No One Likes Change

Well, we are back in the school routine. I sent the kids back to school this week as I plan to start back at the end of the week myself. The kids spent the summer home with me and while I was nervous at the beginning of the summer how I was going to enjoy being a stay at home mom, the summer flew by and the kids and I had a great time.

Apparantly we had too much of a great time. Both Sophie and Mason are having a terrible time transitioning back to school. I drop off both kids in the morning, crying their eyes out. Sophie is having a really tough time, but is usually fine by the afternoon. Mason is crying all day and constantly crying for "mommy". My heart is breaking. They are both in new rooms so there is change there. Plus, add Mason's broken leg to the mix, and it's a mess.

Everyone tells me to relax..the kids will be fine. It has only been 2 days. It just is awful getting there.

Time to catch up

It has been a while since the last post cause we have been extremely busy in our house. We came back form vacation at the beach last week. The kids had a great time. They both enjoyed the sand and Sophie really enjoyed the ocean. Mason..not so much. The waves were scary and too loud for him. Since the weather was over 100 degrees on most days, it was no fun to stay out of the water with him. Sophie surprised us with going on some amusement rides even I would not venture (although that is not saying too much. She loved riding the teacups (spinning like crazy) and rode a car track that went superfast going backwards as well. She even kicked me offf the merry-go-round as support. She told me she could do it all by herself.

When we got back from the beach, we had my birthday and my grandmother's 90th. We had a family pary up at my cousin's Debbie's house. It was nice for everyone to be together.

The piece de resistance came Monday night. We were outside on the neighbor's playground set after dinner. Mason climbed up, but refused to slide down. I had to rescue him and when we went down the slide, he did something to his leg. He screamed and cried for several hours and to make a long story short... broke his leg. Yes. It is his Left leg, the lower portion. He got casted yesterday. His first choice was pink..but I talked him out fo that. He isnt in pain anymore and is being quite a trooper but it will be tough for us for a little while. He has to be carried or in a stroller since he can't weight bear. Right now he is fine, but I forsee him trying to get more active as he gets used to the cast. Luckily, toddlers heal quickly, so he is getting it off the day after Labor Day.

More updates later!

A Wiggly Good Time!

Yesterday we took a day trip to Reading, Pennsylvania (where Brian and I used to live before kids) to see the Wiggles. This was Sophie's 4th concert and Mason's 3rd. It was pretty wild going back to the town I used to live in. Some things have changed but much has stayed the same. Lots of fun to go back and see our old house. Our first house. Mason particuarly had a really good time at the show. He was really the perfect age for it. Sophie had fun too, but after the show she informed us she was "wiggled out" We met up for dinner with my 2 fiends Carolyn and Sue, who I used to teach with. It was so fun to get together and have them meet the kiddies.

The Wiggles show was really fun. We got to see the new Yellow Wiggle, Sam..who replaced Greg. He was really good. It was tough to hear the difference with several of the songs..but weird to see a new a new guy in the troop.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream..

For Ice Cream! What is summertime without ice cream treats? Sophie's friend Becke came over to play last night and the kids enjoyed push-ups. I was not home for the mess, but apparantly Mason had a good ol time trying to get the ice cream out of the push-up. A jump in the bath and the stickiness was soon forgottten! Until tomorrow that is...

Finally...Back on the Air!

Well, a wild storm ripped through our neighborhood on Monday afternoon leaving us without power until the next day. Furthermore, we did not have internet or cable tv..so things were really bleak. Things finally got back to normal this morning. You don't realize how dependent you are on technology until it bites you in the butt.

Mondy morning I took the kids to the Herrs Snack Factory for a tour of how potato chips are made, among other treats. We went with some friends. The kids had a great time, although Mason was scared of the Herr's mascot, Chipper and ran from his sight!

Take me out to the Ballgame...

Yesterday we ventured up to Philadelphia to see the Philadelphia Phillies play the St. Louis Cardinals. We met Brian's brother Jeff for the late afternoon game. After getting to the ballpark, all the kids wanted to do was eat and eat. They pounded the snacks I brought and kept looking for more. Mason was a little tough and was a bit fidgety through the whole game. I think the heat was getting to him. He found the icepack in the cooler bag and he held it most of the game, trying to get relief. For a little guy he sure sweats alot. Sophie did pretty well and was amused by the game and the attractions. She killed time with me waiting for 45 minutes for a cheesesteak. I havent had a "real" Philly cheesesteak in about 5 years, and man..it was worth every gram of fat and calories.

The Phillies won 10-4 so a good day had by all!

Four Generations Under One Roof

I had decided that one day this summer I would take the kids up to visit my grandmother in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She has been able to come down to me the past few years and stay a few days, but she has had bad luck with her feet and legs and can not really move around well. So we decided to bring the mountain to Mohammad. My mom decided to join us for the ride as well. So, on Tuesday (the hottest day of the year) we headed upstate PA. My grandmother does not have central air, so basically I think I sweated off about 10 lbs. Older people are so funny sometimes..my mom and I were begging her to run the fans and the air conditioning units and she told us that she was comfortable and her feet were like ice. No kidding.

Ultimately we won and things cooled down a bit. The kids did great. Sophie slept with my mom in the guest room and Mason slept in my grandmother's room on the floor. I sacked out on the couch. Both the kids slept until almost 8 the next day.

So, we are all home now..the kids are still slleping (8:20 am!) and I'm catching up on my email. No high speed connection at Nana's house!

Fireworks Fun!

Last night we decided to check out the fireworks in Havre De Grace with our friends and neighbors Alyssa, Fritz and Becke. I fugured the kids had a really good nap, and may be good to stay up past their 8:00 bedtime. We met for dinner at 7:00, the kids had some snacks and we walked over a mile (the kids were in the stroller) to the park where the festivities were. In addition to the great fireworks, there was a huge carnival set up with rides, games and food. The kids loved the fireworks and were dressed for occasion with American flags and hats courtesy of Alyssa who is always prepared for a celebration!

All in all, a good time by everyone. Sophie adores Becke and Mason is in love with her. An older woman. Hopefully she won't break his heart!

We got the kids home and in bed by 11:00 and they were still going strong. They slept until 9:00 this morning which was a nice treat for us!

A very relaxing and boring July 4th for us. We ran some errands in the morning and relaxed this afternoon. A quiet barbeque for the 4 of us rounded out the day. Then the rain came down!

Happy Birthday U.S.A!

Swim Like a Fish!

The kids are really enjoying going swimming! I signed Sophie up for private swimming lessons and in the 3 lessons she had she has gained a lot of confidence in the pool. She can blow bubbles, submerge her head, jump in the pool holding someones hand and can float contently in an innertube. I'm sure many of you are thinking "big deal", but this was a kid who was scared to death 2 weeks ago and would barely sit down in the baby pool. I'd pay for 100 more private lessons if I could afford it. But at $25 a lesson, I'll have to settle for what I got. Mason is also having a blast. He will willingly go in the big pool with me, but is much more in his element at the the baby pool, playing with buckets and pool toys.

The best part about the pool is all the sun the kids get and how it knocks them out. I put them down for naps at around 12:30-1:00 and don't hear from them until at least 3:30.

Gearing up for the Fourth of July...we don't have any plans, going to be a lazy day. Hopefully we can catch some fireworks and keep the kids up for them!

Lazy, Hazy Days...

Summer vacation has kicked in and we are all trying to adjust to the new routine. Sophie is as happy as can be being home with mom, going to the pool and running errands. Mason still wakes up and asks for all his teachers in the morning.

And me? Hmm...well I'm getting used to it. It is definately a different pace. I feel a little rushed to get what I want to get done in the morning and get the kids home so they can nap after lunch. During their nap time I am sitting around waiting for them to wake up so I can do the next thing. Everyone tells me to chill, and take each day and don't try to pack the whole summer in one day.

Last night I took the kids out to dinner since Brian was in school. (It is the last class of his MBA program!) When we got home, we hung out in the front yard and the kids enjoyed sticky ring pops while I tended ot all my plants that decided to die because of the excessive heat and lack of rain.

Today we are off to a music program at a local nursing home to brighten the day for some older people and some entertainment!

No more pencils, no more books...

Well, today was the last day of school. In other words, the last day of my freedom for the next couple months. I decided to keep the kids home with me this summer, unlike summers past. I have to say that I am a little nervous being home with two young kids. Crazy I know. I'm their mother for goodness sakes. But, the last time I was home with them, Mason was an infant with the worst case of colic ever and Sophie was a whiny, clingy 2 year old. So, things have changed considerably.

On my last day of freedom, I went to visit a good friend at the hospital who just had a baby. Oh, the sweetness of a newborn! It almost makes me want another. Almost. I guess I can get my fix by visiting her baby.

It was so bittersweet saying goodbye at Stonewall for the kids. As excited as they are to be home with mom this summer, they will miss their friends and teachers. Mason's teachers had tears in their eyes saying goodbye.

So, as the old song goes..No more pencils, no more books no more teachers dirty looks...
Happy Summer!

Boys will be Boys

Yes, 2 posts in one day. But this I can't pass up. Don't turn your back on boys for a second. Don't turn your back on toddler boys for a half second. In a brief moment, Mason got a hold of my pen and doodled all over the gift list I drafted from Sophie's party. It was somewhat illegible, but with a good memory, I was able to write it over.

Yep, caught him red handed!

Sophie's party at My Gym!

Ok, I finally have a few minutes to sit down and catch up on my posts. Where do I spend my day? Before I know it, I'm getting ready for bed.

Sophie had a blast at her birthday party last Sunday morning! She had about 20 friends come, half from the neighborhood and half from her class at school. We decided on a pajama party theme due to a 10 am party. It worked out really well! Even I came in my pjs!

THe girls who ran the party did an awesome job and all the kids had a great time! Boy, when you add up all the money that you spend for a party (party, food, goody bags, invites, etc) it was about $400. Yikes..for one hour and a half. But it was worth it to see Sophie so excited and happy that day!

Happy 4th Birthday Sophie!

Sophie celebrated her 4th birthday on Wednesday. I can't believe she is 4 years old! One more year, and then off to kindergarten. Wow. Sophie's big birthday party will be this Sunday with all her friends at My Gym. She is really looking forward to it.

So, on her official birthday, we brought in cupcakes for her class, we went out for ice cream and of course she had to pose with the Schorr birthday hat.

Splishin' and a Splashin'

The warm weather allowed us to break out the pool for the first time this season on Memorial Day. Sophie was all excited to get her bathing suit on and hit the water. That is, Sophie style. Which translates to standing in the pool, splashing water, but refusing to sit down. Mason was actually terrified by the pool and cried. After about 15 minutes we were able to coax him in with a bucket and he had a great time. He also would not sit down. It's only May...we have all summer!

The Birthday Celebration Continues!

What a fun day yesterday! We started our day by having brunch with good friends that moved to Michagan 2 years ago. It was a fun morning and they brought the kids fun birthday gifts..a cool bubble machine for Sophie and a boat for the bath or pool for Mason!

Later that day we had lots of visitors to celebrate the kids birthdays. Susan, Jeff, Shelley, Jerry, Phil and Miriam all came down for a fun afternoon of visiting, hot weather, opening tons of birthday presents and yummy birthday cake.

The kids loved their Blues Clues cake and ate every bite!

The celebration continues this week as Sophie turns 4 on Wednesday..with a big party on Sunday!

Happy Birthday Mason!

Mason celebrated his 2nd birthday yesterday! We brought in cupcakes to school to celebrate with all his toddler friends. Nana and PopPop came down yesterday to celebrate with noodles and ice cream, Mason's favorite foods. He got his first bike from them. His feet reach the pedals, but he needs a little help in that department.

A long weekend, but a busy one. Today we had the kids birthday pictures taken..they came out cute..will post another time.

Tomorrow we have Brian's side of the family coming down to celebrate with Mason and Sophie who will be turning 4 on Wed.

Aloha!

Aloha from the big island of...Fallston. Today was Hawaiian Day at school. The kids were decked out in their island wear. I thought I'd have to fight Mason putting the lei on, but he really liked it and wanted to wear it!

Thank goodness for Friday tomorrow!

Hanging Out in the Backyard

Not too much to report today. The best way for the kids to eat their dinner quickly without nagging is to promise them outside time after dinner. They love it!

Brian and I started to refinish adorrondeck chairs for the kids last August. I finally finished painting them today. Yes, it took 9 months. So, in the time it takes to grow a baby in my belly, I painted 2 small chairs. Anyway, the kids loved the finished project and lazily sat in the backyard.

We are lucky cause our next door neighbors have a great swing set for their kids. They told us our kids can go on it whenever which is so great. Sophie's new favorite pastime is the tire swing. Mason loves to climb up to the top, but then won't come down on the slide. So, someone has to rescue him.

Tomorrow is Hawaiian Day at school. Check back for pictures. I looked all over for a coconut bra for Mason, but could not find one!

Off to watch Idol results!

Crazy Hair Day!

It is teacher appreciation week at the kid's school this week and they have something fun planned everyday. Yesterday was pajama day. Mason looked oh so cute with his jammies full of diaper. He clearly had a bubble butt.

Today was crazy hair day. So with a little gel, I spiked up Mason's hair..he looked so cute! Sophie decided to go with multiple ponytails. We did 2 pigtails and a ponytail in the back. The teachers were decked out with their crazy hairdos and funny hats.

On another positive note...It appears that Sophie is finished her crying stint in the morning. We had a talk last night and got to the root of the issue. She told me she really doesn't like morning time. She misses me. I told her she can change her mind about morning time, cause it can be a lot of fun. She woke up this morning, said "I changed my mind about morning time" and proceeded to have an EXCELLENT morning..from wake up to drop off. She was really quite proud of herself and cannot wait to get back her flip-flops that I took away because she was crying in the morning.

Brian had his last class of the semester last night. One more class to go, and he is the proud owner of an MBA, with an emphasis on marketing. Anyone got a job for him?