When I'm away ...

This is what happens when Sarah's in charge of dinner ... No wonder the boys like hers better!

What a Great Day!

We finally got to get outside and play! I grabbed both boys, hooked the trailer up to my bike, and we took a ride to the soccer fields at the Park of Roses.  To play soccer with Uncle James and Cousin Tenzin.  Henry started itching for the playground right away, so our plans changed and we lit off for the slides and swings.  Emerson had an absolute blast tagging behind his big brother and cousin.  Then we all went to the library, and eventually made our way home. Quite needed and deserved after the freeze we've been feeling lately ...

Mommy's little protester

Our family is very interested in Ohio Senate Bill 5, which seeks to strip collective bargaining from all public employees, which includes teachers (including Mommy!). Henry and Sarah joined a protest at the Statehouse. Henry held his sign proudly.

When asked about the bill, Henry responded that if they pass the bill, it means that "they don't want Mommy to be a teacher anymore." Interesting perspective ...

Emerson went poopy in the potty!

Henry just came down to inform me that our youngest just told his Mommy "potty", went and sat down, and went poopy in the potty! Saints be praised! Who knows if this will be consistent, and I don't care. We'll revel in this for now.

May the Force be With You

Halloween was incredible this year. It was Emerson's first year of walking door-to-door, and Henry has quickened his candy-seeking pace. The boys got all dolled up for their school's Fall Festival, then went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, then donned their costumes one last time in Grandview (thanks Matt and Laura!). this picture says it all ...

The Marauder!

Emerson is fully mobile now, and can often be found careening through the house getting into one sort of mischief ... Or another. Henry announces his arrival by yelling "The Marauder's coming!" which will almost assuedly be followed by Emer's infectious giggle and, when he whips around the corner, his impossible smile. Impossible because no matter what he's doing (coloring the dog, throwing chalk in the toilet, pulling out your chest hair), that smile makes it impossible to be mad at him.

And he knows it. Everyone better buckle in!

Braces!!!

Yeah .. it happened.  I can't shake it anymore ... I had to get braces.  Or lose my teeth (eventually).  At least, that's what the orthodontist said.  And the periodontist.



So, here's the scoop after a couple hours with them:

1. They don't hurt.  Yet.  They do, however, feel roughly how I thought they would on the back of my lips.  That is, until I ...
2. Talk! Talking is a big part of my job, and it's just plain weird now.  Hopefully this improves.
   
3. Or Chew! Eating sucks! It's bad enough that I have to eat a sandwich as if it were a landmine, but I also keep about half of it in in my damn braces ... and it's a bear to get crap out (I'm assuming that I'll get better at this, too, but still ...)
4. I'm sure I'm not the only adult to get these things, but not if today's visit is any indication ... everyone else got to go to soccer practice, or got to play, or had a recital ... I had to get back to work.
   

So, bring it with your schoolyard taunts, tired insults and hard luck stories ... I've got 17 months, 30 days left of these things (plus 3+ years of retainers) and I'm in it to win it.