Day 2: More Snow Equals Snow Day Home

During the evening hours, we received quite a bit more snow on top of the snow/ice mixture we received on Day 1. They predict another 3-6" fell and greater than 50% of the region is without power. We had luckily been spared from a power outage at this time, so at least we aren't trying to figure out how to stay warm or get out in this weather to travel to a family's home.

We decided pretty quickly that we were not going to get out in this, especially considering that my car already got stuck on Day 1. Chris's work was only open 10-3 the day before, so it was no surprise that they closed this time. However, instead of the opportunity to sleep in, the boys 6th sense of knowing it wasn't a school day anymore woke them up early for morning cartoons. Any other day, we would be dragging them out of bed!

The boys were very anxious to go outside and play in the snow. What a disappointment - the snow quality was powder and ice chunks! Couldn't even make a snow ball! They lasted about 15 minutes and ended their play after sliding down the slide headfirst (and I think getting snow in between their layers). I will say that the ice formations were pretty cool!

After spending most of the morning with the boys going stir-crazy, we ended up losing our power at 2:30 that afternoon and ventured out to Mimi's before it got dark. We ended up staying the night there not sure when the power would be restored. We arrived home the next morning to learn that our power was restored the prior evening a little after we left (around 5:15). Go figure! Oh well, first family sleepover at Mimi and Papa's. I'm sure Mimi and Papa enjoyed the company.

Day 1: Yucky Ice/Snow...Toddler's Prediction Realized

Last night, we received about an inch or so of ice/snow mix. We are predicted to get 4 more inches of snow tonight - yeah rah! Several schools and businesses were closed today, but unfortunately for us we still had to venture to work and daycare. The city and county roads were pretty decent as far as creating the slush effect that you could mush your car through easily. The state roads, like the highways, were another story where the snow was so packed down that the car couldn't get traction. Whew, made it to daycare and work....

Received a call at lunch that daycare would be closing early, so I left work at 3:30. Spent 15 minutes clearing off my ice encased car from the rain mixture that started falling about lunch time. During that process, my windshield wiper also broke off and I had no idea how to put it back on (I am a girl!). Thank goodness, another co-worker came to my rescue.

To get to the toddler prediction...this morning as we were leaving the house and I was commenting on the slick roads, Connor asked if it would be melted by the end of the day. I responded that it would not and we would probably get more before the day was out. His immediate response was that when I got home tonight I would probably get stuck like I always do (last time we had this kind of snow/ice was about 9 months ago) and Daddy would have to get my car in. Okay - he warned me and yes I got stuck! Our driveway is a little steep and the slippery effect makes it impossible to get up it without shoveling the driveway first or getting a running start from the neighbors driveway.

Connor...Montessori Update/Interests

Connor is learning a lot at school these days...which is obvious by the array of questions I get on our morning trips to school. Sometimes, they can present somewhat of a challenge to me without the quick use of the Internet to "fact-check". Especially, since they are usually in the area of science and engineering. Math and Accounting I can help you with...science and engineering, ask your dad!

The other day I answered some questions about whether the Sun and the Moon is a planet and why we can see the Sun and the Moon at the same time. I now know that the interest in the solar system is based on some new studies and works at school. Per Ms. Beth's blog, they are now exploring space and learning facts about the plant and space exploration. Did you know that Pluto is about the size of the United States? Connor said his favorite planet is Saturn.

I also answered questions about how the wires between the utility poles carry electricity and how they power the lights. Brady wants to know why sometimes they can be seen and sometimes they disappear (underground). Connor wants to know where the snow goes when it melts and reached his own conclusion on why the snow on the road melts faster than the snow on the ground (he said it was from the steam from the cars).

Here are a few pictures of Connor during the day at Montessori...

Connor makes up a song on the xylophone.

One of the works is to match the larger planets with real space photos of our solar system.

Connor with planet orbiting.

Connor traces the sandpaper "f" and checks out the items like flowers, fish, frog, etc.

Boys Adventure at Chuck E Cheese (sans parents)

Today the boys had the opportunity to spend some afternoon fun at Chuck E Cheese with their Papa Terry, Grandma Donna, and Donna's grandkids. From what I hear, the boys had a lot of fun and ate really good too (which is a feat in itself these days). Unfortunately Grandma Donna was not feeling good, but was not about to let some neck pain stop her from enjoying a fun day with the grandkids. We hope they weren't too much of a handful for you..and that you start feeling better real soon!

While the boys were enjoying their time with the Big Mouse, mommy and daddy got a chance to do some shopping. Apparently, we have now learned, the kids are a nice deterrent to spending money because we can't shop freely with them in tow. Daddy got a new laptop today (because he said mommy is always on this one and the boys have taken over the other one). In addition, we finally placed an order for a big boy bed for Brady. Our dilemma on the bed was how to compete with Connor's big loft bed that we got for him. We didn't want to cheat Brady, but we didn't need another bunk/loft bed. We ended up ordering a bed that has some built in bookshelves and storage to make it really "neat" for Brady. Let's hope so when it arrives in 8-10 weeks!

Mommy's Weight Loss Journey

I am going to take a partial departure from my typical postings about the family happenings and the boys' adventures...

With Brady's 3rd birthday quickly approaching (9 months on, 9 months off - I wish), I decided that I need to get serious about my "baby weight" because I don't want to be talking about it when he is 5, 10, 15 years old (and the obvious reason of wanting to feel better about myself)!

Last year, I had signed up for the Biggest Loser at work in Jan and was successful in dropping the first 14 lbs by April but then gained 5 of it back which stuck around the remainder of the year. In August,I started attending Hot Yoga again on a regular basis. Once a week (I wish I could fit it in more), I get a cardio and stretch workout in a 101 degree room where I am burning 600+ calories. While doing that for 5 months, I started noticing a difference in how the clothes were fitting but the scale was still not changing.

Last week, I cut out all soft drinks (even though it was diet, I think it was taking away from my water intake) and I reduced my calories. Most of my calorie reduction was related to eating at my desk for lunch instead of going out (JH is a bad influence here..but I held my ground). I am back down to where I was last April and I think I have the motivation to keep going now that I saw the results in 1 week!

Just so you know, the soda replacement also included cutting out all my caffeine and I was consuming about 48 ounces of Diet Mt. Dew daily. Oh no - how can you get through the days you ask? Not sure, but somehow it is working and even though my buddy CA believes that caffeine increases the metablism, I can't risk reverting back to sodas until I reach my goal.

My goal is to lose about 10 more lbs and I will be back to my pre-pregnancy weight with Connor (that I haven't seen since June 2004). I know I can do it because I did it before in early 2003 when I decided to expel all the "marital weight". Keep me in your thoughts and send good vibes my way!

My motivation picture...May 2004 before I found out I was pregnant with Connor!

Random....from our evening with the Boys

The boys were in rare form tonight - or should I say Connor was - so I thought I would share a few of the comments/observations.

At the start of the evening, Connor asked if his teacher had called me. After I responded no, I asked him why she would've. He proceeded to tell me that he licked a friend at school today and had to eat lunch by himself. Okay, he tattles on himself - I guess that is a good thing. To confirm the details of the story, I did email Ms. Beth and learned that there was truth to this story and that her punishment (of separating the child from his friends) must work because he was still thinking about it tonight (my child has a guilty conscious).

Later during the meal, Connor reminded me that I didn't need to remind him of his manners because he knows what he has to do. (You do? Then why didn't you do it?)

That evening, the boys were playing with the Tag Super Speller where you match up the letters with the pictures. Everytime Brady assisted, Connor would comment "Good Job Sweetie, that was really great" and give him a hug. At one point, he commented that he hugs his brother because he loves him so much and then asked Brady if we loved him.

They played really well together tonight and seemed to really enjoy each other's company. At the end of the evening, Brady shouted "C'mon Boys - It's time for bed!"

Connor's Birthday Party - All Aboard!

For Connor's 4th birthday, we had a celebration at our house with our family and friends. We decided that a train theme was most appropriate since Connor is a train fanatic these days. The boys dressed up as train engineers, we had the train table available for play, and we had train themed art projects. There were 14 kids ranging primarily in age from 1 to 6 and we also had a 1 month old join the party. I had high hopes that the kids would gather around the table doing art projects and stay in the "main" area. I also hoped to get pictures of Connor with each child so that I could print them off as a souvenir. Who was I kidding - my dad even joked about my plans! It was pure chaos (what kid party isn't), but the kids had a blast playing in all the play areas of our home and several did not want to leave. I will take that as a good sign that they enjoyed themselves.

Connor loved the fact that he got to celebrate his birthday with his friends and cousins and was all tuckered out when everyone left. He also got several great gifts from our friends and family. He said he is going to pretend that Saturday was his birthday since that was the day we celebrated - we'll allow that (if that means a quiet Sunday)!

Thank you to everyone for joining us in our baby boy's celebration of his 4th birthday! Happy Birthday Connor! Some pictures from the party...

Connor...growing up way too fast!

Tomorrow our baby boy celebrates his 4th birthday! We have seen a huge transformation in Connor to a "big boy" over the last year (even though there are some days you don't see it). The last year was an eventful year for Connor - glasses on his 3rd birthday, potty training success, road trips and family adventures, swim lessons, sleepovers with his cousin, moving from daycare to Montessori Academy - just to name a few. We have seen a huge amount of learning this year with his identification of numbers and letters and writing his own name being the newest milestones. He is on the fast track for growing up way too fast, but we are so glad to be a part of the ride!

Just a glimpse of Connor's last 4 years....

Elmo Makes Music

On Tuesday, we took the boys to the Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music show at the Centre. I have been wanting to take the boys to a Live show for sometime, so I had been watching for one to come that I was willing to sit through and Elmo won! (The grandparents actually took Connor to Wiggles a couple years ago, so this wasn't his first).

I actually bought the tickets a couple months ago, before I found out that Brady would be going to see Elmo as a field trip with his class. Oh well, Brady gets to go twice! Before the show, we went to dinner and Brady pointed out that he just wanted to go home since he would be going to the show tomorrow with his class. Now he tells us...

The show was a good show and we had really good seats (we were in Row B). Chris said he can't believe this was the best seats ever at a Show and it was for ELMO! Actually, we were almost too close since sometimes we couldn't see all the characters if they were further back on the stage.

The next day I learned that Playhouse Disney is now coming to the Centre in February which has all the boys favorite characters - Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, Mickey and more. Perhaps the grandparents are ready for another adventure with the boys...

Connor's 4 Year Picture Slideshow!

Soon Connor will be turning 4 years old...here is our picture session where he did great! We then let Brady join in for some fun shots.

View Album

Boys' Slumber Party

On New Years Day at bedtime, the boys asked if they could have a sleepover together in Connor's bed. I figured "what the heck" after I threatened that if they didn't go right to sleep, Brady would be moved to his own bed. They actually went right to sleep... Did they make it through the night?

The next morning, I found Brady sideways on the pillow at the top and Connor sideways in front of him. Once awake, Connor bounced out of bed saying that they went right to sleep, didn't fight over the pillow or blankets, slept soundly, and had a nice slumber party. He then asked Brady if he agreed.

Of course, I had to point out that this would not be a regular occurence and that this would be a special treat. They then walked out of the room holding hands to go watch their morning cartoons...they really do love each other SOOO much!

By the way, this continued on Friday and Saturday night also. We made a rule that it wouldn't be allowed on school nights. I guess they like snuggling next to each other and they seem to sleep just fine.

2009 is here...where does the time go?

The new year is upon us...is it just me or does it go by faster and faster every year? We spent the New Year's Eve at home with the boys and while they went to bed at their normal time, we did manage to stay up late enough to ring in the new year. New Year's Day started out as a quiet morning (kind of) before we went to Connor's birthday picture appt. Connor did GREAT for the pictures and we were able to have Brady join in for some pictures. I can't wait to share the pictures...the photographer got some great "play" pictures. Afterwards, as promised for good behavior, we went to McD's where they got to spend some time in the play area.

At bedtime, the boys asked if they could have a sleepover together in Connor's bed. I figured "what the heck" after I threatened that if they didn't go right to sleep, Brady would be moved to his own bed. They actually went right to sleep and so far so good...we'll see if they make it through the night.

As for 2009, we are looking forward to a fun filled year with the boys. We don't worry about making New Year's resolutions..okay, I don't officially make them. The only New Year's Resolution I will be officially making for 2009 is to have lots of fun with my family! We will be kicking off the year with Connor's 4th birthday, which he is very much looking forward to. We are already planning our next family vacation in May - will we head East to the Pennsylvania (Hershey, Sesame Street Place) area or head South to Mickey land? And Brady is already talking about his 3rd birthday in June. We are ready, so let another fun year begin....