Thursday, October 29, 2009

35

Last Saturday I celebrated my 35th birthday... and I feel pretty good about it. No, it isn't an age that I ever anxiously awaited (as I did with 16, 18, etc...) but I am happy with where I am. So here starts another list to share 35 things I that I am thankful for today.

1. I have a warm cup of coffee in a Winnie the Pooh mug (a mug that was given to me as a gift by one of my first 2 year old students).
2. When I look outside my office I see a grassy soccer field and colorful trees.
3. I have a window in my office (yes... I admit I am writing this during my lunch break at work).
4. My son wakes up with a smile on his face and a cheery "Good Morning" greeting.
5. Our neighbors are kind and enjoy each other.
6. My husband celebrates my birthday in ways he knows I like.
7. The season of fall is here.
8. We live only 30 minutes from Lapham Peak which offers awesome hiking (and fall colors as seen in these pictures).
9. My hair is curly again.
10. My family is healthy.
11. I am able to run which helps me keep up with the littlest runner in our family.

12. My girl friends still value annual get aways.
13. My aunts and uncles along with Michael's extended family continue to be connected to us.
14. Rummage sales and re-sale shops are hip again.
15. I don't need to cut coupons anymore since Aldi is cheap enough.
16. Tears and laughter come easily.
17. I think I can pretty readily embrace change.
18. While our calendar gets quickly filled up with obligations many of these offer opportunities and outings.
19. Our home has a fireplace.
20. I am quite good at Scrabble.
21. Live streaming music is possible from out of state stations.
22. My basement actually looks somewhat tidy (unless you look towards the front of the house).
23. Digital TV really has improved our reception.
24. Rachel Ray taught me how to make a rue.
25. My book club helped me learn all of the incredible traits of Julia Child.

26. Michael is my husband.
27. Mehandis is our son.
28. Mehandis seems pretty excited about "Little Sister" whom he frequently says he is saving or giving things to (no we do not know if it will be a sister or brother... but he has decided).
29. Martha Stewart has awesome paint color combos.
30. All of our rooms are already painted, so only touch ups really needed now.
31. Our neighborhood has great curb-side give aways.
32. My recent DMV picture turned out well (at least they told me when to smile - sorry Peter).
33. I have friends who celebrate me and my quirks.
34. All of the experiences I have had have led me to what I have.
35. There is much to look forward to.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Outside Fun with Friends

We are so lucky to have had incredible neighbors move in next door to us last winter. Although we didn't really get to know them until the temperature warmed up later in the spring... they are a great addition to our block and as friends to our family.

Mehandis and Brooks are close in age and due to living in close proximity, easily share their toys with one another. Most of these toys tend to be trucks and cars... which are all now pretty dented up. You could never guess why?





Here are the boys sporting their "hunting vests" during our recent block party. The only "hunting" that was done was by Michael and I who kept trying to catch Mehandis up and downt he street :)

Here's to more inside time that is soon ahead... but warm friendships that will continue.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Another Acting Session...

It is the appropriate time of year to talk about "Scary" things... with Halloween coming up. However, Mehandis really likes to bring up the topic of feeling scared, something looking scary and scaring others. I think it stems from a Curious George Costume Party book, wanting to relate the story over and over again - versus truly feeling frightened all the time! Anyhow, in an attempt to change the subject Michael and I started calling out other emotions and the results are pictured below. Surprised!!!
So sad :(
Mmm... hungry.
Happy :)

We didn't realize he had these looks down so readily to be able to do them on cue. Sleepy, shy, grumpy and silly are also easily evoked. I believe the request for auditions will come any day now.
Check out who Mehandis is practicing getting into character for Halloween?




We are practicing him tolerating the hat... so whenever he watches the related DVD, the rule is he must wear the hat. Hopefully he won't need the DVD playing to make it outside in full costume come trick-or-treat time!

Monday, October 5, 2009

And the winners are...

There are a several categories of winners to give credit to... for the 2002 Trivia Contest.

Quickest Delivery - Peter M.
2nd Place and Accurate - Dad
Most Creative - A TIE - Joanna & Rebekah
Late Arrival yet Accurate - Uncle Gregg

Thanks to all that played ;)

Kudos go out to "Uncle Brad and Auntie Jo" who were number one with Mehandis this past week!!! Not only did they let our little man play with their train set outside... but had more track than Mehandis had ever laid his eyes upon.


He and the track were akin with the Energizer Bunny. They kept going and going and going and...


Hooray for their long driveway and opportunity for extended playtime!


Cousins Josh and Lauren celebrated their birthdays during that evening and Mehandis barely took a few bites of cake before he needed to be reunited with their train set.



Upon his arrival home he quickly declared that he needed, "More track. Please Mama, please!". So we got on the horn with Joanna and Brad... they soon delivered :)


This smile says it all. Mehandis was so thankful for his new track pieces... he played on his own, designing stations, bridges and junctions, at least an hour every night the rest of the week.



He is trying to say "Happy!" here. Thanks again... his happiness is quite contagious.