"What did the sperm say to the bagina?
Let's make a girl.
We never did that before."
- Tyler
Apparently this is the kind of joke my child concocts and tells at dinner, several days after his mother gives him a brief lesson on the birds and bees.
The reason for the lesson? I'm pregnant. When we told Tyler, the first thing out of his mouth was, "how did it get there?" And, after several requests for an explanation, he got one, as you can tell.
Tyler has already made known his request for a baby brother. "Because I'll be nicer to it if it's a brother." When I explained that I don't get to pick whether it's a boy or girl, and Wayne doesn't get to pick, he asked, "and I don't get to pick?" He now seems to understand that we'll all just have to wait and see.
Last night we all traipsed to my first prenatal appointment. My doctor did an ultrasound. I was so relieved and happy to see the baby, and hear the heartbeat. I am 10 weeks along and am due January 6, 2010. That seems like a long time from now.
We're all pretty excited.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
a few more pics
A few more pics from the week.
Here's Tyler playing with his new Better Batter Baseball. (Which is fun to say quickly).
Here's Tyler playing with his new Better Batter Baseball. (Which is fun to say quickly).
Grandpa Norm playing the "outfield." Yes, I liked his expression in this picture too. :)
Cheri and Sam at their wedding.
Tyler posing with the dancing "girl" at the zoo.
Yes, Matt. Wayne did get the toilet installed a few weeks ago. :) We were pretty excited about this being done too.
My favorite lilies.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wedding Weekend
Last Friday, while I was at school for Teacher Work Day, my parents flew in from Indiana for the weekend. I was at school, while my family enjoyed a trip to the zoo and a Thai lunch. Mom and Dad, by the way, got to see the new tiger exhibit before me. Oh, those lucky Hoosiers. :)
However, soon I was able to join them. We had a busy, fun, weekend together.
*We had dinner Friday in Hutchinson at uncle Ken's. After which, the boys went on a walk and I got a chance to chat with my Mom and aunts. After a late stop at uncle Ellis's house, we locked ourselves out of the rental car. Leave it to those farm boys to get that taken care of within about two minutes!
* Saturday, we played a little corn hole. I do believe that those of us less experienced players did improve a little during our games.
* We went to the water park so Tyler could show off his new swimming moves.
*And in the evening, we attended Cheri and Sam Flaming's wedding. It was sweet and romantic. And the food was good too. :)
*Sunday, we headed back up to Hutch for lunch and an afternoon of hanging out. We got to go tour Grandpa David's home and see how it really didn't change at all since he lived there. It had been a long time since I had been there and brought back lots of memories. Like that time I overdosed on Grandma Laura's Christmas candy and ended up feeling sick all evening. Ahh, the memories.
Before we knew it, it was time for Mom and Dad to head back to Indiana. Luckily, they are coming out again soon for a reunion, so we don't have to wait too long to see one another again.
Since then, I've been busy enjoying my week off of school before returning to work for Extended School Year (ESY). Put very simply, it's summer school for special education students.
So far this week, we've gone back to the water park, done a little shopping, napping, and gone to the zoo. Yes, I too have now seen the tigers!
And, perhaps most exciting...On Tuesday, Wayne installed the new storm door. It works beautifully. We had cross ventilation last night! The sun can shine in! And in moments of bad-Mommydom, now I can watch Tyler play in the driveway from inside the house. I know most people already have storm doors. Perhaps it is difficult to share in my love of the storm door. But, in any case, I. Am. Excited.
However, soon I was able to join them. We had a busy, fun, weekend together.
*We had dinner Friday in Hutchinson at uncle Ken's. After which, the boys went on a walk and I got a chance to chat with my Mom and aunts. After a late stop at uncle Ellis's house, we locked ourselves out of the rental car. Leave it to those farm boys to get that taken care of within about two minutes!
* Saturday, we played a little corn hole. I do believe that those of us less experienced players did improve a little during our games.
* We went to the water park so Tyler could show off his new swimming moves.
*And in the evening, we attended Cheri and Sam Flaming's wedding. It was sweet and romantic. And the food was good too. :)
*Sunday, we headed back up to Hutch for lunch and an afternoon of hanging out. We got to go tour Grandpa David's home and see how it really didn't change at all since he lived there. It had been a long time since I had been there and brought back lots of memories. Like that time I overdosed on Grandma Laura's Christmas candy and ended up feeling sick all evening. Ahh, the memories.
Before we knew it, it was time for Mom and Dad to head back to Indiana. Luckily, they are coming out again soon for a reunion, so we don't have to wait too long to see one another again.
Since then, I've been busy enjoying my week off of school before returning to work for Extended School Year (ESY). Put very simply, it's summer school for special education students.
So far this week, we've gone back to the water park, done a little shopping, napping, and gone to the zoo. Yes, I too have now seen the tigers!
And, perhaps most exciting...On Tuesday, Wayne installed the new storm door. It works beautifully. We had cross ventilation last night! The sun can shine in! And in moments of bad-Mommydom, now I can watch Tyler play in the driveway from inside the house. I know most people already have storm doors. Perhaps it is difficult to share in my love of the storm door. But, in any case, I. Am. Excited.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Michelle's Birthday
Last evening, we celebrated Michelle's 36th birthday at Sweetwater Farms in Inman, Kansas. It looks all of a beautiful Tuscan villa...right in the middle of Kansas prairie.
Here we are at the top of the tower. It provided an impressive view of the surrounding gardens.
Here is one of many stone statues we admired. We learned that the lady of the house is a sculptor (and, incidentally, is also Italian). :)
And finally, enjoying a delicious 5 course Italian meal!
Upon arriving, we did a little exploring of the grounds.
Here are Matt and Michelle. I think this is in front of the pool house. Michelle had arrived earlier in the day to help with dinner preparations, including making the delicious ravioli we enjoyed later.
Here we are at the top of the tower. It provided an impressive view of the surrounding gardens.
Here is one of many stone statues we admired. We learned that the lady of the house is a sculptor (and, incidentally, is also Italian). :)
Enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery.
And finally, enjoying a delicious 5 course Italian meal!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
rant
The NPR story I listened to on the radio on the way in to school yesterday got me thinking...and a bit irritated. In my opinion, the story was not very balanced. Now, don't get me wrong. I love NPR. But, I feel the need to vent nonetheless. I vented to Wayne about it last night, and I could tell he was not so interested in this. So, I guess you can be my sounding board.
This story focused on abusive techniques (and really, most of them were quite inappropriate). The option provided as appropriate intervention was that we should not use restraint at all. I work at a special education center. I would LOVE to invite Mr. Shapiro to come join us for a day. I would like him to see that we use physical restraint as a last resort after/with verbal deescalation and when a student is going to harm themselves or someone else. Basically, I don't think I'd feel very safe if we couldn't use restraint in our school.
One of my concerns in this debate is that the public, parents specifically, could start to believe that all children receiving special education services are treated in an abusive way. If they haven't already, they may start to fear the whole idea of any use of restraint and seclusion. Fear clouds good judgment.
I just wish NPR would have offered a less sensationalized version. Or at least included times when appropriate restraint and seclusion is effective. But, you know, that wouldn't make a very interesting news story, I suppose.
What are your thoughts? OK, I'm done with my rant now. :) Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
This story focused on abusive techniques (and really, most of them were quite inappropriate). The option provided as appropriate intervention was that we should not use restraint at all. I work at a special education center. I would LOVE to invite Mr. Shapiro to come join us for a day. I would like him to see that we use physical restraint as a last resort after/with verbal deescalation and when a student is going to harm themselves or someone else. Basically, I don't think I'd feel very safe if we couldn't use restraint in our school.
One of my concerns in this debate is that the public, parents specifically, could start to believe that all children receiving special education services are treated in an abusive way. If they haven't already, they may start to fear the whole idea of any use of restraint and seclusion. Fear clouds good judgment.
I just wish NPR would have offered a less sensationalized version. Or at least included times when appropriate restraint and seclusion is effective. But, you know, that wouldn't make a very interesting news story, I suppose.
What are your thoughts? OK, I'm done with my rant now. :) Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Broccoli Salad
This is the salad I took camping this weekend. If you take it camping, wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve.
Broccoli Salad
A couple bunches of broccoli (or add cauliflower as well)
1/2 a red onion, minced
cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese
bacon
raisins
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
The first time I made this recipe, which I believe I got from Lorraine Yoder, I was confused at how much of the ingredients to add. Just put in what looks good to you. Lorraine also added sunflower seeds and red bell pepper.
Broccoli Salad
A couple bunches of broccoli (or add cauliflower as well)
1/2 a red onion, minced
cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese
bacon
raisins
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
The first time I made this recipe, which I believe I got from Lorraine Yoder, I was confused at how much of the ingredients to add. Just put in what looks good to you. Lorraine also added sunflower seeds and red bell pepper.
Camping weekend
We got home from a camping weekend. We planned to head out on Friday after work, but due to severe thunderstorms, we waited until Saturday morning. We headed to our favorite spot at Cheney State Park. As you can see, it was flooded. Our camp site is usually around the tree line - and the sandy shore on the far side of the trees is where we have our fire. Not this time. It was cold and windy. We decided to head back to Wichita to the Pankratz Campground.
We found this fabulous spot at site number 8302. Not only could we escape the wind and cold of the majority of the day, but those bathroom accommodations were so clean. :)
We were happy that in the afternoon, the sun came out, the wind died down, and it was quite pleasant!
Matt bought a fire pit, so we could have our campfire and s'mores.
We also enjoyed fishing both days. Neither Wayne or I had gone fishing since we were young. Here is Wayne, with his first fish. One (of many) catfish.
Tyler, with his first catch.
Wayne was not a fan of the slimy catfish...or the sounds it made when the hook was removed.
He elicited the help of expert fisherman, Patrick.
We found this fabulous spot at site number 8302. Not only could we escape the wind and cold of the majority of the day, but those bathroom accommodations were so clean. :)
We were happy that in the afternoon, the sun came out, the wind died down, and it was quite pleasant!
The boys LOVED playing in the tents. (For the little amount of time we allowed it).
Matt bought a fire pit, so we could have our campfire and s'mores.
We also enjoyed fishing both days. Neither Wayne or I had gone fishing since we were young. Here is Wayne, with his first fish. One (of many) catfish.
Tyler, with his first catch.
Wayne was not a fan of the slimy catfish...or the sounds it made when the hook was removed.
He elicited the help of expert fisherman, Patrick.
My little fisherman.
The little boys did not mind the slimy scales of the catfish at all. Every time, they all wanted to touch them.
Wayne "kissing" the fish.
Wayne "kissing" the fish.
We had a great time, got some sun, and enjoyed relaxing.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tomato Bisque
Per Tyler's request, we had tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner. Not exactly warm weather fare, but we had all the ingredients. Perhaps you know how that goes.
This is an easy recipe by Tanya Tandoc, a locally famous soup chef. It is one of my favorites, and after we ate, I realized that I have never posted the recipe. Before I had this recipe, I thought I liked tomato soup. After I ate this soup, I fell in love. It really is delicious!
Tomato Bisque
2 cans tomato paste
3 cups water
3 cups heavy cream (I only had 2 cups of cream, so I added some 1% milk as well)
4 garlic cloves, minced
3-6 Tablespoons sugar, to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Add 1 tsp dried herb (ex: basil, tarragon or dill) at the beginning of cooking time or 1/2 cup fresh basil at the end of cooking time.
Combine all ingredients. Whisk well. Bring to a boil over moderate heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Season to taste.
Tyler was my soup making helper. He also asked me if I could make this every day. (Though, he did finish his cheese sandwich and not his soup). Oh well. :)
This is an easy recipe by Tanya Tandoc, a locally famous soup chef. It is one of my favorites, and after we ate, I realized that I have never posted the recipe. Before I had this recipe, I thought I liked tomato soup. After I ate this soup, I fell in love. It really is delicious!
Tomato Bisque
2 cans tomato paste
3 cups water
3 cups heavy cream (I only had 2 cups of cream, so I added some 1% milk as well)
4 garlic cloves, minced
3-6 Tablespoons sugar, to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Add 1 tsp dried herb (ex: basil, tarragon or dill) at the beginning of cooking time or 1/2 cup fresh basil at the end of cooking time.
Combine all ingredients. Whisk well. Bring to a boil over moderate heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Season to taste.
Tyler was my soup making helper. He also asked me if I could make this every day. (Though, he did finish his cheese sandwich and not his soup). Oh well. :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Rescue me
I called Wayne as I left school today to let him know I was running late. "OK, come and rescue me" he said. I figured Tyler was being a handful, but Wayne said that no, Tyler was not a problem. He kept what he needed rescuing from a mystery. I arrived home to find this.
Wayne with a shorn head of hair. He had shaved it himself...and needed help in trimming up what he couldn't do himself. I think he's a little weirded out by it. We'll see how long it stays this way. (As the man behind the curtain would say: Pay no attention to the toy chaos behind Wayne).
Wayne relayed to me that today, he and Tyler took advantage of our newly renewed YMCA membership and went swimming. We've had a lot of rainy days lately, and it was a good way to pass the time. Tyler told me that Daddy had taught him how to swim. To my great surprise, Wayne explained that Tyler had been swimming underwater, jumped in and swam to the side, and even dove for dimes! I didn't think this would happen for a long time and am a very proud mama!
One more exciting thing for today... A little early, Wayne told me that I should open my birthday present from him. CHACO'S!!!!! I've been wanting a pair of Chaco's for at least two years (since my Mom let me wear hers while we were in Florida). Wearing my Mom's, even at a size too small, they were comfortable - especially for walking. So, if you see me this summer, I'm sure you'll meet my new shoes. Can you tell I'm excited?
I was hoping to have a post tonight on the jicama salad that I made with salmon for supper. Unfortunately, it was one of the few dishes I've thrown out after eating barely even a serving. A little yucky jicama salad can't get me down today. I'm still riding high. :)
Wayne with a shorn head of hair. He had shaved it himself...and needed help in trimming up what he couldn't do himself. I think he's a little weirded out by it. We'll see how long it stays this way. (As the man behind the curtain would say: Pay no attention to the toy chaos behind Wayne).
Wayne relayed to me that today, he and Tyler took advantage of our newly renewed YMCA membership and went swimming. We've had a lot of rainy days lately, and it was a good way to pass the time. Tyler told me that Daddy had taught him how to swim. To my great surprise, Wayne explained that Tyler had been swimming underwater, jumped in and swam to the side, and even dove for dimes! I didn't think this would happen for a long time and am a very proud mama!
One more exciting thing for today... A little early, Wayne told me that I should open my birthday present from him. CHACO'S!!!!! I've been wanting a pair of Chaco's for at least two years (since my Mom let me wear hers while we were in Florida). Wearing my Mom's, even at a size too small, they were comfortable - especially for walking. So, if you see me this summer, I'm sure you'll meet my new shoes. Can you tell I'm excited?
I was hoping to have a post tonight on the jicama salad that I made with salmon for supper. Unfortunately, it was one of the few dishes I've thrown out after eating barely even a serving. A little yucky jicama salad can't get me down today. I'm still riding high. :)
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