30 Before Thirty

I'm sure most people have heard of the concept of a "bucket list".  Well, here is another popular thing to do and it's to make a list of 30 things that you'd like to accomplish/do before you turn thirty.  Since I'm a little late in the game on this one and have less than one year to finish my list I've tried to be realistic.  Keep in mind that I have a limited budget with which to work with, limited time, and three little ones that need my constant care.  That said, I'm pretty sure I can get these things done, in fact, I can already cross off one thing!  To be fair, I did start making this list before I did # 3, so that counts in my book.  

30 Before 30

1. Purchase a beginner piano book and learn a simple song
2. Take a train ride (on a non-kiddy train)
3. Walk through a corn maze
4. Write 5 handwritten letters to friends
5. Fly a kite with my boys
6. Plant daffodil bulbs in front yard
7. Take a meal to a new mom
8. Pay it forward
9. Visit Connor
10. Try out a new recipe
11. Go Christmas Caroling
12. Post my 500^th blog post
13. Donate to a charity
14. Have a party (not for my children)
15. Take a good friend to lunch
16. Do something nice for a neighbor
17. See a movie at the theater with Derek
18. Decide where Chandler will go to Kindergarten
19. Visit a new city
20. Read one book for fun
21. Update our mailbox
22. Figure out how to upload videos to the blog
23. Have a progressive dinner party
24. Bring a meal to somebody who is sick/has sick kids
25. Try a “fancy” cupcake
26. Volunteer at the preschool
27. Bake & Decorate cookies with my 3 messy boys
28. Have a live Christmas tree for the first time in 10+ years
29. Visit the Biltmore House, or at least plan the trip*
30. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride, or plan it!*

*Disclaimer.....I put that I'd like to plan # 29 & 30 since it's doubtful that I'll do these before I turn 30.  Since I'll still be nursing Maverick at that point, I won't be leaving him for a weekend away anytime soon.  Maybe these can occur in the Fall of 2012, at least the year that I turn 30.  Also, I'd like to mention that I had to do some sweet talking to convince my sweetie to do # 30 with me since he has declared boldly on more than one occasion that he will not ride in a hot air balloon.  I think it's a control issue for him since he likes to be in control and not just headed wherever the wind takes him.  This can be seen as a metaphor for his life too (I think).  

Wish me luck!  Occasionally I'll repost this list with updates on what I do.  To get me started, I'd like to "Pay it Forward" to the first three people to comment on this post.  Sorry, this is for non-related people only.  I was inspired by Four Bright Eyes with her post about paying it forward.  She sent me a handmade tea towel that was so nice.  I will make a handmade gift that will be delivered or mailed before I turn 30 to the lucky recipients.  Hopefully they will be inspired to "Pay it Forward" as well.  

Spotlight on: Chandler

I just wanted to post today about my firstborn, Chandler.  He is approaching 4 1/2 and is just an amazing little boy.  He can certainly push my (and Brighton's and Daddy's) buttons when he wants to, but is overall a great kid.  He is so thoughtful and caring and all of his teachers be it at preschool, Awana, or MOPS, just rave about what a good helper he is and how he is so well behaved.  Hopefully that means I'm doing something right!

Above is a picture of his latest "craft" at MOPS.  This year in the 4s & 5s class they really do an advanced craft every week.  That is certainly a testament to the devotion that these teachers have to the Lord.  They do this with no pay, only receiving the blessings that these kids bring to their lives.  You may not can tell, but the picture on the pillow is of Chandler, and it was taken exactly two weeks ago at our last MOPS meeting.  The funny/amazing thing to me is that Chandler has on the exact shirt in both the picture and today.  I had to do a double-take.  He is really proud of his new pillow, and so am I.

Chandler is really starting to grow up in terms of his learning too.  He likes to write out his letters and is getting really good at sounding out the letters in words.  We practice a little during his quiet time each day and I've recently bought him some more workbooks since he has flown through all the ones I bought in August.  He is doing some beginning Math with counting and adding and is always wanting more to do.  I've been reading out loud the Magic Tree House book series to him and he really enjoys hearing about "Jack & Annie" and pretends to be on whatever adventure they are on too.

Chandler is also a great big brother to both Brighton and Maverick.  He (generally) is very helpful to them whenever they need something and loves to show them anything new.  I'm so proud to be his mama!

6 month stats

Maverick's 6 Month Stats

Weight: 17 lbs 1 oz (40 %)

Length:  26.75" (55 %)

Head: 44 cm (50 %)

Also, Maverick is now "sleeping through the night" and goes down about 7:30 p.m. and gets up between 6-7 a.m.  I prefer when he gets up about 7 a.m.  He is still swaddled for naptime, although we keep his arms out.  My little cutie pie has currently tried sweet potatoes, bananas, pears, and apples.  I think we'll let him try some juice or water in a cup soon and see how he likes that. 

Survival Tips...

When you find yourself being a single parent, the key for survival is:

Delegate.

Delegate.

Delegate.

The City of Steel...

So, I can't remember the last time that I have actually written a post to this blog. At one point, I was the only one that posted to this blog! So, Mommy has some posts about life at home without Daddy for the week. I thought I'd pitch in and show you where Daddy is and what he is up to....for those who care..... I am in Pittsburgh all week for business. I'm an explorer, so when I'm not busy with the conference or meeting with clients and colleagues, I'm on the go...I really should have brought my sneakers, because my feet and calves are pretty sore from the amount of walking I've been doing. Pittsburgh seems pretty neat in that regard though, for a fairly large city, seems like you can walk to most places if you're willing. Here's where I'm staying....

Kinda neat to have a city with both the professional football stadium, the professional baseball stadium, and the professional hockey stadium, all within walking distance:

To the southside of the city is a small mountain that has cable car like things that are on a track, and you ride up them to the top. The view of the city below is pretty neat:

So, on my way back to the hotel this evening, I overheard on the street some people talking about the Penguins having a gave this evening....while pointing out the traffic around downtown. So, out of curiosity, I jokingly asked the concierge at my hotel, if she had any ideas of possible ways to get cheap tickets. I really wasn't expecting anything...but the concierge is really friendly and fun to talk to...so I gave it a shot. I think my wife has taught me this (she is really good at getting deals and finding out information by asking a question to someone who I thought would never be able to help or have any information on the subject matter) and it is really starting to rub off. It pays to ask...as a result I scored this seat to the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings preseason game tonight:

So, the concierge worked closely with a broker, and literally, no more than 15 minutes went by and the ticket was hand delivered to my hotel room. How much did the ticket cost you may ask? Well...again, I was interested in cheap tickets, so I wasn't going to spend much. So, the face value of the ticket was $180...I went to the game, having to spend more for nachos and a pepsi than I did for that $180 face value ticket. Good deal for $25. Here are some more pictures of the city I took...

Overall a good trip. I am definitely not used to the traveling lifestyle...neat for a change. But honestly, and I really am being honest (not just saying what my wife wants to hear), I do miss my wife and boys terribly. Can honestly say it is hard not kissing them goodnight.

I will be home soon....

Maverick's Playdate

Today Maverick had his first playdate that was truly his own.  No big brothers interfering, just Maverick and his buddy, Cameron.  Cameron is only 5 days older than Maverick so they will grow up being best buds.  Cameron has one older sister who was in Kindergarten while C&B were in preschool this morning, so it worked out great.  I forgot my camera, but Cameron's mommy let me use her 

I-phone to grab a quick pic of the boys at play!  Cameron is a mover and shaker who is already cruising!  

We had a great time and can't wait to do it again!

In other news, Maverick "slept through the night" last night in terms of not eating.  He stirred and fussed for about 10-15 minutes about 1 a.m. but then dozed until 6:15 a.m. when he woke up and nursed and THANKFULLY got about 1 more hour of sleep before beginning his day.  

Here's a picture of something I'm not sharing.  Our neighbor brought over 6 of these decadent berries for us because he won't eat them all and his wife doesn't like them?!?  Anyways, they have been an awesome treat for me and there's no way I'm wasting them on C & B.  They can have a lollipop or something else.  These have been heavenly!  YUM!

I'm Pooped!

Today has been a looonng day!  I decided that three children wasn't enough of a challenge and agreed to take on two more for half of the day.  I had my pastor's two youngest daughters that are in sixth and first grade.  It was nice to have the company, but also a challenge keeping everybody happy and entertained for the morning.  We took a walk to a nearby playground and had a picnic lunch.  

Mimi and Granddaddy Bob got this onesie from the beach.  It's 18-month size and already fits!

 It's 8 p.m. and everybody (but me) is in bed.  I'll be headed there soon too.  Unfortunately I still need to clean up dinner and make lunches for preschool tomorrow.  Granddaddy Bob dropped off a pizza for dinner, so that was a nice treat!  Thanks!  Preschool will be a welcome break tomorrow.  Maverick and I also have plans for a playdate with a little boy only 5 days older than him.  Cameron is already crawling, so maybe Maverick can learn a new trick?

Isn't the back adorable??

I wanted to show a picture of M's backside, because 1. It's so cute and 2. It has kept me super busy today.  Since Maverick is now eating a little bit these days it has put his digestive track into high gear.  This little guy has gone from pooping once every two weeks to FIVE, yes FIVE times TODAY!  Needless to say, this required a bath tonight as his little bottom is sore.  I hope he slows down with this soon.  Well, goodnight....dishes are still waiting :)