We have a new cat. She showed up right before it was time for Ellie's shower last night. She's short, has brown hair and eyes and looks a lot like Ellie. The cat hung around all through the shower and was trying to figure out how to combine English and cat-talk so it turned into "Meow wants meow." When Brandon told her that he didn't understand that, she started using meow as her name. Right as she was getting out of the shower, aunt Biz called and wanted to talk to Ellie. I had to inform her that Ellie wasn't around but the cat was. She decided to talk to the cat. Ellie answered the phone "Meow is naked." This was true. She had just gotten out of the shower and run into the living room. Naked. The cat went away not long after that but Ellie has informed us she will be a cat when we go to Biz and Tim's house this afternoon.
Biz and Tim are turning their "Studio" into an house with walls this week. It's more of an undertaking than I think I would want to take on. But it's right down Biz's alley. Tim's parents, Jack and Wanda AKA Meme and Jack, are here for the week. Ellie is beyond thrilled. I think she thinks they are her fourth set of grandparents!
It is raining a VERY cold drizzle right now and all forecasts are saying we can expect ice and wet snow overnight. WEEEE!!!! I am so ready for SPRING! I saw daffodils this week so I am hopeful spring is around the corner. I do enjoy a colder winter than I grew up with. I like the occasional snow. I also enjoy that the spring and summer is much milder. I just really don't enjoy the length of winter here in Ken Tuck. So here's hoping this is the last of winter!
Mason is growing so fast. I feel a little bad that I don't have as many cute anecdotes about him. He is talking up a storm and repeating everything. As I type he has climbed into my lap. His favorite new trick is to wear everyone's shoes around the house. Mason is just as ready for spring as any of us. He has really enjoyed the few days of spring preview that we have had lately! He loves being outside.
When I started this, both kids were napping but they have both woken up while I have been typing. Thankfully, they both napped at the same time. But it sure seemed like a short nap! We are off to Biz's to see what progress is being made on Bizfest: Renovation Edition.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Back Seat Learning
Parents are a child's first and MOST important teacher. That's an undeniable fact (DISCLAIMER FOR BRANDON: I am using the term "parent" to refer to the person or people who are responsible for raising a child) Parents can teach things without intending to teach. One of these ways is something called "Back Seat Learning". I learned about it a few years ago in a training. This is the idea that I can say "Ellie, see that red bird, it's called a cardinal." OR I can say casually to Brandon as we are driving down the road "Oh wow, look how pretty that cardinal is!" It's fairly likely that Ellie will learn what a cardinal is either way.
Last night, Ellie was playing in "her" kitchen and as I passed through she stopped me. Brandon was loading the dishwasher in "his" kitchen so he was on the outskirts of our conversation.
Ellie: "Mama, pretend like I am Starbucks."
Brandon: WHAT does she know about Starbucks???
Me: (Ignoring Brandon) Ok, I'd like some coffee please.
Ellie: NO! Go over there to the screen and you have to say "I'd like a Grande, non-fat, mocha with no whipped cream"
Brandon: HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO TO STARBUCKS???
Me: (still ignoring Brandon)I'd like a grande, non-fat mocha with no whipped cream, please.
Ellie: (extremely chipper as if she's already had 4-5 mochas) ALRIGHT! COME ON UP!
Brandon and I were ROLLING to say the least. It's not as if I ever schooled Ellie on what I would be ordering at Starbucks! Most of the time, Backayardigans is playing in the back seat so I had no idea she was even listening. But she spouted off my regular order without hesitation and the last "Alright! Come on up!" is just SOOO how they are at the Bucks! Take heed my friends! These kids are sponges!
We had a pretty enjoyable weekend. Dance on Saturday morning was good. It seems Ms Martha has had enough of the crying and fits and she escorted a couple of girls out saying "This isn't working. It's too disruptive." And closed the door behind her. (Luckily Ellie was not escorted out!) I have to say while I am sorry for the girls, I think they are just not ready for this and I was getting a little peeved that Ellie and Rachel were being punished because these kids didn't want to dance.
My parents came to pick up both kids and took them BOTH to the basketball game and then to spend the night. I know they all had fun. But I have to admit, it is a real treat for Brandon and I and something I HIGHLY recommend for all married couples. Send your kids off and let it be just the two of you! It's like we were newlyweds with no cares in the world. And he mopped the kitchen!
Say a prayer for my mom. As I type she is in surgery. Last week she scared us all (including Brandon I think) to death because she thought she was having a heart attack or stroke. Since Brandon is son-in-law of the YEAR, he left his office and took her to the emergency room where Biz and dad met her. After much testing, it was determined she was having a gallbladder attack. While that is much less serious, her gallbladder was in pretty bad shape with lots of stones. So this afternoon, she is having it removed. Dad is with her and we are playing it by ear if she needs any more help this week. So say a prayer that it goes well. The dr told her it is a 3 hour surgery! Hard to believe that takes longer than repairing a ruptured disk!
Doug finished the basement digging on Saturday. Hopefully, this week the basement people will be out to begin the process of setting the walls. We are finally moving!
Have a good week and be careful what you say in the front seat!
Last night, Ellie was playing in "her" kitchen and as I passed through she stopped me. Brandon was loading the dishwasher in "his" kitchen so he was on the outskirts of our conversation.
Ellie: "Mama, pretend like I am Starbucks."
Brandon: WHAT does she know about Starbucks???
Me: (Ignoring Brandon) Ok, I'd like some coffee please.
Ellie: NO! Go over there to the screen and you have to say "I'd like a Grande, non-fat, mocha with no whipped cream"
Brandon: HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO TO STARBUCKS???
Me: (still ignoring Brandon)I'd like a grande, non-fat mocha with no whipped cream, please.
Ellie: (extremely chipper as if she's already had 4-5 mochas) ALRIGHT! COME ON UP!
Brandon and I were ROLLING to say the least. It's not as if I ever schooled Ellie on what I would be ordering at Starbucks! Most of the time, Backayardigans is playing in the back seat so I had no idea she was even listening. But she spouted off my regular order without hesitation and the last "Alright! Come on up!" is just SOOO how they are at the Bucks! Take heed my friends! These kids are sponges!
We had a pretty enjoyable weekend. Dance on Saturday morning was good. It seems Ms Martha has had enough of the crying and fits and she escorted a couple of girls out saying "This isn't working. It's too disruptive." And closed the door behind her. (Luckily Ellie was not escorted out!) I have to say while I am sorry for the girls, I think they are just not ready for this and I was getting a little peeved that Ellie and Rachel were being punished because these kids didn't want to dance.
My parents came to pick up both kids and took them BOTH to the basketball game and then to spend the night. I know they all had fun. But I have to admit, it is a real treat for Brandon and I and something I HIGHLY recommend for all married couples. Send your kids off and let it be just the two of you! It's like we were newlyweds with no cares in the world. And he mopped the kitchen!
Say a prayer for my mom. As I type she is in surgery. Last week she scared us all (including Brandon I think) to death because she thought she was having a heart attack or stroke. Since Brandon is son-in-law of the YEAR, he left his office and took her to the emergency room where Biz and dad met her. After much testing, it was determined she was having a gallbladder attack. While that is much less serious, her gallbladder was in pretty bad shape with lots of stones. So this afternoon, she is having it removed. Dad is with her and we are playing it by ear if she needs any more help this week. So say a prayer that it goes well. The dr told her it is a 3 hour surgery! Hard to believe that takes longer than repairing a ruptured disk!
Doug finished the basement digging on Saturday. Hopefully, this week the basement people will be out to begin the process of setting the walls. We are finally moving!
Have a good week and be careful what you say in the front seat!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Pictures!
Well, things are finally happening with the house. Here are a few pictures to show the progress:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jennfields75/HOUSE?feat=directlink
And some pics of the kids for good measure.
Ellie the lunch lady
Mason exploring the house site
I call this one "Nana's Heart Attack"
http://picasaweb.google.com/jennfields75/HOUSE?feat=directlink
And some pics of the kids for good measure.
Ellie the lunch lady
Mason exploring the house site
I call this one "Nana's Heart Attack"
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Feel the Love
Happy Valentine's Day! ( a day late) I got beautiful flowers on Friday that were waiting in my office for me when I arrived at 8! I have to give Brandon a lot of credit. He is not one of those guys who forgets occasions. I have gotten flowers on Valentine's Day every year since we started dating. So is it just out of obligation or does he really want to send them? Eh, why ask. Ellie and Mason had "Breakfast with your Lil' Sweeaheart" at school so I made it to both of their rooms for a little while in the morning. They were both showered with love and Valentine treats from all of their grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Ellie had dance yesterday morning. After dance, we went to lunch with mom, my grandmother, my aunt Gail, and Biz. Yesterday afternoon, both kids took a wonderful nap (at the same time!) and I chilled. Today, we went to church then made a trip to Gander Mountain(see below), home for another great nap (at the same time again!) and then the kids went to Biz and Tim's for an hour or so so Brandon and I could do a quick clean-up of the house. NICE weekend!
Over the last few weeks, we have had some bad weather. Well, when the wind blows hard, we lose power. We've been without power for several hours about 4 different times lately. Sooo...we were at Gander Mountain looking for something else so we decided to stock up on flashlights! When we are without power, we've been using candles (when temps allow us to stay here at all!) and candles are really not ideal. So we got a couple of cool lanterns and two crank lights. I am sure we will never lose power again!
More progress has been made on the house! Doug came Friday and pushed out a fence row and tore down the old barn. It was too windy for him to work yesterday, but tomorrow Shawn (builder) and Doug are supposed to meet to "shoot the grade" for the basement and hopefully Doug will get started on that. PROGRESS!
I mentioned Ellie is taking dance and I msut say it is going so well! The first week was a little iffy (read totally chaotic!), but since then she has done fabulously. She listens and does just what Ms Martha asks. Not to say I think she'll be on Broadway any time soon, but she is really enjoying it. There are a couple of cryers in the class. Now I can understand seperation issues. Ellie has the leg up, so to say, in that area having been in pre-school since she was 3 months old. But there is one little girl who just absolutely DOES NOT want to be there. We've been doing this for there weeks and all three weeks, she cries and cries, her parents finally pull her out of the class and threaten to leav and she asks for her coat! I think this kid knows what she wants and I think her parents should listen! I am hopeful that Ms Martha will take care of things so that she doesn't continue to disrupt the class.
The kids are being so cooperative as I write this blog. Why you ask? Because they are watching the Wiggles AKA Crack For Kids. WHAT is the draw??? And what made these grown men think it was a good idea to start this show. They really seem to have a wonderful time whiel talking to Dorothy the Dinosaur about doing the Fairy Dance. While wearing Fairy wings. Let's all pause a moment and imagine Brandon in the Big Red Car. Yeah. Weird. Oh well, it really really entertains Mason, my little tv baby. I promise to never badmouth the Wiggles again.
Ellie had dance yesterday morning. After dance, we went to lunch with mom, my grandmother, my aunt Gail, and Biz. Yesterday afternoon, both kids took a wonderful nap (at the same time!) and I chilled. Today, we went to church then made a trip to Gander Mountain(see below), home for another great nap (at the same time again!) and then the kids went to Biz and Tim's for an hour or so so Brandon and I could do a quick clean-up of the house. NICE weekend!
Over the last few weeks, we have had some bad weather. Well, when the wind blows hard, we lose power. We've been without power for several hours about 4 different times lately. Sooo...we were at Gander Mountain looking for something else so we decided to stock up on flashlights! When we are without power, we've been using candles (when temps allow us to stay here at all!) and candles are really not ideal. So we got a couple of cool lanterns and two crank lights. I am sure we will never lose power again!
More progress has been made on the house! Doug came Friday and pushed out a fence row and tore down the old barn. It was too windy for him to work yesterday, but tomorrow Shawn (builder) and Doug are supposed to meet to "shoot the grade" for the basement and hopefully Doug will get started on that. PROGRESS!
I mentioned Ellie is taking dance and I msut say it is going so well! The first week was a little iffy (read totally chaotic!), but since then she has done fabulously. She listens and does just what Ms Martha asks. Not to say I think she'll be on Broadway any time soon, but she is really enjoying it. There are a couple of cryers in the class. Now I can understand seperation issues. Ellie has the leg up, so to say, in that area having been in pre-school since she was 3 months old. But there is one little girl who just absolutely DOES NOT want to be there. We've been doing this for there weeks and all three weeks, she cries and cries, her parents finally pull her out of the class and threaten to leav and she asks for her coat! I think this kid knows what she wants and I think her parents should listen! I am hopeful that Ms Martha will take care of things so that she doesn't continue to disrupt the class.
The kids are being so cooperative as I write this blog. Why you ask? Because they are watching the Wiggles AKA Crack For Kids. WHAT is the draw??? And what made these grown men think it was a good idea to start this show. They really seem to have a wonderful time whiel talking to Dorothy the Dinosaur about doing the Fairy Dance. While wearing Fairy wings. Let's all pause a moment and imagine Brandon in the Big Red Car. Yeah. Weird. Oh well, it really really entertains Mason, my little tv baby. I promise to never badmouth the Wiggles again.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Happy Groundhog Day!
Do I only update on Mondays??? I guess I need to do better.
We had a great weekend. Ellie had her first dance class on Saturday. She is taking a basic movement class at Dance Arts with Ms. Martha. She did great. I was so pleased at how easily she went in and got involved. It does help that her friend Rachel is in the class too. And I am not sure if she and Rachel being in there is a good thing or a bad. Let's just say I think Ms. Martha will learn Ellie's name quickly! Then Ellie, the world traveler, was off to the WKU Basketball game after her nap on Saturday and she spent the night with Nana and Poppop Saturday night. Brandon and I always laugh at how easy having one kid is! Mason and I went to church yesterday and then I finally got a Valentine's Tee made for Ellie. (pics coming soon)
Brandon and I finally had a chance to go up to the house site and look at where he and Shawn staked everything out yesterday. I took a lot of pictures. (coming soon!) I have to say it looks very small to me right now. But Brandon assures me it is the optical illusion of stakes, string and orange spray paint in the middle of a HUGE field. Since I have seen a very similar floor plan, I do know that this house will be a perfect size, it just doesn't look that way right now. And what's the progress??? Well, as soon as Doug (excavator) is finished with Frank Hayes (neighbor) pond, he will start on our basement. I am keeping close tabs on Frank's pond and I am happy to report that I saw Doug working on Saturday so hopefully it won't be long. We've had some bad weather over the last week that has kept anyone who works outside out of work. But the forecast looks promising! There was snow in our forecast today but it just missed us so I am in hopes things will be moving along soon!
One last story: As I said last week we had some icky weather. We had school every day, but with the roads we have to drive to get here, some days we crept to school and home at 30-40 mph. One evening on our way home, I told Ellie we would have to take another way home because I was afraid there would be trees down because of the ice. Here's that conversation:
Ellie: I wish Daddy was here to help us in this bad weather.
Me: We do not need Daddy. Biz and I are strong women and we can handle this. Don't you worry! (Tim was also out of town!)
Ellie: Well, I am NOT a strong women. I'm just little. And Mason isn't even a women!
I assured Ellie that Biz and I would handle anything that came our way. And we did!
We had a great weekend. Ellie had her first dance class on Saturday. She is taking a basic movement class at Dance Arts with Ms. Martha. She did great. I was so pleased at how easily she went in and got involved. It does help that her friend Rachel is in the class too. And I am not sure if she and Rachel being in there is a good thing or a bad. Let's just say I think Ms. Martha will learn Ellie's name quickly! Then Ellie, the world traveler, was off to the WKU Basketball game after her nap on Saturday and she spent the night with Nana and Poppop Saturday night. Brandon and I always laugh at how easy having one kid is! Mason and I went to church yesterday and then I finally got a Valentine's Tee made for Ellie. (pics coming soon)
Brandon and I finally had a chance to go up to the house site and look at where he and Shawn staked everything out yesterday. I took a lot of pictures. (coming soon!) I have to say it looks very small to me right now. But Brandon assures me it is the optical illusion of stakes, string and orange spray paint in the middle of a HUGE field. Since I have seen a very similar floor plan, I do know that this house will be a perfect size, it just doesn't look that way right now. And what's the progress??? Well, as soon as Doug (excavator) is finished with Frank Hayes (neighbor) pond, he will start on our basement. I am keeping close tabs on Frank's pond and I am happy to report that I saw Doug working on Saturday so hopefully it won't be long. We've had some bad weather over the last week that has kept anyone who works outside out of work. But the forecast looks promising! There was snow in our forecast today but it just missed us so I am in hopes things will be moving along soon!
One last story: As I said last week we had some icky weather. We had school every day, but with the roads we have to drive to get here, some days we crept to school and home at 30-40 mph. One evening on our way home, I told Ellie we would have to take another way home because I was afraid there would be trees down because of the ice. Here's that conversation:
Ellie: I wish Daddy was here to help us in this bad weather.
Me: We do not need Daddy. Biz and I are strong women and we can handle this. Don't you worry! (Tim was also out of town!)
Ellie: Well, I am NOT a strong women. I'm just little. And Mason isn't even a women!
I assured Ellie that Biz and I would handle anything that came our way. And we did!
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