Randoms on Thursday

How about a little bit of random notes, like back in the ol' days. ;)

1. At the Halloween store yesterday Rylan insisted on bringing home a small skeleton.  He then proceeded to carry it to the park, swinging him in the swings, pushing him down the slides and playing hide and seek in the sandbox with this new friend mr skeleton.

Or as he has affectionately and rather accurately named him, Mr. Bones.  #allboy

2. Makenna is a reading machine.  She reads many books every day without any encouragement and is excelling at school.  Her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn is something that I hope lasts throughout her education years. There's nothing like watching your child grow and learn, and to do it with such zest is al the more better.

3. Speaking of MC...

She is one styling little girl so her attire needs to be just right.   She knows what she wants which sometimes leads to more struggles than I would like to have.  "I don't like that shirt. I don't wear brown pants.  That's boring."  I love her sense of style but I'm thinking we need to pick out our clothes the night before to prevent some morning drama.  However, once we over the drama I absolutely adore her pizazz and sense of confidence.

4. I'm back on the running game, and it now is a normal part of my week. Hallelujah.. Baby steps, but it feels good to be at it for a couple of months now.

5. Scott's company Position : Global just celebrated it's one year anniversary.  I am so very proud of him and all of his hard work and forward thinking.  You Rock Babe.

6. Thankfully Rylan is all recovered and the biggest milestone this week was being able to ride his bike again.  He's in heaven..this boy loves his bike.

7. My most recent candid photo caught with my phone.  L.O.V.E.

8. It's Scandal night...woot!  The one show we are hooked on and has become our Thursday evening date.

Be back soon. xo

Ten on Tuesday

1. Woot. A new look is in progress.  I wanted to finish it up this afternoon but it looks like I have to buy a photo upgrade through blogger to make that happen.  Boo. Hopefully I'll figure it all out soon and our pictures will be updated!

2. I have never spent so much time in the bathroom but Rylan is officially potty trained and hasn't had anymore accidents, although many sprayings causing me to wash the bathroom very frequently. (Definitely different with little boys!)  Everytime he finishes, he looks up at me and saids, "you so proud of me mommy?"  That's right Ry, you make me so proud of you in so many ways and you are definitely a big boy!

3. The one thing he is still working on is the idea that when we have an option for a bathroom, we go to the toliet and not just drop our drawers wherever we are.  But I guess I can't really complain about that, since we kind of started that, now didn't we?

4. Our first garage sale is done and it was a success despite the very, very hot temperatures.  Seriously, we were melting and wondering while anyone was even outside shopping. MC often went cruising down to the neighbor's houses to peruse and socialize (It was a neighborhood wide garage sale) and one time she left Abby there and came home carrying this. Great..now we have 2 ice cream makers (well..three if you count her own little one) I think she misunderstood the reason behind the garage sale.

5. Two weeks from today Rylan starts preschool and the day after MC starts Kindergarten.  How is that even possible?

6. Jane, Alex and kiddos...we miss you so much!  I want this back.  Like, Now.

7. Abby went to the vet today for puppy shots (boy..there's a a lot of them!) and she weighs 15 pounds 9 ounces.  A big jump from the little 7 pounder we brought home back in June.

8.

And she is still sleeping there. Every. Night. Since. Then.  Hmmm...maybe I should of sold her bed at the garage sale? :)

9. Rylan is so excited for his birthday. His Auntie Alice sent him his gift early and he couldn't wait to open it.  Every day since then he has carried her bday card around with him, saying it's his birthday.  I love seeing life through my kids eyes. Pure. Simple. Joy.

10.  Happy last days of summer.  We are trying to soak up every moment.

today

Right Now...

1. We are in the thick of summer and I am trying to keep the balance between keeping our kiddos busy enough with activities and outings but also trying to keep up with the necessities.


2. The outings are definitely winning out at the moment.


3. Right Now...We are enjoying the low 80 degree weather but bracing for the icky 90-100 degree humid mess that is about to be blown in for the next week.


4. Right Now.. I have quickly come to the realization that having a puppy is a lot of work.  A LOT.  As in all the toys must be kept off the floor, electrical cords have to be monitored, wood tables have to be protected, shoes up and generally, she must be watched 100% of the time.  If I need to get anything done, it's during her nap time in her temporary home of a crate.


5.  Guess that's one reason why number #1 isn't working so well (although Abby just came into our lives so scratch that excuse).


6.  But with saying that, we are so happy with our newest addition and I wouldn't change a thing.


7. Right Now.. I am sneaking in a few minutes on the computer while hopefully Ry will soon fall asleep on the couch for a very long much needed nap since it is the only way he naps currently.


8. Right Now.. I am so behind in my pictures (like a month plus behind). So once I have them processed, there will be many more stories to share.


9. Right Now.. Makenna is loving her camp days and all her friend time this summer.  Oh..to be 5 again.


10.  Right Now..I think I better sign off and start knocking down my to do list while the baby sleeps and hopefully the bigger baby, ok, my little boy, slumbers soon.


I hope you are enjoying the dog days of summer!

Ten Randoms

1. Sometimes life is really, really great and other times life's struggles pop up.  If there is one good thing that comes from such hardships, is that I realize just how great the everyday, normal day to day life, truly is.

2. Last week we had to say an abrupt good bye to our little Zoe.  Although she was my mom's pup, she was just as much a part of our family too.  We will hold onto the memories of sweet Zoe and love on our Cassidy and Zoe's sister, Riley, a bit more in the upcoming days.

3. On a brighter note, we had our family portraits done by Erin and the sneak peek was amazing.  You can see them here.  http://erincobb.com/Blog/?p=5872 We can't wait to see the entire gallery and have the photographs adorn our walls.

4. Mother's Day was a very nice day (week!).  Last Wednesday, I visited MC's school for a mother's day tea.  We were treated to fancy handmade place mats, flower sandwiches and songs that would make any mother wipe their eyes.  Makenna was so very excited which made it all the more special.

5. On Sunday I awoke to Makenna at my bedside, handing me the beautiful rainbow card she created. "Happy Moder's Day Momma!" is a great way to wake up, btw.  We spent the day in the city, walking the streets, eating great food and playing in the park.  It was all good, and I am once again reminded how very fortunate I am to be a mommy, a role I have dreamed of since I was  a little girl.

6. Have you ever stubbed your toe so hard, that you think it might be broken and it hurts with every step? I think I have.  Ouch.

7. With the nicer, warmer weather we have been doing a lot of this.

8. And this..

9. Makenna is wrapping up her preschool days and is so excited to "graduate."  Tonight while on one of our walks a little girl stopped and asked MC where she went to school. "Well..I'm in preschool now but I am graduating in two weeks and I'm going to kindergarten in the fall."  Excuse me..but where did my little girl go? Such a responsible answer MC.

10. We have continued our Vegan ways and are loving it.  And as if we needed any more proof that this is right for us, the answer came in Scott's lab results after just 3.5 months of eating this way.  His total cholesterol dropped by 25% and his LDL's decreased by 30% ( even though his numbers were all normal before) .  Amaazing! Just stunning.  Taking an active role in health prevention for our family is so empowering.

TOT

Ten on Tuesday..

1. We are in full on Holiday mode here. The kids are loving all the seasonal magic and every day is embraced in the joyous spirit.  Each morning Makenna Claire searches for Marty our Elf, and then helps Rylan discover where he has flown to.  She talks to him (but knows she can't touch him in fear of losing his magic) and tells him her secrets.  And when Rylan is doing something he isn't supposed to, Makenna is quick to tell him that Marty is watching him.  Ha ha...He's quite the buddy of the month.

2. Second up is the big ol' man himself...Santa Clause, whom we paid a visit to on Saturday morning. Mankenna had quite the extensive conversation with Santa.  "What were you talking about to Santa?"  I asked.  "I can't tell you..it's a secret!!!  You have to wait until Christmas morning when you see what he brings me."  ((Good thing mom and dad were within ear shot for all her Santa visits......two cats, two dogs.  Yep, that is still all she wants.))

3. Throughout the day you will hear MC sing all her preschool winter songs.  Morning, noon and night..."Dreidel..dreidel..dreidel...............  Icy toes, chilly nose, wintertime is here.......Jingle bells, jingle bells..."  She must practice, after all.  She can't wait for her winter performance and would like to invite everyone she knows..literally!  This little girl knows she will have the stage so come one, come all...

4. Last Saturday night, on a spur of the moment, we told the kids to get their Christmas pajamas and that we had a surprise for them.  Their ears perked up with anticipation but not sure if it was a good thing since it was clearly bed time.  Adorning their jams, we headed to the car and took off for hot chocolate and drove around looking at house lights.  Such an little thing but we had soo much fun!! Magic.

photo taken moments after telling them what we were about to do!

5. We are certainly enjoying our Christmas book collection much more this year.  Opening and reading a book each morning has turned out to be a wonderful ritual.  During the day, the kids can be spotted looking through the pages once again.  Come Dec. 26 when Marty has flown back to the North Pole and the book presents are done, they will be in withdrawal.  Although then we'll be making room for those new feline and canine friends, so all will be forgotten.

6.  Oopps..in my lack of blogging lately I forgot to post about our books.  On December 1st, Marty our elf joined our family and he and Santa brought a special stack of presents with a note.

7. Ok..now that's better.

8. Our little family just booked a photo session with the famous Erin Cobb.  WEEEEE..... To say I am thrilled beyond words and so excited, is an understatement.  I have been a huge follower of her career and have learned a lot from her as well.. I can't wait to meet her in person and see her magic first hand.  Images that will adorn our walls for many years, I am sure. Definitely an early birthday present for me.  I will need or want nothing else...

9. Our Christmas card is about to be put in the mail and there is an extra special treat inside!  We couldn't just send out a generic card, now could we???

10. I'm writing this post all the while eating trail mix straight out of a fresh bag and it reminds of being a kid, eating lucky charms.  Ooopss..good thing it's a big bag and I can just toss it up to hide the evidence. (Scott don't read #10..ok? ok. )

night. xoK

Ten on Tuesday

1. Yes it's been a bit since I have blogged and the first week of December is almost history.  We have been busy with everyday life and dealing with sicknesses (all of us have fallen, and currently Rylan is battling although the cough from 2/4 family members still resignates in our home..).  We had a wonderfully happy and joyous Thanksgiving and now the seasonal bright lights glimmer and shine throughout our home.  The gingerbread train is made, packages are wrapped and Frosty the Snowman movie is a frequent visitor on our TV screen. So although life has it's ups and downs, it is still very much good.

2. Makenna Claire is all about the countdown to the big Christma Day and wakes up eagerly every morning to see where Marty, our little spy elf has landed (Does an elf live on your shelf?).  She opens her daily present (a Christmas book) and adjusts the advent calendar.  Then our morning can begin.  The magic..that IS what it is all about.

3. We are going to register MC for kindergarten this week.  Really? It can't be time already.. I am so not ready for this...

4. Makenna Claire's Santa wish list has been consistent for the last month.  Two dogs, and two cats. Pretend ones that is, and very thankfully!  I guess having a real dog to care for and Nana's pups and kitties aren't enough for this animal loving, caring little girl.  Good thing Santa has already wrapped this and put it in his sleigh for delivery.

5. His sister is growing up and so is this little guy.  They both have very independent, self driven spirits.

6.  Meet Ned.. he is the newest member of our house thanks to the wonderfully creative gift giving friends, The Bogges. A Muppet WhatNot, hand selected and developed by Scott himself, Ned is thoroughly enjoying the craziness of our household and comes out for many special appearances.

7. Have you seen The new Muppets movie yet?  We have, and Ned joined us too.  (Very cute and good movie BTW)

8.

9. This is too cute not to share.  I am one lucky momma!  ( it is taped during our nighttime lullabies so the video is dark)

10. We hope you are enjoying  all the magic the month of December holds.  Be back soon! xo, K

Thanks Instagram!

TOT...

Ten on Tuesday
My top 10 favorite memories of Halloween 2011..

1. Both kids loved their costumes and adored wearing them for a total of three full days.

3. Rylan saying "happy halloweeeeeeeeeen!" It was one of those times where Scott and I looked at one another, and said..."did he just say what I thought he said."  Yep...he did!

4.  Makenna Claire,  I mean Annie, leading (imagine that) her class parade, shouting out in excitement when she saw Nana, Rylan and myself and belting out her pumpkin songs during her halloween "school concert," with her voice being the most animated and heard of the entire class.

5. Little MC playing the part of Annie to a tea.  I loved hearing one of the preschool moms tell me that I better watch out because my daughter "belongs on stage!" I think her singing talents shined, as well as her leading all the girls to bow at the end of their performance might have provoked that comment.

6. At first Rylan thought all the candy he was getting was meant to go right into his mouth.  By the time Halloween day came (since we started our celebrations three days prior), he understood to put the candy in his pumpkin but he was very clear to all around us that it was his... "mine."

7. Rylan enjoyed trick or treating and although he couldn't say trick or treat, he remembered to say "tank you" just about every time. (and the suckers were his favorite..I think he consumed more lollipops in one day than he did in the last six months)

8. Makenna was most thrilled when she met up with her neighbor friends to do a little coop T&T.  She loves all her peeps!

9. MC insisted that we all dress up and got soo very excited when we adorned our costumes. When Grace Farrell and Daddy Warbucks made their entrance, she said "oh wow...leaping lizards!!!!"

9. And although Daddy Warbucks wasn't too enthralled with wearing that latex cap  his bald head, he did it because it made Annie so very happy!  Now that is LOVE!

and played the part very well in this photo!

10. It was a wonderful weekend full of all things Halloween and we all had such an awesome time. Another great memory in the banks of our minds.  I know I have said it before, but wow it's so much fun to celebrate holidays and special days living in the eyes of a child.

And now, Happy November...what are you thankful for today?

tot...TEN ON TUESDAY

 1. Little miss MC is all this and more! Sometimes the best photos come naturally, letting her be in her own element, do her thing, and do what she does well.  We were literally walking out the door and she grabbed her coat, sunglasses and her favorite scarf (which is knitted by her fav nana) and said......


 "Look at me mom...don't I look  pretty?"  

 "Yes you do Makenna..and you are one stylin fashionista of a little girl. I think I need to grab my camera."

And with a click, click, click..the moment is captured, and forever on film.  MC doing her thing, without any coaching or bribing.  And I have to say they are going to be a favorite capture for some time to come.  She is quite the star in her right and it comes so naturally for this little girl.

I hope her confidence and self esteem will always be this strong. And on days where it may stumble, I can always show her these photographs to remind her just what an incredible, amazing girl she is.


2. We visited a local pumpkin farm on Saturday morning.  The 25-35 mph winds made for a bit of chilly day but the kids loved it all the same.

But sheesh...the cost of pumpkin farm visits is ridiculous!  $36 for us to get in the door, and that is with a coupon and with Rylan being free!, and we still had to pay for the pony ride and of course, a few snacks.  I remember it being a bit different when I was younger (now don't I sound old??)

3. In preparation for the half marathon, I ran my first 10k on Sunday with a debut time of 1:03 for the 6.3 miles.  Despite the constant rain, my family stood outside cheering for me, rooting for me along the course.  Now, that's love!  

With less than 3 weeks until the big day, I am so excited to put all this training to bed for a bit.  (Hee hee..although I know I will be eagerly wanting to throw myself into something else.)


4. And Sunday night, we stopped by Oberweis where I couldn't resist their taffy apple shake.  Seriously delicious! However, I am confident that all 700 calories burned that morning were consumed in that glass..but it was well worth it!


5. Yesterday MC wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.  When I realized we didn't have bread (oops!) , I told her we couldn't do a sandwich. "That's ok mom, we can have an apple and carrots and dip them in peanut butter."  Wow..she's a smart cookie!  "You're right Makenna."  and that's when I also introduced her to ants on a log (which she loved!) , and we both had a new answer to the lack of bread in our pantry!


6.  It's hard to believe Halloween is right around the corner.  The kids costumes are ready and they are so excited.  We are trying to teach Rylan to say "trick or treat."  Not sure that is going to happen, but he has the "tank yoooou" down pat.


7. Throughout the day Rylan will be heard calling me.  "momma?"  I usually respond, "yes Ry?" to which he often saids..."ummmm" followed by silence.  


Each time it makes me pause because I know he just wants to make sure I am close and I have his attention and I know these days will be over in a flash.  From the #can'thejuststaylittlefile.


8. NU Football season has started for the Cases.  The kids surprisingly really enjoy the games and we are again headed down to Evanston again this Saturday night for the Homecoming game..after of course I run 13 miles which gets me back to #3 :)


9. I think I need to make something pumpkin tomorrow.  Pumpkin bars perhaps?  hmmmm.... I am getting hungry just thinking about them.  A pumpkin smoothie for breakfast perhaps??


10. Here's some closing cuteness for you!  Happy Tuesday..