When we got home from a quick run to the grocery store, the kids and I noticed a package at the front door. Of course, they were SUPER excited because they knew that Mémé was sending out their Christmas gifts. They all rushed to the front door, grabbed it and started inspecting.
I asked, "You looking for a name? Look it says, 'Danielle'."
Immediately they said, "But who's is it???"
"I'm not telling. If I tell you won't have a Christmas surprise."
Chase continues shaking, Henri is standing by.
Claire tells me that she doesn't like surprises and that she'll forget what I told her by the time it's Christmas... so it was OK for me to tell her.
"You will remember, I'm not telling you." I insist.
She goes on and says, "I forgot to tell you something."
"What was it??" I ask.
She replies,"I don't know... I forgot. See :)"
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Conversation on Water
More often than not, I choose to blog about the things we do or the most FUN funniest moments. It seems my kids always have words that are flying out of their mouths that make me laugh and realize how naive they are. But then they have moments, when I see their optimism for the future and think "why can't everyone think like them??".
Yesterday, after school I took the kids to Panera Bread for snack. We ordered almost everything in the bakery section-- a brownie, carrot muffin, cinnamon roll and two chocolate chip cookies. Along with our treats we had hot chocolate and waters. We sat and talked about lots of stuff-- mostly school related-- then Claire says, "Every house has a bathroom." I paused to think about what I needed to say. I always tell my kids the truth to give them a broader understanding of the world and how it works.
I told them that, unfortunately, not every house has a bathroom because not every house has running water. Chase responds with "well they have porta-potties." I smile at the thought, and say that it is a possibility. Then-- after the kids refill our water-- the conversation shifts. It's been raining since Tuesday... thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Puddles line the streets and parking lots. Still on the bathroom conundrum, I insist that it's true and say, "In fact, not every house has running water." They're intrigued. Chase having a confused look on his face quickly chimes in and says, "That's impossible. Everyone needs water. Water does good things for your body." I can only imagine that my constant pushing of "you need water to live" comments are running through Chase's brain. He's thinking the most about this, I can tell by the comments he's making. He's digging for a hole in my story. What about washing hands, showers, baths, drinking, washing dishes/clothes???... he knows that water is essential to our lives... and it's evident that he doesn't understand how someone could be without. His list goes on and on... I have to stop him and explain to him that in other countries there are people who get their water by taking a cup to a puddle in the street. They all three, in unison, say, "That's disgusting." Words are flying, "You can't do that... you can get sick... that water is dirty..." At that moment, Chase stops the prodding, and starts trying to figure out a solution-- that's what he does.
He then says, "What about building them a well??"
And there it is... optimism for the future.
Yesterday, after school I took the kids to Panera Bread for snack. We ordered almost everything in the bakery section-- a brownie, carrot muffin, cinnamon roll and two chocolate chip cookies. Along with our treats we had hot chocolate and waters. We sat and talked about lots of stuff-- mostly school related-- then Claire says, "Every house has a bathroom." I paused to think about what I needed to say. I always tell my kids the truth to give them a broader understanding of the world and how it works.
I told them that, unfortunately, not every house has a bathroom because not every house has running water. Chase responds with "well they have porta-potties." I smile at the thought, and say that it is a possibility. Then-- after the kids refill our water-- the conversation shifts. It's been raining since Tuesday... thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Puddles line the streets and parking lots. Still on the bathroom conundrum, I insist that it's true and say, "In fact, not every house has running water." They're intrigued. Chase having a confused look on his face quickly chimes in and says, "That's impossible. Everyone needs water. Water does good things for your body." I can only imagine that my constant pushing of "you need water to live" comments are running through Chase's brain. He's thinking the most about this, I can tell by the comments he's making. He's digging for a hole in my story. What about washing hands, showers, baths, drinking, washing dishes/clothes???... he knows that water is essential to our lives... and it's evident that he doesn't understand how someone could be without. His list goes on and on... I have to stop him and explain to him that in other countries there are people who get their water by taking a cup to a puddle in the street. They all three, in unison, say, "That's disgusting." Words are flying, "You can't do that... you can get sick... that water is dirty..." At that moment, Chase stops the prodding, and starts trying to figure out a solution-- that's what he does.
He then says, "What about building them a well??"
And there it is... optimism for the future.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Words of Claire
While sitting at the table eating our freshly baked Monkey Muffins, Aaron tells Claire that he's using one of her pictures in an advertisement.
"My little model." he says.
She quickly replies with, "I'm not a model."
I, of course, tell her that she can be anything that she wants to be.
With a huge grin, she says, "I'm a unicorn." I'm left speechless.
Aaron says, "Well, you did say she could be anything she wanted."
"My little model." he says.
She quickly replies with, "I'm not a model."
I, of course, tell her that she can be anything that she wants to be.
With a huge grin, she says, "I'm a unicorn." I'm left speechless.
Aaron says, "Well, you did say she could be anything she wanted."
Monday, November 2, 2009
St. Louis to 64W
Saying goodbye isn't something that comes easy. Especially when I don't know when the next time I will see someone. But, after a week in St. Louis, we were ready to be home. Now don't take it wrong... we had an amazing time (aside from the weather being gloomy and wet)... everything was wonderful.
While I would love to write about every detail of our trip... I honestly would be here forever! So here are some day-by-day highlights:
Saturday: Since there aren't many trees that loose their leaves here, on Saturday, the kids helped my mom rake leaves. They ran, jumped, dove and hid in the leaf pile. Later that afternoon, we went to visit Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Adam and baby Raegan. After dinner (in Kirkwood), we walked a few blocks to "ColdStone". My kids, of course, picked up litter along the way!! I'm thinking of calling them "Litter Patrol". They held on to what was recyclable and found a trash can along the way and put the litter where it belongs. They make me so proud!!!
Sunday: We went to a family reunion at Aaron's parents house. As usual, the kids had so much fun. Claire and Henri worked past their fears and rode Omaha for the first time. The kids went "fishing" for toys... Claire snagged a hula hoop and had a major meltdown! "That's not what I wanted!!" she cried. Her Uncle Adam has this on video ;)
Monday: Took the kids to the STL Science Center. Chase was bummed (ok, mad and pouty) because he just wanted to go to the Magic House. No matter how much we explained to him that the Science Center was amazing... he didn't believe us until we stepped inside. The kids built an arch-- Henri destroyed it before I could get a pic. They learned how to make bridges... Chase, of course, was enthralled with building the different types of bridges. Oh, and the Dinosaur section they have 2 life size dinosaurs (T-Rex and Triceratops). They moved and made sounds, which absolutely terrified Henri, so much that he kept saying, "I wanna get outta here." I was able to take Chase and Claire to look at them, but even they were fearful. So, to whoever created those Dinosaurs at the STL Science Center... Bravo!... my kids are convinced they are real!!
Tuesday: Chase has became a fan of Mario Cart on Wii, Claire likes to run on Wii Fit! We met Grandpa Bill, Grandma Pam, Lindsay, Adam and Raegan at Chevy's for dinner. Henri slept almost the entire time... waking just in time for dessert.
Wednesday: After a slow start, we made it to my Grandparents for lunch. It had been months since we had been there... and the kids (except for Henri) ran in like they had just been there the day before. Their toys are so simple (old, broken-in), but the kids love them. After talking for hours, we then took the kids to their favorite place in St. Louis-- the Magic House. We've actually been there so many times, that I've lost count. This time we mostly played in the old section because the boys didn't pay attention to their bodies and peed their pants! Aaron had to take an hour long (round trip) drive to my mom's to get the boys new clothes... and I was left to keep the kids occupied-- which was quite easy ;) For dinner, we met up with Brian and Jenna and their two kids... I suddenly turned into that "old person" that says, "I can't believe how big you've gotten and I remember when....".
Thursday: I helped my mom make her very first cheesecake! Coming to STL, we had grand plans of walking through Stuckmeyer's pumpkin patch, going on a hayride, corn maze and playing at their wonderful farm...but with the rain still hovering over St. Louis, we picked out 3 pumpkins and headed to Aaron's parents. The kids drew their designs on their pumpkins and Aaron quickly carved out 3 jack-o-lanterns. The rain let up just long enough for the kids to go outside to feed Omaha, fall in the mud and have shoes filled with water. No change of clothes, the kids had to strip down so we could wash their clothes. 2 hours later, we went to Shannon's house to hang out. Her kids are 10 and 5, so it was craziness! The kids hadn't seen each other since they were babies... but they hung out like they were old friends. Maybe it's ingrained in them from being inside me ;) We stayed there way past the kids' bed time and by the time we got to my mom's house the kids were still all jacked up and didn't go to bed until 10:30!!!
Friday: Grandma's 80th Birthday! I was able to talk my mom into letting my sister stay home from school-- my kids and my sister were, obviously, thrilled! My mom spent the day cooking my Grandma's Birthday dinner, while Aaron and I packed and the kids played with their Aunt Audrey. We spent hours talking to my Grandparents and had a wonderful dinner (thanks MOM!). My Grandma absolutely loved her photo video (that my friend Mary Claire made). While watching it, she reached over and held my hand, squeezed tight, and smiled. I love holding hands. I love making my Grandma happy. After many hours, my Grandparents said good-bye. Having a 15-16 hour drive ahead of us we too, said our good-byes to my Mom and Audrey (yes, I teared up) and hit the road around 6:30 PM. With the rock slide on I-40, we had to take a new route that led us threw Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia. I would've liked to have seen it during the day... maybe next time. After watching Dumb and Dumber, I fell asleep somewhere in the Virginia mountains. Aaron, on the other hand, drove all night, making little stops to refuel-- not only the car but himself. I woke up briefly as he pulled into a rest stop... mostly asleep, I let him know that I was not opposed to getting a hotel room, then closed my eyes.
Saturday--It had rained the majority of the drive and when I woke up from my slumber it was day (but still gloomy). We stopped at a gas station to get some breakfast. It's so embarrassing what our kids ate... that I just can't even write it. Needless to say, next time I will pack breakfast. From the gas station, I took over driving the last hour of the trip. The rain had subsided and the kids were wide awake full of sugar ;) As we drove down the highway to Wilmington, I could see the blue skies welcoming us home. We finally pulled in our driveway around 11 AM. And even though there was so much to do...
Dorothy is right... There's no place like home :)
While I would love to write about every detail of our trip... I honestly would be here forever! So here are some day-by-day highlights:
Saturday: Since there aren't many trees that loose their leaves here, on Saturday, the kids helped my mom rake leaves. They ran, jumped, dove and hid in the leaf pile. Later that afternoon, we went to visit Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Adam and baby Raegan. After dinner (in Kirkwood), we walked a few blocks to "ColdStone". My kids, of course, picked up litter along the way!! I'm thinking of calling them "Litter Patrol". They held on to what was recyclable and found a trash can along the way and put the litter where it belongs. They make me so proud!!!
Sunday: We went to a family reunion at Aaron's parents house. As usual, the kids had so much fun. Claire and Henri worked past their fears and rode Omaha for the first time. The kids went "fishing" for toys... Claire snagged a hula hoop and had a major meltdown! "That's not what I wanted!!" she cried. Her Uncle Adam has this on video ;)
Monday: Took the kids to the STL Science Center. Chase was bummed (ok, mad and pouty) because he just wanted to go to the Magic House. No matter how much we explained to him that the Science Center was amazing... he didn't believe us until we stepped inside. The kids built an arch-- Henri destroyed it before I could get a pic. They learned how to make bridges... Chase, of course, was enthralled with building the different types of bridges. Oh, and the Dinosaur section they have 2 life size dinosaurs (T-Rex and Triceratops). They moved and made sounds, which absolutely terrified Henri, so much that he kept saying, "I wanna get outta here." I was able to take Chase and Claire to look at them, but even they were fearful. So, to whoever created those Dinosaurs at the STL Science Center... Bravo!... my kids are convinced they are real!!
Tuesday: Chase has became a fan of Mario Cart on Wii, Claire likes to run on Wii Fit! We met Grandpa Bill, Grandma Pam, Lindsay, Adam and Raegan at Chevy's for dinner. Henri slept almost the entire time... waking just in time for dessert.
Wednesday: After a slow start, we made it to my Grandparents for lunch. It had been months since we had been there... and the kids (except for Henri) ran in like they had just been there the day before. Their toys are so simple (old, broken-in), but the kids love them. After talking for hours, we then took the kids to their favorite place in St. Louis-- the Magic House. We've actually been there so many times, that I've lost count. This time we mostly played in the old section because the boys didn't pay attention to their bodies and peed their pants! Aaron had to take an hour long (round trip) drive to my mom's to get the boys new clothes... and I was left to keep the kids occupied-- which was quite easy ;) For dinner, we met up with Brian and Jenna and their two kids... I suddenly turned into that "old person" that says, "I can't believe how big you've gotten and I remember when....".
Thursday: I helped my mom make her very first cheesecake! Coming to STL, we had grand plans of walking through Stuckmeyer's pumpkin patch, going on a hayride, corn maze and playing at their wonderful farm...but with the rain still hovering over St. Louis, we picked out 3 pumpkins and headed to Aaron's parents. The kids drew their designs on their pumpkins and Aaron quickly carved out 3 jack-o-lanterns. The rain let up just long enough for the kids to go outside to feed Omaha, fall in the mud and have shoes filled with water. No change of clothes, the kids had to strip down so we could wash their clothes. 2 hours later, we went to Shannon's house to hang out. Her kids are 10 and 5, so it was craziness! The kids hadn't seen each other since they were babies... but they hung out like they were old friends. Maybe it's ingrained in them from being inside me ;) We stayed there way past the kids' bed time and by the time we got to my mom's house the kids were still all jacked up and didn't go to bed until 10:30!!!
Friday: Grandma's 80th Birthday! I was able to talk my mom into letting my sister stay home from school-- my kids and my sister were, obviously, thrilled! My mom spent the day cooking my Grandma's Birthday dinner, while Aaron and I packed and the kids played with their Aunt Audrey. We spent hours talking to my Grandparents and had a wonderful dinner (thanks MOM!). My Grandma absolutely loved her photo video (that my friend Mary Claire made). While watching it, she reached over and held my hand, squeezed tight, and smiled. I love holding hands. I love making my Grandma happy. After many hours, my Grandparents said good-bye. Having a 15-16 hour drive ahead of us we too, said our good-byes to my Mom and Audrey (yes, I teared up) and hit the road around 6:30 PM. With the rock slide on I-40, we had to take a new route that led us threw Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia. I would've liked to have seen it during the day... maybe next time. After watching Dumb and Dumber, I fell asleep somewhere in the Virginia mountains. Aaron, on the other hand, drove all night, making little stops to refuel-- not only the car but himself. I woke up briefly as he pulled into a rest stop... mostly asleep, I let him know that I was not opposed to getting a hotel room, then closed my eyes.
Saturday--It had rained the majority of the drive and when I woke up from my slumber it was day (but still gloomy). We stopped at a gas station to get some breakfast. It's so embarrassing what our kids ate... that I just can't even write it. Needless to say, next time I will pack breakfast. From the gas station, I took over driving the last hour of the trip. The rain had subsided and the kids were wide awake full of sugar ;) As we drove down the highway to Wilmington, I could see the blue skies welcoming us home. We finally pulled in our driveway around 11 AM. And even though there was so much to do...
Dorothy is right... There's no place like home :)
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