Oh no...

Seems like just yesterday, he was dragging his blankie around the house and sucking his thumb. Entertainment consisted of Blue's Clues, the Dallas tv show theme, and McDonald's commercials.

Now, he has a cell phone.....



God help us!

Grades are posted.....

two more

A's

yeah!!!!!!

(back to regularly scheduled programming)

Legoland

Recently, I heard about a new Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg. Since the boys are getting older, I figured the last opportunity to get some of these kinds of activities in, before they think they are too cool for it. So, since they were up at Grandma's, and I had to go pick them up anyway, I bought tickets to check the place out. (Not to mention, it was a great excuse to go to Woodfield and IKEA, heehee.)


We had a great day, enjoyed the miniature Chicago Skyline, the Hall of Fame, and the Dragon Ride. I let the boys shop in the bulk lego area, to pick up blocks they needed. I ended the day with a fun trip to IKEA (yeah, ok, fun is all relative)

http://http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/chicago/us

A few pics....Chicago in miniature

Jake and his twin

Batman...lego style

No, Einstein is not trying to lick me, lol!

2 more days...

Till grades for the summer are posted.......

White and Nerdy

Oh yeah....this momma rocks! I followed through on my promise to take the boys to see Weird Al Yankovic on Saturday night at the State Fair. Corwin, Josh, Jake and I made our way over, where we were met by Beth and Jack. The boys bought tshirts ( I am sure I know what they are wearing the first day of school ). While I was quite cynical as to whether or not I would make it through the evening, thanks to a good sense of humor, and, more importantly, great company, I laughed till I cried. The boys really enjoyed the show, and it was fun to be able to wrap up the summer with a fun, exciting (for them, anyway) experience (and I got to work on perfecting my air accordian!) The weather was as close to perfect as you can get for August in Illinois, and the ride on the ski lift back to the gate was a sweet way to wind up the night (even if the height was almost too much for me to handle)

Wisconsin Dells, day one

We arrived in the Dells just before noon. After a walk down the main street and meeting up with our vacation companions, we lunched at Pizza Villa. Following lunch, we headed to Wizard Quest. Our team, named the "Requestors", freed all four wizards within the time limit. After conquering Wizard Quest, we checked into our condo. We were very impressed! Here are a few pics of the bedrooms...(We got the king size master suite :) ) More pics to come on this... We wrapped up the day's adventures with an Army Ducks Ride. While we waited, we had a little fun with the old army equipment...

Jake was chosen as the co-pilot. His responsibilities involved sitting with the driver and squirting the other Ducks with a water gun. They couldn't have found a more capable co-pilot...

We wrapped up the day with dinner at the condo (the adults enjoyed eating on our LARGE private balcony) and a little Wii time before collapsing into bed.

Paintball

Josh had his first paintball experience, courtesy of Alan, of course. Alan and two of the soccer dads took the boys out to sweat it out on an extremely hot day to learn the basics. I was not able to join them, as Jake is too young, and DH was working. The only picture I have to share is the big bruise on his leg...one of several.

Yikes!

Yes, it has been an entire semester since I last wrote. The whole thought that this past semester would be a breeze with only one class....yeah, what a joke!!! I have figured out that procratination is not my style, and I do NOT like cramming everything in at the deadline. I managed to eek out another A, so 30 hours into it, I still have my 4.0!

I have started the intersession, which will last 6 weeks. That is followed (well, actually it overlaps by 2 weeks) the regular summer session. I am one year from graduation, and beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I may have to rename the blog for another children's book....The Little Engine That Could.....I think I can, I think I can!

Summer will be full again this year, though the boys are not playing baseball this year. They will

be attending a basketball camp in Champaign, the British Soccer Camp, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp, where Jake wants to do wrestling and Josh wants, of course, basketball. Ken will continue to work, where they are in the middle of a remodel. I will be attending classes and teaching as part of a job share for Extended School Year. This is not something I really wanted to do, but decided to take one for the team.

Josh hit a big milestone....finishing elementary school! Below are a few pictures taken at the recognition ceremony. He and a friend had to deliver the closing comments. He was so at ease at the microphone...if he was nervous, you couldn't tell!

Working backwards.... Josh had minor surgery in April to remove a cyst on his face. While the procedure was minor, the stress for mama was major! The part that made me the most nervous was the anethesia, since this is the first time either of the boys had to be put under. Both patient and his mama came through with flying colors. In fact, Josh was home about an hour, which was about two and a half hours after coming out of the anethasia, before he asked to go over to his school and get his homework, because he was bored!

In late February, I attended the ITHI (Illinois Teachers for Deaf/Hard Of Hearing Inidividuals) Conference in Springfield. As always, such gatherings are a reunion of past mentors, college classmates and former collegues. Somehow, I managed to get myself voted onto the board as an area representative (co-representative for Area 12). Like I needed one more obligation!

Jake played up in soccer this year, joining the 5th and 6th grade team, though he is only in fourth grade (though, now technically a 5th grader at the time this post goes to press). He did a wonderful job of "running with the big dogs", but he did have a lot of practice last season when he filled vacancies on the roster.Though so many details have been left out (like Ken turning 41!!), I will end this little update. I will not promise to keep up, because that would just set me up for failure. I will, however, promise to have a life, and if there time to tell you about it, I will!

It's been so long.....

I can't believe that I have not posted since October....so much has happened in the last few months. My grad classes kind of got away from me, completely taking over my life from the end of October until the end of the semester. I did manage to survive the semester without maiming anyone, which is a near miracle. Not only did I survive, I got A's in both classes, which means I still have a 4.0 average. I am so proud (oh my....yes I am a nerd)

The boys are doing very well....managing to balance school and basketball well. The amount of homework has increased exponenitally...so our nights at home are a little busier. But, it is good practice for middle school, so I am all for it.

We spent Thanksgiving with my parents. As always, Mom's dinner was beyond delicious!

Christmas was a blur.... first the Candlestick Lane Open House, then shopping and wrapping and preparing for the big day. This year, with classes being so hectic, I got a very late start on things. Thank goodness DH did a good chunk of the shopping....or else it would not ever have gotten done. Christmas was bittersweet this year....December 25th would have been Grandpa's birthday. He was missed, but we still had his birthday cake (which also said happy birthday to baby Jesus). One surprise of Christmas Day was having Uncle Brad join us...we were not expecting him to be able to come. He gave the boys new socks.....complete with money inside! Very clever.....

Josh had a little side trip to Chicago with Corwin's family at the end of December. Just check out their blog for a report.... (see links-Carroll Family Blog)

Now that January is upon us, it is time to head back to work, school, and grad classes. Dad had surgery last week, and seems to be recovering well. The boys and I visited to entertain as well as to celebrate Mom's birthday. In another week, DH and the boys are going to visit his mom's for her birthday and a long weekend. Church obligations and grad classes are preventing me from joining them, but, sometimes, a weekend home alone is exactly what a momma needs. I will try to be more diligent in keeping up this semester...only one class will seem like a vacation!

Happy New Year!

Rest in Peace

Grandpa

1933-2007

DH's father passed away on Sunday. Grandpa was a wonderful man, who served in the Air Force, raised three children, worked hard to support his family, had a strong relationship with Jesus, and was married to his loving wife for 45 years. He was the role model for my husband, who is now passing the legacy of good, strong, loving men on to our boys. I thank God for his life, for his love, and for the parts of him that live on in my husband and my boys. May he rest in peace.

Pre-halloween happenings

The big day is near. I am not going to post a spoiler about the boys' costumes, since Josh wants his kept a secret. I will, however, share a few things with you...

We had our "dress rehearsal" on Friday evening as we attended the Halloween Party for the local deaf/hard of hearing community. We took along one of my students, who had a great time. It was fun to watch my two play "mother hen" to this little guy. Very heart warming. Several other of my current students and even a future stuent was there as well. I love seeing families outside of school. It helps build a sense of comraderie.

After the Halloween party at school, we are headed over to a friend's house. I plan on trick-or-treating for a glass of wine while the boys are roaming the streets in search of candy. I'll post pictures after the festivies are over. (May not be until next week)

A fall from grace...

Last week, I had been almost to the point of a panic attack (a la Tony Soprano) due to the stress of, not one, but two large assignments due just a day apart. I was especially vulnerable at church, maybe because that is the one place it is most difficult to hide your true emotions. Anyway, stress may be one of the contributors to the dizzy spell that led to my fall down the stairs.

Yes, you read that right. My un-graceful self fell head-first down five stairs. In front of about 10 people. Including Jake. Who laughed at his mother. Laying on the floor, in a daze. Shins bleeding from scraping down the stairs. Crying, from pain, embarrassment, and the like.

Yep, he laughed. Guess he really is my kid. 'Cause I bet it was pretty funny. I even managed to throw my water bottle and hit the window. That may have been his favorite part.

My back, knee (yes, the right one, the one that caused me to be in physical therapy for a month), arm, ribs, head, shins and places on my body that I didn't even know existed, hurt for several days. Along with my pride. Everything seems to be healing. Even my ego.

It's over...

The Diamondbacks swept our Cubbies in the NLDS. Josh was rooting hard for his team. Appartently, one rally cap was not enough...

Unfortunately, three caps didn't do the trick :(

Jake-The Ringer

Saturday was a busy day for young Jake. Since Josh's soccer team was going to be short a few players, his coach asked Jake if he would play up with the 5-6 grade team. This game was at 9:00, and Jake's game would start at 10:10, so he could do both. Jake and Daddy decided that this was a good idea, so the plan was set.



The weather was very warm, with the high for the day projected to be in the 90's. Jake played a great game, considering how much bigger the other team was.

Case in point

He had a couple of break aways, and really was not intimidated at all, even when face to face with kids much bigger. I was so proud...he really put his heart into the game and showed that he could hold his own with the "big kids"

Josh marvelled the crowd with that amazing foot work he is famous for. At one point, I remember screaming "That's my boy!" I could watch him do that all day.

After Josh's game was over, we headed across the street to Jake's game. Apparently, it started early, even though some of the players had not arrived. Needless to say, Jake was a little tired, but he put all he had into the game. He did get some time in goal, which gave him a little rest.

Jake parting the Red Sea

Haircuts

So, picture day is next week, so haircuts were on tonight's agenda. I took the boys and their friend Kyle to the mall to get dinner and hair cuts. Since they did not want to lose all of their "long" hair, Tammy just trimmed them up and made them look a little less like Shaggy.

Now to find clothes mom and boys can agree on.....(just shoot me now!)

A quick update...

Well, the physical therapy is doing the job. No surgery needed at this point!!!! YEAH!

Jake's Birthday

Jake is nine. How did that happen? Seems like just yesterday he was my baby. Now, he walks to school, talks with friends on the phone, and gets an allowance. Where did time go?

A few soccer pics...

Here are a few pics from recent soccer games:


Is he praying???


Action shot




the caption says it all!


does he look a little short?

As always, thanks to Alan for the Josh pictures.

It has been so long!

Once the school year got rolling, all of my blogging time was sucked away! Here is a quick update....

• no more A to Z words.....I guess that "cervix" was enough!
• I started physical therapy yesterday...ouch! But, the electro-shock thing she did at the end was nice. I think I'll have her stick electrodes all over my back next time...it was like a massage:)
• The boys each won their respective soccer games last Saturday...YEAH! Josh is playing on a bigger field, and was really worn out. Jake spent parts of both halves in as goalie.
• Jake's room is finally beginning to look like a room....he has a rug! We picked out a new comforter and rug for his room. In order to get them, the deal was that we had to clean his room. Much easier on him than on mommy. The computer desk (the desktop) is in his room, and mommy and daddy have a bad habit of using it and leaving a mess. So, I cleaned that and made DH file paperwork.
• It was a good thing that we cleaned Jake's room on Saturday, since our modem went out on Sunday, and the cable guy had to install a new one. I wasn't too embarrassed, since the room was pretty clean.
• I have an incredible student teacher this fall. I could get used to having someone who works this hard around on a regular basis :)
• classes are going well, so far. I'm sure my opinion will change when I have to do more homework.
• I finally got fed up and had my hair cut short again! I had grown it out, since DH has said on a number of occasions that he prefers long hair. I just never felt comfortable in long hair....it's not my personality. So, after a chick butchered it a few weeks ago, I had a different hair dresser fix it. She had to go pretty short to even up the mess left by the other lady. I really was much happier with the shorter cut...I felt more me. So,m it was time for a trim, so I had her "go all the way". I am SO happy!

That's all for now. I will try to post some of Jake's bday and some soccer pictures later.

busty....cervix.....dew?

these are the words my son came up with for his homework. They are doing "A to Z". On day one, they did words that start with a and end in z, then words that begin with b and end with y, begin with c and end in x. They are allowed to use a dictionary. Tomorrow will be words that begin with d and end in w. So, what words will he come up with next???

When Jake came up with "busty" I explained that it meant a woman with really big breasts. So he decided to not use it. DH was home with the kids tonight while I was at class. He told me about Jake finding the word cervix. He did not have Jake eliminate it from his homework. He felt like the teacher needed to see that one. I asked him if he defined the word for Jake. Nope--he looked it up in the dictionary, there is a definition there. As if Jake would understand that, LOL! It may be just what his teacher needs to realize what a strange homework assignment it is. Though, it is better than the word scrambles she sent home where she wrote the wrong letters on the board.