Thursday night Kevin stayed at a friend's house. (No school the next day.) I said his name at the dinner table. Gwyn got out of her seat, climbed under the table, over to Kevin's chair, and put her hand up to the edge of the table, where Kevin usually sits. Then she used her hand as a puppet and pretended to talk as Kevin. She even used a little voice to be her brother!
Later that night, my back needed to be popped. I yelled to husband, "Honey, can you please step on my back?" Gwyn yelled from her room "Okay mommy but I need to take off my heel shoes first." (She was wearing a pair of princess shoes.)
She has so much personality!
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Lemonade Stand (Part 2)
After the successful lemonade stand in August, the boys have been wanting to have another one. Well, we did it again last weekend!
Kevin is running the Chicago marathon in a few weeks, and he is using the race to raise money for Homes For Our Troops, an organization that builds mortgage-free homes for severely wounded veterans. The boys are proud of him and want to help him meet his goal. The lemonade stand was the first thing they did!
We set up at the same parking lot, but this time brought a tent for shade. We sat back, and tried our best to let them do everything. (We did have to help them talk to people. No surprise there.) They were adorable! They ended up raising over $130!
It was amazing even talking to the people. I ran into a men who was a principal in Pattonville when I was a student there. We even met the same two guys who gave the boys $20 last time! They asked how many times we had been out, since this was only their second time at the lot. We had to tell them this was our second time selling lemonade. One lady even went to Kevin's donation page later that day to donate since she didn't have money on the Katy Trail. It was a good experience, and a great memory.
The boys also came up with the idea of a hat day at their school. (Kids donate $1 to wear a hat all day.) It looks like it is going to happen, so between just the two of them, Kevin might get a couple hundred dollars towards his goal!
If you are interesting in donating to HFOT, here is the link to Kevin's page.
Kevin is running the Chicago marathon in a few weeks, and he is using the race to raise money for Homes For Our Troops, an organization that builds mortgage-free homes for severely wounded veterans. The boys are proud of him and want to help him meet his goal. The lemonade stand was the first thing they did!
We set up at the same parking lot, but this time brought a tent for shade. We sat back, and tried our best to let them do everything. (We did have to help them talk to people. No surprise there.) They were adorable! They ended up raising over $130!
It was amazing even talking to the people. I ran into a men who was a principal in Pattonville when I was a student there. We even met the same two guys who gave the boys $20 last time! They asked how many times we had been out, since this was only their second time at the lot. We had to tell them this was our second time selling lemonade. One lady even went to Kevin's donation page later that day to donate since she didn't have money on the Katy Trail. It was a good experience, and a great memory.
The boys also came up with the idea of a hat day at their school. (Kids donate $1 to wear a hat all day.) It looks like it is going to happen, so between just the two of them, Kevin might get a couple hundred dollars towards his goal!
If you are interesting in donating to HFOT, here is the link to Kevin's page.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Lemonade Stand
I know I need to post. But Kevin put our vacation pictures on the computer I don't normally blog on, and school has started back up. Here is a post from July.
The kids have wanted to have a lemonade stand for months. One Saturday the weather was perfect, and we had already purchased supplies, we we did it. We set it up at the parking lot near our house. The lot is next to a trail that many runners and bikers use.
Kevin and I had to teach the boys how to talk to people when selling, like thanking them and making small talk, like asking how the run went for the day. Once they figured that out, sales got better. At first people were buying one cup and letting the boys keep the change, or buying two cups for $1. But then it turned into one cup for $5, and then someone even gave the boys $20 for two cups! (For those people, we had to teach the boys about free refills.) Overall the kids made over $40!
Of course they wanted to have lemonade stands every day after that. But we reminded them that the weather was nice, and there were people out since it was the weekend. That calmed them down a bit. But I think it is time for another lemonade stand soon. As soon as we have free time again!
The kids have wanted to have a lemonade stand for months. One Saturday the weather was perfect, and we had already purchased supplies, we we did it. We set it up at the parking lot near our house. The lot is next to a trail that many runners and bikers use.
Kevin and I had to teach the boys how to talk to people when selling, like thanking them and making small talk, like asking how the run went for the day. Once they figured that out, sales got better. At first people were buying one cup and letting the boys keep the change, or buying two cups for $1. But then it turned into one cup for $5, and then someone even gave the boys $20 for two cups! (For those people, we had to teach the boys about free refills.) Overall the kids made over $40!
Of course they wanted to have lemonade stands every day after that. But we reminded them that the weather was nice, and there were people out since it was the weekend. That calmed them down a bit. But I think it is time for another lemonade stand soon. As soon as we have free time again!
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| The set up, with parents off to the side to remind them to talk to people! |
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| This girl spent time either snuggling or running around us. |
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| Kevin was most focused and into the sale. To the left, the trail goes to the Katy Trail, and towards the right it leads to Creve Coeur Park. |
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| The snuggling. |
Thursday, July 16, 2015
July 4th Fireworks
This year, we returned to Downtown St. Charles for fire works. St. Louis has some flooding, and the place we sat last year is underwater. Which was a bit cool for some reason.
Last year we didn't know there were carnival rides, and the kids were kind of bummed they didn't get to ride anything. this year we were prepared. The kids had a lot of fun, and the boys even paid for (most of) their own tickets.
The next day we went to my dad's to swim and see everyone. It was a nice trip and the kids have fun. We made the only holiday foods I know for the 4th of July.
At the end of the night, we again set off fireworks for our neighbors. No invitations this year, but we still had about 14 extra people. Pappy and Grandma even made it. Our neighbors across the street actually said they would contribute money for fireworks next year. We really don't care if they do since our kids kindly invite people, but I guess we have set a tradition to watch the McGuire fireworks! And yet again, we have snacks to pass out. (See above picture of yummy red, white and blue food.)
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| This was the hill the boys played on last year. Even though they look grumpy in last years' picture I swear they said they had fun! |
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| Gwyn didn't want to ride alone, so Kevin rode with her. She loves swings! |
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| Kevin loved this ride, Colin did not. It went to fast for him. They both agree that it is faster than the one at Six Flags. |
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| Gwyn was very excited that Kevin was able to ride this with her. I think there was another dad on at the same time. I imagine they made awkward eye contact and gave each other a head nod. |
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| This is the face Gwyn makes when I say I want t picture of her. |
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| It was a great night! The weather was almost cool, and the crowd was great. Because of the flooding there were fewer people this year, so lines weren't too long. Again, Kevin got a funnel cake and fried Oreos. I liked the Oreos this year. I commented on how little powdered sugar he unfortunately got on the funnel cake and he said he asked for little powdered sugar. Who does that? How did I marry him? |
The next day we went to my dad's to swim and see everyone. It was a nice trip and the kids have fun. We made the only holiday foods I know for the 4th of July.
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| The strawberries have proven to be difficult to make, but so delicious! |
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Colin's Pumpkins
Colin brought home pumpkins from school a few months ago. They were two little sprouts in a small plastic cup. The kind of disposable plastic cup your grandma had in her bathroom. So pretty small.
He wanted to plant his pumpkins in the backyard. We had luck when he planted his green beans, but I really had low expectations for pumpkins. For one, the plant was from two seeds that he planted in the cup in his class. And two, I don't really grow plants. I tend to kill plants.
But I underestimated Colin's green thumb. I should have seen it coming. He grew green beans two years ago, last year he planted basil. He had enough basil for us to cook with several times, and at the end we had enough still for homemade pesto sauce.
So here is what the plants currently look like. They have taken over the corner of our yard. We might actually get pumpkins this year, but not if my natural ability to kill plants has anything to do with it.
He wanted to plant his pumpkins in the backyard. We had luck when he planted his green beans, but I really had low expectations for pumpkins. For one, the plant was from two seeds that he planted in the cup in his class. And two, I don't really grow plants. I tend to kill plants.
But I underestimated Colin's green thumb. I should have seen it coming. He grew green beans two years ago, last year he planted basil. He had enough basil for us to cook with several times, and at the end we had enough still for homemade pesto sauce.
So here is what the plants currently look like. They have taken over the corner of our yard. We might actually get pumpkins this year, but not if my natural ability to kill plants has anything to do with it.
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| This one is now wrapping around the tree. |
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| This is just two plants! |
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| Just another picture. In case you have trouble visualizing "plants." |
Friday, July 10, 2015
Summer Time for Kids of a Teacher
Kevin and Colin are simply great. Really. They are so wonderful. They must not know what life is like for kids who do not have a teacher-mom. (They are great anyway, though.) I know how much kids slide back over the summer with reading and math skills, and I refuse to have my boys be those kids.
So I set up rules for the summer, and they have not complained at all. Kevin gets half of it done before I am even downstairs with Gwyn, and Colin would too if he wasn't so much like me in the morning. (Kevin and Kevin wake up ready to face the world. Colin, Gwyn and I like to take about 20 minutes of snoozing and relaxing before we even move out of bed.)
What am I talking about? The work the boys have to do before they get any screen time. Before they can watch cartoons, get on my computer to watch JangBricks Lego videos, or play on the tablet, they have to do the following:
And they do it without complaining. Also, I did not realize how helpful it would be! Seriously, I really appreciate not only their lack of complaining, but their help. I make sure to tell them that as much as possible. And the cutest part is that Gwyn also thinks she has to do a chore, and the boys help her do it. They both seem to have grown in the last few months into more independent, driven kids, especially Kevin.
To explain how adorable they are, I caught a picture of Colin working on math one morning. He didn't know how to do something and Kevin jumped up to help him. I couldn't help snap a picture or two.
So I set up rules for the summer, and they have not complained at all. Kevin gets half of it done before I am even downstairs with Gwyn, and Colin would too if he wasn't so much like me in the morning. (Kevin and Kevin wake up ready to face the world. Colin, Gwyn and I like to take about 20 minutes of snoozing and relaxing before we even move out of bed.)
What am I talking about? The work the boys have to do before they get any screen time. Before they can watch cartoons, get on my computer to watch JangBricks Lego videos, or play on the tablet, they have to do the following:
- get dressed
- brush teeth
- eat breakfast
- read 20 minutes
- write for 10 minutes OR do 4 pages in math*
- complete one chore (vacuum a room, fold laundry, empty dishwasher, clean a room, etc.)
And they do it without complaining. Also, I did not realize how helpful it would be! Seriously, I really appreciate not only their lack of complaining, but their help. I make sure to tell them that as much as possible. And the cutest part is that Gwyn also thinks she has to do a chore, and the boys help her do it. They both seem to have grown in the last few months into more independent, driven kids, especially Kevin.
To explain how adorable they are, I caught a picture of Colin working on math one morning. He didn't know how to do something and Kevin jumped up to help him. I couldn't help snap a picture or two.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
The Boys Fly A Plane
Okay, they were just the "co-pilot" but it was still amazing for them!
Kevin's mom, who, for some reason we call Grandma, took the boys up in an airplane as a gift. But they had to wait for school to end and for weather to be clear. The first appointment was rained out, but the second attempt worked out. (It did rain in areas around the city, but they somehow avoided it all.) It was just a cloudy day, but the view was still great. They both loved it, and talked about it for days.
Since we were planning on getting a new camera (which we did in June) I gave the camera to the boys and told them to take pictures of anything they wanted. And they ended up getting great shots! They even got our house. Since they were up for so long they flew all over the St. Louis area, and even got to take turns flying as co-pilot. At a small airport they did a "Chinese fire drill" and switched spots.
Here are photos from the day. Louise (Grandma) even got a picture of our house!!! (But I don't have that right now. I will add it if I get it.)
Kevin's mom, who, for some reason we call Grandma, took the boys up in an airplane as a gift. But they had to wait for school to end and for weather to be clear. The first appointment was rained out, but the second attempt worked out. (It did rain in areas around the city, but they somehow avoided it all.) It was just a cloudy day, but the view was still great. They both loved it, and talked about it for days.
Since we were planning on getting a new camera (which we did in June) I gave the camera to the boys and told them to take pictures of anything they wanted. And they ended up getting great shots! They even got our house. Since they were up for so long they flew all over the St. Louis area, and even got to take turns flying as co-pilot. At a small airport they did a "Chinese fire drill" and switched spots.
Here are photos from the day. Louise (Grandma) even got a picture of our house!!! (But I don't have that right now. I will add it if I get it.)
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| Kevin flying. |
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| St. Louis Science Center |
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| Missouri Botanical Gardens |
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| Union Station |
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| Busch Stadium |
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| Arch/Downtown |
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| McKinley Bridge |
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| A train yard. (The boys thought this was so cool.) |
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| Portage De Souix |
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| The boys and the pilot. (Colin says it was really sunny. I believe him.) |
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
We Have Swings!
Kevin has always planned on adding swings (and who knows what else) to the tree house. So one weekend (Memorial Weekend? I don't know it was so long ago...) he and the boys worked to get it completed.
It took less time than Kevin though. I think it was finished by early afternoon. I was happy since I only had to help twice, and only one of those times included lifting. (I don't lift.) The boys of course stripped off their shirts to help daddy, and possibly even did real work. But that stopped as soon as the swings were secure and safe. Then daddy was on his own.
And now this is the kids' favorite spot in the world. For some reason, these swings are their favorite, and it is where they go as much as possible. And the best part is that Gwyn finally learned how to swing on her own! (Although she still likes a push every now and then.) Kevin tried to add something different and put a disk swing at the end. It is not adequate, and I don't know if it will last. For now it is a thing to keep kids occupied while they wait for a turn on the swings.
It took less time than Kevin though. I think it was finished by early afternoon. I was happy since I only had to help twice, and only one of those times included lifting. (I don't lift.) The boys of course stripped off their shirts to help daddy, and possibly even did real work. But that stopped as soon as the swings were secure and safe. Then daddy was on his own.
And now this is the kids' favorite spot in the world. For some reason, these swings are their favorite, and it is where they go as much as possible. And the best part is that Gwyn finally learned how to swing on her own! (Although she still likes a push every now and then.) Kevin tried to add something different and put a disk swing at the end. It is not adequate, and I don't know if it will last. For now it is a thing to keep kids occupied while they wait for a turn on the swings.
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| Just pictures from different days... |
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| And another one, which included jumping as far as possible off the swings and some kind of exercise contest between Kevin and Colin. |
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| I know it is blurry, but look how happy she is! |
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