Fall brings changes

Luke's hair had this huge knot in the back that just wouldn't go away. We would wash his hair, brush it, leave it alone, whatever, and it would come back. This massive bird's nest on the back left side of his head. We didn't really want to cut it out because that would involve cutting his hair and we love our little Luke's long hair plus Pete and I aren't the best hair stylists. We went to the playground one afternoon and saw in the sunlight it was much worse than we thought. In the end there was no real option, a trip to the barbershop was a must. Luke's hair is a bit shorter than we like, but he does look more grown up. He was so good, but then again he does enjoy getting his hair brushed and looking in the mirror.

Jack has wanted to lose a tooth since a girl lost one in Montessori last year. Every other month he would talk about how he had a loose tooth, so when one day his mouth got bumped and he said that he had a loose tooth, I didn't believe him. He kept talking about it and I kept on not believing him. He didn't show me it wiggling and I didn't ask, but that is mostly because that stuff gives me the shivers. Then on Thursday he was talking about it some more to our friends and my friend checked it out and informed me that it was not only loose but it could probably come out right then. Wow, what a total mom fail! I am so sorry Jack. I had him show me that tooth and it was super loose. When I went to pick him up from school Friday it had fallen out during class. How exciting! He got a certificate and a sticker from his teacher. We called all sorts of people, took lots of pictures, stuck it under his pillow, and discussed whether or not Tigran would bark at the Tooth Fairy when she came into the house.

That night the downtown businesses had trick-or-treating. We had a great time. Luke's favorite part was pointing out who all the guys were. His favorite was a dad dressed in full Batman gear. There were lots of Spiderman and baby Batman costumes. There was a Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates and every time we passed him Luke would say- yo ho!

Jack had his final soccer game Saturday and this involved getting a trophy. Jack has longed hoped for his very own trophy. His Uncle Danny has loads of trophies and medals and Jack really wanted to start his own collection so when he found out he would get a trophy and that it had his name on it-wow, he hasn't been so excited.

Hindu-Jewish Wedding Weekend

Pete and I were able to attend a wedding that isn't your every day garden variety wedding- this was a Hindu-Jewish wedding weekend. I really wanted to be able to come back and write all about it and tell you so much about everything I saw, but I didn't truly follow everything I saw.

 Our first night there I got henna.

can't touch anything for 2 hours

flower on the left hand a peacock on the right

got some bindi

what it looks like when dry

The Hindu ceremony was the next morning--very early. Many women wore saris or salwar and men kurta. I didn't wear Indian clothes, but Pete looked handsome in his.

he didn't wear the Indian pants but is rocking the top

As an American chick just sort of watching the ceremony it seemed very laid back, come and go as you wish, go out and have a snack and come back in, chat a bit to friends and relatives while the bride and groom are on the altar, some people took phone calls, and it appeared in this case that even the priest was ad-libbing some- suddenly there was a call to find a baby- and this was not entirely expected by anyone involved, other than the priest. Finally a baby was found and the bride held it on her lap. Games were also played by the bride and groom-- see who can get the coconut and who can find the ring in the turmeric water. It was an awesome experience and I am glad we were able to be there.

The next day was the Jewish part of the wedding. It took place outside under a Chuppah, it was started off by the blowing of the Shofar made by an animal's horn. I must admit that I was super excited by this-probably way more than was warranted. Then we sang the bride down the aisle. It was a short ceremony that was beautiful and meaningful and of course ended by the breaking of glass and shouting Mazel Tov. Prior to the wedding Pete was able to participate in the signing of the ketubah. I really enjoyed the Hora and seeing the bride and groom thrust into the air. Pete got to give a toast and while I think he tried to freak/kill the bride first by claiming to have no knowledge of having to give a speech and asking if it was really such a big deal, he did a great job!

It was so touching and meaningful to see so many people happy, blessed, proud, and excited to be joining these two faiths and traditions. More people should follow the lead of our wonderful friends.  Congratulations.

How we manage tv withdrawal

In the morning I go on a walk with my friend, but Luke decided he would much rather just stay at home and chill in front of the tv. As soon as Pete leaves the car Luke begins to scream and cry-- SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS!! He knows that sadly his shows will have to be postponed until after our walk. You would think that he would be used to this by now, we have been doing it for a month or more. His cries of protest were getting louder and more violent, even through the walk, which of course made chatting with said friend very enjoyable. It isn't like he wasn't getting his show fix, he got shows as soon as we got home. He became such a disruption that a couple times Pete and I worked it out so Luke didn't have to go on the walk and could in fact say home to watch his shows. Then his shows began to creep into every part of our day. Before naps, after naps, before picking up Jack, after picking up Jack, waiting for Pete, during dinner, and any free or semi-free moment in his day. If no was the answer then a toddler type meltdown was assured. I decided what we needed was a three day break from tv. Luke has been having his ups and downs just like any addict but we are getting through it. I have been getting through it because let's be honest tv helps a mom out. Assistance from the tv allows me to do lots of things like- take a shower, do laundry, wash dishes, clean, and even simple things like check my email before 1pm.

So without the tv here are some things we have done.

painting gourds and squash

Thomas has taken to eating paint

Luke likes smiley faces on his belly

Luke and I finished this morning

Luke proud of his awesome new "toys"

snap circuits anyone?

everyone in our family got tattoos

red velvet spider cupcakes-- with no black food coloring I had to enlist in Jack's help to get the color just right

Here a two short videos of Luke playing with the snap circuits