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...