A Peek at our Week 2011: Week 17

Saturday, April 23

Boys & dirt.  Dirt & boys.  Three outfits and one very dirty face later, it was a great day!

 

Sunday, April 24

When Jack first learned to ride a bike, we told him that if he practiced and practiced, then we would get him a "racing bike."  We've been looking but have never found a bike that was the perfect fit.  Then Jack went through a growth spurt making the old bike really too small and the need to find a new bike more important.  This 7 speed bike fits the bill; just the right size and advanced enough for him to learn about the different gears.  He has had a fun time breaking in his new racing bike.

 

Monday, April 25

With this ring I promise I'll always love you...

When we started out on this journey together, we didn't know what was in store for us, but we did know that there would always be laughter.  Thirteen years and two beautiful boys later, we are still laughing.  I think I'll keep him!

 

Tuesday, April 26

Will has been sick for the last couple of days, so my time has been spent doling out medicine, back rubs, and hugs.  In between playing nursemaid, I was able to get a picture of Grandmother's irises, which have been absolutely beautiful this spring.  These irises actually came from my great grandmother's flower beds, and 4 generations later we are still loving them!

 

Wednesday, April 27

Another sick day for my poor baby, and he felt awful.  As I was laying in bed I realized that I hadn't taken a single picture all day.  Oh well, real life.  Thankfully, Brent's gardens have been gorgeous this year, and a wonderful source for blog pics.  The Julia Child roses are one of my favorites.  They don't bloom in the mass quantities that the Knockout varieties do, which makes each bloom seem that much more special.

  

Thursday, April 28

Our version of the open air carriage!  Will looks like either the Grand Marshall of a parade or a prince greeting his subjects.  How can one kid be the cutest and the grumpiest little thing?!?!  But he does keep us laughing! 

Friday, April 29

Look at the lucky duck who had both sets of grandparents come for Grandparent's Day.  They had a wonderful morning: Mass followed by a tour of Jack's classroom and school, and then ended with a program by the students.  Jack's school is having their book fair this week (coincidence?  I think not.), so Jack came home with lots of books, and Will got some too! 

 

Out of the Mouth of Will: The Dinner Edition

Tonight as the boys and I were eating dinner...oh wait, correction.  Tonight as I was eating dinner and the boys were staring at their plates, Brent called to say that he was on his way home and I explained the situation.  Brent talked to Jack and Will separately to let them know that he was bringing home a surprise and that they had to eat their dinner in order to get it.  Jack was miffed that he was going to be forced to choke down dinner, because there was no way he could pass up a surprise treat.

And this is what I heard of Will's conversation with Brent:

"No thank you, Daddy.  I don't like the chicken.  I don't need a treat.  I have plenty of toys and candy.  Thank you, but no thank you, Daddy."

As ticked as I was over all this rude behavior, I couldn't help but laugh!  That little TURKEY!

Happy Easter

We have had a beautiful Easter weekend.  We tried to pack as much fun into it as we could.  Saturday morning, a friend and I hosted the neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.  Brent decide to sit this year out and stayed home to power wash the house, so I tried to get as many pictures of the boys as I could.  They are both egg hunting pros running at lightening speed, so most of my pics were of them zooming by.

After the Easter Egg Hunt, we went to Will's T-ball game.  It was the bottom of the 2nd (which is equivalent to the bottom of the 9th in the majors) and the Red Sox were down by 1 with one man on base when the last batter of the game stepped up to the plate.  Ethan hit the ball into the outfield and began to circle the bases.  The Yankees were able to get the ball to home plate and had a play to tag both of the Red Sox players out at the plate sealing their victory, but in true T-ball fashion, the Yankee player runs past both of our guys, who are scoring, to tag third base.  The Red Sox snatched victory (17-16) from the jaws of defeat to remain undefeated for the season!  It was an exciting finish...popsicles!


The Easter Bunny did stop by last night and brought lots of treats....

 Jack's basket

 Will's basket

 Daddy's basket

Mommy's basket

Then the boys discovered that the Easter Bunny left eggs in the backyard, so they quickly put on their Crocs and ran out to gather them up.

The Mass was beautiful this morning.  I love singing Jesus Christ is Risen Today on Easter morning.  It just seems more joyful and full of excitement with the trumpet and congregation singing at full volume.  The choir was especially beautiful and at one point I just closed my eyes to really listen and thought that this is exactly what Heaven will sound like when we are all praising our Lord and Savior!  

"Why do you seek the living one among the dead?  He is not here, but He has been raised.  Remember what He said to you while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day."

Luke 24:5-7

Happy Easter!

A Peek at our Week 2011: Week 16

Saturday, April 16

This afternoon we made turtle brownies deluxe.  And I didn't even twitch.  Everyone had jobs.  Jack added the water and oil.  K cracked the eggs.  Jack stirred the wet ingredients and added the dry ingredients.  Will and H mixed everything together.  K poured half the batter into the pan.  Will and H laid the caramello bars over the batter.  And Jack added the rest of the batter on top.  Quite a team effort!  And the brownies were delicious.

Sunday, April 17

Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.  The processional into Mass this morning was beautiful and moving.  This afternoon, Jack led the kids in reenactments of some of the events of Holy Week: Jesus's entry into Jerusalem using palms from Mass, Jesus washing the disciples feet, and the Last Supper using bread and juice boxes.  It is wonderful seeing the fruits of Catholic education.  I pray that Jack and Will will always have a heart that seeks to know Jesus.

  

Monday, April 18

As I was getting dinner ready, I got an email that our neighborhood clubhouse had been broken into.  Since I am on the HOA board, the boys and I went down to meet with the police officer.  By the time we got home, it was too late to cook dinner, so I ran out to grab us a bite to eat.  When I came home, I find Brent and the boys rolling around in the front yard together.  And they wanted to dine al fresco, as in right in the middle of the driveway!  So that's what we did.

 

Tuesday, April 19

We had a leisurely morning before heading off to gymnastics.  Which gave us plenty of time to share silly stories over Lucky Charms.  And I love watching this one acting silly.

Wednesday, April 20

It was a fun day at school for both boys; Jack's class had their Easter Parade and Will's class had their Easter Egg Hunt.  While opening up all of his eggs, Will said, "I just love my precious little candy!"  Truer words have never been spoken, but I did quiz him to be sure he knew the true meaning of Easter.  "Jesus died and then came back to life and now lives in Heaven."  Whew, at least we're clear it's not all about the bunnies and the candy.

Thursday, April 21

Will loves the musical greeting cards.  We discovered this 2 years ago when Mimi gave him a card that sang Jingle Bells with his Christmas gift; Will was so enthralled with the card that Jack had to open his present.  Gramma & Granddaddy sent him an Easter card that sings "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" and he was so excited that he broke out into a little jig!

Friday, April 22

Jack saw the advertisement for the African Cats movie, and has been saying for several days that he wanted to see it.  Since both boys were out of school today, we decided to go the matinee.  It is the story of two mothers, a lioness and a cheetah, and the lengths they will go to see that their cubs survive to adulthood.  It was a good movie...lots of cute scenes, quite a bit of tension, and a sad event, too.  Jack thought it was the "best movie I've ever seen."  Will paid attention until the halfway point and then he was done.  Will's review: "It was the worst movie ever made."  However, I think his review was largely influenced by the fact that I didn't buy popcorn and cokes.  Rio is next on our list...and maybe I'll spring for snacks!

The Easter Parade

In my Easter bonnet with all the frills upon it....

It's tradition at Jack's school that the week of Easter, the first graders wear their handmade Easter bonnets and have an Easter parade through the halls of the school.

Jack and I had the best time creating a 'bonnet' that was 'spring-y' and 'easter-y' without being too girly.  And this is what we created.

Bunny in a field of Easter eggs

The parade was this morning after announcements and prayers and the parents were invited to attend.  Well you know I wasn't going to miss this!  After the announcements, all of the classes (K-8) lined the hallways to clap and cheer as the first grade parade came through.  Over the intercom, the song Easter Parade played.  It was so cute!

So here are a few of the shots of the bonnets and parade from the mamarazzi.

 

 Jack's future bride.  They have promised to marry each other one day.  G is the sweetest thing, so that will be just fine with me!

The Peeps bonnet

The class

I just love this gap-tooth grin!

I thought E's bonnet was very pretty.

A little funny:  While the Easter parade was touring through the middle school part of the building, Mrs. W, Jack's kindergarten aide last year, was entertaining the little kindergarteners with her own parade.  She is too cute!

Will was not left out of the fun.  His class had their Easter Egg Hunt today.  He was so excited to get CANDY!

Precious!

I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter Parade.

Moroccan Chicken with Olives

For dinner tonight, I made an oldie but goodie recipe...another quick, easy, packed-full-o'-flavor weeknight dish.  I used to make this all the time while Brent was in law school, but in recent years, it has kinda fallen off the radar.  I don't know why.  As I was planning out my meals for the week, I remembered it and wanted to give it a shot with the boys.

Well, they loved it!  Jack scarfed it down.  Will loved it too, except for the "olins."  Will's never had olives before so I asked him how he knew he didn't like them.  "You didn't know you liked candy until you tried it the first time", I tried to reason.  Will was having none of it; he just knows that he doesn't like "olins."  They probably just look funny to him.   Anyway, we all enjoyed the chicken with saffron rice and Jack and Will have requested that I make it again.  Give it a try with your family.

Moroccan Chicken with Olives

 from Culinary Secrets

Spice Mixture:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground tumeric
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• salt and pepper to taste

• 6 boneless chicken breasts (I butterflied 3 good size breasts)
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 c Greek olives, pitted
• 1 c chicken stock
• saffron rice, cooked according to package directions

Combine spice mixture ingredients in large bowl.  Add chicken breasts and coat well with mixture.  Let stand loosely covered for 1 hour (or longer in the refrigerator).

Brown chicken on both sides in large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add lemon zest and olives; saute about 5 minutes.  Add chicken stock.  Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes more.  Serve chicken and olives over the rice.  Enjoy!

A Peek at our Week 2011: Week 15

Saturday, April 9

Strike a pose!  It was the last day of vacation and while I was packing us up, Brent took the boys for one last walk around the Village.  When I looked through the pictures from their walk, I just had to laugh.  In every single one, Will is doing some sort of pose.  He is such a silly kid!

 

Sunday, April 10

Just thought I would show off our beautiful azaleas, too!  Azaleas say Old South to me.  And I'm a southern girl!

  Monday, April 11

  
 

We have been casing the joint for weeks waiting for Yogli-Mogli to open.  It was worth the wait.  Jack and Will tried out many, many flavors of yogurt with all kinds of toppings.  I was more reserved in my selections...cheesecake yogurt with chocolate chip cookie dough topping.  I am certain this will be a regular hangout for us this summer.

Tuesday, April 12

This is my new favorite snack...sugar snap peas and hummus.  I can't get enough of this stuff!

Wednesday, April 13

A special visitor was at school today.  In honor of the Book Fair, Clifford the Big Red Dog was greeting the children in carpool this morning.  Only appropriate since he is "the best read dog on the block."  Yeah, I know.  We watch too much PBS kids around here.

Thursday, April 14

Daddy's home!  Daddy's home!  And he brought treats.  Swiss chocolate is gooood!

 Friday, April 15

Jack has had a hacking cough all week and yesterday he started complaining of a sore throat and that his ears hurt.  Since we seem to be susceptible to strep throat, I took him in to the dr's office this afternoon.  I forgot to bring the DS, which is the most wonderful waiting room distraction.  After waiting patiently for 20 minutes, we started to loose control.  Races on the rolling stool and funny faces at Mommy.  But all's well that ends well; no strep, just terrible allergies.  So we're good to go for the weekend.

Tooth Drama

Doesn't Jack look adorable?!?!  I love this new smile.  But it sure did come with alot of drama.  D-R-A-M-A.  

It has been loose for a couple of weeks now, very loose the last couple of days.  While Jack was brushing his teeth tonight, the tooth started bleeding.  Clearly, it was time for this tooth to come out.  And thus started the tears and the wailing and the hyperventilating.  Puh-leez.  I mean this was Oscar-worthy drama.  At one point, Will said to me that he "was scared of Jack's loose tooth."

Now, I can wipe any dirty bottom without gagging.  Clean up vomit, no problem.  Blood, fine.  But loose teeth, heebie jeebies.  Makes me sick to my stomach.  This is a job for the Daddy.  Jack was too consumed by the hysterics, and wouldn't let Brent touch the tooth.  I was afraid to let him go to bed thinking that he might choke on it.  Finally, Jack agreed to let us Brent pull it if we Brent would numb the area with Orajel.  So I head to the store in the rain to get the numbing gel.  

On the way to the store, the EAS interrupts a song to issue a tornado warning for our county and right at that moment my phone rings.  Brent says, "Come home now."  "Is the tooth out?"  "No, there is a tornado right in our area."  Really?  The weather doesn't look that bad.  And then the lightening and hail show begins.  When I get home, Brent has all of us in the bathroom while he is at the windows watching the storm, calling out to us how horrible this weather is.  Now, what's wrong with this picture?!?!?  Shouldn't the only breadwinner for our family be the one seeking shelter?  

Anyway.

The whole time we are hanging out in the bathroom Jack is holding ice on his gums.  If I asked to look at his tooth, he would start crying that it hurt so bad.  Okay, right.  By this time, the tooth has been turned 180 degrees so that the back of the tooth is now facing the front.  Yuck!  I can't even look at it without getting queasy.  After about 20 minutes, the storm passes and Brent releases us from the bathroom.  Please note that the breadwinner didn't spend a single minute in safe shelter; he was too busy at the windows assessing possible damage to his yard and flower beds.  [rolling my eyes]

At this point, I am imploring with Brent to pull. this. tooth.  Brent gives Jack a new ice pack for his gums and heads out to the store for the Orajel.  While he is gone, Jack repositions the ice pack and the tooth drops out into his hand.  Painlessly, I might add.  And Brent walks in with the now unnecessary Orajel.  


The drama is over.  We are happy people.  And I can't wait to hear Jack's toothless lisp!

Spring Break 2011

We had been looking forward to Spring Break for weeks; we all needed some time away just to be together.  This was our second year to go to Sandestin, so this year everything was "tradition."  We asked the boys what they wanted to do on vacation, and they rattled off all the things that we did last year...go to the beach, build sandcastles, bungie jump, drive go-carts, etc.  So that is what we did!

The temperatures were in the low 70s, which was perfect, but the water was still c-o-l-d.  The boys were brave enough to splash around in it, but it was too chilly to stay in for a long time.

We didn't build any sand castles or sand sculptures this year.   The "thing to do" was to dig giant holes in the sand to play in.  Up and down the beach, there would be hole after hole after hole.  The tide never filled them up, so the next day the kids would find an empty hole and continue playing.

 Digging to China

 Working hard on building a sand house

 A fun little hideout

 Double Thumbs Up...right back at cha!

Some of our good friends were also vacationing in Sandestin, so we all hung out together.  The kids played and played and played, and the adults drank and drank and drank!  We tried out kayaking, and were surprised to find that we were all pretty good.  Nina and I were in a kayak together and we've decided that we're ready for any Survivor challenge!

 My kayaking boys

 There they go looking like pros!

Building drip castles

We fed the fish $2.50.

Oooh, I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time...

That night the boys did the Euro Bungy jump, but all my pictures came out blurry.  =(  Will was so funny because as he was jumping we could hear him shouting, "Yeah, baby!  I am awesome!  I am so good at this!"  Obviously, we need to work with him on his self-esteem!

Each afternoon, we would take a dip in the hot tub.  The boys, all 3 of them, called this their bathtime.

I, on the other hand, took real showers.  With soap and shampoo.

The last night we went to The Track to drive go-carts.

Will and I were driving buddies again this year.  As we were "flying" down the spiral track, we would just look at each other and laugh!  So much fun.

Jack was tall enough to drive the water boats and the bumper cars by himself.  He looked so grown.  He was so proud, and declared himself a good driver.

 Water fight

 Brent vs. Paul.  Game on!

The aftermath...wet boys!  I sat the water boat war out because I am the mother that would be shouting, "Don't shoot me!  You're getting me all wet!"

Such a buzz kill.

Next up, bumper cars...

 My apologies to the fannies in the background.

After bumper cars, we had dinner at Harbor Docks while watching the fishing boats come in.  The perfect ending to a fun day!

The morning that we were leaving, Brent and the boys took one last walk around the Village while I packed up.  I thought this picture of Jack and Will holding hands was so sweet.

It was a great time!  And, Lord willing, we'll be back next year.