Amelia preschool graduation

Amelia had her preschool graduation this evening. It was very sweet and a nice program. Sadly, we only seem to be able to have time to process pictures from our phones to post here anymore.

Amelia did a great job with the program, although she was difficult to see at times. I don't think she loved performing, but she did everything that was asked of her. She claimed her favorite part was when she saw me in the crowd and then the cookie.

Gemma on the other hand, was raring to join her sister on stage. I had to keep a hand on the tail of her shirt the whole time to keep her from running up on stage. The few times she got away from me, she made a beeline for the steps the kids performed on. As soon as it was over, she finally ran over and was so pleased with herself.

We did take other pictures and video, but I'm pretty sure this is the only one that will end up here. Something has to give and around here that is one of those things! Maybe someday.....we still have pictures on our camera from Thanksgiving and Christmas that I haven't looked at...

Rock collector

It can be hard on a washing machine when you have an avid rock collector in the family. I just spent 5 minutes pulling various pebbles and rocks from the washing machine after washing William's pants.

Sent from my iPhone

This just in!

Wheeeeeeeeee!!!

Look what I pulled up to after work today! I have a driveway! I also got mail today and my trash was picked up without incidence! After 7 days of schlepping kids across the lawn with diaper bags, backpacks, lunch boxes and library book I am SO ready for our garage back!

Happy Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day! We had a WONDERFUL day celebrating this mom! I got up on the earlier side of things, much to John's dismay. He was trying to let me sleep in, but I wanted to get my run in before it got hot. It's a good thing I went when I did- it was very warm and humid his afternoon.

We spent some time with our "grandma Heidt" tree in our front yard. It has grown quiet a bit and is looking very nice. The kids are getting to the age where they enjoy hearing stories about Grandma and how special she was (and is!) to our family.

We went to a historic area and had an extended lunch at a cute little local place. The food was good, the setting was pretty and I had great company. The service was a little slow, but it was very busy.

We came home for some naps and I got a little sewing time in.

John grilled pizzas for dinner and then cleaned up the kitchen for me. I got to play with the kids and relax. So nice!

John even surprised me with a gift of some stacking rings. There is one for each child with their birthstone in it. They are so pretty and I am so happy!

The street repair

About a year ago, John out in a work order with our city to have them
repair a pothole at the end of our driveway. It fills with water after the rain and doesn't drain. When it is cold, the water freezes, making the street very slippery there. We thought they would patch the hole and move on.

At the beginning of last week, we got a notice that they were going to start work on the driveway. The city recommended we find alternate parking during the work time.

I didn't know we were going to lose our driveway (and therefore our garage) for the foreseeable future. We are schlepping diaper bags, soccer equipment and groceries across the lawn these days. It feels wrong to even complain about it when I know people in some countries walk further each day for water, but it really has been very inconvenient. Really, really inconvenient when added to an almost 2 year old who has no fear and doesn't listen.

To add insult to injury, our mailbox is blocked and we have only had one mail delivery since the construction started. When I called about the mail issue, I was told, per union rules, mail carriers do not have to get out of their trucks. I am welcome to go to the post office and pick up my mail, however they cannot guarantee the mail with be at the post office as it will be sent out each day on the truck for delivery. Wonderful, right?

We also didn't get trash service this week as the construction equipment was blocking our trash can. My favorite part of this issue is that the construction is being done by TheCity and the trash collection is handled by TheCity. Apparently, the city employees were unable to discuss the collection of our trash this week.

Furthermore, we are expecting some strong storms this weekend including some possible hail. This is the situation when a person might like to have one of their vehicles in the garage....

At least it will be over soon, right? And I will be more appreciative about how luxurious our garage is, correct? Let's hope so.

I'd like to know...

Who taught William to whistle.

I'm not sure how to thank them, but it wouldn't be nice.

William learned to whistle earlier this week and has been doing it now nonstop for the last 5 days. By nonstop, I mean from the moment he wakes up until he falls asleep. Last night I tucked him in and heard more whistling coming from his bed for another 15 minutes as he settled himself to sleep. Early this morning, I heard more whistling from the baby monitor in Gemma's room. William was awake.

The newness will wear off eventually, right?

Sent from my iPhone

Gemma

Gemma's words are exploding lately.  She is picking up words constantly throughout the day.  They aren't always recognizable, but she is trying and certainly has a lot to say.

At the park the other day:

Mama: Gemma!  Go down the slide!  One! Two! Three! Go!
Gemma: Go! Go! Two! Nine! GO!


--------

At the airshow, waiting for the bus:

William: Why do we have to wait for a bus?
Daddy: It is a long way to walk, so they have a bus to ride.
William: I want to walk.
Amelia: But, I want to ride the bus!
Daddy: William, you don't want to walk.  Half way there, you'd change your mind and we'd have to walk back.
William: But, WHY can't we just waaaaaalk?
Gemma: Why? Why?  Why?  Why?  Dadda! Why?
Daddy: Uh oh.  What just happened?

-Bus pulls up-


----------

Almost dinnertime.  Kids are playing until Gemma hears a pan banging around.  Gemma comes running in the room and climbs into her high chair.

Gemma: WaWav! Numna!  WaWav! Numna! Nak! (William! Amelia! William! Amelia!  Snack (eat))) (I'd also like to note this was in the exact tone of voice and cadence I use to call them to dinner every night.

Despite my attempt at getting her out of her high chair and back playing, she isn't having it. It doesn't matter that NOTHING is on the table or even remotely ready to eat. It's time to eat in Gemmaworld.

Gemma: Mama! Noodles!  Bowl!
Mama: We don't have any noodles.  How about a banana?
Gemma: NO! NO NANA!
Gemma: Noodles? Bowl?
Mama: We don't have any noodle, Gemma.  How about some peaches?
Gemma: NO! NO!  Noodles!  Noodles! Bowl!
(this continues for several minutes and she declines cereal, apples, beans, carrots, dip, and cheese.  All the while, I am trying to make dinner for everyone and negotiate with this very illogical toddler.  The longer she sits, the more distraught Gemma becomes until she is crying and declining my food offerings.  Finally, I stumble upon a brilliant idea.)
Mama (to Daddy): Think I can pass off this brown rice as noodles?  It's starchy.
Daddy: Please try - she is SO loud.
Mama: Okay, Gemma.  Noodles in a bowl coming up!
Gemma: (Pauses crying, looks expectantly at me) Noodles?
Mama: Yes! Do you want noodles?
Gemma: Yeah.
Mama: Should I put your noodles in a red bowl?
Gemma: NO! NO! Pi bowl (pink bowl)
Mama: A pink bowl?
Gemma: Yeah.
Mama: We don't have a pink bowl.  How about yellow?
Gemma: No.  No. Pi bowl.
Mama: Uh oh.  How about a white bowl?
Gemma: NO! NO!  Pi bowl. Pi bowl.
Mama (to Daddy): What now?  We don't have a pink bowl.
Mama (to Gemma): How about an orange bowl?
Gemma: NO! Yes.  Yes.  Noodles.  Or bowl.

So I gave her the rice in the orange bowl and she didn't eat a bite.  None.  But, at least she was quieter while she threw it all on the floor.