Déjà who?

A recent conversation with Kyle

Kyle: Have you ever had the feeling that you've done something before? I feel like we've been on this drive before and that I've seen those eagles before, but at the same time, I know this is our first time. It's weird. Do you know what I'm talking about?

Me: Yes, Kyle, I do. There's even a word for it, déjà vu.

Kyle: Oh, cool. So you've felt déjà vu before too?

Me: Yes, Kyle, I have.

2010

2002

There's a glitch in the Matrix!

South For the Winter

One of Kyle's Latest Jokes

For those of you concerned that I had frozen to death here in Iowa, let me quickly reassure you that I'm alive and well.

Early in March, the sub zero weather gave way to a balmy 40 degrees and for the past few weeks the low 60s have been trying to move in, but they have been met with a fight. A mere 50 degrees in March? This island girl is usually be crying at anything below 70, but after a cold, gray Iowa winter, I'll take it!

The sun peeks out now and then and it's been warm enough to melt all the snow. The birds have returned home and have filled the bare trees with singing and new nests. Ahh, Spring is in the air! And with it comes green grass, blue skies, baby animals and... a new job!

That's right, no more Midwest winters for me! In the fall our family will head south, where I will happily spend next winter, and many more after that. We'll be in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where Marc will be teaching at Wake Forest. (My absence from blogging was due to a very hectic interview schedule).

Winston-Salem is about four hours away from the Outer Banks (the beach!) and close to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Our move won't be for a few more months, but I can't wait to find out more and blog about it. Y'all come back now! ;)

Just Dessert

Kyle is the kind of boy who won't take "No" for an answer. When I told him that we didn't have any dessert and that I had no plans to make anything, he took it upon himself. After rummaging through the cupboards and banging around in the kitchen, he proudly served up his concoction. Afterward, deciding that this recipe was worth sharing with others, Kyle wrote it down and made copies to distribute to his teacher and friends at school. We hope you enjoy this original recipe!

I Swear

At the end of 2009, I received an envelope from Kyle's school bus company. In it I was surprised to find a citation for misbehavior on the bus. I was especially surprised to see what was marked:

I couldn't believe it. Profanity!?! I couldn't imagine my Kyle using big-boy bad words. Are we already at that stage of childhood? I was really scared to keep reading. What did he say? And to whom? I began ordering all the swear words in my head from least offensive to most offensive and tried to figure out where Kyle may have landed on the scale. My heart sank as I mourned the inevitable loss of innocence of my seven year old. I was so NOT ready for this stage of parenthood.

I took a deep breath, steeled myself and prepared for the worst as I turned to the section detailing the offense. Here it what it said.

(Warning: this next section contains a remark that is profane and/or offensive)

What?!? "Dumb-Dumb Poopy Head"? Are you serious? I tried so hard not to laugh, especially because Kyle was standing right next to me. It was difficult because I was so relieved and needed an outlet for the all tension I was holding in. I was so happy to read those four words! I wanted to dance around and sing "Dumb-Dumb Poopy head" over and over at the top of my lungs. Instead, I took a few deep breaths and attempted my most serious face for a talk about appropriate language and how our choice of words make others feel.

Later that night, after giggling my way through an explanation to Marc (out of Kyle's earshot) we met as a family and decided to make a New Year's resolution to clean up our language. We instituted a fine jar to help us. As you can see, the words are quite sophisticated:

And since it's inception, not only has the taboo list grown, but there is a lot more silver at the bottom of the jar! Here's to a healthy, happy, and, especially for our family, a clean 2010. Happy New Year!

Very Merry

Here are a few highlights from our festivities this year.

This year was Sean's first Christmas. He celebrated by eating his fair share of wrapping paper. Every time I turned around he had something new in his mouth! I half expected to find his the contents of his diaper wrapped prettily in festive paper that night.

Kyle and I kept up our tradition of gingerbread house baking and decorating. Do you think we used enough candy this year? We had a lot of fun working together and decided this was just a bit more fun than building with Legos because we could eat it afterwards!

Speaking of Legos, we were all a bit bummed out this year because we left our Christmas decorations in storage in Utah, including our very kid-friendly nativity set which Kyle loves to play with. I thought that he would freak out when he realized it wasn't here, but instead Kyle declared that he would make our nativity set this year. He ran to his room and after a few minutes, this is what he came back with.

( L to R: Wise man with gift, Mary, baby Jesus in Manger, Joseph, shepherd with sheep)

We're missing two of the wise men and the sheep is almost as big as a camel, but I have to admit, even looking at it now, I'm one proud mama. It doesn't have flourish or polish, but it's got the basics. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

We hope you are enjoying this holiday season and wish you the best in the New Year!

Too Cool for School

Seven inches of snow and -12 degree temperatures can only mean one thing: SNOW DAY! Not only were we excited for the first snowfall this winter, but it was especially exciting because it was Kyle's first snow day. School let out early on Tuesday due to a monster winter storm and we were completely snowed in on Wednesday. Temperatures are still below freezing so we're home again today. The weather might sound frightening to you and me, but to a seven year old boy, this is heaven! Kyle and his friend Simon made the best of the weather and spent hours sledding, throwing snowballs and making snow forts.

Field of Dreams

Even Sean got in on the fun. He was thrilled to have Kyle home and even more excited to get out and explore the snow. What a wonderful way to spend your half-birthday, huh?

Six months and counting...

This storm hit most of the nation pretty hard, so I hope this finds you all safe and well!

WANTED!

Two happy, healthy boys, last seen Thanksgiving Day.

Approach with caution, they are highly contagious.

Known associates: two sleep-deprived parents.