Boy's Day Out

Jeremy had mentioned taking Ben to see his first movie at the theatre a few weeks ago. We have been bombarded with the question of when they were going ever since.

Monsters vs. Aliens finally arrived on the big screen so Jeremy and Ben made their plans to see it yesterday. Mommy and Owen couldn't go because we would be too loud. (Ben's words verbatim.) He was looking forward to the promise of popcorn, candy, lemonade and a little time alone with his dad.

Ben was not disappointed. When they arrived home he was even chattier than his usual self (which is to say really chatty...the candy and lemonade just might have had something to do with it.) I was excited that they had a good time and was glad that Jeremy was able to enjoy it with him.

Later in the day Ben said "I'm going to have a cookie."

I told Ben that he could have the gigantic cookie from a sub shop, but he needed to share it. Needless to say I was surprised by his response of "Oh, dammit".

I tried not to share my surprise or laugh. I knew that this would happen eventually but I wasn't completely sure what to do about it. I ended up telling him that it wasn't a very nice word to say. I then just had to ask where he had heard it. He was very quick to point the blame on his dad. Again I tried not to laugh. I went downstairs to "talk" to Jeremy. When I came back up I told Ben that his Daddy was informed as well that it wasn't a nice word to use so we should say something else instead. Ben thought about it for a second and decided that "Oh shoot" would be more appropriate. I didn't want to make this too big of a deal so we returned to our conversation about seals.

I guess this is what I'm in for when the boys hang out without me. Oh shoot.



From Burgin Boys to Burgin Bunch

I loaded a very excited Ben and Owen up for an overnight visit to meet the newest member of the Burgin family, Maya Jane. The boys were thrilled to get to see their buddies, Mason and Mitchell, and I couldn't wait to get my hot little hands on that sweet baby girl.
We arrived Thursday evening and the fun immediately began. The boys played hard all evening and through the next day. It had been several months since we've all been together and this time Owen was really in the thick of things trying to keep up with the big kids. Every toy and game was scattered throughout the house when Aunt Kelly was sweet talked into getting out the finger paints. It took Ben, who doesn't like to get his hands messy, a little time to get comfy with the paints. Before we knew it the artwork was shifting from the paper to their arms and we were about to have 3 Incredible Hulks on our hands.We were going to head back home on Friday, but by the time I got around to it, it would have been late when we arrived. We decided to stay until the following morning. We were all having such a good time and I was able to enjoy a little extra snuggle time with Miss Maya.It was a teary eyed good bye when we left. I was spoiled by getting to spend almost every day with Kelly and the boys last summer. Even though we manage to put in our requisite three phone calls per day, I miss seeing her and the kids...now that Maya's in the mix it was even harder.

We'll be making the trip again soon. Jeremy was bummed that he wasn't able to go with us so we have plans for a pit stop in a few weeks.



Wordless Wednesday; Copycats



Finally Blogworthy

When Owen and I picked up Ben from preschool on Tuesday we were met with the question, "what is today?".

After I said Tuesday he immediately asked, "What's tomorrow?".

That would be Wednesday.

This went on until I had reached Friday with my answer. He perked up and said, "Greg and Aunt Steph are coming then! Do I have to take a nap before they get here?"
They arrived Friday evening to much excitement and fanfare. The boys were beside themselves when Greg and Steph came into the house. It helped that Greg shared the quesadilla from Ben's favorite restaurant, Taco Bueno. Aunt Steph's cup of ice was quite captivating to Owen. He would take off the lid, replace it, take out the straw, replace it and repeat. He then started putting his hand in the cup. Steph taught him to say, "Brr". Meanwhile poor Uncle Greg was locked in jail several times that evening before it was time for Superhero Ben to call it a night.

The next morning Ben insisted that we needed donuts from Lamars. It seemed that we were still on our sugar high when we were making plans for lunch. Steph is not a huge fan of barbecue, but Greg is so we offered them a compromise. Fiorela's Jack Stack Barbecue at Country Club Plaza. We could eat...then shop.While Steph and I were getting all dolled up, Greg and Jeremy took the boys and Layla outside to play. Ben talked Greg into drawing the biggest "hoppity" scotch board known to man. The weather was fabulous and the boys enjoyed walking around the plaza. I let them go at their own pace and they loved discovering rocks and store windows. We were all beat by late afternoon so we decided to hang out at home for the rest of the evening.The end of the weekend came too soon. Before we knew it Sunday had arrived and it was time for them to pack up and go. We thought about holding them hostage, but let them go after subjecting them to our favorite place to get breakfast, The Big Biscuit.There-they did it! Greg and Steph finally made the blog!!!



Clean Laundry

I saw this on another blog several months ago but it was aired as "dirty" laundry. It obviously hit a nerve with me because I still remember the negativity that it included. Now, I'm not always sunshine and roses, but I don't feel the need to call out my friends and family in a public manner. I did however think it would be fun to say something sweet that I just wouldn't come right out and say about them. The catch to this is I don't include a name so you can't be certain that I'm talking about you.

Here's my laundry list.

1. Thank you for the suggestion that got me to jump into the world of blogging. Your comments always make me smile and I love that our boys are similar in what they are doing and have done. I love the technology that keeps us in the know about each other's lives!

2. I have known you your entire life. You probably looked up to me and at times had to wonder what the heck are you thinking?!? Now it is me and my boys who are looking up to you.

3. Even though I don't see you day in and day out like we once did, I still treasure our friendship and think of you often. You are a great motivator and such and inspiration to everyone around you. Not only are you stunning on the outside, you are equally beautiful on the inside.

4. You had a crazy ride this year. I like to think that our close friendship was the best thing that came out of it! You are one of the strongest, funniest, bestest mom's I've ever known. I adore and admire you for all that you are. I am so lucky to have you in my life.

5. You always know how to put a smile on my face. You have an amazing energy and such a big heart that just draws people to you. When I picked your name from a list, I had no idea how important you would be to me some day. Even with our busy lives I still look forward to our next excursion together.

6. You have been a part of my life from the beginning and I have so many wonderful memories because of it. My love of travel and sense of adventure is all because of you. I love how excited you are about getting to spend time with my boys and they love you too.

7. You seem quiet and calm until someone gets to know you, but you have such a wonderful sense of humor. We have both been through the good the bad and the ugly and were able to commiserate together. You can't even imagine how happy I am for you! Am I wrong to think that this special someone is the someone you've been waiting for?

8. When we first met, I heard that you were intimidated by me. I hate that I ever came across that way. It was just some sort of insecurity on my part. I'm more amazed by you and your strength now than I ever thought possible. (Even five years ago when you included me in one of the most important days of your life!) Your smile brightens up a room and you have a special way of putting everyone around you at ease.

9. Thank you for being on the other end of the phone when I have a bad day. I miss the lunch dates we used to have before I moved away. Even when you don't feel your best you are quick to smile and laugh without complaining. I hope that you're back 100% soon.

10. I find myself intentionally emulating you on a daily basis. You have such love for your family and I believe it when you say you would give your right arm for any of them. Your heart is enormous and everyone who knows you loves you. I wish that I had half of your energy and skills in the kitchen. My boys love you as much as I do.


Wow, I could go on and on and on because there are so many great people in my life. I am so lucky!!!



Stop in and stay forever

Wednesday afternoon our niece, Ashley, and her friend, Chris, stopped in on their way back from San Diego to Chicago. Ben asked must have asked a million times "when are they going to get here?". They arrived when he was napping. He woke up came down the stairs and sprinted over to his cousin while screeching her name. His excitement was adorable. He's always had a sweet spot for her. Before he could say Ashley, he called her Cha-Cha on her visits out with Grandma Guthrie.

We took them to one of our favorite Italian restaraunts that we don't frequent often enough. The waiter was getting our drink order when Ben requested a quesadilla. We lauged and explained that they didn't serve quesadilla's but he could share a cheese pizza with Owen. After perusing the menu we all decided what we would be having and placed our orders. Much to our surprise when the food arrived so did a special quesadilla just for Ben. The waiter's tip shot right up. The boys charmed Ashley and Chris throughout the rest of the meal.

When I was tucking Ben into bed that evening he asked when they would be leaving. I told him that they would probably be taking off when he was at school the next day.

"Can they stay forever?" Oh, buddy, I wish they could have. We had a wonderful time with them.



So- I'm not crafty

My mom got me this awesome monogram to put above our bed. I saw it in a catalog and thought about ordering it but kept putting it off. She surprised me by having it made for my birthday! I was going to wait until she came out for a visit to put it up, but I was too excited about it and decided to try to pull it off by myself this afternoon.

She is much more of a perfectionist than I am, so that being said I think that I did a pretty good job. Just don't get too close to it because you'll see a few bubbles and places that I tried to reposition it to get it straight.

I scared her a little when I called to tell her that some of the dry wall came up when I was trying to move it around. The interior of our house is painted with a very flat paint that I'm pretty sure is only one coat thick. We're constantly scratching and nicking it up. I'm posting this so she knows that it turned out OK and you can't really see where I screwed up.

Thanks Mom! I love it!!!



Must love dogs

Whoever said that dog was "man's" best friend didn't have a one year old. Our dog Layla clearly prefers our little Owen and they have quickly become great buddies. She follows Owen around just waiting for the crumbs to fall off him. During mealtime she sits at his chair waiting for whatever comes her way. Most of the time this is accidental as the majority of the food from his plate ends up on the floor. Sometimes though he will reach over and give her whatever is in his hand at the time. He likes to share.

Ben is a little, OK a lot, louder than Owen and his sudden moves tend to make Layla (and me) a little nervous. Nevertheless, she still follows him around to see what type of trouble he is going to find.

I knew the boys would fall in love with her instantly but I am amazed at how quickly I became a "dog" person. I thought that I would be a little reserved when it came to the new addition but she is so easy to love. Layla is wonderful with the boys and lets them play rough with her and her toys. They crowd her, invade her personal space and don't yet know that you are supposed to let a sleeping dog lie. When she's had enough she just gets up and moves to another spot in the sun. When the boys go to bed, she curls up with me on the couch for a little quiet time-the only quiet time either of of gets all day.



It's already been a year

The old house

I can't believe a year has gone by since we said goodbye to our first home and moved to the Kansas City area. I was still pregnant with Owen when I got the news that Jeremy had received a promotion. So many emotions flooded my already hormone infused state. I teased Jeremy that it this didn't send me into preterm labor, we would be just fine. With Ben newly potty trained and Owen just four months old we were packed up and ready to start our new adventure.

There are a few things that I miss dearly about where we used to live like our church and our favorite restaurants, The Pasta Bowl and Napoli Pizza. I still dislike that our drive to see our parents has increased by three hours, but all in all the move has been great for us. There are churches here (but not with Father Joe and Big Al!) and the restaurants are great especially if you are a fan of barbecue. The best thing by far about living here is the family friendly atmosphere . It reminds me of where I grew up,though on a much larger scale. I still get to see tractors planting the crops in the spring and every now and then get caught behind a combine on the highway.

Jeremy has settled into his job nicely and I love his schedule. He is no longer working overnight shifts and is only on call one weekend per month. In nuclear pharmacy that's about as good as it gets! His co-workers are very friendly and fun to hang out with. I work at a Walgreen's in a nearby town one evening a week. I enjoy the store and look forward to spending a little time outside the house. Retail pharmacy in small doses suites me just fine.

I'm still amazed when Ben mentions something specific about our "old" house. When we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa over the weekend he told Grandma that we used to watch the Little Mermaid at our old house. I think the only change in his world was the TV programming.

This picture of Ben and Owen was taken the day we moved into our new house. I was relieved that it already felt like home after our first night here. I suppose the old adage is true in my case. Home is where the heart is. My heart is evidently right where it's supposed to be-here with my boys.



Wordless Wednesday; Self Feeding



Wordless Wednesday; Treat Time



St. Patty's Day

This was my failed attempt to get a picture of the two of them together in their new shirts from Grandma Uebinger. Owen just isn't into sitting still these days.I wish that we were going to be joining the festivities going on today (especially since the weather is absolutely perfect!) but it looks like donning green will be it for us this year.
Owen's official tooth count is now 16. He had a major eruption of 6 teeth last week. I'm going to chalk up his stomach issues that were going on at the same time to the new teeth. I know that "they" say there isn't a correlation and it is just a coincidence, but I swear he was the same way when he got the last bunch in. I think he's ready for some corned beef and cabbage, but the smell makes my stomach turn, so maybe a nice big steak instead.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!



Round Trip

I packed the bags on Thursday to head to my parents after my six month dental appointment. I'm happy to report that I have very healthy gums and zero cavities. My obsession with flossing seems to be paying off. (Oral-B Satin floss is by far my favorite.) I'm sure that it is part of my CDO (just like OCD but the letters are in alphabetical order like they should be) but I like to think that my hygienist, Jessica, would be personally offended if I didn't heed her advice and continue to take care of my gums.

I arrived home with fluoride paste still painted on my pearly whites and finished loading up the car for our 6 hour family trip. When Ben is asked where my parents live his reply is almost always "in a cornfield". I have told him the exact location but it seems to be lost on him. During a quick potty break a couple of hours into the trip I realized that I had neglected to pack coats or jackets for the boys. I could only imagine what else was left behind.We were welcomed at 11:00 pm by two very eager grandparents who couldn't wait to get their hands on the boys. We stayed up way past our usual bedtime so that Ben and Owen could show Grandma Terri and Papa all their latest tricks. They hadn't yet seen Owen's new walking and talking skills in person and were thrilled to see him run around the living room calling me "DaDa". Since he started walking his favorite words are "DaDa" and Layla. I suppose that I would be more putt off if he were calling me by our dog's name.
Ben woke up early Friday morning to help Papa feed the cows and was met with another wonderful suprise. Beside the fact that I packed enough socks for a month long stay, I did not pack any underwear for Ben. My lack of preparation isn't really the surprise-just a sidenote about how completely unorganized and forgettful I am becoming. The real suprise was for the boys. My dad has spent the winter months crafting a train of sorts out of barrels to be pulled behind the four-wheeler. It was adorable and both boys absolutely loved it.
My brother Greg and his wife Steph came to visit that evening. I had been waiting since June to see their wedding video and decided that it was every bit worth the wait. I wound up misty eyed several times while watching it(and not only because my winter weight gain was suddenly obvious, geez it's not always about me.) I feel like I need to add a wedding picture just to commemorate the occasion. They were sweet and got me my very own copy so I can watch it over and over and over again like the stalker that I tend to be. Uncle Ryan and Aunt Julie brought their kids (and coats for my boys) on Saturday. Ryan took all them for a "train" ride later in the day. We decided that if it was warmer and we had enough gas, we wouldn't hear a peep out of the little ones the entire day. Unfortunately the temp was only in the 40s so we eventually went back inside where it was anything but quiet. Julie has undergone two rounds of chemo but will be getting a break until the end of April when her treatment will resume. She seems to be doing pretty good now that she has some strength back.Ben has always had a crush on Uncle John's girlfriend, Emily, but now it seems like she has worked her magic on Owen as well. His eyes got so big when she came into the room and he could not get to her fast enough. Soon he will be showing off for her just like his big brother.Our immediate family was joined by the extended Uebinger clan for dinner that evening. It has been an unfortunate health year for many of them so I was elated to see so many of my aunts, uncles and cousin, Tonya. Owen turned my Aunt Una's walker into a jungle gym and was disappointed when it was folded away. I was surprised to see my Aunt Jane looking so spry so soon after her recent surgery and am glad that she's on her way to recovery.After enjoying yummy cinnamon rolls (compliments of Aunt Doris) it was already time to start packing up for the trip back home on Sunday. Ben didn't want to leave and I'm pretty sure that he would have been OK with us leaving him behind. He already wants to know when we are going back and when Aunt Doris is going to come to our house to play. The trip back home was pretty uneventful. We landed on a classic rock station and the boys both were clapping and dancing to Queen's "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions". They also seemed to thoroughly enjoy my rendition of "I Love Rock and Roll" before pulling into the garage.



Wordless Wednesday; Play Time