Space shoes

I got some new running shoes last night.  They are bright to say the least. 

C loves them.  He put them on and walked around in them at least 15 minutes.  Then he decided they were space shoes, so he wanted his Nikes, and Scott obviously needed his, and I had to wear my shoes, and we were off to space.  Oh the mind of a 3 year old. 

As soon as he woke up this morning he wanted his "space shoes." He was wearing them until time for swim lessons, and he didn't even want to take them off for that.

i was told to wear them again this morning.

i think this is a good look for him

this is where i'm being bossed into putting mine on--he actually went and got them out of my closet.

swim pics

bobbing

floating

fun!

Swim lessons

C has been in swim lessons for the last 3 weeks.  The first 2 weeks I had him in tot spot, which is a mommy and me style class.  It was ages 1-3, so it was a huge range.  It was a good intro for C since he had hit or miss lessons this spring indoors.  He enjoyed the playtime/free-time this class afforded, but was way ahead of the other kids in his capabilities.  He was technically old enough for level 1, but my mommy fears held him back.  So this week we changed pools and teachers.  The first day C was not well-behaved and I was irritable.  I talked to the teacher about moving him up--sounded good to her after she checked him on a couple of skills.  Yesterday was his first day in the pool w/o mommy.  Thankfully, it's just him and another little boy in the class b/c they are a handful.  She taught him to bob under the water--which turned out to be a nightmare for the instructor and a dream for C.  He loves it, but it makes him not listen so well.  Today he was all excited b/c yesterday was so fun.  Today he had to spend 3 min in time out of the water watching the other little boy have fun b/c he wouldn't stop bobbing under water and letting go of the side.  Proud moment--my child takes his inability to listen public--as if everyone didn't already know.  I can tell the teacher was frustrated with him, and if I'm being honest it annoyed me the way she was talking to him (which is exactly how I talk to him when he is bad).  Total emotional blackmail.  It was a eye-opener.  I'm going to let her do what she needs to get him to listen b/c he does need consequences for his actions--because it's just not safe--but her overall attitude toward him went way downhill after his consequence-no more high fives, no more good jobs, while the other little boy got them.  It was hard to watch. I need to just not pay attention probably, but it's hard to watch someone you love get disciplined--even if they need it.  I just hope today doesn't make her dislike him for the next week.  He didn't seem upset by it, so we just talked about his need to listen so he didn't have to miss out on the fun and the safety factor.  Hoping he does better tomorrow. I took some photos, but I'm too lazy to upload.

Pirate

Scott showed C Pirates of the Carribean last weekend (no sure what he was thinking). C loves the skeletons and pirates--not scared at all. At the Children's Discovery Museum play stage he couldn't wait to dress like a pirate.

Big Boy Room

Here are the pics I know you've been holding your breath for! Converting the bed created some changes in the room configuration as we moved the placement of the bed away from the dormer wall--which led to changing a few other pieces' placements.

he does great w/just the one rail on the bed.  he is so tiny in the bed (which is usually covered by lovies)

proud

happy. so we had bought this twin quilt before C was born--thinking he would go into a twin bed first--fast forward and Scott moves him into a full size w/little planning.  Now we had a pottery barn twin quilt we couldn't use (gasp--huge gasp). So I obsessed looking for bedding I liked as well that wasn't ridiculously expensive. He just kept saying--I like what I already have--but momma didn't like al the bed showing on the sides.  We found this really thin, brightly colored "quilt" set from Meijer on super clearance ($34.99 for quilt, shams, and bed skirt), and it blends right in with his quilt he already loved--which is folded at the foot of the bed, and will be used on cold nights.  C's room is so hot, a thin quilt was best. The colors really brighten up his room--as well as the bed in the center of the room.  All his vintage sports stuff seems to be pulled together now--even though so much of it can't be seen except from certain angles (it's amazing how different it looks in a big room as opposed to his original small room in CoMo)

a new play nook on the other side of his bed--we moved this chest of drawers from the other side of the dormer--which is so much better- b/c it's mostly empty except for linens and a few toys.

we moved this table (handbuilt by Scott's dad and hand finished by his mom) that converts to a changing table to the nook by his closet b/c this used to be where the bed is now.  We used the stuff on this all the time, so I changed its function.  Now it holds C's toys that he keeps in his room--perfect. 

We moved his nightstand on the other side of the glider, so he can use it for books in bed, and we moved all his books off the bottom shelf of the above table (they are in 2 huge bins) to the floor next to the chair.  This way all the books are easily accessible from the reading chair and C's bed.  Not ideal since the bins are just on the floor--but it's a good solution now w/o having to spend any money.

Generally he LOVES his revamped room

The story of Isaac's birth as told by a 3 year old

We always talk about what C learned at church in the car on the way home on Sundays.  We usually have some sort of paper that helps us know what he learned, but we ask him to tell us about it.  There is usually some part of the story he really latches on to.  Sunday was surprising in that he seemed to be able to tell 90% of the story instead of 75% or so.  Here's what he said--I can't remember it word for word, but he definitely used the word "sadly," which cracked us up (quietly so we didn't embarrass him).

us: What did you learn about Abraham today? 
C: There was a man Abraham with Sarah.  Sadly there was no baby.
us: but there was a baby, right
C: yes, God gave them a baby.
us: what was the baby's name?
C: baby Isaac

we continued to talk about the implications of Abraham and Sarah having a baby as old people (as much as C can comprehend), but it cracked us up that he said sadly--obviously that was how the story was told to him--but who knew he would repeat it. 

He also asked me about the top of the cart at the store today.  He suggested to me that if he had a brother, he would sit at the top of the cart, so that would be good.  I have no idea why he said that or why he thought that.  We were not having a conversation about a. the cart or b. other kids.  Crazy kid!

Spider boy

or Madam Colin-a  either way--depending on how he wears the turban--as a hat or as a mask (Scott cut eye holes out).  I had quite a fright when he showed up in the laundry room last night with the mask on.  He usually is terrible at sneaking up on you, but he got me last night. 

Technology is passing me by

During our free time while C was at a drop-off party yesterday, Scott and I went to look at tablets (like iPads for you non-techie people).  We checked out the Samsung first.  The rep started saying words like Doodles and Dolphin and other crap like that, and I thought my eyes might roll into the back of my head. It all started blurring together. Then to a knowledgeable Best Buy employee who started saying crap like storing all your stuff on a cloud (not literally--some technological mumbo jumbo that's better but similar in principle to google docs, but obviously capable of more than documents) yet having instant access as if it's on your hard drive.  Oh my God--it's freaky. Frankly I'm surprised I can even work my smart phone after seeing how many features I'm obviously not using with Android.I'm starting to feel a little bit paranoid about the future of humanity and our obsession with technology.  I'm pretty sure eventually we will sit across from one another and not speak, but only communicate via our phones or tablets or whatever new technolgy we are using at the time.      Seriously overwhelmed.  I  HATE learning to use technology.  Scott and I had a huge converstation about having to make a choice about being left behind by the ever-changing tech world or sucking it up and learning to use new stuff.  

My prediction...in 20 years we are all technology zombies who don't know how to use our voices--but I guess we better get on board if we want to communicate. 

Attention span for blogging

I apologize friends and family.  My attention span for blogging is waning.  I have been so busy lately--taking time to put my thoughts down and edit photos has been a giant pain I haven't had time to do. I have taken on a lot of responsibility with my local MOPS group and some with my other moms group, and I am a bit overwhelmed to say the least.  I'm hoping some of it slows down, but I'm not sure.  C and I are very busy as well with swimming lessons 4 days a week for 4 weeks--read giant pain in the butt!  It is at a terrible time--10:10--right smack in the middle of everything else scheduled.  We are always racing to the showers, changing our clothes, and rushing somewhere else straight from lessons--and on Thursday added a trip to the gym before the lessons and then a park playdate afterwards and then Walmart. This is a recipe for a very cranky 3 year old--let me tell you. 

In other news, C is in a true big bed.  While I was gone for 4.5 hours yesterday for my MOPS meeting Scott converted C's toddler bed into a full size bed.  Huge mistake in the day b/c we had a sitter last night and C only got a 1 hour nap b/c he went to a party.  The new changes made it interesting for her.  We went to see HP7 part 2.  Awesome!  We also went to a nice restaurant in town (Statio 220) we hadn't been to before and tried their changing tasting menu.  Delicious.  It was a mini-5 course tasting menu.  So good.  The brownie at the end was to die for.  It made working out at 11 pm last night very hard.  I actually couldn't make it through the video (never felt like that before). 

I will try to make the effort to take more pics (I actually have some to upload and edit) and actually put them on here. 

Superhero Party Inspiration

So, in February C told me he wanted a Super Why party.  Since then his interest in various superheroes as grown tremendously.  I decided he should have a generic superhero party (easier and more fun to plan creatively speaking).  So I started scouring the internet for ideas (one of my favorite parts).  It was pretty obvious that capes and masks were a necessity.  Then I started finding these really cute ideas of the signs Pow, Bif, Zap, etc.  I actually wish I could have more signs like this, but a girl can only make so many (and have places for them).  Then I stumbled on this party.  Drool.  I was immediately in love.  These are professional party planners, so I didn't have near the resources, but I think I achieved a scaled down version.  This became my main inspiration along with a few other secondary ones.  I loved the look of black and white with the pop of colors.  Secondary ideas came from this party and this party. There are some seriously creative mamas out there.  I just steal other peeps ideas.  I can't find the one other party blog.  Oh well I guess. 

Having trouble with the editing of the photo (sorry), but you get a general idea of the back.  The front and back looked similar in design--just with more detailed information.

Here's a picture of the invitation I sent out--my original design.  I made one from scrapbook paper and printouts from my computer.  Then I took it to Staples to be printed. I brought them back home, folded them and glued them so it would stay folded.   I bought plain white envelopes.  I honestly think buying premade ones would have been cheaper.  Live and learn I guess.  I sent a name badge for each kid to decorate w/superhero assignment #1 instructions. 

Dino Dig Playdate

Because I am a glutton for punishment--one party in a weekend is never enough.  4 of the kids (at least) in my mom's group all have b-days within 6 days of each other.  So the 3 boys had a shared bday playdate celebration for any of their friends to come and play and enjoy a treat.  I had to make it a little special, so I got some dinosaurs to bury, brought some construction equipment, and buckets and shovels.  Bree brought some blue sand (huge hit) for the buckets and to bury the dinosaurs and we had ourselves a mini-dino dig.  The kids alternated between the snack table, the playground, and the "dig site." They had a blast.  I used a lot of the decor I had from C's bday party  last year to decorate the pavilion a little bit.  I had cupcakes w/ simple construction toppers I made and Bree and Natalie had a super cool dinosaur covered cupcake cake. 

Lots of fun!

2 of the 3 boys digging for dinosaurs

the bday boys

Racing Day--Race #4 and our weekend

C was in great form at the races last Friday night.  It was the first time he didn't want to stop during the lap.  He tends to get bored half way through or whiny.  He's definitely not the fastest kid--usually on the slow end--because he's busy pretending while he's running.  We were rockets/or spaceships or something with rocket boosters last week.  I just sort of had to encourage him in the last 1/4 of the lap.  He did great.  My dad went up in the stands and got some good shots. 

We had such a great time with my mom and dad here for a long weekend.  Thank goodness they came--I would have been in way over my head on party setup w/o them.  They helped blow up baloons, cover tables, glue random crap, set up the phone booth, run errands, my mom prepped/made all the food for the party that wasn't grilled/baked.  She made us dinner twice.  My dad played with C a lot--they fumigated the Joker with toots (papa is a bad influence).  We watched Disney movies.  We played bocce ball and croquet.  We were all exhausted together after the party. I'm so glad they could come. 

Scott's parents and his sister and her husband came from St. Louis for the big day as well.   The whole extended family came as superheroes.  We are a family that likes to have fun, and we like to do it together.  I have said this before, but it's awesome having 2 families that all come together as one and get along so well together.  Once they got  here they helped my mom get all the food set up and put out for us (so I could keep the kids in training).  Sarah and Mitch were our villains who stole our cake--they were great sports.  Mitch should get an Oscar for his performance.  Everyone helping along with my friends Bree and Stan made the cleanup really fast, too. 

So here are the non party photos from our weekend.

reading a b-day gift from a friend

eating a pbj for lunch

"Oh yes they call him the Streak. The fastest thing on two feet..."

how do I do this, Mama?

like this?

walking to the race

pinning on his number (he hates this part!)

checking out the track

almost to the finish line--i didn't have to carry him or hold his hand--success!

after the race--this kid never likes to look at the camera when you want

opening his gift from Nana and Papa--Disney movies!!!

Yeah, I like Bambi, I'm tough.  You wanna make something of it?  He looks so angry here or tough or something.

playing with his gift from me and Scott--an Imaginext air craft carrier. 

Finally pics from the superhero party

I have well over 200 pics from this party b/c 4 people had cameras.  It's a lot to process.  I don't want to put the link with all the pics just out there for anyone to see.  If you have a burning desire to see more, send me an email. 

the capes i made (with some help from my MIL) for each kid

up close.  these were an easy, no-sew cape that she helped me create.  the necks were too stretchy unfortunately b/c of the knit (which is why i could do no sew). oh well, i guess. they were cute and easy. then i ironed on the stars i cut out w/heat bond and then i printed off the letters on iron-on paper and attached that to the star.

the green lantern delivering some cool popcorn for the kids when they first got there.

 

my mom and dad glued random cutouts i did from comic books over the popcorn label (to look more superhero instead of carnival)

enjoying the popcorn

reading the table decor (pages from the comic books i got from the dollar tree $2.00 went a long way)

posing in front of the city scene.  my girlfriend Bree helped me paint this as well as Scott.  I cut a background out of wrapping paper (which we used on tables and other decor stuff).  I just taped a bunch of it together to give it height.  We had to hang the scene higher than I wanted, but the swingset provided the right amount of stability.

M and C eating some pop instead of posing.  Notice C refused to wear a cape because the Flash has no cape (he's right about that).  His superhero of choice changed over 10 times before deciding on the flash that morning. I had everything ready and clean for his decision.

 

me posing with my barbell--Wonder Woman is very strong!

me and Bree before the party

this cracks me up--they're going into the phone booth together.  is this foreshadowing for when they grow up?

the flash and batman

the girls are giving those villains a whippin'. The blue baloons were villains and the yellow and green heroes (i printed off photos of various heroes/villains and taped them on)

snacks and drinks while they played. my mom and i glued the printed skylines on the mini waters, juices, and lemonades. 

grab bags for the road

ready for a little pin the mask on Colin

starting their training--working on their speed to find the thief who took the cakes!

working on their superhero strength by popping balloons.

it was very hard work

leaping over tall buildings.  i had one for each kid to try on their own in various sizes and then we all did this one (the little ones with my help). i spray painted various boxes we were going to recycle (beer cases, cereal boxes, etc). then i put windows on or drew them on the white.

what a cute superhero!

going through the obstacle course.  agility is important!

he's very strong, too!

getting ready to silly string the villains.  you have to be able to tell the bad guys from the good guys.

success!

helping the little guy--they LOVED this

pausing our training to refuel

superhero with his super grandparents--darn elbows were covering super nana

flash 1 and flash 2

bringing down the hammer of justice

squirting the villain who took the cake.  they had to get him wet to make him tell the truth about where the cake was! 

then they had to save catwoman's cat before she would give them the answer

the cakes--a superwhy chocolate (as demanded by C for months),  a layered superhero cake (chocolate, strawberry, and yellow). i made the signs on top and used tie dyed candles and some star candles.  my MIL made the delicious cake balls.

blowing out the candles

out of order, but changing into his superhero identity.  the kids had a badge that came with their invite to decorate.  they were so cute!

more posing from this cutie

he is a great jumper!

he is strong, too

the balloons were a huge hit of course

when they first arrived they had free play.  i had coloring sheets of superheroes, a grafitti page that went across their tables I drew, bubbles, and balloons to play with as well as the play set, scene posing, phone booth, and obstacle course.  Our first activity was to remove the kryptonite i had put in the yard (practice golf balls spray painted green). i was going to do kryptonite hot potato--but had way too many activities if truth be told--they wanted that cake--so we skipped that after the pin the mask on C and found the CAKE!  It was so much fun, and the kids were all great!

I will post the invitation pic later and the blogs where i got all my inspiration from!  Remind me if i forget, please!  I'm so behind in my blogging.