Allison lost another tooth - on top. That makes three across the front, but no new ones have really come in yet. So I'm wondering how she bites things. Not that it was an issue today.... the kids lost their lunch due to goofing off that led to an argument that led to lunch ending up on the floor. Kids went into timeout and Brian and I planned to drive a mealtime manners point home by being rather sympathetic to the kids afternoon hunger, but steadfast in the fact that the next meal was dinner.
We ate dinner early-ish and let the kids have extras. We'll see if they remember tomorrow. Of course, this did lead to an interesting incident at the grocery store where Jacob and I were standing in line and he said something like "Do I get lunch when we get home?" Me: "No." Jacob: "But you didn't let me eat lunch earlier...." It's like 2pm. The guy in front of me kindof turned around with a funny look on his face.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Here are a few pics from Christmas Eve and Christmas in WI.
Christmas Eve - a couple of superheroes...
wrestling......
and making a gingerbread house.
New Christmas pajamas, and hanging stockings by the chimney with care. Note that stockings do not normally hang by the chimney because the stocking holders are heavy and mom fears that a good hard tug will result in a cracked noggin. But we transported them for the night.
And then we danced.
Christmas morning.... lots of goodies. Jacob loved "all his gifts," which included the Batcave, Bakugan (which mom and dad don't really understand), some superhero costumes, and a variety of cars. Allison (oddly enough) was more reserved, but really liked the Peeps, sewing machine (which she kept asking Santa for so she can grow up to be a seamstress - note anyone who hasn't gotten her a gift yet - let me suggest a sewing box), stuff to play teacher/school, and a grown up camera - which she's currently running around taking pictures with. Perhaps the next post will be Christmas though the eyes of a 7-yr old.
Christmas Eve - a couple of superheroes...
wrestling......
and making a gingerbread house.
New Christmas pajamas, and hanging stockings by the chimney with care. Note that stockings do not normally hang by the chimney because the stocking holders are heavy and mom fears that a good hard tug will result in a cracked noggin. But we transported them for the night.
And then we danced.
Christmas morning.... lots of goodies. Jacob loved "all his gifts," which included the Batcave, Bakugan (which mom and dad don't really understand), some superhero costumes, and a variety of cars. Allison (oddly enough) was more reserved, but really liked the Peeps, sewing machine (which she kept asking Santa for so she can grow up to be a seamstress - note anyone who hasn't gotten her a gift yet - let me suggest a sewing box), stuff to play teacher/school, and a grown up camera - which she's currently running around taking pictures with. Perhaps the next post will be Christmas though the eyes of a 7-yr old.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
It's NOT Christmas Eve!
To continue with the string of Jacob posts - he is insisting that it is NOT Christmas Eve. He gets really mad when you try to say it is. Of course, Christmas Eve is not on our calendar - so that didn't help.
In his mind, Christmas Eve is the eve of Christmas - and tomorrow is Christmas, so tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. We've tried the Santa comes on Christmas Eve and Santa comes tonight bit - no luck.
As for our Christmas Eve - so far the kids have played Superheroes and decorated a gingerbread house (will need to add pictures). Brian has made Vodka slush and chex mix. Next I'm going to convince the kids to go chip ice off the driveway and then we'll bake some cookies and bars for Santa.
In his mind, Christmas Eve is the eve of Christmas - and tomorrow is Christmas, so tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. We've tried the Santa comes on Christmas Eve and Santa comes tonight bit - no luck.
As for our Christmas Eve - so far the kids have played Superheroes and decorated a gingerbread house (will need to add pictures). Brian has made Vodka slush and chex mix. Next I'm going to convince the kids to go chip ice off the driveway and then we'll bake some cookies and bars for Santa.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Boy with blue nails
Yesterday after school the kids wanted to build a snowman. They played outside a while but never built the snowman because Jacob didn't have boots and they were distracted by throwing snowballs at Astro (Astro honestly likes this - especially if he gets to catch them in his mouth - way better than playing with a tennis ball).
We came inside and Jacob had to take off his pants, since they were wet from the snow. Then Allison wanted her nails painted. Ok. Jacob wanted his nails painted - blue. Dark, punk rock blue. Ok.
Then the kids wanted to put on a Christmas singing "show." Each one takes turns standing in front of the tree (which is in front of a window) and sings a song. Allison sang her Christmas concert. Mom sang "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and Jacob rocked out to his very own, homemade, heavy metal song. In his underwear. With blue painted nails. And an air guitar.
We came inside and Jacob had to take off his pants, since they were wet from the snow. Then Allison wanted her nails painted. Ok. Jacob wanted his nails painted - blue. Dark, punk rock blue. Ok.
Then the kids wanted to put on a Christmas singing "show." Each one takes turns standing in front of the tree (which is in front of a window) and sings a song. Allison sang her Christmas concert. Mom sang "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and Jacob rocked out to his very own, homemade, heavy metal song. In his underwear. With blue painted nails. And an air guitar.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Verbal Clutter
Our students evaluated each others' group projects and one person kept saying the presentations were full of verbal clutter. Does that mean there were too many verbs?
We're having some verbal issues of our own at home - mostly involving Jacob. He has developed two (annoying) habits. The first is to ask a question and then tell you what you are supposed to say in response.
J: Do you like it? Allison, say, 'Yes, I like it.'
J: Can I have a snack? Mom, say, "you can have a snack Jacob."
J: Here's your toy. Allison, say, "Thank you."
I think it bothers Brian and I more than Allison. Allison simply says whatever Jacob suggests. I think this leads simply to more suggestions. It's a positive feedback cycle.
The second issue is that Jacob has adopted the "northern" accent and language tendencies much more than Allison. Asking for the "bubbler" was kindof cute, but now he says many phrases followed by "don't cha know?" On a similar note - Allison briefly picked up the Sarah Palin "You betcha," but we finally traced that back to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (thank goodness!).
We're having some verbal issues of our own at home - mostly involving Jacob. He has developed two (annoying) habits. The first is to ask a question and then tell you what you are supposed to say in response.
J: Do you like it? Allison, say, 'Yes, I like it.'
J: Can I have a snack? Mom, say, "you can have a snack Jacob."
J: Here's your toy. Allison, say, "Thank you."
I think it bothers Brian and I more than Allison. Allison simply says whatever Jacob suggests. I think this leads simply to more suggestions. It's a positive feedback cycle.
The second issue is that Jacob has adopted the "northern" accent and language tendencies much more than Allison. Asking for the "bubbler" was kindof cute, but now he says many phrases followed by "don't cha know?" On a similar note - Allison briefly picked up the Sarah Palin "You betcha," but we finally traced that back to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (thank goodness!).
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Happy Birthday Allison
Allison turned 7 this week! She had a great day. She loved her gifts - dress, toys, purse, and nail polish. She really liked the Raven costume (see below). Jacob gave Allison a barbie and a hotwheel car. Brian had to talk to him a little about giving a gift for the recipient, though Jacob had a solid argument that if Allison had a hotwheel then they could play together.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The limit of my altruism
Yesterday, we shoveled ourselves out of the blizzard snows. It took us until about 2pm. We borrowed a snowblower from our neighbor to handle the 12 inches of snowfall. I still took 3 hours of work. Too bad it's too fricking cold to enjoy it today.
By afternoon, things were looking better and Allison and I headed to Walmart at 4pm for our shift at Salvation Army bell-ringing. The booth was supposed to be heated, but the heater wasn't working. Also, the booth was facing directly into the wind. At first, Allison was very excited. She rang and rang and sang Jingle Bells. That lasted approximately 10 minutes of the two hours.
We passed the time, and let me say that Walmart blizzard shoppers are not the most generous shoppers ever. Although one woman was so nice, she went to her car and returned with stickers for Allison to have after her shift.
About 40 minutes in and the sun went down, the wind picked up, and it started to snow. The manager of Walmart got our heater working, but it was too little, too late. We slugged it out until we got to an hour - and then had to call it quits. I feel a little badly for not making it the whole time, but we did bell ring for an hour in a blizzard. Apparently, I found the limit of our altruism.
By afternoon, things were looking better and Allison and I headed to Walmart at 4pm for our shift at Salvation Army bell-ringing. The booth was supposed to be heated, but the heater wasn't working. Also, the booth was facing directly into the wind. At first, Allison was very excited. She rang and rang and sang Jingle Bells. That lasted approximately 10 minutes of the two hours.
We passed the time, and let me say that Walmart blizzard shoppers are not the most generous shoppers ever. Although one woman was so nice, she went to her car and returned with stickers for Allison to have after her shift.
About 40 minutes in and the sun went down, the wind picked up, and it started to snow. The manager of Walmart got our heater working, but it was too little, too late. We slugged it out until we got to an hour - and then had to call it quits. I feel a little badly for not making it the whole time, but we did bell ring for an hour in a blizzard. Apparently, I found the limit of our altruism.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Holiday Magic
Allison had her holiday concert tonight. It was very cute. They held it at the high school. It was sandwiched between the light snow of the afternoon and the blizzard that's expected tonight.
There were four groups - grades 1, 2, 3 and the older choir. Allison will happily sing you three of the four songs that the 1st grade performed. She did a great job at the concert too!
There were four groups - grades 1, 2, 3 and the older choir. Allison will happily sing you three of the four songs that the 1st grade performed. She did a great job at the concert too!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Classic Conversation
Me: Allison, don't wipe your nose on my pillow!
Allison: But Mom, it's not in the middle, just over here on the side.
Allison: But Mom, it's not in the middle, just over here on the side.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Counting Down the Days
I am counting down the days until the end of the semester.
The kids are counting down the days until Christmas.
Brian is not counting down the days until the Alcan / Bemis sale closes - primarily because he has no idea when (if?) it will be.
The kids have two ways to celebrate the advent (a.k.a. counting down) season. First, they have the advent Santa made by Grandma Sue, which they get to hang felt ornaments on every day. So far, they have been remarkably good at taking turns - probably because they are too young to do the math to figure out which one gets to hang the LAST ornament - which is of course the 'best' one.
Secondly, we got them these little Playmobile advent calendars. We did this last year and the kids had a lot of fun with it. Each day they pull a little box off the poster and it contains a small piece of a playmobile set. Allison's is Santa woods and Jacob's is knights. Some boxes have really neat things in them - like a deer, or a treasure chest. Some days are less exciting (yesterday, Allison got two small leaves in hers - presumably to "feed" the as-yet-undiscovered deer). But the kids open each with enthusiasm. "Wow - look at this... this... what is this Mom?" "A tree stump." "A tree stump!! WOW!"
I hope, hope, hope that the kids hold on to that exuberance for a long time. To soon, we find ourselves with a smile on our face saying "oh thanks for that American flag shaped candle holder lamp, I know just where I can put it." But not yet, and maybe (hopefully) not ever.
The kids are counting down the days until Christmas.
Brian is not counting down the days until the Alcan / Bemis sale closes - primarily because he has no idea when (if?) it will be.
The kids have two ways to celebrate the advent (a.k.a. counting down) season. First, they have the advent Santa made by Grandma Sue, which they get to hang felt ornaments on every day. So far, they have been remarkably good at taking turns - probably because they are too young to do the math to figure out which one gets to hang the LAST ornament - which is of course the 'best' one.
Secondly, we got them these little Playmobile advent calendars. We did this last year and the kids had a lot of fun with it. Each day they pull a little box off the poster and it contains a small piece of a playmobile set. Allison's is Santa woods and Jacob's is knights. Some boxes have really neat things in them - like a deer, or a treasure chest. Some days are less exciting (yesterday, Allison got two small leaves in hers - presumably to "feed" the as-yet-undiscovered deer). But the kids open each with enthusiasm. "Wow - look at this... this... what is this Mom?" "A tree stump." "A tree stump!! WOW!"
I hope, hope, hope that the kids hold on to that exuberance for a long time. To soon, we find ourselves with a smile on our face saying "oh thanks for that American flag shaped candle holder lamp, I know just where I can put it." But not yet, and maybe (hopefully) not ever.
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