elliotts visit with santa

dinner troubles

I am done making dinner. I can spend 2 hours on dinner that is supposed to be "kid friendly and kid approved" on those stupid websites, but when it comes down eating it, my kids just look at it and push it away. Wow, that was a long sentence. I feel defeated. I don't want to feed my family all processed food, but it seems like it is the only thing they will eat. Just this morning I made something called Amish baked oatmeal aka "to die for yumminess". The boys ate one bite and wanted nothing to do with it. They will gobble down the sugar filled packets of nasty instant oatmeal in a second though.
Are my kids the only picky kids out there? Please help me.

a new chapter

We moved. We closed on our old home the middle of October and got possession of our new house sometwhere around that time also. The morning of our move, I went to get the mover guys some coffee and donuts and when I came back, I saw a few of them loading some boxes in the monstrous truck. I couldn't contain myself. I started crying uncontrollably. I tried to dry up the tears and clear my throat before going in but as soon as I walked in the house, I was officially an emotional wreck. I knew then that I needed to get the heck out of there before I had a self induced panic attack. Yes, I am talented enough to trigger one of those ON MY OWN. It was probably a bad day to pack the anti-anxiety medication away into a box that couldn't be located.

Being in our new house for about 3 weeks, we are about 3/4 of the way unpacked. I am a bit of a freak when I pack up my boxes. I label like crazy. I think my freakness has helped in getting things unpacked so quickly so don't knock it. There are times when my freakness comes in handy ya know. If you think that is crazy, you should see my cupboards and closets. We'll just keep it as the label maker is my friend. I will spare you of pictures of the labeled cabinets and drawers.
Andrew celebrated his birthday the day after our move. It was really nice to take a little break to honor him . We went to a Japanese steakhouse for his birthday celebration. My first born son is 10 *long sigh*......



In addition to his celebration dinner, some of my friends and I decided to do an "extreme makeover" on his bedroom for his gift. THIS IS THE ONLY ROOM IN THE ENTIRE HOUSE THAT IS DONE! He loved it. Here are some pictures of his new skate room. He really, really, really loves it. Over the last year, I have been scouring the skate park trash cans for broken boards and wheels. I found quite a collection! The gate was from a guy on Craigslist, the skateboard holder was something Grandpa Weinstein made, and the graffiti art was something done by a dear friend. Don't you love the Brick wallpaper?? It looks as real in person as it does in person.

The boys had their last day of school last Tuesday. I had a lump in my throat the entire time I was there. I really loved their old school. It was such a safe place for my kids and it was a great place for me too. Some of my greatest friends are parents of other children at the school. I know we are only like 8 miles away, but it will be weird for me to see these people on a daily basis. On Tuesday, their teachers were so thoughtful and made their last day very special. Both boys received a skateboard signed by their classmates, a few books, and a very special sending off speech. Andrew was a bit sad on the ride home and I can understand why.

(I couldnt get Andrew's special speech to upload).

We are slowly getting the house in order, decorating for Christmas, setting up my studio, getting family photos finished up, getting pictures put on the walls, trying to hold onto my sanity, starting a new school, discovering our new community, trying to maintain a level head, trying to manage a budget, raking endless leaves, and maintaining relationship. I think we have alot on our plate but couldn't be any more excited to start this new chapter in our lives.

Halloween!

Almost here.

The day is almost here. We officially closed on our house last Friday and became homeowners again past Tuesday. So many emotions going on, but excitement trumps all of them. I can't wait to get into our new place and start the new chapter in our lives. The boys are taking all of this with stride. The only thing Owen is nervous about is people picking on him about his crooked teeth. Of course, this fear has spilled over to Andrew. I cried the other night because I know that I will not see my good friends (from the boy's school) as much as I do now. Elliott will be devastated when he realizes that our 3 days a week trips to Crimson Cup Coffee will morph into 3 trips per month.
Here are the dandy things I am excited about.
1.) leaf collection by the curb. No more bagging leaves. Just blow them into the street and a huge vacuum thingy is ever so nice to suck them up for you. Nice for people like *us* who have 10 trees in their yard.
2.) 3 1/2 bathrooms. I am so over sharing a bathroom with boys who like to pee all over the place.
3.) English Neighbors. Maybe I will have them over for some tea?
4.) a fireplace in our living room. Our current fireplace is in my office which I never used.
5.) a porch that WILL have a porch swing on it. It also has pillars so I can put some cute Christmas lights on them.
6.) a 2 minute walk to the reservoir. Elliott and I did this last week and spent over an hour on throwing rocks into the water. So peaceful and beautiful...and free.
7.) the kids don't start school until 9:00. They can walk to school!
8.) the school park is nearby. Amazing how different I feel about letting them go to the park by themselves now.
9.) a walk in closet with a door.
10.) my very own room in the basement for scrapbooking and artsy fartsy stuff I do. No boys allowed.

First Haircut.

The little guy got his Bozo Mullet cut off tonight. Whoa, $15 for a haircut (don't forget the gratuity). What IS the acceptable gratuity for a haircut for a toddler these days? We gave her 3 bucks. I dunno, maybe that was too skimpy?

The before picture...

On our way to the Salon...Someone had some silly juice. "Rescue me momma"

"If this lady puts ONE more toy in my hand to keep me distracted...."

Anyway, he was less than happy about it. I did manage to get a smiley picture out of the deal though. After his haircut, Owen said he looked like a "reject" and his eyes started to tear up as he said it. I think all of the soon to be changes in his life right now is a bit much, the change of his brother getting his curls cut off sent him over the edge. I guess.

I think his new haircut is cute, but I also thought the Bozo Mullet was darling too.

Wish list

I have always loved the nautical theme for a boys room. Here is what I was thinking (in the future) for Elliott's new bedroom in our new house. This is my wish list. I am a big thrifter and have a groupie of friends and family that also enjoy thrifting. If you see any of these items at a thrift store in your days ahead, please let me know! My mom use to be my go getter with these types of things. If I mentioned I was doing something like this, she would keep her eyes out for them. My dear momma!

Glass floats

A ship or two

A ship wheel

A captain ~of course~

Starboard light(s) or Lanterns

Life ring

Paddles

This is my inspiration. I love the way she decorated this room!

Going for walk

We were supposed to meet some friends at a park, but it didn't work out. Elliott has been a HUGE grump lately and stayed up until 2:00am last night AND he didn't have a nap yesterday afternoon. So, I thought staying close to home would be the better option for him, me and everybody else.

Meet "Mr. Grumpy butt"...

Granola. He isn't the smartest dog on the block. We love him, but it would sure be nice to be able to go for a walk and have him walk beside us. He is always wrapping his leash around our legs and tripping us. Today, I discovered a way that helps me with taking Granola for a walk with us...tie him to the seatbelt on Elliott's stroller. He actually pulls the stroller and stays ahead of us! We look like a bunch of weirdos, but it works.
Part of our routine is to go on the walkway over the highway. The kids have been doing this FOREVER. They love to make the trucks honk. I have to say, it gives you a natural rush standing on the walkway and placing yourself right above the truck lane. Elliott loves it and has learned how to make people honk!
Say cheese! I think this was the only time he smiled the entire time...

"Mr. Discovery"

Happy Birthday Elliott!

We Love our little guy!

Our decorating abilities...

Last week, we celebrated little munchkins birthday. We were going to have a party for him, but with everything happening in our lives right now, we decided to make it an intimate party with Grandparents and Andrew's best friend's family. I didn't have time to bake a cake, so the trusty ice cream cake from Dairy Queen saved us! We purchased some decorations from the cake store and created a Yo Gabba Gabba cake! For some odd reason, he doesn't like the birthday song sung to him. He liked blowing out the candles and getting the first taste of his yummy cake.

Lately, Elliott finds it entertaining to stack the multiple rolls of toilet paper. We thought that buying him actual cardboard blocks would be fun for him. We were wrong. He liked Owen's present better...an old motorcycle toy that Owen wrapped up all by himself. My heart exploded when Owen gave it to him!

Note: the motorcycle is in Elliott's hand in this picture!

Elliott's 3rd brother, Evan. Elliott was given the nickname "chunky" by him.

I wanna be like my brothers...

And then we have Elliott tries to do everything like his big brother, only on a "smaller" scale.

Loving boarding

Andrew is fearless. He is still taking lessons/instruction from Wally and really loves it. They have been working on jumps and landing the last 2 weeks. (I am not sure of the lingo, but that is what I call what they have been working on).

He is totally digging it and will not give up until he gets it right.

He also is enjoying Window's movie maker, for he did this all (aside importing music) by himself!

Holy Greenbean!

This is what my neighbor dropped off to me about 5 minutes ago.

I kind of laughed, I hope I didn't offend him.

Zoo day again.

I LOVE our Zoo. I am not a big fan of the zoo in 90 degree weather though. Lately, we have had some pleasant weather where we are at so the trips to the zoo are becoming more frequent. We hit a few exhibits that we didn't see the last time. Again, I took my new camera with me and practiced a bit. If I want to use it this fall for my photography sittings, I must practice on outings like this. Besides, my kids are too cute not to photograph!

Feeding the ducks by hand...He thought this was RAD!

Taking a roller coaster ride on the brass piggy...

Offering the brass piggy a drink...

Kissing the brass piggy goodbye. I did NOT suggest this! He waved at the pig and did this.

I am not a fan of Alligators/Crocs. I don't know what this is, but I don't like them at all.

Balancing act at the play area...

Exploring the play area...
Penguins are our friends...

Did not like the Carousal...

Viewing the polar bear with our friend Sam...I love this picture!!

Happy Birthday Lolly!

As many of you know, I come from a very large family. I am the youngest of 8 children. My oldest sister would be 58 tomorrow but her life was cut way too short from cancer. It will be 2 years in December. As we all do, we had a service for her, but I don't feel like it is real. I am not sure why, maybe it is because we lost my sister and mom within a year and a half from each other. Maybe it is because I didn't see my sis alot, maybe 4-5 times per year. Whatever the reason, I still do not feel like it is real. This week, I have been reflecting on her life, the person she was and what she is remembered by.

Just recently, my dad layed my sister's ashes to rest above my mom's grave. It was a hard thing for me to think that my dad did this all by himself. I understand why he did what he did and respect his decision. I just cant imagine the process. I know for him (and me), it will be good. We will have a place we can go. One thing I have learned is that each and every person grieves differently. Some people sit and remember. Others like to forget, others just deny. For me, I like to reflect at my mom's grave. I visit my mom's place of rest every time we are in Michigan. Sometimes, I don't feel the need to...but my kids make me stop. When I stop, it is in these times that the memories flow and my heart aches for my mom. It is in these times, I remember the incredible woman she was. I am planning a trip this weekend, I am sure things will be different when I visit the grave.

So, who was this person named Lolly? Well, she wasn't born a "Lolly", but born a Vivian. My grandmother gave her the nickname "Lolly. I believe I didn't even know she had another name until I was about 9 years old. I think the only time I heard someone actually call her Vivian was by her husband. The funny thing is, she never called me by my real name, but always "sis". When I was about 6, I asked her if she knew my real name. Kind of funny.

She was a generous woman, just like my mom. She always had something to offer somebody. If you needed help, she would find a way to help you in some way. As a small child, I would spend the night at her home frequently. Her sons and I were like brothers to me...not nephews. They all were a few years within my age. I loved going over to her house. She would make things very special. At first, I thought she would do these things because I was there, but come to find out, this is how she rolled. She would fill a purse with old makeup, jewelry, junk, pens, and perfume (mind you, all of this stuff was extra special because it was stuff she used and didn't want anymore, basically her junk that was a treasure to me). Her favorite thing to give were trinket boxes with jewelry. For some reason, I still have every piece of jewelry she ever gave to me...in one of her trinket boxes. I go through it every once in a while and can tell you exactly when she gave each piece to me.

The last thing she ever gave to me was a pendant. She gave it to me at the end of my moms burial service. She gave one to each of her sisters promptly after the burial. Unfortunately, mine was lost somewhere between here and Michigan during that time...but I still remember her thoughtfulness.

Lolly never complained about situations or hard times that rolled her way. I think it was because she was a full bred flower child. Carefree, "it'll all be good if you have love" kind of mindset. This makes me smile. I am not sure how she handled her last few months of her life and the perspective she had on her situation, but I can guess that she didn't focus too much on the negative. When I visited her a few times (I didn't make too many trips up to see her because Elliott was just born when she was first diagnosed) I would have never known she was sick just by talking to her. She didn't want that to be the focus. She wanted to know how Elliott was doing, if he was eating good and if I was doing ok. That is just the way she was.

She loved lazy days in her garden, sitting by fires. She loves classic rock and roll. She loved and longed for Peace. She loved daisies and long dresses. She loved being a free person. She raised her children to be respectful and loving. She was a fabulous person that cannot be forgotten. She left her mark in her family members, including myself. Happy Birthday sweet sis.