Kellogg had Spring Break this week. Johnny has been home mostly, job searching, going for bike rides with me, and job searching some more while Yummy naps and I am out running errands without children. The kids' Spring Break started today. I went to the library today and checked out several new movies and Wii games to help us (me mostly) get through the break, in case there is rain.
So tonight, after we had hot fudge sundaes, we let the kids stay up late and play a Michael Jackson dance Wii game. It was great fun. We were all hot and sweaty by about 8:30. By 8:45, Avery and Nathan had to be sent to bed because they couldn't stop arguing. Around 9:00 Avery was back down, arguing her point some more (i.e. she was in the right, Nathan was in the wrong). After she finished sweeping the floor, I took her back up to bed, along with Will, who at this point, was falling apart.
Brady and Isaac are still dancing as I type this. It is 9:52 p.m. They danced to "Just Beat It" probably 12 times. Once they figured they had it sufficiently perfected, they moved on to "Black or White." Brady can't just dance. He has to be talking during the entire song. So during their 3rd or 4th time through "Black or White", this was the conversation:
Brady: Mom, Mom, you know that he is right in this song. It doesn't matter if you are black or white. It doesn't matter the color of your skin. It just matters if you are a person. Right Mom?
Me: That's exactly right Brady.
Brady (still dancing): Mom, did you know that black people used to be treated unfairly? That was back during the nineteens. (Yes, this is exactly how he said it).
Isaac: Yeah, that was a long time ago.
Brady: Mom who was the guy who ended slavery?
Me: Abraham Lincoln.
Brady: No Mom, the black guy.
Isaac: Martin Luther King.
Brady: Yeah, Martin Luther King.
Isaac: Did you know he got shot, Brady?
Brady: Yeah.
Isaac: He got shot before Abraham Lincoln.
I am sure that the school is teaching it right. The reception is a little fuzzy though. We have all Spring Break to work on that.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Rowdy St. Patrick's Day
Last year for St. Patrick's Day, we all piled into the "L" and headed into the city to watch the Chicago river turn green. I had heard all about it, and wasn't about to miss out on an age old tradition here in Chicago. The weather was cold, but manageable, and the kids were delighted to see the fluorescent green river, and eat our Garrett's popcorn.
We had so much fun that we decided to do it again this year. We arrived at the "L" around 10:00 this morning and claimed our prize front seats so that the kids could see through the front window just like the driver. The train was empty. The first few stops were uneventful.
I heard the trouble before I actually saw it. Throngs of drunk (and still drinking, I might add), boisterous, rowdy, college age kids, clad in green everything (and not much of anything in some cases), singing at the top of their lungs. When the train stopped, hundreds of them crammed into the train. My kids definitely had an eye, and an ear, full. The train plodded carefully along because of the crowd, and loading and unloading was painfully slow. We were treated to drunken renditions of "America the Beautiful" and other songs I can't repeat, along with chants of "USA" (what that has to do with St. Patrick's Day I still haven't figured out), and "Go Green, Go Green," and once again, other chants that I can't repeat. The warm weather had definitely brought out the best of Chicago.
An hour later, we finally arrived at our stop, but couldn't even make it to the door with our crew to get out. We got off two stops later when the rest of the crowd got off.
At that point, John and I made an executive decision. We had already seen the river green. Once would be enough.
We turned away from the crowd and headed toward the financial district. We did get to see green fountains in the city square, and that was enough green water to appease anyone who was disappointed. Then we had a quiet lunch at Wendy's, grabbed some Garrett's, and rode the Metra (commuter train) home to avoid another rowdy ride.
Talking with the kids, I realized that they had learned from what they observed on the train. Avery felt uncomfortable. Isaac thought they were rude and disrespectful to everyone else on the train. Brady said that he couldn't believe they were that loud, and it gave him a huge headache. They all said that it was not the group of kids they would choose to hang with. Avery also said that she felt sad for them. She couldn't pinpoint why she felt sad, but she just did. Kids are very observant.
We had so much fun that we decided to do it again this year. We arrived at the "L" around 10:00 this morning and claimed our prize front seats so that the kids could see through the front window just like the driver. The train was empty. The first few stops were uneventful.
I heard the trouble before I actually saw it. Throngs of drunk (and still drinking, I might add), boisterous, rowdy, college age kids, clad in green everything (and not much of anything in some cases), singing at the top of their lungs. When the train stopped, hundreds of them crammed into the train. My kids definitely had an eye, and an ear, full. The train plodded carefully along because of the crowd, and loading and unloading was painfully slow. We were treated to drunken renditions of "America the Beautiful" and other songs I can't repeat, along with chants of "USA" (what that has to do with St. Patrick's Day I still haven't figured out), and "Go Green, Go Green," and once again, other chants that I can't repeat. The warm weather had definitely brought out the best of Chicago.
An hour later, we finally arrived at our stop, but couldn't even make it to the door with our crew to get out. We got off two stops later when the rest of the crowd got off.
At that point, John and I made an executive decision. We had already seen the river green. Once would be enough.
We turned away from the crowd and headed toward the financial district. We did get to see green fountains in the city square, and that was enough green water to appease anyone who was disappointed. Then we had a quiet lunch at Wendy's, grabbed some Garrett's, and rode the Metra (commuter train) home to avoid another rowdy ride.
Talking with the kids, I realized that they had learned from what they observed on the train. Avery felt uncomfortable. Isaac thought they were rude and disrespectful to everyone else on the train. Brady said that he couldn't believe they were that loud, and it gave him a huge headache. They all said that it was not the group of kids they would choose to hang with. Avery also said that she felt sad for them. She couldn't pinpoint why she felt sad, but she just did. Kids are very observant.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Sure signs of Spring
Crocus blooming.
Tulips pushing their way up through the warming earth.
More daylight.
The kids playing outside until dinner time.
And this.
The most sure fire sign that Spring has arrived. . . our neighborhood Dairy Queen opened today. Every morning on the way to school, and ever afternoon on our way home, the kids have been counting down with their little countdown sign for the last nine days. I thought the building anticipation was sure to result in them trying to convince me to stop and buy some frozen concoction on opening day. Surprisingly, I got no such requests.
This afternoon as we drove by and saw the lines of hungry people anxious to celebrate Spring, Isaac told me he didn't want to stop. Too many people, too long of a wait, and too expensive, were all part of his argument. Brady agreed. Then Avery reminded me that last year when we stopped on opening day, we stood inches from the cash register for nearly 20 minutes, while thousands (okay, well maybe not thousands, but it was close) of hungry, rude, teenage boys from the private high school across the street, cut in front of us. Then, when I finally had enough and told them to move, the one at the front continued to order long distance for his buddies in the back. Rude.
It was all coming back to me now.
We opted for "Plan B," roasting hot dogs and marshmallows outside over our fire pit, telling stories and singing songs, another sure fire sign that our good weather is here to stay. Hooray!
Tulips pushing their way up through the warming earth.
More daylight.
The kids playing outside until dinner time.
And this.
The most sure fire sign that Spring has arrived. . . our neighborhood Dairy Queen opened today. Every morning on the way to school, and ever afternoon on our way home, the kids have been counting down with their little countdown sign for the last nine days. I thought the building anticipation was sure to result in them trying to convince me to stop and buy some frozen concoction on opening day. Surprisingly, I got no such requests.
This afternoon as we drove by and saw the lines of hungry people anxious to celebrate Spring, Isaac told me he didn't want to stop. Too many people, too long of a wait, and too expensive, were all part of his argument. Brady agreed. Then Avery reminded me that last year when we stopped on opening day, we stood inches from the cash register for nearly 20 minutes, while thousands (okay, well maybe not thousands, but it was close) of hungry, rude, teenage boys from the private high school across the street, cut in front of us. Then, when I finally had enough and told them to move, the one at the front continued to order long distance for his buddies in the back. Rude.
It was all coming back to me now.
We opted for "Plan B," roasting hot dogs and marshmallows outside over our fire pit, telling stories and singing songs, another sure fire sign that our good weather is here to stay. Hooray!
How to catch a Leprechaun
I woke at 6:06 a.m. on Thursday to Nathan, completely dressed and ready for school, holding a bunch of random "supplies" and asking me to help him make a trap to catch his Leprechaun. What a cute little guy. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was to lazy to get up and help him at that very moment, so instead, I sent him on a hunt around the house for more "supplies".
"Leprechauns love shiny things," I told him, and off he ran.
This is the trap he came up with, completely on his own.
The shiny green beads are to attract the Leprechaun. The green argyle church sock is for him to use as a sleeping bag, because he might get cold, and Nathan wanted him to be as comfortable as possible so he wouldn't try too hard to get out. And the shiny penny is just in case he needs some money to buy something.
Later that day while he was at school, the Leprechaun came and left him two bite size Snickers, wrapped in shiny, gold wrappers. He wanted Nathan to know that he had stopped by, and had loved the place, but couldn't stay.
Nathan was one excited boy.
So was Brady, who immediately went to work on his own Leprechaun trap. Brady filled his with shiny trains and green cars, "so he will have something to play with and will want to stay." Then he stashed it next to a green plant.
The Leprechaun has been back twice since then. And, since they haven't been able to catch him, they keep modifying their traps. Nathan even took his to school today to see if he could trap the Leprechauns at school. No luck it seems.
"Leprechauns love shiny things," I told him, and off he ran.
This is the trap he came up with, completely on his own.
The shiny green beads are to attract the Leprechaun. The green argyle church sock is for him to use as a sleeping bag, because he might get cold, and Nathan wanted him to be as comfortable as possible so he wouldn't try too hard to get out. And the shiny penny is just in case he needs some money to buy something.
Later that day while he was at school, the Leprechaun came and left him two bite size Snickers, wrapped in shiny, gold wrappers. He wanted Nathan to know that he had stopped by, and had loved the place, but couldn't stay.
Nathan was one excited boy.
So was Brady, who immediately went to work on his own Leprechaun trap. Brady filled his with shiny trains and green cars, "so he will have something to play with and will want to stay." Then he stashed it next to a green plant.
The Leprechaun has been back twice since then. And, since they haven't been able to catch him, they keep modifying their traps. Nathan even took his to school today to see if he could trap the Leprechauns at school. No luck it seems.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Pi Day
Yesterday was Pi day. That's right, 3.14159265 (my kids love quoting that part from Night at the Museum: The Battle of the Smithsonian). Grandpa Anthony reminded Isaac the other day, and Isaac will think of any excuse for me to make dessert. That, along with the fact that John is a certified math nerd, meant that we had to celebrate. Apple pie is everyone's favorite.
And this is what has been going on at our house for the last few days of 70 something degree weather. Who knew Chicago could deliver such a beautiful spring?
And this is what has been going on at our house for the last few days of 70 something degree weather. Who knew Chicago could deliver such a beautiful spring?
Monday, March 12, 2012
Biking on the Sabbath?
Our church runs from 9:00 a.m. until noon. I love the early schedule, but it also can make for a very long afternoon. We try so hard to keep the Sabbath different and distinct from other days, while at the same time making it an day of enjoyment and relaxation. Lets just say that sometimes with five little ones, it is hard to feel relaxed and joyful at the end of Sunday. So we mix it up a bit and invite friends over for dinner sometimes, or make cookies and take them to people, or play board games, or do crafts. And yesterday when the beautiful 60ish weather called to all of us, we went for a family bike ride. Notice I put "family" in there to make me feel okay about it.
We rode on the forest preserve trail, a few miles until we reached the lake. It was the first time I had taken all of the kids on that trail since last summer when we went every day to train for their triathlon and it brought back memories.
We had a nice conversation with the kids about keeping the Sabbath day holy and John and I got to explain why we felt okay with going on a bike ride. We also talked about the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law, and why the church doesn't put out a "list" of acceptable Sabbath activities. It was a good conversation to have.
The kids had a blast throwing rocks in the water, finding shells, splashing with sticks and skipping rocks. Then Nathan lost his balance and stepped into the lake, in a deep part. Then Yummers had a dirty diaper and being the unprepaired mom, I had no clean diaper. So we left.
We rode on the forest preserve trail, a few miles until we reached the lake. It was the first time I had taken all of the kids on that trail since last summer when we went every day to train for their triathlon and it brought back memories.
We had a nice conversation with the kids about keeping the Sabbath day holy and John and I got to explain why we felt okay with going on a bike ride. We also talked about the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law, and why the church doesn't put out a "list" of acceptable Sabbath activities. It was a good conversation to have.
The kids had a blast throwing rocks in the water, finding shells, splashing with sticks and skipping rocks. Then Nathan lost his balance and stepped into the lake, in a deep part. Then Yummers had a dirty diaper and being the unprepaired mom, I had no clean diaper. So we left.
Duck Hourse
Half way through Sacrament meeting yesterday, Brady handed me this.
I love my creative kiddos. Their drawings and writing give me insights into who they are and what they think about. And I couldn't help but laugh out loud in the middle of Sacrament meeting when I finished reading this.
 |
| Duck Horse, by Brady Hema |
 |
| Look, a horse. That's not a horse, it's a Duck silly. |
 |
| Look, the horse is about to eat a apple. No, the Duck is about to eat a piece of bread. |
 |
| Look, the horse is running in the grass. No, the Duck is wading through the swamp. |
 |
| Look through my binoculars and look at the horse. Sorry, still a Duck. |
 |
| Authors note on back cover: Did you know I think it was a horse? |
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Saturday
Last night I stayed up reading several talks by very inspired leaders. I was on my second time through reading a talk about Kindness by Elder Joseph B. Worthlin when I fell asleep on the couch. It was around midnight.
Fast forward exactly five hours and forty-six minutes.
Kids were tiptoeing down the stairs. They have this acute sixth sense that reminds them when it is Saturday. No more faking that they are too tired to get up in time to do all of their chores before scripture study on a school day. It is quite amazing actually. Three of them were already down the stairs before I was awake enough to realize that it was not even 6:00 a.m. yet, and they were anxious for their T.V. watching Saturday to begin.
John and I had other plans for today. It never works out well when we laze around all morning. People fight. Chores never get done. And before you know it, the day is wasted. So I herded them all back upstairs, kindly (see above talk that I fell asleep to) and extra sweetly directed them to their clip boards and job charts, and explained our plan of attack for the day. Surprisingly they all complied with minimal complaining.
By 7:15 the majority of the chores were done, and we were out the door on our way to the store to find Isaac a new birthday bike. Accomplished.
Isaac was dropped off promptly at 9:00 at the church, with two Krispy Kreme's in hand, for his Scouting for Food service project.
By 9:30, Nathan, Will and I were laying down for a morning nap.
At noon, we all loaded up in the van to go swimming at the YMCA in Evanston. We had a blast until the lifeguard blew her whistle, cleared the pool and began scooping something out of it with her long net. They said they would add some chemicals and we could be back in the water in 20 minutes. We opted to head for home.
Once home, John settled them into a great flashback movie "The Last Star Fighter," while I cooked some spaghetti.
Then it was finishing chores. At 5:15 I took Nathan to a birthday party at Pump It Up, ran home to make dinner, back to pick up Nathan at 7:15, then home to tuck in and kiss and wish sweet dreams. Everyone was out by 8:00.
Including my Johnny.
On a completely different note. . . Yummers: loves to wear a beanie like his big brothers, is always packing around more toys than he can carry, can put on his own shoes, and hates taking off his pajamas.
Fast forward exactly five hours and forty-six minutes.
Kids were tiptoeing down the stairs. They have this acute sixth sense that reminds them when it is Saturday. No more faking that they are too tired to get up in time to do all of their chores before scripture study on a school day. It is quite amazing actually. Three of them were already down the stairs before I was awake enough to realize that it was not even 6:00 a.m. yet, and they were anxious for their T.V. watching Saturday to begin.
John and I had other plans for today. It never works out well when we laze around all morning. People fight. Chores never get done. And before you know it, the day is wasted. So I herded them all back upstairs, kindly (see above talk that I fell asleep to) and extra sweetly directed them to their clip boards and job charts, and explained our plan of attack for the day. Surprisingly they all complied with minimal complaining.
By 7:15 the majority of the chores were done, and we were out the door on our way to the store to find Isaac a new birthday bike. Accomplished.
Isaac was dropped off promptly at 9:00 at the church, with two Krispy Kreme's in hand, for his Scouting for Food service project.
By 9:30, Nathan, Will and I were laying down for a morning nap.
At noon, we all loaded up in the van to go swimming at the YMCA in Evanston. We had a blast until the lifeguard blew her whistle, cleared the pool and began scooping something out of it with her long net. They said they would add some chemicals and we could be back in the water in 20 minutes. We opted to head for home.
Once home, John settled them into a great flashback movie "The Last Star Fighter," while I cooked some spaghetti.
Then it was finishing chores. At 5:15 I took Nathan to a birthday party at Pump It Up, ran home to make dinner, back to pick up Nathan at 7:15, then home to tuck in and kiss and wish sweet dreams. Everyone was out by 8:00.
Including my Johnny.
On a completely different note. . . Yummers: loves to wear a beanie like his big brothers, is always packing around more toys than he can carry, can put on his own shoes, and hates taking off his pajamas.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Valentines Day Rewind
I love holidays. I think I am an addict. I love the decorations (even though they have been significantly pared down for our budget) and the traditions and the anticipation. John swears that half of the stuff that I do for Easter or Valentines Day or St. Patricks or Christmas, is not really for the kids, but for me. He is probably right.
Nonetheless, the kids started asking about our Valentine's breakfast back in January. This year I had a new idea.
I gathered ideas for the 14 Days of Valentines from my Better Homes and Garden's magazine and Pinterest, and unfortunately forgot to take a picture until I had given out half of the days. Luckily I had made these way in advance, so the idea wasn't thwarted by Isaac's crazy hospital stay.
We still had our Valentine's Day breakfast, minus Johnny and Isaac. Avery so generously loaned me her Valentine's hearts from last year to decorate the table with, but again, I forgot to take a picture.
Conclusion: I think I liked the idea of 14 days of Valentines, but by the end, I felt like I had loaded up my kids with junk for two weeks, topped off with school parties, etc. From now on I think we'll be sticking to breakfast.
Nonetheless, the kids started asking about our Valentine's breakfast back in January. This year I had a new idea.
I gathered ideas for the 14 Days of Valentines from my Better Homes and Garden's magazine and Pinterest, and unfortunately forgot to take a picture until I had given out half of the days. Luckily I had made these way in advance, so the idea wasn't thwarted by Isaac's crazy hospital stay.
We still had our Valentine's Day breakfast, minus Johnny and Isaac. Avery so generously loaned me her Valentine's hearts from last year to decorate the table with, but again, I forgot to take a picture.
Conclusion: I think I liked the idea of 14 days of Valentines, but by the end, I felt like I had loaded up my kids with junk for two weeks, topped off with school parties, etc. From now on I think we'll be sticking to breakfast.
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