The End

The 2011 Grant reunion has come and gone. We looked forward to it for so many months and then, when the time arrived, everything occurred so fast that it seemed like a blur. Whenever our family goes on vacation, there are always some things on our vacation agenda that we didn't have time to do. My feeling about that is this....it gives us a good reason to go back. And so it was with the reunion. There were so many things that I had hoped that we would do and we just didn't have time. And so, we'll save it until next time...

This is the last day for the My Life As Me blog. Thanks to everyone for commenting and contributing...it was fun!

The Amanas

Today, a group of us headed to the Amana Colonies for lunch and shopping. It was a gorgeous day...sunny and not too hot. If you don't count taking the LONG way home, we had a perfect day!

Some of theThings We Did Today at the Family Reunion

Ate at Panera
Won money at the casino
Shopped at the mall
Spent time with a third cousin
Went bowling
Ordered pizza
Watched home movies
Learned some wrestling moves
Saw a frog
Went miniature golfing
Ate pizza
Ate kuchen
Made a lot of noise with noisemakers
Fished a ball out of a pond
Bought popcorn
Looked at photo albums
Went swimming

Fun in the Sun

Several of the Grant Group spent the day at the water park. A few of us traveled to Mason City to tour a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Others spent a quiet, relaxing day at home. All of us gathered for dinner at the Dairy Barn in Ionia. I think it's safe to say that, regardless of how the day was spent, everyone had a great time. Thanks to the C Wolffs and the D Wolffs for the delicious dinner!!! : )

Museum Day

It seems that today was "Museum Day". Lucille, Dave, Peter, Adam, and I went to four...the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls, the Veterans/Grout Museums in Waterloo, and the Frank Lloyd Wright House near Quasqueton. Plus, we had lunch with the D Wolff family and Jaime and Tyler and dinner at the Waverly Wolff house. (Thanks to Darold and Diane for the delicious supper!) Diane got a call from Bev...the North Dakota group has arrived in Ionia...we're anxious to see all of them tomorrow!

The First Three

The first three Grants (Dave, Lucille, and Peter) are here! Their flight arrived a little after 9 PM. Darold and Diane were waiting for us at the hotel...a nice surprise. We chatted for awhile and they got checked in. Flying is so grueling, so I know that they had to be exhausted. We are planning to meet tomorrow for some museum time and lunch. Looking forward to a fun day! : )

Road Trip

Today Adam, Jaime, Tyler, and I took a road trip to Dubuque. Tyler's highlights:
Singing "Old Mcdonald" to the animals at the Storybook Hill Zoo
Playing on the patio at Catfish Charlies
Watching a scuba diver at the aquarium
Playing in the water at the museum
Looking for water towers
Eating ice cream from Four Queens

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday, Robert! Congratulations on your driver's license renewal. The reason that the DMV kept you waiting for four hours? They wanted as much time as possible to be in your charming presence..ha ha! Have fun with that little red Corvette that Lucille got for your birthday! : )

A Belated Wish

While cleaning out the wire basket on my computer desk, I unearthed the green sheet of important Grant family dates. I then discovered that I'd missed Bev and Clayton's anniversary on the 5th. My apologies...hope you had a nice day! : )

Special Requests

We have had many requests for nice weather from June 17-23. Great news...According to our local meteorologists, the weather here will be PERFECT during those dates!

Another Museum

For those of you who expressed interest in visiting museums while here, the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls just recently reopened (it had been closed to repair damage due to flooding in 2008). The Ice House showcases the ice industry of the late 1800's to the early 1900's; it also shows examples of life in America in the early 20th century. I visited the Ice House a few years ago and was impressed. If anyone wants to visit, I'd be glad to go, too.
Ice House Museum
Franklin Street and West 1st
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Open: Sat 10 AM -4 PM and Sun 1-4 PM
Cost ?

Summer To Do List

I made my summer "To Do" list today. Unfortunately, there are more items on my list than I have days to do them in. I'll let you know how that works out.

Phone Calls

This is the last weekend before the start of the Grant reunion. It seems like it was just yesterday that I started this blog...I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Before next Friday, I plan to check in with all of you to see if there's anything else you need or need to know before you come to WaWa. Because...ready or not, here you come! : )

From One Extreme to Another

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week were 90+ degree days. Today it was cool and rainy...tonight I wore a jacket. I wonder what kind of weather Mother Nature will send us June 17-24?

Hello from "Mile Wide"

I survived today and am spending the night in Denver. Jaime has a workshop tomorrow and I, not being a morning person, decided to spend the night here. It will be quite a change (a good change) to have just one instead of eight or nine. I'm counting tomorrow as my last official day of the 2010-2011 school year.

Ready or Not...Here They Come

Tomorrow I will have eight kids again. Two of the parents are finishing their last day of school...the others have a math workshop. I've had four days off...hopefully, I'm rested up and ready!

Strawberries

This morning, I met Jaime and Tyler at Heartland Farms to pick strawberries. Even at mid-morning, we could tell that it was going to be a scorcher. Tyler quickly learned that he should pick the red ones rather than the green ones. He did, however, take a green strawberry home with him...Jaime said he held onto it for a long time. He was especially interested in the animals...a turkey named Tom, some chickens and roosters, bunnies, and two goats. We ate some of the strawberries at dinner tonight...very good. Tyler? He currently doesn't even eat strawberries. That leaves more for the rest of us!

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've got the I tins done! Coming soon to a mailbox near you. : )

Happy Anniversary, Bev and Clayton!!!

Parade People

Today, I went to the My Waterloo Days' parade with Aaron, Jaime, and Tyler. Tyler was most impressed with the dogs and horses...he clapped when they went by. He also asked (several times) about "the wheel" (the ferris wheel). He saw one...we didn't go on it. My Waterloo Days is a four day celebration...the parade is probably the only event we'll attend this year. Luckily, the weather has been good for MWD this year which isn't always the case.

"I tin" Update

I have been working on the itineraries...I'm almost done. Just a couple more things to check on and then they are ready to be sent. The ones I'm sending out will include costs, addresses (for your GPS), and business hours for the places we may visit. I'll have extra copies on hand if you forget to bring yours.

First Fifty

On June 9, the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls will open its "First Fifty" exhibit. This morning, the first fifty local artists in line were allowed to submit one piece of art for the show. Adam was number twenty-five in line and got in. So, if you like art, you may want to stop by the Hearst Center while you're here in June...great works of art and it's free!

I Survived!!!

Today went much more smoothly than I expected. In fact, I've had days that were absolutely crazy with half as many kids. Only a couple of issues...and those were sibling related. Only three tomorrow...it'll feel like I'm on vacation!

Eight Is Enough

Tomorrow I'll have eight kids...the most ever in one day. Could be Will be pretty crazy!

Tails

Tyler's comments today about their cats' tails:

Lilo has a tail.
Stitch has a tail.
I no tail.

He then looked at me, grinned, and said, "Meow, meow".

Drama at Walmart

Who: Five Walmart employees and me
What: Drama
When: Tonight
Where: Walmart
Why: Because stuff like this always seems to happen to me

Tonight, when I pulled my debit card out of my wallet, a credit card I'd stuck behind it flew out and slipped between the cash register station and the plastic bag carousel. It took five employees (a manager, two assistant managers, three cashiers), a crowbar, and me (I handed them the flashlight a few times) twenty-five minutes to retrieve it. I felt bad about taking up so much of their time, but they just laughed and said that it had happened before.

Lesson Learned: Not to keep two cards in the same slot in my wallet!

Diane...When I got out to the parking lot, I noticed that our Washington cousins' vehicle was parked right across from mine!

Changing My Mind?

I've been rethinking my views on littering. While mowing this weekend, I found a dollar in the yard. So, if you happen to be driving by my house, please feel free to throw $$$ out of your car window!

Happy Anniversary, Robert and Lucille!

The Language 0f Toddlers

Today, E wore a new pair of shorts. He had fun playing with them, pulling them down and then back up. Each time, I told him that he should keep his shorts pulled up. At one point, I could see that he was thinking about something and, sure enough, he turned to me and asked, "Shorts are not for down?" I replied, "That's right, E, shorts are not for down".

Father's Day

Today, while planning a craft project for the kids to make for their dads, I realized that the dates for our reunion include Father's Day. Sorry...I hope that doesn't interfere with anyone's plans. We'll do what we can to make it a special day for the dads!

And the Winner Is...

Any Idol watchers out there tonight? I've been watching bits and pieces...quite a star studded event! At the writing of this post, the winner has yet to be named...

Folding Towels

This morning, D offered to help me fold towels. Her comment while folding: "I like big towels. But I'm not strong enough. Not for me. Just my daddy. And my mom."

Happy Birthday, Penny!!!

Table Talk

Topics of conversation at lunch today:
bike rides
birdhouses
cake
mushroom hunting
dogs
corn
watermelon rinds
falling down
plates
shoes and socks
the weather
Vitamin C

The Perfect Age

Tyler is at the perfect age this year for Jaime's birthday. He has sung "Happy Birthday" and has wished her a happy birthday several times...very cute!!!

Happy Birthday, Jaime!!!

What's New?

Today I did something that I haven't done for thirteen years...any guesses?

Details Details

I know that you are all SO anxious to make the trip to Iowa this summer (you have started packing, right?). Diane and I have been asked for the prices of the activities listed in the surveys. I plan to list this info. with the itineraries that I send out. I'm planning to work on the itineraries during Memorial Day weekend; if you need the info before then, just let me know! Have a great weekend! : )

The Can Cupboard

I have a can cupboard in my kitchen that the kids like to play in. There's a small blue can of jalapenos that Tyler likes and sometimes carries around the house. They are all fascinated by the Lazy Susan. Today, Ty and B discovered that the boxes of food in that cupboard are easily opened.
B tried her hardest to get the bags open...to no avail. She emptied the contents of the cupboard onto the kitchen floor and then walked away. D and K were great helpers and picked it all up. I wonder if they work weekends?

Happy Birthday, Hailey!!!

Computers etc.

Computers and printers can be SO frustrating! My computer was down for quite awhile tonight. I was almost ready to give up, and then it came back. I don't think I'll miss having a computer. Idol watchers...who will win? My favorites are gone but, if I had to bet on it, I'd go for Lauren.

Hide and Seek

Today, Tyler and K played an exciting game of Hide and Seek...they were the only ones here (besides Ed and me). K had the right idea; she knew how to hide her face, count, and then come looking. The problem was that, most of the time, she only counted to two. Barely enough time to hide! Tyler? He had a great time, too. He followed whoever was hiding and ran back and forth between the finder and the findee, making it really easy to be found!

Trash Talk

CAUTION!!!! IF YOU ARE INTO LITTERING, DO NOT READ THIS POST!!!!!!!
I really don't understand the thinking behind littering...does anyone want to try to explain it to me? We/I have lived in this house for almost 24 years. I could fill a landfill with the stuff/junk that has been thrown in the yard. Enough about me...how did you spend your evening?

Happy Birthday, Darold!

Just When I Thought It Was Safe

Luckily...I just checked the 7 day forecast on the KWWL (local news channel) website.
Unluckily...We have a chance of frost tonight...AGAIN!
In come the plants!!!!!!

Surveys Part 3

Hi everyone! It's a cold and rainy weekend here. That's a good thing...it gives me a good excuse for not doing yard work. Thanks, everyone, for returning the surveys (only one was not returned) and for doing so so promptly (all in by the 10th). Thanks, too, for all the added notes...very helpful. My next task is to compare the surveys and to create an itinerary. It looks like, weather permitting, there will be a lot of fun possibilities. Of course, everything will be optional...we'll have lots of time to relax and reminisce, too. I plan to have the itinerary sent out by the end of May.

Technical Difficulties

Hi everyone! This blog is driving me CRAZY! Yesterday, every time I tried to sign on, a notice came up that the blog site was temporarily disabled. So...that's the reason there was no
post yesterday. Today when I checked, the site was back up but Wednesday's "Cake" post had disappeared!!! And now it's back! Weird! Anyway, hopefully this goes through. Talk to you tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Chuck! (May 12)

Cake

I'm a cake fan. I don't really have a favorite...I like them all. Diane and Jenn stopped by today and left two slices of Jenn's "made from scratch" birthday cakes. Both delicious!! Thanks for sharing!

A Great Cause

As many of you know, especially those of you who have Facebook, Jenn (aka Her Royal Highness), is planning to participate in the Chicago Marathon in October. She is participating on Team Reeve of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Please consider giving her your support, whether it be an encouraging word or a financial contribution; I know she'll appreciate either.

Happy Birthday, Jenn!!

www.christopherreeve.org

Summer already?

It is supposed to be almost 90 degrees here tomorrow!!! It looks like summer may have arrived a little early.

Playing Catch-up

It's Sunday night and, once again, I have several things that didn't get done during the weekend. So...a couple of hours ago, I made a list and have been little by little crossing things off. I have only two more things on the list and then I'm caught up!! : )

The Things That Moms Say

One of a mom's many jobs is to spew words of wisdom. Adam reminded me of this when he stopped by last night with a Mother's Day card and gift. He claims that I said the following to him many times while he was growing up, and that is...
"If your friends all jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?"
(I don't remember saying this, but he claims that I did). Now that I've got "big ears" with me all day, I try to be especially conscious of the things I say. There have been several times that parents have mentioned that their children have picked up a particular word or phrase and wondered where. So far, so good...everything I've said that the kids have repeated has been G rated!
PS...Looks like my "bridge jumping" advice has been heeded. To date, neither Adam nor any of his friends have jumped off any bridges.

little man of few words...still

Overheard today...

K to D "I WENT POTTY IN THE TOILET!!!"
D to K "I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!"

K to E "I WENT POTTY IN THE TOILET!!!"
E to K "MY MOMMY WILL BE SO HAPPY!"

K to Tyler "I WENT POTTY IN THE TOILET!!!"
Tyler to K "Yep."

Happy Birthday, Nancy!!

Where Did The Week Go?

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Friday; it feels like the past two weeks have flown by. Maybe it's because I've been extra busy...spending the day with 5-6 "three and unders" makes everything a blur! Idol watchers...Were you surprised to see Jacob go?

What Would You Do?

You are driving down a busy four lane street when, up ahead, you see that a homeowner has stepped out into the street in order to mow along the edge of her yard. You would..
a) Move your car over to the next lane.
b) Approach, come to a complete stop, and honk like a madman.
c) Speed up and run over her.

(Two of the three happened to me today.)

28 Days

28 Days is a 2000 movie starring Sandra Bullock. This post, however, is not a review of that movie. Rather, it states the number of days in my summer vacation. (Can you tell that I'm getting anxious?) I do see a possible similarity, however, between my summer and the movie...in the movie, Sandra stole and crashed a limo. I may get that desperate. On the other hand, the movie received a 3 star rating; I'm pretty sure that my time off will rate a 5!

Mother's Day

Today we started working on our Mother's Day projects. The kids were sworn to secrecy, and that lasted with the girls until their mothers walked in the door. I don't know if Ty said anything to Jaime, but she had a chance to see our projects while he was napping. When you're a kid, spoiling the surprise is part of the fun!

Happy anniversary, Susan and Chuck!!!

The Yard Work Commences...

Friday night...mowed the front yard.
Saturday afternoon...spent a couple of hours in a greenhouse and purchased several geranium and impatiens plants.
Today...bought two ferns, rock, and mulch.
Tonight...brought all of those plants in...we have a frost advisory. Ed has been snooping around the flowers; I just hope that he doesn't decide to eat them while I'm sleeping!

Lucky Me

Lucky me. I have a dentist who works on Saturdays. And, I had an appointment today. And, one scheduled for next Saturday, too. : (

The "Wedding"

How many of you watched William and Kate's wedding? My thoughts:
What pomp and circumstance! (As if the royals would have it any other way)
What a gorgeous dress!
What stylish hats!
What a cutie Harry turned out to be (who knew?)!
What an expense!!!!! I heard that it cost approx. $65 million dollars!!!! (I wonder how many starving children that would feed.)

Another Quiz

Three is the answer. What is the question?

Going somewhere...

is a daily occurrence at my house. One or two (or all) of the big kids decide that they're going to go somewhere (i.e. the grocery store, Walmart, McDonalds, the park), so they put on (or try to put on) their coats, hats, shoes, etc. I won't help them for two reasons:
1) If I start doing that, I'll end up helping them get dressed a million times every day, and
2) I don't want to give the the false impression that we're actually going to go somewhere!
Today, Ty and D were my "big kids." They decided to go visit Guck and Manda (Derek and Amanda). They managed their coats, but D decided to forgo her shoes in order to help Ty with his. She never did manage to get them on, but it was fun watching her try. B, not to be outdone by the big kids, got her coat and carried it around for the rest of the day.

Last Class

Tonight was our last class in the four week FCCERS series. I now know that I know that I'm overwhelmed by all the expectations for best practice. Before class, Mary, the QRS specialist for CCRR, asked if she could bring a rating team into my home on the 13th. The team would rate my program in several areas and then compare their ratings. The purpose of their visit would be for their own practice as evaluators...not to critique my program. Wow, Mary, let me think about it and I'll get back to you...OK, I've thought about it...No way! : )
PS...Can you tell that I like initialisms?

Tutus and Tails

This morning, D and K pulled out the dress up clothes. K put on a cat costume complete with tail that she wore all day and home. D donned a pink and black frilly tutu which she wore for all of ten minutes. They tried to talk Ty into a red polka dot dress adorned with lace, ribbons, and sequins. He took one look and walked away.

Spring Fever

I think I must have a touch of spring fever. Tonight (around 7:30), I went outside to wash my front windows. And now, I just figured out how many days until the end of the school year for all of my families...the countdown begins!

Grocery Shopping

I waited until tonight to do my weekly grocery shopping and was surprised to find many of the store shelves almost bare (especially in the canned vegetable aisle). I didn't realize that people did so much cooking for Easter! Our plans? Aaron, Jaime, and Tyler will come over after church for brunch. Happy Easter, everyone!

Happy anniversary to Marco and Amy!!!

Water, Water, Everywhere

Tyler had fun playing in the water today. First at my house, where he washed his hands to the point of soaking his clothes. Then, after dinner at A and J's house, Ty asked Adam to help him wash his hands. He (Tyler, not Adam) ended up sitting on the vanity with his feet in the bathroom sink...soaked again! Speaking of water, the survey I sent should have listed "Lady of the Lake" instead of "The Spirit of Greene" as an option. If this isn't quite enough water news for you, then you should know that it was rainy here again today. By the time I get a chance to mow this spring, the grass in my yard will be ten feet high!

Lil' Helpers

This morning, D and K "read" several books to Baby O. I'm fairly sure that he liked it, even though he was sleeping while they read. This afternoon, K folded all of the clothes that I'd just taken out of the dryer. She was especially excited when she found a pair of my socks (evidently, she didn't realize that I have laundry, too).

On the Move

I got an update from Derek tonight. On Monday, after spending two nights in a cabin on post, Derek and Amanda rented a house about a mile from their apt. complex; they moved in yesterday. He said that their building...built in 2010...was condemned, so they had to move. It's a three bedroom two bath home with a "bonus" room above the garage (their roommate Jared will use that as his bedroom). Derek sounded anxious to start doing yard work...IS HE CRAZY??? Tomorrow, he'll get the verdict on his car. He has the rest of the week off, so they're looking forward to a quiet weekend. Hopefully, it will be.

Weather Permitting

During our class tonight, we talked about taking child care kids outdoors. Best practice is to take the kids outside every day for up to an hour unless the wind chill is 9 degrees or below or the heat index is 90 degrees or higher. So, despite the snow, thundersnow, sleet, and rain we had today, I should have taken the kids outside. With an eight-week-old baby in tow? I don't think so!!!

And Baby Makes Ten

Tomorrow, we'll be adding an eight-week-old baby to our group. His parents have child care lined up for fall, but their provider had no room for him now. So I...being the crazy person that I am...said I'd take him. His dad's a teacher (mom works at Deere's), so he'll be full time for the next seven weeks until school is out. I have no doubt that it'll be a hectic seven weeks, so I'm already counting the days!!!!!!!
PS...Did I mention that I'm crazy???!!!

Weekend Update

In between all the phone calls and texts between Iowa and North Carolina, Jaime and I took Tyler to have his Easter pictures taken (if you have Facebook, you can see them on Aaron or Jaime's page), bought a bike helmet for Tyler, had lunch at Applebee's yesterday and Wendy's today (unfortunately, the Waterloo Wendy's, not the Bismarck Wendy's), and went to church.
NC news...Derek said that at midnight last night they were notified that they had to evacuate immediately (it had been determined that the foundation of their building was unstable). He called his boss and was told to head out to the campgrounds where someone with a key would meet them in 15 minutes. Derek said that she finally showed up at 2 AM and then realized that all of the cabins had been rented for the weekend. So, they slept in the car. They were able to get into a cabin today; this afternoon, electricity was restored to post. Tomorrow, they have appointments to look at other rental properties and plan to move their things as soon as possible (the guys in Amanda's unit have volunteered to help them move). Derek's been driving his car even though the windows are broken out. I feel especially bad for Amanda. She had surgery on her knee last Wednesday and is on medical leave. D said that her knee has been really bothering her...I'm sure that crawling across the living room floor, crouching in the bathroom, and sleeping in the car, etc. didn't help.

Tornados in NC

Derek called this afternoon to let me know that their apartment complex had been hit by one of the many tornados that went through North Carolina today. He said that they were in the living room, heard it coming, and crawled to the bathroom. He sent pictures of the damage to their apartment...a large hole going from outside through their bedroom wall (a chunk of the dry wall is embedded in another wall). Their patio was ripped apart, and the trees behind the apartment were down and/or snapped in half. Some of Amanda and Derek's car and truck windows were broken. Based on the videos I've seen of the widespread damage that occurred, they were lucky. Fayetteville has been declared a disaster area and, since they're without power, Derek said his boss told them they could stay at the cabins at Fort Bragg. Will keep you posted!

It's Spring?

It was SO cold, rainy, and windy here today. And dark. This afternoon, my house was so dark inside that it seemed like it was nighttime. I'm sure that's why the kids napped so well (even those who don't usually). The good news is that we didn't get any snow (sorry, North Dakotans)!

Surveys Part Two

Hi! I just finished the rough draft of the surveys. I'll have Jaime proofread them tomorrow, and then I'll send them on their merry way. Happy Friday, everyone! : )

Mixing

I spent time today...
a. mixing music
b. mixing cookie dough
c. mixing tempera paint
The answer is...
c. mixing paint.
We are painting flowers. This afternoon, I tried to make purple paint, but it turned out really dark (almost brown). Tonight I discovered that I didn't have any green paint in the house and didn't want to go to the store, so I mixed blue and yellow. Still pretty dark, but I'm almost out of yellow. The good news is that the kids don't really care about the colors; they're just happy to be painting!!

Homework

I'm enrolled in a four week child care class. The class involves homework... I don't remember the last time I had homework (probably when I was in college).

Two's Company

Just had two kids today...Tyler and K. It was a nice change of pace. We actually got to spend some time outside (which we never get to do) and went for a wagon ride. Will just have the two of them again tomorrow, so I hope that we can do an art project and bake some cookies. There was a great picture and article in today's newspaper of Ms. Wheelchair Iowa! You can check it out by visiting the following website:
WCFcourier.com
(When you get to the website, you'll see a picture with numbers 1-5 above it. Click on the numbers until you see Jenn's pic. Then, you can click on the article to read it in its entirety.
Way to go, Jenn!

Errands

Errands are on my "I don't really like doing this" list. They are, however, a necessary part of life. And so, today, I ran errands for four hours...seven stores and one library. Do you like running errands?

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

Surveys

Hello everyone! Diane and I have talked a lot about our get-together in June. It looks like we'll have lots of people coming and going at different times. That works for us, but we do want to make the most of your time while you're in WaWa. Later next week, you'll receive a survey from us, the purpose of which will be twofold. We'll ask for arrival and departure dates (sounds like we're running an airport) and will ask you to prioritize the activities you'd like to do while here. If you have questions after seeing the survey, please call or e-mail me. Thanks! : )

Happy Birthday, Alex!!!

Just read that a tornado hit Mapleton earlier this evening. From what little information I've read, it sounds like there was a lot of damage.

Tots and Towels

As K was leaving today, she turned and said, "Thanks for watching me."

Tonight, Adam and I had dinner at Tony's, a new pizzeria in Cedar Falls. I ducked into the restroom to wash and, instead of the usual paper towel dispenser or hand dryer, there was a basket of white cotton hand towels. Very upscale for a pizza place!

P's and Q's Part 2

There are many ideas about the origin of the term "minding your p's and q's". Lucille mentioned one of them. Here are other possibilities...all involving old British pubs:
The barkeeps had to keep track of their p's and q's (pints and quarts).
The waitresses were also expected to keep a tally of the p's and q's that were sold.
If people started arguing, the bartender reminded them to mind their own drinks...their p's and q's.
Today, minding your p's and q's means to be on your best behavior. Ironic, considering the bad behavior that must have resulted from all that drinking!!!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Amy, Marco, Nancy, and Dave! Jaime mentioned that there's a picture of Sofia on Facebook; she also said that she's really cute..of course!! In his e-mail, Dave mentioned being tired. Dave, chances are, you'll have many nights of little sleep! After Tyler was born, there were several nights that Aaron, Jaime, and I took turns. In fact, a couple of nights, in order to catch up on sleep, Aaron slept at home, Jaime and Tyler slept here, and I was the one who got up in the night with Tyler. More than once, I fell asleep while holding him...on the couch or in the recliner. Seems like yesterday.

P's and Q's

Today, D and Tyler spent some time playing with our magnetic alphabet letters. Tyler searched for all of the O's (his favorite letter). Whenever he found a blue O, he was pretty psyched since blue is his favorite color. D was looking for all of the M's. She called the capital M's "the big M's"; D and Ty called the little m's "the baby m's". I was observing all of this when D spotted a letter still in the box and said, "Tyler, an O". He took one look and replied, "That's a Q." I had no idea that he knew what a Q looks like!

Pop Quiz: Who knows what it means to "Mind your P's and Q's"?

Playing Dress-Up

Today my three "big" kids played dress-up. D started out as a jack-o-lantern but then changed into a mail carrier. K went from being a ballerina to a bride and then finally to the Statue of Liberty. Tyler? He decided that he liked being a chef. Every time I asked him if he wanted to take his apron off he said, "Not yet".

Decorah Eagles

In an e-mail he recently sent, Darold mentioned the livestream of the eagles nesting at Decorah, Iowa. I've visited the website several times this weekend. This afternoon, I watched as the parent eagles fed their two babies...fascinating. There were over 120,000 other people watching at the same time! If you'd like to see the eagles and their eaglets (two of the three eggs have hatched), go to the following website and scroll down to "Decorah Eagle cam". Have a great week!
KWWL.com

Bicycle Weather

The weather here is finally starting to become "spring-like", so I've been anxious to start riding my bike again. Unfortunately, as of last week, it had two flat tires. Adam was able to get the front tire to hold air but not the back. Lucky for me, B and D's dad is a bicycle expert; he offered to fix it for me. He took it home last night, replaced the tube in the back tire, tuned it up, tested it out by taking it for a spin, and had it back this morning at 9 AM! It was nice here today, so I was able to get in a short ride...five miles. Hopefully, I'll get back on the trails again this summer. I'll have to see if I can work up to riding from Aaron and Jaime's house to Waverly and back..J and I did it a few summers ago...maybe we can do it again!

Feedback Please

Hi everyone! I've "wasted" a lot of time tonight, playing with the text for the blog. I've tried white, blue, and now yellow. Please let me know if the blog is difficult to read, and I'll be glad to change it. (My computer screen has gotten so full of banding, that everything is difficult for me to read.!) Have a great weekend!

Junk Drawers

When D and B's dad picked them up this afternoon, he offered to check my bike tires (one tire is flat and I can't get my tire pump to work). I showed him the pump and mentioned that I had unscrewed something from it. He asked to see that part, so I started to search. Of course, I didn't remember where I'd put it (even though I'd done that less than a week ago). I searched my kitchen "junk drawer" three times before I found it in there. Gotta love junk drawers...a great place for everything you have nowhere else to put. I've noticed that there are several websites devoted to junk drawers...websites telling how to organize junk drawers (mine is not), photos of junk drawers, and even ideas for giving junk drawer organizers as gifts.
What's in your junk drawer???????

If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all...

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 is the "Year of the Hare". In my world, it's the "Year of the Malfunctioning Appliances". Since the beginning of this school year, it has been:
the dryer (Sears repaired it for $$$)
the refrigerator (still paying for a new one)
the clothes washer (still paying for a new one)
the dishwasher (I'm still using it, even though it leaks all over. I've discovered that bath towels are great for mopping up indoor rivers and lakes.)
Is that a long enough list? Evidently not, because this morning, the dryer quit... again!!!! : (
I called Sears right away, expecting to be told that it would be next week before a repairman could come. Surprise...surprise...someone came within two hours! What convinced the Sears rep. that this was urgent? Was it that I mentioned that I have an in-home child care business and rely heavily on my dryer? Was it the fact that I was holding a fussy baby the whole time I was on the phone? Or, was it the two-year-old, tugging on my leg, repeatedly repeating, "I have to go potty"? Whatever it was, it worked. And, luckily, I had the good sense to buy the over-the-phone warranty that she offered (or it would have cost twice as much).
And so, to finish continue the list:

the dryer (Sears replaced the motor for $$$)

I'd like to think that that's it for this year but, there are ten weeks left!!!!!!

Do you know...

how to calibrate a thermometer? I do. It's just one of many "amazing" things I learned tonight at my nutrition class (a required course for child care providers who participate in the Food Program).

Happy Birthday, Marco!!!

More Ideas

In yesterday's comments, Dave mentioned Cedar Rock, the Frank Lloyd Wright house at Quasqueton (not too far from Waterloo). I had forgotten about the house...if anyone's interested in architecture, this would probably be worth the trip. I also just remembered the Bily clock exhibit at Spillville. We took the kids to visit this museum years ago...I was very impressed. You can check out both of these attractions at the following websites:

cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov
bilyclocks.org

Hope you're all having a great week so far! : )

Grown Up Stuff

Yesterday, I listed lots of things to keep the kids entertained while here in Iowa. There are also "grown up friendly" things, too. There are many, many options, so I'll just throw out a few ideas:
Guys' Day Out...We have several fantastic golf courses...tennis courts, too. Also...John Deere offers an interesting tour of their factory.
Girls' Day Out...A spa day would be fun if anyone out there wants or needs to be pampered. And/or lunch at "Barn Happy", shopping on the parkade in downtown Cedar Falls, and cupcakes at Scratch Cupcakery.
Waterloo and Cedar Falls have great bars and clubs for night life for anyone who's interested.
We also have a casino for anyone who wants to lose some money!!!!!!! : (
And, of course, there will be great conversation and delicious food!
The Wellers, Nugents, and "The Royal Family" are committed to seeing that everyone has a great time, so please let us know what you'd like to do while here!

Happy Birthday, Aaron!!!

Kid Stuff

FYI...Here's a sample of "kid" friendly places and/or activities that are possibilities for June's visit to WaWa. (These are not listed in any particular order.) If you want more info.about any of these, just ask me or google them!
Lost Island Water Park
Sunrise Exchange Petting Zoo
bowling
miniature golf
Go-Karts
movie theaters
Phelps Youth Pavilion
city and county parks
swimming pools
Hartman Reserve (nature center and hiking trails)
bike trails
Dan Gable Wrestling Museum
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
Grout Museum of Science and Industry
Sullivan Brothers' Veterans Museum
museums at the University of Northern Iowa
Ice House Museum
Renssalaer Russell House

Congratulations to Jenn!!!!!!!! : )
From now on, the Waverly Wolffs will be known as The Royal Family!!!!!

Things That Go Bump in the Night (Day)

On a typical day, I have one or more kids standing on the bench by the kitchen, watching me as I prepare lunch. Today, three of the kids were standing there when one slipped on a cushion and bumped his nose. The bridge of his nose became instantly swollen and ended up black and blue. I called Mom at work to let her know (didn't want her to walk in after work and faint when she saw him). He wasn't really hurt but, man, did he look wicked. When his mom saw him, she laughed. I apologized and said to her, "You should see the other guy!". All in a day's work.

Happy Birthday, Jon!!!!!

K

A couple of funny "K" moments today:

Usually, while the kids are playing, I follow them, picking up the toys they've left behind...a crazy thing to do since, immediately, they get everything out again (hey...I have to have something to do). This morning, while picking up toys, K approached me and asked, "What are you doing, Sheryl? Organizing?"

This afternoon, K was lying on the floor...B (who just turned one) crawled on top of K and proceeded to lick her. K jumped up and shouted, "Hey, I'm not food!".

Happy Birthday, Lucas! Big celebration tonight at Trax???!!!

I'm Not...

a morning person. In fact, I have three alarms set for the sole purpose of getting me out of bed every morning. Alarm number one is my cell phone. It is set to ring at 3 different times, starting at 5:30 AM. The second is my radio which I have set to play (very loudly) from 5:50-6:20. The third is an actual alarm clock that starts beeping at 6:15; it won't stop until I physically get up out of bed, walk around my bed, and reach under my bed to shut it off. I almost always hear all three of these alarms...this morning I completely slept through the first two!!! Maybe if I didn't stay up so late reading, I'd be able to wake up on time!

A New Old Game

This week, we've started playing a new old game...Musical Chairs. The kids enjoy playing; however, every time the music stops, I have to remind them to sit down. And, I have to make sure that there are always enough chairs so everyone can sit down. It's funny to watch them walk around the chairs...there's always someone going the wrong direction!

Another Baby...

is on the way. One of my families is expecting a baby in October. At this rate, I'll be retiring when I'm 250!!!!!!

Birthdays Missed

I missed seven birthdays while the blog was down...that's a lot!!!!!!!! So...here goes....
Happy Birthday to Michele on February 18
Happy Birthday to Kelley on February 19
Happy Birthday to Bev on February 24
Happy Birthday to Wendy on March 2
Happy Birthday to Clayton on March 6
Happy Birthday to Dave on March 10
Happy Birthday to Kyle on March 12
I hope that all of you had great birthdays! : )

Trip to the Museum

Today, Jaime, Tyler, and I went to Iowa City to visit the Iowa Children's Museum. We'd never been there...we were impressed (lots more to see and do than we had expected). Tyler especially liked the City Grocery (he "shopped" with a little shopping cart), the ambulance at the CityWorks Children's Hospital (this time he was the driver and not the passenger), and ImaginAcres (he fed the cow and planted vegetables in the garden). He had so much fun that he didn't want to leave...we had to bribe him with ice cream!!!

Just a Typical Friday Night

Had dinner with the D Wolffs (Tyler was his usual silly self), made strawberry Kool-aid playdough, and fell asleep on the couch while watching "Say Yes To The Dress". So much excitement packed into one evening!

A Quiet Week

It has been SO quiet here...almost too quiet. I know I'll regret that I said that as soon as my house is filled with kids again!!!

Tax Season

This week, I'm trying to get my tax paperwork organized. Tax prep was certainly a lot easier before I had a childcare business!

Halfway

I'm already almost halfway through Spring Break. Have I accomplished at least half of the things on my list? Not even close. I wonder if I can request an extension...another week or two?!?

Sound the Alarm!

This afternoon, I noticed a very pungent and unusual smell drifting through the house. I immediately thought, "Oh great. Just my luck...now, something's on fire." Then I remembered...I'd set the oven on the cleaning cycle. Obviously, since I didn't recognize the smell, it's something I haven't done for A LONG TIME. (Don't need to since I never cook!)

Spring Break

It's Spring Break week here (even though it didn't feel like spring today), so I don't have kids this week. I have a very LONG list of things to do...we'll see how much I get accomplished!!

The Aftermath

I'm back. I apologize for taking such a long break from the blog. When I started it, I had fully intended to post every day without fail. Strange how the world as we have it planned can come to a halt, as it did the day that Ty was rushed to the hospital. Since then, it has been one thing after another. I think I know how it must feel to find yourself drowning, to come up for air, only to have someone shove your head under again...over and over (sounds like a scene from a horror movie). Over the past few months, this has happened to me...repeatedly. Anyway, I'm anxious to hear from all of you and to continue our plans for this summer.
PS...Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers for Tyler...he's doing great! : )

The Birthday Girl

K's birthday is tomorrow. She was just six months old when I started taking care of her. She was (and still is) a cutie...she looked just like the original Gerber baby. Fast forward to tomorrow...she's going to be three. The end of an era...I will no longer be able to talk about my five twos. Her birthday party will be on Sunday...Jaime and I found a sundress, sweater, and a pair of jelly sandals for her. Shopping for little girls is so much more fun than shopping for boys...sorry, Ty!

Speaking of birthday girls...
Happy Birthday, Nancy K!!!!

Going For Two in a Row

Today, all six of my kids were here. Typically, whenever I have all six, it's a pretty hectic day. Surprise...surprise...it was a relatively easy, quiet day. All of them took good naps...even B! All six will be here again tomorrow...do you think that two easy days in a row is possible? I hope so!

Raising a Few Eyebrows

When Tyler's really pleased with himself or is sharing a special moment with someone, he raises one eyebrow. It's very cute. This afternoon, after the other kids had gone, he and I were counting paper clips. (He was able to count five of them all by himself.) A couple of times, after counting, he looked up at me, grinned, and raised his right eyebrow. Cracks me up every time he does it!

Another work week...

has begun. Where do the weekends go? I can't believe that it's Monday already! At least we're having "balmy" (30 degree) weather. A quiet day here; we had our valentine party last week but still have the decorations up. Tyler and I never did decorate his cookies (too many goodies purchased at the fundraiser/bake sale). I have his cookies in my freezer...maybe we'll get it done sometime this week. Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's/Single's Awareness Day! : )

All By Himself

This morning, Tyler stayed in the church nursery without me...for the first time. (I had been hanging out with him in the nursery on Sunday mornings while Jaime and Aaron attended the services). He had a great time playing with the other kids and even said "Bye boys" when it was time to leave. A bittersweet moment; we all want him to be a happy, independent, self confident little person but, at the same time, are we really ready for that yet? Ready or not...I'm sure that this is just the first of many bittersweet moments ahead for all of us.

10 Things I Did Today

1) Went to KinderGym with Jaime and Tyler
2) Read Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? to Ty four times
3) Cleaned
4) Rescued Adam (he'd locked himself out of his house)
5) Took two boxes of "stuff" to the consignment shop
6) Shoveled snow and ice at the end of the driveway
7) Added power steering fluid to the Durango
8) Took chocolate chip pizzas to a fundraiser
9) Ate a pita for lunch; Chinese for dinner
10) Got almost caught up on the blog comments

E and K

A relatively quiet day here...just E, K, me, and Ed. The girls were able to entertain themselves for awhile, so I actually got some laundry and cleaning done. I even emptied a box (see box count). Both girls took two hour naps...what a treat for me! E decorated her valentine cookies. She gladly chose the sprinkle colors but wanted me to do all of the work. (I'd change my moniker from Farm Girl to Little Red Hen, but, at the end of this tale, she walked away with the food!)

Famous First Words

Yesterday:
After school, D and B's mom came to pick them up. D and her mom went into the bathroom (B stayed in the living room with me). K came around the corner and, thinking that their family had left, saw B and shrieked, "D forgot her baby!"

Today:
Me to D: "Happy Valentine's Day!"
D to me: "You're welcome."
(We had our party today, so the kids thought it was Valentine's Day.)

Ty took a three hour nap this afternoon, so we didn't have time to decorate his cookies. Maybe this weekend.

K's Turn

K's turn to decorate cookies...she wasn't really interested in frosting the cookies or even in decorating them. However, as soon as she discovered that the extra sprinkles fell off the cookies and into the bowl, she was all about that. When mom picked her up, her lips and fingers were bright red! Tomorrow...Ty's turn.

Valentine Cookies

On Sunday, I ordered heart shaped sugar cookies; the plan is to have the kids help me decorate them for their families. D was my "guinea pig" today. A good one to start with...she's a pro! Her mom, aunts, and Grandma have done a lot of baking with her...she knew how to frost the cookies and how to add the sprinkles. And, she only swiped her finger through the icing once. Tomorrow...K's turn.
Happy Birthday, Micah!

Beauty Shop

There's a time in our day (after naptime) that we play "Beauty Shop/Barber Shop". The girls and Ty often wake up with CRAZY hair. So, I pull out the hand mirror, combs, brushes, etc. and try to get the kids to let me comb through their hair. We usually have to make up some sort of game because no one seems to like this process, even though they all have ultrafine hair that is easy to comb through. Today I found myself making up a chasing game for Ty and D. They loved it, and their hair got combed. Win win!

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us! Everywhere I went today, that fact was apparent...from the little girl in the church nursery who was wearing a pink "This is my first Steelers shirt" to the kid bagging groceries at HyVee who declared today as the one and only "True Holiday for Men"! This was the day to hit the grocery store...free samples at the end of every aisle. I noticed that the pizza compartments of the store's freezers were almost empty. (Pizza must be the snack of choice for local fans!) I've been watching the game off and on...Derek and I sent a few texts back and forth; something we usually do whenever there's a big game on.

Amana Colonies...Live Theater

For those of you who are interested in live theater performances, I know that the Old Creamery Theater at the Amanas will be showcasing G.I. Jukebox next June. G.I. Jukebox is a musical comedy that depicts a 1940's USO Tour featuring big band, swing, and latin music. The Old Creamery has been around for years; I've seen many of their perfomances...all have been great! If anyone's interested in attending, there's a 3 PM matinee on Wednesday, June 22.

Self-Imposed Time out

This morning, there was a very small problem between Ty and B, so I called Ty over to talk to him.After our talk, he looked stricken, said "Time Out", walked over to the wall, and stood facing the wall (so close that his little nose was smushed). About ten seconds later, I said, "Time out's all done". He walked over to B, said, "Sorry, B" and then continued playing. Such a sweet, sensitive little guy!

Name That Tune

There's a(n) new old song that's become quite popular at my house. K often sings this song; Ty asks me to sing it...over and over again. A free Blizzard to anyone/everyone who can name that tune!. Here's the only hint that you're going to get...It's a Perry Como song. Good luck!

It's Hard to Believe...

1) how much snow we have (it is piled up everywhere)!
2) how messy the streets are (the snowplow hasn't been down my street yet)!
3) how cold it is (forecast for tonight is -15 degrees with a windchill of -30)!
4) how cold it feels in my house (even sitting on the couch covered with three blankets and the thermostat set at 70
5) how, even though I'm FREEZING, I've got a craving for a Blizzard (of the DQ varity)!

I'm a Fan

I'm a fan of blizzards. Both kinds. The kind that we're having right now for two reasons:
1) I don't have to drive out on the highway, and 2) I have the day off (actually, tomorrow will make two days off). I'm also a big fan of Dairy Queen Blizzards, my favorite being the Strawberry CheeseQuake. Ironically, the Waterloo Dairy Queens, closed for the "winter" months, are reopening this week. If you are in Iowa next June, I'll be happy to go to the DQ with you. If you're lucky, I might even treat you to a Blizzard (the Dairy Queen kind)! : )

The Best Part of Today Was...

Tyler singing Barney the Dinosaur's i love you song about 20 times. Incredibly cute...wish I had a camcorder. : )

October 25 Revisited

One of Lucille's comments sent me back in my blog to reread what I'd posted on October 25:
Multiple Choice
Over the next few months, I hope to become:
1) a pack rat
2) a rat fink
3) a gym rat
4) a muskrat
5) a chef like Ratatouille
The answer was/is:
3) a gym rat
I rejoined a gym at that time but haven't been very faithful about working out. I did manage to get there both yesterday and today...hey, maybe I'm on a roll!

Not Just at Convenience Stores

I stopped at Subway tonight to get a sub for dinner. The workers asked me if I'd seen a young couple walking down the street (I hadn't). Evidently, this couple walked into Subway, took some soda without paying, and then threatened to kill one of the employees. I thought that things like that happened only at convenience stores. I guess not.

Treasures in Tow

What a group I have. As a group, here's what they had in their hands when they walked into my house this morning...a monkey, a plastic banana, a dog, a Mr. Potato Head ear, and a Mr. Potato Head mouth.

Routines

Personally, I don't usually follow a set routine; I try to just go with the flow whenever and wherever. However, I am very routine oriented when it comes to the kids; we have the same basic schedule every day, and the kids, as young as they are, anticipate what comes next in our day. I've been really spoiled with our afternoon nap time...I'm usually able to get everyone (except the baby) to sleep at about the same time and most of the kids sleep 2-3 hours. Now, however, it seems that one of my twos is giving up nap time. I don't know who's having a harder time with this...her or me! : (

A Shred of Change

Last Sunday, I purchased 30 Day Shred, a work-out video. I've been working through it every night since then...pushing myself a little more each night. According to an online dictionary I consulted, the word shred means a small amount, a particle. So, I'm wondering if I can expect a small amount of change or maybe just a particle. I guess I'm going to find out.

Happy Birthday, Wade!

Boxed In

New Year's Resolutions...I've never been very good with them. I'm a "Make 'Em and Break 'Em" kind of person. Yesterday, I thought of one that I'm going to try to keep. I have a million (slight exaggeration) boxes of stuff sitting around my house...in my basement, in my garage, etc. Since I'm considering a move next year, this seems like the time to start doing something with those boxes of stuff. So...I'm going to commit to deciding what to do with all that stuff...one box at a a time...one week at a time. Since we're already four weeks into 2011, I've got some catching up to do. Think I can do it? I hope so!
PS...I plan to start this project next weekend. Will keep u posted.

There's a First Time for Everything

There's a first time for everything. I've had my Durango for 13 years...there's never been a pile of snow that it couldn't plow through. Until tonight. On my way to return a table that we had borrowed for Tyler's birthday party, I realized that I'd driven right by the house. Looking for a place to turn around, I spotted a snow-covered school driveway that, based on the number of visible tire tracks, had obviously been driven on many times. So I turned into the drive and immediately sunk up to my fenders in snow. There was no way that my D or I were going anywhere! I called my motor club; thirty-five minutes later a tow truck arrived. Unbelievable...it was the same tow truck company that was sent to my rescue the other two times this month that I've needed help. But, I digress. Afterward, I said to the guy who so effortlessly pulled me out, "Look at all those tracks. Why is it that everyone else could drive through here and I got stuck?" His response..."Those are snowmobile tracks". True story. : )

The Ox Yoke Inn

The Ox Yoke Inn is my favorite Amana restaurant. Like many of the other restaurants there, food can be served "Family Style". It always takes me back to those Sunday dinners we had on the farm. L, B, D, and D, did you get your Iowa 2011 Travel Guide in the mail? If you turn to pages 103-104, you'll find info. about the Amana Colonies. Lucille and Bev...I finally responded to your January 17 comments. I know that I have yet to write about a group of comments written a long time ago. Someday, I plan to do so...it's my goal to respond to all comments! Have a great week everyone!

Check this out:
www.oxyokeinn.com

The Amanas

Back to next summer...I'd like to suggest a day trip to the Amana Colonies. The Amanas, approximately 1 1/2 hours from Waterloo, have something for everyone. When A, J, and D were little, we made a day trip to the Amanas at least twice a year and always had a good time. There, in addition to many other things, you can find GREAT food and shopping.In tomorrow's post, I'll talk about my favorite restaurant. If you want more info about the Amana Colonies you can visit their website:
amanacolonies.com

Happy Birthday, Lane!!!

Laundry Basket

And the answer is:
6) None of the above. My new washer arrived yesterday morning...yea!!! I am definitely not going to miss going to the laundromat...I'd gone almost every night for about 6 weeks. One night at "The L", while doing her laundry, a lady was singing "We Are The World"...loudly...over and over. I didn't get the impression that she was eccentric...she just seemed joyful. Oh, to be so uninhibited!!
PS...Eddie sometimes sleeps in my laundry basket; he's gonna be a happy cat now because he can have his basket back! : )

Happy Birthday, Amy!!

Airing My Dirty Laundry

A new multiple choice quiz:

Today I...
1) Spent twenty minutes digging through my couch cushions looking for quarters.
2) Was treated to a rousing rendition of "We Are The World".
3) Jumped up and down in my laundry basket, trying to get five loads of laundry to fit into it (hey...what can I say...I'm lazy!).
4) Threw up three times and went out to do laundry anyway.
5) All of the above.
6) None of the above.

Answer will be posted tomorrow!

Expect the Unexpected

Today we had a visit from Erin, one of the Food Program consultants. Erin arrived just in time to observe our morning snack routine. I went around the table asking each child if he/she wanted yogurt.
The replies were as follows:
D...Yes, please.
K...Yes, please.
E...Yes, please.
Ty...Of course.
I don't know who laughed harder...Erin or me!

You Know It's Cold...

when you have to leave the water running in the bathroom so the pipes don't freeze. (Guess who had to do this?!)

Happy Birthday, Adam!

Horse Sense

Derek "City Boy" Weller has never been very comfortable around horses. In fact, last summer, when Adam and I went on a trail ride at Fort Bragg, he wouldn't go with us. Now, however, he has a girlfriend who has a horse boarded in the stables at F.B. He has been practicing his horse skills by helping her with Billy's feeding, grooming, and exercising. He told me that he even took a horseback riding lesson this weekend. What happened to the good old days when a person just jumped on a horse and took off?!? I guess I probably need to take a lesson or two the next time I'm in NC...there are probably a few things I need to learn/relearn! : )

Turning Five

Another birthday party...C turned 5 today. It's hard to believe how fast time flies; C was just a few months older than Ty is when I started working with him. C, his sister K (who was 6 months old at the time), and their mom and dad had just moved back to Iowa from Texas and were temporarily living with Grandma and Grandpa (friends of mine). I'd just decided to quit teaching to stay home with Ty and called my friend Kaye to see if her daughter-in-law, Tami, was interested in applying for the K position I'd left. (Tami had been a K teacher in Texas). Tami had been considering staying home with the kids but, when I agreed to care for them , she decided to teach. My house was in the process of a remodel, so I spent the first 2 1/2 months of childcare at Nick and Kaye's house with C and K. Seems like a lifetime ago (another life really). Fast forward to today...the little boy who was sleeping in a crib and shrieked whenever his baby sister got too close to his things, is now 5 and will start K in August. Makes me realize how quickly the time will go until Ty turns 5!
Note to Lucille and Bev...I finally responded to your Thursday comments...didn't want you to miss it!

"The Party"...At Last

Tyler's birthday party took place this afternoon...finally! It had been rescheduled twice...first because he was sick and then because Aaron had a work conflict. It turned out to be a nice day (if you can call a winter day in Iowa "nice"), and no one in the group was *sick. Ty soaked up all the attention that his twenty-six guests had to offer and, despite being in the throes of "The Terrible Twos", he was a happy camper all afternoon. We have LOTS of cupcakes, ice cream, and Chex Mix left over if anyone wants to stop in tomorrow.
*Note: If the kids and I stay healthy until Monday, it'll be the first week of no illness in our group since Thanksgiving! Yea!!

To Clean or Not To Clean

Cleaning is a daily ritual here. There are those things that are a "have to", things that are a "need to", and the "if I have time to". With little kids here every day, I'm a little obsessive about it. Some of it is done while the kids are asleep in the afternoon (an hour if I'm really lucky); however, the majority of my cleaning is done at night. The crazy thing is that, even after spending time cleaning and picking up every day, I still have piles of things that never get touched. Don't know where I inherited that habit...was mom a piler? I don't remember.

Two Hippos and a Goat

D wouldn't take her nap today until we'd located two plastic hippos that she'd played with this morning. And even though he already had eleven items in his bed (including a plastic plate), Ty insisted that I find "the goat" (also plastic) so he could sleep with it. Kids think of the craziest things...

Tea Parties

Tea parties are an everyday occurrence at my house. The girls, K, D, and E, bring out our toy teapot, cups, saucers, cakes, and cookies and "sip tea". Tyler is never included in these parties; in fact, he doesn't even notice. Or so I thought. Today, after everyone else had left for the day, Tyler "invited" me to a tea party. We had milk and mustard...very tasty!

Last Comic Sitting

This afternoon, I walked into the computer room to get a diaper for B. Awake from her nap, K was sitting on her bed, talking to herself. When I asked her if I could turn the light on she said, "No, not yet. I'm telling jokes." I grabbed the diaper and left the room. As I walked down the hall, I could still hear her "telling jokes".

Weather Report

It seems that North Dakota has so much snow that it's starting to spill over into Iowa.

33.3

Hello! I can't believe that the end of the weekend is already here. At least we've not had the nasty weather that a lot of you have been getting. Last night, after dinner, Adam, Jaime, Tyler and I stopped at Cup of Joe (a coffee shop) in Cedar Falls, to check out the 33.3 Art Show. Thirty-three local and national artists and designers (and a four-year-old...hence the .3) took on the task of reinterpreting and reimagining album covers. Our personal favorite piece is Life, Love And Leaving, a painting done by local artist, Adam Weller. If you want to see a glimpse of his work (as well as the others), you can do so by googling 33.3 Art Show. Adam's album cover features the group Detroit Cobras. USA Today even reported on this show...big stuff for CF/Wloo!

Travel Iowa

Hi everyone! Looks like I'm back to my weekend posts about next summer. If you're searching for more info about Iowa and what to do while you're here, check out the following website:
www.traveliowa.com
I visited this website today and requested that info be sent to Lucille, Bev, Diane, and Dave. If you find anything interesting in the literature that is sent to you, please share with your families. Hope you're all having great weekends...ciao!

Things That Go Bump in the Night

I have a monitor that I use when Tyler is asleep in his crib in my room. That way, when the door is closed, I can hear him when I'm the kitchen or in the basement. After he leaves for the day, I usually remember to turn off the one in my bedroom (but sometimes forget the ones in the kitchen and basement). Often, when that happens, I suddenly hear voices...often lots of voices...usually sounding agitated...coming from the monitors that I forgot to turn off. I've tried to listen, but it sounds like they're speaking a different language. I'm not at all afraid to be here alone (well, not alone I guess, I do have Ed), but when that thing blasts in the middle of the night, it startles me...every time! Luckily, it just happened and it's not the middle of the night!

Read Any Good Books Lately?

I have been sick off and on for the past two months (seems like years) and, believe me, watching TV has gotten really old. I am now more aware of how often shows are rerun, how many times the same stories are told over and over again, and how much time is consumed by commercials. Today, sick again, I realized that I'm sick of TV watching, too. So...I picked up a book. Thanks to Diane, who is very generous about sharing her books, I had several options and decided to read one by Nicholas Sparks. The problem is...I can't put it down. (That always happens when I start reading.) If I don't get anything accomplished tonight, it's Diane's fault...JK.

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Wanted: A job that doesn't involve sick children. : (

Two Cute, Too

Some of the things that my "twos" say just crack me up. Tyler hasn't wasted any time in his new "twoness" to be entertaining. While on vacation, he kept us laughing the whole time...he even amused several strangers. This afternoon, I was standing at the bathroom sink washing my hands, when he appeared at the door. He must have been looking for me, because he said, "Hi, My My! There you are. How are you?"

I Need a Hug

Today was our first day back together after a much needed 2 1/2 week break. The kids were excited to see each other. In fact, as soon as D saw K, she approached her with her arms spread wide open. Just as D was about to give K a big bear hug, K said, "No, thank you." D backed up, looked a little stunned, but asked, "Yes, please?". K reconsidered, and they hugged. Too cute!

Lists

I'm a "list" person. I really don't function very well without a list (ie. shopping list, grocery list, what to do today list, what not to do today list). I've been known to make lists listing the lists that I have...did you follow that? Those lists sometimes usually drive me crazy. Not because I make them but because I'm lucky to get 1/10th of the things accomplished on my daily lists. So then, I have to make a new list (a cleaned-up version) of the things that I need to carryover to the next day. I wonder if I have OCPD???!!!

Happy New Year!

We are back...the trip was fun, but we all came home a little sleep deprived. I have one more day to catch up on that (and everything else) before the kids are all back. Any New Year's resolutions out there? It seems that every year I make them and then break them. My Durango wouldn't start last night; thank goodness for motor clubs. I'm going outside right now to see if it'll start so I can run a few errands. Keep your fingers crossed! More tomorrow...