Halloween on Time

For once...I'm blogging a holiday on time!  

Here are some favorite shots from Halloween 2013.

This year Eli was Super Mario.  Hugh was a monkey.

One of my favorite moments from trick or treating this year was when we ran into another dad who was dressed up like Mario as well.  He said to Eli "Hey! You are Mario before the mushroom. I'm Mario after the mushroom".  Even though the costumes this year were not creative or homemade, Hugh was warm and totallllllly adorable, and Eli was who he wanted to be, we borrowed it and it fit him perfect. 

Halloween is truly Eli's favorite day of the year.  For some reason it ranks highest on his list.  He loves the decorations, the scary and creepy music and books.  And of course the candy has something to do with it.    EVERY single house (yes EVERY) Eli would reach in his blue pumpkin and pull out the candy he got and yell "Mom! Dad! I got a ________"  and he would fill int he blank with whatever it was.  It was cute and probably made that home owner happy to know that whatever candy it was made someone very, very excited.  I hope it didn't ruin the surprise for the other kids on their way to the door.  Eli was a super big brother as Hugh was very slow and wouldn't follow us down the block, or hold hands going across the street.  Hugh had the classic 1.5-2 year old tantrum, rolling in lawns and screaming loud enough for 2 blocks down to hear.  He just couldn't handle it.  He HAD to go to every house Eli did, but he couldn't keep up and he wouldn't hold our hand to cross the street. He would just plunk down in the middle of the street until we let him stand up alone.  Eli handled it well and when we decided to (try) to get Hugh home Eli went nicely along even though there was still an hour of trick or treat time left.  

In other Halloween happenings....we went to the school Halloween party with both boys.  There was a lot going on, but in the gym there was a big 'ol dance with a dj.  There were lots of kids running around.  Eli loves to dance but would not go out on the floor until we unstrapped Hugh from the stroller and sent him out there.  Hugh did get knocked over a few times but they both danced their booties off.  (See video--which when I look back at the video it doesn't look like that many kids, I guess some songs were more popular than others because at times we had to follow Hugh around on the floor because of so many kids).  In the picture above it shows the costume contest they had and Eli made it to the 2nd round for the under 6 year old contest.  It was cute.

 Of course we carved pumpkins too.  Hugh wasn't so sure about scooping out the goop.

 So he ended up snacking through most of the carving session.  

Eli dug right in. 

And when I stood in the kitchen and looked in on my boys...I tilted my head and sighed. 

My boys.  

Andy was really in to it this year and took his time to do something special.  I have to admit, his looks much better than mine, which is crying this year--not freckles.  

So...now what to do with the candy.  Last year Eli was excited to be allowed 1 piece of candy per day until Thanksgiving.  Do you think he'll fall for it again this year? 

Happy Halloween! 

In 5 years....

A few months ago I went through emotional turmoil as we changed day care providers.
I didn't realize how important and meaningful those ladies were in our lives.  Eli had been going to the same 2 day cares since the day my maternity leave was over.  Hugh transitioned really nicely with both places too.

We lost Miss Kristi first which was devastating, but had our wonderful fallback of Miss Debbie.
It happened so fast and so unexpectedly.  I almost felt like it was a high school break up all over again.  I (literally) laid in bed and cried for about 2 hours.  I called my sister and with my ugly cry face and even uglier cry voice I told her what happened.  It was just an email that snuck in to my inbox telling me we had about 30 days left at Miss Debbie's.  My heart was broken.  These ladies were the ones I trusted with my littles.  And my work schedule is so weird, I knew it would be hard to find a place that would be as near and dear to my heart. And one that I could afford.

I spent a lot of time, going out of my comfort zone (if you know me) calling ladies and centers after lady after centers.  I dragged Andy to a few and I went alone to some.  I felt very sorry for the first lady.  She was so nice, but I just wasn't ready and when I left and got in the car (with Andy driving) I let myself cry again.

But....after a few recommendations and a little bit of luck, we found an opening with Miss Brenda.
And she's amazing.  She has her own nicknames for Hugh and seems to think he is a piece of cake to care for (ha!).  It melted my heart to hear that Eli said "I love you Miss Brenda" before his nap on his first full day with her.  She has been flexible to help on days that we weren't scheduled for and MAN! Her art projects blow me away.  The reason that I'm so impressed is that most of her projects would require quite a bit of preparation (maybe the night or day before), assistance with gluing and cutting (especially with Hugh) and a whooooooooooole lot of patience.  And when you have more than 1 Hugh-type running around---who has time to paint hands and feet.

Hugh's handprint lion

So it is as I have always told myself (after my first real hard-core break up)---in 5 years we will be back together or I will be over it. (It has never, ever taken 5 years to get over something but I always give myself a few years as a cushion).   So as I sat, laying in bed, crying my eyes out---I reminded myself that I am strong enough to get through 5 years of heartbreak over losing these ladies.  And if in 5 years we weren't back getting care from them, I had faith that we would find someone else and I would be over it.  It's such a hard lesson to be confident in when you are right in the moment.  And usually you curse the person who reminds you "it will all work out", but it's true.

The ghost body is Hugh's footprint

So thanks to all who helped me through it.  Thanks to the recommendation from the co-workers.  Thanks to Brenda.  And thanks to my boys who made it through the transition without even a tear.

Sam

Here is Eli reading a book.  It's a beginner book so don't get all hyped up that he's a pro yet.

When I showed Andy I warned him "If you listen to the background "stuff" you'll see what my day sounds like".

Before you watch-you need to know

1. Eli has read this book only 3 times before this video recording
2. Hugh wanted to be involved-he's very loud-including a burp-excuse him
3. I was feeding Hugh a banana to try to keep him quiet, while holding the camera sorta steady
4. Bailee HATES the Sam story-so she wants to go outside and chase bunnies-thus her whining
5. Eli tugs at my heart strings on the last 2 pages



Proud of that kiddo.

Fun Friday

Every day Eli asks what will the plan is for after school.  The last day of the week the teacher has started to call it "Fun Friday" so we often talk about what that means for us, outside of school.

Last weekend it was Fun Friday for Andy and I.  We got to go out and celebrate a friend and the beginning of her 33rd year of life.

So after a glass or 2 of this....

by the way...check out those eyes.  no editing for those two bluies

We all were wondering who forgot to order the "par-baked pizza"?

  Happy Birthday PW!

No matter what I did with my expression-that mustache made me look mad. 

Small Stuff

I haven't posted any updates on the small stuff going on around us lately.  So here ya go.

Eli has gotten the hang of this school thing.  He is really interested in being the first in line.  Most of the other kids are wandering around the playground while we wait for the teacher to come let them in.  But Eli likes to line up.  

He's loving school.  He doesn't tell me much but every once in a while he will tell me something he learned or who he played with.  His teacher has 7 fish and a snail but I'm not sure why. I mean, wouldn't most teachers just have 1 fish? Eli said they need 4 more so that they will have 11.  That makes it even more of a mystery.  He is very interested in reading and is working hard at it.  I'm so excited and trying not to push him too hard.  Today while we checked out our groceries he sat on the bench and read one of his books.  He is excited and proud of himself too.

This last weekend we surprised Andy's brother for his 40th birthday.  His amazing wife got him to Wisconsin Dells (all the way from TN) and we spent the weekend at a water park hotel in 2 suites.  I didn't take a single picture because I was either wet or had my hands full.  We were up until 3 in the morning and rolled out of bed at 6:30. 

This is what is going on after time at the water park, dinner, cheesecake, a 40th birthday slide show tribute and an ER visit--- around 1 am.

I think that tub was made for only 2-3 people....That does not stop any Roeders.  PS Greg is 6'8".  And KJ claimed the water was too hot...he's not even IN the water.  It was a good time.  

We are trying to enjoy the last warm-ish days of early fall.  

picture taken by Eli

Going to the zoo in early fall is perfect, good weather and hardly anybody there. Plus the animals were super active.  

A special girl turned 5.  And Eli got invited to her costume/Halloween party.  It was great and Eli met a bunch of neat friends.

we didn't realize it was a costume party until about 2 hours before the party.  Luckily we found the clown costume I wore as a child (my mom made it!).  This isn't what Eli will be for trick or treating but he pulled it off.  

This kid and I are on a roller coaster.

I have had a whole bunch of very special 1:1 moments with him where he is sweet as pie and I could cry.  And I have had some moments where I'm scared to be alone with him.  He is going through some real tough stages.  But we wake up each day, start new and rock to sleep each night.  He is now particular about picking out the books before naps and bedtime and trying to put on his own seat belt.  His favorite song is Ghost busters-man that kid likes to dance.  He's talking more and this helps tremendously.  He is officially trying to say so many more words now, articulating the letters and 99% less screaming.  

Andy and I went on a date for my birthday-he planned it!

We found a praying mantis on our windshield when we left (no we didn't eat at Panera for my birthday meal!).  It was HUGE.  

We took a trip to the famous Bay Beach.  We met our Green Bay cousins and the kids had a blast.

Hold on to your hats people-I have never seen what you are about to see....

I was amazed he fell asleep!

I laugh out loud when I look at these pictures.  

I bet you will too.

Eli told me "Mom. Try not to scream".  Well-I tried.

Earlier in the summer I got to pretend to be Jeff Probst while I hosted the annual Schneider Survivor competitions.  I think it went off well.

Being the host makes it very hard to take pictures so I'm a little sad I didn't get better shots.  Welcome Liz and Aunt Jane this year...and congrats Lori!

This week I officially ran 5 miles in a row.  I have been trying hard to get past that 3.5 mile mark.  I am proud of myself.

Andy and I started watching the new series Breaking Bad.  We've heard too much about it-so we're giving it a chance.  

This weekend we have a double date, it's "girl's day" on Saturday, next weekend I'm heading out of town to go to the (night game! so excited) Packer game and then in November I'm having another girl's weekend with my MOM AND SISTER. Yes I just shouted that.  I cannot wait to have JUST them, with JUST me and a whole lot of free time.  

For now...I'll leave you eves dropping on the boys favorite activity: pile a whole lot of toys behind the rocking chair and make a huge mess.  

18, 19, 20

Dear Hugh Lou,  Loodie, Lou Lou, Hughie,

These days you keep me so busy I don't even have time to blog about you.  You are so far past the 18 month mark that I (oops)  lost your growth stats. Just for reference you are in the 50th% for weight, 90th% for height and I think 80th% for head circumference.  You are keeping your curve and growing well.  

You know what is funny about boys your age?  You don't care what you wear.  I could put you in a tshirt, sweatshirt, overalls, pj's or sweatpants and you never complain.  You have no control over what you wear these days and you don't have a second thought about if your socks don't match.  I wonder if that will change.  

Did you know that you have a strong personality?  You were such a mellow baby that I can't believe how strong, crazed, temperamental, solid, robust, tenacious and durable you are when you want something.   You aren't selfish, you just want to be part of this world and I, being your mom, want to grant your every wish.  

You are loud, babbling, giggling, yelling and talking.  You are lazy with your words and I want to let you get away with it.  I almost didn't survive your screaming phase but it has passed and now you are making many more sounds.  You are trying to say the words but many times not taking your time to articulate.  Your best words are: Doggy, daddy, yeah, done, cheese, cracker, cookie, mickey, book and mama. When Mickey Mouse comes on your eyes get big and your mouth wants to make the "ohhhhhh" sound.  You dance in a gallop-always.  I'll show you.  When you read this letter, ask me to mimic your hot dog dance.  Even if I'm 70 years old when you read this, ask me and I'll show you.

Just like your mellow personality your broad diet has diminished.  You are SO difficult to please at meal time.  Right now scrambled eggs, fruit and cereal are the only 3 things I know you will eat.  Noodles, veggies, oatmeal, and grilled cheese are hit and miss.  Meat and bread/toast are out of the question.  

Eating a home-grown cucumber!

You spend your time asking for crackers and cookie (and I think you even might be asking for candy but I don't want to admit that), walking around the back yard, bringing books over to dad and I and sitting in our laps, turning on the sink in the bathroom, and hiding in the closet or behind your rocker with books and cars.  Mostly you just want to follow Eli around. You want to do EVERYthing that your big brother does.  Every. Thing.   EVERYTHING.  You mimic him when he talks, sings, eats and yells.  You dont' want to be int he stroller or wagon if he isn't and you most definitely want to go up and down the stairs if he is.

You're a child I always wanted.

 You're curiosity makes me jealous-I wish I didn't know so much about "stuff" (stuff= leaves, pine cones, grass, ants, glue, stickers, crayons, wash cloths, toes, buttons, keys, bubbles etc).   I love how little you know about the world because it is through YOU that I get joy of exploring the new things around you.

 You are not scared of adventure.  But you also will take a minute to lay your head down on my shoulder.  With just the right amount of motivation and sensitivity  I know you are going to go far in life.

You take comfort in 3 things.  Your stuffed bunny and blue blanket are two things that go into bed with you.  But you can get cozy anywhere as long as your have your curly blond locks and your finger.  You like to twirl that hair when you are tired.  I know that is not going to last too much longer.  You won't curl your hair around your finger when you are 12 or 15 so I have to drink it all up right now.

Daddy says you giggle hardest when he tickles your legs and plays chase.  He wants you to take after your brother but become your own little man.  We only ignore your cries at night (yes still) because the doctor has told us to.  We hear you though.

And we love you.  A lot and all the time.

Love,
Mama