Learning in Hendo

I have learned that Dora has a huge effect on my son and can get him to do anything she wants. If she says- Say backpack or if she tells him to pull the rope or if she needs help figuring out where to go next Jack is right there for her doing whatever she asks. I am not sure that I like her having that much control over my child, but at the same time I am able to write this while sitting next to him without being asked too many questions. I fear Luke may enjoy it too. I put him in his playpen to sleep, but he has raised his head up in the direction of the tv. The beguiling vixen.

Jack is under the impression that a thermometer in your bottom is what gives you a fever. I took Luke's temperature yesterday and told Jack he had a fever. Jack looked at me and very seriously says- It is because you put the thermometer in his butt.

Apparently Jack had some trouble going to sleep last night. My brother called me into the bathroom and there were a variety of bottles and tubes lined up in a straight line. However, there was no mess. I decided to check out the other bathroom and noticed the toothpaste tube had no lid, but otherwise nothing. Well, on a mother's knowledge of her son, I went to check him out. I rolled him over, he was asleep by now, and saw that from chest down to left leg he was covered in pink toothpaste which was covered in some other sticky stuff. I tried to wake him up but he wouldn't stir. I decided I would just clean him off with a wet rag. I had to scrub and roll him from side to side, but that kid never ever woke up! Wow to sleep like that is amazing.

I have learned we need to emphasize asking other children their names. Jack just calls them boy or girl. Ex. We went to the children's museum and while Jack was playing with magnetic cogs a young boy came over and grabbed an armful. Jack looked at him and said- Don't take all of those boy!

I was watching a few episodes of The Closer Monday when Jack walked in and caught a glimpse of Kyra Sedgwick. He said- She is nice. When will she be back on? This is my favorite show.

Here are how J and L are looking these days.

Our busy weekend

We have been a bit busy over the last few days. On Thursday we moved into a rental house. It is a nice change from a third floor apartment. The first day there Jack and I ate pizza in the front yard, and it was so quite minus the birds chirping- which was noticed by Jack who turned to me and said: ' I love to hear the birds sing.'

Friday was our 5th anniversary. It was celebrated against a backdrop of boxes up to our necks, a sense of chaos, and a little boy with a fever. I suppose after 5 years you have to expect life to get in the way- I mean that is why we said: I do- right? Even with all this, a friend still came over to watch the boys so Pete and I could get some dinner.

Saturday I realized my tiniest boy is teething!!!! He is still just a baby- a tiny baby-- tiny babies can't be teething. I am still hoping that this early stage of teething lasts a long time and that little tooth does not pop through for at least two months. It is possible right? He has been crying at night for no real reason, which doesn't match with his personality at all. I gently rubbed my finger over his gums and at first- nothing. Then I pushed a bit harder and felt a little bump where his bottom left tooth would be. I have also noticed the baby move of rubbing his tongue over that part of his gum.

Sunday afternoon Pete went out and bought sparklers and smoke bombs. As soon as he got home the boys went out and played. Jack loved them. He even lit a smoke bomb. Around 10pm Jack walked out of his bedroom, having avoided sleep all night, so we stood at the end of our driveway and watched the sky as our neighbors lit fireworks.

We were able to get a free washer and dryer through a friend, and it was so super nice of the couple to give it to us, and things were great until they weren't. The washer kept filling up with water and it never kicked on, and when I went to check on it I discovered that the water was leaking out of the bottom. Oh no. We unplugged it and cleaned up. The dryer was working until we half dried the clothes from the washer and then it just stopped. haha oh my. It was free- there had to be a reason- still it was nice of them to offer it because there was a chance they would work.

Jack has yet to sleep the whole night in his room, and this has had Pete sleeping on the floor in the living room. We bought Jack Toy Story curtains and a Toy Story poster to help make his room more friendly and fun. He does love them, but it hasn't helped with the sleeping issue. Since he has been sleeping in my bed he has been able to get up and move around at will in the morning, which he really hasn't done, except this morning when he left to climb on top of the counter to eat brownies!

The next couple weeks are going to be pretty busy and hectic as well. Pete is going to be gone for a couple weeks so it is going to be me and the boys-alone!! I think I can I think I can I think I can.

Luke's Baptism

This weekend in the midst of boxes, trying to organize summer vacations, and every day life; baby Luke was baptized. It was a very nice ceremony, but different than all the other baptisms I have attended. There was no reception of the child to the church, renunciation of sin or profession of faith on the part of the parents/godparents. Father opened up with Mark 10:13-16 and very beautifully described the baptismal sacrament as love being given without cause- we don't have to do anything to earn God's love. The thing that I felt was missing was -- the bit about original sin. Still, we all know that it was washed away so I guess that is what really matters. I was the one holding baby Luke over the baptismal font when the holy water was poured over his head, Cassie and Will lit the baptismal candle, and Luke was anointed with oil. Plus, we were able to take home some holy water. Currently it is in our diaper bag since we don't have any place to put it over the next week, but I promise not to leave the holy water with the dirty diapers! Luke did not cry-at all. We all believe this means Luke is destined to be a priest, Cassie said that as godmother it will be her job to make sure this happens. We will need priest in the family because Jack decided to breathe 'fire' over Luke at the very moment the holy water was poured. I will let all the readers make their own judgment.

food and movies

We do a couple things well; watching movies and eating--we did both this weekend.

Saturday we went to Taste of Tippecanoe and enjoyed eating a variety of foods from local restaurants. Pete started out with sushi from Bea One. I wanted to eat some pitas and hummus from Adelino's. *A word about hummus -I LOVE hummus. I mean I feel like I have died and gone to heaven when I eat good hummus. I have not had truly good hummus in a container from the store so the chance to eat good hummus always excites me. I prefer Lebanese hummus vs other varieties or takes on hummus. A food, that for years, I avoided because I thought it was weird has, in the last 5 years, turned out to be my absolute favorite thing to eat.* Then Jack was hungry and given that this was our special outing we let him pick whatever it was he wanted. He decided he wanted candy and candy he got. We went to Kathy's Kandies(where I had my baby shower) and Jack got 1/2 lb of sour poppers. He was in his own sort of heaven. I got a beer from a local brewery ( it was not to my liking, but I did manage to drink 3/4 of it). Pete wanted to eat some Bang Bang Shrimp from The Patio at Bluefin. He thought it was absolutely to die for. I was now wanting some meat so I got Italian Sausage from La Scala. It was good, but we aren't huge La Scala fans.[ We attempted to go once for a date night and made reservations to make sure there wouldn't be much waiting. We entered the restaurant and stood there for quite awhile before a waiter finally noticed us and asked if we had been taken care of. We were seen to our seats and it takes longer than it should for a menu. Then we sit there waiting, waiting, kids screaming and crying, we are waiting and waiting- finally we got water. After about 30 minutes of waiting we got up and left. Even at their booth it took quite awhile to get the Italian Sausage sandwich.] Jack wanted a smoothie so we find one and he loves it. I figure after eating half a pound of sugar and being in 90 degrees, he was in dire need of something refreshing. I decided to take a page from his book, and instead of a smoothie, I went for sangria. I admit it was my first time having sangria, and in oppressive heat it hits the spot. Pete decided to go for water. The boys played by the courthouse for awhile, we listened as the music filled the street, and then I decided it was time for dessert. I narrowed it down to baklava or cannoli then let Jack pick. He decided on the cannoli.


The next day was Father's Day. We had decided to go see Toy Story 3. When it was time to depart for the movie Luke wanted a nap, Jack hadn't had enough of one, I was on edge, and Pete thought we should just wait. It was decided that he and Jack should go, and I would stay here with Luke. 30-40 minutes later the door opens and the boys return. It turns out that the movie was already sold out so they went dragon hunting. This allowed all of us the opportunity to go to the movies at the next showing. Jack was so so excited. The movie was great- I cried. Pete is still talking about it. We all agreed it was better than the first one. If you haven't seen it--GO!!!

As it was Father's Day I would like to take this opportunity to say that I absolutely love how wonderful a father Pete is. It is something I knew before we even got married and had kids. I saw him go to his aunt's house to hang out with his cousins when we first started dating, and once I got to know and see him interact with his two younger brothers it became abundantly clear that he would be an amazing father. It was one of the things that drew me to him. In all honesty I think he is the better parent. He is so patient, kind, gentle while still being firm and consistent, and energetic. This last adjective is the one that kills me-- I could never ever have that much energy. He is creative beyond belief coming up with games, jokes, rhymes, and stories that make Jack shriek with glee. Jack ADORES Pete. Examples: 1. When Pete is on his way up the stairs, we can tell it is him, and Jack will hold the door knob and close his eyes until Pete turns it, then he will open his eyes and scream Daddy! (Every single time) 2. Jack and I will be in the same room, and Jack will be playing by himself, and I will be on the couch reading, watching tv, on the computer, playing with Luke and things can go on like this for an hour or two. Pete comes home or walks into the room and Jack immediately demands every single ounce of Pete's time, attention, and energy. He never leaves his side. If Pete is not giving Jack all of his attention Jack will repeat: 'Daddy, Daddy, Daddy' over and over and over until either Pete answers or I say - hey Jack you know I can play with you or answer your questions right? He barely looks at me as he says- I was talking to daddy not you. There are tons of other examples trust me but these are the two that happen multiple times a day. Jack can't get enough of his daddy, and Pete loves every minute of it. They are quite the dragon hunting pair.



Earlier in the week I took the boys to the fountains at Purdue for a little play date.



I also stage a photo session with the timer on our camera--

Everyday Stuff

We have been thinking about and worrying over where to live once our lease here is up, after much disappointment, we found a place to live. We signed the lease last week and we get the keys July 1st. I have to say that I have pretty much already forgotten what it looks like on the inside, but the things that matter most are 3 bedrooms, fenced in yard, attached garage, and washer/dryer hook-ups. We have to buy a washer/dryer so once we move in the search for that will start. Still we are excited.

Luke took a liking to his left thumb early on, but he was unsuccessful at finding it on his own or keeping it in his mouth once it was found. Then he began to discover it on his own, but only when he slept. Now he is starting to find it all the time. Once it is in his mouth he just keeps on sucking- hard, almost as if he is afraid he will lose it and not be able to find it again. It is pretty cute. He has also picked a blankie. We had two that we were going back and forth with, but now he has let his preference be known. When he sucks his thumb he also has part of the blankie in his hand and holds it right next to his face, this has happened on a regular enough basis that it doesn't appear to be coincidence. I will have to take a picture of this because it is super cute. So thank you Julisa for Luke's blankie.

Luke also likes to do baby squats. This is where you have him facing you on your lap, you are holding his hands, and he stands up and then sits down-repeat all day if you like. He is one strong baby. All you other babies better watch out!

Jack loves to make up games with Pete, and they have one game called- Crazy Balls. I am not real sure what this game is, but the word crazy seems appropriate. They take plastic golf clubs and balls and hit them as hard as they can down the hall. The 'scoring' system seems more baseball related: single, double, home run. There is also throwing involved and Jack has one crazy arm so you can't really say where the ball is going to end up. I feel like I need a helmet on when I am in the living room. Jack sits at the end of the hall while Pete hits or throws the ball(quite hard) in his direction. I just know one day Jack is going to get hit in the head--sigh. Jack loves it.

Jack and I have been checking out this website-Dino Train. They have fun facts and correct pronunciations of many dinosaurs plus videos on muppet type dinosaurs learning about other dinosaurs. It is cute--Thanks Carrie for telling us about it. We also watch some of the videos on you tube. I have been too lazy to figure out when the show actually comes on tv.

A little while a go we were in Morehead (for some holiday) and these cards were pulled out as conversation starters. One question was- If you could go to any concert what would it be? Well, I said Jack Johnson because I do love Jack Johnson, his music makes me happy, I always listen to it in the spring right when the weather changes, I listen to it when I clean the house, and on and on. It is sort of my go to music, you know the music that just makes you happy. Last night I was straightening up my EW magazines and getting ready to pitch some in the recycling, but first I wanted to thumb through them one last time and make a list of any music, books, or shows that caught my interest. What did I find? Oh, I think you know-an ad for Jack Johnson's concert this summer. I immediately turn to Pete--remind him of the the conversation starter question and my answer then make what I hope was a cute puppy dog face and not some scary pit bull face. He laughs and tells me if they are playing at the Verizon Center we can go. Jack Johnson here we come! We haven't bought our tickets yet, so don't all of you go and buy all the seats-- I might cry.

Last night we played Trivial Pursuit with easy, medium, and hard questions. I completely forgot we had this game. We've had it for over a year and we have played it once. How fun to discover a game you forgot you had. To answer the question I know you are all asking-Pete won. I know many of you thought I might have a chance since there are easy questions, but remember if I get easy questions so does Pete-- it is determined by what number you roll- 1 = easiest and 6= hardest. Still I held my own quite well and was only missing one pie before he won it all. :)

Here is a picture of the boys together. Luke loves to look at Jack, and Jack loves to smell Luke. Yes, you read that right. Jack loves the smell of spit-up.

Morehead: track, graduation, and old friends

We are now back from our KY travels. We had a nice time, but as Jack said - I missed my home.

We drove to Morehead one night and the next morning headed out for Louisville. I met my friend Carrie and her daughter Rebecca for a trip to the Louisville Zoo. In the zoo there is a splash park, a carousel, and currently there is a dinosaur exhibit, we ended up spending almost all of our time enjoying these side activities and not visiting the animals. I think this worked out well for our 3-year-old companions. Below are just a couple pictures of our zoo visit.



Then we wanted to eat some BoomBozz pizza (our favorite Louisville pizza). We drove to our favorite location on Frankfort Ave, but it was closed because they are moving just down the street. We didn't know what to do! We thought about going to another location but didn't think they had dine in and the one we knew had dine in was too far from our next event of the night. Finally, we decided to just order it for carry-out and eat it in the car. When we pulled up we saw that BoomBozz had greatly expanded and was now a full restaurant and tap house; not just a little pickup pizza place. We still ate it in the car. Next we went to the KY 2A state track meet to watch Danny run the 800. We we were all so excited to watch Danny run like a pony. He got a PR and came in 5th, overall it was a successful race. Then we drove back to Morehead.

We spent the next day just relaxing outside. Jack was able to persuade Uncle Randy to wash the lawnmowers. After hosing down the lawnmowers it was time to jump in the pool. In 90 degree weather there is nothing better than swimming in the pool.

The next day was Danny's graduation. Danny gave the closing remarks and the IN Weigel crew were extremely pleased with his lack of Lady Gaga singing and his maturity in noticing that high school does not define you.

That afternoon Pete was able to drive back to Louisville to spend time with many of his 'old' friends from college. As I wasn't there -I didn't get to take any pictures. I am glad he was able to see them. It is always a good time to spend an evening with friends and it is great that there are some friends you don't have to see all the time in order to maintain a bond.

We spent the rest of the weekend doing random things but all involved friends and family we don't see very often. I have decided to just post a few pictures to give you a general idea of what we did.

graduation, fountains, strawberries, and fishing- oh my

We've been having a ton of fun in Henderson. We came in for Will's graduation and have been partying it up ever since. It is always a fun experience to view the various types of people in Henderson and graduation is the best place to do this- man with a close buzz until it turns into a wonderfully curly mullet down his neck, woman who has been over tanning for way too many years wearing a belly shirt and short shorts to watch a family member graduate, the teenage girl with a short short dress and way way too much make-up, and the woman wearing a nice sundress while her body is covered in tattoos, but I digress.

We celebrated Will's graduation with lunch at the Acropolis. I believe we ate more in the way of appetizers than anything else, but it was good, and we had a fun time hanging out with each other.

We took the kiddos down to the fountain park. There were a ton of kids using the big fountains so we walked down to the little fountains. To help Jack feel comfortable around so many new kids we had him show Khloe how to play in them. It worked out pretty well. Jack loved stepping on the fountains and Khloe liked getting her feet wet.

Mary told us about the strawberry patch being open, so off we went to pick strawberries. (Aunt Jamie watched Luke for us). Jack didn't pick too many, but he did eat a few while we were out there. His main job was to kill all the dragons that were flying around trying to eat us. He did a very good job protecting Pete and I while we picked strawberries. After we finished we ordered fresh strawberry milkshakes- they were delicious and Jack ended up having two. I tried to make freezer jam,but I think it is too liquidy--hmm.



My Uncle Doran wanted to take Jack fishing down at my Aunt Mary's place so we headed out there yesterday for some fishing fun. There are a lot of bluegill in the pond, and Uncle Doran has the magic touch because he was reeling them after just seconds of being out there. That made it so much better for Jack because we all know that 3-yr-olds don't have the best attention spans. He really enjoyed it and probably would have stayed out there for awhile, but it was hot and he was tired so he sort of broke down after 10-15 minutes. It was still a great experience, and I am glad Uncle Doran thought of such a fun activity for Jack. They even got me out there. Well, all I had to do was reel it in when they told me to, and I even messed that up by dragging the fish in along reeds. Oh well, Jack and I both "caught" fish. :)




Interspersed between these activities have been things like blowing bubbles, playing frisbee golf, fighting dragons, playing Uno, and playing with Khloe. We have had a fun time and will be sad to leave tomorrow, but we are excited that we get to come back soon!