We got out Christian’s coat from last year, and wouldn’t you know it, it is nearly too small. That boy is growing like a weed; he is almost as tall as Grandma and is up to my chin. Man, is he going to be tall. The pants I bought him will be high waters here soon I am sure. At this rate, I am going to have to buy him just a few items at a time rather than enough for the whole year.

Huh...

Christian was the last to see my stitched up hand. His response: “Ew. What happened?” I told him, but he was more interested in finding out out why Dad and I were home that day when he was at school. Once I explained the need for us to burn some vacation, he returned to the I-pad. He wasn’t there to see the blood and panic, so it is of no interest to him. I offered to let him watch the stitches come out, but he declined. Betting he reacts the same way to his dad’s LASIK procedure this coming Easter. Who cares what happens to Mom and Dad—we’re old.

From Lego and Back

For awhile there Christian had sworn off Lego's.  He didn't want anymore Lego's and was getting rid of some of them.  He wasn't that interested in any of the sets that were out and didn't really care about the old ones.

Things changed once he started looking at Lego related videos online.  Suddenly the Lego enthusiasm returned.  He got interested in the new Lego Dinosaur and Ninjago sets that had become available.  He also started to duplicate the original creations he saw on some of the online video's.  He's duplicated Super Mario, Luigi, Angry Birds, Transformers and many other characters, contraptions and items.  Anything he likes on the Lego videos, he duplicates if he has the pieces.  This year Santa isn't bringing as many Lego's as last year, but it may be a bigger Lego creating phase in his life.  Luckily Santa has all that technology and telescopes to see how good he is being.

Incident At School

I received a phone call from the school yesterday telling me that Christian had had a meltdown.. Surprisingly, he volunteered to participate in a bullying exercise. He got uncomfortable when he got up there, and things went downhill from there. He cried but calmed down eventually and soldiered on. By the end of the day, he was happy go lucky. I asked him about it, he told me he cried and that was it., He wouldn't tell me anything else. He took Tori into his room and told her everything. She wouldn't tell me a thing! They've got quite the bond going! Tori is lousy at keeping secrets. so eventually we'll get the story!

Did He or Didn't He

He was going, then he wasn’t going, and he finally went—but not for very long. After Annie found him an Angry Red Bird costume in Brookfield, Christian dressed up and went halfway around the block. He refused pictures, but Huts managed to snap one of him anyway! He appeared to have a good time but went to bed early just form sheer exhaustion!

Mr. SmartyPants

School comes easily to Christian. He does not miss much on tests or homework. His teacher says he is one of his best students. Fortunately, this applause has not given Christian a big head. It has, however, made him a bit of a smarty pants. He has a good grasp of expressions, but he likes to take whatever we say literally. He knows how to push our buttons in this area and does it often! Sometimes he is just a bit too smart for his own good!

Baby Tooth's Last Stand

Last night while I was on the phone, Christian came screaming to me that there was blood in his mouth.  He's had a loose tooth for awhile and the adult one coming in behind it.  This was his baby tooth's last stand.  Since I was on the phone, I told him to go downstairs to his Mom so he could get it taken care of.  When I went back downstairs after I was done on the phone, he was sitting on the couch with his Grandma and Mom still crying.  He hates the sight of blood, doesn't faint or get sick, just doesn't like to look at it.  Not sure why that is.  About 15 minutes later, his tooth fell out..."I got it" he said.  They crying didn't end there though.  Now he had blood in his mouth.  He rinsed his mouth out with water and his blood started to clot, so it stopped bleeding.  He didn't want to see his tooth either...too much blood.  I washed it off and put it in a bag for the tooth fairy.

He didn't want the tooth fairy to take it.  So we told him the tooth fairy would still leave him money.  This is where he turned evil, he insisted he didn't want the tooth fairy's money.  The tooth fairy visited him anyway and he got 1.50 for his snottiness.  When I told him there was something under his pillow, he got gruff and said something along the lines of "So, it is only a dollar and some change" and stated again that he didn't want it.  What kinda kid doesn't want free money?  Ours apparently.  We found the money on the floor still in the bag a little later on this morning.  Not sure what's going on with him, but he wasn't happy about it.  He was proud to take his tooth to school to show his classmates.  If he loses it, he'll be mad at me for suggesting it.

Oh No! Over Lego's?

Yep, Christian is growing tired of Legos, the newer ones anyway. We have been shopping numerous times this past month, and while he always checks out the Lego sets on the shelf, he refuses to buy any. He has been shopping on eBay, however. He loves looking at all of the old stuff on there and is sure to have a long list for Santa. Have fun shopping online, Santa!

We are having a yard sale in a few weeks, and yep, you guessed it, Christian has several Lego sets slated for it, much to his dad’s dismay. The Star Wars sets are going to make more room on the shelf for his own creations. He has made several things. I was wondering when he was going to take the plunge and start designing his own Lego vehicles, houses, etc. Seems now is the time!

Grump

Christian and Tori had their first day of school on Monday, and it did not start off well for Christian. Huts and I had the day off and decided to take the two to Panera’s for breakfast. Christian was not happy about that and sulked through breakfast. He got excited when that was over but freaked out the moment we got to school. Lines had already formed, and while kids were still arriving, Christian just knew he was going to be late and we would not find his teacher’s line. Tempers flared, and when I did not locate the line as fast he thought I should have, tears fell. Finally, we got Christian into the right line, but if looks could have killed, I would be dead. Mr. Hagen, his teacher, came over and wrote down how he was getting home. He could see all was not well and reassured Christian he would take good care of him. Christian was not convinced and barked at me that I could go. Fortunately, by the time school was over and the bus dropped the two off, Christian was happy again. He showed me where his classroom was this morning and immediately started playing with the Legos at before care! Whew, what a first day!

Undo

A new super hero has came to our home this past summer. Especially when we had that hot streak. From the first sweat inducing sunrise to the calming fall winds, we have nothing to fear because UNDO (pronounced un-Dough) is here. He strips of his clothes once he reaches home and is hard to find because Undo only wears his camouflage underwear around the house. Building lego set's faster than a 10-year-old, scaring grandma near death by his sight and teasing little siblings with delight, Undo Is HERE!

He's even come to our aid with a cape at certain points, though I don't think he has any super powers, he still announces his arrival with Undo Is Here! Sadly, Undo's summer reign is about to be over. His summer of fun is ending this weekend as he is starting school on Monday. I'm sure Undo will make his appearance from time to time this fall, but it won't be as often as this summer. This may be Undo's last appearance, so you better see while you can.

All Legs

Christian has sprouted yet again. Dale, Annie and I measured him and he was 4-6. Of course, 3 foot of that is legs. He is going to be one tall guy, and he is not even as tall as some of the kids in his class. Speaking of class, Christian wanted Mr. Hagen for his third grade teacher, and his wish may have come true. When Huts checked the site this morning, it said that Christian was going to have Mr. Hagen. This is the first time he has had a man, but he doesn’t seem to mind. I hear Mr. Hagen is a very nice guy, and I am looking forward to meeting him.

Little Savers

Christian, Tori and Eli went to the bank this past weekend and opened their own savings accounts. We put in some money, and they emptied their piggy banks. It took a bit, and fortunately, there were toys for the kids to play with. The bank had also had a kids’ event days before and gave the kids a bag of goodies.

Now the kids can have checks made out to them that they can deposit into their accounts. No more making out checks for the kids to us. Every time they go to the bank and make a deposit, they will get to choose something from the treasure chest. What fun!

Oh, the Pain!

Christian does not do pain or blood well, so of course, he was the one that suffered a burn to his foot this weekend. He and Tori were whipping around their sparklers when a spark settled between two of his toes and left a nice little burn. That led to major screaming and trip inside to sit with his foot in cold water. The blisters broke right away, and we applied medication to them to avoid infection. He was a total pain about it all, yelling, whining, etc. Finally he settled down and went to sleep. He was fine the next morning, but the skin has been rubbing off, so Christian has started complaining and hopping around yet again. I applied some more medicine to it and told him to buck up,. He stayed home this morning, so hopefully, he will get some rest. This weekend wore him out and everyone else.

On a more positive note, Christian got back on the horse on Sunday night and had fun with the sparklers again. This time he got smart and put on shoes. We also made sure that he and Tori stayed far away from each other.

Home Today

Christian shocked me this morning by staying home. He didn’t really say why he was staying home, but I am guessing he needs some alone time. Annie is off today, though she has lots to do. Grandma is there too and she is feeling better than she has in some time. The kittens are there too—that’s right. Annie’s cat Dreamy had two black kittens in our closet on Saturday night. The kids have seen them, petted them and held them. Dreamy is OK with humans, just not any cats. So, today, she was moved with her kittens to Eli’s room. He rarely goes in there, and he will like the fact that he gets to sleep in Mom and Dad’s room on a separate mattress for the next two weeks. I am sure Christian will be checking in on the kitties today and keeping all of the other cats far away!

Sharon's

Ollie told me all spring that he was going to stay at home with Grandma this summer, and then summer came, and he changed his mind. Grandma is not as fun as Nathan is apparently. Ollie went to Sharon’s all last week and went there again this morning. I think he likes having someone his age to play with.

His finger looks better, but it is crooked. The lower part of it is also a bit swollen still. He can make a fist, and he is not treating it as gingerly as he was, so all is well. I’m sure it will be back to normal by the time school starts back up in late August.

Finger Improving

Christian can now make a fist, which means he is on the mend! He has also pulled off all of the old skin that cropped up due to the splint. He, too, is becoming more and more self-sufficient and mature. He even sat down with us last night to watch “Wild Hogs.’ He remembered scenes from it that we didn’t!

Christian is also getting good about helping out Eli, bathing him and turning on his light for him. He is turning into a really good big brother, though occasionally he fights with his little sister and brother.

He is also becoming a worrywart. He always worries about how much money we have and what the weather is going to be like. He panics when the TV warning system sounds or the severe weather watch pops up in the corner of the TV. Huts tells him repeatedly to find something else to worry about, but he always returns to money and natural disasters! Kind of funny sometimes.

Headed to St. Louis

Just one more day of work and school, and we’re off to St. Louis for a little fun with Huts’ family. His great aunt is turning 90, and in addition to attending her party, we’re also going to the zoo and the arch, we hope. The kids don’t seem too excited at this point, but that will change I am sure. Christian is bummed out about not being able to swim because of his splinted finger. He and I will have to find something else to do, like a puzzle a friend gave me.

Monday is the big day for Christian. He gets his splint off (we think) and will start working out his newly healed finger with exercises. Everyone assures me he won’t do them, but they don’t know Christian. He will do them because he needs to do them, no questions asked.

Pop Goes the Finger

There's been a lot happening since Christian's birthday celebration on the 13th. It all started to snowball on June 19th. As we got to after care to pick up the kids, I went out to the playground to get them. Tori was out there, but I didn't see Christian. The woman out there told me he was inside. No big deal, they are allowed to get drinks from the fountain. Unfortunately it was a big deal. I went inside and Christian was at a table crying with 2 of the other care takers and an ice bag on his hand. His Mom was trying to console him, but it wasn't working much. As I got closer I could tell it wasn't good.

His pinky was swollen from his hand to his first knuckle. I asked him to lay his other hand flat to compare it with the swollen finger. I could tell then that it was broken. He twisted it slightly (it wasn't flat like the other fingers) and it was pointing out more than usual. He told us a known ruffian on the playground slid down the slide and into Christian while Christian was getting off the slide. The kid kicked him in the nuts as Christian was getting off and his pinky was still on the slide. Apparently this caused his hand to bend back in an awkward position and break his pinky.

We took him to the prompt care after we dropped everyone off at home. He was still upset and crying, but eventually calmed down. He was OK as they examined him and did well with his first x-rays. Then it came time to set his finger. Before the fun could start they had to numb the fracture area. The only way to do this was with a needle. I took his left hand and kind of covered his face so he wouldn't see what was happening. The doctor injected one side of his broken pinky, then the other. He cried in pain, but he didn't wail, scream or thrash around. While the injection was taking effect, he was a jabber box about commercials and worrying too much about things like the weather and money. Eventually the doctor came back in to set his finger. He watched this time as the doctor twisted and turned the finger back into place. There were a few pops when he put it back. Christian said "Ow" a few times, but wasn't in a great deal of pain. They wrapped in in a splint and sent us home with directions to see an orthopaedist.

Luckily for Christian the ortho said he wouldn't need surgery. His finger may be a little crooked, but it would straighten out over time. He'll have the splint on for 2 weeks then he'll begin stretching the muscles in his finger. That is going to hurt a bit. We are just glad it isn't a lot worse.

Happy Birthday Christian

Christian turned 8 on Friday, but he’s been celebrating for about a week now. It all started last week with the getting of his birthday presents. He had been wanting a Lego set for so long that we had him go get it the moment it came out. He got Grandma Marie’s gift next. Then he got some money this week, so back to Target he went on his birthday. He got a remote control bug and is waiting on the Cars 2 Lego sets.

I made him cookies (he hates cake because of the icing) and Huts got him Avanti’s food. We took him bowling on Saturday night, and he seemed to have a good time. He also got a new loft bed this weekend, which of course he has decided is a little scary. He is toughing it out, though. I took several photos of him on his new bed. The first was his “sexy” pose—his words, not mine. Christian is 8, going on 13!

Field Trip 2

Christian has a field trip to Sommer Park tomorrow—whew it is going to be hot. And he has another field trip to a farm next week. He cannot wait. He had lots to tell Tori about her field trip in first grade.

Christian turns 8 on Friday, and he is ready to play mini golf and bowl. No party this year—just fun with us. He already chose his presents—Legos of course. Annie is giving him money, so I am sure we will be back to the toy store soon. !

Boy Scouts

Christian wanted to join the Scouts, Huts gave it a shot; it failed miserably. The school tried again to start a troop, and that didn’t pan out. So we asked our next door neighbor about her Scout troop, and she invited Christian to join it. Tonight is the first meeting. Huts is taking him to the school and sitting in with him. Christian says he is not interested in the Scouts anymore, but we’ll see. Tonight just might jump-start it!


Update: We got a call when we got home that a pack would be created at Charter Oak. Christian decided that he wanted to try his new pack before joining a new group.

Toothless Joe

Happy Easter

The kids could NOT wait for Easter. Tori woke up early on Saturday morning asking if it was Easter. We sent her back to bed pronto and kept them up late that night so they would fall asleep quickly. We helped the Easter bunny do his thing, and Eli got up around 6 on Sunday, followed by the other two half an hour later.

Eli and Tori were floored with their goodies. Christian, not so much. He got what he asked for, plus, but wasn’t real thrilled, though he told me later he had a good time. He was more interested in hunting down the eggs, and away he went, with Tori not far behind. Once that was over, he got down to business, putting together his Lego fortress and checking out all of his other goodies.

He ended the day by telling me that he wishes Easter were on a Saturday so he could have one more day to play with his new stuff!

Nearly Toothless

Christian lost his bottom two teeth a few months ago. The permanent ones are now in. He has lost one front tooth and another is about to come out. He looks pretty funny right now with a big gap and one VERY loose tooth hanging down. He is wiggling it like crazy, so maybe it will come out soon and he can stop eating on the side of his mouth so much. The Tooth Fairy better get ready to make another stop at our house.

Update: He lost it at school today...the Tooth fairy is not prepared!

Another One Bites the Dust

Christian lost another tooth, but this time it was at Grandma's house. He was wrestling around with another kid and got hit in the mouth. Naturally blood flowed and Christian fretted as he hates the sight of blood. The tooth stayed in, even though Grandma offered to pull it. He was having none of that! It fell out later that night and he has it in a bag all ready to come home for the tooth fairy. He didn't want to have the tooth fairy visit him in Olathe, so he's saving it for the trip home. On Saturday night the tooth fairy will be visiting him while he's sleeping in his bed.

Cub Scouts One More Time

The school is attempting to start another scout troop. Huts and I were not positive about the outcome, but Huts says there are a lot more people interested this time around. So, maybe it will work. Christian sure seems excited about it. He was anxious all evening, thinking they weren’t going to make it to the meeting. Then he brought home a couple of magazines and showed me lots in them. Hopefully it will work this time around. Keep your fingers crossed.

Right On Target

Christian is doing well, if not better than expected in school. All A’s and on a fourth grade reading level. He has a higher advanced reading goal this semester, but his teacher says he will make it. We got through the teacher-parent conference in 5 minutes. Eli halfway behaved and took off with candy from the teacher and the papers Christian made for us.

Insider

Christian once again is having trouble letting go of long sleeves and moving into short sleeves and shorts. He continues to wear long sleeves and told us that he is not going to get hot ever because he is always going to stay indoors. Then this morning, he picked out a short-sleeved white shirt until I reminded him that it was going to be cold. He changed into long sleeves after that. We go through this every year, and for some reason, his fix is to stay inside this summer. He seems to think that will get him out of baths. Wrong!

Larry The Leprechaun

Larry the Leprechaun

We got a surprise last night with Larry the Leprechaun. Apparently, the school brings him in to meet the kindergarteners. Tori received a chocolate coin from him. Christian and Tori were both sad that he was leaving yesterday, and we thought that was the end of it but…

Christian brought home a paper sack and cut a hole in the bottom of it, leaving a flap. I thought he was making something for his Legos, but he was making something for Larry the Leprechaun. He sat the bag on the hallway table, along with a note saying something to the effect of this:

Dear Larry,

Thanks for coming to my school today. Here is my bag. Please leave the candy in it.

Christian

P.S. I really do believe you are real.

We couldn’t crush Christian’s dream, so I made a bag for Tori, while Huts went to the drugstore for candy. He couldn’t find any chocolate coins so he bought candy bars. He put that into the bags with a note from Larry letting the kids know that the leprechaun had run out of chocolate coins and was giving them their favorite candy bars instead.

The kids bought it this morning and were thrilled to find that Larry the Leprechaun had dropped by. Christian woke up Tori and they danced around the room. Then he slyly questioned if I had been behind it. I told him no, that Larry must have come and scared the cats into my bed. That satisfied him and the two spent all morning talking about Larry and even wrote him thank you notes. So, to whom shall we send the thank you notes? Uncle Travis, Uncle Dale, Uncle T.J., Uncle Paul? Aunt Lucy? Let us know if you want to know what the kids have to tell Larry,

Next year, we will be ready for Larry’s visit for sure!

Mr. Indecision

Christian cannot make up his mind these days for nothing. He couldn’t decide whether he wanted to go to Portland for his uncle Sam’s wedding—we had to get the tickets before gas prices went up, so he is staying at home. He can’t decide if he is going to his grandma’s for spring break—his sister is out of here for a week! He can’t decide whether to have his birthday party at the bowling alley or the bounce house, so he just won’t have a party—or so he says. He couldn’t decide whether he was going to wear green today for St. Patrick’s Day and finally did so this morning. He can’t make up his mind about anything, and it is driving us bonkers! Mr. Indecision is going to have to make some decisions here real soon, and I am not going to let him cop out of it!

The Craziness Continues

Christian did not have as much trouble last night as his siblings, but the night before was different. He had to write several types of sentences with his spelling words in them. I could tell right away he wasn’t interested in doing this so I helped him. And of course, he argued with me that what I was telling him was not right and so forth. I gave up and told him to have at it. That fueled a fit where he decided he would just not do it and get an F. After some harsh words, he settled down and we got those sentences done. He was impatient throughout it all, though, and boy was I glad when he had the last one down.

Last night, he had much of homework done by the time he got home, so he was much better about everything. He ate his dinner without fuss and played with his Trio blocks upstairs. He also visited with us downstairs from time to time, smiling all the way!

There must be a full moon this week, and I am not looking forward to tonight. Keep your fingers crossed that it is a better one for all. We have an appointment for an estimate, and I am hoping the kids behave themselves!

New Beds On The Way

We decided to go ahead and purchase new beds for the older two. Christian chose a black loft bed with steps, and Tori, a brown one (no white available). They are not as high as a college loft, but have enough room underneath for a dresser and a bookshelf. The steps on the end also have drawers.

We wanted to give the kids more floor space to spread out and more places to put their things, and the loft beds seemed like the best solution. They were also one of the sturdiest options available.

Ollie and Tori are thrilled they are getting the beds, especially with the fact that the beds may come in the week of Easter. If so, Huts and I will be working hard that weekend to get the beds put together and everything in place before the real fun of dyeing eggs.

This weekend, Ollie and Tori helped me move around their rooms and the stuff on their walls to prepare for the new furniture. Better to get it done now since we have to put the beds together. They liked picking out where things should go and seem happy with their “new” rooms.

Loads Of Fun

Huts had a great idea this weekend: to take the kids to the children’s museum in Bloomington and let them blow off some steam. I wasn’t sure because of how quickly they got bored last time, but this time, they had a ball. They spent three hours playing on three floors and would have stayed longer if the Legos had been there (they were removed to make way for play stages—sorry, Christian).

We left around 1 and went to the toy store, where they all found something they had been looking for for a while—Christian, mini Lego figures, Tori, Tippy Tumbelina LaLa Loopsy, and Eli, a camera and Caillou video.

We were all hungry so we went to Applebee’s where we spent our gift certificate from Christmas. We got a nice big booth in the corner and the kids actually sat down and ate. Christian wasn’t too fond of his dry burgers, but he ate them anyway like a real trooper. Tori gobbled down her grilled cheese, while Eli ate his macaroni and cheese.

We got home around 4. Eli had fallen asleep in the car and slept until 6. Tori and Christian played with their toys while Eli slept, and then they all three played together until dinner and bedtime. It was a nice day.

Valentine's Day

We had one of the best ever! It started with Huts and me taking the afternoon off just to have lunch together and prepare for the second grade party. We got to relax a little before the chaos! And of course, when I got into the car, Huts had a great little surprise for me—flowers, chocolates and a Sing-a-Ma-Jig (the kids and I are obsessed with them!). I also got a surprise at work with an e-mail from a long-lost cousin whom I chatted with last night and learned much about my grandmother's side of the family.

We got to the school early to set up for the party. Our friend, Carol who recently retired, came too—many thanks to her. The kids came in and we had a great time together playing games, putting together a craft and scarfing down sweets of all types. This was our last official party of the year, and Huts and I did much better this time around. We had more than enough stuff to do. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun, and there were no meltdowns this time. Carol even managed to sneak down to Tori's room and sit with her for a while. The kids came home happily exhausted.

My Birthday Flower

Christian woke up this morning and told me Happy Birthday first thing. Then he gave me a hug. He also made me a flower from Legos. Huts will post a photo of it soon. I took it to work where everyone admired it. But now I must take it home so Christian can dismantle it and return it back to his game, which is the first thing he did when we all got home.

Bellyacher

Christian came home Monday with a great assignment: to research and report on someone in black history. His choice? Martin Luther King Jr. Since he was out of school, I decided we would tackle it and get it done well before the February 23 due date. We sat him down to look at some photos and listen to some clips of King’s speeches. Then we printed some research and away we went. I helped him complete all of the notes and then yesterday we put them together into a report.

Christian wrote four pages on Martin Luther King Jr. and we just touched the surface. We could have said so much more, but it was grueling just to get him to write four pages. When he was done, he leaped off the bar stool and crawled into the living room. Huts coaxed him up to the computer screen where they printed off photos and glued them to a folder. I tucked his report inside, along with his research, notes and some other photos. Now all he has left to do is the oral report.

I tried to teach him all I could about Martin Luther King, but I don’t know how much he understood. It’s hard for an eight-year-old to
comprehend being treated differently because of the color of your skin or how much money you have. Racial and class discrimination is hard to define in eight-year-old terms.

The only thing we missed and probably should have mentioned was King getting the Nobel Prize at the young age of 35. Oh well, I will keep talking to Christian about it and hopefully get him ready for his oral report. I don’t think they get a real grade on it as long as they do it to the best of their ability.

Birthday Party

Christian came home yesterday with an invitation to a birthday party tomorrow, so tonight we’re headed to Toys R Us for a present. The kids don’t really know it, but they will be happy. They’re always ready to check out what’s new in toys.

Huts is hoping to take them outside for some sledding this weekend. We bought another sled so the two older kids could coast down the hill at the same time. Huts went down on his tummy last time and was sore afterward. It was fun to watch them go sledding!

Mr. Affectionate

Christian will turn 8 in a few months, but that doesn’t mean he has forgotten his mom and dad. He snuggles up to us on the couch and relates stories of school and Lego sets to come. He comes down every night and tells me about everything he has seen on TV, gives me a kiss and hugs me tight. He tells us that he loves us when we tuck him in at night and he gives everyone a kiss, including his little brother. He may be growing up, but he is still the affectionate kid he has always been. He is going to make some lady very happy one day if he keeps this up.

Cleaning Time

There are new Lego sets and Christian has already started collecting them. This weekend, he got a small set in exchange for some serious hard work. Usually he avoids all chores, but he wanted the white ninja, so he decided he would pitch in. He vacuumed the whole upper floor and the furniture too. He’s got the height to push the vacuum cleaner around, but not the strength. He huffed and puffed pushing it around, but I have to admit he did a good job.

Tori also pitched in to earn a small toy. She and Eli helped me wash down sticky doorhandles, tables and walls. They also helped me scrub up spots on the carpet and stairs. We put things away too and dusted. It was funny to see them scrub the walls with their wet cloths. They helped without complaint and Tori was happy to play with her LaLaLoopsy tea set.

Christian Quote of the Day: "They didn't lie it is refreshing!".

Lego Mania

Christian, Tori and I played some of Christian Lego games he got for Christmas last night. First we played Race 3000, which was a pretty decent and quick game once we figured out how to play. Some of the directions were pretty confusing, especially adding tiles to the die. Christian beat me by a wide margin and we moved onto the Lava game. After each of us getting burned by "lava" a couple of times, Christian scooted up the pyramid and took off on the dragon for the victory again. Lastly Tori joined us for game of Creationary. We kind of made up our own rules and rolled the dice to determine which category we were going to build. Christian's Wishing well was pretty good, but I had to cheat and sneak a peek at his card for a blimp. Christian guessed Tori's, which I wouldn't have gotten from her building technique. Both were able to guess my tractor. They both enjoyed the fun of the games, but it was getting near bed time for Tori, so the games were put away for the night. Luckily Eli didn't destroy the games or the Lego pizza truck while we were playing. At least that is one set that won't have to be rebuilt tonight.

The Lego Christmas

Christian LOVES lego's. So much so that it was 90% of his Christmas list. Since he was a good boy, Santa brought him a 8 lego sets and 5 Lego games! This does not include the Hero Factory figures, Trio's and Transformers that you have to put together. On Christmas day alone, he spent 10 hours putting 7 sets of lego's together with over 2000 pieces. He barely ate, he barely used the bathroom, he just did Lego's and spent the day in his Jammies. He is still playing with his lego's and getting into the smaller sets that you can remake into different things. I came home from work and he was playing in his Jammies with Star Wars Legos all by himself and he was having a great adventure. Though I think General Grievous and the Droids were a little embarrassed to be seen being played with by a 7-year-old. They grow up so fast, one day they are in the box, the next a kid is making them play all kinds of crazy adventures. Christian seemed a little sheepish about me seeing him play with toys. He's not even a teenager yet!

Christmas at Grandma's was fun for him as well. He got to go to Monkey Business, which is a giant indoor play area, twice and go crazy on all the climbing equipment. He was going so fast the younger kids had a hard time keeping up. We were able to go into a 2nd play area which had different bouncy's for the kids to try. Christian ended up hot, red-faced and sweaty both times, but he enjoyed it. We also stopped by the pet shop in the mall to check out the animals. He loved the fish and bunnies, but hated the snakes and birds. The snakes because they were gross and the birds because they screamed.

Back home was recuperating time after 1 more holiday. They crashed on Thursday. Christian went to bed at 8 exhausted, but he was determined to stay up for new years. He made it to almost 11:30, but his tiredness overtook him, just too much travel and fun. He seems to have recovered and is ready to go back to school as his Mama's post said.

Crazy Crazy Crazy

It’s been one long vacation filled with visits here and there, bouts of sickness and loads of glee, but the kids made it. They spent one last day with me yesterday, and they were wonderful. Ollie played upstairs while Tori hung out downstairs watching one show after another.

Eli ran around the house all day, playing with things he shouldn’t as well as his new toys. They got up this morning with some tugging, but by 6:30, they were ready to go! Ollie and Tori were all ready for before care and Eli couldn’t wait to play with the girls at Sharon’s. Mom and Dad are also glad to be back at work and glad to get the rest of the trash out of the garage, including the recyclable cans—those went to PAWS to help out the shelter animals.