getting rejuvinated for the next day. Okay, over and out for tonight. Tomorrow Henry gets his flu booster shot so it will be an emotional day for all of us.

Spreadable Soft Cheese

I don't normally buy it....actually I didn't buy it. My mom brought it when she came to visit last. She was a saint and brought Chili dinner for us so I didn't have to worry about one of the meals. My mom and mother in law are awesome like that. But she brought this big container of spreadable soft cheese. It has been in our fridge and of course doesn't go bad...ha! ha! Henry has been loving saltines lately. So I thought I am going to use some of this spreadable cheese in case it decides to go bad. So I made a few for Charley who at first didn't want them. But then gave them a try and wanted more. Meanwhile I decided to let Henry try a little- who cares if he is messy. Okay, he wasn't messy at all. HE devoured it so fast and had his mouth stuffed so full he couldn't get his normal grunt "I want more" as he clapped his hands (his sign for more)...okay 20 minutes later----drum roll! All three of us had finished off an entire row of saltines and most of the tub of cheese. YIKES! One of the problems with being home all day is having the kitchen cupboards around to dig into. Luckily I don't normally buy spreadable soft cheese...I wonder if the three of us will be able to eat our supper.

Adjusting to no nap

So we are getting into a routine with the no nap four year old. I still think he needs it but the days I have forced it he had trouble falling asleep that night and so the battle just isn't worth it and we are just going to enforce a nice early bedtime. So quiet time is a must in the afternoon. I have explained that mama needs to get things done and she needs a little time to do something that she wants to do.

I am typing this here so I can hold myself accountable to this goal. Since Charley was teeny tiny we read him stories before nap and bedtime. A lot of stories. 6 stories before nap and up to five before bedtime. He loves to be read to and pays close attention. I think a big part of his language comes from all the reading. So just becaues he isn't napping I want to still make sure we spend 20-30 minutes reading in the afternoon.

Anyways...today's quiet time activity was unexpected. Who would think that a mother would be glad her child has an accident. Yes, Charley held his bladder too long and then leaked down his legs on his way to the potty. He demanded a bath but since Henry is napping upstairs I didn't want to chance the noise. So he opted for a shower in our downstairs shower. He has never done the shower downstairs. I can see it clearly from the computer. haha! Here is one of those parenting moments that isn't probably one of my prouder moments.... I gave him some play dishes, turned on the water nice and warm, and told him to give a shout when he was done. 20 minutes later...he called that he was done. Then we enjoyed some warm buttered noodles! He left the dishes in the shower and said, "These will be waiting for me tomorrow. I like taking a shower in the afternoon." Now I don't know if that will be a daily occurance since a bath is in our nightly routine...and the kid just might be too squeeky clean. However, new entertainment and time for me to blog! HA! HA!

My Thermostat thinking....

So I first have to say that I have appreciated getting all the comments on the thermostat. One reason, very interesting and helpful. Another, it just makes me feel less exposed over sharing my blog. Ed has questioned whether this is safe sharing all this info in such a public manner and it has been weighing on my mind. Do I set this up so only invited friends and family read it. I do have it private so that my site doesn't come up if googled but ... I can see I have a few people who read it regularly and I know it is listed on friends blogs which could potentially link to people who don't know our family. Ed said this morning, "if you are writing it for the boys then why do you need to share." And I guess my thought is that by knowing others read it I am motivated to write and being home all day I often feel isolated and it is my way of feeling like I am getting my voice heard...instead of standing around the water cooler at work talking about it all. So anyways...for now I will continue to write. I just ask that if you read this shout a hello every once in a while and don't share it with anyone you don't trust.

As for the thermostat...It seems to be that people who are not at home all day or don't have children are able to set theirs lower! GOOD FOR YOU! Even Ed said...WOW 62, that is cold! However, with baby Henry who doesn't stay tucked in...and with stubborn CHarley who doesn't always want to wear winter pjs or cover up I guess we will stick with the 67 or 68 at night and the 68 during the day.

Happy Wednesday!

Your Thermostat

Okay, my main purpose is to document for my boys...but just curious....If you read this...what is your thermostat set for during the day and at night?

I want to help our family cut our heating bill down but I want to know how cold is too cold. haha!

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

And if posting a comment is too public or too hard...email me...sweetsarahsummer@yahoo.com

This is a serious question! I want input!

Today I appreciate...

1. My Meal Group: This is our second month of meals. We meet for a little play date. Exchange our meals and leave with three fun meals that are frozen....just waiting to be thawed and devoured. The challenge, relaxing and using them whenever...not over thinking it. Last month I used one when I didn't want the kitchen to get all messy...the night before guests arrived. Another night I used it when I wanted to go out to dinner like a normal human but with two kids and a husband that doesn't get home until 6...Friday nights are usually eat at home nights. So waa-laa a yummy meal that I didn't have to cook. The other meal I used when I didn't have groceries in the house and it saved us!

2. Play dates: Today's play date was with my meal group. It really doesn't matter who Charley is going to play with. It is just so nice to head to the relaxing comfort of someone elses house once in a while, where there are different toys (even if they are girl toys)that will occupy your child. Meanwhile, I get to gab with other moms. There is always the small talk, catching up, but I usually walk away motivated, more at ease, or excited about a new idea. Thank you Paula and Jessie for today's conversation!

3. Drive up drop off and drive up pick up at Charley's preschool! What a blessing today. It is ...I don't even know what it is doing outside..maybe raining, maybe snowing, maybe sleeting. Either way, when picking a preschool we thought about many things. And other mom's said that the preschool we did pick would be so nice for me because I don't HAVE to get out of the car to drop him off or pick him up. I didn't think too much of this since I knew I would be the mom who went in to get a peek. BUT! I have learned that I trust the system, and though I will most often take Charley in and pick him up...there are going to be days like today when staying in the warm car and not having to get Henry out will be a treat! So thank you friends who pointed this out and good job Sarah and Ed for picking this preschool!

4. Cell phones: This morning I woke up to no phone, no tv (although our tivo did work so Charley could still get a cartoon in) and no Internet (yes, my heart did pound and I started to sweat over this one. I frantically called Ed wondering...DID YOU PAY THE BILL, How are YOU going to fix this? He didn't know what was going on. Then my friend Lynelle called and said her power was out. AHHHH! How did she call...on my cell phone, that has been dead for the last three days because I couldn't' find my charger. However, in this crisis I was able to find it. I was chatting with two friends today and we all laughed over the comment...WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE OLD DAYS...when we didn't have cell phones. And I know Greg, that with every improvement we lose something but this morning when I had lost my ability to blog and couldn't call Ed immediately to check to see WHAT HE DID to cause this (haha!) I realized what a loss my cell phone would be!

5. Oh gosh, I am realizing I could go on and on with things I appreciate. I appreciate the next 2 hours...especially if Henry naps and Charley has a blast at school. How will I not waste this time.

What do you really appreciate today?

An Awesome Batman Mask

So, being unenthusiastic about this batman mask project I put it off. I convinced him if he took a nap there would be a Batman mask waiting outside his door. I tried and my boy just isn't going to nap for me anymore. So he had quiet time and played by himself for awhile. Which he does anyhow but now I just need to make it just an automatic for his after lunch time. Meanwhile, Ed called and explained that he never told him that I would make a mask with him today. He said he told Charley that he could be Batman next Halloween and we could make him a mask for that. HA! HA! Anyways, my sister emailed and said, just make a band and put the ears that he drew on and be done. So I gave him a black piece of paper, deciding that I would have him actually make this. He drew his ears and I cut them out. He caught onto my plan of stapling them to a band and explained,

"No Mama, I want it more real (while moving his hands from the front of his face over his head to the back of his head). I want it to come down more. I want it real." So I looked up a picture online and this is what we ended with and I must admit....it rocks in my eyes...took less than 10 minutes and now he just awaits his pjs to be washed.

The thing I love most about this mask: I cut the eyes one time and they actually fit where his eyes go. And the ears are drawn by him. HOW ADORABLE!
So here ya go!

Today's Challenge for Mama!

This morning during our pancake breakfast, without sausages...Charley informed me that he wanted me to make him a batman mask for him to wear with his batman pajamas, "the ones that zip up." He had it all planned out and it sounded so planned. I finally asked, did I say I was going to make this mask? and he replied, "No, Daddy said last night at bedtime." HA! HA! HA! Thank you for giving me this task today Daddy! I am saying that with sarcasm. He described it to me and then stood in front of Henry and said "Can't you wait to see me in my cool batman mask little brother?" Henry just laughed!

So I was trying to clean up and thinking hard and fast how I would do this. So I told him to find me a picture. He said, I will go draw one....and this is what he drew. But he said, "But I want the ears to be more leveler. So they are even."
HA! HA! The verbal skills of my child could cause me to lose my sanity over these projects where he demands perfection! HA! HA!



I put the whole project off for a bit and left him at his drawing table. I went and put Henry down for his nap and got a quick shower in. I came down and walked by his desk and there was this picture.



Now at first I looked at this picture turned and couldn't believe that he had drawn such a great train with a skate blade instead of wheels! HA! HA! Am I a mother of a son or what! BUt then he said, "No mama, turn it. It is a boot. And this thing here is the windshield wiper that wipes away the rain." (Windshield wiper is the blad that sticks out the left side of the boot) HA! HA! But look at that boot! What an artist. Not sure if he is going to ask me to make the boots too...in which case I might be in even more trouble.

Stay tuned for a picture of my boy as Batman...but first...library class, lunch, and hopefully a nap! My day, thanks to daddy. Maybe one of these days I will leave him here with the boys and plant a grand idea for him to tackle!

This tries to put me over the edge every day...

However, because my son enjoys eating so much and he is so fun to watch eat...I somehow do not need to be committed to the loony bin for the scene that appears under his chair every meal. I swear sometimes I want to cry as I deal with it. The cheerios...oh, they are easy. The dust buster devoted to only this area of the house gets those quick. It is the wet oranges, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, etc...that has me on my hands and knees. But I pat myself on the back because I don't just feed him cheerios, even though that would be so much easier. I let him feed himself and enjoy this crazy time in his eating life. Even if the cottage cheese dries and needs to be scraped off the floor. Mom - you deserve to go out to dinner tonight because you dealt with this for three kids!

Doing My Part

Living Green! It is sweeping the world...thank goodness. And many people, I believe, still think that what they do won't impact the world because you are just one little person...but look at last Tuesday's election. People believed and voted and change happened. It was about a year ago that a friend motivated me to invest in some grocery bags. It took a few times to feel comfortable using them but now I use them every time and feel sick to my stomach as I leave watching so many plastic and paper bags leave alongside me. I rarely forget mine...I think yesterday was the first time in months. I keep them in my car. I just think...if I can get to the grocery car with two kids under the age of 5, with my purse, wallet, list, coupons, and a sippy cup and snack...oh! Don't forget the nuk...and my grocery bags! Then ANYONE CAN DO IT! I also use the produce bags that you can order online for so cheap (and yes, I will order those bags for my family that I offered too...bad me!)

I have also started converting some, not all, of my cleaning products to green products. I have my mom addicted to Meyer's spray cleaner. LOVE IT!

My one thing I am also really proud to do is napkins. I haven't bought a package of white everyday paper napkins since last December! YES! My mother in law is an amazing seamstress...or sewer...not sure the right term. But she made me some cloth napkins last year for Christmas. We use them for our napkins everyday!

Those are just some of the little things I do to help contribute to a greener world. The things you choose to do can be simple, little, and they might even save you money. Recycle, stop using so many ziploc bags..get some small containers, buy food in larger quanities rather than the snack size. Don't buy the individual containers of pringles...buy a big tube and put a few in your lunch. I try to buy my yogurt in a big container instead of all individual...but the flavor selection is then limited. And for gosh sakes! Don't throw your cigerette butts on the ground. First off I would love for you to quit smoking so you can see the world greener for longer but if you are going to smoke use the ashtrays. Last spring I was in Georgia with Ed and I was standing along the river that opens into the Ocean watching dolphins go swim by and a business man was standing maybe 5 feet from an ashtray and he flung his butt into the ocean. It took everything in me from marching over there and giving him a piece of my mind.

Little, easy, just one thing. You might catch the green bug and add something new next month and soon our world will have a better outlook for our grandchildren and their grandchildren...

Okay, stepping off my soapbox!

P.S.
Let me know if you want to know where to get produce or grocery bags...however almost every major store offers them for very cheap now!

Need an Ego boost

Become the mother of a 10 month old. When he is eating his breakfast...leave the room for a second (yes, be safe only a second), and when you return you will get a welcome that is off the charts. You will feel like Oprah when she walks on stage each day. Oh and to step it up a notch...head right for the box of Cheerios and pick that up! WOW! Now that adds fireworks to the whole experience. I love you Henry!

Missing His Brother

Most times that I bring Henry downstairs...after nap or a diaper change...Charley hides and we have to find him. He is most likely in the same spot every time but being the mom of a four year old means playing along and letting him believe that you can't find him so Henry and I search. So this morning and all day Henry was craning his neck and looking around for his brother. It made me sad but also very happy to know that Henry is aware of the busy brother he has. It was a quiet day here. We did this last year. Ed took Charley up north during this hunting prep weekend. But last year I was pregnant and uncomfortable. My mission last year was to get all of our xmas shopping done, which I did. This year I am just trying to enjoy this time. It is overwhelming though. I am not sure what I should be doing. I know on Sunday when daddy and Charley arrive home I will look back and wonder why I did this or why I didn't do that. It has been a nice day. We hung out at home and then went to the mall to walk a bit. We had a "fancy" lunch at PF Changs. Henry ate on a plate for the first time. He didn't make too much of a mess there. Tonight my mission is to get my meals made for the meal coop I am part of. I swap meals with three other moms once a month. We have one meal left from October so I will thaw that tomorrow and that is one thing I don't have to worry about tomorrow. If you have friends that want to save time...get a meal coop going...

Okay, getting off on a tangent here but meal group! My friend Sarah opened my world to them. There are four of us. Each month we make four meals to freeze and then swap the meals. So in my freezer I have four meals all prepared and just ready to eat. It has been a blessing on busy nights or nights when I don't want to make a mess of the kitchen or when I want to feel like someone else cooked for me. Anyways...back to the original message.

Henry misses his big brother. Mama misses her son...and her husband. Absence does make the heart appreciate those things in your life. I can't wait for hugs from my two boys.

This is reality!

I write on here a lot about all the wonderful things in my life...but there are many of these moments. (I am going through pictures and ordering a ton and came across this one from CHarley's recent birthday weekend!) I am laughing so hard as I post this!

Charley's weekend adventure

This afternoon I hugged and kissed Charley as he packed up and heads to Grandma Charlie's for the weekend. Daddy has to prepare for hunting so Charley is tagging along to get some one on one Grandma time. Though I have been looking forward to the weekend with more quiet time, some one on one time with Henry, and a little space between Charley and myself it is really hard to watch him drive away. What advenutures will he have without me? It is okay though, I do so much with him that it is good for us to have time away from each other to grow, be independent, and gain an appreciation for our time together. This was our conversation as he left:

Mama: Charley you can call me if you miss me.
Charley: I know but I won't.
Mama: Okay, but you can if you want.
Charley: Will you be sad when I am not here. Because you can just pretend I am here.
Mama: That is right Charley. I will just pretend you are here. See ya later. Have fun and be a good traveler for Daddy.
Charley: Bye Mama!

Is that what it feels like when they are bigger and they leave for summer camp for the week or worse college for the semester? Yikes! It will be quiet here. But I need to relax and enjoy this time and I am promising myself that I will only spend a little time catching up on cleaning. The rest of the time is to rejuvinate so I have more gas in my engine when Sunday rolls around much too fast.

Grandma Charlie, Enjoy him this weekend. He is really looking forward to sausage. He said, "Grandma usually makes sausage when I am at her house. Most usually she does make sausage!" HAHAHAHA!

The First Snow Fun in 2008

Today we had our first biggish snowfall...it was beautiful. When Charley noticed it his eyes lit up and his smile was huge. What a difference a year makes..because my eyes lit up too, I no longer have a baby growing inside me, keeping me from getting down on my knees to roll a huge snowball. So new entertainment for this stay at home mom. I got the boys fed and then put Henry down for his nap. Charley and I bundled up and went out for some snow fun. How much fun is it to play outside with a four year old in the snow! It is so fun to see Charley's abililty to move in all his gear progress to the master level. What fun! The winter that is coming awaits us with loads of fun!

Henry's first haircut

Before....






After....


Henry got his first haircut. It wasn't a huge cut as you can see. But his bangs and around the ears were getting a little long and wispy. The back was really uneven. I didn't want the curls cut off yet so you won't see a huge difference and the before and after food shots are because my mom was asking what he is eating these days. THe after shot shows his hair sticking up on top...that is only how it dried from bath the night before. It normally lays nice and flat. He was a little old man in the chair, didn't move, very content. Charley was the same way. Blessed.

Good Morning Minnesota

This morning we woke to a white world. It amazes me that on Monday it was 70 degrees and today it feels like it will be a white Christmas. Henry was glued to the window for the first minutes of his morning. Though it was snowy when he was born this would be the first snow he can really realize is out there and wonder about....

Mommy time is good for the soul!

Once a month I am gifted a night out with old teacher friends who I see not nearly enough. When I was teaching we had a monthly game of Bunko that rotated houses. It was time to relax, talk school, talk life - while having a beverage, eating some yummy appetizers and gambling a little money. (What's five dollars)...when I resigned from my job to stay home with my boys I worried about losing contact with my teacher friends but they insisted that I could still be apart of the bunko night. Thank goodness. I have truly enjoyed seeing them each month. I love hearing them all chatter on about school. It makes me miss it oh so much....it makes me appreciate being home because I honestly don't know how they all manage to balance home and work and still find time to laugh. My bunko nights have me up in the middle of the night pondering life. How much do I miss the classroom...is the choice to be home the right one. I have come to realize that there is no question that I have made the right choice. I love being home with my boys. However, the creative outlet that teaching gives me, the social circle that my coworkers gave me, and the fufillment of knowing I was making a difference in children's lives makes me look forward to the day when I can step back into that role. I believe I am lucky to have such an exciting profession to look forward to entering in the not so distant future. But for now, I will appreciate that I have the privelge of waking when my boys wake in the morning, lounging in pjs for a little longer than normal, and doing whatever fits our mood tomorrow. I miss the classroom but I also don't want to miss tomorrow. So I will appreciate that I still get to hang out with some amazing women who inspire my future and remind me of what is waiting for me when these next few years pass. I do hope they don't pass to quickly.

Swimming

I signed up for another session of lap swimming. It isn't so much that I love it...it is just good for me and paying for the sessions holds me accountable for going. I enjoy my time there but it is hard to go out in the cold and get in the cold pool. I have been blessed with very mild evening temps so far. Tonight at dinner I said to Charley..."Oh man, I have my swimming lessons tonight (lap swimming)." Charley said, "Are you excited mama?" I said, "No, I just want to stay home with you." He said, "Mama, you should be excited. It is okay, I will see you in the morning. But you can't leave until Daddy gets home, right?"

So I went. My brother gave me a workout to follow instead of just swimming and trying to keep track of my laps. So much better. Heart rate up. I felt like I was accomplishing something. Arms hurt. Legs hurt. Goodnight!

Time for Change

Dear Sons,

Yesterday you walked along with me to vote for the 44th president. On the way we enjoyed the sunny warm November day...very odd weather but we won't complain. This election was a big moment in my life. My mom still talks about John F. Kennedy's years. I do believe that our world is ready for change and whether one canidate or the other had won I believe our world would have seen change. I believe that yesterday's election was historical...and yes every election is...but this one is special. Charley we talked about how the president is the leader of our country. He helps keep us safe and healthy.

Last night I fell asleep watching the election results get tabulated. Amazingly, I awoke to the future president, Barack Obama saying "Hello Chicago!" Why would I wake up at that moment...maybe it is silly, but I love that I got to see his speech live.

Charley and Henry, you are growing up in an incredible time. Your daddy and I hope that we can raise you to celebrate the diversity in our world, accept the differences in all those around you, and to strive to be the best person you can be so that you can someday change the world for the better in your own small or big way. Yesterday when I voted it was the first time I really felt like my vote would count. And looking at the amazing voter turn out it seems that many American's realized the gift that our nation gives it's citizens. I love that I shared this moment with you yesterday, even though you are too young to truly grasp the greatness. Someday, people will talk about the year Barack Obama was elected, and whether people voted for him or his opponent, John McCain, I believe everyone realizes the huge significance in the outcome of the election.

You are American and you will grow up in a world that challenges you but always strives for better. And today many people believe that change for the better is around the corner. I hope that it changes for the better for your life and your children's and their childrens.

I love you!

Love,
Mama

Does he remember?

During dinner tonight Henry worked on a poop....I know too much information. But Charley's response to Henry's red face. "Mama, it isn't fun to poop in a chair. I remember dat."

Does he remember?

Proud Americans

This morning I got the boys into the stroller and we walked over to the fire station to vote. I was determined to involve my boys. I think this is a historical election and I know it might be silly since both will really have no clue. But hey..I tried. On the way over Charley and I discussed our city, state, and country. I guess I had to explain the president kind of like a king....I don't know the whole thing is so big for a four year old.

Another reason I wanted them both there. Both our boys were born on presidental eleciton years. Charley came along to vote with me when he was about 2 weeks old...see the attached picture.

So today, I hope you all go out to vote. And if you are a coffee drinker don't forget to swing by a Starbucks...free coffee to those that vote. May the best man win...although I do believe whoever wins will bring change for the better.

Be proud to be an American.

The famous Uncle Mike...and family

This weekend Ed's family came to visit for Charley's birthday and Halloween. Most importantly Uncle Mike. Charley always enjoys seeing his Uncle Mike and his Aunt Becca. They get down and play play play with him. Henry also enjoyed playing with Uncle Mike this time. Charley got to trick or treat with his Grandma Charlie. Make calzones with his Uncle Mike and Becca. He got to open birthday presents. Grandma Charlie gave him a police outfit and was reminded that what you give you must play because Charley wore the police uniform for most of the weekend.

Charley also learned that he is going to get his first "First" cousin in April...YES Uncle Mike will become a daddy and Aunt Becca will become a mama. It was a nice relaxing weekend. And last night as Charley was going to bed he said "I miss my grandma Charlie. I miss Uncle Mike. And I miss Aunt Becca."

P.S. Uncle Greg should know that Charley did call uncle Mike Uncle greg at least once this time....usually it is the other way around.

Our boys are so lucky to be loved by all their aunts and uncles. They are all very special in their own way. And you are all welcome here anytime.

Rollerskating! YES! RollerSKATING!

Every year our realtor hosts a get together so that we can stay in touch with him. This year he hosted it at the RollerGarden in St. Louis Park. We decided to give it a try with Charley. When Sunday afternoon rolled around Ed was dragging his feet..not wanting to go. I tried to pump him up that this would be a good start before it was ice skating season. Charley was super excited. He has never been rollerskating.

Let me tell you! It was a great time. It was a private party so the rink was not busy at all! Ed had a smile on his face the whole time and even wanted to make a lap at one point on his own. hahaha! I don't think he had ever rollerskated. I think he said he had only rollerbladed. The music was great...they had lights and smoke (or something like smoke). We skated and then had dinner...a hotdog and chips. I went to get napkins and when I returned Charley looked at me and his lip got big and his eyes welled up with tears. Ed and I were shocked and wondering what was wrong. His response was that he didn't want it to end. It was so much fun. It was one of those moments when we knew we had made a good decision to give this outing a go. It reminds me that some of those awkward...won't know anyone...might be pushing our comfort zone outings that we often avoid are often times the ones that can make your family stronger. My heart melted seeing my husband helping my son try to rollerskate and it melted even more seeing the smile on my hubbies face as he lapped the rink.

P.S....anyone reading this that is local...the Roller Garden in St. Louis park was probably the cleanest rollerrinks I have been to...not that I have been to that many :)

Taking in the moment

Charley wanted to play outside this afternoon. So we shot a round of golf in our yard and then he wanted to dig in our garden. So I got him set out there with his gardening tools and his box of cars. I sat down at our picnic table and for at least 30 minutes he puttered around in the garden. AHHHHH! Heaven. I love when I can have a moment while he is doing something stimulating. And digging in the dirt with no jacket on November 3rd is a moment to cherish. And actually we went for a nice walk around one of our favorite parks late morning. WE also had a picnic lunch...no jackets..November 3rd! Just can't get over that point. So we were outside a bunch today. One goal I continue to work on and seem to be succeeding at.

The sun has set, the piano music (thanks to Sarah) plays and now it is time for a cozy dinner. Babysitter arrives at 7:30 so that I can go swim (ugh) while Ed is at a class. And maybe tomorrow it will be as beautiful as today. We can hope...