August 31st 2009
Homeschool Begins
Zoë and Abby were super excited that today was going to be our kick-off day for homeschooling. At one point Zoë asked me if we were going to homeschool for the whole year and when I replied that we were she said, "Yes! We have a whole year of homeschooling!" I think after getting their binders to set up as their portfolio's with their names on them and the subject dividers in them and especially after getting the math materials from the elementary school, both girls began getting a lot more excited.
Today was mostly and introductory day, where we talked about the schedule and looked over the materials. We played a game with the clock to see if they could remember what time certain activities would be during the day and they also did their 10 minutes each of read-aloud time as well as journals. We're starting off with an ocean unit study so the majority of the lessons and projects will be about ocean science, history, etc. Zoë and Abby have told me what questions they have about ocean related things so we'll be sure to get those answered during the next two weeks. We also filled in the last day on our August weather calendar and tomorrow we'll do different graphs to show the data.
Today was mostly and introductory day, where we talked about the schedule and looked over the materials. We played a game with the clock to see if they could remember what time certain activities would be during the day and they also did their 10 minutes each of read-aloud time as well as journals. We're starting off with an ocean unit study so the majority of the lessons and projects will be about ocean science, history, etc. Zoë and Abby have told me what questions they have about ocean related things so we'll be sure to get those answered during the next two weeks. We also filled in the last day on our August weather calendar and tomorrow we'll do different graphs to show the data.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 7 days
News posted by Laura at 8:53 PM | 
Comment
August 30th 2009
Time with Family
It's been a while since everyone has come over our way, since we've been over to the Valley's so often for hot water usage. Grampy came over shortly after 3:00, while the kids were still napping. I got Zoë and Abby up, who were still pretty groggy. I think they're still trying to make up from the lost sleep of the camp-out. Once the Valley's arrived and Enzo was up we all headed out for a walk. We first went to the health food store to pick some things up and then to G.Willikers toy store.
Reanna had heard that they have a birthday wish list thing you can do, where you walk around the store with a birthday wish list form and write the name of what they'd like and the cost and then when someone either comes in or calls over the phone and buys that item the little star at the end of that line gets colored in. Zoë and Abby were so excited that I figured I might as well do papers for them as well as Enzo. The girls saw a whole groovy girl section and Fancy Nancy dress up and this really neat tree house toy thing. Abby was sweet and kept telling me things that she wanted me to write down for her to get Enzo for his birthday. Enzo and Elijah were both quite excited crawling and walking around handling the trains and animal toys and anything they could get their hands on.
We took a 'long cut' back home, stopping by the playground and then everyone had to go. Daddy decided that we'd go to eat at a restaurant I had coupons for. It's called Ixtappa and is a Mexican restaurant by the mall. It ended up being pretty tasty and the girls meals were just $1.99 with the Sunday special. Zoë and Abby got bean and cheese burritos with rice and beans on the side, Chris got the Atlantic burrito, which had various seafood in it, and I decided to try chicken flautas - I hear Nonna likes flautas. (Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm might be surprised at what I ordered, as at my favorite mexican restaurant out there, Jalisco's, I always ordered the same thing, which was basically just a big bean burrito with sides) Even though there were some other yummy looking desserts, we decided to order the fried ice cream, because I wanted to show Zoë and Abby the dessert that I'd always get on my birthday at the Mexican restaurants in Eugene. I have to say that I wasn't sure how impressed I'd be with this place. Mexican food isn't really the top cuisine out this way as it is more so where Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm live. However, everyone and everything was completely... authentic and the food choices were nice and the food itself was good.
Reanna had heard that they have a birthday wish list thing you can do, where you walk around the store with a birthday wish list form and write the name of what they'd like and the cost and then when someone either comes in or calls over the phone and buys that item the little star at the end of that line gets colored in. Zoë and Abby were so excited that I figured I might as well do papers for them as well as Enzo. The girls saw a whole groovy girl section and Fancy Nancy dress up and this really neat tree house toy thing. Abby was sweet and kept telling me things that she wanted me to write down for her to get Enzo for his birthday. Enzo and Elijah were both quite excited crawling and walking around handling the trains and animal toys and anything they could get their hands on.
We took a 'long cut' back home, stopping by the playground and then everyone had to go. Daddy decided that we'd go to eat at a restaurant I had coupons for. It's called Ixtappa and is a Mexican restaurant by the mall. It ended up being pretty tasty and the girls meals were just $1.99 with the Sunday special. Zoë and Abby got bean and cheese burritos with rice and beans on the side, Chris got the Atlantic burrito, which had various seafood in it, and I decided to try chicken flautas - I hear Nonna likes flautas. (Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm might be surprised at what I ordered, as at my favorite mexican restaurant out there, Jalisco's, I always ordered the same thing, which was basically just a big bean burrito with sides) Even though there were some other yummy looking desserts, we decided to order the fried ice cream, because I wanted to show Zoë and Abby the dessert that I'd always get on my birthday at the Mexican restaurants in Eugene. I have to say that I wasn't sure how impressed I'd be with this place. Mexican food isn't really the top cuisine out this way as it is more so where Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm live. However, everyone and everything was completely... authentic and the food choices were nice and the food itself was good.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 6 days News posted by Laura at 7:39 PM | Comment
August 29th 2009
Rainy Day Camping Recovery
It turned out Enzo didn't like sleeping zipped up in his sack, but once we modified our sleeping arrangement he slept well, thanks I think to the white noise of the rain. I however didn't sleep so soundly, if at all. Not only did the rain pick up and become quite loud, I was concerned about the girls all being warm enough and dry. I checked on them a couple of times, once covering Zoë, but they slept soundly all night long. Thank goodness there were no potty needs.
Thismorning we had blueberry pancakes and a little later, once Grampy arrived, egg sandwiches. Kate and Emma got picked up a little while after breakfast and then Grampy arrived. Abby read to him and he was really impressed. She was pretty impressed with herself for not being to shy to real aloud to him. Though pretty sleepy and a bit cranky, the girls had a great time and were super happy that on top of the camp out, they got to spend some time with Grampy. After lunch and a nap back at home, we hung around watching movies and just being cozy on the sleepy rainy day.
Thismorning we had blueberry pancakes and a little later, once Grampy arrived, egg sandwiches. Kate and Emma got picked up a little while after breakfast and then Grampy arrived. Abby read to him and he was really impressed. She was pretty impressed with herself for not being to shy to real aloud to him. Though pretty sleepy and a bit cranky, the girls had a great time and were super happy that on top of the camp out, they got to spend some time with Grampy. After lunch and a nap back at home, we hung around watching movies and just being cozy on the sleepy rainy day.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 5 days News posted by Laura at 3:00 PM | Comment
August 28th 2009
Twins Camp-Out
We've been planning for a couple of weeks now for a camp-out in Reanna and Corey's back yard, along with Alicia's sisters, Kate and Emma, who are 6 and a half. The fun started when the kids and I met Reanna and Elijah, and Alicia and baby Aurora along with Kate and Emma at a playground in Durham. The kids and I got there a little bit before anyone else, but that didn't bother Zoë and Abby, they were loving the equiptment. I have to say, the new set up there was pretty cool. Once everyone arrived the girls all made quick re-introductions and began playing together. Shortly after 5:00, I followed Alicia to a nearby mediterranean food place to pick up dinner to bring back to Reanna's.
We ate our falafel pockets and gyro pockets as well as some baklava and then the kids ran and played in the backyard with Pete and Corey. Finally we decided that it was time to set up the tents. Kate and Emma had brought a five person tent, which was the 'kids' tent. Originally everyone was going to be sleeping out in tents, but it ended up that I was the designated adult outside so Enzo and I had a little tent set up right outside the door of the big tent. It was dark by this time so everyone made new and improved smore's by headlamp. First twist was that the marshmallows were being roasted over the grill, then they got rolled in warmed chocolate syrup and finally in graham cracker crumbs. It was an idea I'd gotten from the parenting magazine and it turned out to be a big hit. The first time I tried to get a picture of Zoë's finished product, she had the whole thing in her mouth before the flash. I of course didn't realize this until the flash went off, as it was all dark outside.
Bedtime came and the girls all got into their sleeping bags and I read a chapter of Little House on the Prairie. It took a long time and many adults intervention before the girls all settled down and went to sleep. It had begun sprinkling and later it was just raining. Luckily both tents had rain covers and everyone had warm sleeping bags. Even Enzo had one, well two. I brought along the two sacks that Great Grandma Ehlers (aka Emmy the Great) had made when Zoë and Abby were babies.
We ate our falafel pockets and gyro pockets as well as some baklava and then the kids ran and played in the backyard with Pete and Corey. Finally we decided that it was time to set up the tents. Kate and Emma had brought a five person tent, which was the 'kids' tent. Originally everyone was going to be sleeping out in tents, but it ended up that I was the designated adult outside so Enzo and I had a little tent set up right outside the door of the big tent. It was dark by this time so everyone made new and improved smore's by headlamp. First twist was that the marshmallows were being roasted over the grill, then they got rolled in warmed chocolate syrup and finally in graham cracker crumbs. It was an idea I'd gotten from the parenting magazine and it turned out to be a big hit. The first time I tried to get a picture of Zoë's finished product, she had the whole thing in her mouth before the flash. I of course didn't realize this until the flash went off, as it was all dark outside.
Bedtime came and the girls all got into their sleeping bags and I read a chapter of Little House on the Prairie. It took a long time and many adults intervention before the girls all settled down and went to sleep. It had begun sprinkling and later it was just raining. Luckily both tents had rain covers and everyone had warm sleeping bags. Even Enzo had one, well two. I brought along the two sacks that Great Grandma Ehlers (aka Emmy the Great) had made when Zoë and Abby were babies.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 4 days First Moments posted by Laura at 2:27 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Looks like you had soooo much fun!!
Dance Class Trial
Zoë and Abby got the chance to try a free creative dance class at Great Bay Academy of Dance this morning. The class was 45 minutes long and began with a warm up and ended with improv. dancing. They did some leaping practice and a few other technical things during the class as well. After their trial class there was a jazz class, for a little older kids (7 years old or so maybe) and there was just one little girl there so Zoë and Abby were invited to join in for the warm up. Both girls had a great time and had great posture and 'good feet'.
Both girls had a wonderful time and asked if they could go back on the 8th (when the next 11 week session begins). Gotta love that, when they plead to come back right in front of the staff. How's that for being put on the spot. Even Enzo had fun in the spacious waiting area, as there were fun toys for him to play with. He was of course a hit and was hamming it up with the other ladies there.
Both girls had a wonderful time and asked if they could go back on the 8th (when the next 11 week session begins). Gotta love that, when they plead to come back right in front of the staff. How's that for being put on the spot. Even Enzo had fun in the spacious waiting area, as there were fun toys for him to play with. He was of course a hit and was hamming it up with the other ladies there.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 4 days Sports posted by Laura at 10:24 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Sounds like Abby and Zoe had a fun experience.
August 27th 2009
Taken Off Amoxicillin
I took Enzo into the doctor today because he's been having some blood mixed with his diarrhea. Nice way to break into the post I know, but that's all he's been having since he went on the amoxicillin. I called this morning because when I changed his diaper I noticed a good deal more red than I've been seeing for the past few days. I dutifully brought in the diaper in questioned and after a slew of questions from the nurse practitioner, she made the call to stop giving Enzo the amoxicillin immediately.
She said that with the duration and amount of diarrhea and now especially the blood in the stools, she's thinking that he at least has a sensitivity to it. She didn't deem it an allergy, but did say that if there's another time that Enzo needs antibiotics that he'll need to be put on a completely different family of medicines. His diarrhea will likely last a little while, until he gets some good bacteria back into his belly, but hopefully his insides will start to mend much quicker now that he won't be on the medicine. He did love taking that stuff though. I got sent home with a specimen cup and things needed to scoop up diaper contents should I still be noticing any blood by Monday.
She said that with the duration and amount of diarrhea and now especially the blood in the stools, she's thinking that he at least has a sensitivity to it. She didn't deem it an allergy, but did say that if there's another time that Enzo needs antibiotics that he'll need to be put on a completely different family of medicines. His diarrhea will likely last a little while, until he gets some good bacteria back into his belly, but hopefully his insides will start to mend much quicker now that he won't be on the medicine. He did love taking that stuff though. I got sent home with a specimen cup and things needed to scoop up diaper contents should I still be noticing any blood by Monday.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 3 days News posted by Laura at 2:28 PM | Comment
Morning Playground
The temperatures were significantly cooler today than they have been and it was a perfect morning to walk to the playground and spend some time. First we walked to check out the elementary school playground, but there were camp kids there so we went to the mill pond playground instead. As Abby was asking if that was the one we were going to I realized that she'd been hearing the name of the playground wrong all this time. She asked, "Are we going to the milk pond playground?" I said "The what pond playground?" to be sure that I'd heard her correctly and she emphasized it saying "Milk". I had to chuckle as I corrected her.
Both girls instantly made friends that they played with for the entire hour plus we were there. I had hoped that Enzo would fall asleep on the way there as we were leaving at his typical morning nap time, but he didn't and I finally took him out of the stroller. Leeann happened to see us, as she'd been at the dog park with their dog Heinrick. She told us about Dakota's first days of kindergarten, how exciting! Back in the stroller, Enzo did finally fall asleep... right before we began walking back home.
Both girls instantly made friends that they played with for the entire hour plus we were there. I had hoped that Enzo would fall asleep on the way there as we were leaving at his typical morning nap time, but he didn't and I finally took him out of the stroller. Leeann happened to see us, as she'd been at the dog park with their dog Heinrick. She told us about Dakota's first days of kindergarten, how exciting! Back in the stroller, Enzo did finally fall asleep... right before we began walking back home.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 3 days News posted by Laura at 11:34 AM | Comment
August 26th 2009
Library Prep
We had a full list of things to get at the library today to prepare us for our first two weeks of homeschooling. I'm fine tuning the schedule and getting their portfolio's and subject areas in order. Zoë and Abby have really wanting to go more in depth with learning about ocean things for a long time now so I figured that would be a good place to begin with our unit studies. We got so many books that I had to pack the underneath and footrest areas of the strollers (good thing Enzo's legs aren't long enough to need that area yet) for the walk home. Most of our books are for the academic areas, with geography specific things, science, some history of ocean explorers, etc. We also got some fun picture books related to ocean things. We even got two educational movies about the ocean. I made sure to get some books that would answer the specific questions the girls told me they had about the ocean when we did our brainstorming session, and they of course picked out some off topic books for them to read. We're set to begin next week!
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 2 days Books posted by Laura at 11:40 AM | Comment
August 25th 2009
Families First Play
Zoë was really excited to be able to go back to the kids room while Enzo and I were at babytime, now that swim lessons are over. Unfortunately Abby had to stay home because she has developed a cough. She got to watch a movie though, so it wasn't all bad.
Enzo's friend Ethan was there (they're the 'big boys' in the class) and they were instantly drawn to playing together. I was glad they were there for a couple of reasons as well, one just because we haven't seen them in a while, but also because Sarah (Ethan's mom) is a teacher at a nearby elementary school and uses the same math curriculum that we got from the school here in town for the girls. Since I hadn't been given a teacher's guide, she was helpful in looking through our materials and giving me some insight.
Enzo's friend Ethan was there (they're the 'big boys' in the class) and they were instantly drawn to playing together. I was glad they were there for a couple of reasons as well, one just because we haven't seen them in a while, but also because Sarah (Ethan's mom) is a teacher at a nearby elementary school and uses the same math curriculum that we got from the school here in town for the girls. Since I hadn't been given a teacher's guide, she was helpful in looking through our materials and giving me some insight.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 11:44 AM | Comment
August 24th 2009
What's for breakfast? Oatmeal of course.
We have been eating oatmeal for breakfast for more than a year now, not including our time in Brazil. About 6 months ago we switched to organic oats from the bulk section of the health food store instead of Quakers oats. They are just as inexpensive so why not. We look silly though leaving the health food store with such a large bag of oats, they must think we have horses to feed or something. I got tired of hearing Laura ask us what we wanted to eat for breakfast eat morning that I said, "Let's just eat oatmeal every morning." Making this one item the standard has gone a long way in improving our health as well as getting our morning routine sped along. No more waiting and late breakfasts. Plus it is super simple to make, some boiling water and some oats. We mix up the variety every now and again with blueberries, nuts, apples, pumpkin, ground flax, etc... The girls enjoy eating all this oatmeal and getting the sugar spoon is the special reward. This is the spoon that is used to sweeten the oatmeal, it usually has that little extra sugar on it, and they both want it, so they behave extra for that treat. While not a regular occurance like the oatmeal, we are trying to accompany it with pineapple juice because of it's high vitamin C content. Antioxidants Research Lab at the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a study that indicated a 100% increase in benefit and effictiveness of stabilizing LDL cholesterol when you drink vitamin C-rich orange juice while eating a bowl of oatmeal, cleaning your arteries and preventing heart attacks with two times as much efficacy than if you were to ingest either alone.
We still have the occasional egg sandwich or pancake breakfast, but our staple breakfast is oatmeal.
We still have the occasional egg sandwich or pancake breakfast, but our staple breakfast is oatmeal.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 11 months News posted by christopher at 2:40 PM | Comment
11 Months Old
I almost forgot to write this post, actually had to be reminded that I hadn't updated since the 10 month old post. It could have been a subconcious thing, I'm having a bit of a hard time realizing that next month will be the big 1st birthday!
Well my little Enzo, you are a joy for us all to watch each day. The faces you make, your inquisative nature, you're a lot of fun. You're walking a lot more now, just taking off when no one is looking. You can walk across the whole living room, but only if you feel like it... definitely not on command. Also when we're other places you tend to be more cautious and prefer to crawl. You're still doing more crawling than walking in general, and that's just fine with me.
You're still not eating a lot at once as far as solid foods go. You'll happily munch on cheerio's or other grain products, and you're fine with trying new foods but get bored with it after a few minutes and sign to be all done. Also, your belly tends to have a hard time digesting anything that doesn't go down smooth, and with only two teeth in your mouth that can be a trick. Cheerio's, other cereals, and most recently corn bread seem to do alright since you can gum them up nicely, but a lot of raw fruits keep you up all night. You're a champion nurser though and sign for milk often enough to keep you growning and learning just fine.
Speaking of sign language, you've really just blossomed with communicating with us in this way. You don't always do the sign just right, but you get your point across. Daddy and all done are the signs we see most often, Daddy being done by hitting yourself in the head with your open hand. You've attempted sister, tree, and where, but aren't consistent with those. Milk, all done, more, please, and Daddy are the most common that you use daily. Though you understand diaper and change, you've yet to sign these. I have a suspicion that this could be your lack of desire to lie still for a diaper change. You're even putting vocal 'words' with some of your signs, such as Daddy and all done, and it's just adorable.
The next time I write one of these will be for you turning one and I just can't believe that it's been almost a year since you came into my arms and changed our family forever, definitely for the better.
Well my little Enzo, you are a joy for us all to watch each day. The faces you make, your inquisative nature, you're a lot of fun. You're walking a lot more now, just taking off when no one is looking. You can walk across the whole living room, but only if you feel like it... definitely not on command. Also when we're other places you tend to be more cautious and prefer to crawl. You're still doing more crawling than walking in general, and that's just fine with me.
You're still not eating a lot at once as far as solid foods go. You'll happily munch on cheerio's or other grain products, and you're fine with trying new foods but get bored with it after a few minutes and sign to be all done. Also, your belly tends to have a hard time digesting anything that doesn't go down smooth, and with only two teeth in your mouth that can be a trick. Cheerio's, other cereals, and most recently corn bread seem to do alright since you can gum them up nicely, but a lot of raw fruits keep you up all night. You're a champion nurser though and sign for milk often enough to keep you growning and learning just fine.
Speaking of sign language, you've really just blossomed with communicating with us in this way. You don't always do the sign just right, but you get your point across. Daddy and all done are the signs we see most often, Daddy being done by hitting yourself in the head with your open hand. You've attempted sister, tree, and where, but aren't consistent with those. Milk, all done, more, please, and Daddy are the most common that you use daily. Though you understand diaper and change, you've yet to sign these. I have a suspicion that this could be your lack of desire to lie still for a diaper change. You're even putting vocal 'words' with some of your signs, such as Daddy and all done, and it's just adorable.
The next time I write one of these will be for you turning one and I just can't believe that it's been almost a year since you came into my arms and changed our family forever, definitely for the better.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 11 months News posted by Laura at 11:49 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I know time is passing so quickly.
Love you Enzo,,,xxoo.
August 23rd 2009
Cost of raising children to age 17
MSN Money published an article entitled "Raising your $221,000 baby" which details out the average cost for raising a child to age 17 as $221,000.
Housing costs through age 17: $53,100 to $126,180
Food costs through age 17: $29,250 to $44,790
Transportation costs through age 17: $22,710 to $45,570
Clothing cost through age 17: $10,860 to $18,540
Health care costs through age 17: $12,810 to $19,860
Childcare and education costs through age 17: $20,670 to $77,130
Miscellaneous costs through age 17: $10,470 to $34,590
When you factor it all together, 0 to 17, then the average 4 years in collage, we are looking at about $500,000+ on the average to low end of the estimate for what it takes to raise a child. As if it isn't intimidating enough being a new parent, imagine if you were confronted with this information from the beginning. I think more people would be celibate.
The article goes on for three pages, which breakdown the costs into categories and offer suggestions on how to save some money. Here are the highlights:Typical families, those making from $56,870 to $98,470 a year, will spend a whopping $221,190 to raise a second child born in 2008 through age 17, estimates the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (.pdf file), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Higher-income families will spend even more. Those earning more than $98,470 will spend $366,660 overall in the U.S. to raise a second child; that figure rises to $406,680 in urban areas of the Northeast.
Though not as steep, the figures for lower-income families are just as unsettling: $159,870 for families making less than $56,870 to raise a second child.
That averages $8,882 a year for a lower-income family, $12,288 for the middle-income group and $20,370 for top earners.
Housing costs through age 17: $53,100 to $126,180
Food costs through age 17: $29,250 to $44,790
Transportation costs through age 17: $22,710 to $45,570
Clothing cost through age 17: $10,860 to $18,540
Health care costs through age 17: $12,810 to $19,860
Childcare and education costs through age 17: $20,670 to $77,130
Miscellaneous costs through age 17: $10,470 to $34,590
When you factor it all together, 0 to 17, then the average 4 years in collage, we are looking at about $500,000+ on the average to low end of the estimate for what it takes to raise a child. As if it isn't intimidating enough being a new parent, imagine if you were confronted with this information from the beginning. I think more people would be celibate.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 29 days News posted by christopher at 4:16 PM | Comment
How do we compare?
There is a great graphic over at Visual Economics about where and how people spend their paychecks. The data comes from the Department of Labor's latest survey on annual consumer expenditures. I took the opportunity to compare those averages with our own data from the 2008 Yearly Expenses summary I prepared in January. Here are some interesting differences I observed.
The US average spending expenditure percentile of annual income for housing is 34.1% while we spent 49%.
We only have one car opposed to the 1.9 averaged in the study per household, and we spent 9%, just about half the 17.6% for the US average.
We prepare and eat more food at home than the average family, at 9% versus 7%. Although our total food consumption percentile is about on par with the US average, our is 12.3% versus the average of 12.4%.
I wish they had a break down on the utilities/energy consumed as well as amount of money saved. It is going to be tough to compare our 2009 expenses after factoring in home repair costs. We will have a lot of expenses to consider. So how do we compare, fairly average I think. How about you?
The US average spending expenditure percentile of annual income for housing is 34.1% while we spent 49%.
We only have one car opposed to the 1.9 averaged in the study per household, and we spent 9%, just about half the 17.6% for the US average.
We prepare and eat more food at home than the average family, at 9% versus 7%. Although our total food consumption percentile is about on par with the US average, our is 12.3% versus the average of 12.4%.
I wish they had a break down on the utilities/energy consumed as well as amount of money saved. It is going to be tough to compare our 2009 expenses after factoring in home repair costs. We will have a lot of expenses to consider. So how do we compare, fairly average I think. How about you?
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 29 days News posted by christopher at 2:55 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
We would be way, way under the US avg for housing - about 12.8% with insurance and taxes. We'd be way, way over the transportation figure though as we have 3 cars (2 paid off) and a motorcycle... for two drivers!
August 22nd 2009
Enzo Blacktoes
Enzo was doing some nice squats in the park today. Not really sure how this happens, but Enzo gets black toes. It is funny to look at and today I was compelled to take a photo. I often envision Enzo working in a coal mine and this is what his toes would look like after a hard day of work.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 28 days News posted by christopher at 6:20 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Enzo! Coal mining is in your blood! Many of our relatives from PA were coal miners too. Mama - wash those feet!
I guess the park grass is full of dirt and he wanted to bring some home.
August 21st 2009
What college will cost in 2022?
I have been reading and looking at information about sending our girls to school versus home schooling. It would be great if could afford to send them to a top private school. We toured our local school system and decided on home schooling for the first couple of years at least, especially due to the grade cut off debacle. Rather than bore Abby and Zoë in kindergarten at school we will keep feeding their hungry appetites for knowledge. We can cover the material in more depth and with better attention than could a teacher with 10 - 20 kids under their charge anyhow.
After reading this great article about "What is the Value of a College Education?" on GetRichSlowly.org I looked at collegeboard.com to see an estimate of the cost of 4 years at a private university in 2022. I used the standard cost of the private school today and the low end rate of a four-year university rate rise of 5.0% a year. Here is what the calculator provided:
After reading this great article about "What is the Value of a College Education?" on GetRichSlowly.org I looked at collegeboard.com to see an estimate of the cost of 4 years at a private university in 2022. I used the standard cost of the private school today and the low end rate of a four-year university rate rise of 5.0% a year. Here is what the calculator provided:
If college costs rise at 5.0% a year, your annual cost will be $70,504 (up from $37,390 over 13 years). The total cost for 4 year(s) will then be $303,883.This is the cost of one child, so you can imagine the constraints on having two entering school at the same time. Well so far we at least have a plan for Enzo. We are working hard to figure out our plan for Abby and Zoë. We have almost 13 years to get that sorted, which isn't much time if we need to save for the full cost of $600,000.00. Luckily they did offer this fact as reassurance:
These cost numbers can be daunting, but don't let them throw you for a loop. Relatively few students pay the full "sticker price."The article posits many scenarios, like providing your child with the savings you would have spent on school as their nest egg in leau of paying for school. It works out the earning potentials and differences in those scenarios to surprising conclusions. Will a college degree in the future be the benchmark it is today? We hope to enjoy the best of both worlds, by having savings available for our children and the gift of free higher education should they desire it.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 27 days News posted by christopher at 6:09 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
How about alternatives? Who said a woman can't be a plumber, electrian, stonemason, bricklayer...who will be doing these jobs...won't their services be needed?
Remembering Brazil - Churros
The girls have been talking about Brazil quite a bit lately. They have been remembering little bits here and there. It seems hotter here now than we experienced while in Brazil, but Laura assures me I am looking back through tainted glasses. "If we only had our blender there" I said to her. It is hard to believe it was a full year ago. I am dissappointed we don't have another adventured lined up. Where did all the time go? They noticed at the park the snack truck selling churros and were compelled to make the comparison. One for $1.50 or three for $3.00. These are smaller and about twice as expensive at that exchange rate time, not sure about the exchange rate now though. Also while looking at the photos, try to guess where the third churro went.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 27 days Art posted by christopher at 6:01 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Okay....my guess Laura!!??
August 20th 2009
Level Three Last Day - Passed!
Zoë and Abby got their passing certificates at the end of today's lesson. The lesson began right off at the lanes, where they did kickboards down and then front crawl back. After that they got to go play games. There were four kids total so there were even teams for races and such. Once all four of the kids teamed up against Brooke in a race on the big kickboards. The girls were both really proud that they passed... and got lollipops.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 26 days Sports posted by Laura at 12:27 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I am so porud of both of you.......just awesome!!
August 19th 2009
School and Books
The kids and I loaded into the car, too hot for walking, for our errands this afternoon. We went to the school to pick up papers for Zoë and Abby to be able to attend 'specials' when school starts September 1st. We got some dissapointing news and so I'm now not sure if they'll be doing this or not. At first I was told that it wouldn't be a problem for the girls to join in with a first grade class for the specials (there is one a day - music, art, p.e., library, and computers. we'd skip library day) but the secretary seemed to think it would not be possible. Then she said that it also might not be possible for the girls to be together, that they'd be attending with two separate classes. If that's the case we just won't be doing it. Not only do I not want them split for their first school experience (be it only 45 minutes a day) but there's no way that I'm jockeying two kids back and forth two different times a day to a school that they're not even attending full time. We can manage 'specials' just fine on our own, I was just hoping to give the girls the experience.
After this we went to the library, though we didn't get a lot of time there. We picked out two 'listeners' and the next Little House book (we finished 'Little House in the Big Woods' and are going to start 'Little House on the Praire now) then I let the girls choose some of the paperback books on their own while I grabbed a bunch of math books to look through. We also got a couple of movies and just as I was checking out Zoë found a 'Fancy Nancy' book that we haven't read yet. For only being there a short time, I sure did walk out of there with a shoulder load of books!
After this we went to the library, though we didn't get a lot of time there. We picked out two 'listeners' and the next Little House book (we finished 'Little House in the Big Woods' and are going to start 'Little House on the Praire now) then I let the girls choose some of the paperback books on their own while I grabbed a bunch of math books to look through. We also got a couple of movies and just as I was checking out Zoë found a 'Fancy Nancy' book that we haven't read yet. For only being there a short time, I sure did walk out of there with a shoulder load of books!
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 25 days News posted by Laura at 4:42 PM | Comment
Antibiotics for Enzo
I'm quite upset that Enzo is on amoxicillin for the second time. I expressed my disdain for antibiotics but the doctor said that she really thought he should go on them. I wasn't even going to bring Enzo to the doctor's office today, but when I called this morning to get suggestions for decongesting him, they said they wanted to see him since he's had a fever for a few days. The doctor said that with all the mucous, the fact that his ears are abnormal (not red and 'angry' just abnormal), and his throat is red not to mention the fever (low grade but it's lasting) that she thinks he needs it. I'm bummed, but hopefully this will get him on the mend.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 25 days News posted by Laura at 1:09 PM | Comment
August 18th 2009
SO Hot!
It was just so hot and humid today. The air quality was horrible, there were actually alerts not to do any outside activities if you could avoid it. We decided to watch movies and play games in the air conditioned bedroom instead. Zoë saw someone in the movie eating french fries and turned to ask us, "Can I have some of those?" She meant could we get or make some, but it was so funny that it sounded like she was asking to share the fries with the person in the movie. Close to dinner time Chris took the girls to go get some stuff at the grocery store, not healthy in the least, but it hit the spot for a hot summer day.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 24 days News posted by Laura at 5:51 PM | Comment
Teeth check up and X-rays
It was time for the girls 6 month teeth check up. The girls are always excited about going to the dentist. They get goodie bags with tooth brushes, floss, tooth paste and stickers. They love going to their appointments and are very good patients. They did mention some plaque build up behind the teeth that needs some extra attention. This visit was special in so that they got their first dental x-rays. It is amazing to see the size of these adult teeth coming up behind such small baby teeth. The prediction is tons of over crowding for their small jaws. "Just look at the size of those horse teeth." I said when I first saw the film. They assured us that they look funny being so large but they eventually grow into them. Take a look for yourself, these adult teeth are huge.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 24 days First Moments posted by christopher at 12:57 PM | Comment
August 17th 2009
Goodies for Auntie
We went over to the Valley's for the hot water usage and decided to bring along the ingredients to bake cookies. (I had cookie ice cream sandwiches on my mind) Zoë and Abby were happy to be able to mix it all up and bake cookies while we waited for Enzo's diaper wash. I had also brought leftovers of our pumpkin pie oatmeal I'd made for breakfast as well as some quinoa cereal for Elijah that I had made for Enzo. I left some of the cookies and the rest of the pumpkin banana bread I had made a few days ago. Zoë and Abby thought it was fun to leave goodies with notes all over for Auntie to find. I also found a push toy in the 'bodega' storage area that I cleaned up and set out for Elijah to be able to play with. Of course Enzo got to try it out and he absolutely loved it. He was laughing and laughing as raced all around the house with it.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 23 days News posted by Laura at 12:55 PM | Comment
August 16th 2009
Spontaneous
The kids and I walked to church today. I decided to leave early since Enzo was tired, that way we could stroll through a nearby park and take our time so that he'd get to sleep. We got over by the middle school and noticed some signs for a church that meets in the middle school on Sundays. After some debate the girls and I decided to go ahead and just try it out. We were early, so there was time for someone to show us the sign in procedure for the kids and where the classroom and nursery were and everything. After the worship time I walked the girls to their classroom and then went back with Enzo, who ended up falling asleep (he hadn't on the walk) and stayed asleep until almost the end of the service. When he woke up I took him to the nursery to change him and then let him play until it was time to get the girls. They had a really good time and were glad that we had been spontaneous.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 10 months, 22 days News posted by Laura at 1:01 PM | Comment
August 15th 2009
Abby's Rhyme
The girls recently got a fondness for the rhyme 'hay is for horses, better for cows, pigs don't eat it 'cause they don't know how" after Zoë replied "hey!" to something Abby did. Abby decided that she'd make her own up apparently and at the table had me take a listen.
Queens live in castles,
better for kings.
Unicorns don't need them,
because they have wings.
Do unicorns have wings? No matter, I thought it was pretty clever.
Queens live in castles,
better for kings.
Unicorns don't need them,
because they have wings.
Do unicorns have wings? No matter, I thought it was pretty clever.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months
Enzo @ 10 months, 21 days News posted by Laura at 5:20 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yes, it was!!
August 14th 2009
Morning Play at Angie's
Angie has been wanting to have us over to check out the pre-school set up. She just opened her in-home preschool (with plans to add on infants and toddlers later on) recently and has the playground and all of the centers all set up. We headed over this morning, getting there around 10am. All of the kids were super excited. Hunter is on of the 'students' as well as Matthew and then there's a little girl named Kiara who is the same age as the girls and her little brother Caleb. We had some inside time and then playground time and pretty soon it was time for lunch. I brought our lunch as well as pumpkin banana bread to share. The girls wanted to stay for nap but we had to go, maybe another time.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 20 days News posted by Laura at 1:27 PM | Comment
August 13th 2009
Big Dogs in the Park
Yesterday on the way to swim lessons, the girls and I noticed some huge dog sculptures on a truck, some having already been set out. We wondered where they'd be putting them all. Today on the way to swim we all saw the sculptures, 20 of them, all in one area of the park. On the way back home we saw the sculptor, Dale Rogers, who had seen us taking photos of the sculptures. He gave us a placard with the chance to get an American Dog keychain and the website about this - thebigdogshow.com . The dogs are eight feet high and 10 feet long and weigh 500 pounds!
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 19 days Art posted by Laura at 1:40 PM | Comment
August 12th 2009
Early Morning at the Valley's
The kids and I headed over first thing in the morning, all still in our pj's. I brought along two of the breakfast burritos I'd made and frozen a while back, and we had our breakfast with Reanna and Elijah. After that Enzo and I got a shower while his diapers were washing, then it was Zoë and Abby's turn while Enzo napped in Elijah's crib. Zoë and Abby were so thrilled that Reanna had the morning off from work and that she was able to play games with them and such. When it was time for us to leave to make it to swim lessons, Reanna was preparing to go out for a run with Elijah and I unfortunately had to wake Enzo up. He was still sleeping soundly, at least he'd had an hour to nap peacefully.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 18 days News posted by Laura at 12:25 PM | Comment
August 11th 2009
Stopped for Obama
President Obama was speaking at the high school today, though you had to have purchased tickets previously to be able to attend. I pass the entrance for the high school (both the back entrance and main entrance actually) on the way to babytime in the morning and remembered then that he was scheduled to be there today, as there were baracades and police cars and already lines of cars waiting to go in.
After babytime Enzo and I went to Wal-Mart and then stopped at the Y and headed home from there. I headed up the road we've been using to get home from the Y and was soon stopped in traffic, a few cars back from the traffic light. There was a police car with the officer standing nearby up at the lights and more on the other side. The woman in front of me told me that all traffic was stopped in a large radius for all roads leading to the high school, until President Obama had arrived there, so there really was nowhere to go.
It appeared that other people were arriving to purposely get a glimpse, little did I know that his motorcade would be passing right by, I got to see it by accident! Unfortunately I didn't have the camera or I surely would've taken some photos, it actually was pretty neat to watch. There were the state police cars with lights flashing, the fancy black cars with their tinted windows and a string of utility type vans both in front and in back, some brown and some white. Everyone was waving and cheering and clapping as the motorcade passed. It's surely the closest I've ever gotten to a United States President before. I doubt Enzo actually saw any of it, but at least he was there to witness the hub bub.
After babytime Enzo and I went to Wal-Mart and then stopped at the Y and headed home from there. I headed up the road we've been using to get home from the Y and was soon stopped in traffic, a few cars back from the traffic light. There was a police car with the officer standing nearby up at the lights and more on the other side. The woman in front of me told me that all traffic was stopped in a large radius for all roads leading to the high school, until President Obama had arrived there, so there really was nowhere to go.
It appeared that other people were arriving to purposely get a glimpse, little did I know that his motorcade would be passing right by, I got to see it by accident! Unfortunately I didn't have the camera or I surely would've taken some photos, it actually was pretty neat to watch. There were the state police cars with lights flashing, the fancy black cars with their tinted windows and a string of utility type vans both in front and in back, some brown and some white. Everyone was waving and cheering and clapping as the motorcade passed. It's surely the closest I've ever gotten to a United States President before. I doubt Enzo actually saw any of it, but at least he was there to witness the hub bub.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 27 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 27 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 17 days News posted by Laura at 1:29 PM | Comment
August 10th 2009
Memory Boxes
I've been keeping memory boxes for the girls from the beginning. I've been saving mementos for Enzo as well (he just doesn't have the actual 'box' yet, more of a memory bag until I find something nice to store his things in) and have decided to log them here. I'll begin with listing the things that are in the boxes as well as making three separate photo albums for each of the kids. As more things get added I'll do a little memory box update and add a picture of the item into the proper photo album, this way if anything should ever happen to the box itself, the kids will at least have photos of it all. Here is what's inside for...
Zoë: postcard from Jamaica (where her and Abby were conceived), ultrasound photos throughout the pregnancy, An Anne Geddes Calendar page for December 14th - the Picture is of a grandmotherly figure with twins, one lying on each leg - , her hospital bracelet from when she was born, her beanie hat which she wore in the NICU with '2' written in sharpee to indicate she was twin number 2, two pictures that the NICU staff took. One with santa and Zoë, who's in the incubator, and another with a 2004 sash for New year's day, baby shower napkin and invite for the shower Nonna had for us in Avella, hospital birth announcement, Coming home from the hospital outfit, Birth recognition card from the president, some various cards she received for different milestones, A parent's keepsake journal (where I've written down poems I wrote for her) as well as a photo album, some crafts she's made over the years, pictures of her and Abby for their first halloween, christmas, valentine's day, and passport, A special note Nonna wrote for Zoë's 1st birthday, the first sock whose match she lost, graduation certificate from BCA, First Time sailor certificate (for riding the ferry at 18 months) Boston Aquarium ticket stub and penguin passport booklet, hospital tag and sling from when she busted her elbow, Mary Engelbright calendar page that reads "Be Kind to They Sister. Not many may know the depths of true sisterly love" ,Booklet with picture from the tonsil and adnoid removal, newspaper clipping,
Abby: ultrasound photos, hospital bracelets, Nicu photos, going home outfit, baby shower in hospital photo, cards/note from Nonna, baby shower invite thrown by Nonna, hospital beanie hat, crafts she's made, photos of first year, parent journal, photo album, presidential birth recognition, BCA graduation certificate, first time sailor certificate, tonsilectomy/adenoidectomy hospital card with picture,
Enzo: Ultrasound photos throughout the pregnancy, hospital tags from birth in Brazil, welcome home sign Auntie Reanna made, cards received for pregnancy and birth, Christmas letter from Nonno
Zoë: postcard from Jamaica (where her and Abby were conceived), ultrasound photos throughout the pregnancy, An Anne Geddes Calendar page for December 14th - the Picture is of a grandmotherly figure with twins, one lying on each leg - , her hospital bracelet from when she was born, her beanie hat which she wore in the NICU with '2' written in sharpee to indicate she was twin number 2, two pictures that the NICU staff took. One with santa and Zoë, who's in the incubator, and another with a 2004 sash for New year's day, baby shower napkin and invite for the shower Nonna had for us in Avella, hospital birth announcement, Coming home from the hospital outfit, Birth recognition card from the president, some various cards she received for different milestones, A parent's keepsake journal (where I've written down poems I wrote for her) as well as a photo album, some crafts she's made over the years, pictures of her and Abby for their first halloween, christmas, valentine's day, and passport, A special note Nonna wrote for Zoë's 1st birthday, the first sock whose match she lost, graduation certificate from BCA, First Time sailor certificate (for riding the ferry at 18 months) Boston Aquarium ticket stub and penguin passport booklet, hospital tag and sling from when she busted her elbow, Mary Engelbright calendar page that reads "Be Kind to They Sister. Not many may know the depths of true sisterly love" ,Booklet with picture from the tonsil and adnoid removal, newspaper clipping,
Abby: ultrasound photos, hospital bracelets, Nicu photos, going home outfit, baby shower in hospital photo, cards/note from Nonna, baby shower invite thrown by Nonna, hospital beanie hat, crafts she's made, photos of first year, parent journal, photo album, presidential birth recognition, BCA graduation certificate, first time sailor certificate, tonsilectomy/adenoidectomy hospital card with picture,
Enzo: Ultrasound photos throughout the pregnancy, hospital tags from birth in Brazil, welcome home sign Auntie Reanna made, cards received for pregnancy and birth, Christmas letter from Nonno
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 5:03 PM | Comment
Green Giant
Today Chris and I were preparing to blend up the rest of the kale that we have in the fridge to store in the freezer so that the kale doesn't end up going bad. Chris had rinsed some and handed me a stalk and a leaf piece for Enzo to taste and feel on his tongue. With the leaf he managed to bite a wee little piece off and then he wanted more. When we had the first batch all blended up (with some water, but very concentrated blended kale) I gave Enzo a little taste from some that was on the rubber spatula and he opened up for more! I had Chris scoop a spoonful out and gave it to Enzo little bites at a time and he ate the whole amount and would've eaten more! When this boy starts drinking green smoothies, we're not even going to have to put any fruit in at all!
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 5:00 PM | Comment
Young Savers Bank Accounts
Zoë and Abby wrote down their 10 books they read, and I wrote down the 10 books read to Enzo for TDBankNorth's summer reading program. The deal was that kids read 10 books and bring in the list, then a young savers account is opened for them and the bank puts $10 into it - $10 for 10 books. We were told we could do it for all three kids so they now all have young savers bank accounts with $10 to start them off. Here's the lists of books read in order:
Abby: Noisy Car, Bear at Home (read to Enzo), Jelly Beans for Sale, Lemonade for Sale, A Dollar for Penny, Bunny Money, Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book report, Flower Garden, A Counting Book, and Madeline.
Zoë Noisy Farm, Jelly Beans for Sale, Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book report, A Dollar for Penny, Lemonade for Sale, Bunny Money, Flower Garden, If You Give a Pig a Party, Biscuit Visits the Big City, and Come by Here Lord.
Enzo: Bear at Home, 9 Fruits Alive, Big Red Barn, Brr, Noah's Crew Came 2 by 2, 10 Little Rabbits, Eat!, First Book of Sushi, Little Mouse Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big hungry Bear, and Hug.
When we first got to the library Zoë asked if they were going to give the account to her, so we went over again about what exactly it means to have a savings account and she became quite upset. I talked her through it and we went in to wait for our turn to talk with someone. Zoë handed in the sheet with the list of books read and then Abby got to hand in the paper with everyone's social's on it. At the end there was even paperwork for them to sign! Even though there wasn't actually a physical thing for them to take home (besides copies of the paperwork) the girls are excited and they can't wait to go to the teller counter to make a deposit!
Abby: Noisy Car, Bear at Home (read to Enzo), Jelly Beans for Sale, Lemonade for Sale, A Dollar for Penny, Bunny Money, Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book report, Flower Garden, A Counting Book, and Madeline.
Zoë Noisy Farm, Jelly Beans for Sale, Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book report, A Dollar for Penny, Lemonade for Sale, Bunny Money, Flower Garden, If You Give a Pig a Party, Biscuit Visits the Big City, and Come by Here Lord.
Enzo: Bear at Home, 9 Fruits Alive, Big Red Barn, Brr, Noah's Crew Came 2 by 2, 10 Little Rabbits, Eat!, First Book of Sushi, Little Mouse Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big hungry Bear, and Hug.
When we first got to the library Zoë asked if they were going to give the account to her, so we went over again about what exactly it means to have a savings account and she became quite upset. I talked her through it and we went in to wait for our turn to talk with someone. Zoë handed in the sheet with the list of books read and then Abby got to hand in the paper with everyone's social's on it. At the end there was even paperwork for them to sign! Even though there wasn't actually a physical thing for them to take home (besides copies of the paperwork) the girls are excited and they can't wait to go to the teller counter to make a deposit!
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 16 days First Moments posted by Laura at 12:00 PM | Comment
August 9th 2009
Harmonious Sounds
Zoë and Abby have really taken to the harmonica lately. Whenever we're at Corey and Reanna's, instead of rushing for the drums, both girls rush to get harmonicas (thank goodness there are two). They were putting on shows last time they were there. Today at church I walked them up to Jr. Church (we'd arrived a couple of minutes late and just stayed in the nursery until we heard the children's story finishing over the speaker system), where they were in the music room. All of the kids were instructed to get an instrument and Zoë chose the harmonica. At first I didn't realize what it was because it was a plastic colorful kids version, but she figured it out and chose it out of many other instruments. She got to play it crazy and then play it calm and orderly. I guess if they're going to get interested in an instrument, the harmonica is one of the cheapest ones, so that works.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 15 days Art posted by Laura at 11:49 AM | Comment
August 8th 2009
Great Park Pursuit Finale - Wadleigh State Park
We left the house early this morning on route to Sutton NH for the finale of the Great Park Pursuit. We stopped at Panera for their breakfast sandwiches as we were pressed for time at home this morning. We made it to Sutton without any delay and arrived 10 minutes after registration began at 9:30. Many other teams were already starting the scavenger hunt. We checked in, the girls all got yogurt and we started to scavenge. It was a great hunt. They had fun following the clues. We got all the clues correct. We handed in our scorecards and extra bonus stuff. Out of the 400 teams this year, there were 17 finalists. We made it to the finals, but we didn't win the grand prize. They prepared trivia questions for the 17 teams who did all the extra quests (5 fire towers) plus two extra parks visits, so it was a sudden death trivia question for elimination. We knew some of the answers that others had asked of them, but not our answer. We have since forgotten what our question was, but the answer was the Franconia Notch Mountain area. Anyhow, we had a great time even though the girls were bummed we didn't win. We were shocked to see 16 other finalists out of the 400 teams though. But with the current state of the economy and everyone on a stay-cation, it seemed plausible. The girls enjoyed the games and experiences through out, so it was well worth the effort. On the way out, everyone got goodies to bring home. Everyone was a winner after all. We got out and visited many great places in New Hampshire this summer.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 14 days Sports posted by christopher at 7:57 PM | Comment
August 7th 2009
Rumble Tumble Firsts
Leeann called this morning, saying that she was at Rumble Tumble with the kids for a few hours and wanted us to come play. We took her up on the invite and headed over there. This was the first time that Enzo really ambled around and did stuff. He was actually really good at climbing up this tent shaped thing. You're supposed to climb one side and slide down the other, but being barefoot Enzo climbed right up either side. I showed him how to then put his legs down so that he could just slide back down on his belly. He also got to sit on the trampoline with me, he did the toddler slide, even climbing the stairs, though I had to help him with the sliding part of course. We also climbed through the play maze - he really liked crawling through the bridge with the hanging padded pieces - and slid down the big slide together. He had lots of fun while the girls got to run and play with Dakota.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 13 days First Moments posted by Laura at 11:13 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Enzo, you are getting so big and daring. xxoo
August 6th 2009
Valley's Late Night Dinner
The kids and I went over to the Valley's this afternoon, after lots of errands around town (we did the regular p.o., and bank, then the library, then the municipal building, then the elementary school). No one was home when we got there, though I thought Reanna and Elijah would be because she was supposed to get off of work early. I put Enzo in Elijah's high chair outside the bathroom door while I helped with the girls shower and once they were out, Uncle Corey arrived home. I sat the girls down with rubicks cubes while Enzo and I showered and by the time we were out, Reanna and Elijah were home. Reanna had bought a new game at Goodwill for the girls to play whenever we're over called, "What's Gnu" which is pretty cool and they played that outside on a blanket, while the baby boys and I played with some of their toys. Elijah even took 5 steps to corey, pausing in between each one to look back at his cheering squad. Reanna invited us to stay for dinner, along with Pete and Alicia and baby Aurora, who were coming over, so we took her up on it.
I helped to get some food going and then we hung out a bit. Corey was in the 'mulit purpose room' with Elijah and Enzo and I went in to see what they were up to. I sat down by Enzo, who stood up and held onto my arm, on his way to get to something Corey had. He was trying to go very quickly and at the same time let go of me and took about five really quick steps all in a row! Even Elijah clapped for him. Zoë and Abby were happy when they finally got invited to the dinner table, as it was about 8:00pm. One of the girls exclaimed that that is when they're usually done with their listener and going to sleep! I brushed their teeth there (after they got a taste of peanut butter pie) - thank goodness I keep a baggie of oral care neccesseties in the diaper bag - before packing them into the car. On the way out the door Abby got her ankle caught and cried hysterically until Reanna carried her in to pick out a bandaid and then Pete gave her a piggy back ride out to the car. The girls actually did really well considering they'd had no nap and were home close to 10pm. They both just went potty and went right to sleep.
I helped to get some food going and then we hung out a bit. Corey was in the 'mulit purpose room' with Elijah and Enzo and I went in to see what they were up to. I sat down by Enzo, who stood up and held onto my arm, on his way to get to something Corey had. He was trying to go very quickly and at the same time let go of me and took about five really quick steps all in a row! Even Elijah clapped for him. Zoë and Abby were happy when they finally got invited to the dinner table, as it was about 8:00pm. One of the girls exclaimed that that is when they're usually done with their listener and going to sleep! I brushed their teeth there (after they got a taste of peanut butter pie) - thank goodness I keep a baggie of oral care neccesseties in the diaper bag - before packing them into the car. On the way out the door Abby got her ankle caught and cried hysterically until Reanna carried her in to pick out a bandaid and then Pete gave her a piggy back ride out to the car. The girls actually did really well considering they'd had no nap and were home close to 10pm. They both just went potty and went right to sleep.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 13 days News posted by Laura at 10:45 PM | Comment
Beehive Bookstore Payout
Zoë and Abby have been doing the library's summer reading program, but we haven't been filling in their time chart. I partially did that on purpose because in the 'bookstore' things are priced by hours read and the lesser value things are dress up jewelry and stickers and such. So I told them that today we could color in all of the butterflies (each fourth of a wing was worth 15 minutes) on their sheet. Each sheet had 15 butterflies and even though I know that we've easily read more than 15 hours since the beginning of June, we just colored in one sheet each.
By the time we got to the library, it was past bookstore hours, but one of the librarians opened it up for us anyhow. The girls pooled their hour tickets together and got a kwiz gizmo Kindergarten game by Klutz (for 13 hours), a peg game (the kind you see at Cracker Barrel), four tickets for jr. size ice cream or frozen yogurt with sprinkles at Izzy's and Zoë's, and two dress up rings. They were quite pleased with their earnings and can't wait to get the ice creams!
By the time we got to the library, it was past bookstore hours, but one of the librarians opened it up for us anyhow. The girls pooled their hour tickets together and got a kwiz gizmo Kindergarten game by Klutz (for 13 hours), a peg game (the kind you see at Cracker Barrel), four tickets for jr. size ice cream or frozen yogurt with sprinkles at Izzy's and Zoë's, and two dress up rings. They were quite pleased with their earnings and can't wait to get the ice creams!
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 12 days Books posted by Laura at 1:54 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I do not know what the "kwiz gizmo" is but ANYTHING by Klutz is a huge hit in this house. Making bracelets, pirate ships, castles, and scarves have all been Klutz projects. Good choce girls!
August 5th 2009
Clear the Pool
The girls got to do pretty much their whole lesson, but had to clear the lanes at the end. The water was even warmer today than yesterday, at 80F. We all walked over today, despite the girls protesting, "Mommy's going?! I don't want you to go Mommy!" Wow, thanks. I'm not sure if it's because Enzo takes their attention, or that I have to focus more on him, but whatever it was they ended up being glad I was there along with Daddy. During the last part of their lane time, the guy who was there with his swim team informed Brooke that they were going to have to clear the lanes. We weren't sure what the reason at first, but heard after that it seems one of his swim team children got sick in a lane.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 11 days News posted by Laura at 1:43 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Ew. Hooray for chlorine!!! Girls tell Daddy to post some new videos of your swimming. Our season is over until mid-September... I miss it already!
August 4th 2009
FOSE Party
FOSE stands for Friends Of the South End and every year they have a party at Four Tree Island. I'm not sure how far the south end actually extends, because even Anna Claire and her family were there. We've never attended one of these get togethers before, but we had a flyer on our car a few days ago and thought, why not. I had some produce that needed using up so instead of bringing something to grill for ourselves and then a dish to share, I just made our veggie fajitas at home and once we were cleaned up we grabbed some ice cream truck money (the flyer said it would be there until 7:30 pm) and the kids and I headed over. The girls ended up having so much fun running around playing with Anna Claire that they chose to stay longer and miss their 'listener' (book on cd) tonight.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 10 days News posted by Laura at 7:39 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Always great to be with friends.
Warm Water Swim
Chris took the girls to their lesson today, while Enzo and I were at babytime and then Midas, yet again. The pool temp. was 78F! He said that the warmer water really seemed to help them and they did a good job. The girls told me that they did front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke work today.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 10 days Sports posted by Laura at 11:37 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Girls you should be here...Uncle Marc's pool is in the eighties and one day 92!! Can you believe it??
August 3rd 2009
Late Night For Enzo
Kate asked me to come along to Nashua this evening, as well as Sarah M. and Kate's Mom, Julia, for her to try on wedding dresses at David's Bridal. All of us went over to Reanna's for our cleaning up then Kate came there to pick Enzo and I up and then we went over to Sarah's to pick her up as well. Enzo fell asleep shortly after picking up Sarah and we made pretty good time with traffic being very minimal... that is until right before our exit for David's Bridal. There was an accident, or two, involving many cars, and luckily we saw the tire right in the middle of our lane in time so that we weren't part of it. Enzo woke up, sensing the car going slower than desired.
We met Kate's mom at Trader Joe's and picked up a few snacks in hopes of being able to have a snack before the appointment, which was at 7:30. We got to the dress shop just in time, so no snacks. Enzo had a great time though, what with all of the mirrors and watching Kate come in and out with things that looked like a lot of fun to try and pull on. Finally Kate found the perfect dress, we were all awestruck, and tried it out with a veil and decided it was the one. By this time it was after 9pm and we were all pretty hungry... and tired. What with Enzo's nap in the car, he was still awake too. I had changed him into his nighttime get up, complete with jammies, and put him in the wrap but he was wired. We were looking for something quick and saw a place called Lui Lui's Italian restaurant across the stree so we drove over there. Unfortunately they'd closed at 9:30, so we just missed it. We saw a Longhorne's in the adjoining lot and just went ahead and drove over there. Enzo sat for a little bit with me, a little in the high chair and strolled the restaurant a little with Julia. He nursed just before leaving and was fast asleep not too far down the road.
I was the first to get dropped off, and so Chris came out and helped me carry Enzo, strapped into his carseat still, up into the house. Of course he woke up right after setting him down. The clock in the bedroom said after midnight as I was laying my head on my pillow.
We met Kate's mom at Trader Joe's and picked up a few snacks in hopes of being able to have a snack before the appointment, which was at 7:30. We got to the dress shop just in time, so no snacks. Enzo had a great time though, what with all of the mirrors and watching Kate come in and out with things that looked like a lot of fun to try and pull on. Finally Kate found the perfect dress, we were all awestruck, and tried it out with a veil and decided it was the one. By this time it was after 9pm and we were all pretty hungry... and tired. What with Enzo's nap in the car, he was still awake too. I had changed him into his nighttime get up, complete with jammies, and put him in the wrap but he was wired. We were looking for something quick and saw a place called Lui Lui's Italian restaurant across the stree so we drove over there. Unfortunately they'd closed at 9:30, so we just missed it. We saw a Longhorne's in the adjoining lot and just went ahead and drove over there. Enzo sat for a little bit with me, a little in the high chair and strolled the restaurant a little with Julia. He nursed just before leaving and was fast asleep not too far down the road.
I was the first to get dropped off, and so Chris came out and helped me carry Enzo, strapped into his carseat still, up into the house. Of course he woke up right after setting him down. The clock in the bedroom said after midnight as I was laying my head on my pillow.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 9 days News posted by Laura at 1:21 PM | Comment
Blind (Play)Date
From one of the homeschooling forums for the area, I met a woman, Anya, who has a daughter the same age as Zoë and Abby, who will also be homeschooling. We emailed back and forth and decided to meet up at a local playground this morning. We arrived and didn't notice anyone looking around for us so we played on the swings for a little bit. Just as the girls were running off to play on something else, a lady walked up and said, "You must be Laura". She said that she saw another woman carrying a baby on her way from the parking lot and had asked if she was me and the woman responded "No. Are you having a blind date?" That's pretty much what it's like! At first the playground was pretty hectic with a group of kids from a center there, but once they left things calmed down and Zoë and Abby and Maya all got along really well, playing together.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 9 days News posted by Laura at 12:15 PM | Comment
August 2nd 2009
Glitter Girls
These girls just lover glitter, much to our dismay. Today Ms. Andrea was taking over jr. church for Tara, who just had knee surgery. They apparently made get well cards for Tara, with lots of glue and glitter. I wouldn't have known except for two things... I had to go find them when they didn't come down right away with the other kids (they and Anna were helping Andrea clean up) and also they had glue stuck glitter in various spots on their skin.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 8 days News posted by Laura at 1:47 PM | Comment
August 1st 2009
GREASE Performance in the Park
This years showcase play at the park is GREASE. The girls have been asking if we could go since the opening at the end of June. This was the first day that the whole day was forecast to have clear skies, so I figured we better take advantage of it, especially since the rest of the week has showers likely in the afternoon and evening hours. Even thought tomorrow night's show begins an hour earlier than tonights, which starts at 8pm, I didn't want to risk the bad weather making so I couldn't take them at all.
After dinner we hurried to get cleaned up and changed into long pants and sleeved shirts, as blankets get laid out very early. Even when we were at the concert earlier in the day, there was a large section right up front where someone had laid out several blankets and obviously had left. There used to be a sign that said blankets weren't able to be set up before 4pm, but I didn't notice it there today. We got there around 6:30 and there was absolutely no space left with a decent view of the stage. We walked up front to check things out and there ended up being a triangle of grass in front of where all of those abandoned blankets were. I felt it was a little rude to take up such a large space so long before the show and then not show up until minutes before opening, so I didn't feel badly plopping half of our blanket in the grass in front of the blankets and the other half on the bricks.
Enzo fell asleep shortly after the show began and the girls settled in and got comfy to watch. By intermission the girls were visibly tired, not to mention that I hadn't brought my purse, which meant they couldn't get any of the ice cream from the vender, who set up right in front of us, or from the people walking around shouting "Popcorn, popcorn!" I had to explain several times to the girls that, yes, everything there did cost money. Ice cream? Yes there's a cost. Raffle tickets? Yes there's a cost. Popcorn? Glow necklaces? Cost and cost. Just before the second half of the show began, two of the actors were up on stage to draw for the 50 50 raffle. The man playing Vince Vontaine called for volunteers so I told the girls they could stand up and raise their hands. They saw a couple of other kids walking up toward the stage in hopes of being picked, so they did too. 'Vince' picked a kid next to them and said he needed one more. The woman pointed to the girls and said "Aww, the twins." But he didn't hear her and picked someone else. Zoë, however took it upon herself to go ahead and just walk up the steps to the stage. Of course she couldn't hear me beckoning for her to come back, then she proceeded to wave Abby, who was waiting at the bottom of the steps, up with her. It worked out, but it was pretty comical.
Enzo woke up near the finale of the show and just watched all of the singing and dancing and then went nicely into his stroller once I unfolded it after the show. We got our stuff packed up and flashlight out for the walk home. I told Zoë and Abby that it was probably 10pm or later and we needed to hustle home. They didn't have a problem doing that. Once we were out of the park, they started us jogging and we ended up jogging the whole way home. I had thought I might have a problem motivating them for the walk home with how tired I knew they were, but I guess the dark is a bigger motivator and they were ready to get inside the house. It was 10 minutes before 11:00pm when we walked through the door!
After dinner we hurried to get cleaned up and changed into long pants and sleeved shirts, as blankets get laid out very early. Even when we were at the concert earlier in the day, there was a large section right up front where someone had laid out several blankets and obviously had left. There used to be a sign that said blankets weren't able to be set up before 4pm, but I didn't notice it there today. We got there around 6:30 and there was absolutely no space left with a decent view of the stage. We walked up front to check things out and there ended up being a triangle of grass in front of where all of those abandoned blankets were. I felt it was a little rude to take up such a large space so long before the show and then not show up until minutes before opening, so I didn't feel badly plopping half of our blanket in the grass in front of the blankets and the other half on the bricks.
Enzo fell asleep shortly after the show began and the girls settled in and got comfy to watch. By intermission the girls were visibly tired, not to mention that I hadn't brought my purse, which meant they couldn't get any of the ice cream from the vender, who set up right in front of us, or from the people walking around shouting "Popcorn, popcorn!" I had to explain several times to the girls that, yes, everything there did cost money. Ice cream? Yes there's a cost. Raffle tickets? Yes there's a cost. Popcorn? Glow necklaces? Cost and cost. Just before the second half of the show began, two of the actors were up on stage to draw for the 50 50 raffle. The man playing Vince Vontaine called for volunteers so I told the girls they could stand up and raise their hands. They saw a couple of other kids walking up toward the stage in hopes of being picked, so they did too. 'Vince' picked a kid next to them and said he needed one more. The woman pointed to the girls and said "Aww, the twins." But he didn't hear her and picked someone else. Zoë, however took it upon herself to go ahead and just walk up the steps to the stage. Of course she couldn't hear me beckoning for her to come back, then she proceeded to wave Abby, who was waiting at the bottom of the steps, up with her. It worked out, but it was pretty comical.
Enzo woke up near the finale of the show and just watched all of the singing and dancing and then went nicely into his stroller once I unfolded it after the show. We got our stuff packed up and flashlight out for the walk home. I told Zoë and Abby that it was probably 10pm or later and we needed to hustle home. They didn't have a problem doing that. Once we were out of the park, they started us jogging and we ended up jogging the whole way home. I had thought I might have a problem motivating them for the walk home with how tired I knew they were, but I guess the dark is a bigger motivator and they were ready to get inside the house. It was 10 minutes before 11:00pm when we walked through the door!
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 8 days News posted by Laura at 10:50 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Good going girls....maybe you can rent the movie Grease at the library.
Music Festival
After nap the kids and I took a walk to the park. We caught the end of the country music festival so we decided to get a shady spot and watch the last band perform. Zoë and Abby wanted to dance, but were embarrassed about the people watching them. This is new for them, as the awareness of what other people will think is just starting to hit them. Eventually they made their way to the brick area in front of the stage, with a couple of other little girls and all began dancing together. At one point, the lead singer came off of the stage and started dancing by them while he played guitar. Zoë thought that was pretty cool and later asked me if I'd seen it.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 2:36 PM | Comment
Home Depot Kid's Workshop - Message Center
Mommy and Enzo stayed home while I took the girls to Home Depot for the Kid's Workshop this morning. We showed up about 30 minutes after the start to try to avoid the run and the crowds. Kelli was happy to see us and got us started right away. Don who usually helps was out this week. Abby and Zoë got right to work. It was warm out so we were setup outside. It was great to get a project that is functional. The girls weren't excited about us actually using it instead of playing with it and destroying it. We installed a message center at the front and back door. The girls had a great and even got to use the camera to take some photos.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 7 days Art posted by christopher at 10:01 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
You both did a beautiful job!!
