Well first I suppose I should say ouch -- it's been a while, huh? Too, too much fun to catch you all up on life so we'll just go forward from here.
Today's excitement...Twilight the movie! Just got back from the midnight showing. Jill and I braved the packs of (pre) teens and caught the premiere. Nothing like putting the baby to bed, taking a nap and then heading out for some mom time!
The book is always better than the movie - no need to have that argument. BUT if you can appreciate the movie for what it is then you'll have fun. I'm glad we went and love that it's wide open for a sequel. There were some great scenes and actors and there were a handful that could stand to sit out for the next round. The important people - Edward and Bella - turned out well, so it all works.
Jill told me today that she heard the movie was a smaller budget $39M and they made that back with pre-sales of tickets already. There have been several interviews with the cast saying to see it multiple times (ha-ha) and if they get the cash they'll do part 2. I have no doubt that the teens will support the endeavor and with a higher budget I bet movie 2 will be even better!
Oh -- and they passed out fangs while we were in line -- gotta love that!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Planes, Trains and Trucks
Alex and I got a chance to make the final selection for the "big boy" room makeover. We're going with Olive Kids Planes, Trains and Trucks. And yes, he really did help make that decision -- he sat with me for almost two hours while we poured over Pottery Barn and Land of Nod and tried to decide what was cute, too babyish, and what would work to prevent another re-do before he's 7 or 8. He didn't stick around long enough to finally choose what would constitute his first "big boy" bed, but then again it didn't have anything that went "vroom, vroom" on it. Oh well, one out of two. The bedding shipped today so when it gets here it will be off to the paint store.
This weekend is set aside to work on the invites, so hopefully I'll get the majority of that wrapped up. I am thinking I don't need them out until the first part of September so I have a couple weeks to play with.
And I suppose the bedroom redo is seeping into other areas. We're thinking its about time to get the kitchen floor updated, so we got the ball rolling on that. The contractor is supposed to come and measure tomorrow and we've picked out the material. We'll see where that leads us to.
Otherwise we've been enjoying the nice weather and hanging out around at home. Matt thinks he'll take Alex golfing this weekend so he came home with Alex's first golf club tonight. It's a miniature little club, just like the real deal. He grabbed a pack of practice balls (like wiffle balls) and they hung outside practicing their swing. I've been dealing with some unpleasant neck pain today (I guess I slept wrong??) so I opted to lay on a bag of ice while the boys practiced putting.
As soon as we can convince Alex it's time to close his eyes I think we're off to bed too!
This weekend is set aside to work on the invites, so hopefully I'll get the majority of that wrapped up. I am thinking I don't need them out until the first part of September so I have a couple weeks to play with.
And I suppose the bedroom redo is seeping into other areas. We're thinking its about time to get the kitchen floor updated, so we got the ball rolling on that. The contractor is supposed to come and measure tomorrow and we've picked out the material. We'll see where that leads us to.
Otherwise we've been enjoying the nice weather and hanging out around at home. Matt thinks he'll take Alex golfing this weekend so he came home with Alex's first golf club tonight. It's a miniature little club, just like the real deal. He grabbed a pack of practice balls (like wiffle balls) and they hung outside practicing their swing. I've been dealing with some unpleasant neck pain today (I guess I slept wrong??) so I opted to lay on a bag of ice while the boys practiced putting.
As soon as we can convince Alex it's time to close his eyes I think we're off to bed too!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Team Vampire
So I have a VERY good reason I haven't been posting - actually I have 4 very good reasons: Twilight * New Mood * Eclipse * Breaking Dawn --- I absolutely LOVED these books and devoured them one right after the other. I am very happy to report that there seems to be a lot of online therapy to treat my addiction as it appears that I haven't been the only one "bitten" -- it's truly a pandemic! In all "seriousness" though, if you haven't read Twilight by Stephenie Meyers yet it's a good book and if you pass the "twilitmus" test you'll very quickly stumble onto books 2-4. For some of you who understand the scrapbook obsession, let me just put it this way, it was almost a CHORE to go to a crop last weekend because I had to put the book down!
These books have been on the best seller lists for weeks and weeks and I finally thought I'd just give it a whirl and see what all the fuss was about. I've already informed Matt that he may need to step aside and make room for Edward because much like Bella, I don't know that I could live without him :) I do have to give him credit - he does seem vaguely interested in reading the books. And to try and make myself not sound so crazy, there is actually a "Twilight Moms" website I stumbled across.
I Googled to see what else Meyers has written when pages upon pages popped up with website after website of info. AND outtakes and extra chapters, etc. Which was really just so fun to read through. I learned two things I was oblivious of: she's writing Twilight from Edward's perspective now and it will be published, titled "Midnight Sun" AND that Twilight has been made into a movie that was to be release 12-12-08. Because Harry Potter got bumped to next summer it's now being release 11-21-08. Very excited! I think Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will make a good Edward and Bella.
BUT, I suppose I have to admit that these 4 jewels aren't the only reason -- we had a week of vacation in there, which was great! And then of course life in general.
So the latest and greatest with us is all about getting ready for Alex's 3rd birthday - which I suppose to anyone other to me, may not make sense. First a theme and then a place and then what to do about invitations, etc. Well, reasoning this out with a two year old wasn't going anywhere :) So theme and place are picked and invitations are in the works.
We had also said that we'd re-do the nursery for his 3rd birthday and transition into a big boy room. So, we've been looking at bedding and trying to decide what we like. I think that as of tonight (read: Mommy finally put her books down) we've picked our gear and just need to get it ordered.
A final thought? Go get Twilight!
These books have been on the best seller lists for weeks and weeks and I finally thought I'd just give it a whirl and see what all the fuss was about. I've already informed Matt that he may need to step aside and make room for Edward because much like Bella, I don't know that I could live without him :) I do have to give him credit - he does seem vaguely interested in reading the books. And to try and make myself not sound so crazy, there is actually a "Twilight Moms" website I stumbled across.
I Googled to see what else Meyers has written when pages upon pages popped up with website after website of info. AND outtakes and extra chapters, etc. Which was really just so fun to read through. I learned two things I was oblivious of: she's writing Twilight from Edward's perspective now and it will be published, titled "Midnight Sun" AND that Twilight has been made into a movie that was to be release 12-12-08. Because Harry Potter got bumped to next summer it's now being release 11-21-08. Very excited! I think Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will make a good Edward and Bella.
BUT, I suppose I have to admit that these 4 jewels aren't the only reason -- we had a week of vacation in there, which was great! And then of course life in general.
So the latest and greatest with us is all about getting ready for Alex's 3rd birthday - which I suppose to anyone other to me, may not make sense. First a theme and then a place and then what to do about invitations, etc. Well, reasoning this out with a two year old wasn't going anywhere :) So theme and place are picked and invitations are in the works.
We had also said that we'd re-do the nursery for his 3rd birthday and transition into a big boy room. So, we've been looking at bedding and trying to decide what we like. I think that as of tonight (read: Mommy finally put her books down) we've picked our gear and just need to get it ordered.
A final thought? Go get Twilight!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Bits and Pieces
So I'm sure this is just the first of many future apologies to come: sorry for not blogging for a bit. I have to give a "shout out" to my blog harasser -- she'll remain anonymous for now but I have to say the emails about my lack of posting really do remind me it's been a few days.
So why haven't I been here...well there should be some really big, cool reason but I "got nothin'." Here's what we have been doing:
*I just finished my last pre-req for the MBA program. I registered for classes Monday and I officially start in mid-August.
*We took Alex to the BBQ Roundup and did what I assume everyone else does: we had lunch (so-so) and then tried to avoid the carnival workers pitching to our 2 year old...we almost got through them until Alex saw the duckies. You know, floating ducks...pick one win a prize, type of deal. Alex had to pick one...or five...I think really it was just a ruse to play in the water. He won a spiky yellow ball thing. Then we came upon the rides and he got to cruise on some motorcycles, in a boat, in a monster truck and ride the carousel. We finished with a crying jag as we carried him back to the car. Ah, but don't feel too sorry for him, he stopped crying in just enough time to ask for ice cream as Daddy was driving by DQ.
*We camped out at Aegon's parking lot around 9:30p on the 4th for the fireworks. That was a hard concept to explain to a 2 year old, it's much more of a see than explain it type of event. Grandma Julie was holding him when they started and he had a moment of panic at the loud sounds and was holding on for dear life. Eventually the pretty colors won out and while he stayed VERY close in case he changed his mind about fireworks the oohing and aahing began. Since then we've had a request for fireworks daily. I tried to explain that we'd see more on Labor Day but for some reason Alex just looks at me like I'm not making sense...go figure.
*CHA is at the end of next week. I realize this is really only excitement for me, but come on!!! It's going to be a massive amount of people spending lots of money on paper...what could be better!! We had a design team meeting last night and the owner of the our local store said I should send her "my list" of things to look for and things I didn't particularly care for. Again, only I would be excited about this I suppose but I feel important :) Just wait, when I get my list together I'll post some of my favs. I know, you can't wait.
*T minus 3 days until summer vacation!!! We're leaving this weekend for Omaha and I feel like I have a million things to get done before being gone for the week. Laundry is all caught up...don't ask me why but for me this is a must. The list of what needs to be packed is starting to form in my noggin and I suppose I'll actually start doing that tonight. I need start a list. We have several "to-do's" while there: zoo, children's museum, gondola ride, Archiver's, and the list goes on.
*It's official: Alex's daycare is turning in the paperwork to move him from the 2's room to the 3-4's room starting next week. They say he's ready to start the pre-school program. He's been spending a lot more time over there and they say he's doing really well in the program. I think there are more things to keep him occupied and a more formal day than the daycare program. He doesn't turn 3 until September, so we're just a bit early. I wonder if they make bumper stickers to celebrate such an occasion :)
Okay...so blog stalker, does this quick but general update earn me any points?? :)
So why haven't I been here...well there should be some really big, cool reason but I "got nothin'." Here's what we have been doing:
*I just finished my last pre-req for the MBA program. I registered for classes Monday and I officially start in mid-August.
*We took Alex to the BBQ Roundup and did what I assume everyone else does: we had lunch (so-so) and then tried to avoid the carnival workers pitching to our 2 year old...we almost got through them until Alex saw the duckies. You know, floating ducks...pick one win a prize, type of deal. Alex had to pick one...or five...I think really it was just a ruse to play in the water. He won a spiky yellow ball thing. Then we came upon the rides and he got to cruise on some motorcycles, in a boat, in a monster truck and ride the carousel. We finished with a crying jag as we carried him back to the car. Ah, but don't feel too sorry for him, he stopped crying in just enough time to ask for ice cream as Daddy was driving by DQ.
*We camped out at Aegon's parking lot around 9:30p on the 4th for the fireworks. That was a hard concept to explain to a 2 year old, it's much more of a see than explain it type of event. Grandma Julie was holding him when they started and he had a moment of panic at the loud sounds and was holding on for dear life. Eventually the pretty colors won out and while he stayed VERY close in case he changed his mind about fireworks the oohing and aahing began. Since then we've had a request for fireworks daily. I tried to explain that we'd see more on Labor Day but for some reason Alex just looks at me like I'm not making sense...go figure.
*CHA is at the end of next week. I realize this is really only excitement for me, but come on!!! It's going to be a massive amount of people spending lots of money on paper...what could be better!! We had a design team meeting last night and the owner of the our local store said I should send her "my list" of things to look for and things I didn't particularly care for. Again, only I would be excited about this I suppose but I feel important :) Just wait, when I get my list together I'll post some of my favs. I know, you can't wait.
*T minus 3 days until summer vacation!!! We're leaving this weekend for Omaha and I feel like I have a million things to get done before being gone for the week. Laundry is all caught up...don't ask me why but for me this is a must. The list of what needs to be packed is starting to form in my noggin and I suppose I'll actually start doing that tonight. I need start a list. We have several "to-do's" while there: zoo, children's museum, gondola ride, Archiver's, and the list goes on.
*It's official: Alex's daycare is turning in the paperwork to move him from the 2's room to the 3-4's room starting next week. They say he's ready to start the pre-school program. He's been spending a lot more time over there and they say he's doing really well in the program. I think there are more things to keep him occupied and a more formal day than the daycare program. He doesn't turn 3 until September, so we're just a bit early. I wonder if they make bumper stickers to celebrate such an occasion :)
Okay...so blog stalker, does this quick but general update earn me any points?? :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Daily Ritual Gone Awry
After a hard day at work and what I choose to picture as a perfect day at school Alex and I head out of La Petite. As a daily ritual Alex always stops by the cracker basket near the front door. In this cute little wicker basket are individual packages of club crackers (I think that's what they're called...the "elves" make them??). The ritual continues as we play 'can you find mommy's car' and we count to 3 and take a big jump off the curb into the parking lot. I open the backseat of the car and Alex in his "I do it" stage proceeds to climb into the backseat, scale the car seat and then plop into his car seat with a happy "I did it!". I should mention that he "delicately" throws the wrapped crackers into the floor board before his climb and gets to munch on his snack on the way home once mommy buckles him in. Of course this another opportunity for us to practice "may I please have my crackers mommy" and a "thank you for my crackers mommy"...really - that's what I hear him say (and then monkey's fly by and and m&m's fall from the sky...blah, blah).
ANYWHO to the "awry" part of this ritual. Today we have our perfect days, grab the crackers in said cute wicker basket, count and jump off the curb, find our car and then Alex realizes there's another car next to ours...but it's about his height...and the windows are down...and they have a floor board, so I am guessing he reasoned why not put the crackers there today. So with all his 2 year old might he chucks the crackers and they land perfectly in said strange car...but this doesn't stop the rest of the routine. "I do it" climbs into his seat and then demands his crackers..ugh, I mean he politely requests a snack of crackers... I look at the other car for a very brief moment contemplating the potential meltdown about to ensue vs. just sticking my arm into said strange car for the crackers that would, at this point, "save the day." Ugh...okay I can't do that...and I can't have a "melty' child. So a quick diversion into the promise of chicken nuggets and french fries for dinner 'saved' the night.
I finish the night, certain that it was intentional, for nights just like this that the daycare was built right next to McDonald's.
ANYWHO to the "awry" part of this ritual. Today we have our perfect days, grab the crackers in said cute wicker basket, count and jump off the curb, find our car and then Alex realizes there's another car next to ours...but it's about his height...and the windows are down...and they have a floor board, so I am guessing he reasoned why not put the crackers there today. So with all his 2 year old might he chucks the crackers and they land perfectly in said strange car...but this doesn't stop the rest of the routine. "I do it" climbs into his seat and then demands his crackers..ugh, I mean he politely requests a snack of crackers... I look at the other car for a very brief moment contemplating the potential meltdown about to ensue vs. just sticking my arm into said strange car for the crackers that would, at this point, "save the day." Ugh...okay I can't do that...and I can't have a "melty' child. So a quick diversion into the promise of chicken nuggets and french fries for dinner 'saved' the night.
I finish the night, certain that it was intentional, for nights just like this that the daycare was built right next to McDonald's.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Flood Thoughts
Anyone else's allergies in full gear? I feel icky, icky, icky! I take two allergy meds each day and I STILL am having issues - blah. Matt pointed out that with all the mold, etc. from the flood that the counts have to be really high in Cedar Rapids now so he's not surprised.
It seems so uncouth to be complaining about allergies when so many others have gotten far worse handed to them over the last week. It's hard to get my mind wrapped around all the devastation -- if you stuck to the NE side of CR you'd almost never know anything has happened. The fallout from the flood is starting to become more tangible to grasp. Co-workers are sharing the stories of their relatives, friends who worked downtown are finding the status of their jobs up in the air, Matt's grandmother's house was deemed a total loss (she's in Florida safe and sound), and Reminisce is now front page news on KCRG.com -- their business is a total loss too. http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/20616484.html
Yet even in the midst of all of this people are keeping their chins up and trying to infuse some fun. I've seen some great forwards of "new shoes" for Iowans...they were high healed flippers. I've also received several heart warming forwards of stories about how great Iowans are that are appearing in papers around the US.
Today a co-worker shared the positive outlook of a flood victim she knew, who was trying to find the silver lining before the flooding occurred. She told us knowing they were in the area that was going to be flooded these people decided to remove everything from their basement and then filled it with clean water. Yes, the carpet,etc. was still going to have to be replaced...however the pressure of the water was already built up on the inside walls of the house so when the pressure from the outside flood waters arrived the foundation and structure of the house was intact...they further reasoned that if their basement was full of clean water that the nasty Cedar River water would not seep into their basement (or at least not as much I suppose) because there was no more room. I know, it sounds like an urban myth or something, doesn't it! I would love to see an interview with these folks!
I didn't realize the extreme damage that water could cause to the infrastructure of a city. Here's one last photo to leave you with for tonight. The message sent with the photo said this is Hwy. 1 South of Mt. Vernon
It seems so uncouth to be complaining about allergies when so many others have gotten far worse handed to them over the last week. It's hard to get my mind wrapped around all the devastation -- if you stuck to the NE side of CR you'd almost never know anything has happened. The fallout from the flood is starting to become more tangible to grasp. Co-workers are sharing the stories of their relatives, friends who worked downtown are finding the status of their jobs up in the air, Matt's grandmother's house was deemed a total loss (she's in Florida safe and sound), and Reminisce is now front page news on KCRG.com -- their business is a total loss too. http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/20616484.html
Yet even in the midst of all of this people are keeping their chins up and trying to infuse some fun. I've seen some great forwards of "new shoes" for Iowans...they were high healed flippers. I've also received several heart warming forwards of stories about how great Iowans are that are appearing in papers around the US.
Today a co-worker shared the positive outlook of a flood victim she knew, who was trying to find the silver lining before the flooding occurred. She told us knowing they were in the area that was going to be flooded these people decided to remove everything from their basement and then filled it with clean water. Yes, the carpet,etc. was still going to have to be replaced...however the pressure of the water was already built up on the inside walls of the house so when the pressure from the outside flood waters arrived the foundation and structure of the house was intact...they further reasoned that if their basement was full of clean water that the nasty Cedar River water would not seep into their basement (or at least not as much I suppose) because there was no more room. I know, it sounds like an urban myth or something, doesn't it! I would love to see an interview with these folks!
I didn't realize the extreme damage that water could cause to the infrastructure of a city. Here's one last photo to leave you with for tonight. The message sent with the photo said this is Hwy. 1 South of Mt. Vernon
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Is Your Mama a Llama and a Message From Grandma
So that was Alex's book in school today "Is Your Mama a Llama"
Is Your Mama A Llama?
by Deborah Guarino
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
'Is your mama a llama?' I asked my fried Dave.
'No she is not,' is the answer Dave gave.
'She hangs by her feet and she lives in a cave. I do not believe that's how llamas behave.'
'Oh,' I said, 'You are right about that. I think that your mama sounds more like a…
Bat!'
So I'm guessing it's safe to say Alex was entertained today. Maybe this is why he's looking at me funny tonight :)
So I'm playing around with this whole blog concept and I really wanted to figure out how to get a message from Gran onto the blog. There was just something about it that struck us as funny. Cedar Rapids flooded on Thursday we received this message last night on Monday. Oh and I should add, if this is loud it may not be your computer it may just be her :) Love you Gran!
Gabcast! Message from Gran #1
Is Your Mama A Llama?
by Deborah Guarino
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
'Is your mama a llama?' I asked my fried Dave.
'No she is not,' is the answer Dave gave.
'She hangs by her feet and she lives in a cave. I do not believe that's how llamas behave.'
'Oh,' I said, 'You are right about that. I think that your mama sounds more like a…
Bat!'
So I'm guessing it's safe to say Alex was entertained today. Maybe this is why he's looking at me funny tonight :)
So I'm playing around with this whole blog concept and I really wanted to figure out how to get a message from Gran onto the blog. There was just something about it that struck us as funny. Cedar Rapids flooded on Thursday we received this message last night on Monday. Oh and I should add, if this is loud it may not be your computer it may just be her :) Love you Gran!
Gabcast! Message from Gran #1
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