Fun Day!

We had a fun-filled day in the windy city on Monday.  The boys have been so patient as we've had so many shows and rehearsals in the past couple of months, and we wanted to reward them with a trip into the city.  First stop, Ed Debevic's for lunch.  Upon learning that the waiters were supposed to be mean to you, Cody burst into tears and asked, "Why are they going to be mean to me???"  Such a sensitive guy, that one.  Once we sat down, he began to enjoy the experience and even laughed a little bit. Our waiter's character was super-nerdy and made us laugh pretty hard when he danced on the tables. Ya gotta love that place!
Next stop, Navy Pier.  We all enjoyed the ferris wheel (here's a view from the top) and the boys will tell you that was their favorite part.  I had never ridden it before, but it was a very relaxing and beautiful way to see the city.
Here's Cody and Caden enjoying the ride...
On the pier with Daddy...
Outside Ed's.  Obviously, all smiles after lunch.  No harm done by "nasty" waiters.  A funny side note though:  As we were leaving, another couple (not from around these parts, apparently, judging from their accent) got greeted by a different waiter, and when he left their table, they both looked at each other aghast.  We asked them if they knew that the waiters were supposed to act that way, and they both shook their heads no.  Once we told them that a bad attitude was part of their "schtick" they both laughed and said they understood.  You'd think the Chicago guide books would tell you that part about the restaurant!!!
And last, but not least, Caden enjoying his chocky milk.  Such a cutie pie. 
Have a great day, everyone!

It's Independence Day!

Jerry and I had the privilege of singing "The National Anthem" at a local festival last night.  We were asked back after we sang last year, and we were excited to have the opportunity again. 

We sang right before Eddie Money performed, and he did a little "meet and greet" beforehand. I can't say I've ever actually been a fan of his music, but it was nice that he was willing to take a photo with us.
After we sang, the boys had some fun on the attractions.  Caden was so cute to watch.  I just love seeing my boys smile!
The best $5 we spent all night....watching Cody jump and flip on the bungee bouncer thing (sorry, don't know the technical term for it!).  He had a blast!
And last, but definitely NOT least, a photo of the boys riding on the kiddie rollercoaster.  I absolutely adore this picture of them!  Look at the joy on those faces.  Too cute.

Happy Independence Day, everyone.  I'm so thankful for the freedom we have in the U.S.A.  God bless America and each of you.

Grand Prix!

One of the things I love about being a mom is watching my husband be a dad.  I remind my children constantly that they are incredibly blessed to have such an involved and loving father. I enjoyed watching Cody and Jerry preparing for the Awana Grand Prix and making Cody's car a masterpiece.  This was their first time participating, so they learned that next year they'll need to add some more weight to the car so it will go faster.  I was impressed with the creativity of some of these kids (and their dads)! Our small group leader was up until the wee hours of the morning finishing their car...a replica of a Wii remote!  Pretty impressive....

Hope your week is off to a great start.  Thanks for visiting!

A Day in the Life

Today was a day that felt very odd and random.  I thought I'd recap all of its happenings just for fun.  Enjoy a Day in My Life!

• I woke up to snow.  Lots of it.  But thankfully didn't need to go anywhere.  
• Then I remembered we had a chiropractor appointment that I promptly cancelled.  I was not going ANYWHERE in this weather.
• After Bible time with Cody (we take Fridays off of academic school subjects unless make-up work is needed), I decided it was high time to get working on "The Sound of Music" since I had rehearsal tonight and again tomorrow morning.
• I sang through "The Lonely Goatherd" like, ten times.  So did my children.  *grin*
• I discovered that yodeling is not my strong suit.
• They begged me to play "Do Re Mi" and I decided this song is a brilliant way to teach kids about music theory.
• We listened to Go Fish.  And danced around the house.  We now have a new and fun way to learn the 66 books of the Bible for Awana because of "The Bible Book Bop."
• I did dishes.
• I cleaned up the house.
• The neighborhood kids came over and, just like that, it was a mess again.  Sigh.
• I decided it needed to be pizza night so I called and ordered it from our local grocery store.  You gotta love a large pizza that only costs $5.99.  NO cooking for mommy when she has to be at rehearsal by 5:30.
• I started planning music for our Easter services at church.  No rest for the weary, I suppose.
• Somewhere in here I showered.
• And was reminded AGAIN of the fact that I lost all my privacy when I became a mother. 
• And reminded them again that they MUST KNOCK first.
• And then listened to the toddler whine that mommy was not coming out of "da baff-woom!" 
• Jerry got home and we exchanged a quick kiss and off I went to rehearsal.
• But first I had to dig out.
• I didn't get to have any pizza.
• I was totally impressed, again, with the kids in this show.  They are so much fun.
• Coming home, I almost rear-ended somebody because, apparently, nobody plows anymore.
• Oh, and I'm totally ready to yodel tomorrow.

I Can TRY to Keep Them

I've read several blogs this week with posts dedicated to New Year's resolutions.  I read my sister's blog and she had me laughing at her resolutions so I thought I'd attempt my own version.  Here, in no particular order, are my Top Ten Resolutions for 2009.

1.  I will try to abide by the rules of the road, thus avoiding expensive fees and traffic school.  

2.  I will attempt to order something off the menu that I do not personally tweak to fit my (pickiness) tastes.

3.  I will be more easy going when my children want to play with floam, flarp, Mars Mud, Moon Sand, or any other gritty, slimy substance.  I will attempt to remember that they are boys and this is just something they MUST do to satisfy their inner boy.

4.  I will say thank you more often to my husband, who is currently doing all the laundry in the house and not complaining about it.  WHAT A GUY!!!

5.  I will read the Chronicles of Narnia to Cody this year.  And finish.

6.  I will try to guard my schedule more by exercising my "NO" muscle.  This is gonna be hard...

7.  In light of my Type-A personality, I will remember that Cody responds better to hands-on field trips more than filling up all the pages in his workbooks.  I will try to be more flexible and adjust accordingly when I see our lesson plans for the day aren't necessarily God's plans.  

8.  Like my sister, I will try not to cocoon myself in our comforter, thus leaving my hubby cold at night.  It must run in the family....

9.  I will watch an entire episode of Ultimate Fighter with my husband just because I know it would make him happy.

10.  I will bribe the dog with more treats and walks so that he learns to love me more.  

How about you?  What's your #1 resolution for 2009?

Fall Fun!

We're not into Halloween that much, but we enjoy the changing of the seasons and seeing the leaves turn beautiful colors.  We always carve a pumpkin, but this year my hubby really blew me away with his skills.  Isn't this cool?
We participate in trick or treating in our neighborhood.  We told the boys that we weren't spending money on costumes this year, so Cody and Jerry got creative and worked hard on his robot costume, made completely of stuff we had lying around the house.  The robot even has lights wired inside of it! Caden is wearing one of Cody's costumes from several years ago, and he's tickled about being a "fwog."  Isn't he precious???
Oh how they grow up so fast.  Last year he rode around in his stroller and cried when we tried to put him in his monkey suit.
Cody and Caden got out this week and helped Jerry rake leaves.  Of course, they could care less about bagging them.  It's all about the leaf piles!

Hope you're all enjoying this BEAUTIFUL day and that you have fun with your kiddos this weekend.

The Apples of My Eye

We had a great day at the apple orchard.  If you live in the area where I do and you are looking for a great, family friendly, Christ-centered place to spend the day, you must go to Royal Oak Farm Orchard.    It is totally worth the drive.  The grounds are beautiful.  For $6.50, you can pick five of your own apples, take a hay ride, eat an apple cider donut, watch a movie in a teepee about apples, bees, pollination, and honey, visit a petting zoo, play on the grounds, visit their market and gift shoppe, and drink a half pint of fresh apple cider.  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.  The wonderful thing about this particular orchard is that they openly talk about God's creation and they teach the children that it is because of Him and His wonderful ways that the apples can even grow on the trees.  They taught us about the cooperation that occurs between the farmers and the bees and how they are such great "workers."  If it weren't for the bees, we wouldn't have apples.  (This gave me a new appreciation for the bees.  : )

Definitely a wonderful place to visit if you ever get the chance.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

The Technology. It Really Comes in Handy.

My hubby spent most of the day painting our house, bless his sweet heart, his aching back and sore neck muscles.  At 3 p.m., when we headed over to our temporary home away from home, he said he needed some food and needed it now.  I knew he was also in need of an iced coffee from the Golden Arches, so I encouraged him to swing through to get himself something to eat. It's the least I can do after the pampered life I've been leading lately.

He ordered one of those new chicken sandwiches.  Southern style or something like that.  It doesn't really matter, though I feel I must include this information for the sake of all you who care.  All two of you.

Anyway.  Back to matters of urgent importance.

When he got his sandwich, he took the top bun off to inspect what the inside looked like (this is something my hubby ALWAYS does for as long as I've known him.  Even if he specifies what he wants or doesn't want on his sandwich, he always feels the need to pull off the top of the bun or piece of bread and inspect the contents of the sandwich).  I don't know why he does this.  He just does.  After 8 years of marriage, I've learned not to ask questions.  I take hours to order a sandwich sometimes, so who am I to judge?

I'll move on.

When he looked under the bun, what he saw was so shocking and so appalling that even I gasped in horror.

There were only two little pickles on the sandwich.

And they weren't big ones, either.  They were so small, you might as well just NOT have bothered to put them on there.

Now, lest you take me to be a snob about food....oh forget it.  I am a snob about food.

What happened next may shock you.  I am truly a blog-addicted woman.  I actually got out my camera phone and snapped the picture you see above which I proceeded to immediately email to myself because really, everyone should take a picture of the pickles (or lack thereof) on their sandwiches.

And I'm the kind of girl that must have a pickle in every bite of sandwich, because that's just me.  I'm all about the pickles on and/or beside my sandwiches.  When I order a sandwich, I always, always ask for extra pickles.

The good news is I got a great picture of the sandwich that you see above. And I giggled uncontrollably about the fact that I couldn't wait to post it on the blog to share it with you.  (I know, I have issues.  Big, bloggy-sized issues.)

But here's best part.  After my hubby had a few moments to contemplate this pickle issue, he turned to me and said, looking completely straight-faced, "Do you think this has anything to do with the rising fuel prices?"

It was at that point that I practically laughed myself silly from the sheer comedy of it all.  

I really, REALLY need to get a life.

What a Life....

It's tough being me, and here's why:  

1.  I woke up and had breakfast out on the screened porch while doing my devotional.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the birdies sing me their songs.

2.  Hubby made me a bagel with my sister's jam.  It's...DA BOMB.  (I'm so hip I can hardly stand myself.)

3.  I called the pool guy and pest control guy to service the pool and kill some bees.  I know.  It's rough being me right now.

4.  I taught lessons while sitting at a beautiful grand piano in a loft overlooking the living room and listened to my lovely students serenade me with their melodiousness.  I KNOW, it's not a word, but I like it.  MELODIOUSNESS.  Good one.

5. I watched my son play his second-to-last baseball game of the season.  And had a lovely conversation with a fellow baseball playing family.  Who's son beat leukemia after 3.5 years of treatment.  Nothing like that type of a conversation to really put things in perspective, let me tell you.

6.  I leafed through a beautiful coffee table book about Colorado and started planning my 10 year-anniversary with hubby.  Not really, but MAN I think Colorado would be an awesome spot for us to celebrate.

7.  I cooked my family a nice meal in a beautiful, spacious gourmet kitchen.  And I felt like Giada.  If you don't know who she is, watch the Food Network.  Who cares that it was 10 p.m. before we actually got to eat it?  The point it, I was serving it up in style.

8.  We had family devotions tonight and read about serving others.  

9.  And then my son ordered me to go get him more fruit.

10.  To which I responded "Let's try that again and try to put what we JUST LEARNED into practice. OKAY?"

11.  To which he responded, "Okay, mom.  Would you PLEASE go get me some more fruit?"  

I think he missed the point.

12.  And then the hard decision:  Should we play Mexican Dominoes tonight or should we just go and play Wii on the huge big screen TV with surround sound?  Decisions, decisions.

13.  Can you tell I'm enjoying this week?

14.  Is it bad that my hubby slaved over at OUR 100 year-old house today while I sat and read all your blogs?  

15.  Don't answer that.  

Home Away from Home

We are house/dog sitting this week.  The home we are staying in is amazing.  I can't imagine living here on a regular basis.  I asked the wife of the couple who lives here how she ever leaves. If I lived here I'd probably never go anywhere unless I absolutely had to.  She replied, "The only time I ever want to leave is when we get our tax bill!"  Yep, I believe it.  

We were given permission to have people over, so tonight we're hosting a pool party and have invited about 30 of our friends.  (They're calling for rain and I am really hoping the weather doesn't dampen our plans!)  Nothing says summer more than a good BBQ with a pool and good friends to go right along with it!

To give you the scope of this place, let me just say that I needed to vacuum this morning and it took me an hour.  To do the first floor only.  Does that give you any idea of the size of this house?  I'm thinking that I'd rather have to clean a smaller house...unless of course I had someone cleaning it for me! We're very grateful for the opportunity to "live" in such a beautiful home this week.  

I'm just glad we don't have to pay the bills too.  : )

Little Leaguer

What do you get when you have a two year-old, a dog, and a baseball field?  You get a mother who can't keep track of her aspiring baseball player who loves to run out onto the field (TWICE!), thus annoying everyone except the assistant coach (daddy).  

And you also get a two year-old chanting, "DO TODY, DO TODY, DO TODY!!!! (Go Cody!) when his brother got three hits.

Now that's some brotherly love.  

He loved the game so much he just had to be out there to share in the fun.

Isn't that sweet?

Now tell that mother to control her kid and to never bring that dog again!  

The View From the Concession Stand

Part of my obligation as a baseball mom is to work the concession stand at the ball park one time during the season.  I actually enjoy doing it for some odd reason.  Perhaps it's the smell of popcorn or the fact that the freezer is stocked full of DQ buster bars.  Anyway, I had to commit to three hours today and it turned out to be quite an interesting time, for sure.  I confess I'm a bit of a people watcher, and there were lots of opportunities to observe them!

First, I had this group of kids that kept coming up to the window.  They started off with $10.00 and I've never seen anyone stretch ten bucks like these little frugal ones did!  There must have been six of them and they had water, soda, sunflower seeds, granola bars.  Fruit snacks, nerds, airheads, and cheetos.  Bubble gum, ice pops, M&Ms and a ring pop.  They figured out ways to split up the money and negotiate sharing everything so they could eat more and get more, and truly... it was impressive. 

Secondly, I ran into a former student and her mom there.  Their family has been going through a tough time over the past year, but it was good to see them happy and doing well despite tough circumstances and lots of change.

Third, I found out that one of Cody's teammates' siblings fought a rare form of leukemia and beat it.  It took three years but he was given the "all clear" in February.  Praise God!!

Fourth, I heard all about a fight that transpired between two six year-old little girls through an older, wiser 8 year-old.  "And they are, like, so totally going to get in trouble with their moms."

Next, I overcharged an umpire for his gatorade.  It was supposed to be free.  OOPS.  I wondered why he gave me a quizzical look when I asked him for $3.

Finally, I was attempting to read the book, "Don't Make Me Count to Three" by Ginger Plowman during my down times of working the stand.  (It's a book about disciplining strong-willed children.) One of Cody's classmates came over and asked, "Whatcha readin'?"  I told her the title and she started laughing.  She lost complete interest in what I was saying when I began explaining the main point of the book:  To teach your children to obey because of what God's Word says versus what Mom says.  I was hoping I could start quoting scripture to her from the concession window, but I never got my chance.  Oh well.  There's always next year.

So the moral of the story?  You just never know what the day will bring when you sit in the concession stand for three hours.  I didn't come home empty handed either.  I promised I would bring home a giant Pixie Stick for Cody, and I made good on it!

We Have Some News and Other Stuff

I know. It's a lame title. But I couldn't think of anything else to write, because, well, I'm tired.

The news is that Caden went "pee pee on da pah-ee" on Saturday morning. There was great rejoicing, a handful of m&m's offered (he calls them "nyum-nyums") as a reward, and we were all ecstatic. We weren't even trying to potty train. We just got the little seat out, plopped him on it, and voila! He did it. We whooped and hollered, called Nanna, and made a big deal of it. He didn't want to put on his diaper after that. We let him wander around like that until he forgot how to pee pee where he's supposed to, and that, as they say, was the end of that. But hey! It was a milestone, and we'll take it!

In other news, Hubby and I got out for a date this past weekend...just because. Well, let's be truthful. I kept telling him he owed me dinner for my birthday (which was in November), and I guess you could say he has now made good on his promise to take me out. ; )

We visited one of my favorite places to go for special occasions. The food is fantastic, and so is the entertainment. I mean, who wouldn't want to see this show at your dinner table?

And I just love that whole smoking onion volcano thing.

We had a very nice time, and although we shared a table with six other people, we were happy to have some time to ourselves. Next week we will celebrate eight years of marriage, and I am reminded over and over again what a blessed girl I am to have such a sweet man to call my own.

Happy Tuesday/St. Patrick's Day, everyone!

It's Beginning to Feel ALOT Like Springtime

I love to decorate for the seasons and various holidays. My favorites are fall and Christmas, and I have boxes and bins full of cute decorations that I enjoy putting out for my family to enjoy.

But spring. OH SPRING. It seemed you might never come.

And then it arrived in a flourish yesterday. The birds were so noisy. I suppose they were making plans for their spring and summer homes, talking amongst themselves, feeding like they hadn't eaten in months (ahem, little birds, I beg to differ), and entertaining all of us with their songs. My neighbor declared, "I saw a ROBIN today!" Despite the strep throat, Cody, Caden, Ozzie and I ventured outside and we blew bubbles, took a walk around the block, and played on the driveway (every other area was way too muddy and damp). By the time we arrived back home, I felt like I literally had "spring" in my step. None of us wanted to come inside.

Since Easter is in a little over ONE WEEK, I figured it was finally time to pull out my springtime decorations. I just couldn't do it when it was a mere 20 degrees outside and there was still a foot of snow on the ground! We still have quite a bit, but now you can see grass. Oh spring. How I love thee.

And now, a question for my bloggy friends. I need your creativity. I am having several neighborhood children over for egg decorating on Good Friday (their moms don't want to do it this year). Good Friday is usually a day that we remain somewhat somber as we reflect upon Christ's sacrifice, so it feels a little strange to be doing something celebratory like decorating eggs. Our schedule doesn't allow any other time to do it before Easter. So, this question is for you, my bloggy friends. Do you know of a way that I could incorporate the gospel into egg decorating for my kids and our neighborhood kids? I know about the resurrection eggs, but I wanted to try to do something that focused on the true meaning of Easter while we decorated the eggs. I'd love to hear your ideas. Thanks, everyone! Have a great weekend!

Who Doesn't Love a Restaurant Where You Can Draw on the Tablecloths?

Here's our family photo. I've decidedI look very tired. Perhaps this is just how it is when you are in the throes of motherhood?

Here's the birthday boy with his new kickboxing gloves.

Here's Caden eating parmesan cheese and working on his artistic masterpiece at the table. He did very well...until his food was gone. Then he wanted to run around the restaurant.

Guess what Cody had for dinner?

Our waiter misunderstood who was having the birthday. Here's the birthday boy with Cody's ice cream sundae...and of course, he had helpers to blow out the candles!

Afterward, there was just enough time to play cowboys and robbers.Just kidding. I only added this picture because I thought it was so cute!

Have a great week, everyone!

Gingerbread Land!

Last night we had the unusual blessing of a Tuesday night off, and so we took full advantage of the opportunity and had ourselves a good old fashioned gingerbread house party. I must admit we used a kit (there was no baking here), and within two minutes of the box being opened, one of the main pieces had already broken. The directions actually said, "DO NOT DISTRESS IF THIS HAPPENS" so they must have known my personality! It was hard to keep all the little fingers and hands out of the candy and frosting (which I suppose is half the fun) but my children were quite wired when they went to bed last night. Caden kept saying, "MMMMM MY!"

We all got in on the action. I did a lot of the piping, Cody helped decorate, Caden ate everything he could manage to grab, and even Daddy got in on the action. In fact, when I got back from the grocery store a couple hours later, he was still working on his masterpiece. When you see the finished product, you'll understand how hard he labored into the cold, dark night.

And now, a drumroll please....

I would like for you to pay special attention to the snowman on the right front corner and the teeter totter "bearing" teddy grahams on the left corner. There are wreaths on the back of the house, a pretzel chimney, and much much more that you can't see. Those would all be my husband's contributions. I know, what a guy!

Happy NOT SO WORDLESS Wednesday, everyone!

Yuletide Cheer!

I know it's Wordless Wednesday, but it's been a week since I updated and I wanted to share what we did over the weekend with all of you. After Cody had his violin lesson Saturday morning, we bundled up the boys and headed out to a tree farm. On the way, Caden fell asleep in the van, so Jerry and I took turns with Cody while the other one sat and let the sleepy toddler nap. First stop was to see the reindeer with daddy and have a chat with Mrs. Claus. The snow/ice began to fall at that point, so Cody and I took our turn and went to pick out our perfect tree. The idea of trudging through ice and snow to chop down our own tree lost its appeal pretty quickly, so we picked one that had been pre-cut. It was the first year I was forced to choose the tree without Jerry's help (oh the agony of it all), but I think we ended up with a winner. Cody was excited to have a pony ride and enjoyed watching the snow fall. Truly, it doesn't get more festive than this!

On the way home, the boys enjoyed a candy cane. Caden had his very first one. He quite enjoyed all that pepperminty goodness! Once we got home, we began to dig into all the bins, and had an unprecedented first for our family. Absolutely EVERYONE contributed and helped decorate the tree. I was in mama heaven. It was a wonderful day and Christmas is definitely in full swing at the "Berger Homestead."

Today my husband is home (SNOW DAY!), but before we sent Cody out the door to school, Jerry reminded us all of the verses in Isaiah 1:18 and Psalm 51 that state that Christ's blood washes us white as snow. What a beautiful thought as I gaze out the windows into the winter wonderland that surrounds my little house.

It's Been a Very Big Week For Me

And for Cody too. But mostly for me. It takes so much energy wondering what he's up to all day!

Today he came home and said "B" had another tough time at lunch (and yes, only half his napkin was present and accounted for again). I saw his mom tonight at the Open House and she said he's having a tough time but seemed better after school today. Another answer to prayer...we've been praying for him! Now, we will pray that his mom joins our Moms in Touch group!

Warning: This next paragraph is very earthly and reveals my love of shopping and being one of the "ladies who lunch". Proceed with caution.

I spent my day with Caden and a friend (who has twin boys who just started kindergarten too)walking the outdoor mall and having lunch. It was a welcome distraction and we both enjoyed the time out. I spent too much money at the Children's Place and Gymboree even though everything I bought was on clearance AND I had a coupon! The shopping was, dare I say, therapeutic. C'mon girls. You KNOW what I'm talking about!

Belly Fun

Steph is hosting a prego belly photo tag over at Adventures in Babywearing. Unfortunately, I don't have a working scanner, so the only picture I had on the digital is this one (not my favorite). My hair was so short (I cut my hair before I had both my babies, don't ask me why???), but you get the idea. I think I was about five months pregnant at this point, and I love the picture because of Cody showing off his belly too. I am enjoying all of your pictures (such cute mommies you are!). Thank you for sharing!

This is my DNA!

This is so cool. I found it at Steph's site. It's easy to do and fun to see how others compare! Now go...get yours!

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