Amy’s Brain :: The Blog

Twas the night before school… August 18, 2009

And all through the house the creatures were stirring all through the house. Baths to be had. Lunches and backpacks to pack. First day of school clothes to be chosen.
Yes, tomorrow bring the end of summer vacation. I can’t believe it is already upon us. Mason will start first grade and Madeleine ECE (preschool). I can’t believe I have two kids in school. I feel like I am entering into a new era as a parent. I wont dwell on it because it brings tears to my eyes. They are getting so big.

As a celebration of the end of summer I left work early last Friday to surprise the kids with some end of summer fun. We were supposed to go swimming with our friends Elliot and Audrey, but the weather did not cooperate (it was threatening rain in Broomfield). We settled on some fun close to home. We went to the zoo. We had ice cream and rode the carousel. We laughed and played. Afterward we had just enough time to go to the pool for 30 minutes of swimming (it was sunny in Denver). It was a great way to spend a summer Friday. Here are some pictures to share.

Madeleine on the Cheetah

Mason on the black bear

How Madeleine Swims

Mason sliding and splashing

Growing Up! August 13, 2009

My kids are growing up.  And not just a little bit.  Mason officially has his first loose tooth and Madeleine moved to a big girl bed.  Both of these milestones happened last couple o f weeks.

Last Thursday, at Mason’s last t-ball game (the parents versus kids), Mason got hit in the face with a baseball.  The result, a loose tooth, the bottom middle left to be exact.  At the time we were pretty sure it was due to the baseball hit.  I was a little concerned that he would be toothless for awhile.  I was pretty old before I started loosing my baby teeth.  Upon further evaluation (this weekend) it was discovered that a big tooth is working its way up behind the loose tooth.  Mason is so exited.  He has been quite jealous of his peers and their tooth fairy rewards.  He has been busy wiggling and I suspect it will just a few more days.  Below is a picture of his goofy little kid smile.  It will be changing soon (as I have been reminded by my friend Cat’s recent post).

Madeleine moved to her big girl bed on Saturday, July 25th.  My dad brought the bed down from Fort Collins and we set it up on the floor.  We did not have the frame yet.  We have since bought the frame,  ripped the carpet out of her room and organized her room.  Just a few things left to do (curtains and accessorize).  I bought the quilt awhile back at Target, I loved the colors and textures (there is lots of corduroy).  I think it looks great in her room.  She is very proud and exited to be a “big girl” in a “big girl bed”.   It is hard to be the youngest kid. She is always trying to be big like Mason.

And next week they start school.  Wow has time flown.  They are so big!

Madeleine's Big Bed

Mason's Loose Tooth

Morgan’s Birthday August 10, 2009

Sunday, August 2nd, was Morgan’ s birthday (I am a little late posting this…it has been sitting in my drafts).  We had a fun filled day of miniature golf, picnic in the park, a move (g-force) and some quiet time at home.  Overall it was a fun day.

Morgan received a gift card to learn how to crochet, crochet needles and the exiting book “crobots”. He is going to make little monsters and robots.  I am exited to see the outcome.  I think I will join him in the class!  I have always wanted to learn to crochet.  My grandmother used to make me little toys and I loved them.  She also made dishcloths.  They were the best,  I still have some and use them.  So maybe someday soon there will be some new crafts to share.

Anyways….Happy Birthday to my dear husband.  Here is a cute picture of he and Madeleine golfing.

Princess Madeleine & Knight Mason August 3, 2009

Here it the final outcome of the Knight Tunic.  A little big, but he loved it. We had a blast last weekend at the Renaissance Festival.  Lots of food, rides and a laughs (and only a little rain).

Adventures in Sewing July 25, 2009

I have been exploring the world of sewing.  Because, really I have the free time.  Forget the laundry, dishes or yard work.  Last weekend I made some pirate costumes for the kids….I failed to take photos so there is nothing to share.  I also made a skirt for myself.  It came out quite nice, but a little big.  I am going to attempt to alter it.  This weekend we are heading to the Renaissance Festival and decided Mason needed a Knight costume.  Friday night (past bedtime) we attempted a shopping trip at the fabric store.  I would not advise this with a six and three year old.

Below is the outcome.  The original design had a belt, until we realized that the belt would cover the crest.  It was also going to be open on the sides.  Without the belt, I decided to close the sides.  I am anxious to see it on Mason.  I can not take credit for the crest, that was all Morgan, I merely adhered it.  I think it turned out OK.  I did not attempt a costume for Madeleine….she already had plenty of princess outfits.

My Big Kid May 29, 2009

Today Mason “graduated” from kindergarten.  (Photos to come) It was a tear jerking experience.  I can’t believe my little boy is growing up.  He is turning into an amazing person.  He is excelling in reading and math.  He has surrounded himself by good friends.  I hope this has set a pattern for years to come.

He also wants to be a scientist when he grows up.  Gotta love that!  Maybe I will go back to college with him.  I am sure all of the “science” I learned will be outdated by the year 2021.  Yup….2021 is the year he will graduate from High School.

I loved the innocence and wonder the kids displayed.  Each kid went up the microphone and talked about what they wanted to be when they grew up.  There were spies, rainforest investigators, police woman, police boy, artists, basketball players, professional skateboarders, teachers, and the list went on.  Somedays I wish I could go back to the days that the world was your oyster.  Six is a great age!  I hope all their dreams come true!

Overexposure to Politics

This is an old old draft that was hanging out in my blog from last year….I thought it worth posting for my memories sake!  I will forget it otherwise.  So here you go.  Sorry for being outdated.

How do you know you have had overexposure to politics?

With all of events leading up to the election in November, I think I have officially overexposed my children to politics.  As a family we have attended the kick-off for Mark Udall’s campaign for senate, made posters for the DNC and spent a ton of time downtown during the DNC.  Morgan and I were fortunate enough to get community credentials to Obama’s acceptance speech.  The TV has been on in the background (with RNC political speeches) a little more that it should.  Personally outraged with McCain’s choice for VP, I had to hear Palin’s speech last Wednesday.  The same day I had to take Madeleine to urgent care (for a rock fight at daycare).  I was bummed that I was going to miss the speech so I had NPR on the radio while driving.  On the way back Madeleine asked me “what is a governor?”.  I answered the question.  Her next question was “what is a Vice President?”.  I answered the question and turned the radio off.  She was listening a little more close than I had realized.  Perhaps we need less politics in the house.

Excitement! January 20, 2009

I am truly exited for today!  I finally get to say goodbye to George W. Bush and hello to a new president.  Today Obama takes office and the promise and hope that he has inspired in people will move our country forward.  I don’t think we will wake up tomorrow and everything will be fixed.  I honestly believe that the next couple of years will be some of the hardest  of my generation.  However, if we can hold onto the excitement that has been generated during the last year we can do great things with a great leader.  This is the first time in my life I have truly felt empowered to make a difference in my world.  I hope everyone who has felt the energy Obama inspires does something small or great and moves our country forward in a positive manner.  There are no great leaders without great followers!

Please Vote November 4, 2008

If you do nothing else today….Please Vote!  It counts!

Fear of Robots October 12, 2008

During a post-breakfast discussion about future home renovations…..Madeleine interjected the following into the conversation:

Madeleine: “What about the robots?’.

Our response:”What about the robots?”

Madeleine:  “They are going to break our house.”

Our response:  Laughter

It is always good to know what your children loose sleep over at night.   Those darn scary robots.