How did I miss this yesterday?
Potbelly opened in Creve Coeur yesterday!
In DC, we ate at Potbelly often. There was a Potbelly a block and a half from my office. We regularly ran there for lunch, or just as often, for a mid-afternoon milkshake. (It was over one of those milkshakes that I told my sister I was expecting Connor). They have great, inexpensive sandwiches and shakes.
Yum.
I wish we had a Potbelly closer to downtown St. Louis...but at least St. Louis now has one in the area.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Feeling Old....
Scanning the news this morning, I saw the annual Beloit College Mindset list for the class of 2016 is out.
A few items from the list:
3. The Biblical sources of terms such as ‘‘forbidden fruit,’’ ‘'the writing on the wall,’’ ‘'good Samaritan,’’ and ‘‘the promised land’’ are unknown to most of them.
**Really? This screams a disinterest or lack of commitment on the parents of this generation of kids for teaching about faith, the Bible, or taking them to church or Sunday school. This is a big problem in my view. I've just started reading "You Lost Me" by David Kinnaman about why young Christians are leaving the church. There's so much to think about in this book that it's taking a long time to read.
5. If they miss The Daily Show, they can always get their news on YouTube.
20. Exposed bra straps have always been a fashion statement, not a wardrobe malfunction to be corrected quietly by well-meaning friends.
30. There have always been blue M&Ms, but no tan ones.
**If I wasn't already feeling old, I remember being ingrade school college when the big debate was brewing about what color the "new" M&M would be.
47. Before they buy an assigned textbook, they will check to see whether it’s available for rent or purchase as an e-book.
**We were just happy to find a good condition used textbook.
48. They grew up, somehow, without the benefits of Romper Room.
**How this is possible I don't know. My boys just don't get it when I say "I see Christian and Connor" as I pretend to look through my pretend magic mirror.
71. Despite being preferred urban gathering places, two-thirds of the independent bookstores in the United States have closed for good during their lifetimes.
**This is just sad.
Reading through the list, I'm alternately depressed about some of the "norms" for these kids and shocked at how old I feel. The feeling of "old" only got worse when I tried to find the Mindset list for the year I entered college.
It didn't exist when I started college.
The first Beloit Mindset list was released for the Class of 2002 in 1998.
A few items from the list:
3. The Biblical sources of terms such as ‘‘forbidden fruit,’’ ‘'the writing on the wall,’’ ‘'good Samaritan,’’ and ‘‘the promised land’’ are unknown to most of them.
**Really? This screams a disinterest or lack of commitment on the parents of this generation of kids for teaching about faith, the Bible, or taking them to church or Sunday school. This is a big problem in my view. I've just started reading "You Lost Me" by David Kinnaman about why young Christians are leaving the church. There's so much to think about in this book that it's taking a long time to read.
5. If they miss The Daily Show, they can always get their news on YouTube.
20. Exposed bra straps have always been a fashion statement, not a wardrobe malfunction to be corrected quietly by well-meaning friends.
30. There have always been blue M&Ms, but no tan ones.
**If I wasn't already feeling old, I remember being in
47. Before they buy an assigned textbook, they will check to see whether it’s available for rent or purchase as an e-book.
**We were just happy to find a good condition used textbook.
48. They grew up, somehow, without the benefits of Romper Room.
**How this is possible I don't know. My boys just don't get it when I say "I see Christian and Connor" as I pretend to look through my pretend magic mirror.
71. Despite being preferred urban gathering places, two-thirds of the independent bookstores in the United States have closed for good during their lifetimes.
**This is just sad.
Reading through the list, I'm alternately depressed about some of the "norms" for these kids and shocked at how old I feel. The feeling of "old" only got worse when I tried to find the Mindset list for the year I entered college.
It didn't exist when I started college.
The first Beloit Mindset list was released for the Class of 2002 in 1998.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Back to School!
Today marks the start of another school year. This is a good thing!
The summer went fast--up until about 3 weeks ago. That was the point when it became clear that there had been too much brotherly togetherness. Whew. It wears me out just thinking about all the wrestling, laughing, bickering, fighting,trying to stop kickball games in the house, not listening, not wanting to go to bed, juggling camps and schedules, and in and out of the house with the neighbor kids that happened over the summer.
But we made it! School is back!
Connor is back for four-year old preschool. He's such an old four-not by his birthday, but because he and his brother are inseparable. I often think Connor believes he's six.
But back to preschool it is.
Last night I asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up. Without much hesitation, he said "a teacher."
Christian is such the big kid now. He's starting first grade.
He's excited.
Very excited.
The boys got a little silly before school.
But soon it was time to go.
Connor was patient for one picture outside his school.
But then he was off. He had to get to his teacher, FAST!
This is Christian's first year with his own desk.
After opening chapel we said goodbye and the kids were on their way. I feel sorry for the teachers today though--the energy level in the classroom was off the charts this morning.
After school, to celebrate, we'll be headed to Oh Lollie Lollie for a treat--if the boys have any energy left after a day with their friends.
The summer went fast--up until about 3 weeks ago. That was the point when it became clear that there had been too much brotherly togetherness. Whew. It wears me out just thinking about all the wrestling, laughing, bickering, fighting,
But we made it! School is back!
Connor is back for four-year old preschool. He's such an old four-not by his birthday, but because he and his brother are inseparable. I often think Connor believes he's six.
But back to preschool it is.
Christian is such the big kid now. He's starting first grade.
The boys got a little silly before school.
Connor was patient for one picture outside his school.
After opening chapel we said goodbye and the kids were on their way. I feel sorry for the teachers today though--the energy level in the classroom was off the charts this morning.
After school, to celebrate, we'll be headed to Oh Lollie Lollie for a treat--if the boys have any energy left after a day with their friends.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Six Going on...
Last night I took the boys to the Cardinals Game. I was originally supposed to have a meeting a church, but when that was moved, and I saw that Stubhub had Cards tickets for $3, I thought, why not?
So we headed out to the stadium.
As the game was getting started, the announcer came on the loudspeaker and said "here come Team Fredbird."
Christian, without missing a beat, says "hurry, I need the binoculars."
Why? To get a closer look at the girls of Team Fredbird.
My baby is six going on sixteen.
So we headed out to the stadium.
As the game was getting started, the announcer came on the loudspeaker and said "here come Team Fredbird."
Christian, without missing a beat, says "hurry, I need the binoculars."
Why? To get a closer look at the girls of Team Fredbird.
My baby is six going on sixteen.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Where Did Saturday Go?
School starts in a week and it's tax-free weekend in Missouri this weekend. That means everyone (including us) is out shopping. Yikes. Stores were slammed. After running into a shoe store this afternoon I quickly remembered why I would rather do all my shopping first thing in the morning.
The upside to this is that most stores are running pretty good back-to-school sales. So we ventured ut because I'd much rather pay $7.99 for the boys favorite pants rather than $30 went they aren't on sale in a month or two.
Christian and I actually did most of his supply/shoe shopping last night at Target. Today was to return something to Lands End and grab shoes and pants for Connor.
The boys were so thrilled to be out at the mall...
After stops at Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Hobby Lobby, Schnucks, and Kohls, we are done.
Shoe shopping for the boys drives me nutty. Tennis shoes are easy. Finding decent casual/church shoes that look good, hold up to the beating that little boys give them, actually find their size, and don't cost a fortune is not so easy. It took a few stops before we finally found a pair for Connor. This poor kid--I realized a few days ago that the sandals he's been insisting on wearing to church were a good two sizes too small. Talk about being an observant parent. Ha!
So, with most of the day behind us, we're nearly done. There are only a few random things that I forgot to pick up last night because I didn't bring Connor's list with me.
Now, it's time to relax.
The upside to this is that most stores are running pretty good back-to-school sales. So we ventured ut because I'd much rather pay $7.99 for the boys favorite pants rather than $30 went they aren't on sale in a month or two.
Christian and I actually did most of his supply/shoe shopping last night at Target. Today was to return something to Lands End and grab shoes and pants for Connor.
The boys were so thrilled to be out at the mall...
After stops at Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Hobby Lobby, Schnucks, and Kohls, we are done.
Shoe shopping for the boys drives me nutty. Tennis shoes are easy. Finding decent casual/church shoes that look good, hold up to the beating that little boys give them, actually find their size, and don't cost a fortune is not so easy. It took a few stops before we finally found a pair for Connor. This poor kid--I realized a few days ago that the sandals he's been insisting on wearing to church were a good two sizes too small. Talk about being an observant parent. Ha!
So, with most of the day behind us, we're nearly done. There are only a few random things that I forgot to pick up last night because I didn't bring Connor's list with me.
Now, it's time to relax.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
You Know Summer is Almost Over When...
The school supply lists are out. It's time to start thinking about getting the boys back to school!
School starts three weeks from yesterday (not that I'm counting).
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy Fourth of July!
We unfurled a new flag for our first Fourth of July in STL this morning.
The boys and I headed out to meet a group of folks from church. Each year, the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens brings up the rear of the Webster Groves Fourth of July Parade. Why, you might ask? To pick up the trash.
LCWG has been doing this for some years now, and the city has come to look to the group to serve this function. All along the parade route, parade watchers would go out of their way to tell the group "Thank you!"
The boys liked the trash grabbers. While we were waiting to start walking, they used these as swords, light sabers, and golf clubs.
Here we are before stepping off.
Lots of water for the walkers.
The boys caught a ride for a short time.
It was hot...so hot. But everyone was in good spirits. No doubt it was a sticky job (Tootsie Rolls and 102 degrees don't mix well), but it was fun to be out with others from church filling a need,
And, we picked up a lot of trash!
The boys and I headed out to meet a group of folks from church. Each year, the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens brings up the rear of the Webster Groves Fourth of July Parade. Why, you might ask? To pick up the trash.
LCWG has been doing this for some years now, and the city has come to look to the group to serve this function. All along the parade route, parade watchers would go out of their way to tell the group "Thank you!"
The boys liked the trash grabbers. While we were waiting to start walking, they used these as swords, light sabers, and golf clubs.
Here we are before stepping off.
It was hot...so hot. But everyone was in good spirits. No doubt it was a sticky job (Tootsie Rolls and 102 degrees don't mix well), but it was fun to be out with others from church filling a need,
And, we picked up a lot of trash!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Looking for a Book to Read?
One of the most beautiful buildings in DC is the Library of Congress. From the outside it's impressive--huge, gray stone, domed roof. But inside, it's amazing. Ornate, colorful, intricate....and filled with books!
There's a new exhibit opening at the LOC on Monday: Books that Shaped America. According to the LOC,
"This list of ‘Books That Shaped America’ is a starting point. It is not a register of the ‘best’ American books--although many of them fit that description. Rather, the list is intended to spark a national conversation on books written by Americans that have influenced our lives, whether they appear on this initial list or not," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.
It's an interesting list, filled with a variety of books (Where the Wild Things Are and The Joy of Cooking!) I'm glad to see that I've read several, but not nearly enough to constitute a majority of the list.
You can see the entire list on the LOC website, here.
Now, to find some time to actually sit down and read an entire book again....
There's a new exhibit opening at the LOC on Monday: Books that Shaped America. According to the LOC,
"This list of ‘Books That Shaped America’ is a starting point. It is not a register of the ‘best’ American books--although many of them fit that description. Rather, the list is intended to spark a national conversation on books written by Americans that have influenced our lives, whether they appear on this initial list or not," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.
It's an interesting list, filled with a variety of books (Where the Wild Things Are and The Joy of Cooking!) I'm glad to see that I've read several, but not nearly enough to constitute a majority of the list.
You can see the entire list on the LOC website, here.
Now, to find some time to actually sit down and read an entire book again....
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Father's Day on the Farm
Happy Father's Day!
Years ago, my Dad's first congregation started holding a chicken dinner in the park on Father's Day. A week or so ago, Dad and I were talking and decided that it would be fun to go this year. Darren and the boys have never been to Venedy.
(Sidebar...Darren has always tried to claim "small-town" status in our relationship. His hometown has a population of a whopping 1800 and two blinking lights. Venedy...population 138 according to the 2010 Census. And, no blinking lights.)
So we went to the chicken dinner in the park. I'm happy to report that Venedy is as timeless as ever. It was fun to be back and to feel like I'd stepped back in time. Even looking over at the Scanlan's house, I saw the same swingset and playhouse that I crossed the cemetery countless times to play in. Such fun!
Mom has a nice recap of the dinner in the park here.
After Mom and Dad headed home, we stayed to take the boys for a visit at the farm with Roger and Joyce.
But before we left the park, the boys found some dirt to play in.
They're currently being hosed down with a power washer...but, Boys + dirt = happy kids.
Then it was past the church and down to the farm.
This was great! For one, the boys have never had the chance to visit a real dairy farm. Or any kind of farm for that matter. Second, it was great to visit with Roger and Joyce. When we lived in Venedy, I spent every Saturday morning at their house. We'd have pancakes and work around the house. Then on Saturday evenings, I'd head across the street to the Sieving's house for dinner.
As a parent looking back, I see that Mom and Dad were rather clever with this arrangement. Smart parents!
First, Roger showed us the baby calves. The one the boys are looking at here was just born yesterday! The calf was resting inside so the boys just peeked in.
Then it was onto the adult cows.
The boys came up close to some large hay bales. Christian though this was fun...
While Connor tried to unravel one.
Then we saw some tractors. Mommy had to climb up first.
Then, we went inside to see where the cows were milked. Roger helped the boys climb up to peek inside the tank that holds all the milk while it waits to be transported off to fill up the jugs of milk we buy at the grocery store.
Joyce explained the process of how the milk gets from the cows to the tank to the truck to the store. This tank holds 2700 gallons of milk.
Connor thinks, "Can I have a straw?"
On the way home, the boys both agreed that this was their favorite part of the farm. They're both looking forward to another visit.
Thanks to Roger and Joyce for giving the boys a great experience today!
Years ago, my Dad's first congregation started holding a chicken dinner in the park on Father's Day. A week or so ago, Dad and I were talking and decided that it would be fun to go this year. Darren and the boys have never been to Venedy.
(Sidebar...Darren has always tried to claim "small-town" status in our relationship. His hometown has a population of a whopping 1800 and two blinking lights. Venedy...population 138 according to the 2010 Census. And, no blinking lights.)
So we went to the chicken dinner in the park. I'm happy to report that Venedy is as timeless as ever. It was fun to be back and to feel like I'd stepped back in time. Even looking over at the Scanlan's house, I saw the same swingset and playhouse that I crossed the cemetery countless times to play in. Such fun!
Mom has a nice recap of the dinner in the park here.
After Mom and Dad headed home, we stayed to take the boys for a visit at the farm with Roger and Joyce.
But before we left the park, the boys found some dirt to play in.
Then it was past the church and down to the farm.
This was great! For one, the boys have never had the chance to visit a real dairy farm. Or any kind of farm for that matter. Second, it was great to visit with Roger and Joyce. When we lived in Venedy, I spent every Saturday morning at their house. We'd have pancakes and work around the house. Then on Saturday evenings, I'd head across the street to the Sieving's house for dinner.
As a parent looking back, I see that Mom and Dad were rather clever with this arrangement. Smart parents!
First, Roger showed us the baby calves. The one the boys are looking at here was just born yesterday! The calf was resting inside so the boys just peeked in.
The boys came up close to some large hay bales. Christian though this was fun...
Joyce explained the process of how the milk gets from the cows to the tank to the truck to the store. This tank holds 2700 gallons of milk.
Connor thinks, "Can I have a straw?"
Thanks to Roger and Joyce for giving the boys a great experience today!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Water Play
The boys and I had a playdate at the Botanical Garden this morning. The Children's Garden is such a great place for kids. Even better, on Saturday mornings, admission to the Garden is free for STL city and county residents.
In addition to tree houses, slides, gardens, and other fun things to climb on, in, and under, the Children's Garden has a water play area. Connor loved this.
It was a hot morning...this cooled the kids off in a flash.
Best part about a morning spent at the Gardens? According to Christian on the way home, "That was exhausting. Fun, but exhausting."
In addition to tree houses, slides, gardens, and other fun things to climb on, in, and under, the Children's Garden has a water play area. Connor loved this.
Best part about a morning spent at the Gardens? According to Christian on the way home, "That was exhausting. Fun, but exhausting."
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Catching Up
I was reminded today that I've been neglecting this space (thanks Mary!). True, I've been absent. Partly because the summer has gotten hectic, but also because I haven't felt the energy to be near the computer. Must.find.motivation!!
Anyway, here's a peek into what we've been up to the last week or so.
The boys and I got to have a visit with my Gramma. The boys love going to visit Great-Gramma. Partly because she's Great-Gram, but she tends to spoil them (as is a Great-Gramma's privilege). Case in point: When we arrived at 9:30 am, she greeted the boys with milk and cookies.
They were in heaven!
Great Gramma hugs are the best!
Darren's Dad and brother came to visit for the CCLS Golf Tournament. The grown-up boys all had a great time golfing, despite the rainy weather. The trio even place second in their flight.
The boys and I took Papaw and Uncle Doug sightseeing.
First a tour of Busch Stadium.
Then the Arch, the Seminary, and Ted Drewes, where I apparently didn't take a single photo.
The boys all played catch in the backyard.
Then sadly, Papaw and Uncle Doug had to head back to Texas.
So, I took the boys to the Botanical Garden.
We weren't sure what Connor was doing.
If you get a chance to go see the Lantern Festival at the Garden, go. It's beautiful.
Isn't he cute?
They potted an eggplant and a zucchini in the Children's Garden.
Christian started golf lessons.
Darren and the boys just headed out to practice hitting golf balls. It was awfully cute to see the three boys, clubs in hand, headed out.
Finally, Christian got his final kindergarten report card. Yay! To celebrate, we took a family trip up to Ted Drewes (it takes all of three minute to get there...what a burden!)
Anyway, here's a peek into what we've been up to the last week or so.
The boys and I got to have a visit with my Gramma. The boys love going to visit Great-Gramma. Partly because she's Great-Gram, but she tends to spoil them (as is a Great-Gramma's privilege). Case in point: When we arrived at 9:30 am, she greeted the boys with milk and cookies.
They were in heaven!
Great Gramma hugs are the best!
Darren's Dad and brother came to visit for the CCLS Golf Tournament. The grown-up boys all had a great time golfing, despite the rainy weather. The trio even place second in their flight.
The boys and I took Papaw and Uncle Doug sightseeing.
First a tour of Busch Stadium.
Then the Arch, the Seminary, and Ted Drewes, where I apparently didn't take a single photo.
The boys all played catch in the backyard.
Then sadly, Papaw and Uncle Doug had to head back to Texas.
So, I took the boys to the Botanical Garden.
If you get a chance to go see the Lantern Festival at the Garden, go. It's beautiful.
Isn't he cute?
They potted an eggplant and a zucchini in the Children's Garden.
Darren and the boys just headed out to practice hitting golf balls. It was awfully cute to see the three boys, clubs in hand, headed out.
Finally, Christian got his final kindergarten report card. Yay! To celebrate, we took a family trip up to Ted Drewes (it takes all of three minute to get there...what a burden!)
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