Monday, February 16, 2015
music lessons dun dun duuun!
Hey everyone it's Mary Ann... Again. um...ok, update, Rose and Peter are currently taking piano lessons. I am doing Recorder Karate, ( I am working on Amazing Grace the Brown Belt.) If you want to see my preformance... (no idea how to spell that) I will preform sometime in March. Will preform Amazing Grace. In our church before Mass. Mom I think would ask the parents and visitors to be respectful because, as she has quoted,: WE are still in Church!!
Three Years Later.....
Hi everyone!!!! This is Mary Ann here, I know it’s been a while since we have posted something on our blog, but I finally convicted mom to let me post something on here. Okay, when has the last time she posted something? Uh… I will figure that out later. I got my ears pierced! Before me was an 11 month old baby which they got the wrong earring in so they had to take it out and put the right one in. She cried and cried. Of course that made me feel a lot better! (Right!) My birthday was last week, but, of course I got sick!! :( Oh well…any way… I can’t think of anything else right now so I guess I’ll stop straining my brain to think of important events over the past few years since mom posted so…I just found out it 2012 since our lat post!!!!!!!!! 3 years ago!!Wow! over and out!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Ain't No Cure for Those Summertime (Pregnancy) Blues
From Mary Ann: Happy Fourth Day of July Everyone (2 days belatedly)
Mary Ann is currently lying on my bed looking over my shoulder as I sit on the floor. For the past three months or so she has been asking me to do another blog post that she can add to. I keep putting her off, because my creative juices have stopped flowing. Maybe they are pooled in my swollen ankles, but wherever they are, they certainly are not flowing.
It's summer here in Lee's Summit with quite a vengeance. The high temperatures have been 100+ for at least two weeks straight and no rain for a long, long time. This has resulted in an unfortunately rather sedentary summer for us all. Broken only by trips to the pool, which are actually a lot of fun.
From Mary Ann: Are you all having a good summer in your respective places? I am, even though my mom isn't doing enough to keep me entertained. I get to watch a lot of T.V. and I've been doing a pretty good job of doing my chores and being helpful when I'm asked to be helpful : ). Right now I'm hoping that we make it to a showing of Puss in Boots at 12:30. Of course, my mom will say we'll do something and then it will turn out that we don't do it, because she is tired or whatever. She is ALWAYS tired. Oh, we also saw Brave on the Fourth Day of July (Note from Mary Ann's Mom: I've told Mary Ann that people say "The Fourth of July" not the "Fourth Day of July" but she likes to buck trends). Brave was cool, I liked it. (Spoiler Alert: The mom turns into a bear, which I can totally relate to).
From Katie: So while Mary Ann is here directing the blog post, I am giving voice to what I suspect she actually thinks, but is too polite to say. Despite the renegade hair cutting incident of the my oldest repeat offender, over all Mary Ann has been very patient with what even I would term a boring summer for my kids. My only hope is that this ennui and lack of energy and brainpower I feel will come to an end once our little bundle of joy is born. I know that then I'll be dealing with nursing and newborn issues (not to much night awakenings) but honestly this pregnancy has me whipped and I can only think it has to get better from here.
Mary Ann is now bored with doing this blog post and wishes you all farewell. I (Katie) need to clean my room. The goal for the day is at least deal with the clothes that have been sitting on my ironing board for nearly 3 month. And to tidy the top of my dresser. The bathroom could also be dealt with and let's not even mention the pile of laundry that Robert likes to remind me is still there. Okay, Mary Ann has now informed me that not only is she bored, she is SO bored. Time to go and fight the good fight with my iron, duster and laundry basket. (On a side note, Peter and Rose are playing together nicely and apparently not bored)
Cheers!
Mary Ann is currently lying on my bed looking over my shoulder as I sit on the floor. For the past three months or so she has been asking me to do another blog post that she can add to. I keep putting her off, because my creative juices have stopped flowing. Maybe they are pooled in my swollen ankles, but wherever they are, they certainly are not flowing.
It's summer here in Lee's Summit with quite a vengeance. The high temperatures have been 100+ for at least two weeks straight and no rain for a long, long time. This has resulted in an unfortunately rather sedentary summer for us all. Broken only by trips to the pool, which are actually a lot of fun.
From Mary Ann: Are you all having a good summer in your respective places? I am, even though my mom isn't doing enough to keep me entertained. I get to watch a lot of T.V. and I've been doing a pretty good job of doing my chores and being helpful when I'm asked to be helpful : ). Right now I'm hoping that we make it to a showing of Puss in Boots at 12:30. Of course, my mom will say we'll do something and then it will turn out that we don't do it, because she is tired or whatever. She is ALWAYS tired. Oh, we also saw Brave on the Fourth Day of July (Note from Mary Ann's Mom: I've told Mary Ann that people say "The Fourth of July" not the "Fourth Day of July" but she likes to buck trends). Brave was cool, I liked it. (Spoiler Alert: The mom turns into a bear, which I can totally relate to).
From Katie: So while Mary Ann is here directing the blog post, I am giving voice to what I suspect she actually thinks, but is too polite to say. Despite the renegade hair cutting incident of the my oldest repeat offender, over all Mary Ann has been very patient with what even I would term a boring summer for my kids. My only hope is that this ennui and lack of energy and brainpower I feel will come to an end once our little bundle of joy is born. I know that then I'll be dealing with nursing and newborn issues (not to much night awakenings) but honestly this pregnancy has me whipped and I can only think it has to get better from here.
Mary Ann is now bored with doing this blog post and wishes you all farewell. I (Katie) need to clean my room. The goal for the day is at least deal with the clothes that have been sitting on my ironing board for nearly 3 month. And to tidy the top of my dresser. The bathroom could also be dealt with and let's not even mention the pile of laundry that Robert likes to remind me is still there. Okay, Mary Ann has now informed me that not only is she bored, she is SO bored. Time to go and fight the good fight with my iron, duster and laundry basket. (On a side note, Peter and Rose are playing together nicely and apparently not bored)
Cheers!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Those 3 little words
Happy 4th of July!!
We didn't get a present for the USA...but we did put the flag out. Good enough?
Lakewood (our subdivision) had a little kids parade today. Basically the kids can ride their bikes around a bit. We missed it last year, so Katie and the kids have been getting excited about it.
1. Katie got up early (nothing new there) and started decorating the bikes.
2. Then Mary Ann storms in and upstairs. Katie then comes in to tell me that Mary Ann cut her hair again. Just a little trim of her bangs, you can't really even notice. But, this is the 3rd time and so we had to punish her. So, no parade for her. But we did relent so she could watch.
3. On the way there, Rose announces that she forgot any shoes. So back we go!
4. On the second time there, we find that the bridge we usually take just closed as they shoot off the fireworks from there. So...had Rose had shoes we would have made it.
5. We get there and I drop Katie and Rose off to go register. I get Peter out into his nice stroller and Mary Ann is watching him. Then I get balloons out to attach them and the wind blows them away. They pop on the grass. Shoot.
6. Then came those 3 little words from Mary Ann. "Peter threw up." All over himself. Pool of vomit in the stroller. Some on the sidewalk, so I'm sure all the runners are really happy. We got the chunks off for the most part, stripped him to his diaper on the sidewalk and I took him home.
7. After cleaning him off we went back to pick up Katie and the girls. When we got home, Peter said he felt like sitting on the potty. Immediately after sitting, he said he didn't feel good and put his hands up to his mouth. I did the quick flip with him and he threw up again in the little potty.
8. We were all planning on going to see Brave, but now I'm stuck at home with him. He watched TV for a while, now he's in bed hopefully to sleep it off.
9. Finally, we had to cancel our party for tonight. Katie's college friends and their families were going to come over for a BBQ, but since they have infants they elected to not expose them to Peter. Oh well...happy 4th of July!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Grandpa
Tom Reddig was always one to let me know that blogs hadn't been updated or pictures posted. Even if it had been months (years) since a last post, he remained optimistic that surely one of these days I would write something about his family.
Tom passed away on Sunday, April 15th. His death was unexpected and has left an unanticipated and unwanted hole in our lives.
In retrospect, it does seem clear to me that his death does not have any "what-if" connected to it. His health had been problematic for the last several years, and the fact that all of us assumed that it would still allow him to be around us all for the next several years only indicates to me how much we take for granted the precious time we do have with our loved ones.
Tom spent his final night in his home enjoying time with Nancy and his grandchildren. Robert and I saw him before he went to the emergency room for what we thought was a "routine" trip to help his lungs out.
In this I can see God's hand at work to give us all a measure of peace and comfort in the fact that Robert and I and the children were able to see him that last time.
Thank you, Tom, for the love you gave your family. May you rest in eternal peace. We miss you.
Tom passed away on Sunday, April 15th. His death was unexpected and has left an unanticipated and unwanted hole in our lives.
In retrospect, it does seem clear to me that his death does not have any "what-if" connected to it. His health had been problematic for the last several years, and the fact that all of us assumed that it would still allow him to be around us all for the next several years only indicates to me how much we take for granted the precious time we do have with our loved ones.
Tom spent his final night in his home enjoying time with Nancy and his grandchildren. Robert and I saw him before he went to the emergency room for what we thought was a "routine" trip to help his lungs out.
In this I can see God's hand at work to give us all a measure of peace and comfort in the fact that Robert and I and the children were able to see him that last time.
Thank you, Tom, for the love you gave your family. May you rest in eternal peace. We miss you.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Holy Week
Despite me being on call during Holy Week, we actually were able to take the kids to all 3 days of Mass/service. Katie and the kids even went to all 4! Holy Thursday was fun for the kids because I got to wash their feet. It's hard liking the non-liturgically correct way more than the correct way.
On Good Friday we all made it through the veneration. The kids either kissed the cross or just touched it. I wish they had pictures at those kinds of things, like they do at amusement parks when you come down the big hill. It would be awesome to have pics of things like this. And a fundraiser for the church! How could they pass up this??
Holy Saturday saw us take the kids to 8pm Mass. We probably shouldn't have told them they could leave early. After every break in the action, they (mainly Mary Ann) reminded us that we told them they could probably leave early. They did love seeing the baptisms though. Our priest used a whole pitcher of water for each person. They got pretty wet! Since they stayed for that, there wasn't really that much left but the kids were about gone, so Katie and the kids left while I fulfilled my obligation. Since I was on call I couldn't go Sunday morning. Katie said she didn't get much outward grace from going on Sunday; the kids weren't their usual good selves...
This week is Mary Ann's spring/Easter break. Different ice cream place every day. Monday we went to Shawnee. We were going to go to Wonderscope (I took the day off too) but they are closed on Mondays...really?!? Anyway, we had lunch and ice cream with Fr Scott. I guess priests get pretty worn out after Holy Week?? Tuesday the kids and Katie went to Wonderscope. Pretty fun, but not really better than Paradise Park. Since Paradise Park is so closer, and we joined as members, I don't think we'll head back to Wonderscope anytime soon...
Today, Wednesday, I think they are having a lazy day at home. It is Wednesday, so pizza for dinner. Friday we're planning on heading to Science City and then my parents are taking the kids for the weekend. Any ideas on what to do?
On Good Friday we all made it through the veneration. The kids either kissed the cross or just touched it. I wish they had pictures at those kinds of things, like they do at amusement parks when you come down the big hill. It would be awesome to have pics of things like this. And a fundraiser for the church! How could they pass up this??
Holy Saturday saw us take the kids to 8pm Mass. We probably shouldn't have told them they could leave early. After every break in the action, they (mainly Mary Ann) reminded us that we told them they could probably leave early. They did love seeing the baptisms though. Our priest used a whole pitcher of water for each person. They got pretty wet! Since they stayed for that, there wasn't really that much left but the kids were about gone, so Katie and the kids left while I fulfilled my obligation. Since I was on call I couldn't go Sunday morning. Katie said she didn't get much outward grace from going on Sunday; the kids weren't their usual good selves...
This week is Mary Ann's spring/Easter break. Different ice cream place every day. Monday we went to Shawnee. We were going to go to Wonderscope (I took the day off too) but they are closed on Mondays...really?!? Anyway, we had lunch and ice cream with Fr Scott. I guess priests get pretty worn out after Holy Week?? Tuesday the kids and Katie went to Wonderscope. Pretty fun, but not really better than Paradise Park. Since Paradise Park is so closer, and we joined as members, I don't think we'll head back to Wonderscope anytime soon...
Today, Wednesday, I think they are having a lazy day at home. It is Wednesday, so pizza for dinner. Friday we're planning on heading to Science City and then my parents are taking the kids for the weekend. Any ideas on what to do?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Weekend in review
I'll take a shot at updating, give that pregnant wife a break...
Friday night started out well. For one, I wasn't on call, always a plus. We then figured out how to play Mario Kart on the Wii online with Eric and Liesel. FYI: playing teams when your teammate is a tired pregnant lady is not a good way to win. But it was fun, and I'm glad we figured it out. I'm sure the kids will really love it once we let them take over...
Saturday was a blur. We had early soccer--7:40am pictures followed by a 9am game. Mary Ann's team won again. Then we came home to rest and change. Then off to Lawrence for a 2pm wedding. Luckily they had a nursery that Peter could hang out in. I'm not sure why "intro" music is played after the start time. Everyone was there, yet they still played intro music until 2:15. I'm glad my kids didn't notice; I know it was making me impatient enough. The wedding was nice, some good readings from the Bible.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Then we went to 4pm Mass at St Lawrence. Peter wasn't too bad, thankfully, as Msgr Krische was presiding. The girls were a little confused by the whole "2 Gospel" part of Mass, but all in all did great considering 2 church events in just a few hours.
Dinner at the Keels' house followed. Pretty good jambalaya--nice with a little kick. The kids ate hot dogs. Nana is nicer than me--I would have made them just try the jambalaya and take a few bites. Then on to the basketball game! Rose and Peter I think made it through the first half, then they went down. Mary Ann made it through it all. Then Katie, Mary Ann, L'Opa and I went down to Mass Street. Pure enjoyable craziness. Mary Ann loved it, and was a hit for the drunks to high-five. Check out some of the pics: here .
Sunday saw another soccer game. The girls were all super exhausted from the game on Saturday. Their 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 loss. They were upset but not too upset. I think they were just glad the game was over.
Tonight Fr Scott is coming over for supper. And then the weekend will be complete--bring on holy week!!
Friday night started out well. For one, I wasn't on call, always a plus. We then figured out how to play Mario Kart on the Wii online with Eric and Liesel. FYI: playing teams when your teammate is a tired pregnant lady is not a good way to win. But it was fun, and I'm glad we figured it out. I'm sure the kids will really love it once we let them take over...
Saturday was a blur. We had early soccer--7:40am pictures followed by a 9am game. Mary Ann's team won again. Then we came home to rest and change. Then off to Lawrence for a 2pm wedding. Luckily they had a nursery that Peter could hang out in. I'm not sure why "intro" music is played after the start time. Everyone was there, yet they still played intro music until 2:15. I'm glad my kids didn't notice; I know it was making me impatient enough. The wedding was nice, some good readings from the Bible.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Then we went to 4pm Mass at St Lawrence. Peter wasn't too bad, thankfully, as Msgr Krische was presiding. The girls were a little confused by the whole "2 Gospel" part of Mass, but all in all did great considering 2 church events in just a few hours.
Dinner at the Keels' house followed. Pretty good jambalaya--nice with a little kick. The kids ate hot dogs. Nana is nicer than me--I would have made them just try the jambalaya and take a few bites. Then on to the basketball game! Rose and Peter I think made it through the first half, then they went down. Mary Ann made it through it all. Then Katie, Mary Ann, L'Opa and I went down to Mass Street. Pure enjoyable craziness. Mary Ann loved it, and was a hit for the drunks to high-five. Check out some of the pics: here .
Sunday saw another soccer game. The girls were all super exhausted from the game on Saturday. Their 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 loss. They were upset but not too upset. I think they were just glad the game was over.
Tonight Fr Scott is coming over for supper. And then the weekend will be complete--bring on holy week!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Car Games 2
That last post was getting a bit long, so I wanted to break it up a bit. Please this brings my total of blog posts to 3 this month.
A car game that we also play, Robert with more enthusiasm than I, is Fortunately/Unfortunately. This is a great game, and while maybe not the best for the car, it still works pretty well. It begins with someone starting a story. For instance:
Robert: Mary Ann, Rose, Peter, and Mommy and Daddy were all at home when Unfortunately a dragon came to the front door to eat them all up.
Katie: Fortunately, we locked the door so the dragon couldn't get in.
Mary Ann: Unfortunately the dragon blew fire and burned it down.
Rose: Fortunately we all had secret hidings spots, like under the coach, so the dragon couldn't find us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY (caps his) mumble, mumble, mumble MONSTER!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose: No, Dad you are Fortunately
Katie: Rose, Peter's doesn't really count, because we don't know what he said.
Robert: Unfortunately, the monster found our hiding places.
Katie: Fortunately, his head was too big and his arms were too small and he couldn't reach us.
Mary Ann: Where exactly are these hiding places were a dragon couldn't get us?
Katie: Um, use your imagination.
Mary Ann: Hmmmm...fine. Unfortunately, the dragon was able to tear up the hiding places so he could get to us.
Rose: Fortunately, ummm, ummmmm, ummmmm, the dragon didn't get us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY! Mumble, mumble, whisper, whisper, Darth Vader....MONSTER!!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose and Mary Ann (together): Daddy, Peter did Unfortunately, you're Fortunately!
Robert: I don't know what Peter said, so I'm still going to do Unfortunately.
Rose and Mary Ann (togehter): *sigh* Fine.
Robert: Unfortunately, the dragon got us and ate us all up
Katie: Fortunately, the dragon had Rose's stomach bug and threw us all up and we were okay.
*General cries of "Ewwww, Gross! That's so Nasty!"
Mary Ann: Unfortunately, some of the throw up got on Rose's pinkie.
Rose: Hey!!
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY!! MONSTER!!
Katie (sensing a general deterioration in the game): Fortunately, everyone was covered in throw up, so the dragon didn't want to eat us anymore and went home. The End
So who's up for Road Trip with the Reddigs?
A car game that we also play, Robert with more enthusiasm than I, is Fortunately/Unfortunately. This is a great game, and while maybe not the best for the car, it still works pretty well. It begins with someone starting a story. For instance:
Robert: Mary Ann, Rose, Peter, and Mommy and Daddy were all at home when Unfortunately a dragon came to the front door to eat them all up.
Katie: Fortunately, we locked the door so the dragon couldn't get in.
Mary Ann: Unfortunately the dragon blew fire and burned it down.
Rose: Fortunately we all had secret hidings spots, like under the coach, so the dragon couldn't find us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY (caps his) mumble, mumble, mumble MONSTER!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose: No, Dad you are Fortunately
Katie: Rose, Peter's doesn't really count, because we don't know what he said.
Robert: Unfortunately, the monster found our hiding places.
Katie: Fortunately, his head was too big and his arms were too small and he couldn't reach us.
Mary Ann: Where exactly are these hiding places were a dragon couldn't get us?
Katie: Um, use your imagination.
Mary Ann: Hmmmm...fine. Unfortunately, the dragon was able to tear up the hiding places so he could get to us.
Rose: Fortunately, ummm, ummmmm, ummmmm, the dragon didn't get us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY! Mumble, mumble, whisper, whisper, Darth Vader....MONSTER!!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose and Mary Ann (together): Daddy, Peter did Unfortunately, you're Fortunately!
Robert: I don't know what Peter said, so I'm still going to do Unfortunately.
Rose and Mary Ann (togehter): *sigh* Fine.
Robert: Unfortunately, the dragon got us and ate us all up
Katie: Fortunately, the dragon had Rose's stomach bug and threw us all up and we were okay.
*General cries of "Ewwww, Gross! That's so Nasty!"
Mary Ann: Unfortunately, some of the throw up got on Rose's pinkie.
Rose: Hey!!
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY!! MONSTER!!
Katie (sensing a general deterioration in the game): Fortunately, everyone was covered in throw up, so the dragon didn't want to eat us anymore and went home. The End
So who's up for Road Trip with the Reddigs?
Car Games
We are rapidly becoming "one of those" families who virtually live in our mini-van. At least it feels that way, since to go any where seems to involve the packing of snacks, drinks, blankets, and books in the car, whether this be to the grocery store, school or a visit to grandparents. And I have definitely caught myself think of the van as one more room to clean.
That being said, I don't necessarily think that because we spend time together as a family in the car multiple times during the week (day) is necessarily a bad thing. We're all trapped in there , and while Mary Ann has kind of started doing her own thing by reading a book or two or three, for the most part it's pretty nice to be in there together. There's lots of discussions that come up, the most impressive recently has been multiple re-tellings of Romeo and Juliet, thanks to Mitzi mainly for gifting a CD with Taylor Swift's song (which by the way gets replayed about 4-5 times in a row each time it comes up in the queue, and this is per Peter's request). Usually the discussion ends with us telling each other that the monk and Romeo and Juliet are all pretty stupid and if everyone had just calmed down a bit and talked the whole tragedy could have been avoided. But far be it from a virtual soccer mom and a few precocious grade school kids (and toddler) to rewrite Shakespeare.
This might gross out a few, but another activity in the car we engage in is dead skunk bingo. This is played when we drive to school on the aptly named Dead Skunk Road which is known to most Lee Summitians as Lee Summit Road. But the road was re-christened because of the presence of a dead skunk on the side of the road. I usually don't point out the roadkill I see, because, well it's gross and a little sad. But something about this dead skunk just kind of tickled my funny bone (which is a favorite phrase of Rose's, thanks to Grandma). One day last November I was driving just Mary Ann and she seemed a little down, so I told her about the dead skunk. She too was diverted by the idea of this skunk. The next day with all three in the car and Aunt Mitzi, I was able to slow down enough that I could point it out to them. Of course this backfired because Rose saw it, but Mary Ann delayed looking out her window, due to reading, and wound up missing the fascinating sight of this deceased animal. This resulted in 24 hours of bragging rights for Rose about how she "saw the dead skunk, and Mommy you weren't going to fast for me to see it." Luckily, the dead skunk remained by the side of the road for nearly 3 months, giving us all ample opportunities to see it and also note how long it had been there. That particular skunk has now disappeared, but a new one has now appeared to keep us entertained. And Peter makes sure to ask if we are going to be taking the road and seeing the dead skunk in the morning.
That being said, I don't necessarily think that because we spend time together as a family in the car multiple times during the week (day) is necessarily a bad thing. We're all trapped in there , and while Mary Ann has kind of started doing her own thing by reading a book or two or three, for the most part it's pretty nice to be in there together. There's lots of discussions that come up, the most impressive recently has been multiple re-tellings of Romeo and Juliet, thanks to Mitzi mainly for gifting a CD with Taylor Swift's song (which by the way gets replayed about 4-5 times in a row each time it comes up in the queue, and this is per Peter's request). Usually the discussion ends with us telling each other that the monk and Romeo and Juliet are all pretty stupid and if everyone had just calmed down a bit and talked the whole tragedy could have been avoided. But far be it from a virtual soccer mom and a few precocious grade school kids (and toddler) to rewrite Shakespeare.
This might gross out a few, but another activity in the car we engage in is dead skunk bingo. This is played when we drive to school on the aptly named Dead Skunk Road which is known to most Lee Summitians as Lee Summit Road. But the road was re-christened because of the presence of a dead skunk on the side of the road. I usually don't point out the roadkill I see, because, well it's gross and a little sad. But something about this dead skunk just kind of tickled my funny bone (which is a favorite phrase of Rose's, thanks to Grandma). One day last November I was driving just Mary Ann and she seemed a little down, so I told her about the dead skunk. She too was diverted by the idea of this skunk. The next day with all three in the car and Aunt Mitzi, I was able to slow down enough that I could point it out to them. Of course this backfired because Rose saw it, but Mary Ann delayed looking out her window, due to reading, and wound up missing the fascinating sight of this deceased animal. This resulted in 24 hours of bragging rights for Rose about how she "saw the dead skunk, and Mommy you weren't going to fast for me to see it." Luckily, the dead skunk remained by the side of the road for nearly 3 months, giving us all ample opportunities to see it and also note how long it had been there. That particular skunk has now disappeared, but a new one has now appeared to keep us entertained. And Peter makes sure to ask if we are going to be taking the road and seeing the dead skunk in the morning.
Monday, March 12, 2012
How Time Is Going in Our Family
This post was titled by Mary Ann who is home from school today due to a "Construction Day" at school to connect electricity to the new additions being added to the school building. Of course if anyone reads this they will have no idea what we're talking about, since, except for Robert's valiant attempts to post on a tri-monthly basis, the self-appointed scribe in the family (me, i.e. Katie) has been on hiatus since December 2010. A situation I shall try and rectify. I've given up Facebook for Lent and my sister Liesel is blogging everyday, and in the interest of spiritual purification and sibling competition, I shall endeavor to blog on a more frequent basis. Perhaps, once a week, but let's not get too ambitious.
Mary Ann is standing here dictating information about our family to be updated and is adamant that I waste no more time in announcing our 4th pregnancy, due in August. Mary Ann wasted no time in announcing to all she knew that we were indeed expecting, so most likely you all already know. We are indeed very excited, and Mary Ann has nearly forgiven us for choosing to have another baby instead of adopting a dog, but Rose and Peter probably are still in deliberations over that. (Mary Ann would like it to be known that she does indeed still want a dog--a beagle)
Beginning this life in Lee's Summit has been a bit overwhelming, lots of changes in all areas of life to adapt too. (But, as Mary Ann reminded me just now our home is located on a cul-de-sac that celebrates a Block Party EVERY YEAR!!--happy thought, indeed!) It really is just in these last couple of weeks that I feel like I can look at the house and begin to think about a timeline of projects for it to make it more our own. Maybe it's nesting setting in early, but I'm feeling the itch to buy furniture and paint!
Though right now the most pressing issue in our lives is Peter's introduction to potty training, which is being encouraged through the use of Star Wars underwear, Star Wars stickers, a Potty Pirate video, and Skittles. All in all I'm pleased with his work, but can see I've mellowed a bit in my expectations of success and definition of failure since we went through the process with Mary Ann. In case anyone drops by (announced or unannounced) be forewarned that you will likely be greeted by a nearly naked boy.
Mary Ann and Rose recently completed a session of swimming lessons. For the first time I saw them swimming out on their own in the middle of a pool with the life guard actually still on on the edge of the pool watching them, instead of centimeters away. It made me realize how much my girls are growing up and honestly how unprepared I am to let them start doing things independently from me.
We are also in the throes of making a tremendous decision on the purchase of American Girl dolls for the girls. After much debate and consultation with Santa Claus, it was decided that he would not bring the desired doll on Christmas, but rather the girls and I would make the purchase after Christmas, with the girls contributing a portion of the cost from their saved gift money and allowances (more on how allowances are earned and my admiration for families that successfully give their children allowances and have them complete chores for said allowance later). This past Saturday we visited the American Girl store with Nana to see for ourselves these wondrous dolls and make a choice as to which doll to purchase. The girls (and I'm pretty sure Nana, traitor grandmother that she is (which, Mom, is meant very lovingly)) were absolutely enthralled, especially by the little doll hair salon and spa, where they could bring their dolls to have their hair and nails done and probably get a massage too. I was slightly appalled and the sight of the store and the business it was doing made me question whether the economy really is in such a sorry state after all. (Last mildly political comment for a bit, I promise)
I'm actually very sure that 2 of these dolls will be taking up their residence in our home in the not too distant future (I admit I do feel some guilt over the whole dog/baby issue), but if they want their hair done, that will be coming out the girls' pocket books.
Cheers and Keep the Faith, folks!
Mary Ann is standing here dictating information about our family to be updated and is adamant that I waste no more time in announcing our 4th pregnancy, due in August. Mary Ann wasted no time in announcing to all she knew that we were indeed expecting, so most likely you all already know. We are indeed very excited, and Mary Ann has nearly forgiven us for choosing to have another baby instead of adopting a dog, but Rose and Peter probably are still in deliberations over that. (Mary Ann would like it to be known that she does indeed still want a dog--a beagle)
Beginning this life in Lee's Summit has been a bit overwhelming, lots of changes in all areas of life to adapt too. (But, as Mary Ann reminded me just now our home is located on a cul-de-sac that celebrates a Block Party EVERY YEAR!!--happy thought, indeed!) It really is just in these last couple of weeks that I feel like I can look at the house and begin to think about a timeline of projects for it to make it more our own. Maybe it's nesting setting in early, but I'm feeling the itch to buy furniture and paint!
Though right now the most pressing issue in our lives is Peter's introduction to potty training, which is being encouraged through the use of Star Wars underwear, Star Wars stickers, a Potty Pirate video, and Skittles. All in all I'm pleased with his work, but can see I've mellowed a bit in my expectations of success and definition of failure since we went through the process with Mary Ann. In case anyone drops by (announced or unannounced) be forewarned that you will likely be greeted by a nearly naked boy.
Mary Ann and Rose recently completed a session of swimming lessons. For the first time I saw them swimming out on their own in the middle of a pool with the life guard actually still on on the edge of the pool watching them, instead of centimeters away. It made me realize how much my girls are growing up and honestly how unprepared I am to let them start doing things independently from me.
We are also in the throes of making a tremendous decision on the purchase of American Girl dolls for the girls. After much debate and consultation with Santa Claus, it was decided that he would not bring the desired doll on Christmas, but rather the girls and I would make the purchase after Christmas, with the girls contributing a portion of the cost from their saved gift money and allowances (more on how allowances are earned and my admiration for families that successfully give their children allowances and have them complete chores for said allowance later). This past Saturday we visited the American Girl store with Nana to see for ourselves these wondrous dolls and make a choice as to which doll to purchase. The girls (and I'm pretty sure Nana, traitor grandmother that she is (which, Mom, is meant very lovingly)) were absolutely enthralled, especially by the little doll hair salon and spa, where they could bring their dolls to have their hair and nails done and probably get a massage too. I was slightly appalled and the sight of the store and the business it was doing made me question whether the economy really is in such a sorry state after all. (Last mildly political comment for a bit, I promise)
I'm actually very sure that 2 of these dolls will be taking up their residence in our home in the not too distant future (I admit I do feel some guilt over the whole dog/baby issue), but if they want their hair done, that will be coming out the girls' pocket books.
Cheers and Keep the Faith, folks!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Typical weekend
Maybe easier to just give a typical weekend, rather than catch up from last post.
On Saturday we had a birthday party for Mary Ann. She had invited all the girls from her homeroom over. Katie planned a great party. 5 of her friends came over. The theme was "winter princess" or "ice princess" or something like that. Of course, being that we were in KC, it was beautiful weather out. We had face painting, fingernail painting, games, and decorating cupcakes. 2 hours of a pretty good time. Rose did a good job of not being involved in everything where there were teams (6 divides pretty well for 2 and 3 player teams!) but was happy just watching some and being involved in others.
Saturday night Katie and I went to a Missouri Maverick's game. Centerpoint has a suite so we were able to hang out there. There was food (brats, hamburgers, nachos) and drinks (beer, soda). It was pretty fun. The administration "host" for that night was Dr Randy Culbertson. He's the VP of Business Development, but also a doctor. We found out that he actually played KU Basketball back in the 1970s! He wasn't a star by any means, but he did play! He played under Ted Owens, and played with Bud Stallworth and Dave Robisch, both who have their jerseys hanging in Allen Field House.
On Sunday we were able to sleep in a bit, then went to church where they had "divine donuts" after Mass. We came home, hung up a streamer across the living room, and then played volleyball with a balloon. The girls really got into it! Once Peter was down for a nap, we decided to see how much train tracks we had. We didn't think we would have enough, but we were able to circle from the living room into the kitchen and in front of the stairs.
Overall, a pretty good weekend.
On Saturday we had a birthday party for Mary Ann. She had invited all the girls from her homeroom over. Katie planned a great party. 5 of her friends came over. The theme was "winter princess" or "ice princess" or something like that. Of course, being that we were in KC, it was beautiful weather out. We had face painting, fingernail painting, games, and decorating cupcakes. 2 hours of a pretty good time. Rose did a good job of not being involved in everything where there were teams (6 divides pretty well for 2 and 3 player teams!) but was happy just watching some and being involved in others.
Saturday night Katie and I went to a Missouri Maverick's game. Centerpoint has a suite so we were able to hang out there. There was food (brats, hamburgers, nachos) and drinks (beer, soda). It was pretty fun. The administration "host" for that night was Dr Randy Culbertson. He's the VP of Business Development, but also a doctor. We found out that he actually played KU Basketball back in the 1970s! He wasn't a star by any means, but he did play! He played under Ted Owens, and played with Bud Stallworth and Dave Robisch, both who have their jerseys hanging in Allen Field House.
On Sunday we were able to sleep in a bit, then went to church where they had "divine donuts" after Mass. We came home, hung up a streamer across the living room, and then played volleyball with a balloon. The girls really got into it! Once Peter was down for a nap, we decided to see how much train tracks we had. We didn't think we would have enough, but we were able to circle from the living room into the kitchen and in front of the stairs.
Overall, a pretty good weekend.
Friday, October 14, 2011
New Ads
Apparently YouTube has taken notice of several of our high ranking videos. 2 of them have over 5000 views. So, they are now inviting us to become revenue sharers! I have no idea how much we could actually make, but it seems to involve us getting some pittance only if people click on the ads. So...we'll probably never make any money. But, just for fun, we'll run some ads on this page too! That's right, you can now view our page with...ads! Just like watching TV! Fun for the whole family! So go ahead and click on those ads and watch the less than one penny income come pouring in!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Work job
Work is going better. I'm the stroke director for the hospital, so I get to do some fun things like going to schools to teach kids about stroke. There's a video on this page of me with the Missouri Maverick players. #6 Jared Lavender and #20 Derek Palladry.
http://fortosage.net/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=145&
Fun times with 5th and 6th graders!
http://fortosage.net/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=145&
Fun times with 5th and 6th graders!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Birthday!
It was a good day. Katie let me sleep in until 8. The kids all said Happy Birthday to me right away (well, Peter kept saying "Happy Day" but that was even cuter). We had donuts for breakfast. I was able to putter around the house while Katie got ready for the party. I took the girls to Home Depot while Katie put Peter down for ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif nap. We got some stuff, then went to Fazoli's for lunch (kids ate free last weekend!). When we got back I did some more work (fixing sink stoppers, replacing flourescent lights).
My parents, Katie's parents and the Thomas-Vogrin family came over. We had chicken fried steak and the fixin's. We started with some alcohol shots courtesy of Matt and Jen (leftovers from their wedding 10 years ago).
We then opened presents. Katie set up a treasure hunt (a new tradition we do for each other) and I found Darth Vader masks at each spot. All the kids got one
Katie made some yummy cakes
Thanks to all who helped me celebrate, either in person, in spirit...or on Facebook!
My parents, Katie's parents and the Thomas-Vogrin family came over. We had chicken fried steak and the fixin's. We started with some alcohol shots courtesy of Matt and Jen (leftovers from their wedding 10 years ago).
We then opened presents. Katie set up a treasure hunt (a new tradition we do for each other) and I found Darth Vader masks at each spot. All the kids got one
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| From 2011 Robert Birthday |
Katie made some yummy cakes
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| From 2011 Robert Birthday |
Thanks to all who helped me celebrate, either in person, in spirit...or on Facebook!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September
We've been having fun the last few weeks! I didn't have to work on Labor Day weekend after all, so we all went to the Santa-Cali-Gon Days in Independence. We had typical fair food, the girls got their faces painted in a Mormon tent for free (they were playing a movie about the testaments in their bible, kind of scared Mary Ann), and hung out with my family. We then went over to my parent's house for pizza. fun time!
This last weekend we went to the circus with Katie's parents. The girls (and to a lesser degree Peter) loved the whole thing, especially the cotton candy and popcorn...
Mary Ann and Rose both started ballet classes this past week. They both did a good job in their class. Mary Ann's is pretty late--7:15 to 8pm! So, past normal bedtime. We'll see how that works out!
No pictures in this post because work blocks picasa. But, we have lots of new pictures over there--go check it out!
This last weekend we went to the circus with Katie's parents. The girls (and to a lesser degree Peter) loved the whole thing, especially the cotton candy and popcorn...
Mary Ann and Rose both started ballet classes this past week. They both did a good job in their class. Mary Ann's is pretty late--7:15 to 8pm! So, past normal bedtime. We'll see how that works out!
No pictures in this post because work blocks picasa. But, we have lots of new pictures over there--go check it out!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August update
We'll try to follow suit of the Buschelman's desire to update more often. A frequent and oft forgotten resolution, but oh well, here we go!
We've been blessed to have relatively children in this time of transition. We've all been working on getting used to the new house, the new job, the new...everything! In July we went with Nana to visit Oma. It was a good trip and the kids did well interacting with Oma.
We were able to visit California, MO and see grandpa Mac's bench and see his footstone in the cemetery.
Later in the month my aunt and uncle from Texas came to visit for a day. We hadn't seen them in a long time, so being closer has already made us a lot more available to most of the family!
In August I started work at Centerpoint hospital. I'm even on the webpage (though no photo yet...)! They didn't have everything ready for me (no e-mail, no pager, no white coat...) but I was able to see patients. I've already had my first week of call. I only had to go into the hospital once at night, but having to go in to round on the weekends was rough. Oh well, only 1 in 4 call isn't too bad.
We also celebrated Katie's birthday! Since her parents were in Ohio, my parents came over to help celebrate.
She got lots of great stuff and we had fun playing games.
The kids started school!
Peter is getting more and more interactive. His favorite thing is to tell "knock knock jokes." For a while, his only version was "knock knock (who's there?) Ball (ball who?) who!" Then he would insert other things instead of ball, but the punchline was always "who!" He finally started mumbling other things for the punchline. The first time he didn't do "who" was momentous...now it's just annoying again
The Buschelmans came to visit for a whole day. They were on their way to Lawrence and Colorado but stopped in Lee's Summit for a day and a half. It was great having the kids play together. Then today they finally started working on our roof! They are doing the back half today; hopefully tomorrow they get done!
We've been blessed to have relatively children in this time of transition. We've all been working on getting used to the new house, the new job, the new...everything! In July we went with Nana to visit Oma. It was a good trip and the kids did well interacting with Oma.
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| From July 2011 |
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| From July 2011 |
Later in the month my aunt and uncle from Texas came to visit for a day. We hadn't seen them in a long time, so being closer has already made us a lot more available to most of the family!
In August I started work at Centerpoint hospital. I'm even on the webpage (though no photo yet...)! They didn't have everything ready for me (no e-mail, no pager, no white coat...) but I was able to see patients. I've already had my first week of call. I only had to go into the hospital once at night, but having to go in to round on the weekends was rough. Oh well, only 1 in 4 call isn't too bad.
We also celebrated Katie's birthday! Since her parents were in Ohio, my parents came over to help celebrate.
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| From August 2011 |
She got lots of great stuff and we had fun playing games.
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| From August 2011 |
The kids started school!
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| From August 2011 |
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| From August 2011 |
Peter is getting more and more interactive. His favorite thing is to tell "knock knock jokes." For a while, his only version was "knock knock (who's there?) Ball (ball who?) who!" Then he would insert other things instead of ball, but the punchline was always "who!" He finally started mumbling other things for the punchline. The first time he didn't do "who" was momentous...now it's just annoying again
The Buschelmans came to visit for a whole day. They were on their way to Lawrence and Colorado but stopped in Lee's Summit for a day and a half. It was great having the kids play together. Then today they finally started working on our roof! They are doing the back half today; hopefully tomorrow they get done!
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| From August 2011 |
Friday, July 22, 2011
Moved!
Well, for those that don't know it, we moved. I won't dwell on that since it was quite a while ago (I can't believe it's been over 3 weeks!). These days we're focused on getting the house in order. We're still unpacking boxes, but the house is livable. The 3 kids are back together in a room for better or for worse. They seem to like it and they aren't keeping each other up too much.
We're enjoying my month off from work, though I seem to be gone too much for Katie's taste. I escape to Lowe's to buy lots of stuff for the house, or go out to search for a car. I've decided on a VW Jetta--check out a picture of it!
I start work on August 1st. Katie's bday is coming up--August 7th. We'll probably head to St Louis for that weekend to hook up with her sisters and parents. We've been lucky to be able to see so many people so far--both her mom (her dad is in Germany), my parents and several friends. Right now Katie and the girls are at the neighborhood pool with her mom while I babysit Peter.
We're enjoying my month off from work, though I seem to be gone too much for Katie's taste. I escape to Lowe's to buy lots of stuff for the house, or go out to search for a car. I've decided on a VW Jetta--check out a picture of it!
I start work on August 1st. Katie's bday is coming up--August 7th. We'll probably head to St Louis for that weekend to hook up with her sisters and parents. We've been lucky to be able to see so many people so far--both her mom (her dad is in Germany), my parents and several friends. Right now Katie and the girls are at the neighborhood pool with her mom while I babysit Peter.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Good day
We had a great day today. Rather than try to catch up with what we've been up to, maybe just a slice of life for ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifll of our faithful readers (hello? do we have any left??)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Started on Saturday night. Somehow we convinced Mitzi to come up for the night and for today. We watched SNL with JT as host. It was pretty darn funny.
This morning Mitzi went to church (we went last night since we knew we were going out today) early. Then we had breakfast at the Pancake Cafe. It was pretty good. The 3 adults all got different things so we could try them all. Good! http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
We then tried to go to a dairy to see how they make cheese, but unlike what their website said, they actually are closed on Sundays. Booo!
So we went to The House on the Rock. It was pretty cool. It was on our bucket list of things to do http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbefore we left Madison. We did the 3rd tour. We saw the world's biggest carousel, a room with tons of huge organs, a doll carousel, lots of doll houses, and lots of other mechanical inventions. Amazing!
Lastly we finally took Mitzi to our favorite local winery. We got there early so we got a bottle of wine, some pretzles, cheese dip and meat sticks and ate outside. It wasn't cold and rainy like everyone predicted! Then we went on the tour and had a tasting. We ended up buying 6 and Mitzi buying 6 bottles of wine. Tasty delicious!
Thus ended another good weekend. Last weekend we went to The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. It's the only approved Marian apparition site in the entire US--and it's right here in Wisconsin!
Next weekend: Peter's second birthday!
Started on Saturday night. Somehow we convinced Mitzi to come up for the night and for today. We watched SNL with JT as host. It was pretty darn funny.
This morning Mitzi went to church (we went last night since we knew we were going out today) early. Then we had breakfast at the Pancake Cafe. It was pretty good. The 3 adults all got different things so we could try them all. Good! http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
We then tried to go to a dairy to see how they make cheese, but unlike what their website said, they actually are closed on Sundays. Booo!
So we went to The House on the Rock. It was pretty cool. It was on our bucket list of things to do http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbefore we left Madison. We did the 3rd tour. We saw the world's biggest carousel, a room with tons of huge organs, a doll carousel, lots of doll houses, and lots of other mechanical inventions. Amazing!
Lastly we finally took Mitzi to our favorite local winery. We got there early so we got a bottle of wine, some pretzles, cheese dip and meat sticks and ate outside. It wasn't cold and rainy like everyone predicted! Then we went on the tour and had a tasting. We ended up buying 6 and Mitzi buying 6 bottles of wine. Tasty delicious!
Thus ended another good weekend. Last weekend we went to The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. It's the only approved Marian apparition site in the entire US--and it's right here in Wisconsin!
Next weekend: Peter's second birthday!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
So far...so long
Yet again, a while since our last post. Rather than try to recap the last few months, we'll just do a snapshot of current going-ons.
Peter is talking more and more. He still tends to make several words sound similar, so sometimes there is a little frustration when we can't understand him. For example, in the mornings he always wants "goggles!!!" for breakfast. That could mean bagels or pretzels. OR something totally different. Usually we can pacify him with just a bowl of cold cereal. Or sometimes he just picks that up and throws it on the floor.
He also loves to point things out and name them. Most large vehicles on the road are "Bus!!" We try to correct him but he probably thinks we're just idiots. At least his scar on his forehead is looking better and better. Just a little red mark. We'll see if he's left with any permanent changes from that or from the multitude of bumps on his left forehead. He continues to enjoy getting up on chairs.
Rose is still really enjoying being with Peter during the days when Mary Ann is at school. Her current favorite movie to watch is "Princess and the Frog." She can watch it every day. She is doing very well as the big girl of the house. She amazes us when she acts mature, especially when she helps clean the house.
Mary Ann is doing well in school. She recently had a talent show at school. The Kindergarten classes sang a song together. There were also a bunch of kids who did breakdancing. Several Michael Jackson songs. The girls loved when some kids danced to a Beiber song.
Our main thing now is that we're trying to sell the house. That helps keep the house clean. It's a challenge getting the house ready for showings, but Katie is doing a stellar job. Peter is sleeping in the old play room, so he seems to be sleeping better now that the girls don't keep him up. We also have less toys for the kids to get out, so even if all the toys are out, it's not a horrible mess. If anybody wants a nice house in Madison, let us know!!
We're really excited about KU basketball, of course. The only #1 still left in the tournament. Go Hawks! So, this weekend is sweet 16, elite 8. Next weekend: final four. Weekend after that: go to Hawaii!!
Peter is talking more and more. He still tends to make several words sound similar, so sometimes there is a little frustration when we can't understand him. For example, in the mornings he always wants "goggles!!!" for breakfast. That could mean bagels or pretzels. OR something totally different. Usually we can pacify him with just a bowl of cold cereal. Or sometimes he just picks that up and throws it on the floor.
He also loves to point things out and name them. Most large vehicles on the road are "Bus!!" We try to correct him but he probably thinks we're just idiots. At least his scar on his forehead is looking better and better. Just a little red mark. We'll see if he's left with any permanent changes from that or from the multitude of bumps on his left forehead. He continues to enjoy getting up on chairs.
Rose is still really enjoying being with Peter during the days when Mary Ann is at school. Her current favorite movie to watch is "Princess and the Frog." She can watch it every day. She is doing very well as the big girl of the house. She amazes us when she acts mature, especially when she helps clean the house.
Mary Ann is doing well in school. She recently had a talent show at school. The Kindergarten classes sang a song together. There were also a bunch of kids who did breakdancing. Several Michael Jackson songs. The girls loved when some kids danced to a Beiber song.
Our main thing now is that we're trying to sell the house. That helps keep the house clean. It's a challenge getting the house ready for showings, but Katie is doing a stellar job. Peter is sleeping in the old play room, so he seems to be sleeping better now that the girls don't keep him up. We also have less toys for the kids to get out, so even if all the toys are out, it's not a horrible mess. If anybody wants a nice house in Madison, let us know!!
We're really excited about KU basketball, of course. The only #1 still left in the tournament. Go Hawks! So, this weekend is sweet 16, elite 8. Next weekend: final four. Weekend after that: go to Hawaii!!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Another long time since the last post...
Well, I guess we had better start with Christmas. We stayed here for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I had both days off, so we spent it together, just hanging out. Mary Ann helped me put the ornaments on the tree (Rose had to go to bed early since she didn't eat any dinner). Mary Ann still reminds Rose of that to this day...
Santa came as expected. Everyone got great gifts. The kids all loved the many gifts, though of course some were more loved than other (all gifts are equal, but some are more equal than others...). Of course, some of the "less equal" ones are now some of their favorites...
We then drove to St Louis for the night, stayed with the St Louis Keels. Always low-key, relaxing to go there. We drove to Jeff City and had lunch with Oma. Peter called the police, either by the phone or with Oma's life-line. They called and Katie told them what was up, but then later Oma called L'Opa and told him the police came; we're still not sure if they actually did or if she just thought they did.
We stayed several days in Lawrence with L'Opa, Nana and Mitzi. We turned the first night into a traditional Christmas Eve with the normal soups and then lit the candles on the tree. Santa came there, but once again the gifts were left in the upstairs closet until we could get them in the morning. Everyone had fun opening yet more presents.
The kids all turned a little sick in Lawrence. They all seemed their sickest on the night Katie and I were going to go to the KU basketball game, so Katie gave her ticket to L'Opa. We saw a great game and the kids all turned magically healthy 10 minutes after we left for the game.
Then off to KC. We saw Fr Scott, the Thomas-Vogrin family, and my parents. Yet again, more and more presents. Those kids were so excited! We had a fun few days in KC. We celebrated New Years with the kids early and most of us used that as our official countdown too =)
We had an easy drive back--only one stop in the 8 hour drive. Much better than the Beier's had...
We've mainly been working on 2 things this calendar year--moving and deciding on a job. I've been offered many positions, and Katie and I are sifting through them, trying to decide. We think we have it down, but aren't ready to sign the deal yet. We've been slowly working on the house, trying to get it in order to sell it. We'll probably put it on the market in late Feb, early March.
We just got back from a trip to KC to look at neighborhoods. We missed our connection in Chicago so had to spend the night there. We were in KC for about 9 hours. Awesome...
The kids keep on progressing. Peter is saying more and more words. He now likes to push chairs around and use them as stools to get up to things. Rose is blooming at her preschool and seems to be bonding with Peter really well. Mary Ann just got her first report card and is doing great at school.
Santa came as expected. Everyone got great gifts. The kids all loved the many gifts, though of course some were more loved than other (all gifts are equal, but some are more equal than others...). Of course, some of the "less equal" ones are now some of their favorites...
We then drove to St Louis for the night, stayed with the St Louis Keels. Always low-key, relaxing to go there. We drove to Jeff City and had lunch with Oma. Peter called the police, either by the phone or with Oma's life-line. They called and Katie told them what was up, but then later Oma called L'Opa and told him the police came; we're still not sure if they actually did or if she just thought they did.
We stayed several days in Lawrence with L'Opa, Nana and Mitzi. We turned the first night into a traditional Christmas Eve with the normal soups and then lit the candles on the tree. Santa came there, but once again the gifts were left in the upstairs closet until we could get them in the morning. Everyone had fun opening yet more presents.
The kids all turned a little sick in Lawrence. They all seemed their sickest on the night Katie and I were going to go to the KU basketball game, so Katie gave her ticket to L'Opa. We saw a great game and the kids all turned magically healthy 10 minutes after we left for the game.
Then off to KC. We saw Fr Scott, the Thomas-Vogrin family, and my parents. Yet again, more and more presents. Those kids were so excited! We had a fun few days in KC. We celebrated New Years with the kids early and most of us used that as our official countdown too =)
We had an easy drive back--only one stop in the 8 hour drive. Much better than the Beier's had...
We've mainly been working on 2 things this calendar year--moving and deciding on a job. I've been offered many positions, and Katie and I are sifting through them, trying to decide. We think we have it down, but aren't ready to sign the deal yet. We've been slowly working on the house, trying to get it in order to sell it. We'll probably put it on the market in late Feb, early March.
We just got back from a trip to KC to look at neighborhoods. We missed our connection in Chicago so had to spend the night there. We were in KC for about 9 hours. Awesome...
The kids keep on progressing. Peter is saying more and more words. He now likes to push chairs around and use them as stools to get up to things. Rose is blooming at her preschool and seems to be bonding with Peter really well. Mary Ann just got her first report card and is doing great at school.
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