During the Columbus Day holiday weekend, we took a trip. We hit the road and planned a fun couple of days in Lancaster, PA. Our final destination was Jeff's cousin's farm in Solebury, PA for his Aunt's 70th birthday celebration, but first we were going to have our own brand of Toppall fun.
We left on Thursday, after Ian got out of kindergarten and made it to the hotel by 9:00pm. Not too bad considering all the traffic we hit. Upon check-in at the hotel, we were handed 4 huge, warm from the oven, chocolate chip cookies. The kids were delighted by this and it started our trip off on a good note.
When we walked into the room, Sam took a quick tour of her new surroundings and realized she was missing a bed. She opened one of the dresser drawers and exclaimed, "Sammy crib here." She really thought she was going to sleep in a drawer. Too cute. We told her a crib was being sent up and her bed would arrive soon. She was so excited when her port-a-crib arrived and instantly tried to climb in to go to sleep.
The kids did not fall asleep on the drive up and were more than ready to crash as soon as their heads hit the pillows. We had a big day planned for Friday and everyone needed to get a good night of sleep.
Stay tuned for the next installment of The Toppall's visit Lancaster.
Tips that made this day such a success:
1. The irony was not lost on me that in order to visit the Amish in Lancaster, we traveled with 2 iTouches, 2 blackberry phones, a digital camera, a kindle, netbook, white noise machine, and video monitor. The last two items were to ensure Sam would sleep and if not, we would be able to tell if she was standing. Lately, she has been screaming in her sleep and who wants to get out of bed, if it is not completely necessary? We had more electronics going on then Times Square being lit when the ball drops on New Year's Eve. But all of these items were very much needed and helped us get from Burke to Lancaster in comfort and settle in to the hotel easily.
2. Getting two rooms with a door in the middle is key! We had a "Family Suite" at the DoubleTree in Lancaster and it was a Godsend. Very necessary when Jeff and I wake-up before the kids. We can turn the tv on, go to the bathroom, talk and move around without being in jeopardy of waking up the kids.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
There's nothing sweeter!
There is something so sweet and innocent about being 3, 4, 5 years old. I love that Ian warmly greets his friends (both boys and girls) with open arms for great big, bear hugs that envelop their whole body. And when walking from the playground, to the picnic table, to their bikes, through the mall, to ride the train, or even in the school hallway, they hold each other's hands making their way from point A to point B.
What a wonderful world we live in that Ian and his friends can express their genuine like for each other and not feel compelled to conform to society's view of how two people should interact. I am not sure at what age these kids will stop the huge hugs hello, good-bye and openly holding hands, but I hope it continues for a long time.
I no longer remember the process for making new friends. But I've gotten a glimpse, through Ian, of how 5 year olds make friends. Each day, I'll ask Ian who he spoke to and if considers them a friend or not. I find it interesting that Ian can talk to the same kid each day, even sit next to them, but doesn't think of them as an official friend. There was this one little boy, named James, that Ian spoke about all the time. I asked Ian if he thought of James as a friend, and Ian said, "No, I haven't asked him yet." Apparently, another classmate doesn't get the label "friend" until a formal conversation occurs; where one person asks another person if they would like to be friends. The other day, Ian got in the car after school was over, and had the biggest smile on his face. He said he is now friends with Olivia M. I asked him if he said, "Hey Olivia, do you want to be friends?" and Ian replied back to me with, "No, Olivia came up to me and said, "Please, do you want be my friend?." Ian said he will never say no if someone asks him to be his friend. He said he wants to have two girlfriends and two boyfriends, but he'll be friends with everyone.
Everyone who knows me, is aware how concerned I was Ian wouldn't have any friends, especially having entered kindergarten not knowing anyone, I had no idea the rules for making friends, but I like that these kids have a figured out a way to make sure the friendship is mutual. I don't remember ever getting specifically asked or me asking anyone if they wanted to be friends, but I like this updated 2010 approach. It lets you know instantly where you stand with the other person. And, it makes me feel better that Ian has confirmation on the friendship.
What a wonderful world we live in that Ian and his friends can express their genuine like for each other and not feel compelled to conform to society's view of how two people should interact. I am not sure at what age these kids will stop the huge hugs hello, good-bye and openly holding hands, but I hope it continues for a long time.
I no longer remember the process for making new friends. But I've gotten a glimpse, through Ian, of how 5 year olds make friends. Each day, I'll ask Ian who he spoke to and if considers them a friend or not. I find it interesting that Ian can talk to the same kid each day, even sit next to them, but doesn't think of them as an official friend. There was this one little boy, named James, that Ian spoke about all the time. I asked Ian if he thought of James as a friend, and Ian said, "No, I haven't asked him yet." Apparently, another classmate doesn't get the label "friend" until a formal conversation occurs; where one person asks another person if they would like to be friends. The other day, Ian got in the car after school was over, and had the biggest smile on his face. He said he is now friends with Olivia M. I asked him if he said, "Hey Olivia, do you want to be friends?" and Ian replied back to me with, "No, Olivia came up to me and said, "Please, do you want be my friend?." Ian said he will never say no if someone asks him to be his friend. He said he wants to have two girlfriends and two boyfriends, but he'll be friends with everyone.
Everyone who knows me, is aware how concerned I was Ian wouldn't have any friends, especially having entered kindergarten not knowing anyone, I had no idea the rules for making friends, but I like that these kids have a figured out a way to make sure the friendship is mutual. I don't remember ever getting specifically asked or me asking anyone if they wanted to be friends, but I like this updated 2010 approach. It lets you know instantly where you stand with the other person. And, it makes me feel better that Ian has confirmation on the friendship.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Heard and Observed XVI
Riding in the car one day, Ian tells me the following (completely out of the blue):
"For my 7th birthday, I do not want to have a surprise party. Because when you have a surprise party, you have to arrive last. For my parties, I always want to be the first one there."
I think I find this even more amusing because Ian is only 5. He still has yet to celebrate turning 6. But, because in his mind, that party (a monster jam truck party) is already planned down to every, little detail (a good 8 months from now), he has moved on to dreaming about turning 7.
"For my 7th birthday, I do not want to have a surprise party. Because when you have a surprise party, you have to arrive last. For my parties, I always want to be the first one there."
I think I find this even more amusing because Ian is only 5. He still has yet to celebrate turning 6. But, because in his mind, that party (a monster jam truck party) is already planned down to every, little detail (a good 8 months from now), he has moved on to dreaming about turning 7.
Friday, October 8, 2010
More hip than I realized
The other day I was reading The Washington Post's Style section and came across the following article, "Back to prep cool: Lisa Birnbach updates her preppy guide". It was a book review on Ms. Birnbach's updated version of her Official Preppy Handbook (written 30 years ago). At the end of the article, was a summary from the new book that gives a description of what a preppy residence in today's age looks like. Besides listing an extra-large sized box of goldfish from Costco (check!), the following was also included:
Ashes of ancestral dogs. Birnback keeps the cremains of her late Yorkie, Archie, in a box. Says Birnbach, "A dead dog is a decorating must."
Wow, this just cracked me up. I had to laugh at the thought that Bailey's remains, sitting on top of a wine/shelf cabinet in our dining room makes us 'oh so hip.' Every now and then something will happen and I get a good chuckle from that lovable dog. I still miss him dearly, but now I feel like he is meant to be hanging out in our dining room (very discreetly, of course) making me feel more in fashion than I realize.
"...a decorating must." were the words used. Huh, I wonder if Nate Berkus and Martha Strewart know about this latest trend.
Ashes of ancestral dogs. Birnback keeps the cremains of her late Yorkie, Archie, in a box. Says Birnbach, "A dead dog is a decorating must."
Wow, this just cracked me up. I had to laugh at the thought that Bailey's remains, sitting on top of a wine/shelf cabinet in our dining room makes us 'oh so hip.' Every now and then something will happen and I get a good chuckle from that lovable dog. I still miss him dearly, but now I feel like he is meant to be hanging out in our dining room (very discreetly, of course) making me feel more in fashion than I realize.
"...a decorating must." were the words used. Huh, I wonder if Nate Berkus and Martha Strewart know about this latest trend.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
All the news you need to know re: Sam
PRESCHOOL:
The first day in the 2's class was rocky! But Sam has rebounded nicely and likes it very much. It is a great group of kids in class with her. She was a little unsure about me leaving her, but the report from the teacher comes back that this is all for show and once I've left the room, she instantly stops crying and has a great time. And, I am happy to report that yesterday upon drop-off, Sam gave me a kiss good-bye and then pushed me away. She was more than ready to start playing and I was only getting in her way.
GETTING INTO THE SWING OF THINGS, MAYBE:
Gymnastics - Circle time and the warm-up exercises are not for her. But once you get on the real gymnastics equipment, she goes crazy. The teacher sets up obstacle courses and Sam will run from obstacle to obstacle, only to stand in line and wait till it is her turn. She loves this class.
Ballet/Tap - Oy! The first class was a disaster. If you heard screaming on the morning of Sept. 22nd, it was because we were having a knock-down drag out fight trying to get her dressed in her leotard and tights. "NO TARD!!! NO TARD!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO TAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDD" Sam would scream over and over again at the top of her lungs. She ended up going in shorts and a top. We made it to the class and Sam refused to put on her ballet shoes. Heck, for that matter, she refused to go in the class without me. The whole morning was a nightmare and I was ready to officially drop her from the class. I decided I would give it a 2nd try before making that decision final.
A week later I was able to get her leotard and skirt on her, but no tights or ballet shoes. She wouldn't go in the room without me. After 20 minutes of me (yes, me!) doing all the ballet and dance moves the teacher was doing and Sam just stood there doing nothing, I was at the end of my rope. We left the room and I put in a request to drop the class. Maybe we will try again in Spring. Maybe never. :)
But, you have to admit, Sam does look awfully cute in the pieces I did manage to get her to wear.
The first day in the 2's class was rocky! But Sam has rebounded nicely and likes it very much. It is a great group of kids in class with her. She was a little unsure about me leaving her, but the report from the teacher comes back that this is all for show and once I've left the room, she instantly stops crying and has a great time. And, I am happy to report that yesterday upon drop-off, Sam gave me a kiss good-bye and then pushed me away. She was more than ready to start playing and I was only getting in her way.
GETTING INTO THE SWING OF THINGS, MAYBE:
Gymnastics - Circle time and the warm-up exercises are not for her. But once you get on the real gymnastics equipment, she goes crazy. The teacher sets up obstacle courses and Sam will run from obstacle to obstacle, only to stand in line and wait till it is her turn. She loves this class.
Ballet/Tap - Oy! The first class was a disaster. If you heard screaming on the morning of Sept. 22nd, it was because we were having a knock-down drag out fight trying to get her dressed in her leotard and tights. "NO TARD!!! NO TARD!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO TAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDD" Sam would scream over and over again at the top of her lungs. She ended up going in shorts and a top. We made it to the class and Sam refused to put on her ballet shoes. Heck, for that matter, she refused to go in the class without me. The whole morning was a nightmare and I was ready to officially drop her from the class. I decided I would give it a 2nd try before making that decision final.
A week later I was able to get her leotard and skirt on her, but no tights or ballet shoes. She wouldn't go in the room without me. After 20 minutes of me (yes, me!) doing all the ballet and dance moves the teacher was doing and Sam just stood there doing nothing, I was at the end of my rope. We left the room and I put in a request to drop the class. Maybe we will try again in Spring. Maybe never. :)
But, you have to admit, Sam does look awfully cute in the pieces I did manage to get her to wear.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Read all about it
One of my great mommy friends, Amy, told me about something a few months ago and I filed it in the back of my mind and forgot about it. She had told me about a company that can take your blog and turn it into a book. She didn't know the company's name, but knew that one existed. I loved this idea and had been wanting to print out my blog and stick it in a binder since day one.
I never really started printing it out, but the idea to have all my stories in a tangible form really appealed to me. I love that I am keeping a day-to-day diary of our life and what the kids are going through. From the mundane to the momentous, I am documenting most of it and I hope one day Ian and Sam will appreciate the opportunity to go back and read about their lives growing up. And in a more morbid view, I like that I am leaving something behind that I hope the kids will find special. Something that tells them all the stuff we experienced (good, bad and crazy!) and just how much I loved them.
About 2 weeks ago, the idea to turn my blog into a book popped back into my head. I quickly googled "turning blog into a book" and about 4 different companies appeared on the search page. I decided to go with Blurb and in about an hour, had downloaded the software, uploaded my blog entries and formatted the book. It was super easy. Since my blog is an ongoing, never-ending project, I decided to create volumes. Volume 1 is May 2009 (the start of my blog) to December 31, 2009. Each January, I will create another volume of the previous year and order it. I found the pricing to be incredibly reasonable. 156 pages, in 4 color, with an image wrapped cover (complete with photos on the cover and back cover) was only $60. I'd probably pay more in printer ink if I printed out that many pages.
I love how easy it was to pick the dates of the blog to input. It made each page a new blog entry (I had my choice to keep it continually flowing or create page breaks after each entry) and it included all the photos I used. In addition, I could go through and edit or change any of the pages. Actually, every aspect of creating this book could be customized to my heart's content.
I am very excited about this discovery and so pleased that I started my Mommy Meltdowns volume set before too many years of material got written. Many thanks to Amy for letting me know this was possible.
I never really started printing it out, but the idea to have all my stories in a tangible form really appealed to me. I love that I am keeping a day-to-day diary of our life and what the kids are going through. From the mundane to the momentous, I am documenting most of it and I hope one day Ian and Sam will appreciate the opportunity to go back and read about their lives growing up. And in a more morbid view, I like that I am leaving something behind that I hope the kids will find special. Something that tells them all the stuff we experienced (good, bad and crazy!) and just how much I loved them.
About 2 weeks ago, the idea to turn my blog into a book popped back into my head. I quickly googled "turning blog into a book" and about 4 different companies appeared on the search page. I decided to go with Blurb and in about an hour, had downloaded the software, uploaded my blog entries and formatted the book. It was super easy. Since my blog is an ongoing, never-ending project, I decided to create volumes. Volume 1 is May 2009 (the start of my blog) to December 31, 2009. Each January, I will create another volume of the previous year and order it. I found the pricing to be incredibly reasonable. 156 pages, in 4 color, with an image wrapped cover (complete with photos on the cover and back cover) was only $60. I'd probably pay more in printer ink if I printed out that many pages.
I love how easy it was to pick the dates of the blog to input. It made each page a new blog entry (I had my choice to keep it continually flowing or create page breaks after each entry) and it included all the photos I used. In addition, I could go through and edit or change any of the pages. Actually, every aspect of creating this book could be customized to my heart's content.
I am very excited about this discovery and so pleased that I started my Mommy Meltdowns volume set before too many years of material got written. Many thanks to Amy for letting me know this was possible.
 |
| This is the cover I designed for Volume 1 |
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Like peanut butter and jelly
Alright, I am announcing to the world that I am going to stop worrying about Ian fitting in at Kindergarten. Monday's homework assignment was to draw a picture of a new friend at school and write his/her name below the drawing. Ian instantly picked a boy named Reese to draw. I was pleased that Ian could come up with someone so quickly that he considered a friend, but I began to worry that this friendship was one sided. What if Reese didn't feel the same way? What if Ian was setting himself up for future disappointment if he found this out?
Ugh, the over-protective mother in me was coming out loud and clear. I hate being like this. I just don't want Ian to ever get his feelings hurt. I know how sweet and sensitive he is. I want him to enjoy going to school and getting to see his fellow classmates.
The next day I was walking Ian to school and the line of kids for the PM kindergarten class had already started. As Ian was making his way to the back of the line, this little blond-haired boy breaks free from his spot in line and runs up to Ian saying, "I want to move back here and be next to Ian." Ian replies back, "Hi Reese!!!!"
So this was the infamous Reese that Ian talks about and drew in his picture for homework. The friendship was mutual!! Reese started hugging Ian right there in line and Ian hugged back. It was very cute. I was so happy to see that they both liked each equally, that I started tearing up and wanted to hug them both. Of course I managed to restrain myself.
Yes, I am such a sap. It has been a long 3 weeks for me since school started. I know what a fabulous funny, caring, sweet, gregarious little boy Ian is. I was holding my breath until someone else found this out also.
Ugh, the over-protective mother in me was coming out loud and clear. I hate being like this. I just don't want Ian to ever get his feelings hurt. I know how sweet and sensitive he is. I want him to enjoy going to school and getting to see his fellow classmates.
The next day I was walking Ian to school and the line of kids for the PM kindergarten class had already started. As Ian was making his way to the back of the line, this little blond-haired boy breaks free from his spot in line and runs up to Ian saying, "I want to move back here and be next to Ian." Ian replies back, "Hi Reese!!!!"
So this was the infamous Reese that Ian talks about and drew in his picture for homework. The friendship was mutual!! Reese started hugging Ian right there in line and Ian hugged back. It was very cute. I was so happy to see that they both liked each equally, that I started tearing up and wanted to hug them both. Of course I managed to restrain myself.
Yes, I am such a sap. It has been a long 3 weeks for me since school started. I know what a fabulous funny, caring, sweet, gregarious little boy Ian is. I was holding my breath until someone else found this out also.
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