Bridal Party

Bella is going to be in a wedding this summer.  She is quite excited. 

Saturday we went shopping with the bride (my cousin's daughter) to look for a dress for Bella to wear on the "big day." 

Before the bride arrived, Bella had fun trying on head pieces.  I think she was pretending she was the bride.   We're trying to make this fun.  You never know how long you have until "someone" gets tired.  (me) (just kidding) 
Bella let me take a few snapshots (if you look close, you will see me at odd angles TRYING to avoid being in the picture).  She was a good sport (and model).

She knows how to work a dress

work it girl!

the sad picture because she really wants to wear purple

the store was having a hard time guaranteeing we would get the dress in time for the wedding

this was right before the meltdown (not a pretty thing)

I didn't get any pictures after that

so sad  :(

We ended up driving to another store (well, actually 2 stores).  And found a few more to try on.

that's me in the corner doing acrobats trying to get a picture

Alas, the things I do for my blog!

We finally decided on this one.  Bella loves it (and it's purple!)

Next up....shoes!

Remind Me

*To vacuum up the sand in the hallway by the kids bedrooms. 

*to remind Alex to shower REAL good after hanging in the sand pit at the pool.  (he can hang out there for hours)  Not sure how he gets COMPLETELY covered head to toe in sand.  And I do mean covered head to toe.  When he got home last night, he showed me how one of his friends taught him how to "shake like a dog."  Pounds of sand came flying out of his hair.  I will be unveiling our new sand pit any day now.

*to hide the duct tape.  The boys tried to duct tape Bella.  Understandable with all of her crying that she has been doing today.  Can't say that I blame them.

*to provide ear plugs for every member of our family and make sure they are available for anyone who dares to enter our house.  It is a VERY LOUD HOUSEHOLD these days.  Bella is in her room singing real loud and the boys are yelling to her to keep it down.  I am in the basement and can hear her perfectly.

*to buy some chapstick.  I gave one that I had to Nick.  Told him to just wipe it off a little to use it.  He uses it, wipes it on Alex's arm then says that he can't use it anymore.

*to have fun

It's a Brand New Car!

I feel like I am Bob Barker on the Price is Right.

And behind curtain number 3 is.......

A NEW CAR!

My mom has been looking for a car for awhile.  She likes the bench seat in the front and wants the gear shift on the steering column.  Is that too much to ask for? 

Apparently it is these days.  Not many people like the bench seat.  It's almost like a couch if you ask me.  Very comfortable.  It's like sitting on your couch and driving around.  In fact, there are very few models that offer this option.  Probably an option for the older crowd.  

After looking for awhile, my mom finally made her car purchase.  Yes, she had to buy the car.  She didn't win it on The Price is Right or get it as a gift from Oprah.  She said this is the last car she buys.  I think after spending so much time at the car dealer, we all say the same thing.   Why does it take so long?   (that's one of those unanswerable questions in life) 

Here's my mom posing with her "new" car.  A 2011 Buick Lucerne.

work it, girl!

now you know where Bella gets her modeling skills from..

Congrats on the car, Mom!

School's Out!

getting on the bus for the last time as a kindergartener

Hard to believe the school year is over.  It feels like it just started.

Alex was dared by an 8th grader to wear a suit to school on the last day. Of course, he pulled through. (definitely not my shy child)  He was asked by everyone why he was wearing a suit. His reply, "why not?" I asked if the girls liked it, he said yes.

    


 















Alex was the first to arrive home. He changed clothes and then quickly disappeared. He was gone all day, ending his day at the pool (in our town) and having a friend sleepover (I'm nice).  Bella was next. Then Nick (who was later dropped off at the pool (different town) with some friends). Bella had a friend over.

And so the summertime craziness begins.

The New Word

There is always a word that people use (overuse is more like it) when they speak.  A word that just feels so comfortable that they make sure it fits in their vocabulary.  The word is so well liked that they use the word over and over in the same conversation.  Sometimes using it more than once in a single sentence.

When I was growing up, the word "like" was popular.  Example: I'm like going to the like store.  This word gets quite a bit of use and is still popular today.  Hang out around junior high or high school kids and you will be able to see the word "like" get a good workout.

"Like" moved on to Valley Talk.  You remember that time, don't you?  Valley Talk got a big boost from Moon Unit Zappa with her song, "Valley Girl."  "Ok, fine, fer sure fer sure"

check out those 80's duds and hair do's.  Ouch!

Gradually "you know" moved in.  It worked very well with "like."  For example, "Well, like, you know."  You don't even have to add extra words, you can just say, "like, you know."  That's easy for anyone to understand.

In the '90s, "awesome" was popular.  People, and experiences were not nice, good or great, they were awesome.  "I had an awesome time visiting the park.  It was awesome that my friends were there.   You should have been there.  It was awesome!"  Can anything or anyone get better that awesome?  How do you reply when someone tells you, "You did an awesome job today." ?  What can you do tomorrow that will be better than today?  (Can you do any better than awesome?  Do you just quit or retire after that compliment?)

Awesome turned into "amazing."  I had an amazing time.  You are amazing.  The fall colors are just amazing.  I'm not sure if amazing is better than awesome.  One day you are amazing.  The next day you are awesome.  Which day was your best day?

Amazing moved onto "historic."  Isn't everything historic?  Anything that you do will be something that was done in the history of time.  The definition of historic: Having importance in or influence on history.  So, if I have that extra piece of cake, it will have an important impact on my waistline (or what was my waistline).  Do we really need to remind everyone that what they are doing or seeing is "historic?"  I would think that is something that we, as human beings, would understand without being told.

Historic, which is still being used, has moved on to "epic."  Epic fail.  Epic burger.  Epic smile.  You're epic. 

The latest new word I have been hearing?  It has been used in the past, but  I think it's trying to make a comeback.  The word:  "wicked."    Wicked good.  That ride was wicked.

I might have missed a few in there somewhere.  Let me know.

SPIDER!!!!!!

Bella makes her way downstairs (she is supposed to be going to bed).  She informs me that there is a spider in her room.  I tell Alex to go upstairs and kill it for her. (I'm in the middle of making cookies)  Alex asks for a cookie for payment.  I agree.

A couple of minutes later, Alex is calling me to come upstairs.  (he is afraid of spiders)  He said that the spider is big. (which means that it is the size of a gnat).  I told him to ask Nick to help.

I can now hear all three of them talking about it in Bella's room.  Is there really that much to discuss?  It's a spider.  It's not like they are making a game plan on how to catch it.  If you listen, you can hear the brother-brother-sister love.  Can you hear it?  Let me describe this "love" sound to you.

Nick is teasing Bella about the spider.  Bella is crying.  There are other high pitched screeches coming from the room (Alex).  Must be more teasing from Nick.  Then Alex appears in the kitchen.

Me:  Did you get the spider?
Alex:  No (reaching for a cookie)
Me:  You don't get a cookie.  You're supposed to get the spider for your sister.
Alex:  Nick got it (sound of toilet flushing)
Me:  Shouldn't Nick get the cookie?
Alex:  I'll eat it for him.

60th Wedding Anniversary

Sunday we celebrated my Aunt and Uncle's 60th wedding anniversary at Greek Islands  in Greek Town.  Traffic wasn't too bad even with all of the NATO chaos going on in Chicago.

It was great to see family and eat lots of good greek food.  Did I say lots of food?  I'm still stuffed and it's Wednesday!

I spoke with my Aunt and Uncle after the party.  Loved hearing their stories.  So much they have seen and done together over the years.

I think my Uncle had a little too much wine. 

not a great picture, sorry

He stood up and thanked all of us for coming to celebrate their anniversary, shared a little limerick with all of us (my cousins were happy that it was a clean limerick) and then he began to serenade his wife with "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." 

Happy Anniversary!

Here's to another 60!

Newton

Last night, Bella, Newton and I decided to go for a walk and end up at a park.  That was cut short when we walked down the path and came in contact with a dog (an unleashed dog).  Newton and this dog have met through the fence before, so I didn't think there would be a problem.  Next thing I know, the dog is attacking Newton (who ended up falling backward a little down the hill).  I was worried that he might tear his ACL (he tore the right one a few years ago).  I also didn't want this image of dog fighting in Bella's head for the rest of her life.

We took Newton over to his grandparents and he got his wound cleaned up (he has a little gash between his eye and nose) and he got quite a few treats (they like to spoil him).    Bella, in the meantime, kept asking when we were going to the park.  It seems like the dog fight didn't bother her at all.

At home we tried to bandage it up so the wound would close.  Try putting and keeping a bandage on a dog.  Not an easy task.  I think if Newton could talk he would tell us to just leave him alone so he could get some sleep.  It was way past his bedtime (about 8:30pm).

This morning we took Newton to the vet.  The gash wasn't closing like it should and I was afraid it would get infected.  Newton had to get a staple put in and is on antibiotics.  I wouldn't feel too sorry for him because he got lots of treats while he was there.  (and more treats on the way home)  

He might have a scar, which will make him look like the tough dog of the neighborhood.  All he needs now is a leather jacket.

Springtime

You know it's springtime when you are watching baseball.

And, you know you are watching a good baseball game when most of the players aren't paying attention to the game. 

Well, it's easy to get distracted out there.  There's so much going on.  You have the "flowers" growing in the outfield that are just begging to be picked.  You have to watch the airplanes that fly overhead.  Sometimes you feel the need to talk to one of your fellow players.  Sometimes you get tired and decide to just sit down right there in the field (or at second base).   When you gotta rest, you gotta rest, right? 

And, then, there are times where you are compelled to practice your dance moves.  You never know when you might be called upon to put on a dance show, so, practice, practice practice.   And don't forget cartwheels and handstands. 

NATO in Chicago

There has been lots of coverage about NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) meeting in Chicago.  Beefed up security, road closures, parking issues, removal of mail boxes and changes in mail delivery.  There are protestors arriving in the city.  Limits to where the protesters can be and when they can protest.  (they even have to get a permit to protest, something I did not know).

I think it's great that NATO is here in Chicago.  What a great city!  And, what beautiful weather we are having!

With the nice weather, why not visit the beach?  Why hang out in a meeting room all day?  A little sun,  maybe some beach volleyball.  Get a head start on that tan.  It's ok to get sand and sun block on your (important) papers.  (you can always draw an arrow pointing to it and write "sun block")

Hungry? There are lots of restaurants to choose from.  You can talk while enjoying a nice lunch (or dinner).  Great ideas happen on a full stomach.

In fact, since a lot of the roads will be closed (which means less traffic) I think they should sneak out and wander around Michigan Avenue. McCormick Place is nice and all, but, your so close to all of that shopping! Get some cardboard cut outs made that look like you to place in the meeting room and get out and exercise those credit cards!   Great time and place to finalize your summer wardrobe.

But, alas, no one consulted me and asked for my ideas or opinions on this years activities.  I guess that is one of the reasons I'm not attending this year.

Happy Mother's Day

It's the little things.

You can go about your day and just try to make it through everything.  You check things off your list.  Things get done, laundry, cleaning, practices, playdates, carpools, meals get made and eaten, baths/showers and bedtime stories.  And, then you can breathe.  You made it through another day.

 I prefer to stop once in awhle and take a step back and try to enjoy the little moments.  Things happen daily and if you don't stop and breathe them in and savor them they will disappear.

Moments like an I love you, mom (from your teenager) and a hug.  Yes, it was mother's day, but, I enjoyed the moment.  Brings tears to my eyes right now thinking about it. 

Goofing around with another one and calling it "Smothers Day."  Don't worry, I smothered him.  :) 

And, sometimes it is finding a little note where you least expect it.

a note left from Bella:  "I Love You"

We have taken to leaving each other little notes

Happy Mother's Day!

McDonald Farm

Went on a field trip with the Kindergarten class today to McDonald Farm in Naperville.  A first time visit for me (and I have chaperoned quite a few field trips in my time). 

A little background about McDonald Farm, The farm has been around since the 1830's.  It has changed hands over the years until Mrs. McDonald gave the farm to The Conservation Foundation.  Mrs. McDonald wanted the property to be used for education, conservation and agriculture.  The foundation got some help from The Green Institute to help run  the property. 

This is taken from their website:
 The Green Earth Institute is a new, private not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting nutritional health and ecological sustainability. The Institute grows healthful organic vegetables, which it sells through a seasonal subscription arrangement known as Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA. In addition at the farm, the Institute provides children's nature education programs each summer and the Green Earth Fair annually in May.
The children learned about growing food and composting.  (I think the volunteer was impressed that I compost)  We were read a story about how food grows and learned a little song about a seed growing.  I think the kids REALLY enjoyed the composting part because they really got to dig their hands (and spoons) into that compost.  I think they were more into finding the worms.

one of the farm buildings

A very important farm building (note the "Restrooms" sign)

It's good to always know where the bathroom is, incase it is needed

digging in the compost

The boys thought it was cool to pick up the worms until the worms wet their hands

Bella even got into the digging for worms

found a baby worm

Mmmm...how about a nice plate of dirt for lunch!

YUMMY!

yes, of course she agreed to pose for this one

time to make a mixture of soil for our bean plants

Look at those girls working that soil!

gotta get all of the clumps out!

Maybe I can use them this weekend when we plant the garden?

Everyone earned a green thumb for their efforts

We had a lot of fun on our trip.  It was a beautiful day to be outside!  I was in charge of 5 children.  One boy was always way ahead in another group.  Finally, the other boy in our group got him to join us (as we are leaving and boarding the bus).  I said to the wandering boy, "What?  You don't love us anymore?  You have to run off and join another group?  What did we do wrong?" I think I might have worried the kid.  He said he still liked us.  That's good.  I got him and the others safely back on the bus. 

Looking forward to having Bella and her green thumb help plant the garden!

Mother's Day Tea

Today was the Mother's Day Tea at school (Kindergarten class).  Bella has been looking forward to this day for over a month now.   There have been many preparations for this "Big Day."  I heard about a few of them: songs they will sing, it won't be tea, but lemonade and you can have 3 cookies.  Oh, yea, and don't talk when your mouth is full.  (sounds like something I would say) 

When I got to class, I was greeted by my hostess:

She had me sit at the table and she went to get me some tea (lemonade)

(I forgot to get a picture of the tea)

Here are the cookies!  Yum!

Oh, and two children at our table had 6 cookies.  They were the two that did not have a Mother (or special someone) there with them.  I'm sure the parent(s) will know something is up when their child bounces off the bus!

Here we are, before the show started

Bella waiting for the teacher to start the songs

I was going to include a song.  It's called, "We love Mothers"  It's my favorite.  Bella sings it often.  I'm having a difficult time adding it to the blog, but, you can view it on YouTube.  It's under: Mother's Day Tea Bella.  You can barely see Bella.  She's to the right.  

So glad I got to have this special tea time with Bella. 

Love. 

   A flower for Mom  :)

            Drinking "tea"

Happy Mother's Day!

Lozenge

That's a fun word to say, isn't it? 

Lozenge. 

Try it.

Lozenge.

I have been in need of lozenges with this cough.  My lozenge of choice has been Ricola (sugar free).  I have the lemon flavor, but, prefer the green tea.  I have been unable to find the green tea flavor for awhile. 

I don't think they call them lozenges anymore.  When I was younger they were called cough drops.  Today I see they are throat drops or cough suppressants.

I still like the word lozenge.

Lozenge.

Cough, Cough...

I'm still trying to shake the cough.   It would probably help if I rested and took care of myself.   Maybe I just want to see how long I can drag the cold out?  See how many people I can annoy with my cough?  See how fast I can clear out a room by having a coughing fit?

Newton and I have been taking long walks after dinner.  I might be making him walk too fast (he will be 10 next month).   I have my coughing fits on the path, too, incase you're wondering.  That just means I get the whole path to myself.  I haven't had anyone ask if I need help or a drink of water.  I think I may need some more practice.  It's an art.

On our walk last night, there was a trail of gummy bears on the path.  (where I live they call them "trails" or "paths"  we don't have sidewalks)  It makes you wonder who would just drop their gummy bears on the path?  Was it on purpose?  An accident?

So, I envisioned a small child, thrown into the back of a wagon and given gummy bears to keep him/her quiet.  "Here, eat these."  And the parent started pulling the wagon along the path.  The child starts thinking, hey, maybe if I drop some gummy bears on the path we will be able to find our way back home. 

I went for a walk tonight and brought the camera (because, the time I want to take a picture, of gummy bears on the path, a very exciting picture,  and, I don't have my camera) and the gummy bears are gone!  I hope they found their way back home.  Maybe the big bad wolf found them?  

Maybe someone had a coughing fit on the path and needed a lozenge and saw the bears?

Wish List

I took Bella to Target the other day.  It was a quick trip for a birthday gift.  I explained all of this before we got into the store.  That there would be no extra purchases for her and that we didn't have time to shop and look at everything.  (I mean, how can you go into a store and not look at everything, mom?  What's wrong with you?)  She understood the ground rules and we headed into the store.

Like I said, this was a quick trip.  I found something right away (that usually NEVER happens) and we started to head out.  I did stop by the paint aisle and picked up some watercolors for her (she loves to paint and is out of paint).  It was also less than a dollar. 

We get to the register and Bella tells me that she has to get something.  I remind her that we are there for the birthday gift and that she is getting some paint and we have to leave to pick up her brother.  Bella then goes into this long commentary about how I (yes, me, the mom) ALWAYS gets stuff and that she never gets anything.  I then show Bella the things we are buying.  The gift for a friend and paints for her.  That's it.  Nothing else.  We don't always buy things for ourselves.  (And by that I mean the fun stuff, like toys)

Bella was about to start complaining, or crabbing and I said, your going to have to talk to Dad about all of this, we have to get going. 

I didn't think she would remember this conversation.  Yesterday, Bella wasn't feeling well.  After the Doctor's appointment, and after she took her medicine she asked RT to take her to Target.  He told her that she's sick.  Bella insisted she felt better.  RT said to me, she's sick and she still feels like shopping!  (that's girls for you)

Today Bella made a painting for RT.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought I would share it with you.  I will translate for you:

I love you Daddy.  I wish I could go to Target.  Love, Bella

All I can say is, She's trying!  She's going to try her best to work him over and get what she wants.  I think she even has a list of things that she wants to buy.  I didn't coach her on any of this, by the way.  I do make lists for things I need to get at the store.  I don't have any toys on my lists, tho.  I think Bella is trying to see if she can wrap RT around her little finger.  I don't think it's going to work, but, hey, she's trying! 

Tasso's for lunch

Yes, more Greek food! 

Of course, I wasn't feeling good and wasn't that hungry.  Apparently I now have "the cold."  The one that Bella did not get (she just got the ear infection).  She woke up all bright eyed and bushy tailed.  Dancing around, smiling.  I was all groggy because I couldn't sleep and felt sick all night.  Don't worry, I've loaded up on vitamin's and hope to be much better tomorrow.

Being sick and all and no appetite, I ordered soup.  Avgolemeno soup to be exact.  (translation:  Egg lemon soup)  Good.  Not as good as my mom has made and not as good as Greek Islands (restaurant). 

Bella and I brought Nona in to see Kayla (my niece) who is going to North Central College.  We went to eat and then walked on back to see Kayla's apartment.   My brother decided to tag along (probably for the free lunch and to terrorize his niece). 

outside Kayla's apartment

Do you think the guy could get a little further away and take the picture?  I can't see the entire wall and ceiling.  I would also like to see a little more table, too. 

My brother terrorizing his niece. 

Look how normal Bella looks in the picture.  I think she tries to ignore him.

hanging on Kayla's couch.  Soon to be Nick's couch if he keeps missing that bus!

Too bad, Kayla is graduating this year

We chilled at the apartment for awhile.  It was good for them to hang with their grandmother (and deal with me, the sick one)  I don't think Bella wanted to leave.   She likes hanging with her cousins.  I think we will have to go to Sugar Monkey Cupcake one more time with Kayla before she graduates.

Went out for Sushi Lunch yesterday.  Yum!  RT and I had a little lunch date.  It's nice using school as the babysitter. 

 I love how they make your meal look so appetizing! 

  Yes, I had to take a picture

That was the nice part of the day. 

I got a call from school that Bella had a low grade fever and was complaining that her ear hurt .  Oh, joy.  Off I went to school to get her.  I brought her home and she was just miserable.  So, off to the doctor we went to find out she has an ear infection (her first).  Not full blown, just beginning.    When Bella is sick and miserable, she lets everyone know about how she feels.  

Here's to hoping that rest will make her (and myself) feel better today.

Mindless Ramblings

I cut a few lilacs for the house.  They smell so good!  I wish you could scratch and sniff the picture.  I put them in the kitchen and the entire house smells like lilacs!

It's probably a lot better smell than what the dog has been producing today.  Even Bella noticed and quickly put him outside.  She does have a way of letting everyone around know what happened.  I'm sure the neighbors heard about Newton and his....problems.  She definitely isn't a quiet child. 

I think I need a new pair of socks, what do you think?

I wonder how many times you have to say something in order to get your child to understand that you have answered his question with the same answer, over and over again.  This goes along with how many times do you have to ask your child to do something to get them to do it?   I'm thinking this is a little of that pre-teen stuff.  Although, I do not remember Nick doing this routine.  Maybe my memory fails me or maybe I'm just blocking this out on purpose.  I found a cartoon that sums up the whole situation.

Nick came through and did the chore that was asked to be done.  Of course it came with a price.  Lunch money for tomorrow.  (hey, it was worth it)

The Ultimate Thank You

I talked about the importance of writing thank you notes back in December.  I also talked about being thankful for things that you have back in January.  Today I want to talk about receiving the ultimate Thank You note.
In my line of work (job title: Mom) I don't get very many thank you notes for the job I am doing, the things I do or say, my help, my laundry expertise, my cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring.  I don't get a raise or a "job well done" from the boss.  But, today was different.

Today I received 2 pieces of paper.  They are just white,  8 1/2" x 11" pieces of paper that have some writing on them.  The writing is in red marker.  Nothing exciting.  No drawings or stickers or artwork.  Just words.   They don't hold any monetary value (to an outsider).   To me, they are now my most prized possession.

I thought I would share them with you.  I'll translate for you:

I love doing crafts with you.  I love coloring with you.  I love playing Barbies with you.

I love your voice better than Dad's. (sorry Dad)  I love Scrapbooking with you.

I don't know what else to say.

This makes it all worth it.  :)