Tuesday, March 30, 2010
shh....
Don't tell her I posted anything about this because I surely don't want to jinx anything.....Myah has been completely dry for two days straight now. Today, she wore underwear to school (because she threw a tantrum, I gave in) and she kept them dry ALL day! I couldn't be prouder of her. She's pretty proud of herself, too, with that HUGE grin of hers when I praise her. I'm hoping for a straight week of staying dry so we can consider her potty-trained! Now I only need Maysen to take some interest!
Spring is Here!
The beautiful weather has gotten us outside. This week, we took our first trip of the season to the park, took the girls and their trikes for a ride around the block....they are getting great at pedaling all by themselves.
I have been officially training for my 5K (on June 5) for two weeks now. I consistently run at a 10 minute mile, which I'm happy about. However, two months from now, my goal is to be running a 9 minute mile max. Cheer me on or join me for a run....I'd love the company!
May 8 is the Des Moines MS Walk. My family and I have been participating in this event for 6 years. It is very near and dear to us as we walk in honor of my mom, who has MS. Hence our team name, Plain Jane. Join us for this event or make a donation at www.nationalmssociety.org.
Happy Spring!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
puddle jumpers
we have seen a lot of rain this week. i'm not complaining. it was a crazy/busy week with at least one of us (brandon and i) having conferences monday-thursday nights this week. if we were going to be stuck inside, this was the week to do it. next week, while we're on spring break, i want to see spring-like weather. yes, i realize that rain is "spring" weather, but i'm thinking more along the lines of sunny days with a little rain interspersed if necessary.
i took the girls out for a spring walk tonight. they recently got some rain boots.
we have been looking for some for a while now, but the pickin's were slim. they chose to have matching boots (which is good because the stores didn't have their size in any other styles).
of course, if you get rain boots......you HAVE to play in some puddles.
i am always amazed by the teachable moments that come upon us when we are outside (i know, my children are going to be so annoyed by me someday....i can just hear it now.....'mom, not everything has to turn into a learning experience, you know!'). we heard the water from the rain and melting snow running into the gutters/drains so of course we stopped to check it out and follow the stream of water along the curb (don't worry, there weren't any cars as we walked in the street) and watched it run into the gutter and listened to the splashes, echoes, and gushes.
we heard the train whistles in the distance and made choo-choo chugging noises as we walked. we looked at and listened to a helicopter as it flew over head and we talked about loud and quiet sounds. helicopters and trains are LOUD, while birds and crickets are quiet.
i wanted to brag about how much grass is showing in our yard and how little snow we have, but the pictures didn't turn out so well since it's dark outside. perhaps next time. i am so excited that spring is about to...well, spring.
i took the girls out for a spring walk tonight. they recently got some rain boots.
we have been looking for some for a while now, but the pickin's were slim. they chose to have matching boots (which is good because the stores didn't have their size in any other styles).
of course, if you get rain boots......you HAVE to play in some puddles.
i am always amazed by the teachable moments that come upon us when we are outside (i know, my children are going to be so annoyed by me someday....i can just hear it now.....'mom, not everything has to turn into a learning experience, you know!'). we heard the water from the rain and melting snow running into the gutters/drains so of course we stopped to check it out and follow the stream of water along the curb (don't worry, there weren't any cars as we walked in the street) and watched it run into the gutter and listened to the splashes, echoes, and gushes.
we heard the train whistles in the distance and made choo-choo chugging noises as we walked. we looked at and listened to a helicopter as it flew over head and we talked about loud and quiet sounds. helicopters and trains are LOUD, while birds and crickets are quiet.
i wanted to brag about how much grass is showing in our yard and how little snow we have, but the pictures didn't turn out so well since it's dark outside. perhaps next time. i am so excited that spring is about to...well, spring.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Family Fun Night and Valentine's Day
First off....Happy Valentines day from our house to yours. We hope that your life is blessed with as many people to love as ours is.
We have had a superb weekend, and we're sad that it has to come to an end. Brandon and I both finished our research papers and put them in the mail on Thursday. The fact that it's a relief is an understatement. We feel very relaxed and are able to be better parents because we aren't stressed out about grad work.
To celebrate, we took Myah and Maysen bowling for the first time on Friday night. We all had a blast, and since the girls both slept all night, we know it helped wear off some energy that gets built up over the winter months. Brandon had the highest score, and both of the girls beat me....yep, sort of humiliating, but oh well. They got to use bumpers....in fact this bowling alley is the most high-tech place I've ever been (besides the one ride in Epcot Center that's all about the future...sad that I can't recall the name of the ride right now). The bumpers are automatic and only come up for the people who specify that they want to use them. Also, there are ramps for the girls to use to help them roll their balls down the lane so they don't roll so slowly (see pictures). Perfect Games (just a few blocks from us) also has a huge arcade and and a bounce house so we spent some time doing those things as well.
It was so great for us to be able to go out as a family and not have to worry about what grad work has to be done after the girls go to bed. The following photos are from out fabulous family night out. They are all great, but be sure to check out Maysen giving Brandon a high-five and Myah with a huge smile on her face (which rarely happens in pictures).
We have had a superb weekend, and we're sad that it has to come to an end. Brandon and I both finished our research papers and put them in the mail on Thursday. The fact that it's a relief is an understatement. We feel very relaxed and are able to be better parents because we aren't stressed out about grad work.
To celebrate, we took Myah and Maysen bowling for the first time on Friday night. We all had a blast, and since the girls both slept all night, we know it helped wear off some energy that gets built up over the winter months. Brandon had the highest score, and both of the girls beat me....yep, sort of humiliating, but oh well. They got to use bumpers....in fact this bowling alley is the most high-tech place I've ever been (besides the one ride in Epcot Center that's all about the future...sad that I can't recall the name of the ride right now). The bumpers are automatic and only come up for the people who specify that they want to use them. Also, there are ramps for the girls to use to help them roll their balls down the lane so they don't roll so slowly (see pictures). Perfect Games (just a few blocks from us) also has a huge arcade and and a bounce house so we spent some time doing those things as well.
It was so great for us to be able to go out as a family and not have to worry about what grad work has to be done after the girls go to bed. The following photos are from out fabulous family night out. They are all great, but be sure to check out Maysen giving Brandon a high-five and Myah with a huge smile on her face (which rarely happens in pictures).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Big Helpers
Myah and Maysen LOVE to help around the house! Here are a few recent pics (proof) of their help:
Here they are washing grapes for supper....yep!, one grape at a time. Aren't they sweet??
And shoveling the driveway with daddy....one handed. They loved it!
I suppose I can consider this help too....straightening all the dish towels for me. The dish towels usually serve as blankets for their babies.
There are days I think they have my methodical, "a place for everything, everything in it's place" mentality, and other days I see Brandon's zero (maybe not quite zero, but close) organizational habits.
Here they are washing grapes for supper....yep!, one grape at a time. Aren't they sweet??
And shoveling the driveway with daddy....one handed. They loved it!
I suppose I can consider this help too....straightening all the dish towels for me. The dish towels usually serve as blankets for their babies.
There are days I think they have my methodical, "a place for everything, everything in it's place" mentality, and other days I see Brandon's zero (maybe not quite zero, but close) organizational habits.
I vow to be a Better Blogger
Ok, so my friend, Heidi, is inspiring me to be a better blogger. I have now realized that my blog entries don't have to be long or even really interesting (although her's are...check her out at 601hicksfamily.blogspot.com) She's amazing. She's even featured Myah and Maysen as her photo of the day for Wednesday, Feb 3.
Heidi, if you're reading, this, you need to teach me how to use this blog so it can be half as cool as yours!
Heidi, if you're reading, this, you need to teach me how to use this blog so it can be half as cool as yours!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year!
We have been a very busy family since my last post, so I will do my best to fill you in on all of the details. With threatening weather predicted for our holiday travels, we had a hurried family Christmas here at home before we headed to Rembrandt a day early. Santa brought them each a belt (Maysen had been the one asking, but they each got one) and Mommy and Daddy gave new Puma outfits and Dora jammies (among other things).
Once in Rembrandt (Dec 22-26), Myah and Maysen were excited to see their Grandpa and Grandma Smith, Uncle Brent, Aunt Jamie, and especially cousin Caden. Caden is only a day older than Myah and Maysen so they truly are the Three Muskateers when they are together. Santa also visited at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house, and we once again left with many presents. Clothes, vacuums, memory games and plenty of Dora gear accompanied us home. The gift that's probably gotten the most use so far is our family gift-a portable DVD player for the car. With the "iffy" weather during our travels, we haven't heard a cry, whine or scream from the girls since we got it.
On December 26, we continued our travels to Lake Mills and visited Nana and Papa, Kiki and Ric, and Uncle C. We had Christmas with the Grotewold family on the 26th and with Nana and Papa (and crew listed above) on the 27th. Santa found us once again bringing new princess jammies (with tutu and all!), name puzzles, lap desks and more! More fun clothes, Leapfrog Tag Readers, Dora Coloring books and Playdoh from various family members. Playdoh was an entire family affair as you can see below!
We were invited to Kim and Kevin Sorenson's for New Year's Eve. We watched the Insight Bowl featuring our own Iowa State Cyclones and their victory over the Minnesota Gophers. Kim and Kevin have two boys, Jacob and Bryce, that Myah and Maysen enjoy playing with. Bryce is just 20 days older than the girls and you can see them all "chilling out" here on New Year's Eve.
January 1st brought us back to Lake Mills to celebrate with my Christianson family on the 2nd. One of the traditions is that the kids have to put on a "program" before they can open any gifts. Here, Myah and Maysen are joining in singing Jingle Bells, The Wheels on the Bus, and the ABC's.
We returned to Ames on January 2nd so we could take the girls to Curious George Live! in Des Moines on the 3rd. In addition to all of the gifts mentioned throughout this post, the girls also received some money so we decided to buy them tickets to see George. Most mornings before school, the girls watch Curious George on PBS and have enjoyed watching "A Very Monkey Christmas" throughout this holiday season. They loved the musical very much. Myah was disappointed afterward, however, when she wanted to go and tell George "hi" and couldn't. We told her he had to get going so he could be on TV for her to watch in the morning.
I told you we've been busy! I'm tired just thinking about all of it again! We all head back to school tomorrow, Monday, January 4th. We are looking forward to a great 2010. We have some big events coming up this year and you won't want to miss out on hearing about them, so be sure to check back often! We hope your holidays were as bright and merry as ours were, and we wish you a fantastic 2010!
Kari (and family)
Once in Rembrandt (Dec 22-26), Myah and Maysen were excited to see their Grandpa and Grandma Smith, Uncle Brent, Aunt Jamie, and especially cousin Caden. Caden is only a day older than Myah and Maysen so they truly are the Three Muskateers when they are together. Santa also visited at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house, and we once again left with many presents. Clothes, vacuums, memory games and plenty of Dora gear accompanied us home. The gift that's probably gotten the most use so far is our family gift-a portable DVD player for the car. With the "iffy" weather during our travels, we haven't heard a cry, whine or scream from the girls since we got it.
On December 26, we continued our travels to Lake Mills and visited Nana and Papa, Kiki and Ric, and Uncle C. We had Christmas with the Grotewold family on the 26th and with Nana and Papa (and crew listed above) on the 27th. Santa found us once again bringing new princess jammies (with tutu and all!), name puzzles, lap desks and more! More fun clothes, Leapfrog Tag Readers, Dora Coloring books and Playdoh from various family members. Playdoh was an entire family affair as you can see below!
We were invited to Kim and Kevin Sorenson's for New Year's Eve. We watched the Insight Bowl featuring our own Iowa State Cyclones and their victory over the Minnesota Gophers. Kim and Kevin have two boys, Jacob and Bryce, that Myah and Maysen enjoy playing with. Bryce is just 20 days older than the girls and you can see them all "chilling out" here on New Year's Eve.
January 1st brought us back to Lake Mills to celebrate with my Christianson family on the 2nd. One of the traditions is that the kids have to put on a "program" before they can open any gifts. Here, Myah and Maysen are joining in singing Jingle Bells, The Wheels on the Bus, and the ABC's.
We returned to Ames on January 2nd so we could take the girls to Curious George Live! in Des Moines on the 3rd. In addition to all of the gifts mentioned throughout this post, the girls also received some money so we decided to buy them tickets to see George. Most mornings before school, the girls watch Curious George on PBS and have enjoyed watching "A Very Monkey Christmas" throughout this holiday season. They loved the musical very much. Myah was disappointed afterward, however, when she wanted to go and tell George "hi" and couldn't. We told her he had to get going so he could be on TV for her to watch in the morning.
I told you we've been busy! I'm tired just thinking about all of it again! We all head back to school tomorrow, Monday, January 4th. We are looking forward to a great 2010. We have some big events coming up this year and you won't want to miss out on hearing about them, so be sure to check back often! We hope your holidays were as bright and merry as ours were, and we wish you a fantastic 2010!
Kari (and family)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
