Saturday at Shedds

This past Saturday we took some time off from watching college football to go enjoy some family time together. Ok, Michigan had a by week, but even so, we thought it would be fun to get away and see some fish at the aquarium. We were meeting some friends from Michigan there, so the incentive was even greater to get there and enjoy.


We lucked out with no traffic despite the rain, so we were in the city within 25 minutes. Tom dropped us off so we could get the tickets while he parked the car. We had debated on bringing the stoller since we don't really need it anymore, but it did offer the chance to go into the side entrance, which is never busy. But, hey, who is going to be at Shedd's on a rainy Saturday? As I turned the corner in the pouring rain, the answer became clear - EVERYONE was at Shedd's today!


Armed with no umbrella, three hyper boys, and no raincoat for myself, I turned to Jeb and told him to turn on those brown eyes and find us some shelter! It only took a few minutes and soon we were sharing umbrellas with two kind ladies from Michigan. And, after 1 hour, we were in the doors. Wait, there was another line to purchase tickets. Why didn't I take that stroller?!?! Forty five minutes (and one very angry Tom) later, we were looking at the fish and with our friends (who did get in the side entrance! GRR!!)


The day only went up from there and we had a great time catching up with old friends and seeing all the cool fish. But, we knew it was time to go when we saw four boys (clearly not ours!) running around and waving the paddles of the show canoe and when we turned to see Jeb pulling down his pants and yelling, "I need to go to the toilet!" After a great ten yard tackle by Tom, we had all situations under control.


We walked out to clear skies, a beautiful skyline, and, well, no line.

4 Day House Arrest

I must admit, I don't know that I had ever really heard of "house arrest" until Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan appeared on the scene, but now I'm feeling it first hand. Let me just be clear that I don't live in a mansion like my afore mentioned friends. And I'm not sitting around with butlers and maids to entertain me while I am stuck here. No, I have it much worse - I am in the midst of POTTY TRAINING!

This is my last go-round at this and my biggest challenge yet. You would think that I know all the tricks to get this done, but I've got a stubborn one on my hands. We tried this a few weeks ago, but the stickers didn't do it, chocolate didn't do it and even the famed 'potty party' didn't do it (hey, I was grasping at straws). So, I thought about it and realized that since Jeb has been lugged back and forth chasing after his brother's activities his entire life, that just maybe Jeb's ulimate reward would be staying at home. I was right.

We began on Tuesday. Loaded with drink boxes, m&ms, stickers and no plans. Jeb got out of bed to find no diapers (aka nappies). He cried. He threw himself on the floor. The neighbors heard the three year old cries of "I need my nappy on!!" I ultimately paid Jacob 50 cents to talk Jeb into wearing underpants. His first trip to the bathroom produced the right results and I gave him an m&m. His response - "I don't want this, I'm giving it to Jacob." I was worried. We finally found the best reward was another drink box. We were in the bathroom a lot. We had 4 accidents that day due to school pick ups and making meals. Obviously, I need to be around him at all times.

Wednesday. Things are getting better, but the house is falling apart while I sit and do puzzles, play cars and read books. Jeb has never had this much attention and is gladly visiting the potty in order for mommy to continue playing. I found him in the corner while I was making lunch - opps. Two accidents today.

Thursday. Got some laundry done today, but I am getting restless! The cupboards are empty due to no grocery shop this week and the wine bottle is getting close to empty! Potty training has to end soon. I think it will - no accidents today. However, I have noticed a couple of things today. The first is that Jeb is staying dry during his nap. This is because he is calling me every 10 minutes to go potty. Not sure if he needs it or if he is manipulating me. I am guessing it's the latter of the two. The second thing I noticed is Jeb's request for me to hold his "willy." That sounds really bad when I write it doesn't it? I tried to correct this yesterday and had him hold "it." Big mistake. The aim was not to the bowl - it was the wall, then the floor, then the back of the toilet. And ultimately his hands and mine as I tried to stop the mess! We'll work on that later I guess.

So, my house arrest is almost over. I did almost go crazy, but I think it was worth it in the end. I am finally done with diapers after 6 3/4 years! Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Fingers crossed I'm right!

When the Relatives Came

It's been a big secret for the past month - the second grade classes at Jefferson Elementary were reading the book "When the Relatives Came." Doesn't sound like a very fun secret does it? Well, it is when you team it up with really having the relatives come!

I secretly invited both sets of grandparents and even got Daddy to clear his schedule. Everyone arrived at our house slightly before the big event (although Grandpa Koops wasn't able to make it, maybe next time!). We walked down to the school's front lawn and spread out our blanket, complete with cider and donuts.

While we were doing that, Jacob's teacher was reading the book (which, I admit have no idea what it is about...I guess the title is a big clue). Then Miss Lancaster announced to the class that they were going to plant some apple seeds on the front lawn. Jacob was the first out. Totally surprised with a hug for everyone. Except, now that I think about it, I didn't get one! Oh well, I was too busy crying! It was a bit emotional!

We had a nice time picnicking and having a nice chat. What a nice excuse to have the relative come!