Favorite Things

I have recently looked back on some of this blog...first of all, I am in serious shock that I have been blogging for nearly four years, second....I am in serious shock that McKinley is nearly four years old.

Hello.

Anyway, in my little emotion-sparking time travel back in to McKinley's babyhood I realized I posted a lot of updates on things McKinley had learned to do (smile --- oh that one really did make me cry, wave at 10 months, first word around that same time: Mama!). I've highlighted so much but have kind of neglected to do that lately. I guess he just continues to learn new things at break-neck speed and by the time I would get to blog it he would have moved on to the next three new things.

So I decided to highlight some of our favorite things he has learned or picked up for the sake of family history - because some day his children WILL want to know the first time he...whatever. Right? Okay, well, anyway here are some faves:

Whistling!

McKinley has heard Cary and I whistle since birth. One day last summer he asked how to do it. He said, "Mommy teach me how to whistle!" That is harder than one might think, I remember my Dad teaching me and it wasn't easy - and I was a LOT older than McKinley. But ever the persistent child, he worked at it for a little while (and by a little while I mean like an hour - if that) and he had it!

He was 'caught' whistling one day in class while he helped pass out snacks. The kids could NOT figure out where the noise came from...then neither could the teachers...until it hit them, it was McKinley whistling! Suffice it to say that they were all impressed and made a HUGE deal of his quirky ability. He never told us this story though, call him humble. His teachers told us!

Now, almost everywhere we go he makes a friend (employee of a store, restaurant, office, etc) and asks their name and if they can whistle. It's hilarious. Some people - strike that - MOST people are so completely caught off guard by the fact that the three year old child in front of them CAN WHISTLE and has asked them to whistle too, but most comply...unless they cannot whistle and then they just make them selves look silly all for the sake of our inquiring boy who never met a stranger he couldn't befriend. I love it when he asks some stiff, goody-two-shoes or snob...those are the best. It's nice to see people loosen up a bit every now and then...especially when they are serving your lemonade......

Lasterday (translation: sometime in the past, usually fairly recent)

As with most children (and some adults who shall remain nameless), time is a hard concept to 'get'. McKinley does pretty well but gets tripped up when describing a past event or occurance. Almost always whatever he is describing is dubbed 'LASTERDAY'. Never was a cuter 'made-up-word' uttered. It is my favorite of his made-up words. I have to hide my smile when we are talking, unless we are in the car...where he won't see me. It is a very good thing we have good memories, Cary and me...otherwise, Lasterday could be lost.

Peace Office-offer (translation: Police Officer)...this one is so old! Sadly, the peace office-offer days are long gone, but I still needed to archive it...for posterity. When we would pass a police car he would exclaim this precious phrase that made us giggle out loud. "Mommy! Peace Office-offer!" Oh, that gives me the warm fuzzies just thinking of it.

McKinley definitely comes up with some funny things! He has a great sense of humor an is always laughing or making us laugh. He has grown so much!

Lynn

Ticking some Teeth and jumping around

It's Spring Break! That means F-U-N for McKinley! All in one day we packed in the Zoo, a Dental Visit, a Jumpy-Place visit and dinner at a pizza place where a train delivered our drinks. We were all exhausted afterward but what a fun day.

The zoo was good to us as always, and it was so nice to have Nonna along for the ride...train ride! We didn't get to see many animals because we again stood in a very long line for the train, but who cares because it was a beautiful day and our boy was smiling from ear to ear. He insisted on sitting with Nonna during the train ride - precious.

Soon we were back in the car heading for McKinley's dentist. Upon our arrival McKinley promptly headed for the basketball court. Yep...BASKETBALL COURT at a pediatric dentist. Nice. We played together, then McKinley was ready for his cleaning. The dentist called it 'tickling some teeth', which really stuck with McKinley and made him giggle. I'm so proud to report that those sweet little chomps are flawless.

Cue us jumping back in the car to head to the 'jumpy place' where I surprised McKinley by meeting up with Robin, Savannah and Austin. It's a good thing we were at a jumpy place because he was a jumpin' when he found that out!

The kids played (i.e. slid, jumped, bounced, climbed, weaved, shimmied) for over an hour. Well worth the price of admission...and an excellent way to work up an appetite!

Again...back in the car to the pizza place. McKinley officially thought this place was the bee's knees. Train stuff EVERYWHERE. A locomotive and cars were lined up in rows where we would sit and a miniature train brought us our drinks. McKinley was a kid in a candy store. So much so that he could barely eat! Oh well, he had fun.

Soon McKinley will be back at school, so it has been so nice to spend this time with him all week, much like we did every day until he started school this year!

Happy Spring Break!

Lynn

Wishy-Washy

It would appear that our dear Mother Nature is slightly confused...last week alone we all wore a myriad of apparel - capris, shorts, flip flops, winter coats and hats - but nothing compares to the last 24 hours.

Yesterday we began the day with the windows wide open and the sun shining its glory down on us as we worked on our landscaping project. We were even forced to turn on the AIR CONDITIONER when the temps reached 80 degrees.

In the middle of the night, the tune changed JUST a BIT with MAJOR winds and rain, thunderstorms and hail. We awoke to dreary cloudiness, more thunderstorms and rain nearly constant all.day.long. And did I mention that we had to turn the heat back on? It was downright frigid inside this evening.

What is UP???

Oh well, make the best of it, I say. So, if you can't beat 'em ('em being Mother Nature) JOIN 'EM!

Way to make a dreary day a blast, McKinley!

After our puddle jumping excursion we ventured to a nearby farm store to see the chickies (which have all been sold, but we did see turkeys!) and to pick up new umbrella for McKinley. Apparently, one cannot be too prepared this year...

When we got home, the three of us did a little pine cone bird feeder project before dinner. Fun little rainy day project!

Had a great day with you today, McKinley! Too fun!

Love,

Mommy

Honey comes to visit

All day long McKinley has been so excited to see Honey! We all have! It's been since after Christmas since we were all able to be together (weather, trips, etc), so tonight we gathered for dinner and some treats that Honey brought with her...straight from family favorite, Taylor's Bakery in Indy.

McKinley has officially become well acquainted with those white baker's boxes tied in white kitchen twine.

O.M.G.

We all hold our breath and then inhale to smell that glorious icing.

Knees buckle at the mere sight of the box in anticipation of what delicious confection could possibly be inside!

We love Taylor's so much we had them shipped in on our wedding day...36 (ish? 6 1/2 years have made me forget the exact number) of cakes - one per table, plus a big one for Cary and I. We love Taylor's so much we boxed up one cake that had been untouched (do those people KNOW what they missed???) and drove it down to Florida where we shared it throughout our Honeymoon.

We love Taylor's so much that we actually considered paying well over $150 for McKinley's 1st Birthday cake...I said considered...'cause wow...it wasn't even THAT BIG.

Don't worry...McKinley has certainly not been neglected. Much like his Mommy, Daddy, Nonna, Honey & Papa, he LOVES Taylor's!!!!!!!!!!

It was so nice to get to spend some time with my Godmother! It has been a long winter and we have all missed her and my Godfather (who could not come in town this time) so much. The three of us had a lovely time at my Mom's and McKinley kept us all entertained. I think Diane was reminded of her own boys at this age! So glad she could come for a visit!

Thank you, Honey for the delicious treats!!!

DIVINE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

We Heart Lowe's

One apron already filled with patches.

One brand new apron on its way home with us, ready for its first patch.

One Fortune Teller toy to add to the quickly-becoming-too-small shelf of Build & Grow Projects.

One very happy boy who can now pound those nails in by himself (while Mommy holds the piece, saying Hail Mary's the entire time and praying to keep her fingers).

Zoo & More!

McKinley and I had an awesome trip to the zoo today! It was warm, gorgeous and the TRAIN WAS RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I truly thought McKinley might pee his pants...and I mean that in the literal sense. We waited in line so long that we immediately had to leave after our ride ended (we had to pick up my Mom and Carrie from the airport), but it was worth every second when that child saw his beloved train coming around the bend ready for HIM! It felt like McKinley and I were the only ones on the train for that ride - even though it was completely full. And the funny thing was I really didn't think we were going to get on THAT one! We had been in line, wrapped around the waiting area for three train rides already. When they stopped the line with one other party in front of us, I even thought I would cry! Then, luck was on our side! The train conductor asked how many were in our party as the one in front of us was too big. When she saw it was just us (she had assumed that the people who knew nothing about personal space standing behind us TOUCHING me and McKinley's backpack were with us) she said, "Oh! Just two?! Well COME ON!!!!"

You do NOT have to tell MY son to come on to ANY train twice. Like lightning he was choosing a seat (one out of only two left). We sat side-by-side and he gripped my hand so tight. It was the sweetest thing in the world and almost made me cry. McKinley pulled out his little video camera and took some shots as the ride left the station. He looked at me and smiled that wide, toothy smile that tells me he is supremely happy...it was a great moment.

He really didn't even care that much that I insisted he sit in the stroller as I practically sprinted to the car to make it to my Mom on time. I'm pleased to say that we DID arrive at the airport, not only on time, but EARLY (yes, folks...ME. EARLY. It CAN happen!). McKinley was so happy to see his Nonna and Carrie too! He talked their arms off all the way home!

Have I mentioned that we LOVE THE ZOO???????????????????????

Lynn

My Irish Eyes are Smiling!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What a super-fun day for all!

Having true irish roots, I have always loved St. Patrick's Day --- frankly, what holiday don't I love, but this one is always a good time.

Today was McKinley's party at school. Most schools probably don't party it up too much for this holiday, but when you attend St. Patrick's School....it's kind of a big deal. That's pretty obviously when they paint a giant shamrock in the middle of the intersection in front of the church! I can remember that ALWAYS being such a BIG DEAL!!!!! My Grandparents and parents always took me by to check and see if it had been repainted yet. It always looks so good, especially for being there for THAT long - ugh, did I just say that???

McKinley's school party was precious. All the children were dressed in green, McKinley wore his McCutie shirt - which I adore. I made a new one...not sure how many more years I can get away with "McCutie", so why not ride it out?! The kids were so excited to have had several visits from a leprechan and even more excited for the chance to have a party, some treats and play outside with a potato sack race (appropro, no?).

In the afternoon McKinley and I hit the park with Robin, Savannah & Austin - we were all in green! And after the crazy-busy park, it was only fitting that we have St. Patrick's Day cupcakes again this year. I think we have ourselves a little tradition!

When we got home McKinley found that we'd had a little leprechan visit at our home! He brought McKinley a robot notebook and some other fun little things. For dinner - Shepard's Pie, green milk and green yogurt!!!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Lynn

McKinley peeping through the keyhole for the elusive leprechan!

I love a Parade

I can honestly say that McKinley and fam have been waiting for this event for nearly an entire year...since the moment we signed McKinley up for preschool, to be exact. McKinley's first year as a participant for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade was a hit!

Ever the lover of everything themed and holiday, I have long stocked up on St. Patrick's Day attire and some decor. This year I even scored a hilarious stick-on green mustache, which I promptly mounted on a stick. Mustache in hand, McKinley put on his green, some tattoos, a shamrock tie and some beads as I loaded up and decorated the wagon (decked in green myself, of course...and some funny shamrocks growing from my head), we headed for the parade line up. In the mix with McKinley's preschool class, we were one of only 3 preschool participants who chose to walk - which was no question for McKinley because that is the only place where he could throw candy from...and I'm proud to report he threw THREE large bags of candy all by himself!

Something I did not prepare myself for was seeing as many friends as we did! The minute we hit the Boulevard we saw several friends. I tried so hard to resist chatting...but I might have failed at that...like a hundred times. There was my high school friend Laura, there were a few couples from church, Cary's co-worker's wife and kids, Sarah and fam, The Semmler Fam, and of course...Daddy. There were high school classmates, a few of my Mom's friends. Oh my gosh - so many people, such a fast little parade. We got behind. Waaaaay behind and I had to book it to keep from holding the parade up. Ooops. Next year we might ride in the truck, then I can just wave and talk until we are out of earshot. Lesson learned, but we had a great time, me and McKinley!

Once we had arrived at school, McKinley and I pulled over to watch the rest of the parade with a few of his classmates. He really enjoyed watching and when Miss Kymberli came over to visit, bringing more classmates in tow, he enjoyed making them all laugh with his green mustache on a stick even more!

The day was gorgeous - much warmer than last year...and drier, for that matter. I can only hope that this was the first of many fun-filled St. Patrick's Day weekends. It was awesome to share this with McKinley, Cary and so many good friends.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Lynn

Find the Good...find the good...find the good - POINT!

As I sat and attempted to collect my thoughts and plan of action, stranded with my son after our Murano suddenly died in the middle of a busy street behind the Indianapolis Airport, I thought this must surely be a joke. Matter of fact, I spoke those very words and McKinley replied, "What's a joke, Mommy? What's funny?"
Well, pretty much nothing about this is funny.
I immediately called my Mother - whom I was picking up from the airport - and informed her of what had happened. She had to take a cab to meet us, obviously NOT the original plan. After calling Mom, I began calling our dealership, the local dealership in Indianapolis, the warranty company and then Cary. I felt bad for calling him last, but I knew we were getting close to a Saturday closing time with ALL of the places that could help me. Cary was getting off work and left for Indianapolis right away.
Mom arrived at our car and after way too many close calls of idiot drivers (seriously, there are people out there who have NO business being behind the wheel), I called 911. Within just a few minutes TWO Plainfield police cars pulled behind us - lights blazing. They were BEYOND nice. Words cannot express what a huge relief they were to me as, internally, I neared panic with cars dangerously wizzing by nearly rear-ending us many times.
Not only did these officers offer to check out my car, they actually called ANOTHER police officer from the station to bring a charger for my battery (which was now dead...and after a valiant effort, didn't work). Two of the officers were called out and left, but the one lone officer vowed not to leave until Cary arrived or the wrecker arrived - or both if he could. He made good on his word. Over two hours he stayed with us, offering to put us in the police car to stay warm, because as with crazy Indiana weather, it had begun to SNOW. In early March. Super. We passed on the police car ride - never done that and hope to keep it that way at all costs! But the offer was much appreciated.
Cary arrived, I stepped out of the car and allowed myself to let a little stress go with him.
We all moved the car further out of the way and to make more room for the flat bed wrecker who was on the way after what seemed like a thousand calls to warranty companies, dealerships and more. By now we had three cars in this little area and it was freezing. The wrecker driver called and was behind due to traffic and the police officer was at the end of his shift, so we were left to wait a few minutes by ourselves. We bid the office farewell and thanked him over and over for his courtesy. I told him before I called I watched 2 state troopers and 2 county officers drive by my car without stopping and that I was so very grateful to him. He said he thought of his own wife and child at home and would hope someone would stop for them, that's why he does what he does. Nice!!!!!!
Finally, the wrecker arrived to tow us back to the Haute. He was so kind. When I explained that McKinley and I had never gotten lunch and had been stranded like this for over 3 hours he told us all to go sit down, relax, eat and take our time. He would wait for us at the dealership. I was so thankful for that...
When we arrived home, exhausted, I reflected on several things and was reminded of this funny book of McKinley's featuring 'Dug' from the movie "Up". In the book 'Dug', the dog, sniffs his way around to find 'the BIRD', repeating "Find the bird...find the bird...find the bird! Point!" many times. I sort of felt like 'Dug' at that moment, sniffing out to "find the good...find the good...find the good! Point!"
Well, after much consideration (and perhaps a tiny little pity party, with me as host), I was able to determine this:
Yes, it really stunk to be stranded so close to picking up my Mom (the ENTIRE reason for our trip), and yes it was cold, stressful and frustrating...not to mention expensive (hello, tow bill!). However, I found a lot of good in a bad situation. I got to spend the morning with my son, toodling around aimlessly at his very favorite store (Dick's) where he putted to his heart's content and got some new junior golf balls. We had a lovely drive, a fun shopping trip and spent quality time together.
Also, we got to see my Mom after 2 weeks away on vacation. She manned a napless McKinley while I tended to the car, police officer, many phone calls and traffic - she was a huge help to me.
As usual, I schleped a blanket, water, snacks and fruit, so we were covered as far as food, drink and warmth.
Our warranty company was able to schedule the wrecker and arrange delivery of our car and cover some of the cost of the tow.
Cary was able to come to our rescue and pick us up.
There's a lot of good in what happened. I'm thankful to have found it.

One of the best things was to have found NOTHING (yes, NOTHING) wrong with the car. I'd like to think she just got a little PMS-y with me. No doubt our car is a woman...she's still very young and refuses to show any age, she just didn't feel like doing anything that day. Let's just say that she better rethink doing that again.

Needless to say, we were unable to make it to Reagan's or Braelyn's Birthday Parties, so Round Two of the Birthday Adventures through Indiana has been cancelled. We will resume next March.
What a day!
Lynn

Birthday Party Circuit...round one

In the span of 12 days in February and March we have EIGHT birthdays of friends and family! In the last year March has become THE birthday party month for us. It is always fun to make our plans, shop for gifts and see people we don't get to see very often.

This Saturday the birthday parties began with Lila's 4th birthday party in Crown Point. We had so much fun at the party, it was wonderful to sit and talk to my dear friend, Vanessa (who is expecting Baby Girl #2 near MY birthday!). We live several hours away so it is difficult for us to get together as often as we would like. McKinley and Lila had the best time together running around like 3 and 4 year olds! They chased a bear (Vanessa's Dad in a Chicago Bear hat), had a coloring contest, gave us a concert with their two-child band then switched to a one-man band with a dancer...but the funniest act of the day by far was the impromptu wedding of McKinley and Lila.

Cary and I were sitting near the foos ball table, chosen hide out for McKinley and Lila during this conversation, when we overheard the following:

Lila: McKinley! Do you have a have a girlfriend?
McKinley: Well, Yes! Savannah!

Lila: McKinley, do you love her?

McKinley: Yes, I do.

Lila: McKinley are you going to get married?

McKinley: Well......no, but I have been married before.

Ha!!!!!!!!!! This was news to the Mother & Father of the Groom! I just love preschoolers' conversations.

All too soon it was time to head home, we are dog sitting Mom's two cocker spaniels while she is in Florida, plus we had to get some rest for the next day's adventure.

The next morning we got ready to head to Brownsburg for Austin's 1st birthday! McKinley had a lot of fun playing with Savannah and her cousins and family friends. He was the only older boy at the party among four preschool and elementary aged girls, so he was quite the man. At one point, I peeked into Robin's Mom's playroom and found our son playing Barista to three of the girls who seemed enamored by McKinley's talents. It was hilarious. I couldn't stop watching as McKinley intricately described to them each step of his tea/coffee/beverage making job. He happily served each of them a drink and then had one of his own!

We all sang to Austin and watched as he attempted to sample some cake (which he liked much better after his Daddy began feeding it to him).

Soon it was time to head home from our busy weekend tour of Indiana. We had a great time with good friends and are looking forward to Reagan and Braelyn's birthday parties next Saturday and Sunday!

Lynn

Party Pics:

Lemonade & Luck...or the lack of

Earlier in the month I posted about what happened to our home during the ice storm. Good times. Well, full of more good news (sense the sarcasm), as the installers (sub-contractors) were preparing the facia to hang the new guttering they informed me - on the way out the door to pick up McKinley from school - that the facia in the front needed to be replaced completely. They don't do that. Okay, call us when it's done. See ya!

Ummmmkay..........

So I began the process of getting estimates for new facia in the front because our contractor was covered up with jobs (due to the ice) and could not help. The estimates I received were for WAY more money that either of us wanted to shell out and having been long-time DIY'ers we thought we could tackle the task ourselves and save well over 75% of what was quoted. So, we set out to paint and hang the facia on our own. That Sunday, while McKinley was napping, I painted the new facia boards as Cary pulled off the old and prepped for the new boards. Once the new boards were dry Cary began hanging them while I served as scrub nurse, co-pilot, gofer, etc. We made quick work of the project and I'm so very proud of what we accomplished. It may not be perfect but it's sturdy, secure and looks good.

Life has been handing out an awful lot of lemons lately but we make a MEAN lemonade. I am so glad we can show our son how rewarding it can be to stand on your feet when there is no help to be found. Knowing this, and some basic home repair tasks will take him far in his adult life.

I hope we are nearing the end of this job...looking forward to testing out the new gutters, taking down the ladder, and resuming the redecoration of the mudroom and dining room.

Lynn

Dear Zoo,

See this face?

It pretty much sums it up...we've missed you so! It has been a long, hard winter, so our impromtu zoo visit, though short and without many un-cold-friendly animals, was so sweet. A wonderful taste of the spring and summer to come, full of many visits to one of McKinley's very favorite destinations.

The highlight of my day? This photo...

Despite the glare (because when you are trying to capture a poignant photo of a 3 1/2 year old and a cheetah, one must work quickly and forego some camera modifications) it still turned out pretty well. How many children can go face-to-face with a cheetah...well, safely that is. Unless you are Diego (from Go Diego Go for those who do not speak Nick Jr.), there aren't a lot of opportunities to be 2 inches of glass from a rare cat. Funniest part: McKinley saying, "Awwww! Come here sweet kitty! I wish I could pet you!" Yeah, I'm pretty sure the cheetah had a wish of her own!

Beautiful day, zoo, we will see you soon!

Lynn

Story of a Toy Box

If you REALLY know me, you know I am obsessed with Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids. This company has LONG been an obsession of mine, heck we practically replicated one of their nurseries for McKinley. So, it should come as no surprise that I frequently scour the websites just to see what I see. Well, just before Christmas I saw something that immediately caught my attention, a sweet toy box. Ever since we decorated McKinley's Big Boy Room we just had not been happy with a particular area that was not functioning well. I am all about function in our home - if it's non-functioning then it drives me bonkers until I make it...well...function. So, when I saw this toy box I KNEW it was perfect for that crazy little space, and what a pop of color! The thing was bright red! I showed it to Cary who agreed it was pretty sweet, but I just could not bring myself to pay nearly $300 for something I felt would be simple construction and easy to make. I waited...and waited. It went on sale! Still way more than the materials would ever cost, but better than $300. I finally convinced myself to suck it up and click "add to cart"...and as I did so a big, ugly red sign came up and said the item I selected was no longer available.

WHAT?

I literally closed the laptop and walked away.

I checked back regularly. Yep, still unavailable until November 2011. No way.

Then one day I was casually perusing through a new magazine, Fresh Home, where I found an interesting woman with an equally interesting website: knockoffwood.com. Very cool. Something made me turn on the computer and check out this site. I was instantly hooked! Such beautiful things she was GIVING people the plans for! HELLO!

And then, I happened on something that made me yell out loud: plans for a toy box, on legs, just like the pottery barn kids box!

When Cary got home I showed him the plans and cooked up my own...we were going to have wood shop 101 that Sunday!

On Saturday we gathered all of our supplies (the wood was roughly $25...no kidding) and took them home with plans to make the box Sunday. I could barely sleep. I had a dream about that toy box - weird!

Sunday morning we were both all ready to whip out the woodworking materials! It was really cold so we totally set up our 'shop' in the entryway, complete with a work table, clamps, drill, jigsaw and vacuum (because I was the vacuum girl, determined to NOT have sawdust throughout the house).

In no time at all we had the entire piece together! I was shocked! I took it outside (brrrrr!) and sanded the entire thing down, then back in to prime and paint (with no voc paint, of course!). All this, in ONE DAY! The last step was the hardest though - the special "Toys" decal that we wanted to replicate with my Mom's talented, artistic hand (see McKinley's nursery where she free-handed scrollwork on around the entire room). That was a process...lots of steps, but today the piece is finished!

Well...maybe.

I may add an aging glaze over the entire piece to 'rough' it up a bit. It's a little bright, needs to look a little more worn in ---- BUT SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of the work we all put into this piece. Cary (and a few of my Mom's friends) think we need to sell these suckers. It would be adorable as a planter, or small sandbox. The possibilities are endless.

The best part - the little unused and non-functioning space in McKinley's bedroom is now a full functional area that he LOVES. Though we don't keep many toys in his bedroom, he has a few that find their way in there from time to time and they have a happy little home now.

All is well!

Lynn

P.S. Please excuse the messy book stack. Still working on just how I want all those books set up!