Monday 30 December 2013

A Week in Review (December 22-28)

A Week in Review (December 22-28)


Watched: Finally watched the movie 42.  Jack spent the movie appalled that they would treat a man just like that because of the color of his skin. He couldn't believe the way people talked to him. I can hope that these same movies will be made about gay rights. I am not a vocal supporter, but I saw myself more like the random part of the movie where a man approaches Jackie and Ray and let's him know he's pulling for them.  I often wonder if that's doing enough. 


Read: I finished up Hopeless (Hopeless, #1)I was really expecting to be blown away because so many of my Goodreads Friends had given it 5 stars. While I admit that I was sucked right into the story, the writing left something to be desired. The way she wrote the conversations between 5-6 year olds was pretty ridiculous. Also I felt that everything was too interconnected. I know we live a small world, but this was a bit much for me. I will still have to read the second book in the series.  Then I started The Last Song.  I expected it to last me through the new year, but I finished it up quickly.  This book followed your typical Nicholas Sparks formula, I was still quickly drawn in by the characters and the story line. Everything gets wrapped up in a nice little package and leaves you feeling satisfied. If you are looking for a speedy little read, this is for you.  I am not sure what I will pick up

Listened: To Jack ask if we were there yet when we were heading through the park to the light display at Longview Lake. While we really enjoyed it, I don't think we will go back yearly. It seems like a good event once every 5 years so.


Made: Christmas cookies with the whole family.  Jack picked out the shapes, Poppa rolled the dough, and everyone but Nick iced them (we left him in charge of pictures). I think Jack's favorite part was icing them. He had so much fun mixing the colors and dumping on all the varied sprinkles. The cookies look horrible, but I love everyone of them. 

Felt: Excitement to see Jack open all of his gifts. I came to learn that he is not the over-the-top screamer type. He had lots of big smiles and was pleased that he got everything, but there weren't any too outrageous outbursts.

Planned: A delicious menu for the week of Christmas. We had a Mexican, took the family to BD's before the lights at Longview Lake, made baked fish with some yummy Parmesan basil orzo, had our traditional Christmas Eve pizza, and Christmas Dinner consisted of: Prime Rib, Rolls, Parmsean Cilantro Corn, and Strawberry Banana Jello.  It was quite delicious.

Loved: Celebrating Christmas with our families. My family was able to be here for Christmas proper and then we went down and exchanged presents with the cousins and Grandma Denise and Papa Lee. Lots of fun was had by all.  It will be hard to readjust to just the three of us!

Here are the pics for the week:



This made us think of Aunt Valerie because she loves Nascar. 


Aren't those beautiful???


A break from present opening to play some Notre Dame checkers in a Power Rangers suit. 


Family presents cleaned up and Santa's presents under the tree. 


A sleepy boy examining his stocking

Attacking Dad with our new family set of Nerf guns 


Opening up his present from Grandma Denise and Papa Lee. 


The room was very quiet, so I opened the door expecting to find something interesting, but this was all I got. 


But good times were clearly abound since this scrape came sometime. 



Sunday 22 December 2013

A Week in Review (December 15-21)

A Week in Review (December 15-21)


Watched: Jack do a little Christmas performance. He hasn't really done anything like this before and I could tell that he was pretty shy. It's not the greatest video, but you can watch it HERE


Read: I finally finished up We Are WaterIt took me 5 weeks to read this book. That is incredibly long for me. Unlike the rest of the author's books, I wasn't hooked almost immediately. The book really picked up for me just a little over half way into it. There are some chapters that I would have preferred not to read, as they took me to a place that I generally try to stay away from. If you are a Wally Lamb fan, I'd highly recommend it. If you are a person looking to discover the way we are threaded together, I'd recommend it to you too. Hopefully you'll be speedier than me! I started a new book Hopeless (Hopeless, #1). I am not even sure how it got on my holds list. Hopefully it's something I enjoy. 

Listened: To Jack talk his Grandma's ear off.  They have such an awesome relationship. I am so blessed that Jack has so many awesome grandparents who take the time to make relationships with him. 

Made: A yummy blueberry cobbler.  In THIS post, I mention the delicious and so easy apple cobbler, I found for our Fall Fun Day. Since I love blueberries, I thought I would try substituting blueberry pie filling for the apples. I did and it tasted great. The one drawback was that the blueberries were not heavy enough to support the topping and so it fell into the goop making it not the prettiest dessert. 

Felt: That we are unbelievably unlucky when it comes to illness this year. We almost never get sick and this year seem to be getting everything!  Sunday I came down with a stomach virus that wouldn't allow me to keep anything on my stomach. It was coming in one end or out the other. Wednesday, Jack came down with a milder version. At least it passed for him in about 10 hours, but it's left his stomach feeling crampy. Poor thing!

Planned: On wonderful dinners for hosting when my mom and stepdad and here for Christmas. I am looking forward to making food for the crowd.  Let's hope the winter weather doesn't impact my dinner plans to see the lights at Longview Lake!

Loved: That my mom and stepdad were able to travel down here. With all the time Nick had to take off with his knee, he didn't really have the vacation time that is necessary for the 600 mile journey. Our house may be small, but it will be filled with an extra helping of love this season.

Here are the pics for the week:

My cute little Rudolph hamming it up before his song. 


This is Jack's teacher. We decorated her as a tree and each of the kids got to hang an ornament on her. She was a good sport it. The kids had a lot of fun. 

Here is her card and gift basket. I made the card by cutting out each students handprint.  We collected money for gift cards for her. She is a great teacher and I hope she enjoyed her gift. 



Sunday 15 December 2013

A Week in Review (December 8-14)

A Week in Review (December 8-14)

Watched: Jack really enjoy roller skating for the first time. Wilson and Company had a kid's party this year and decided to book the skating rink. While he spent the vast majority of the time playing the arcade games, he was getting a feel for his skates. Towards the end of the party, he decided he wanted to give the floor a shot. He did really well with the trainer and only fell a couple of times. It was nice because there were very few people out there so he didn't fear being run over.  He also loved seeing Santa and getting to chat his ear off. He made sure that he told of Connor's misbehavior.  It's a good thing Santa's have been clued into elves. ;)

Read:  I keep plugging away at We Are Water.  While I am enjoying the book, I still haven't gotten to that part where it just grabs me.  It wouldn't be so bad if I weren't racking up fines from the library and stopping others interested in reading it from doing so!

Listened: To a scene that perfectly encapsulated toddler-hood. We went to deliver a birthday present to Mr C for his birthday (which was on Thanksgiving) and he had just fallen asleep. So we had to wake him up and he was quite mad at us.  Once he realized that the package contained a ball, things were a bit better. And when he realized that he could play basketball super star, he was as happy as a clam. Such is life with a 2 year old!  You'll find a picture below. 

Made: More fun adventures for Connor. The one that was probably the most memorable was the candy cane skiing one.  I had seen the idea of Pinterest and thought it would be cute. I think the people who suggested that one, we one of the ones who also didn't off season surgery on their elf installing wire into his appendages. Nick helped me fashion something that ended up being okay, but getting there was pretty funny!

Felt: That I am the perfect mother for a boy because things just don't phase me and most I find funny. As you may or may not know, Jack prefers to spend his at home time sans clothing.  One day after he was done in the bathroom, he starts singing the words, I am a cottontail, as he walks down the stairs.  I ask him what he meant  and he turns around and shows me a wad up TP stuffed in between his butt cheeks sticking out like a tail. After laughing hard and asking for a pic so I could show his father, I did ask him to go flush it. While I do think you would also get a huge laugh out of the pic, I will refrain due to indecency of it. 

Planned: To go back to work full time for at least a the first full week of January.  My boss suffered a knee injury (maybe I'm bad luck for the knees this year!) and will be undergoing surgery over break.  However, she will need a bit longer to recover than possible.  I am so glad that I have some awesome support around me. What I am even more thankful is that we have decided that it works better for our family for me to a mostly stay at home mom and wife.  I love my days with Jack and I know he likes them too.  He's finally getting old enough to verbalize that he likes hanging out with me.

Loved: The movie We're the Millers. Both Nick and I were constant busting up. It definitely isn't a comedy for everyone because it's full of foul language and sexual and drug references.  It is in NO WAY family friendly.  All that being said, I would recommend it to 90% of people that I know. So if you watch it, I'd love to know your reaction.

Here are the pics for the week:

Jack telling Santa about Connor's naughty nights. 




Thursday 12 December 2013

A Week in Review (December 1-7)

A Week in Review (December 1-7)

Watched: The Broncos sweep The Chiefs!  As a Broncos fan, it was wonderful. As Nick's wife, well not as much. But I didn't let that stop me from harassing him.

Read: I finished up The Girl You Left BehindAnother winner by JoJo Moyers. I didn't realize when I began that this was a book of two parallel stories. It unfolds in an exciting way, but wasn't until it got set in modern times did the story pick up and take me in.

Listened: I started listening to Gift from the Sea. It is a more a series of essays rather than a novel. I picked it up after reading about it in The Aviator's Wife. It is amazing the parallels it has to modern life and relationships , even though it was penned almost 60 years ago. 

Made: My now annual batches of Christmas goodies. This years treats included: Apple Pie Cookies (my favorite this year), Peppermint Meltaways, Cherry Almond Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, Peppermint Bark with Oreos (what I felt was the biggest flop), and Butterfinger Bites.  I have so much fun creating these goodies and then sharing them with neighbors.

Felt: Excited for Christmas. I just love this time of year. If it wasn't for the crazy attitudes of shoppers in the stores and the freezing weather, there would be nothing to complain about. 

Planned: To unwrap one Christmas book a night with Jack. This is the 3rd year that we have done it, but the first that he has really gotten into it.  We always read the new one and then repeat 2 or 3 of ones we want to hear again.

Loved: Getting all my Christmas decorations up!  We were blessed with great weather on Sunday and it made it so much nicer to get everything up. Both of our neighbors decided to get their's up on the same day and I think the three guys had fun doing it (although they would never admit that!)

Here are the pics for the week:

My lights all a glow. 


We had fun decorating the tree. Putting the star up was the best of all (but isn't it always!)


Quentin's ornament that he made for us in 2008 makes for a fine gun in this cool dude pose. 


Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Jack started basketball practice!


I've had fun putting out Jack's elf. He was quite upset that Connor took so much artistic license with his picture. Good thing it was just a dry erase marker that wiped off easily!

Monday 2 December 2013

A Week in Review (November 24-30)

A Week in Review (November 24-30)

Watched: Jack battle it out with cousins playing Bey Blades. They put in some foam cubes Valerie had shown me from the dollar store and those were getting flung out with power of the tops. I am so glad that we live close enough to each other that they get to see one another on a regular basis. It is fun watching them grow up together.

Read: Even though I am now paying library fines on We Are Water (hey, it's way cheaper than buying the book!), I paused it so I could read the book The Girl You Left Behind that I got on limited loan. This book is by JoJo Moyes, who wrote , which I reviewed in March. My book club selected it and I am enjoying it so far. It has a historical fiction feel, which I was not expecting. 

Listened: To Nick talk me into spending the money on the new tree that I really wanted. I didn't realize how expensive fake trees had gotten.  We even had a chance to get up, but not decorated and I am so happy he convinced me to spend the money!

Made: A video of snippets from one of Jack's flag football games. It's my own personal version of a Hidden Picture. See if you can spot Jack in every play. You will know it's a new play because you here the whistle at the end. You can watch it HERE.

Felt: Excited. I was able to do almost all my shopping online and only have a few things left to buy for Christmas and all the late Novemember and December birthdays we know. 

Planned: On watching KU beat KSU in freezing cold weather. However, the weather turned out to be decent and KU didn't get the victory. We also were lucky enough to have Aunt Valerie, Uncle Chewy, Uncle Chewy's dad and brother-in-law join us for the game. Despite only seeing the Jayhawks win a handful of times over the recent years, I know that we will be back cheering them on next fall too!

Loved: That Jack has came over to loving the Broncos. It is so nice to have two if us in the house since Nick has practically the whole neighborhood on his side. What I loved even more this week is that Aunt Valerie took the time to make Jack beanie with the Bronco logo on it. I think it made him feel pretty special.

Here are the pics for the week:

Jack in his Broncos Beanie. Doesn't he look just fabulous?

Jack and his Uncle Chewy watch the game. I just love how the back of their outfits say KU Jayhawks. 

This looks totally safe, right?  Don't fear, we only drove this way for 1.5 miles. 

On the left side, you see Jack attempting what he said was probably not a good idea. On the right side, you see it worked though. However, upon his attempt to hang another candy that way, he ended up on the ground. He wasn't to upset by the fall since I think he knew it was inevitable. 

Tuesday 26 November 2013

A Week in Review (November 17-23)

A Week in Review (November 17-23)

Watched: Jack entertain himself with couch cushions. While I was working our annual Parent's Morning Out at preschool, Jack and Nick turned the living room into one giant battle arena.  Jack had so much fun, he just had to show me when I got home.  He spent much of the day rearranging them into various forts and towers so we could battle him.

Read: I am still working on We Are Water. It was one of those weeks where I used my evening free time to do other things besides read and so when I finally cracked the book, it only took me a few pages before I fell asleep. 

Listened: To the most ridiculous dialogue ever written for TV, scripts for The Power Rangers. I had no idea how many variations of this show that there were! However, I am quickly finding out because when I signed up for Amazon Prime, it gave us access to instant video streaming of several episodes.  If your kid hasn't gotten into them, be thankful!

Made: Jack's turkey handprint plate. I used the Pinterest idea of baking sharpie on ceramic so that I can keep them forever. This year, he colored it in homage to his current passion, The Power Rangers Samurai.  There is a picture of it below. 

Felt: Like a bad parent and amused all at the same time. Isn't that weird?  Jack had mustache day for his spirit day on Friday. They were giving out KU mustache tattoos at the West Virginia game so we picked one up. I know he doesn't like temporary tattoos, but I really thought being awesome looking for spirit day would rule it out.  I woke him up and put it on right away. As you see in the picture below, he was pretty upset. We made a deal that he could try to rub it off once the people at school saw it and then Ms Beth would take it the rest the way off. He wasn't thrilled, but the idea appeased him. He instantly got lots of compliments on it when he went to school and by the time he left all but the handlebars had come off and he wanted to leave those on. What a goof! 

Planned: My list of Elf on the Shelf ideas. I do not like that most people make their elf a little naughty. While I don't mind a few practical jokes, I try not to have our elf do things I wouldn't want Jack to do. Plus, I try to keep the ideas so that on average they take me a only a minute to do. :)

Loved: Watching Jack and Barley play together.  It reminded me of Barley's younger years because he looked so youthful as he chased Jack around attempting to beat Jack to the marshmallows.  I did remind Jack that there are very few dogs who can play a game where to take their treat away. I am so thankful for Barley's gentle spirit. He is truly a great dog and I can't believe how lucky we have been to have him for 10 years.  The first picture below I think really captures their moment. 

Here are the pics for the week:





Tuesday 12 November 2013

A Week in Review (November 10-16)

A Week in Review (November 10-16)


Watched: The Jayhawks get their first win in Big 12 play in 3 years.  The students stormed the field and we joined them. It was neat to be out there with them. There weren't very many students so we were able to stay safe. Jack did take off into the crowd and we had to quickly grab him back.  We had some friends with us and it was their first time in Memorial Stadium so it was great that they were able to see a win. 


Read: I finished up The Spectacular NowI was totally enthralled with the story of Sutter. While it took me a few days to get into the meat of the story, I was absorbed once I was there. However, the story just leaves you hanging. I wanted some sort of resolution and it just wasn't there. Of course, I can infer my own ending, but I prefer if the author follows it to conclusion for me. After all my assumption may not be correct. Alas... Not a book I would recommend to others because of the ending.  I was very excited to star We Are Water. I just haven't been sucked into and have found myself filling my night time relaxing with other things than reading. However, I have enjoyed reading The Dumb Bunnies (The Dumb Bunnies, #1)to Jack,. This book was a favorite of my brother's and it's been fun to see Jack enjoy the book too. We also picked up Hi! Fly Guy from the library. It's a cute book that Jack and I both enjoy. We will definitely look for other's in the series. 

Listened: To plenty of people talk smack about the Bronco's. I am so nervous for the game. It will be very intense at our house.  I am really wanting to see them put the smack down. 

Made: Up a fun tailgating atmosphere. Our friends, whose house we've been driving out to for the KU games, were able to make it to the KU v West Virginia game.  While we ran out of propane, we were able to have enough food for everyone. The kids liked all the snack food, so I was glad that I had brought it.

Felt: Like I couldn't just take anymore. During the KU v Duke game, I pulled a muscle during a coughing fit. I thought it might have fractured the rib, but luckily not. Apparently, there is also extreme inflammation area from the infection.  I just don't know how much more I can take. They issued some pain meds to take the edge off. Luckily, by the end of the week, I was feeling much better.

Planned: Jack's Kindergarten Christmas party. I think that they will have a great time. I am so glad I get to share this responsibility with a couple other moms. 

Loved: That I get to be a stay at home mom. Jack is quite fun to be around. He always has something to do. I am glad that he has this one last year of half days for us to be together so much. I can not imagine how much I will look forward to breaks once he is in school full time.  These are the moments I need to remember!

Here are the pics for the week:

Jack had an assignment to camouflage turkey and this is what we came up with. We think he's pretty cute. 



Jack wanted to watch the KU v Duke game so bad, but it started so late. I made the rule that he had to watch it from the couch. He made it through most of the first half. And KU won so it was worth it to have a lack of sleep. 

Jack and Nick head into the crowd. He is the kid on his Dad's shoulders. 

A selfie


Jack enjoys getting to go on the field. 

Sunday 10 November 2013

A Week in Review (November 3-9)

A Week in Review (November 3-9)

Watched: The horrible acting in Power Rangers Ninja Samurai.  Jack found one of the movies at the library when I was looking for things to entertain him in the afternoons so that I could continue to rest.  He loves it and it is so so so corny.  It is just as bad as I remember being when I watched it with my little brother almost 20 years ago.  I just can't believe that it has the staying power to last that long!

Read:  Again, this week was not good for reading.  I did get about 100 pages into The Spectacular Now.  The narrator reminds me of my brother's college roommate and I am picturing him while reading the story.  I am not sure if this accurate or not, but I will have to just wait and see.

Listened: To the doctor tell me that if this third type of antibiotics didn't work that I was going to end up in the hospital with this pneumonia.  My blood oxygen level was a little low so that was worrying for me and the doctor.  I really do think that this dosage and the new strong inhaler made a difference.  I don't hear myself wheezing nearly so often or as strongly.  I go to the doctor for another check on Monday and I think he will be pleased with my progress.  I am down to coughing once only every 10 to 15 minutes.  From what I have read, the cough can really linger after the rest has passed.

Made: Plans to watch the first KU basketball game over at Nick's friends house.  Jack loves playing with his two boys and it is a more relaxed environment than going to a sports bar.  We will go back the next time they have a Friday night game that isn't available to us. :)  We are thankful that they have opened their home to us.  It has made life so much easier!

Felt: Grateful for a slower week so that I could just rest up and focus on trying to get feeling better!  It was nice to have a lot to do.  I am also glad that if I had to deal with this it was before the start of the Christmas season in which I always seem to go into overdrive. :)

Planned: My school's Christmas party.  I am going to try and get this stuff all done and out of the way so that if something comes up, I am not doing things at the last minute.  I need to delegate out more and earlier so that I am not left stuck with it!  This is an important lesson to remember.

Loved: Watching Jack practice at Karate.  He asked me to stay and be a Parent Helper in his class.  Sensei John runs his class very differently from Sensei Tyler.  I like it better, but Jack seems to prefer Sensei Tyler and so we will go back to his class as long as the it works into his basketball schedule.

Here are the pics for the week:

Jack with his awesome football coaches. From left to right, we have: Coach Brent, Tyler, and Mark. Coach Mark was the head coach and he gave each kid a small speech. I've attempted attaching it. Hopefully it works!  Jack loved all these guys and we are thankful for their hard work!


Jack took a tumble last Saturday and he has needed constant pictures to check it's healing. It was pretty intense, but has healed up nicely :).  He does think that his top two teeth absorbed the concrete when he smacked into it. (Haha)


A Week in Review (October 27-November 2)

A Week in Review (October 27-November 2)

Watched: Jack have a great time trick or treating as KU Ninja. His bit plan has been to see his preschool teacher. While we were trick or treating at other houses, he was given Peanut M&M's, and got super excited because he remembered those were her favorite. When he knocked on her door, he proudly presented her with his candy. He was so happy to see her. He also got to stop by Ms. Sally's house and get some pumpkin cupcakes. That was an awesome treat for me too!

Read: Not much. I am so busy trying to keep up with this week's activities that when I finally have a chance to fall asleep, it comes almost immediately.  However, I did finish up Covet.  I picked this book up because I really enjoyed her debut novel, On the Island. The setting is Johnson County, KS where I reside so I frequently found myself wanting to put in various people I knew into the roles. I was expecting a bit more in the way of a climax, but it just told the story of Claire's confusion. I enjoyed the book and will definitely pick up the next book by the author.

Listened: To myself wheeze quite badly. At first, I thought I had croup because that was the only time I had ever heard that rattle. Turns out, I had a pneumonia. And not one that is wanting to go away easily!

Made: It through the perpetration for the school's Halloween party. I had put things off until this weekend never assuming that I would come down with something so horrible. I was proud of myself for pushing through and not letting the kiddos or my fellow teachers down.

Felt: Frustrated with KU's decision to sell out to a network which most cable companies don't carry.  They also made it so you are blacked out from watching the games online. It killed him not to be able to watch the first preseason game. This also effected the KU v TX football game, but luckily his friend offered to let us come over and watch it at his house.

Planned: On just being a normal easy clown for Halloween because it was quick and cheap. However, when I came home with the costume Jack got this idea to make me "Murphy". Now I have no idea where he came up with name or concept, but he had very specific plans for me. He spray painted my hair red (that stained my hair and mucas for days!) and had me where a Chief's jersey. It was fun to see him get so into it.

Loved: That my hubby took very good care of me. I had just enough energy to get through the things that had to be done that I had nothing left to give for things like dinner and dishes. He helped with everything on top of working and doing his PT, both of which keep him quite busy!

Here are the pics for the week:

Jack with his bop bag that I bought him so I could lay and he could get some energy out. It got a hole in it almost immediately, but he still had a lot of fun with it. 


Jack and Nick's pumpkins follow. I didn't ever quite get a pic of mine. 



Here I am getting my red hair

The final product:


Here is a close up of his costume. The blur is the motion of nunchucks. 


Saturday 2 November 2013

A Week in Review (October 20-26)

A Week in Review (October 20-26)

Watched: A cool presentation at the Bug Lady Science Academy. Declan chose to have his 4th birthday party there. The presenter was very knowledgeable and had all sorts of unique animals. I learned that there are many types of cockroaches and only 4 are considered pests. She had Madagascar hissing cockroaches out for touching. They are as creepy as you think.  Jack got pretty used to holding them by the end.

Read: I really wanted to say that I finished up , but it just didn't happen. I haven't made reading a priority and so I'm not getting through my books quite as quickly.  It's still nice to have that way to unwind at the end of the night.

Listened: To the majority of The Ocean at the End of the Lane . It is a book heavy on fantasy. The conclusion of the book will be a maker or breaker as to whether I enjoy the story or not.  I'll have my recommendation for you next week!

Made: I like trying new recipes, but you never know what you are going to get.  I tried THIS recipe for Poor Man's Prime Rib.  I followed one reviewers recommendation and let me oven preheat for 20 minutes before cooking.  My rub was just garlic salt and black pepper.  Yummy!  I'd recommend you try it on a cold winter's day.

Felt: Excited for Jack. He came up with the crazy idea to be a KU ninja for Halloween.  His Grandma Denise did an excellent job making it a reality for him. To make this even more wonderful, he got to walk on the field at half time of the Baylor v KU football game.  Since Charlie Weis took over as head coach, the field has been closed when we have attended fan events. So getting to walk the field, next to Big Jay, and wave to all the people in the stands was a real treat. He also was able to get some high fives from the players and was able to call out a big hello and get a head nod from his favorite player Tony Pierson.

Planned: My punny Halloween costume for Bunco group. I woke up that day realizing that I didn't have anything pulled together because we aren't doing a family theme this year. So I did a quick Google search and came up with a being a Fork in the Road. It was simple since we have yellow masking tape at the preschool.  I was pleased with how it turned out. 

Loved: That the crazy process of dealing with the refi of 2nd mortgage is over. We signed the 100 page document on Friday!  So happy that is over with!

Here are the pics for the week:

Jack holding a Madagascar hissing cockroach. 

Me and my Bunco gals that chose to dress up :)

The tailgate beside us had connections to the cheer team so Big Jay was brought over to them for some pics.  Luckily he was nice enough to come over and give Jack some love too. Got this great picture of the two of them. 


The halftime parade. He is small blue blob in front of Big Jay. Better pics coming soon. Don't want to spoil the Halloween surprise!


Wednesday 23 October 2013

A Week in Review (October 13-19)


A Week in Review (October 13-19)

Watched: Jack help to college boys run a game in the HyVee Hawk Zone.   The game isn't designed very well for the adults working the game.  You are supposed to throw a bean pillow into a hole and instead of having it slope out for the worker, it just drops down. They then have to bend down and go in the game to get out the pillows. While it doesn't work very well for an adult, my kid thought it was a blast to help retrieve them.  He popped his head through the hole once and then he had to share his space.  I don't think he was a fan of that because he didn't really do it again, but I thought it would make a great Halloween prank.

Read: I'm continuing to read The Aviator's Wife. It is a good story, but I haven't gotten to the point where I am willing to give up a good night's sleep to read more.

Listened: It seems that all my holds are coming off at once and so I had to switch from A Curious Man: The Strange and Brilliant Life of Robert "Believe It or Not!" Ripley to The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I have never read a story by Gaiman, Neil and so I am interested to see if I am as in love with him as so many people are. I haven't really had enough alone time in the car to make much of a dent in it.

Made: A painted pumpkin for The Sunflower House, which is a safe haven for children or families coming from abusive situations. HyVee had a deal where if you purchased a pumpkin, took it home and painted it, and brought it back, they would refund your purchase price and donate it for you. Jack thought it was a great idea. We did have some mishaps with the paint (side note: Don't buy the strips of acrylic paint from the Dollar Tree) but he was pleased with his final product. When you see it, note the large nose is actually a candy corn nose. He was proud of that detail.

Felt: Proud of Jack.  We had school conferences this week and he is doing well. His academics are up to snuff and he has a positive and helpful attitude. Can't ask much more than that!

Planned: On staying busy while Jack was out of school for the week. We completed his entire homework packet. I'm so amazed at how quickly he is picking up his reading and writing. One assignment was to draw a face on a pumpkin and then write a sentence about it. I was so proud that I took a picture and sent it to Grandma. I also posted it below for you to see!

Loved: That Jack is almost 46" tall. I am sure that might seem an odd thing to love but when we went to Worlds of Fun on Sunday Jack was lose enough that a couple ride ambassors let him go alone on his favorite ride, The Finnish Fling, aka The Brain Sucker. I can not stand that ride and so it was a pretty exciting for me!

Here are the pics for the week:




Jack loves when I vacuum when he is around. This way we can take turns trying to attack each other with the suction. This getup just made me laugh!