Wednesday, May 30, 2007
May 30th
Hi Everyone.
Loren, it has been fun to hear from you on all of the different stages of your trip. It sounds like you have done a lot of amazing things. However, when I think of traveling in Europe, I always picture Jens with me and any appeal flies out the window. Ahh!
We are gearing up for our big Florida trip. I am looking forward to the plane ride being OVER. I have been dreading it since the tickets were purchased, and this week I have been a big ball of tension and stress. Happily my "Pac Back" came yesterday. It holds Jens's car seat so I can wear it on my back like a back pack. Then I will have our huge diaper bag and my huge jogging stroller as well as Jens, of course. I will truly be an alpaca, as Mike sometimes calls me. All I know is that once we hit Jacksonville, I will breathe a huge sigh of relief, and then start feeling stressed about the return trip. We are excited to swim and beach and see family, though.
Friday Jens and I went to "Funtastic"--the indoor play center. We met Chelan and Harrison there and Jens played happily for almost three hours. He loved watching the big (3 and 4 year olds) kids do all of the slides and stuff. He is getting big enough that Funtastic is a real thrill, as is seeing other big kids.
This week our exciting thing was watching Linus for JP and Natalie while they jetted off to the Bahamas. Maybe exciting isn't quite the right word. Anyway, he is a sweet dog and was so good about being mauled by Jens. I spent most of the week trying to keep Linus from being smothered by Jens's affection. Jens thought it was especially hilarious to chase Linus around the house with his shopping cart, making tremendous amounts of noise. Linus was usually petrified and tried hiding anywhere he could think of--behind chairs, under tables, behind me. We finally had to put the shopping cart away until Linus went home.
We spotted a flea on Sunday--one single, solitary, disgusting flea, which meant I sent Mike on an emergency run to Target. We ripped apart the entire house, spraying and vacuuming. Mike washed both dogs. After we were finished and laying exhausted on our bed, all of the doors and windows open, every fan we own turned on as high as possible, our house a huge disaster area--couch and chairs ripped apart, toys piled in the kitchen, I looked at Mike and said "You know there was only that one flea." And he said yes, but we decided the peace of mind was worth it. I spent all day Monday cleaning and putting everything back together.
Also on Memorial day, Mike went to work, helped a friend move, and that evening we went swimming and got ice cream. Jens and I shared a cone, which is pretty disgusting, but I don't mind--a sure sign that I am his mom.
I am including a picture of Jens on a post-bath nude bike ride. He is pretty funny.
That's all the excitement from us. Hope all you teachers are enjoying your last week(s) of school!
Love,
Alison
Loren, it has been fun to hear from you on all of the different stages of your trip. It sounds like you have done a lot of amazing things. However, when I think of traveling in Europe, I always picture Jens with me and any appeal flies out the window. Ahh!
We are gearing up for our big Florida trip. I am looking forward to the plane ride being OVER. I have been dreading it since the tickets were purchased, and this week I have been a big ball of tension and stress. Happily my "Pac Back" came yesterday. It holds Jens's car seat so I can wear it on my back like a back pack. Then I will have our huge diaper bag and my huge jogging stroller as well as Jens, of course. I will truly be an alpaca, as Mike sometimes calls me. All I know is that once we hit Jacksonville, I will breathe a huge sigh of relief, and then start feeling stressed about the return trip. We are excited to swim and beach and see family, though.
Friday Jens and I went to "Funtastic"--the indoor play center. We met Chelan and Harrison there and Jens played happily for almost three hours. He loved watching the big (3 and 4 year olds) kids do all of the slides and stuff. He is getting big enough that Funtastic is a real thrill, as is seeing other big kids.
This week our exciting thing was watching Linus for JP and Natalie while they jetted off to the Bahamas. Maybe exciting isn't quite the right word. Anyway, he is a sweet dog and was so good about being mauled by Jens. I spent most of the week trying to keep Linus from being smothered by Jens's affection. Jens thought it was especially hilarious to chase Linus around the house with his shopping cart, making tremendous amounts of noise. Linus was usually petrified and tried hiding anywhere he could think of--behind chairs, under tables, behind me. We finally had to put the shopping cart away until Linus went home.
We spotted a flea on Sunday--one single, solitary, disgusting flea, which meant I sent Mike on an emergency run to Target. We ripped apart the entire house, spraying and vacuuming. Mike washed both dogs. After we were finished and laying exhausted on our bed, all of the doors and windows open, every fan we own turned on as high as possible, our house a huge disaster area--couch and chairs ripped apart, toys piled in the kitchen, I looked at Mike and said "You know there was only that one flea." And he said yes, but we decided the peace of mind was worth it. I spent all day Monday cleaning and putting everything back together.
Also on Memorial day, Mike went to work, helped a friend move, and that evening we went swimming and got ice cream. Jens and I shared a cone, which is pretty disgusting, but I don't mind--a sure sign that I am his mom.
I am including a picture of Jens on a post-bath nude bike ride. He is pretty funny.
That's all the excitement from us. Hope all you teachers are enjoying your last week(s) of school!
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
May 23rd
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
Not much excitement to report here. Mike and I went on a date Thursday--Wendie Day watched Jens for us, so we went out for Thai food, which was delicious. I love yellow curry. I am actually going to make it tonight, but mine is never quite so creamy as the restaurant kind. Maybe that means it isn't quite as bad for me. Friday we had Costco with the Nielsens. Saturday we finally tried out their new boat. Jens was petrified in the beginning, and then he LOVED it. He was really cute--every time we would stop, he would say "Again?" He actually tried out the tube with me--he was scared, but brave. I think he sort of liked it. I skied--it is hard work. My whole body was tired for the rest of the day.
Sunday we were in charge of sharing time. I did the lesson--a review of the restoration, and then we did a matching game. It was actually really good. The kids paid attention and they had fun doing the game. By the time we were done teaching class, though, I was very tired.
A big Jens accomplishment--he rode his little "like-a-bike" all the way to the park (maybe almost a quarter mile), rode across a big field, and rode all the way home. I couldn't believe he rode it so far, and when we got home he was very upset that the bike ride was over.
A funny Jens story. Sunday we were getting ready for church and Mike was talking about how handsome he and Jens looked. They both said Jens is handsome and Daddy is handsome several times, then Jens looked and me and said "Mommy handsome!" It was cute. He also sang all the way to church--a few of the words resembled "I am a Child of God."
We have been playing at the park a lot, going to the zoo, seeing the train and swinging. We are trying to spend time outside before it gets too hot!
I am sending two pictures--one of Jens and me on Mother's Day, one is of Mike and Jens out on the boat.
Also, I wanted to say that I have been using Lubriderm every day moisture with SPF 15 (I know, shocking for all of those who saw me tan myself every summer) and I really like it--it doesn't smell like sunscreen at all!
Have a good week everyone.
Love,
Alison
Not much excitement to report here. Mike and I went on a date Thursday--Wendie Day watched Jens for us, so we went out for Thai food, which was delicious. I love yellow curry. I am actually going to make it tonight, but mine is never quite so creamy as the restaurant kind. Maybe that means it isn't quite as bad for me. Friday we had Costco with the Nielsens. Saturday we finally tried out their new boat. Jens was petrified in the beginning, and then he LOVED it. He was really cute--every time we would stop, he would say "Again?" He actually tried out the tube with me--he was scared, but brave. I think he sort of liked it. I skied--it is hard work. My whole body was tired for the rest of the day.
Sunday we were in charge of sharing time. I did the lesson--a review of the restoration, and then we did a matching game. It was actually really good. The kids paid attention and they had fun doing the game. By the time we were done teaching class, though, I was very tired.
A big Jens accomplishment--he rode his little "like-a-bike" all the way to the park (maybe almost a quarter mile), rode across a big field, and rode all the way home. I couldn't believe he rode it so far, and when we got home he was very upset that the bike ride was over.
A funny Jens story. Sunday we were getting ready for church and Mike was talking about how handsome he and Jens looked. They both said Jens is handsome and Daddy is handsome several times, then Jens looked and me and said "Mommy handsome!" It was cute. He also sang all the way to church--a few of the words resembled "I am a Child of God."
We have been playing at the park a lot, going to the zoo, seeing the train and swinging. We are trying to spend time outside before it gets too hot!
I am sending two pictures--one of Jens and me on Mother's Day, one is of Mike and Jens out on the boat.
Also, I wanted to say that I have been using Lubriderm every day moisture with SPF 15 (I know, shocking for all of those who saw me tan myself every summer) and I really like it--it doesn't smell like sunscreen at all!
Have a good week everyone.
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
May 16th
Hi Everyone
This week Mike went to Arizona for Joel's graduation. Joel earned a Ph.D from Arizona--definitely something to celebrate! Mike had a good time with his brother and parents. Jens and I did okay on our own, although we sure missed Mike! We saw the Nielsens a lot--they took good care of us, coming here to eat with us and having us up to their house for dinner. Mike sent me some beautiful roses to keep me company while we was gone.
Mother's Day was nice--I made myself aebleskevers for breakfast and we went to church. Sadly, our ENTIRE primary class was there--all 8 for me to teach alone, but class went fine except for our down syndrome boy, whose sister came in to help. He was terrible for her! We made lovely cards for their moms and class passed quickly. The grossest part of Mother's Day was when Jens came running into the house from the yard saying "Mouse!" and holding a dead mouse. I screamed and he dropped it on the floor, and then I had to clean up. The happiest part of Mother's Day was when Mike came home.
Monday I had a girl's night out--I went to Natalie's for dinner without Jens, and we watched Dreamgirls, which was good. The music was really fun. Sadly, on the way home I hit a huge rock, got a flat tire, and dented the rim. Boo. We have to track down a new one either from the dealer or the junk yard. Dad, can we just use the spare as a permanent replacement and then just look for a new spare? We need to get new tires so they will match, but that way we wouldn't have to rush to find a new wheel.
Jens has been very into his bike and his legos this week. He is busy as ever and very cute.
Have a good week, everyone.
Love,
Alison
This week Mike went to Arizona for Joel's graduation. Joel earned a Ph.D from Arizona--definitely something to celebrate! Mike had a good time with his brother and parents. Jens and I did okay on our own, although we sure missed Mike! We saw the Nielsens a lot--they took good care of us, coming here to eat with us and having us up to their house for dinner. Mike sent me some beautiful roses to keep me company while we was gone.
Mother's Day was nice--I made myself aebleskevers for breakfast and we went to church. Sadly, our ENTIRE primary class was there--all 8 for me to teach alone, but class went fine except for our down syndrome boy, whose sister came in to help. He was terrible for her! We made lovely cards for their moms and class passed quickly. The grossest part of Mother's Day was when Jens came running into the house from the yard saying "Mouse!" and holding a dead mouse. I screamed and he dropped it on the floor, and then I had to clean up. The happiest part of Mother's Day was when Mike came home.
Monday I had a girl's night out--I went to Natalie's for dinner without Jens, and we watched Dreamgirls, which was good. The music was really fun. Sadly, on the way home I hit a huge rock, got a flat tire, and dented the rim. Boo. We have to track down a new one either from the dealer or the junk yard. Dad, can we just use the spare as a permanent replacement and then just look for a new spare? We need to get new tires so they will match, but that way we wouldn't have to rush to find a new wheel.
Jens has been very into his bike and his legos this week. He is busy as ever and very cute.
Have a good week, everyone.
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
May 8th
Hi Everyone.
It has been a fairly lousy week. I have been sick since last Sunday, which hasn't been so fun. I don't know that I've ever coughed so much or blown my nose so much. I keep thinking I have to get better soon, but so far no luck.
We've done the usual this week--play date, story time, Costco pizza, etc. Yesterday we went to Picture People to get pictures. Jens was absolutely terrible. He hugged my leg and yelled "No! Donwanna!" It was embarrassing and frustrating. I ended up getting one decent picture to choose from, so that is the one we got.
I bought some legos for Jens. He is in heaven--he really likes pulling them apart and putting them together. They will soon be scattered throughout the house. He has also been VERY in to coloring this week. For some reason, on Saturday the coloring really clicked and he just loved it. He makes "stars" and "circles" with incredible zeal. He has covered a lot of paper with a lot of crayon, and he especially likes it if he has an audience. He always tries to get me to color for him, but I think it is kind of a bad idea--I want him to figure out how to make the shapes himself, not just prefer the truck or train I draw for him. He is good with shapes these days. He especially likes circles right now and points them out everywhere--doorknobs, key rings, you name it, he'll spot the circle. He is also in to counting and can occasionally go all the way up to ten! It is amazing how smart he is getting. Of course, I recognize that I am his mom and I think he is the smartest, but whatever.
Mike is abandoning us tomorrow to go to Arizona for his brother's graduation. Joel has earned his Ph.D, which is definitely something to be proud of.
I have been watching season one of Grey's Anatomy, and have found myself completely sucked in.
Have a good week, everyone.
Love,
Alison
It has been a fairly lousy week. I have been sick since last Sunday, which hasn't been so fun. I don't know that I've ever coughed so much or blown my nose so much. I keep thinking I have to get better soon, but so far no luck.
We've done the usual this week--play date, story time, Costco pizza, etc. Yesterday we went to Picture People to get pictures. Jens was absolutely terrible. He hugged my leg and yelled "No! Donwanna!" It was embarrassing and frustrating. I ended up getting one decent picture to choose from, so that is the one we got.
I bought some legos for Jens. He is in heaven--he really likes pulling them apart and putting them together. They will soon be scattered throughout the house. He has also been VERY in to coloring this week. For some reason, on Saturday the coloring really clicked and he just loved it. He makes "stars" and "circles" with incredible zeal. He has covered a lot of paper with a lot of crayon, and he especially likes it if he has an audience. He always tries to get me to color for him, but I think it is kind of a bad idea--I want him to figure out how to make the shapes himself, not just prefer the truck or train I draw for him. He is good with shapes these days. He especially likes circles right now and points them out everywhere--doorknobs, key rings, you name it, he'll spot the circle. He is also in to counting and can occasionally go all the way up to ten! It is amazing how smart he is getting. Of course, I recognize that I am his mom and I think he is the smartest, but whatever.
Mike is abandoning us tomorrow to go to Arizona for his brother's graduation. Joel has earned his Ph.D, which is definitely something to be proud of.
I have been watching season one of Grey's Anatomy, and have found myself completely sucked in.
Have a good week, everyone.
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
May 2nd
Hi Everyone.
We are happy to be home, although we had a wonderful time in Utah. It is always fun for us to see family and friends. Since we have been home, Jens keeps wanting to go in the "green car"--I think he thinks if we get in and go somewhere we will find the cousins. On Monday he kept talking about finding the kids and he spotted "Aunt Becky" in the grocery store. (It was just a blonde lady.) He has also mentioned Loren, Jacob, and Natalie by name, along with, of course, Grandmas and Grandpas.
I have to comment on Loren's actual graduation--it was such a nice ceremony. Loren's class was small, so the whole thing lasted only an hour and 15 minutes. The speakers were nice and the musical numbers were Hawaiian music, which was refreshing. Also, each graduate got a little moment on the stage instead of being rushed across. At the very end a woman came across with her son all dressed up in a cap and gown to recieve a diploma for her husband who had been killed in a car accident in the fall, but had earned all of the credits required for graduation. It was very touching and sad, but I thought how important it must have been for that mom, to be able to show her son what his dad had accomplished. Of course, being a Thomas, it made me very teary.
Some other highlights of the week include a delicious lunch at Sundance--I was so full afterwards that I didn't eat for the rest of the day, seeing the Cincinnati people--boy the Stay family has been prolific! Having breakfast with the Johnsons, and a Helquist family party (at LAST!) on Saturday night. Also, I finally got orange rolls from Shirley's, which really made my trip.
Jens made up for being an angel on the drive out by being a little more of a devil on the way home. He kept saying "STUCK!" and "OUT!!" accompanied by whining and crying. Neither of which we could help him with. He was thrilled to see his things when we got home, and he has played long and hard in his sandbox everyday since. It is amazing to me how much his speaking blossomed during one week with so many adults around. He is very chatty and is using more complete sentences.
I gained a few pounds in Utah from eating way too many treats, but don't worry! I am quickly returning to normal. I am a creature of routine and I truley missed my daily excercise hour.
I guess that is it from us. Hope everyone is having a happy week!
Love,
Alison
PS new pictures from graduation etc. are posted at http://helquist.com/gallery/album21
We are happy to be home, although we had a wonderful time in Utah. It is always fun for us to see family and friends. Since we have been home, Jens keeps wanting to go in the "green car"--I think he thinks if we get in and go somewhere we will find the cousins. On Monday he kept talking about finding the kids and he spotted "Aunt Becky" in the grocery store. (It was just a blonde lady.) He has also mentioned Loren, Jacob, and Natalie by name, along with, of course, Grandmas and Grandpas.
I have to comment on Loren's actual graduation--it was such a nice ceremony. Loren's class was small, so the whole thing lasted only an hour and 15 minutes. The speakers were nice and the musical numbers were Hawaiian music, which was refreshing. Also, each graduate got a little moment on the stage instead of being rushed across. At the very end a woman came across with her son all dressed up in a cap and gown to recieve a diploma for her husband who had been killed in a car accident in the fall, but had earned all of the credits required for graduation. It was very touching and sad, but I thought how important it must have been for that mom, to be able to show her son what his dad had accomplished. Of course, being a Thomas, it made me very teary.
Some other highlights of the week include a delicious lunch at Sundance--I was so full afterwards that I didn't eat for the rest of the day, seeing the Cincinnati people--boy the Stay family has been prolific! Having breakfast with the Johnsons, and a Helquist family party (at LAST!) on Saturday night. Also, I finally got orange rolls from Shirley's, which really made my trip.
Jens made up for being an angel on the drive out by being a little more of a devil on the way home. He kept saying "STUCK!" and "OUT!!" accompanied by whining and crying. Neither of which we could help him with. He was thrilled to see his things when we got home, and he has played long and hard in his sandbox everyday since. It is amazing to me how much his speaking blossomed during one week with so many adults around. He is very chatty and is using more complete sentences.
I gained a few pounds in Utah from eating way too many treats, but don't worry! I am quickly returning to normal. I am a creature of routine and I truley missed my daily excercise hour.
I guess that is it from us. Hope everyone is having a happy week!
Love,
Alison
PS new pictures from graduation etc. are posted at http://helquist.com/gallery/album21
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