Merry Chirstmas and Happy New Year

It has been a while since I have updated this Blog, but I will try to do better in the new year! I would make it a resolution, but I hate to make a resolution that will get broken.

Everyone writes about the perfection and beauty of their lives, here's my version of the truth...

Jack (4) is obsessed with death and dying. Asks all the time if I am going to die and wants to know how he will talk to me when I die - Let's hope he won't find out anytime soon (all fingers, toes and eyes crossed). He is also obsessed with credit card debit and asks often if we have any. He regurgitates most of what he hears on the radio or tv. Scribbles in coloring books when he colors outside of the lines and throws them across the room. He walks and talks in his sleep, and suffers from growing pains almost once a week (who needs sleep). Wants to be stronger and faster than bad guys and superheros, but is still the smallest boy on the block.

Ellis (3) loves to pretend to choke on food to get out of eating dinner, but always wants dessert. Is obsessed with antagonizing her brother and doesn't think she is old enough to use the potty (which means she is STILL in diapers). She crawls around the house on all fours, pretending to be a puppy or a kitty, calling herself, Ellis Puppy/Kitty. Always thinks she has diaper rash or that her tummy hurts. Loves medicine and going to the doctor, even under the threat of a shot. The other day I caught her picking her nose, I won't tell you what she did with it... If Jack jumped off of a bridge, Ellis would watch him fall and go 'splat' and then she would follow him over the side of the bridge. She is the shadow.

Paul (38) would be perfect if he understood that I am sometimes right. He snores, is employed, is sober, has no credit card debit, is faithful and doesn't hit me or the kids. What more can I ask for...

Me (41) REALLY trying to do the best I can. Not an easy task when my life is run by Jack, Ellis and Paul. My resolution for 2009 is MORE patience.

2008 has been a good year to us, I can't wait to see what 2009 will bring.

too much sadness

It is with the most sadness that I have learned, my dear friend Stephen J. Viviani has passed away. He died Wednesday, November 5, 2008. My friend leaves behind a beautiful wife, a 5 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. He was 41. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Viviani family.
Steve, I have known you my whole life - You have overcome so many obstacles and I will forever miss you!
I love you Steve... until we meet again. Erica

Too much Minnesota...

... and not enough Wisconsin. We spent nine days in MN with Paul's family. It is hard for me to be so close to home and not be able to see my Wisconsin Peeps. So here's a shout out to my fellow Badgers!

Actually we had a great time. Jack learned to say,"Yeah sure", thanks to Papa and Ellis... well she's still Ellis. She did show Nana and Papa why our neighbor calls her Yellis. We spent time at the fair, went to Como Park and Zoo and Nickelodeon Land at the Mall of America. As you can tell from the picture, the kids discovered rides. My life may never be the same. Ellis is saving her pennies to buy tickets, so they can go on more rides. We also attended Paul's 20 year class reunion. It was great to see the old friends I knew and even more fun to talk about the people I didn't know - thanks Stephanie and Jeanie for the funny conversations! I did get to spend a great night on a boat, on a lake. There is one difference between "boating" in MN and "boating" in WI, in WI when you go boating you drink beer, while ON the boat, ON the water.

It was great to see our family. We miss and think of them all of the time.
We love you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

There's no place like home

It's Wednesday and we have been home for four days and this is the first quiet moment I have had. First quiet moment with out doing laundry, making beds, vacuuming floors, sweeping, mopping, cooking or doing dishes - oh yeah and lets not forget childcare - normal life stuff. We were in Taos last week at Dawn and Bill's special house. We had a great time swimming, fishing, going on hikes, playing on the tire swing, playing games, eating s'mores and all kind of general hanging out. It was a great time had by all. Bill came up with a new nickname for Ellis, 'Yellis'. Her normal voice is two or six octaves above all else, so she just sounds like she is yelling EVERYTHING.

Paul is in Cali and then it's off to Idaho for a Bachelor party - should be fun. Congratulation John and Sarah. We can't wait to see you and everyone else next month! Unless someone comes up with another major life event, I'm not sure when all of us old friends will all be in Boston again at the same time. Kind of sad.

Well, I have to get back to my normal life (see above).
I miss everyone!
Erica

A moment of silence

It's Sunday afternoon and I have a moment of silence and time to myself. Jack and Paul are at the Colorado Rockies game and Ellis is taking a nap. I had a second to pee by myself and add some mulch to a garden bed - it ruined my manicure, but oh well.

We had a great 4th of July. We saw the fireworks in Louisville. I had to keep reminding myself, "We aren't in Boston anymore". It was a good time. Jack kept asking when are they going to start and the moment they did, he wanted to know when it was going to be over. That's a 3 year old for ya. Surprisingly the booms didn't bother either one, once they got the glow in the dark necklaces - you know the ones I swore I wasn't going to buy. The ones that cost $5 each, the ones you can buy at Target for $1.

Tomorrow Paul heads to Washington, DC and Wednesday the kids and I are off to Taos. Everyone's G.I. track seems to be getting back to normal.

What can I complain about? I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Clean bill of health...sort of

Well we haven't had a sick kid since Friday. The weekend was spent at home trying to have some family fun. Friday night Jenn, Evan and Anna came over for dinner and sparklers. The kids had a great time while the adults enjoyed some libations. Saturday we played in the basement (where it is cool) and then headed to Boulder and the Pearl Street Mall. The kids had ice cream cones and watched the street performers. The big hit was the Cat in the Hat, who we chased down the street so the kids could say, "Hi". Jack also loved the city break dancers. He said, "They have tricks". When we got home he came up with a few trick himself. Sunday was a quiet day in the backyard on the swing set and in the pool. The night ended with a visit from Dawn and Bill and a few more sparklers.
This morning at 4 am I rolled over and noticed Paul wasn't in bed. Guess what, it's his turn to be sick. Hope for a speedy recovery!

The kids are at a class and it is time for me to go get them.
Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday Daddy

Happy Birthday Daddy. I miss you more than you could ever know. I wish you could see your beautiful grandchildren - they are growing up so fast. I know you would be proud of them.

I love you daddy! I'll see you another day.
Tiges

Thursday

Another 'clean' day. Thank the Lord for small favors!
We are getting back to normal. I think the kids and I have a bout of cabin fever after being cooped up in the house for so long, but today (more than 24 hours after the last bout of sickness) we are off to the park with our friends Luke, Charlotte and Avery. Hurray!

The rest of our lives has been spent fixing sprinkler...

CANCEL EVERYTHING, Ellis just got sick again!
SH*T, SH*T, SH*T!

So far so good

This morning I was awoken to 2 screaming kids wanting FOOD! Paul and I were up a couple of times to tend to a girl who managed to wiggle out from under her blanket and needed to be covered up again, but other than that no throw up. It's still early, but we are starting on the right foot. Wish me luck.

Its been a while

Too much has happened. I spent Mother's Day with my Mom. NO KIDS. NO HUSBAND. I got to be the daughter and not the Mom or Wife. I had a wonderful time!! Two weeks later the whole family drove to MN for Jena's graduation and a great visit with Paul's family. Then we were off to WI. Paul tackled Mom's honey do list and tried to keep kids out of the way. It was also a great chance to see friends and enjoy MN and WI weather and food. The kids did great in the car - who can blame them - 14 solid hours of movies and junk food. And that is just one way.

Right now we are in the middle of stomach flu. I had it last week and this week it's the kids turn. Jack's flu was bad on Friday and then again yesterday. Ellis got sick Sunday night and it continues today. I went to her room this morning, picked her up and she threw up all over me. "Good morning Mommy". Can someone please make a special cream or gel that you apply to a child and it dries everything up and keeps liquid and food in their stomach. There is nothing harder than watching your beautiful 2 year old throw up bile and dry heave. The Pediatrician's office isn't much help - 1 teaspoons of Pediatlite every 10 minutes, watch for wet diapers every 8 hours and give her Tylenol.
Question, she can't keep anything in her tummy, how do I get Tylenol to stay down?
I have done more laundry in the last 2 weeks than I did all of last month and I clean my bathrooms every time someone misses the toilet. My house smells like Lysol and bleach. Enough to make you sick.

I promise to be better about writing and will get pictures up soon, but now I am off to care for my beautiful Ellis.

Happy Birthday Tess

to be sung out of key, off pitch and out of tune...
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Tess
Happy Birthday to you

WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS!
We will see you soon.

Congratulation Aunt Renae

Congratulations to Aunt Renae for winning the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award. We are all proud of you!!!
Here is the story that ran in the Daily Herald, a Suburban Chicago Newspaper.

Kohl McCormick award goes to Naperville educator

A first-grade teacher at Naperville's River Woods Elementary School is one of five Chicago-area educators selected to receive a 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award.

Renae Brooks was in her classroom Friday when officials from the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation and a WGN-TV camera crew surprised her with the honor.

The five winners officially will be feted in ceremonies in June.

The Bolingbrook resident began working in Naperville schools 28 years ago and has taught kindergarten, first, second and third grades.

She started at Maplebrook Elementary School and then moved on to help open Scott, Ranch View and River Woods.

River Woods turned out to be the last stop on her tour of Naperville Unit District 203, and she's been at the school for its entire 20-year history -- including about the past 15 years as a first-grade teacher.

During an interview with the Daily Herald in March, Brooks said the keys to her success working with first-graders are fairly simple: She tries to listen, be patient and give out lots of hugs.

"You have to be constantly changing activities and keeping them excited," she said in March. "I want to be able to look at the clock at 2:30 p.m. and say, 'Wow, time flies when you're having fun!'"

Brooks won praise from her colleagues and bosses for the enthusiasm and innovation she brings to her classroom.

She'll receive the teaching award in a ceremony June 3 at the Westin River North in Chicago. It comes with a $5,000 personal cash award and a $1,000 award for her school.

She also will be inducted into the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators.

Award organizers say they selected the five winners based on criteria that includes innovation, leadership, respect for students, ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, partnerships with parents and family, and a demonstrated commitment to professional growth.

Another Day

Its luke warm and overcast, the weather matches the way I feel. Ellis woke up this morning feeling VERY warm to the touch. After going through 3 thermometers, I finally found out she has a temp of 102.4. I gave her a dose of Motrin and things seem to be getting back to normal. I hate it when your child has a temperature and no other signs. PLEASE give me a runny nose, cough or a tooth coming is, so I know what to blame the fever on. It just makes me nervous. The last time she had a fever like that, we canceled out vacation and spent 4 days in the hospital. In addition:

1. Paul has to work late tonight. Why do they always work late or go out of town when a kid gets sick? Must be ESP.
   
2. Our neighbor is out of town (no immediate/instant support should we need to go to the Dr, or I need a drinking companion while I wait for Paul to come home)
3. Jack is acting like a 1 year old, demanding my attention. Plus he had an accident - the first one in weeks.

Oh well, its just another day in Paradise.
Most love to all.

What's going on... time to play catch-up

One of the many looks of Ellis B

It seems like so much is going on, but nothing really, all at the same time.

Grandma went home Tuesday morning. We had the best visit and she got some really good quality time with Jack and Ellis, and I got some time to myself. All of this in between time-outs and yelling - and that was just for me.

Potty training is going really well. We are having fewer accidents and even having a few dry pull-ups in the morning. We still have to give the celebratory 'high-five' after using the potty - but beggars can't be choosers. Tomorrow I become a 'Soccer Mom'. Jack starts soccer with 3 year olds. It should be a hoot. What do you say to a 3 year old when an opposing team's player takes the ball away? I can't wait!!!

I think Ellis is having a hard time with the attention Jack is getting because she has stopped talking and just wines. She wines from the moment she wakes up until she goes to bed. And her wine is at an octave that only me and bats can hear. It is a sound that causes you to want to do illegal drugs and run for your life. You have to hold her down to change her diaper, comb her hair and get her dressed. I am ready to put one of us in a straight jacket. She has also discovered hitting. The other night we had friends over for dinner and she slapped me because she couldn't have any dessert - she didn't eat her dinner. I carried her upstairs all the while hoping I wouldn't break her arm, out of sheer frustration. Then I had to go to my room to compose myself. I think I turned three shades of red. Let's just say that the night ended badly, at least for me.

I woke up this morning to snow. Not much but more than I want to see on the ground in April. I am so ready for Spring. I am tired of putting away boots, hats and mittens, just to take them out in a few days. Where is the warm weather?

Steve, Gina and the girls were supposed to be here this weekend, but due to the health of Gina's Aunt, they are staying in MN. Please all say a prayer or thought for Gina and her family. Gina, we love you and are here if you need anything!

A belated Happy Birthday to Abby. I apologize for the delay in getting your present to you... I promise to get it in the mail this weekend. We love you!

CONGRATULATIONS to Brian, Amy, Maeve and baby G. Brian has been offered a job in Florida. LLs lost; Florida's gain. You will do great! We miss you more than you know.

I gotta run. More later!

Day 6

ok, I meant to chronicle this weeks events, but of course I managed to find other things to do, so I am going to summarize this past week...

MONDAY: Monday was the 1st day of potty training.
7:30 am: We woke up and headed to the potty with new underpants for Ellis and Jack. Ellis sat on the potty, did nothing, put on her underpants and proceeded to pee in them. I put Jack on the potty, he did nothing, put on his underpants and also proceeded to pee in them. I changed Ellis. I changed Jack. She peed. I changed her again. She peed.
7:35 am: I put Ellis in a diaper and decided, she isn't ready. Jack stayed in his underpants and we were off and running. I had a day full of accidents and way too much self doubt about this being the right time and his readiness.

Summary of MONDAY:

• One successful pee in the potty! YEAH!!!
• 8 accidents.
  
• One pull-up at nap time and one at bedtime.
  
• No poops; at all.
• A full load of laundry; full of little boy underwear, pants and 3 pairs of little girl underwear

Summary of TUESDAY:

• Three successful pees in the potty!!!
• 6 accidents.
  
• One pull-up at nap time and one at bedtime.
• One poop in his pull-up
• Another full load of laundry

Summary of WEDNESDAY:
Grandma here! YEAH, finally I have some help!!!

• Five successful pees in the potty!!!
• 4 accidents.
  
• One pull-up at nap time and one at bedtime.
• One poop in the potty and on in underpants.
• No laundry tonight

Summary of THURSDAY:

• Only one accident!

Summary of FRIDAY:

• No accidents! Not even in the pull-up.
• We even used someone else's bathrooms
  

SATURDAY:

• Our first day without wearing a pull-up.
• No accidents!

It is an amazing thing, to teach your child to use the potty. Everyone has his or her theories and stories. Everyone has an opinion about how you do it and when. All I can say, is that after six days, I just proud of him for trying SO hard and being so excited about his successes. And I'm proud of me; for sticking with it and not giving up on either one of us. So far so good!

Ellis' first day of school

This morning Ellis started her first day of 'school'. It is really a class at the local Rec Center for 2 year olds and NO MOTHERS (Jack was at his school). I got to sit for 45 minutes with no one saying, "Mommy" and "I want...". I read a book in a comfy chair and drank a hot cup of coffee. It was heaven!

Something you shouldn't start when you're 40

Erica on a snowboard

We spent the weekend with our cousins in Winter Park. It was an awesome weekend with beautiful weather, free beer, drinks, snacks, skiing and snowboarding and perfect company.
Thank you Amy and Jon for inviting us!

So for the first time I decided to go outside and participate in snow activities. I have always said that I would ski or snowboard when my kids did, well Paul rented skis and boots for Jack and snowboard boots for me. Saturday afternoon it was a beautiful 40+ degrees and Paul and I headed to the easiest hill in Winter Park - after the magic carpet hill. Paul gave great instruction, that I could even understand - in other words, he broke it down to the 3rd grade level. I got up and decided to show off my rad moves. My rad moves consisted on falling right on my *ss; more times than I care to admit. I fell and Paul encouraged me to keep trying - I did. I fell again and he kept encouraging. I finally fell so many times I was crying, he was still encouraging and understanding. I finally made it down the hill and decided to get back on the tow rope and go again. My second trip was much like the first. I fell, got up, repeat. I went down a few more times before I called it quits. He said I did something called connecting a turn, but I don't know what that is. After hurting my *ss so many time I called it quits, plus it was time to pick the kids up and it was Jack's turn.

Paul pulled Jack up to the top of the ski school hill, pushed him down and away he went. No falling and with a great big smile on his face. I think having his own cheering section helped. Jack went down a dozen or so times before he decided to trade in his skis for the sled near by. It was the perfect afternoon, except for my butt. I think I need to have it amputated.

I am very proud of my son! Maybe even me too.

My How Times Change

A time ago (before kids), a bunch of us spent our winters in Vermont skiing, drinking and playing adult games, such as *sshole, Drinking Jenga and Truth or Dare. This group of friends included Toby and Jenn. Friday night Toby, Jenn and their kids Anna and Evan came over for dinner. After dinner we were all sitting around and decided to play a game with the kids. Since we didn't have our special Jenga game we decided to play "Duck, Duck Goose" or "Duck, Duck, Gray Duck" (for those from Minnesota). It was a funny sight to see four adults and 4 kids sitting on the floor playing a game for kids. I will admit, the excitement and anticipation of being picked is still the same as when I was a kid. We all laughed about the how times have changed - no longer doing Elvis impersonations and running around parking lots naked - now just running around the circle and hoping to sit before being tagged.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our friends Darrin and Tanya as they welcome their first child into the world. Reid Jeffrey was born at 12:50 am on February 14
8 lbs 8 ozs and 21"; via c-section.

Welcome to the World.

An amazing day

With a high in the mid 60s we spent the day outside, after dancing with Kate. We played t-ball, soccer, basketball and catch. You would think Jack and Ellis have athletic parents - NO SUCH LUCK. We swung on the swings and slid down the slides head first. It was great to feel the sun on our faces and feel too warm in a fleece pullover. Jack is so tired he fell asleep on the sofa watching Dora, as we wait for Paul to get home. Another boring day at our house. Tonight and tomorrow morning it is supposed to snow and only a high in the 20s (back into the 50s by Friday). Goodnight my family and friends.

All's quiet on the Western front

It has been a slow weekend. Paul arrived safe and sound Friday morning at
1 am. Jack went to school and both kids got to hang out with Daddy. Saturday we went to Boulder with our friends Toby, Jenn, Anna and Evan. Sunday we played Scientist, Mommy did a little babysitting for the dolls and the kids went for a bike ride with Daddy. We hope everyone is staying warm in the Midwest and we are looking forward to Spring.

He's off and flying

Paul is flying to Montreal this morning which leaves me home with 2 kids.

Until Thursday. Night.


It amazes me that after 9 years and all of the time we spend apart I still have this feeling of sadness and missing him whenever he travels. I guess I love him.

1 out 2 ain't bad

1 out of 2 home teams in the Super Bowl ain't bad. Happy to see the Patriots - wish we could see the Packer's there too. Sorry Jake! GO PATRIOTS!

Not much going on at home. The kids are great. The picture is from the family band. We practice everyday and are looking forward to a recording contract.

Ellis is still our wild child. She is trying to give up her nap. I am trying to fight her tooth and nail. I am loosing. She has discovered pigtails and doesn't want us to take them out before she goes to bed. She wants to wear her jammies all day and you have to catch her to change her diaper. Most days she makes you want to have another child and the other days she make you want to pull your hair out.

Jack is Jack. He was eager to go back to school after the break and speaks of his school friends daily. He is slowly learning his letters but for some reason they all sound like b-b-b. Yesterday I got may hair relaxed and cut and this morning I spent an hour having Jack 'recut' my hair. Lucky for me it looked the same after each appointment.

Paul is home for the long weekend and we got nothing done. Nothing but laughing and playing with the kids, dinner and drinks with the neighbors, A load of laundry washed, dried and folded - not put away yet, the bed linens changed, two football games watched and a pot of chili made for supper. I guess things could be worse. The weather was great today - 36 degrees - we went swinging on the swings, sliding on the slide and jumping on the trampoline.

With great pleasure we welcome our friends Toby, Jenn and the kids to their new home. We are happy to have them close by. Jack and Ellis can't wait for play dates with Evan and Anna. WELCOME HOME my friends.

I'm off to lick my wounds about the Packer's and celebrate the Patriots. Good night!

Happy Birthday Uncle Steve

Happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday Uncle Steve
happy birthday to you!

Your gift will be a little late this year.
Hope you have a great day anyway!

We love and miss you,
Ellis and Jack

Happy New Year!