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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Is Here!!


Halloween Is Here!!
.........................................................

To say we were looking forward to Halloween this year is quite the understatement.  We had a countdown in our house.  For the last month every time one of my boys saw a Halloween decoration or caught a glimpse of a pumpkin all they could talk about was Halloween. Every day Michael would ask me if it was time to trick or treat yet and I would have to reply, “No, buddy.  # more days until you can get treats.”  Then he would be disappointed.  So, when the boys woke up today and he asked me again and my response was, “Yep- TODAY!!” he was overcome with excitement and jumped up and down so erratically I thought he was going to vomit.  And, then William followed suit because anything Michael does William can do better.

For the last two weeks I have slowly put together their costumes, as not to be bombarded with the task last minute.  I helped plan two preschool parties.  Stuffed 57 goodie bags for the boys’ classmates.  Made three trips to our local pumpkin patch.  Decorated our house.  Helped the boys mail out 18 Halloween cards.  Organized a Trunk or Treat at the YMCA.  Baked spooky treats.  Attended two pumpkin programs.  Watched Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin 1, 748 times (the boys are OBSESSED).  Purchased candy- five separate times.  Made two treat bags.  All of this in the spirit of the season- because this is by far my favorite holiday of the year.  I’m tickled the boys were so involved this year. 

After what seemed like the longest build-up ever it was finally here.  Today was an absolute blast!  Daddy took the day off which was AMAZING, and we all went to Michael's preschool program first thing this morning where his class serenaded us with five spooky favorites.  Then we were free to do whatever it was our little hearts desired.


I’ll tell you what, there’s nothing like trick or treating with a two and three year-old.  The excitement (which I blame on the sugar high) was overwhelming as our two dinos sprinted from house to house anxiously waiting to see what was in store for them next.   We made our way through Dennis' old stompin' grounds one house at a time, including the house he grew up in.  William snacked on treats (pretzels and goldfish) in between houses  and Michael made friends with each and every costumed kiddo and parent we met. 


Our first stop... Gramma's of course!


Where we picked up another trick or treater.


And, then we were off...


Dino Crossing


Waiting patiently for someone to answer their door.


Visiting Daddy's old house.
(Dennis may or may not have been crying at this exact moment.)


Dinosaur attack!!


William examining the contents of his bag between houses.


I turned around a few times to find Michael pouncing in the leaves.



When trick or treating was over for our Michaelsaurus and Willceratops we dragged two pooped boys back to Gramma and Boompa’s house where we gorged ourselves on pizza, gin and tonic (for Daddy) and maybe a chocolate bar or two.  One hilight of the evening, Michael helping Gramma pass out candy to other trick or treaters.  He was hysterical- determining how many pieces each guest should receive and deciding for them what exactly it was they wanted from the treat bowl.  By the end of the evening he screamed, “Hey, stop ringing that doorbell.”  He was exhausted.

Now the task of packing it all away for next year and dragging the Christmas decor out.  We’re going to decorate super early this year so the boys can get as deep in the holiday spirit as they did for Halloween.  

We hope your family had a safe and wonderful day!  From our family to yours...


Happy Halloween
I used the following tutorials for the boys' costumes: 
Dino Hoodies
Dino Tails

I did improvise a little.  I used fleece for all of the spikes instead of felt (hoodie) and cotton (tail).  I didn't have to worry about frayed edges, but did top-stitch the spikes for appearance.  I also added the dino bellies to each hoodie as an extra little something.  I used a machine for all of the sewing, no hand-stitching here.  For the treat bags I purchased canvas bags from Hobby Lobby and used my Silhouette to create a dinosaur stencil and just tattooed these bags with a little paint.  These costumes are so fun, and can be worn all year long.

Monday, October 29, 2012

No Itsy Bitsy Spider Here!


No Itsy Bitsy Spider Here!

William,

You are stubborn.  Today supports the previous statement.

For...

After three hours of sewing together your blue dinosaur costume you refuse to wear the tail (the cutest part).

You have definitely come a long way regarding school.  So, today I was impressed that you joined your class on the carpet for your Halloween program.  However, you absolutely refused to sing any of the songs.  You stood there- with your arms crossed sternly across your chest all while trying really hard not to smile at your Dad and I as we held our video camera directly toward your face in hopes you would spontaneously bust out into Itsy Bitsy spider.  You didn’t. 

Then for the first time since school began, you cried when we left.  

Point proven.

I love you to the moon,

Mommy


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Potty Training Pointers

Potty Training Pointers
(William Reagan)

I started potty training Will today (cue dramatic music).  To be honest, I don’t remember the first few days with Michael.  I try to think back to how Michael approached days 1-4 after I decided I could no longer change another poopy diaper, and I just can’t remember.  I know how long it took for me to get Michael COMPLETELY potty trained- 3 months.  The peeing part was a breeze, it was the #2 that was not.  

With Will I’m trying not to compare him to Michael.  He is four months younger than Michael was when he started.  William actually seems to enjoy potty training.  Ok, there I go again comparing the two.  I just hope this one goes by quickly from start to finish, and by quickly I mean shorter than three months.

The goal:  potty train boy #2 completely before another infant in diapers takes up residence in our home.


William’s tips to (what Mommy calls) a successful day one:

  1. Have on hand at all times your favorite red aviators (worn all day) to insure no one is watching you and your secret bathroom behavior.
  2. Carry with you an item of comfort (all day).  For me this is a baseball.  Don't ask.
  3. Forgo pants... all day!  No further explaination necessary.

Pampers, 
William



Friday, October 19, 2012

Talent


Talent

Michael serenaded me for two and a half hours this morning while William was at school.  No potty breaks.  No car breaks.  Two and a half straight hours of him making up songs for me while I did a little work.  I greatly appreciate the entertainment, and I think he appreciates not be pestered by his baby brother all morning.  


Michael, I think you have more of your Daddy in you than I would like to admit.  But, this is a trait of his that I fell deeply in love with and am so happy to announce that I believe the music's in your blood.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Maple & Magnolia Cottage Sale


Remember how I mentioned that I’m heading to a couple of amazing sales this weekend?!  Well, I just had to share a few preview pics from the one I’m looking forward to the most.  The sitter is booked.  I've been to the ATM.  The GPS is prepped with the location and there's a Starbucks on the way.  I'm set to go...


Maple & Magnolia happens to be one of my favorite blogs.  I dream about living in a 150 year old farmhouse with a guesthouse off the back and a golden retriever running about.  Actually, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t live vicariously through Susan.  You have to check out her tutorials, and her projects, and everything else on her blog.  

Look at this amazing stuff she is just getting rid of because like she said, “It’s just stuff!”  Well, Susan, I’d be happy to take some of it off of your hands.  Looking for “stuff” to stock my Etsy shop for the winter, oh and maybe a few things for myself!  What?!  Wait until you see some of the prices...


Call me crazy but I'm ditching all of my Crate and Barrel dishes for mismatched, perfectly chipped and worn white ironstone.  I can't wait to get my hands on this display!!  


A suitcase for every occasion.


A vintage surveyor's cabinet that makes we want to throw out 
everything I've ever bought from a store.

Isn't it all just fantastic??  Head on over to Maple & Magnolia to see what else this lovely lady is so graciously selling.

Photo Source: Maple & Magnolia

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Pockets


Pockets

William, this week you discovered pockets.  The first thing you ask for in the morning is to put on your hooded sweatshirt and you walk around with your hands in your pockets- I’m sure you're wondering, “Hey, where'd my hands go?”



Sunday, October 14, 2012

October

October
Pumpkins.  Gourds.  Hay bales.  Bon fires.  Comfort food.  Sweats.  Wood burning fireplaces.  Halloween.  I think I should just stop there.  I could go on for days.  I love sweet October.  I get a welcomed burst of energy each year right at this time, and I think my husband appreciates it more than it lets on.  Let’s see... we’ve had a yard sale.  I’ve spruced up our sitting room and powder room with new decor.  Decorated our home for my favorite holiday.  Have begun sewing the boys’ Halloween costumes.  Michael announced he would like to be a red dinosaur and William would like to be a blue dinosaur.  Easy enough.  I’ve started our baby girl’s nursery- what a fun project that is going to be.  I’m finally ok with the color pink and have thoroughly enjoyed treasure hunting for little details to add to her room.  It’s been busy, but a good busy.  People do drugs.  I do October.  

Last week we did one of my favorite all time October traditions.  We visited our favorite local pumpkin patch, The Farm, and let the boys hunt for their carving pumpkins.  Every time Michael sees a pumpkin he shouts, “It’s Halloween!”  I am beside myself giddy that he is actually looking forward to it this year.  William loved climbing atop the mammoth pumpkins at The Farm- although next to Will they don’t appear all that mammoth.  They enjoyed hunting for their pumpkins and I just took in the chilly air and the amazing atmosphere dreading the fact that in two short weeks it will all be over.  





Then, over the weekend Den and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary with some of our personal favorites.  Appetizer hopping, shopping at Pottery Barn (I’m in love with my new throw pillows) and Crate and Barrel, dinner at my fave place of all time, Maggiano’s.  Then a night cap (for Den) at a local pub.  It’s been months since we went on a date, just the two of us without there being some event going on.  Sure we’ve been away from the kiddos for a couple nights.  Weddings, birthday parties.  You get the idea.  But, there is something to be said for quiet one on one time with your favorite person in the entire world.  With the kids being so sick recently and the stresses of every day life we kind of lost sight in appreciating each other’s time- so we took full advantage on Saturday.  Celebrating our marriage is my all time favorite thing about October.  

This coming weekend is going to be amazing.  A couple of my favorite Chicago suburb bloggers are hosting cottage sales and I plan on being the first in line.  I'm hunting for vintage ironstone, a clock and old lockers for a project for the boys'  room.  Keeping my fingers crossed that I come across a couple of these finds as I drool over 100+ year old furniture that I wish I could bring home.  And, last but certainly not least we have a HUGE surprise for the boys- compliments of a dear friend.  Can't wait to see their reactions to it and share the photos!

Oh, October!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

House Arrest


House Arrest

It’s been a long twelve days in the Breier house.  We've been on house arrest.  What started as sore throats accompanied by high fevers quickly turned into bronchitis and walking pneumonia with fevers that just would not quit.  Luckily, we have an amazing pediatrician who put the both of them on high dose antibiotics and steroids to try and avoid paying the hospital a visit to administer antibiotics.  I must say though, that this route was very slow- and I am without patience these days especially on my average of three hours of sleep per night.  Green snots are now visiting our house as the infections are finally saying their goodbyes.  Most days I can’t believe how much energy our boys have.  So, when something like this hits them and they spend their days lethargic and on a couch I’m reminded that I would take the high dose of energy over the illness any day.  

Today was a little different.  Michael didn’t complain about his throat, and William’s cough only sounded like a Chi-hua-hua and not a Rotweiller.  Outside we went for the first time in TWELVE stinkin’ days to enjoy a little bit of the fresh fall air during Bears halftime.  Uncle Nemo and Daddy taught the boys the art of tackling as I kept tabs on the clock.  I was not willing to let them be outside too long, fearing that the fresh air would reverse the affects of the antibiotics.  Freedom for twenty minutes.  It was wonderful to see them giggling and running about.  Oh, how I missed the high dose of energy.