{vote!}

{homecoming!}

Here's what's been going on here....

We had a nice dinner for Rosh Hashana. Only ONE bakery around here sells challah, and they didn't have any extra round challahs (next year I'll know to pre-order) so I had to bake my own. Not too shabby, if you ask me! And it tasted yummy, too!

Gerard was attacked by mosquitos last weekend and his eye swelled up like Rocky Balboa. I never would have guessed that three little bites above his eyebrow could cause this kind of reaction! This is what it looked like on day 2:


And this is day 3:

Morgan is getting cuter (and funnier!) by the day. Here are some pictures of her, and a few of the two of them playing together so nicely.

Today was homecoming in our district. Each of the lower schools was able to enter a float into the parade and anyone from that school could ride. Gerard just had to ride on their float (although I don't think he had any idea what a homecoming parade float was). Morgan, big Gerard and I watched from the sidelines.

Edited to add: The float was not just a pickup truck, Debbie! There was a flatbed attached to the truck and it was decorated for spring (the theme was the 4 seasons). Gerard just decided to ride in the back of the truck because our neighbors were in there. They're all wearing raincoats and rainboots for spring. :)

{l'shana tova!}

Happy New Year to all my Jewish friends and family. May you be inscribed in the book of life!

{second child syndrome}

No, Debbie, I am NOT neglecting Morgan! ;)

We've just been busy (imagine that!) and I haven't had my camera out much. We played outside today so I thought I'd try to get some pictures. The weather has been beautiful -- about 10 degrees warmer than normal -- and we've been taking full advantage of the sun! Morgan even wore a sundress and white sandals (yes, Ma, even after Labor Day!)


This is the box that Gerard's 4-wheeler came in. I'm embarrassed to admit that they've gotten more use out of the BOX than the actual vehicle. I wanted to throw the box away quite a while ago but Gerard just wouldn't let me. It's their fort! (And by their I mean Gerard's, Morgan's, Maddie's and Abby's.) They've spent countless afternoons just coloring it. Hey, whatever keeps them happy!





Oh, I just have to share another funny "Gerardism".... Both Gerards were watching their beloved Steelers on Sunday when big Gerard said (or should I say yelled at the TV) "C'mon Roethlisberger! Stop dancing around in the pocket and get outta there!" To which little Gerard responded, wholeheartedly, "Maybe he just has to pee."

{random things}

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Thanks for all the compliments on Gerard's party stuff. I had fun making everything and Gerard really seemed to like it all. However, next year I'm hoping for a more mainstream party idea. Those party stores are around for a reason!

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He's loving all his gifts. He got Monopoly Jr, Batman Legos, Spiderman Yahtzee Jr, and Army patrol boat, a Hotwheels race track, Connect 4 and Nerf dart guns. I couldn't have thought of better gifts myself. Here he is yesterday morning playing with the Nerf guns, still in his boxers:

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Gerard is loving Kindergarten. They're working on patterns (piece of cake) and opposites (easy peasy) and punctuation (something new!) Other than that he remembers nothing about what they do all day. :)

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Morgan is very resourceful. If she can't get something she wants, she figures out a way to get it. Yesterday she wanted something on the counter in the kitchen but she couldn't reach it. She took the step stool from the bathroom, carried it over to the counter, stood on it and got what she wanted. Oh, and aren't her pj's cute?!h

{book club}

A few friends and I have started a book club! I'm excited to be reading something other than Sonic comic books, Goodnight Moon and Dr. Seuss books. Our first book was Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs and now we're reading Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson. I'm going to try to keep an updated list (with links) on the sidebar to the right. If you have any good suggestions for future books, please let me know! We'd like to pick books that come recommended by someone other than Oprah.

{party!}

Gerard's Sonic birthday party was a success. The kids all had fun as did the adults (as evidenced by the 5:00 departure of most guests from the party that ended at 2:30!)

Morgan is napping and Gerard is playing with his new toys, which he LOVES, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to post a few pictures...

Pin the spine on Sonic


The pinata


The cake