So ....What's Happening At the Stage House?

I went in for surgery for on November 30th, got sick from the anesthesia and pain meds. While in the hospital, the staff lost 2 bags of my personal belongings, delivered me to the wrong room and gave me meds that I declined. Perhaps I need to lower my standards when it comes to acceptable medical care.

Claudia developed a double dose of pink eye, and fever and a stomach bug causing her to empty the contents of her stomach in our bathtub... at least it wasn't the carpet.

I caught Claudia's bug, while still recovering from surgery. It's not fun to throw-up when stitches are involved.

I woke up on a Tuesday morning and couldn't get out of bed. I managed to injure my back (again) while sleeping.... amazing. I made an appointment with my doctor for the following day, but the pain was so intense that I had Brian take me to the ER where I stood (it hurt to sit or lie down) for 4 hours. They offered me pain meds which I declined, sent me home and told me to ice my back. My back still hurts to the point that I can not dress the lower half of my body without assistance.

Our 7 year old high efficiency furnace broke. Called the furnace man to fix it, but he couldn't because he didn't have the part in stock. The fix-it man told us that if we had purchased a mid-range furnace, he would have had the part in stock. Gosh, what were we thinking when we purchased the more expensive furnace (insert sarcasm)? That was on a Thursday evening. The part would not be available until Monday afternoon because it was being delivered from Glendale Heights in Illinois. We would have driven to IL, but a rather large snow storm blanketed Porter County and the roads were not impassible. The storm also delayed the Lenox truck which showed up on Tuesday afternoon.

During the furnace ordeal, we packed up the kids and shipped them out to Mimi and Papa's so they would not freeze. Brian and I would have joined the kids but we had the 2 dogs and cat at home... Mimi and Papa have 2 large greyhounds. Four dogs and one cat are not a good mix. Brian and I roughed it at home with a handful of space heaters until the frigid cold and snow storm hit. Then we packed up the pups and headed east to Crown Point where we stayed at for 2 nights.

While we were at Mimi's house William came down with the stomach bug. Poor guy. He had it worse than the rest of us. I gave him a glass of water which he quickly tossed back up stating "That just came back up like a fire hose". Luckily, the bug only lasted a day.

Tonight we are going to Grandma's to decorate for Christmas. Tomorrow the kids are going to Mimi ad Papa's to bake cookies and spend the night which provides me with the only opportunity I will have to shop, organize and wrap.

Since this has been such a chaotic month, I decided to splurge and buy myself a Christmas gift. I usually don't use retail therapy as a cure-all, but this time I found it to be completely necessary.... and it got Brian off the hook when it comes to shopping for me.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

This year we stayed home for Thanksgiving. Our original plan was to go to Grandma's house for the day, but Grandma got sick. Brian and I thought it was great to hang out in our jammies until noon and not have to rush to be anywhere, but the kids, especially William, thought otherwise... "This is the worst Thanksgiving ever." I heard repeatedly. William was upset that he was not at Grandma's playing with his favorite boy cousins.

We did get together later with Grandma and the Benton's for a Polish Thanksgiving. We met at a Polish restaurant in Lynwood where Aunt G. was greeted by a glass of water down her back... the waitress had butter fingers and colorful language. Despite the wet beginning, we enjoyed all the delicious foods, especially the sauerkraut and pierogies (which I ate my weight in...YUM).

We went to the Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday... where we met our Novak cousins and Aunt M. We had lots of fun. I really enjoyed the Muppet's exhibit. There's nothing quite like Kermit the Frog! The kids went home with Aunt M. and spent the night at her house.

On Sunday, we met the Novak's and Mimi and Papa for pizza at San Fratello's. We celebrated Brian's 41st birthday and made our way back home.... exhausted from the busy weekend!

Halloween 2010

Claudia's preschool program

Claudia singing in her program

Apple donuts at County Line Orchard...YUM!

Costume change... trick-or-treating downtown

Neighborhood trick-or-treating

Kids with Grandma

Claudia the witch

Sorting our candy

William the Ninja

Sunflower at County Line Orchard

Happy 11th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Brian

Our 11anniversary was all about shopping and eating. We dropped the kids off at Mimi and Papa's house and headed to Schaumburg for the day. Since I am writing this 2 months after our anniversary, I don't remember the exact details but I think it was like this.... lunch at Yu's, shopping at Nordstrom Rack, a trip to Woodfield Mall to hit up the Aveda store, dinner at Brandt's (home of the world's 2nd best cheeseburger. The first place ribbon goes to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan.) and a trip to Eurofresh for produce and rye bread that I can't find in Indiana. It was a fun day!

Brian's poem

Happy Birthday Claudia!

Happy 5th Birthday Claudia!

We love you!

Mommy, Daddy and William

So.... Miss Claudia,

According to you, you celebrated 4 birthdays this year.

Your first birthday celebration was with your extended family.... grandparents, cousins and your favorite neighbors. The theme this year was "Tinkerbell"... until a few days before your party. Then you changed it to "Barbie". Lucky for you I did not purchase any of the party items or you might have been stuck with "Tinkerbell". We had your party on Labor Day which up being a beautiful day to celebrate.

Your second birthday celebration was on the actual day of your birthday. We went to lunch with Grandma and then later in the day Mimi and Papa came over for dinner. Instead of a cake, you asked for a pumpkin pie which you really enjoyed.

Your third birthday was at school with your classmates. You chose to bring in doughnut holes. Your teachers made you a crown, lit a huge candle and your classmates sang "Happy Birthday" to you.

And, finally, your last birthday was your friend birthday party (a first for you). You had your party at Jump Zone in Crown Point. A lot of your friends were there, including all "your girls". Everybody enjoyed jumping in the giant jumpies, eating pizza, cake and ice cream. You enjoyed opening up you gifts... lots of Barbies!

I almost forgot! You had a fifth birthday!! We went to Indianapolis for the weekend. We stayed downtown and met our Greensburg freinds at the Children's Museum. You and your friends had a great time playing together. I think your favorite exhibit was the "Barbie" one... dressing up, taking photos, walking down the catwalk, listeniong to the Mommies reminise about their old Barbies. Even the boys had a great time!

You really enjoyed all of your birthdays and are already making plans for next year!!!

I'd post pictures, but the camera died the day of your party :(

School and Teeth

Hi William,

You started kindergarten last Wednesday.

You love going to the big school, especially having recess and playing with Thomas. Your teacher's name is Miss S. and there are a whopping 28 kids in your class (crazy!). So far you have been to gym class.... you came home and proudly demonstrated how to do sit ups and push ups, music class... "the teacher is even funnier than you, Mom", art where you made a colorful folder for your art work (a rocket ship, 2 planets and 1 moon) and library where you checked out a dinosaur book. Next week you are going on a field trip to the apple orchard.

Last night the Tooth Fairy came AGAIN! You had another loose tooth which was really "bugging" you. You asked Dad to pull it out but he refused (he's a wienie) and then you asked me. I hesitated because loose teeth really freak me out, but I tried anyway. I grabbed a few napkins, gripped the tooth and gave a tug. The tooth fought back and wouldn't come out so I asked you if it hurt and you said "no" so I gave the tooth another tug and it came out. You were so excited... another trip from the Tooth Fairy meant more money. I think you should leave the Fairy a note requesting $$$ for your wonderful Mom.

That's all for now. Pictures to follow.

William's Tooth

William,

Today you lost your first tooth. Well, actually, you didn't lose it. You pulled it out all by yourself.

It all started with one loose tooth on the middle bottom which quickly turned into two loose teeth, The second loose tooth became much "wigglier" than the first. It was really "bugging" you. You had me wiggle both teeth several times this morning. I told you that I have had a lot of experience with loose teeth (my own and those teeth of my students) and that I really thought your teeth were not ready to come out yet.

I went back to reading the newspaper... which was what I was doing when you asked me to wiggle your teeth. With in a few seconds you slapped a tooth on the newspaper as yelled, "My tooth came out!!!". Sure enough, there on the newspaper was a little bitty baby tooth staring at me. You ,too, were staring at me like "Haaa. I told you it was going to come out."

I started to cry and hug and kiss you because I was so excited for you and because I couldn't believe it actually came out. Then I realized you were bleeding a lot and grabbed some napkins. The bleeding stopped after a few minutes and we called Dad who answered the phone (that NEVER happens).

So, tonight the Tooth Fairy is going to make a visit to the house and hopefully bring you a large amount of cash.

Way to go William!!! Congratulations

William,

Last night before bedtime, you pulled out an oldie, Go Dog Go, plopped on your bed and waited for Dad or me to read it to you.

Instead, I suggested that you read it to us.

Guess what you did? You read the book.... every word! Yup, the WHOLE book!

Way to go William. We're so proud and excited for you.

Love,

Mom

Happy 6th Birthday William

Dear William,

I can't believe that it was six years ago that you were born!

It seems like yesterday that I finished teaching around the middle of June and couldn't wait to finally take it easy until August... your actual due date was August 4th. I was really looking forward to having free time to get everything set up and ready for your arrival... unfortunately things didn't go as I had planned.

I finished the school year with an achy back which quickly turned into a painful case of sciatica. I could barely feel my legs when I walked and my back was so sore that I couldn't do anything... except for swim (which I did a lot of at Grandma's pool).

I spent several times a week driving an hour each way to Munster to see a chiropractor. I could barely walk from my car into her office. Seriously, it would take me 10 minutes to cross the small parking lot and then I would stare at the curb near the door wondering how I was going to lift my legs up over the curb to walk into the office. Needless to say, I was miserable!

After a month of visits, I finally was able to move again. And, because I had lost a month of my "free time", I was desperate to have everything ready for you as well as have a little bit of fun.

The weekend prior to your birth was all about getting out of the house and having fun. Friday, I got up early and drove to Hobart to watch your cousins' last swim class for the summer. After swim class, we went out for lunch. On Friday evening, we went to the Porter County Fair with your cousins. At the fair, I waddled around in search of my all time favorite.... a chocolate covered banana! I found it and it was delicious! We had lots of fun with your cousins and went home really late in the evening.

Saturday, Daddy and I went into Chicago to the Land of Nod store to find some artwork for your bedroom. That's how you ended up with the red framed Babar prints. We couldn't decide which one we liked better so you ended up with both. After we left the store, we headed south to China Town where we had dinner and walked around and stopped at a bakery for almond cookies!

Sunday, we were invited to the Railcats game by your cousins. It was a really hot day and we sat in the sun eating hot dogs and watching the game. I really would have liked to have a cold beer, but that was out of the question so I settled for a caffeine free soda.

After the game we went home. Daddy had purchased a video camera and was sitting on the deck reading the instructions... which I had been pestering him to do for weeks (just in case you were to arrive early). I went upstairs and was going to take a shower. I went potty and stood up only to find myself still pottying (gross, I know). I couldn't figure out what was going on, sat back down and continued to potty for several seconds. "Ah, ha!", I thought.

"Brian!!!", I yelled out the window to your Dad, who was still outside reading directions. "I think my water just broke!" (Babies are in a bag of fluid while they are growing in their Mommy)

I don't think Daddy heard me so I yelled louder for him to come inside. He eventually came in and called the doctor for me.

I called Aunt Gayle who was more excited than I was (I was really nervous). I asked her if she wanted to join us at the hospital later which she did.

We stayed at home or several hours before heading over to St. Anthony in Crown Point. Daddy drove really fast because it was a long drive and I was still leaking fluid... which was not fun.

We had to check into the hospital through the ER. The receptionist was not friendly or quick on her feet. She made me wait a long time before a nurse came to get me and bring me up to my room.

I'll spare you all the icky details other than your Dad napped while I was in labor (Yes, Brian I AM still angry). You loudly came into the world the next morning, July 26th, which was a Monday. You were absolutely beautiful. Even though I was pregnant with you and knew you would eventually make an appearance, I was completely stunned to see you. It still makes me cry when I think about it. That was such a wonderful day. You cried for an hour after you were born and then didn't cry again until we brought you home. Mimi, Papa, Grandma, the Bentons and Mommy's friends all came to see you.

This weekend, we celebrated your 6th birthday with a "Star Wars" theme. Saturday was your "friend" party at the Jump Zone in Crown Point. You had a great time with your friends. Sunday was your family party at our house (the funniest part of the day was Snoopy discreetly jumped onto the dining room table and polished off the frosting from the rest of the unattended birthday cake... he later got sick and threw it all up).

Today we are going into the city to the Field Museum by your request. I hope you enjoyed your weekend and your 6th birthday. May the force be with you!

William, you are the best! Thanks for making me a Mommy!

Happy 6th Birthday My Little Guy!

I Love You!!!

xoxoxoxoxox

Mom

It's a Zoo Out There!!!

This year for Grandma's birthday we went to the Brookfield Zoo. It was Memorial Day weekend....it was hot and crowded, but we had a great time!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!!

Hanging out

Grandma and Kids

Claudia and Jordan with their FAVORITE animal.... the zebra!

The Last Day of Preschool 2010

William

Walking to School

In front of the TLC sign


Walking to School

The Ice Cream Truck!!!!

The last day of preschool was so much fun! Our teachers set up all kinds of games for us to play in the church basement.... including a jumpy!!!!

Towards the end of class, the teachers told us that since it was the last day of school, they were out of snacks. "Rats," I thought. Instead of snack time, the class would go for a walk around the church.

As we walked to the back of the building, we heard music.... as in ice cream truck music! Could it be? It was! The ice cream truck parked in the lot waiting for all the kids.

Our parents were in the lot too... with their cameras! I saw Mom running in the lot with Claudia (who was crying). It turned out that Claudia split her lip open and Mom had to take her to the doctor. Claudia was upset because she missed all the fun playtime, but she did make it back for the best part... the ice cream!!!

Mom took a lot of pictures, cried and hugged me. I know she's happy for me go to the big school for kindergarten, but she keeps telling me to stop growing up... as if I can control that !

William

Spring Break 2010

Claudia and Aunt Christie

Target Practice

The kids in the helicopter

Target practice with Uncle Eric

Eric, William and Brian

Claudia, William and Cousins

Brrrr... the water is so cold!

We had a great vacation!

After we landed and got our rental car, we drove to the Mayport Navy Base north of Jacksonville, Florida to meet Brian's brother and family. They had to be there to check us civilians in (you can't get on the base without a sponsor) and stayed to have dinner with us.

William and Claudia were thrilled to see their cousins and had a great time playing in the sand with them. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since they played together. Claudia immediately began collecting all her seashells to bring home and William began digging a hole to China.

The best part of our beach vacation is that we practically had the beach to ourselves. We occasionally saw a few people as we were walking, but they were few and far between. A few times, a group of Navy men ran past us in little running shorts (I referred to this as my "Happy Hour"!). We also saw lots of dolphins, jellyfish, sand dollars and starfish and explored a few tide pools filled with amazing sea life.

The base was lots of fun to explore. There was so many ships docked there. I think we counted at least a dozen. We watched the helicopters take off and land and we drove around checking out all the buildings.

One afternoon we drove to St. Augustine and had dinner. After we finished our meal, we walked around the town checking out cannons, cannon balls and reading about the history of the town. We intended to go back and spend more time there, but I got sick and we didn't make it back. Maybe next year....

The second half of our trip was spent at Brian's brother's house where we were wined and dined. Eric and family took us to see the Jacksonville Naval Station where we explored different kinds of aircraft. We ate lunch on base and hiked to see the St. Johns River. We also visited Uncle Eric's airport where the Coast Guard's Hitron helicopters are. Uncle Eric let William and Claudia explore the helicopters and hold the big (unloaded) machine guns that they use to shoot at drug boats. We even saw one of the helicopters land.

William and Claudia want to add some of their favorite things about the trip.

William's Favorites:
holding the machine guns
Navy ships
parks
beach
swimming in the ocean
playing with my cousins
driving in Uncle Eric's Jeep
Aunt Christie's pasta

Claudia's Favorites:
dolphins
seashells
starfish
parks
Aunt Christie's homemade doughnuts
Sarah and Lucy
riding in Uncle Eric's Jeep
going out to eat

William's Preschool Graduation

The Graduate

William and Claudia

Mom (after crying) and William


Papa, William, Mimi

Grandma, Claudia, William

Dear William,

Today (May 12th, 2010) was your preschool graduation ceremony. We're so proud of you. You did such a fabulous job this year at school. Your teachers said you are hard worker, very bright, always asking questions, and always wanting to learn more.

It's hard to accept that you are growing up so fast. It seems like yesterday that you were born and we were holding you at the hospital. You were such a beautiful baby and now such such a handsome little boy.

Mommy and Daddy love you so much.

As a favor to us, please don't grow up too fast.

Love You,

Mom and Dad
xoxoxox

Crazy Alphabet Letters

Our lunch discussion consisted of wacky alphabet letters.

William: Why doesn't "W" start with a "D"?

Me: What?

William: It makes the "D" sound... "Double - U". Don't you hear the "D"?
It should be called "Wubble - U".

Me: I hear it. Good question.

William: (Stops eating and ponders) Letter "Y" should start with "WH" like the word "WHY".

We then go through the alphabet in search of "misspelled/mispronounced" letters....

William: The alphabet is crazy!

Teacher Gifts 2010

For end of the year gifts for their teachers, the kids painted terra cotta pots, planted basil and wrapped their gifts with a note wishing their teachers a "delicious summer". The gifts were a big hit!

Next year (just so I remember), I am going to try to include a few words describing their teachers as well as a small lists of their favorite school activities.

Mother's Day 2010

My Mother's Day gift from Brian complete with a poem:Dear Susan (Mommy),

A very heartfelt Happy Mother's Day

To you for all you do

For your love and especially your patience

If you were a lawyer, you probably would have sued!

Now that it's spring the thought did arise

There's something that's been missing awhile

But being green and sustainable,

Gas powered just isn't my style

But I saw the light, so to complement your whacker and mower,

The kids and I are happy to say,

Here's your very own handheld blower!

From your long-winded, blowhard husband,

Brian and your 2 Stihl-in kids (Stihl is the brand of blower)

My Mother's Day Gift From William

Claudia made me a beautiful hand painted notepad holder complete with pen and notepad to write down "important things".

The kids also made their anual poster complete with pictures, hand and footprints and poem. I'll take a picture and post it later (when I have more free time.. which might be next week!)