Rants & Raves

The Past Month in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

I think I am in blog withdrawal! I miss this place! To get caught up, here are the photos from the last month...

I was sick of standing in the grocery store, trying to decide what kind of apples to buy, so we had a taste test. The three apples we tested were Gala, Fuji, and Braeburn. I had a sticky note with the names on the bottoms of the plates, so we would know which we picked as our favorite.

Dylan chose Braeburn. Jim and I liked Fuji.

I reached a new low, when I completely forgot to take Dylan to his first "All Sports" class, and my absent minded husband had to do this to remind me of the next one. I found this when I got in the car that morning.

While going through more papers to put in my new file cabinets, I found some photos of when Dylan was getting physical therapy for the torticollis. Can you say "OUCH"?! Actually this one hurt the most...

Yep, that's him, crying and reaching for me to make it stop. Not fun.

We went sled riding/tubing. My guys are so cute!

SNOWBALL FIGHT!

This was when we ended up spinning around, and flying down the hill backwards at top speed!

Not sure you can see it, but this is when I had to lay down to stop us from flying into the woods!

My favorite outtake from the Valentine cards! I can't look at it without laughing.

Dylan had a "Beach Party" at school. He said a certain girl looked the best. When I asked why, he said "Her belly was showing"?!? What?!

We celebrated my Dad's 71st birthday with dinner at Olive Garden, then the Super Bowl at our house.

Coming soon... a post and video from the "All Sports" class!

Snowed In Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:35:00 +0000

Long time, no see! Why have I been away so long? Well, the week after Jim's dad died, I started a new nanny job. At the moment, I'm working 3 days a week. It has been an adjustment, to say the least! I have to say that I don't know how you women with kids and a full time job do it! So that, plus preparing for a consignment sale, plus filling out school applications for Dylan... I'm a tad overwhelmed. I've decided to put the new blog (Get Your Mom On) on hold for now.

What's been going on with all of you? We were snowed in today. Well, I guess we could have gone out if we really wanted to, but with near zero windshield factors? No thanks. Being "stuck" in the house gave us the time to make these...

and these...

Jim is very upset with the paper quality, but they're done! I came up with the concept, took the photo and picked the font. Jim used his awesome computer skills to make it happen.

Dylan signed them, counted out the Hershey's kisses, and put them in the bags. It was a fun family project, and now we are in the mood for the big V day.

Wipeout and All Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

One night, I was on the computer, and Jim was watching "Wipeout". We never watch it, but there was nothing else on. Dylan was supposed to be sleeping, but all of a sudden he appeared in the living room. "Wow! What's this?", he asked, mesmerized. We told him he needed to go back to bed. "Can you tape this for me?"

That is how there came to be "Wipeout" stations all over my house. Pillows are bouncy balls, a footstool is a jumping post, couches are landing zones, and I am praying we don't take a trip to the ER. He gets one hour of TV a day, and for the past 7 days that hour has been spent watching the same Wipeout episode. He can do the commentary word for word at this point. Seriously.

I decided the kid was in desperate need of some structured physical activity - "structured" being the key word. I signed him up for a class at the YMCA called "All Sports". Could there be a better class for Dylan? Well, they didn't have a Wipeout class. We missed the first class because my mind has ceased to perform properly (which is a fancy way of saying I completely forgot). I think they did soccer for the first class.

This week they did kickball. One thing I love about Dylan is how he just jumps in head first to everything. Even though he missed the first class, the minute we got in the gym, he ran over, ready to start. The class is for 4-6 years olds. There are a number of 6 year olds, which is great, because Dylan needs to get used to not being the best at everything. He did get upset that he wasn't getting the ball every single time someone kicked it, but he kept his composure enough that I think I was the only one who noticed.

I had a blast watching him in the class. This week is tee ball. Considering the fact that last summer he hit the ball so hard it almost broke our neighbor's window, I'm a little nervous.

Duda Daze

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Most of you know that I started a new blog, right? Well, today I'm featuring a Pittsburgh artist! Go see her work here, and enter to win 3 of her prints.

Please give her some love in the comments!

Sesame Street Live

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Yes, Dylan is five, so that makes him a little old for Sesame Street Live, but if it was in Pittsburgh before we somehow missed it. We figured this was our only chance, because I'm pretty sure that next year he would probably scoff at the idea. This year I wouldn't say he was super excited, but he was interested.

These are the things I'll remember...

*How easy paying for the tickets and parking online made everything. We walked directly from the parking lot, into the Console Energy Center, without freezing in the 25 degree air.

*Dylan sitting there completely still, waiting for the show to start, and me worrying because that is not normal behavior! (I'm worried about the penny he swallowed days ago).

*Dylan watching the show with a wide eyed stare, and mouth open. (Jim commented that I watch t.v. that way!)

*The little girls behind us screaming, and hitting both me and my mom in the head with something.

*Dylan grabbing the bowl of popcorn and exclaiming, "Hey! Who ate all the popcorn?" Then, we looked over at "Bubba" and his hands were all greasy and he had bits of popcorn still stuck to his face.

*Abby singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to help Big Bird fall asleep. Dylan, Jim, and I looked over at my parents and they were both "resting their eyes".

*Jim missing our turn and driving us all over Pittsburgh. He likes to pretend he knows exactly what he is doing though.

Dylan enjoyed it, and now, thanks to this post I'll always remember it.

Independence

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:32:00 +0000

As Dylan gets older, I feel more and more comfortable not constantly knowing what room he is in, or what he is doing. If things get too quiet, I usually end up investigating, but I'm comfortable for the most part. Plus, if I'm being honest, I'm relieved to get a minute of peace and quiet! It doesn't happen all that often, because Dylan is usually at my heels saying "When are you gonna play with me?"

Last night, Jim got home after Dylan and I had already finished dinner. Dylan was amusing himself in the family room, so I decided to sit and talk to Jim while he ate. We suddenly heard a gagging/choking sound. Dylan had swallowed a penny. When we asked "Why did you do that?", we got the usual answer, "I don't know. I didn't mean to!" Sigh. I guess he's not 100% okay being left alone yet!

In spite of that, today I left him to amuse himself in the family room again, while I cleaned up lunch. When he came to get me, saying "I have to show you something", I was nervous. "What did he break now", I was thinking. When we walked into the family room and I saw this huge snowman taking up half the floor, I had to smile and sigh in relief.

A Quick Step Back

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:18:00 +0000

I love starting a new year. It is a time of fresh starts, new hope, and resolutions. But, first, I need to post about a few things.

We took Dylan ice skating for the first time, two days before Christmas. I took lessons as a kid, and went ice skating occasionally, but I hadn't gone in a really long time. Jim said he had only gone one other time in his life. We weren't sure how much help we could give!

Now I remember why I haven't been ice skating in a long time. First off, it is cold. I don't particularly enjoy being cold. Secondly, it takes forever to get ready to ice skate. FOREVER.

Then, you realize that you didn't wear socks that are thick enough, so you have to buy overpriced socks in the gift shop. Then, you have to re-lace the butt ugly, made of super thin material ice skates, that will cause your ankles massive pain. You will wonder how anyone wears ice skates and endures that kind of pain? You will suck it up, because you brought your kid to enjoy ice skating after all, so enjoy it YOU WILL. You will frequently remind yourself of this fact, as you skate around the rink, grimacing in pain, as you hold up your flailing five year old. You will feel as if you are using muscles that didn't even exist before, and you will wonder why the hell you thought this was a brilliant idea. You will wonder why your husband isn't grimacing in pain, and it will finally occur to you, after the three of you somehow make it around the rink four or five times, this could have something to do with the skates. You will try on your husband's skates, (because, yes, you wear the same size, as *luck* would have it). You will swear about the unfairness, and cruelty to women kind everywhere, as you realize that men's skates have WAY more padding and support than the women's skates. You will then take off around the rink, like a graceful swan, until you decide that while you are no longer in pain, it is still cold, and your five year old has already given up on ice skating. You will shrug your shoulders and exclaim, "Oh well! At least we tried!" You have several pictures that make it look like it was a big success, but you will tell everyone the truth because, well, that's just how you are.

Keep this lovely story in mind when I tell you about the next thing, okay? I found this idea...

Want a closer look? Keep in mind that I wrote down exactly what Dylan said. I gave no input, until the last one.

(If you want to make one, go HERE).

You might notice that his favorite food is "Max & Erma's cookies"? Did you also notice that his favorite memory from 2011 is when we got a Max & Erma's gift card in a Christmas card?! I successfully refrained from yelling "THAT?! THAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM THIS YEAR?! WE SPENT ALL THAT MONEY ON A BEACH VACATION AND THAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?!" Then, I got to "Biggest Goal for 2012" and he said "Go to Max & Erma's" and then my head exploded. Oh wait, I think my head exploded when I asked what he wants to learn in 2012 and he said "How to ice skate"!

2011 - Dylan's Firsts

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:31:00 +0000

I have declared that 2012 is the year to get stuff done! Jim and I already completed one project each. I'll blog about that soon. But first, something else I want to get done... Dylan's 2011 firsts! I did this last year and it was so much fun looking at it this year.

January - First snow fort

January - First science class

February - first Pittsburgh stage show - Madagascar Live (I won the tickets!)

March - First fire station field trip

May - First time letterboxing

May - First "big boy bike"

End of May? - stopped taking naps. "Wanna play? Ready to play? When are we gonna play?"

June - first Vacation Bible School (at my parent's church)

July - first movie in a theatre - "Winnie the Pooh"

July - first private swim lessons (with Valerie). First time floating and putting his head underwater!

July - First time driving golf balls (at Bills Golfland, my childhood hangout!)

July - First wave pool and water slides. Also, first time he only went on "big kid rides". (Idlewild)

August - first time at a beach and boardwalk. First time in the ocean. (Ocean City, Maryland)

September - first baseball game and first time running the bases on the field.

October - first time he picked his own apples in an orchard. (Triple B Farms)

October - first time playing tennis. (With Mommy, at Heritage Park)

October - first time to make and eat caramel apples.

December - first carriage ride with Santa.

December - First time ice skating. (Bladerunners in Harmarville)

He also learned to read this year, (Level 1 books), add, subtract, multiply, and became completely fascinated with counting money.

I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring!

Reflecting on 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:14:00 +0000

A fun little questionnaire to reflect on the past year. I found it on Nicole's blog, Oh My Words, who found it on All & Sundry's blog. I didn't want to analyze it TOO much. Just went with my first thoughts, and didn't even answer some. Next, I want to do a "Year In Pictures" video, and Dylan's firsts for the year.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?  (See "Before 40") - Took Dylan to the beach. Wore high heels (tried, I should say). Baked a cake and made a pie. Climbed a rock wall. Took a printmaking class. Went on a carriage ride (with Santa, my friend Diane, and Dylan). Took Dylan ice skating. Became a consultant for Rodan + Fields.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  Um, did I make one? I have no idea. I am constantly coming up with new plans ("dreams and schemes", as my husband once said). I've followed through on my "Before 40" idea for 5 months so far.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?  My friend Karen had a baby girl (her third child).

4. Did anyone close to you die? My grandfather, Ken. I miss his smile and his laugh the most. I am so glad that I have memories of him and Dylan together. Also, Jim's uncle, Gordon, who was another special guy.

My ex-fiance, Brian, died this year. I have no idea of the circumstances, but even though I was not his biggest fan, it is still sad that he died so young.

5. What states/countries did you visit?  Ocean City, Maryland, and visited my friend Julia in Maryland.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?  Money. More friends. A wardrobe I don't hate. Paint on the walls of my home.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 

*January 18th - celebrated my grandpa's 98th birthday with him. At 98, his mind was still sharp. I will remember him laughing and crying when he looked at the birthday card I made him with photos of fun times as a family.
*February 6th - celebrated my dad's 70th birthday. Unfortunately, the day involved watching the Steelers lose the Super Bowl, but still a fun day.
*March 10th - my grandpa died in the hospital. The whole family was able to say goodbye to him.
*August X - Jim surprised me for my 39th birthday, with a trip to a Bed & Breakfast in Ohio. We had an awesome time, but the fact that he planned the whole thing was the best part.
*November X - Dylan turned 5 (party at Gymkhana).

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Climbing a rock wall

9. What was your biggest failure?  Selling stuff on Ebay, and the Pitt job

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Bronchitis

11. What was the best thing you bought?  beach vacation

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?  Dylan - for making me laugh every day

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? many of my friends

14. Where did most of your money go?  Seems like it went to Giant Eagle (groceries AND gas)!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? beach vacation

16. What song will always remind you of 2011? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJYXItns2ik, "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars. Dylan and I sang it to each other on the way to school.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: 
a) happier or sadder?   I would say about the same for all of these. I was happy then. I'm happy now. Could I be thinner and richer? Yes. But, still... happy.
b) thinner or fatter?  
c) richer or poorer? 

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Traveled. Laughed until my sides hurt.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?  Grocery shopping, paying bills, loading and unloading the dishwasher, cooking and cleaning up dinner, doing laundry... need I go on?

20. How did you spend Christmas? At my mother in law's house with Jim, Dylan, my parents, and my in laws. Talked, laughed, ate, opened presents, and played the "stealing presents game".

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?  I fall in love with my son and my husband every time I watch the two of them playing together.

22. What was your favorite TV program?  "An Idiot Abroad" cracked me up. "Whitney" makes me laugh - probably because I'm a lot like her. I was craving an actual "story", so I'm enjoying "Once Upon A Time".

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?  I don't hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?  Simplicity Parenting - didn't read nearly as much as I would have liked

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?  My buddy Nicole sends me recommendations. She introduced me to the song "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor, which was a favorite this year.

26. What did you want and get?  a beach vacation (how many times will this be the answer?!)

27. What did you want and not get? To make so much money from selling R+F that I could quit my other job.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?  Crazy, Stupid Love

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 39. Bed & Breakfast in Ohio

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more
satisfying?  ?

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?  Where is Stacey & Clinton?

32. What kept you sane? Love and laughter

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? 

34. What political issue stirred you the most? 

35. Who did you miss? My grandfather. (And my grandma, actually. Now that they are both gone, I really miss having grandparents).

36. Who was the best new person you met? Jenn from Juggling Life. She came to Pittsburgh from sunny California, to look at colleges with her son, and took the time to drive about 1 1/2 hrs to meet me for lunch. A lunch that ended up lasting 6 hours!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. ?

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. ?
39. How did you ring in the New Year? Same way as last year. Went to dinner with Jim and Dylan. When Dylan is in bed, Jim and I will watch a movie, and drink Rum & Cokes.

40. Do you have a goal for 2012? Keep doing "Before 40". Just really treasure the time I have with Dylan, before he starts kindergarten. Continue to plan fun things, but also to find the fun in the ordinary, everyday moments.

Happy New Year Everyone!

December Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:33:00 +0000

I know I'm not the only one who feels like Christmas came quicker this year than any other. Not sure why that is? We got our tree up late, and only put about 1/3 the ornaments on. I put out way fewer decorations in general, but it works. The theme for this year seems to be "Simple=Better".

Jim decorated the house late, and decided (once again) that he is NOT doing the lights next year. Can you imagine how filthy rich the person will be who finally invents Christmas lights that STAY LIT?

My cards were finally mailed on Monday, and this is the first year we didn't do a "photo card". That was the original plan, but after a battle with my computer, I gave up and got cards at Target that I could just put a picture in. (A FALL picture, but whatever. The Christmas photo thing was a disaster this year).

Don't get me wrong - some things did work out. I've been looking for stockings for years and just couldn't find any I liked that weren't ridiculously expensive. This year I found some at Michaels that were 1/2 off!

I bought Dylan an advent calendar for his birthday (in November), and he has been so excited to see what kind of candy he will find in that day's number. I think for the final day, that I will just put in a piece of paper, with instructions to follow to find the extra special treat.

We used to have a bunch of toys stored in front of the fireplace, since that room is the "play room". Dylan told me "We need to move all those toys, so Santa doesn't trip and fall and get hurt when he comes down the chimney!" Now that the area is clear, I'm thinking we need to have our first fire (why haven't we lit a fire in the fireplace in the 3 years we've lived here?!), and make some smores!

Another way we have made the season more fun is with the "card game". We each guess the number of Christmas cards we will get that day, and the closest number wins.

One day, I was annoyed with the commercialism aspect of Christmas, and decided I needed to teach Dylan about the joy of giving. We made sugar cookies and decorated them. Then I told him we were going to take some over to our neighbors. "Well, we should take some to Nina's!" (His little friend next door). I wish I had taken my camera, because him standing there in the doorway, smiling at her, while holding out the cookies, and her huge smile in return was priceless.

Dylan got this next idea out of the book "Arthur's Christmas"...

(You might notice the tree lights? Santa could just go straight, but apparently he wants him to have a tour of the house?)

(Oh wait! He probably has to stop in the kitchen to get milk for the cookies).

Hope your holiday is Merry & Bright!

Before 40 - December : Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:49:00 +0000

My friend who attempted the rock wall with me for last month's "Before 40", called me with an idea for this month. Have I told you how much I LOVE when other people come up with ideas? It happens SO rarely that I get ridiculously excited. Plus, it was a really great idea.

We had never been on a carriage ride. A white carriage ride, pulled by a beautiful big black horse, with SANTA inside to be exact! Of course, we took Dylan.

Waiting in line in the cold wasn't fun. I would say we waited about 20 minutes, and it was pretty cold, but we did get a coupon for a free hot chocolate and mini cookie from Panera Bread, so that helped.

Would you believe that we were the last group to go... not just that day, but for the season! A family came while we were in line, and were told they couldn't go. The little girl immediately burst into tears. It was awful, but the friendly elf told her she could wait and pet the horse, and say hello to Santa and she cheered up.

The ride was fantastic! Me, my friend, and Dylan got quality time with Santa, and he was just a sweetheart. The guy was so much in character, that I started to believe in Santa. Two of my favorite moments...
1. When Santa asked Dylan what he wants for Christmas and he answered "batteries"! I love how simple his wants are at this point in life.
2. When Dylan asked Santa, "Who is your favorite reindeer?". Santa said, "Well, that's a great question! To answer it, I have a song... You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer..." He sang the whole song, and who knew that Santa had such a lovely singing voice?

After our ride, we went into Panera for gingerbread men cookies! The day was one of my favorite holiday memories for sure. Thanks Santa! We'll get to work on those cookies you requested.

(All the pictures of me are on her camera, so I couldn't add them).

Before 40 - December : Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:12:00 +0000

A little background is required to tell this story correctly. When I went to college many moons ago, I had no idea what to major in. I was interested in many things, and considered many things, but somehow decided to major in Art. (One in a long line of mistakes, probably, but for the sake of keeping this story short(ish), I won't go there).

I loved being in college. I loved the freedom to make my own decisions. I loved meeting all new people. I loved being an art major. I was a bit odd, because unlike a lot of kids that age attending college, I wanted to learn. It wasn't about what classes were the easiest, or which teacher gave out the most A's. For me, it was wanting to learn as much about everything as I possibly could in four years.

Which is exactly why my Printmaking class upset me so much. Printmaking was a required class for all art majors. Some of the students didn't have the slightest clue what printmaking was, nor did they care, but I was excited to start making some prints! Relief Printing, Intaglio, Lithography, Screenprinting, and Monotype/Monoprint! I arrived at the first class, early and eager to get started. Pretty soon, the whole class and I were waiting outside the classroom door. "The guy is late to class on the very first day?", someone commented. We waited about 15 more minutes, before a very ill prepared, oddly unapologetic professor showed up. I think he shoved a syllabus at us, before saying something about not feeling well, and said he would see us at the next class.

I arrived on time for the second class, along with most of the other students. Ten minutes after the class was supposed to start several people left, 5 minutes after that, several more left, and 10 minutes after that I looked at someone and said, "Well, what's up with this?" The rumor was that the professor was an alcoholic. Sometimes he showed up, but usually he didn't. One of the students informed us that he gave everyone A's, and that seemed to satisfy everyone... except me. I showed up for every.single.class. Most of the time, I waited 15 or 20 minutes before leaving. I didn't learn a stinking thing about printmaking. There is an "A" on my transcript next to "Printmaking" even though I don't know a darn thing about it, and that always annoyed me.

So, for the "Before 40" in December, I went back to school. That's right. At the age of 39, I took a Printmaking class. Unfortunately I have about as much money now as I did when I was a college student, so I could only afford a one day class.

I showed up early (of course), found the room, and said "Hello" to the other students. The instructor wasn't there yet. (Do you see where this is headed?) Fifteen minutes later, I told the other students what had happened the last time I tried to take a Printmaking class, and they all laughed. "I'm sure she'll be here any minute", one assured me. Five minutes later, I went out to call Jim. "YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS!", I shouted. "MY TEACHER IS A NO-SHOW! CAN THIS SERIOUSLY BE HAPPENING AGAIN?!"

She did eventually show up (30 minutes late!), and I did learn how to make a Monotype. That's pretty much all we had time for. So, I didn't learn much, but it's a step in the right direction. Maybe by the time I'm 50 I'll be a printmaking expert? It was fun to get my creative juices going again. A person should never stop learning, after all. (As you probably guessed by the "Part 1", I did another new thing in December. That one needs its own post, so stay tuned for that).

December Random

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:55:00 +0000

* I'm pretty sure we are the only people in our neighborhood that don't have our Christmas lights up. Jim refused to get the Christmas stuff out of the attic until December 1st, but then we were busy all last weekend and never got it done. It's okay, though. This guy makes up for our lack of Christmas lights...

There's one in every neighborhood, and this is ours. Ho, Ho, HOLY CRAP, THAT'S A LOT OF LIGHTS! When we drive by the house, on our way home, Jim shouts "AVERT YOUR EYES! AVERT YOUR EYES! DO NOT STARE DIRECTLY AT IT OR YOU'LL GO BLIND!" I put my camera in my car yesterday, planning to get a shot on my way home from work last night. I slowed down as I approached the house, and then quickly sped back up when I saw the guy standing on his porch. I think he was trying to decide if he could fit a little more tacky in the yard. Either that, or he smelled smoke from the fuse that was about to blow and take out power in the whole neighborhood.

* Saturday we are going to the Holiday Pops Christmas concert downtown, along with my parents. Seeing the huge tree and pretty decorations, and hearing the music should put us in the decorating mood.
Maybe we'll also finally get a picture for our Christmas card?!

* Jim, Dylan, and I watched Rudolph last night. I get sad sometimes, thinking about how much Dylan has already grown. But, then he buries his head in my shoulder and covers his eyes, afraid of "Bumble", and he's still my innocent little boy.

* I've already started to panic a bit about him going to kindergarten next year. We've toured four schools, and have one more scheduled to tour. There is one we really, really like, but the students are chosen by lottery, so the chances he'll get in are slim. I called to try and schedule a tour at our local public school. The conversation went like this...
Me: "I was calling because my husband and I would like to come in and tour the school".
Secretary: "Ummmmm....." (awkward silence)
Me: "We are looking at some private schools in the area and we wanted to tour the public school before making a decision".
Secretary: "Uh... well... let me take down your information and I'll get back to you".

That was Monday morning. I haven't heard back from her. Really doesn't make me want to send him there, you know?

* This is the first winter that Dylan doesn't take naps. He only goes to school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. I'm having a hard time coming up with things to do! What do you do with your kids in the winter?

Before 40 - November

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:04:00 +0000

I've never been super athletic. I enjoy sports, and I certainly wouldn't be considered "girly", but I never excelled at any particular sport either. I played softball for many years, and I would say that I "wasn't bad".

Now let's talk about exercise. I have a strong desire to do it... in my head. Just there. Not in practice. Not so much that I join a gym, or get up an hour early to work out, or even squeeze in a walk now and then. I watch The Biggest Loser every week, and every single week, I think "I'm going to eat better and work out!" Then the week goes by, and I'm sitting on the couch again, eating snacks while watching another episode. I'm motivated in my head, but my body doesn't get the memo.

I've signed up for fitness classes and not finished. (In my defense, I have a weak back, and I seem to always hurt it when I exercise. I know. Excuses, Excuses. Wah, Wah, Wah!) I've bought fitness videos and used them for a while religiously... A WHILE. I bought the Ab Cruncher and used it faithfully... for A WHILE. My most successful exercise experience was the Water Aerobics class I took years ago. Those old ladies and I rocked it out!

This past week, the day before Thanksgiving, my body finally got the memo. I told Dylan that he and I were going to "do an exercise video". I had bought "Billy Blanks Basic Training" DVD months ago at the library's used book sale. It is 55 minutes long. I figured, "How hard can it be?" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I amuse myself. Put it this way... the people IN THE VIDEO were looking like they might die. Put it this way... Thanksgiving day I was thankful I could lift my arms. (Note to self: You are NOT in shape, dummy! Pace Yourself!)

So, I'm in horrendous shape, and I am the complete opposite of flexible. I'm surprised I can bend over to tie my shoes. All this to explain why I was a little nervous about my next "Before 40" feat. I have never climbed a rock wall.

When I was out to dinner with a friend of mine, I told her about my "Before 40" thing. She wanted in. She had never climbed a rock wall either. I found the place. We just needed to coordinate a day we could each go. It wasn't happening. I called her yesterday (Saturday), and asked if she could go today (Sunday). "No, I have to.... Can we wait until next weekend?" Well, that's the thing about a "Before 40" list. If you spend too much time "waiting", you don't spend enough time "doing". I said I was going to do one new thing a month and I'm doing one new thing a month! I was going to tell her that, too, but when she called me back later, she said she was in!

After a slight miscommunication about where the place was ("Oh! You're in the South Side? I thought you said the Strip!"), we were ready to go. We got our fancy climbing shoes, and signed the form. I told her, "You don't need to read it. It just says you won't sue them if you fall and die". I'm a fountain of encouragement, aren't I? Just for that, she made me go first. I had to stop a couple times and consider 1. If I was going to be able to get my huge feet in the next tiny crack. and 2. If my arms shaking from exhaustion were going to prevent me from continuing.

Before 40 - October

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:03:00 +0000

I've told you that I'm not a good cook, but did you know that I don't bake either? Martha Stewart would be appalled at my complete lack of culinary interest. So, for "Before 40"'s month of October I decided to do something totally out of character. Would you believe that in my 39 years I have never baked a cake?! Weird, I know. We are big birthday celebrators in my family, but apparently we are big birthday cake BUYERS, not bakers.

Since it was October, and I didn't have any birthdays coming up, I decided to make a Pumpkin shaped cake.

Dylan never passes up an opportunity to eat cake.

He found the whole Mommy-is-baking thing quite entertaining. So much so, that he wanted to film it...

The recipe I was using made two pumpkin cakes. We certainly didn't need to eat two pumpkin cakes after all that Halloween candy, so I figured I'd give one to my neighbors. Um.. yea... that didn't happen. They weren't horrible, but I didn't feel they were neighbor worthy either.

My wonderful (also never baked a cake) husband was highly amused as he pointed out that I was supposed to flip the cake over, out of the pan, BEFORE icing it. DUH! Martha Stewart can kiss my pasty white butt!

Since I was on a roll, I decided to make my first PIE for Thanksgiving.

It's a Turtle Pumpkin Pie, and OH MY was it rich! Too much so for my taste, although Jim liked it. For me, anything that rich should have chocolate in it. I'm not a big pie eater, though. I would say that it was better than the cakes. I would have given my neighbors a piece, but Jim called "DIBS!" on the leftover pieces.

I've also never made cupcakes or cake pops. But, considering the fact that we just ate way too much food for Thanksgiving, and the fact that we still have Halloween candy, I think I'll put that off for a while! Don't miss my "Before 40" for November!

Happy? Thankful?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Are you happy? Are you thankful?

Brad Pitt was interviewed recently and the interviewer asked Brad Pitt, "Are you happy?". His answer was ""I think happiness is overrated, truthfully," he tells Australia's "60 Minutes." "I do. I think sometimes you're happy, sometimes you're not. There's too much pressure to be happy. I don't know. I don't really give a (bleep). I know I will be at times and I know I won't be at times..............". "I don't give a shit"?! To me, that doesn't sound like something a happy person would say. Some might ask "How can he NOT be happy? He is gorgeous, has a beautiful wife, healthy children, a successful career, and all the money a person could want!"

If someone asked me the question, "Are you happy?", I would answer "Yes". I am happy. I have many things to be thankful for - my family, my home, my friends, my health. If someone asked me "Are you satisfied?", the answer might be different. I have to admit that I always seem to be striving for more - more friends, more money... MORE. I think that is part of human nature. Wanting more gives us goals and something to work towards. The trick is not letting the journey towards MORE, distract you from being thankful for what you do have right now. There are so many things we take for granted. There are so many things that we do every single day that we don't even think about.

Let this video remind you...

After watching the video, would you answer the question differently? Are you happy? Are you thankful?

Fifth Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:07:00 +0000

This year we had Dylan's birthday party at Gymkhana. For all you locals, it is a great option for this age group. The kids had a blast, the instructor was great with the kids, the party room was a nice size, and there was very little work for me! Score!

Five kids weren't able to come, so we ended up with 9 kids, and about 17 adults. The instructor would open one section of the gym at a time, explain what the kids were supposed to do on the equipment, and then supervise them while they jumped, swung, climbed, and bounced.

We didn't have time to open the gifts at the party, so we waited until we got home. Now my house looks like a toy store explosion! Having a birthday in November isn't ideal, but the great thing is that we have plenty of things to play with when he is off for Thanksgiving week. It is great to have some new games to play!

Dylan's Fifth Birthday - In Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:53:00 +0000

Your birthday began when you, and "Puppy" jumped into our bed to wake us up. You waited until 8:40! (THANK YOU!)

You had enough restraint to eat breakfast BEFORE opening presents!

You wanted to open Luca's present first! (the little boy I'm a nanny for) Hmmmph!

I have to admit, it is a really cool present!

We've played it several times already, and hey, so long as it's not Chutes & Ladders, I'm happy!

Considering the fact that you actually wanted to play hockey, BEFORE watching TV this morning, I would say this was your favorite present...

After opening all your gifts, we watched the video about Disney I picked up at the library, which was so ancient that I don't think it was a great representation of what we will actually see and do when we go. Then, we watched "Word World", one of your current favorites.

After eating lunch, we headed to the Science Center.

We went in the "Sports Works" building for the first time, and had a blast! (Why have skipped that in the past?!) This was your favorite thing...

I'm not too excited about science, but I was excited about the sports! Could you tell?

Even though we got a late start, we still spent several hours there.

After the Science Center, we went to Denny's so you could get your free birthday "Grand Slam" pancakes. No picture, but this is how you felt about it...

We loved spending your fifth birthday with you! Next... your PARTY!

My Five Year Old

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Dear Dylan,

You were so excited about your birthday this year, more so than any other year. You have been telling people everywhere we go, "My birthday is coming up! I'm going to be FIVE!" You aren't all that excited about the presents, though. When we asked what you wanted, at first, you said "I don't know". You finally did come up with one thing you wanted - a handheld Sudoku game. You are so interested in numbers these days. Your ability with numbers amazes your dad and I. You can make your own sudoku puzzles, and you convert letters to numbers and make complicated equations that way. You are doing addition and subtraction with double digits, and starting to multiply! I don't know how they are going to keep your interest in kindergarten next year!

Your daddy and I are looking at schools now. What a hard decision! You are very smart, but you also love sports, and we have to take that into consideration. Your favorite sports lately are football and hockey. You were playing golf and tennis, until the weather got too cold. You love to watch the Steelers games with your daddy, and usually manage to keep interested until the last quarter. You ask a LOT of questions about the game. Actually, you ask a LOT of questions all the time! I often feel like I'm on a quiz show.

I have to admit that four was a tough year for me. The constant questions were exhausting and the negotiating! You know how to tell time now, so that caused me some extra stress. "MOM! WE HAVE TO LEAVE IN TEN MINUTES!... MOM! WE HAVE TO LEAVE IN NINE MINUTES!... MOM!..." My rule with TV is that you get to watch one hour of TV a day. You know that, so now it is "That video was only 54 minutes, so I get 6 more minutes of TV!"

I have to admit that I did some negotiating myself. "If I play ANOTHER game of Chutes & Ladders with you, you have to play Uno with me!" I'm trying to get you to learn to compromise and not always have things your way - something that is often difficult, as you like to be in charge.

You can read Level 1 books now, but you don't always want to. You would much rather have me read to you. You love when I get new books from the library, but you don't like going and picking them out! "That's not really fun", you'll say. You are not at all materialistic, but you are spoiled rotten with experiences. You want to go somewhere "fun" every single day! You are also completely spoiled with attention! I know someday I will miss the cries of "Play with me!", but right now, I get very little done.

The thing that I love the most about you is that you are almost always happy. Your science teacher is always commenting on how much she loves your smile, and how you smile all the time. You are a pretty easy going kid. Not many things upset you... except losing! You have become SO competitive this year, and you hate to lose. You never give up, though.

Probably the thing I want to remember most about you at four years old, was how much you loved your daddy and I. You were always drawing pictures of us, smiling and holding hands, with "I LOVE YOU MOMMY AND DADDY" written in large letters. More than anything else, you just wanted to spend time with us. I've cherished every hug, kiss, and opportunity to hold your hand and have you climb into my lap for snuggles.

I love you, my sweet boy!
Love,
Mommy

The Peanut Allergy : Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:38:00 +0000

Yep, there actually is a Part 3 to the peanut allergy post!

When I asked Dylan what he wanted to take in for his birthday snack (which was today), can you guess what he said? If you guessed COOKIE CAKE you are correct! I promised him that he would finally get to eat a cookie cake at school.

Yesterday, I dropped him off at my mother-in-laws, so I could go get my hair cut. Jim was going to pick him up later, on his way home from work. After my hair cut, I came home and cleaned the downstairs bathroom, which was beyond gross. Then, I decided to reward myself by finally watching "Crazy Stupid Love", while I ate dinner. I never could eat dinner by myself unless the TV is on - too depressing. I loved the movie, and it made me really appreciate what I have, especially my two favorite guys.

I was wondering where they were! It was almost 8:30 and they weren't home yet. I started to worry. Then, I started organizing the papers in the kitchen, and realized in horror that I never bought the cookie cake - for the next day! I would have to run out to the store. But, I wanted to say goodnight to Dylan. So, I waited until the finally got home, kissed Dylan goodnight, and ran out to the store (in my pajamas!) at 9pm to buy a cookie cake.

This morning, my dad was taking Dylan to school so Jim and I could tour a school. I made sure he took the cookie cake, and told Dylan that Jim and I would pick him up later. While we were out, I got a call on my cell, but I didn't recognize the number, so I didn't answer. Now, here's the crazy part...

When we picked Dylan up, the teacher handed me the UNEATEN COOKIE CAKE! Apparently there was smoke in the school, and no one could figure out where the smoke was coming from. The fire trucks came and the day was generally chaotic, and they weren't able to serve the cookie cake. Can you believe that?! (Oh, the call was from them, to tell the parents about the smoke).

So, they don't know if the kids will have school on Monday or not (the day of the Thanksgiving show - that Jim already took 1/2 day off for!). If they do, we were told we can take the cookie cake in then.

I felt so bad for Dylan, but there he was, smiling and excited to see us. I was so proud, we took him to Max & Erma's for lunch to get some cookies!

A Little Of This, A Little Of That

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:46:00 +0000

*Part 2 of the peanut allergy post: I took Dylan to the store and let him pick some snacks he would be happy with. He was a little too excited about it. "I want these! And these! And how about these?!" I had to reign him in a bit. Then, on Friday, even though the snacks were in a bag, sitting on the kitchen counter, I forgot to take them. When I picked him up from school, and asked what he had for snack, his lip started to quiver and his eyes got teary. "I had to eat Cheez-It's, and the other kids got a cookie cake again! You said you would take the special snacks we picked out, but you didn't!" (Excuse me while I straighten my "Mommy Of The Year" award). I am happy to report that I remembered to take them in today, so hopefully the snack dilemma is solved.

*Part 2 of The Ugly Shirt post: I told Jim yesterday that I had a blog post for him to read. I sat down next to him while he read it. When he got to the part that said that I threw his shirt away, he stopped and said, "YOU DID?!" I said, "Keep reading". Then, he read the next line that said "Yes, I DID". Ha!
Then, he asked, "Is it still in the garbage?", looking hopeful. I answered, "No, I waited until the garbage went out. Why do you think I waited until today to show you this post?" (Evil laughter).

*We have started touring schools for next year (he'll go to kindergarten). You know how much I love to tour schools, right?

*Dylan turns five this week! There was only one thing he could tell me that he wanted for his birthday - a Sudoku handheld game, that cost $14 at Target! I am really enjoying these days when his needs are simple. Material needs, that is. Emotional needs (time and attention) is a completely different story!

*I think I've mentioned that Dylan is obsessed with sports lately. His newest obsession is hockey. Um, yea... a sport that involves him swinging around a large stick. Could you all please keep your fingers crossed that I don't lose a tooth?

*Remember back in October I took Dylan to the farm on a 68 degree day AND it snowed the same week? Well, the second week in November, I took him to the zoo on a 68 degree day AND it snowed in the same week. Pittsburgh is a confusing place to live.

The Ugly Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:31:00 +0000

I came into the family room, to watch Dylan and Jim playing football. Playing TACKLE football... in the FAMILY ROOM. (Just wanted to point that out to you for some reason). Although I was seriously questioning the brilliance of this particular idea, I WAS thinking how adorable they looked, laughing and tackling each other. I WAS thinking how sweet it was that Jim was being extra careful, and pretending to not be able to tackle Dylan. I WAS thinking about what a great dad Jim is, but I was suddenly distracted by something. VERY distracted. I couldn't focus on anything else actually.

Me: "Jim? Where did you get that shirt?"
Jim: "I don't know".
Me: "You don't know?! Did someone give it to you, or did you buy it?"
Jim: "I don't really remember".
Me: "Are you sure that is a man's shirt?!"
Jim: "Of course it's a man's shirt!"
Me: "Men's shirts never have 3/4 length sleeves!"
Jim: "In the 80's they did!"
Me: Blink. Blink. "You've had that shirt since the 80's?!"
Jim: "Yea".
Me: "Um... are you aware that it is 2011?"
Jim: "Is there a problem with this shirt?!"
Me: "Wow. Which problem would you like first?"
Jim: "It's just a shirt I sleep in! Who cares?"
Me: (thinking to myself about the many times that he cuts the grass in his "pajama shirts") "Mmm...hmmm.... It's ridiculously big... What size is it?"
Jim: "I don't know" (Moving over so I can look at the tag)
Me: "Oh for crying out loud! The tag is so old and frayed, I can't even read it! It has to be an extra large, though".
Jim: (crickets) (As far as he was concerned the conversation about the ugly shirt was over).

When I went up to bed that night, the ugly shirt was laying on the bed. On MY SIDE yet! Mocking me. I threw it in the bathroom garbage can. (Oh yes, I DID!)

I was quite certain that it would miraculously find it's way back out of the garbage can later, because, you see, I've married my mother. (Just writing that sentence might require a psychologist visit). I've always loved to throw things away. I find it freeing, getting rid of clutter. Somehow, though, in my childhood home, things would always reappear. I thought I was losing my mind. I thought the house had a ghost. Then, one day, I threw something away in the kitchen, tiptoed down the hall, and waited. Sure enough, I heard something in the garbage... or someone. I caught my mom red handed! "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!", I screamed at my surprised mom. "Well, you might want this... you could use this for..." Yep. I am still hearing that, but now it's in my own house, and it's my husband saying it!

The ugly shirt was at the top of the open garbage can, so I figured the likelihood of me never seeing that shirt again was pretty slim. I figured I would be hearing about it the next day, but do you know? He didn't say one word about it, and I think the shirt was thrown away! Unless he secretly took it out of the garbage and purposefully didn't mention it, because he is just waiting for a perfect opportunity to bust it out and wear it? Oh, geez, now I'm nervous. I'm hoping that this post will not have a Part 2.
I'm hoping that is the end of "The Ugly Shirt".

So, what about you? Does your significant other have an item of clothing that you can't stand and would like to throw away?

(P.S. The shirt he has on in that picture is NOT The Ugly Shirt. He looks great in that shirt. He's a good looking guy, and he should wear shirts that show that. That picture was taken on his birthday this year, the first time I ever wore heels.)

Peanut Allergies Stink

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Dylan has a "moderate" nut allergy. He's had two allergy "attacks" that I've witnessed. While scary, they were not the rush to the hospital kind of attack, but did require Benadryll. We've had him tested, and the doctor said to avoid all nut products, but that we don't have to be concerned with things that say "made in a place that also makes nut products" (or whatever it usually says). We can eat peanut butter around him - he just can't have any.

Dylan is great about it all. If he is at a party, or somewhere I'm not, he always asks someone "Does that have nuts in it?", before eating something he's not sure about. He's never seemed sad or upset about the peanut allergy - just very matter of fact.

When I went through his Halloween treats, taking out anything with nuts, he didn't seem to care. He did want to count and organize them, before I separated them, but other than that, no big deal. I've wonder at times if it bothers him, though. When we meet friends at the park for a playdate, and the other kids are eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I wonder. When we went to someone's house, and they had just made peanut butter cookies, and offered us some, I wondered. When I hear him explaining it to another kid who wants to give him something with peanuts, I wonder.

Today, we were sitting eating lunch, and I was trying to pry some information about school out of him. He finally threw me a morsel.
D: "Well, it was Connor's birthday today".
Me: "Oh... What did you have for snack then?"
D: "I had goldfish".
Me: "Connor brought in goldfish for his birthday snack?!"
D: "No, he brought in a cookie cake".
Me: (slowly understanding)... "So, your teachers weren't sure if it had nuts in it, so you had to eat goldfish?"
D: "Yea".
Me: "Did that make you sad?"
D: "... Well... a little bit..."
Me: "Does that happen a lot?"
D: "Well... sometimes".

The whole thing just made ME sad. I thought back to the first day of school, when the teacher called me to ask if he could have one of the doughnuts that someone brought. I THOUGHT I had explained that they don't need to be super concerned about the nut allergy. I figured since I hadn't heard anything since, that it wasn't an issue. I discovered that wasn't the case.

Just last week, we had a friend over from school. His mom told me that when it was her son's turn to take in a snack, that he told her, "We have to make sure the snack doesn't have nuts, because I don't want Dylan to have to eat goldfish AGAIN!" How sweet is that?

I was talking to Jim on the phone, and told him about the conversation with Dylan.
Me: "So the other kids were all eating their piece of cookie cake, singing "Happy Birthday", and poor Dylan was sitting there eating goldfish!" (I told Jim)
D: (who was coloring in the other room) "HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT?!?"
I think he was worried I was out in the bushes, spying on him! You should have seen the look on his face! I tried to explain that I just "imagined it", but he was still looking at me funny.

I guess I don't blame the teachers for being concerned, but I wish they had let me know what was happening. The plan is that I will pick up some single serve bags, with things that Dylan would be excited to eat ( like Chips A Hoy cookies - not TOO different from a cookie cake), and take them to school. Well that, and an Epi-Pen.

("Peanut or Groundnut" photo by Stoonn)

Once You Post About Halloween It Is Officially November

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:37:00 +0000

I finally took down the Halloween decorations today, so I guess I better do a Halloween post, so I can officially embrace November.

Since Dylan LOVES to golf these days, the costume was pretty much a no-brainer. I got every single bit of it at either a consignment sale, or consignment store, with the exception of the argyle socks. I had no idea how hard it would be to find argyle socks for little boys! Ended up having to buy those online.

On Halloween, I took Dylan to preschool, where I got to watch him and his classmates sing some Halloween songs, and then march in a parade through the school. I'd show the video, but all the other kids are in it.

Right before trick or treating, (which was at 6:30pm here), it started to rain. Oh, and it was cold! But, it certainly didn't dampen the spirit of all the trick or treaters. Dylan was as excited as ever. We hit just about every house in our neighborhood. My mom and dad were here to pass out the candy, while Jim and I took Dylan around. My mom only gave each kid one piece, so I'm pretty sure we will be eating candy until Valentine's Day!

This is just the loot from school!

Dylan with my parents

The trick or treating loot

He's an organization freak, like his mom! He sorted the candy and marked how many of each kind he had! Then, we had to leave it like that, (in my living room), until the next day, so he could show his friend who was coming over for a playdate how much candy he got! The part that amazed me was that even with all that candy out, he didn't try and sneak a piece! (I guess that would have messed up his system).

Welcome, November!

The Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:31:00 +0000

On Tuesday this week, my mom and I took Dylan to Round Hill Farm. I love that place! There are few places that make me so nostalgic. I always think of the times my parents took me there as a kid, so being there with my mom and Dylan was magical. It was a perfect fall day in October, the temperature in the upper 60's, the sun shining, the sky blue.

The ducks were hungry!

And aggressive! Wait, this one will give you a better idea...

"Whoa! GET BACK! Hey!" QUACK!!!

Of course, Dylan walked along the beam, just like I loved to do as a kid.

Of course, he ran along the wall (racing "Mi-Mi"),

and jumped off the wall.

(Psst...this is from LAST year!)

There was a very talkative turkey. "Gobble... Gobble... Hey, kid! Can you help me out? They put me next to that rooster, and I cannot get a wink of sleep around here!... Oh, and can we talk about how delicious ham is? You know... for Thanksgiving?"

I've noticed that I take very few pictures of the actual animals at the farm! For me, it's more about the awesome scenery, and the photo ops.

(Psst... this is from LAST year...)

I tell you, every time I do this, I have to double check the date a few times, saying "This has to be from 2 years ago!" Time flies, and I have the pictures to prove it.

Yep, so that was Tuesday. This was Saturday...

Mother Nature, you have one sick sense of humor!