A Big Fan

I think Avery might be one of Laurie Berkner's biggest fans.

http://laurieberkner.com/site/

This morning, we've been singing and dancing to her music...and the neighbors probably think we are having a wild party in here :) Avery has one great voice, let me tell ya!

This Week's Favorites

Cheddar Chex Mix - A snack that isn't too bad for you, and it makes your hands nice and orange.
"Sam's Choice" Chipotle Cheddar Crackers - These are good with sliced cheese.
"Great Value" Sugar Free Strawberry and Cranberry/Apple Drink - Their take on Crystal Light, and these new flavors are yummy!
PPD - This is a mixture of 8 pink lemonade concentrates, a case of beer, and handle of vodka. I know, it sounds gross...but it is ohhhh so good, and it obviously makes a big batch for a party.
Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Wash - A new smell for us, since we've been through just about every other fragrance of baby wash.
Carmex - My poor bottom lip is sunburned, and this feels pretty good on it.

It Went Great!!!

Bryton hopped off the bus this afternoon, and flew right by me and into the house. I tried not to feel too bad about that...no hug, 'til we got inside. He's "Joe Cool" today, but that is OK with me, as long as it isn't over the top and it helps him w/ being away from home during the day. Then, for the next 1/2 hr. I got the full report: what activities they did, who he played with during free choice time and recess, how he cried twice "because his loose teeth hurt....and because he missed me a little bit," how he got to have chocolate milk during snack time, and how he really likes his teacher and his bus driver. From the sounds of it, he enjoyed his first day of school! And he made a new friend on the bus, who gave him his phone number and a High School Musical ring. I'd say it was a good first day for him. Avery and I kept busy today, so we did OK too. She only asked twice where Bryton was. When I'd remind her that he's at school, she'd ask, "I go to school next year?" She's a bit anxious to join her brother on the school bus.

Bryton Starts Kindergarten

Bryton woke up smiling and saying "Mom, I have school today!" Lets hope his first day of school goes well for him :) Avery and I are getting used to a "quiet" house this morning. When the school bus was pulling away, Avery waved for quite awhile and then said "I miss Bryton."

Off to College

Tori, a very special neighbor and friend of ours, is soon off to college. We've watched her through 4 successful and sometimes trying years of high school, and she's blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Now she's got piles of dorm "stuff" in her parents house, she's cleaning her room for the final time (she hopes, since she dreads this job)...and she's started saying her good-bye's. Tori is very excited, and she reminds me a lot of myself, at her age. I remember being anxious to be "on my own." Its fun listening to her ideas, thoughts, and expectations of college. Do I want to go back? They were 4 great years of my life, so I'm excited for her. We'll miss Tori not being right next door, but she's about to start a new chapter in her life. We are so very proud of her!

Weekend in Chicago

We spent this past weekend, or at least Friday afternoon through Saturday of it, in Chicago w/ our dear friends, Amber and Jeremy. In 24 hrs. time, we toured Navy Pier, the Art Museum, saw a bit of the Chicago Air Show (we were most interested in the F-22 demo, which we got to see overhead!) and shopped Michigan Avenue. Of course, we ate some delicious Chicago food as well :) It was a great time!

Our Veggie Lovers

Nope, not Bryton and Avery so much...its Bailey and Jake I'm referring to. What are their favorite garden fresh veggies so far? Turnips, cucumbers, and zucchini...they've just taken a liking to the tail end of our crop...so we've decided its OK because we aren't eating these veggies anymore. Oh, and they like our neighbors tomatoes. So far they are being good about not touching our tomatoes :) Our neighbors don't pick theirs (we aren't sure why they plant them from year to year), and they are all slowly rotting...so once in awhile I catch Jake sneaking over to snatch one. Jake even has a light green tint going on his very light hair...from his regular wandering through our garden.

My Thoughts...

1. Babysitters whom I can trust and feel comfortable with are few and far between...so when I do, its like finding a rare gem! And then when they are either going into or currently in college studying elementary education....I've discovered this is like finding genuine gold! The 2 sitters we've had who fit into this category are so great with our kids. They make my "reading book time" look pathetic (judging by their stack of books read compared to mine) and the "projects" they do w/ Bryton and Avery are exceptional! Today I returned home to painted flower pots filled with plants, complete w/ the kids' names on them :) You can imagine how much fun they had this morning, painting and planting!
2. This morning someone I barely know told me that they can't see me as someone who wears glasses. What does that mean, anyways?! Then they added, "Let me guess...you probably choose to wear them as an accessory, rather than to really help you see...because there are some really cute frames out right now."
Now come on...am I that easy to read?! 'Cause this particular person was dead on in w/ her prediction.
3. Brian is so funny when it comes to talking about certain female things. He uses terms that seem awkward for him (only because he knows there are crude phrases I don't like...those I'd imagine he uses when talking to other guys) and sometimes he'll surprise me with what he really does know! Either that, or he's a good bullshitter. OK, so its probably the latter.
4. When did our little girl start paying attention to the way she looks? Today she was standing in front of the mirror, after getting about an inch cut off her hair a few days ago, and she says, "My hair's not so curly anymore." She's right, today it isn't as curly as normal. But yesterday, it was very curly due to the humidity... Oh, she's growing up. I wish I could put time in slow-motion. (this picture was taken at xmas time of '06)

Allergies

I'm cursing them, this morning. I have a splitting headache, and the kids aren't even up for the day yet! First day with an allergy headache...the past few days have been spent with scratchy eyes, runny/stuffy nose, and sneezing from whatever is in the air right now. Ragweed? That would be my best guess. Ughhh...my usual Claritin isn't helping me these days. Its time to up the ante.

This Week's Favorites

McDonald's "Big and Tasty" - I know this isn't the most healthy sandwich option on their menu, but it tastes damn good.
Bath and Body Works - Coconut, Lime, Verbena Ultimate Silk Body Lotion - This makes my skin feel really soft after I put it on.
The Young and the Restless - I'm recently hooked. I now watch it on the computer, after the kids are in bed.
Peaches - Can't beat a nice fresh peach, when the juice runs right down your chin!
The Gap - I love their kids' clothes, especially for sturdy little girls :)
Oshkosh B'Gosh - I'm a big fan of their kids' clothes, especially their "slim" jeans for skinny boys :)
Carter's - They have cute, cute, cute little girls' clothes out right now!
The Children's Place - Also a great place to find "slim" boys' jeans and trendy little girls' clothes. Can you tell I've been back to school shopping?!

School Supplies

Well, I think we are officially done purchasing school supplies! We finished up this afternoon, while running errands in Freeport. Who'd have thought that CVS would have such a good school supplies section?! Bryton says he's "ready to go." I'm getting there, since the past few days both he and his sister have really tried my patience with their arguing and wrestling. I suppose that is the flip side of having a sibling fairly close in age...they can be your best friend, and your worst enemy...even at the ripe young ages of 5 and almost 3!

Our Fishermen

Mrs. Heim

The Kindergarten Registration was a bit of a madhouse yesterday, but I am extremely happy with the outcome! Bryton has Mrs. Heim for a Kindergarten teacher this year. There are 3 teachers, all of which are very good...but secretly, I was hoping Bryton would get to have Mrs. Heim as his teacher! They will be a good match for each other, I think. She is soft-spoken, excellent with kids, loving, experienced, patient, and respected by both students and teachers at Le-Win. Mrs. Heim didn't teach at the Elementary when I was in school, but she was the children's choir director at our church throughout my childhood. So, Bryton will be picked up here at home by the school bus every morning, and then he'll be dropped off here at home by the school bus every afternoon. He'll be one of the last ones on the school bus in the morning, and one of the first one's off the school bus in the afternoon. I'm hoping that by him riding the bus to school, since he'll be leaving me rather than me leaving him...his separation anxiety will be less. Plus, he loves riding the school bus!

Kindergarten Registration

Could this really be happening already?! Yes, Bryton's Kindergarten registration is today. Wow, where has the summer gone (or the past 5 yrs., for that matter)? Makes this Mom a little sad. There's no turning back now...the 8 am - 3 pm school days are quickly approaching.

Comedy Night at the Engle Dinner Table

Last night we had barbecued ribs for dinner, and as we were eating them Bryton said, "These are so dang good!" I gave him "the look" and said, "Bryton, don't use the word dang."
A few minutes later, while scarfing down her little bites of ribs, Avery says, "These hotdogs are damn good!" Brian and I just about spit out our dinner! I explained to Avery that she shouldn't use the word "damn" and she seemed to understand that it is a "bad word." (she's big into this phrase lately)
After dinner was finished, Bryton got up from the table and decided to touch everything in his path with his greasy BBQ rib hands. Brian reminded him, in his firm voice, to sit down and wait until he is excused from the dinner table. At the end of Brian's command, Avery added "dammit!" This time, Brian and I just about sprayed milk through our noses. Brian told her that was another "bad word" she shouldn't use. Then he asked her who uses that word, and Avery replied, "You." and pointed to her Daddy. Then he asked, "Do you hear Mommy say that word?"
She replied, "No."
Good girl :)

Our Get-Away Destination

This Week's Favorites

Michael Connelly - He continues to be Brian's author of choice. I like to read him, too.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers - I love that this newly invented creation's box looks like the old standy-by!
Oreo Cakesters - Yum!
Apple Canyon Lake - Our new get-away destination in JoDaviess Cty.
Ion Purifying Solutions Swimmers Shampoo and Conditioner - Its pulling that lovely green tint right out of our blonde heads!
Maxwell House Rich Instant Coffee - Yep, this is what I drink every morning. Its easy and I can make it very strong :)
Manitou Oasis Pontoon Boats - Very well made and comfortable. Also our new get-away destination.

My Blooming Beauties