A lot has happened since the last post - we have a new baby but that is not what this post will be about.
Konrad loves Pokemon. Anyone who knows him, knows this. His obsession has lasted for about 6 months. We even had a Pokemon-themed birthday party recently for his 6th birthday. Eric drew a larger than life Pikachu for a 'Pin the tail on the Pikachu' game and it still graces our living room wall. Konrad's love of Pokemon is an important detail to remember while reading the following story.
Lots of changes have happened since the baby (Ezra) was born. Anders is no longer the baby and the once nearly-perfect boy is now exploring boundaries within the family. There's a lot more bickering and fighting between Anders and Konrad. They're okay while outside in the open but once inside the house, there is teasing, arguments over their favourite colour, kicking and punching. It sorta drives me crazy.
Konrad is currently in piano lessons. In order to motivate the students, the teacher gives them a score each week. Their score depends on whether they've practiced, listened during lesson time, etc. After 4 weeks, he has a score out of a hundred. So far, Konrad has always scored the 'best prize' which has been renting a movie and Anders chooses the snack. Konrad has been saving money earned from his birthday, occasional allowance and his most recent 'piano prize' to purchase some Pokemon cards. Lastnight, we went to Wal-Mart so he could choose some cards. Anders was a little sad because he did not have money to buy his own Pokemon cards. He was even crying a little because we couldn't find any packs cheaper than $13.
After getting home, Konrad and Daddy stayed in the car a bit longer. Eric explained that Anders is a little sad because he felt left out. Usually, when we rent the move, we allow Anders to pick the treat and he feels pretty happy about that but when Konrad chooses Pokemon cards, Anders cannot share them and it makes him sad. Eric told me that Konrad's eyes became huge with understanding. Konrad came into the house and held his new Pokemon cards. He sat down with Anders and dealt the cards - one for Konrad, one for Anders, one for Konrad, one for Anders... Konrad did not even look to make sure he was giving Anders the lower-point cards. Some of the cards were very good. I was amazed that Konrad gave half of his new booty to his little brother.
Despite the bickering and teasing, I think they truly do love each other. It is so nice to see a glimmer of this once in a while. It makes me happy. As I write this, they are beside me in my bed kicking and wrestling. I think I'm developing claustrophobia....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I found some photos from last summer!!!
Here are some photos I've found from last summer. We spent some time at the lake with friends ... fishing of course. The boys LOVE fishing. It began with Konrad and Anders has quickly picked up the obsession. They can name and identify more fish native to our lakes and rivers than most adults.
Eric set up our tent-trailer at the lake this summer to appease me. I wasn't so keen on sleeping in a tent repeatedly. I must admit that I loved having a tent trailer. We were safe from the mosquitos and fairly comfortable. Yay Eric!
Jeremy Stevenson with Nicole and Reuben catching a small perch.
Victoria and Adele catching their perch.
Konrad catching a perch. This picture was taken in June. By August, he began using lures. He caught a pike one day and started screaming with surprise. Once he felt that pull, he has never looked back. Now, he has his own tackle box complete with various lures.
The fishing doesn't end at the lake. We had LOTS of water in our front ditch this summer and the kids actually found minnows.
This summer, we went on a little road trip through Ontario and New York. We stopped to see the Chaggares family in Newmarket and Jen is looking as great as ever!
After visiting family, it was onward to Palmyra. It was wonderful travelling with toilet-trained kids this summer but Anders surprised us a little. After crossing the border, we stopped to get a drink. Anders went to the bathroom at the rest stop. As we were reaching our car, he nearly peed his pants and had to pee on the tire of the car. Within the next 30 minutes, we had to stop FOUR TIMES on the side of the highway. I don't know how this child was producing so much urine!
Anyhow, we made it to Palmyra and visited all the sites. Here's Konrad between the Sacred Grove and the Smith home.
Eric also had a small mission reunion in Palmyra. We met at a local park and had a great BBQ. Eric will have to explain who these people are in the picture because I really don't have too much to add. Perhaps he'll comment on this blog post if he ever reads it.
There was a huge thunderstorm rolling through during our picnic and the kids had fun running around in the rain. An older woman at a nearby picnic table was appalled that my son's pants were hanging low since they were soaked through.
So, that's it for now. Perhaps I'll add more photos soon. I finally downloaded some photos this morning.
Eric set up our tent-trailer at the lake this summer to appease me. I wasn't so keen on sleeping in a tent repeatedly. I must admit that I loved having a tent trailer. We were safe from the mosquitos and fairly comfortable. Yay Eric!
Jeremy Stevenson with Nicole and Reuben catching a small perch.
Victoria and Adele catching their perch.
Konrad catching a perch. This picture was taken in June. By August, he began using lures. He caught a pike one day and started screaming with surprise. Once he felt that pull, he has never looked back. Now, he has his own tackle box complete with various lures.
The fishing doesn't end at the lake. We had LOTS of water in our front ditch this summer and the kids actually found minnows.
This summer, we went on a little road trip through Ontario and New York. We stopped to see the Chaggares family in Newmarket and Jen is looking as great as ever!
After visiting family, it was onward to Palmyra. It was wonderful travelling with toilet-trained kids this summer but Anders surprised us a little. After crossing the border, we stopped to get a drink. Anders went to the bathroom at the rest stop. As we were reaching our car, he nearly peed his pants and had to pee on the tire of the car. Within the next 30 minutes, we had to stop FOUR TIMES on the side of the highway. I don't know how this child was producing so much urine!
Anyhow, we made it to Palmyra and visited all the sites. Here's Konrad between the Sacred Grove and the Smith home.
Eric also had a small mission reunion in Palmyra. We met at a local park and had a great BBQ. Eric will have to explain who these people are in the picture because I really don't have too much to add. Perhaps he'll comment on this blog post if he ever reads it.
There was a huge thunderstorm rolling through during our picnic and the kids had fun running around in the rain. An older woman at a nearby picnic table was appalled that my son's pants were hanging low since they were soaked through.
So, that's it for now. Perhaps I'll add more photos soon. I finally downloaded some photos this morning.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Umm... No photos
Hey everyone. What's a blog posting without any photos? Well, this is one. I had a few minutes and I thought I would write a little update.
Since April (the last time I blogged!) too much has happened. We spent some time up at the lake this summer. Eric got a great tent-trailer for us so I am better protected from the noises I hear at night. The kids did really well, considering the water and steep dropoff into the lake. It was a cool summer but we got some swimming and fishing in. Anders turned 3 in July. He had his first real birthday party with two little friends. It was very cute and he was so excited.
This fall has been busy. I can't remember why right now, but I've been working a lot and been tired. We're expecting a baby boy February 26th. We've had lots of firsts. First thefts, first piano recital, .... We have another nanny with us right now. Her name is Casey and she is from New Mexico, USA. The boys like her a lot and they also enjoy her fiance Francois. Yup, she's getting married March 20th. By then, I should have had our baby and be home again. We've had tenants in our basement since August which has been fun for the boys (there are 3 boys close to their age). We've learned a lot through this experience.
Konrad is enjoying French Immersion this year and learning a lot more French!!! Very exciting because now he understands some things we say around the house. He's also able to read. I catch him studying his multiplication table posted beside his bed before I turn out the lights. And he's learning piano. He's also starting jiu-jitsu this winter. Anders is learning to be an avid fisherman as well, LOVES his books and animals, is very affectionate and can stay in the lines while colouring. These things are important to kids. Actually, Anders knows the notes on the piano almost as well as Konrad since he's present for daily practices.
We had a busy Christmas. I worked through the holidays so there wasn't much 'down-time'. Actually, it nearly killed me. There's also been the transit strike in Ottawa for over a month which means I need to leave half an hour earlier (6:45) to avoid spending 1.5 to 2 hours on the way to work. It's been inconvenient for us but I really feel for all the people whose livelihood is threatened by the lack of transit. Urghhh.....
Friends came over on Christmas Eve and we ate lots of good stuff (thanks to the Lee Wen family and Kaicy!), sang carols and played music. We were to host the Jakob Family Christmas but Grandpa Jakob broke his leg mid-December so Eric's parents weren't able to make it. Everyone else came, including my parents. Once the dinner was over, things were relaxed. On the Saturday, we took the boys ice-fishing up at the lake. They each caught a prize trout which we enjoyed for dinner the next day. New Year's was a bit quieter than usual - we had some friends over for a relaxed evening. No one else was working over the holidays so I was trying to be social in the evenings and effective at work during the day. Not something I can manage very long.
Right now, we're at Eric's parents place for a couple days while Eric worked in the area. Ken and Wendy had a baby girl Thursday and we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the baby before we leave town to return to Ottawa. Congrats Ken and Wendy!!!
Since April (the last time I blogged!) too much has happened. We spent some time up at the lake this summer. Eric got a great tent-trailer for us so I am better protected from the noises I hear at night. The kids did really well, considering the water and steep dropoff into the lake. It was a cool summer but we got some swimming and fishing in. Anders turned 3 in July. He had his first real birthday party with two little friends. It was very cute and he was so excited.
This fall has been busy. I can't remember why right now, but I've been working a lot and been tired. We're expecting a baby boy February 26th. We've had lots of firsts. First thefts, first piano recital, .... We have another nanny with us right now. Her name is Casey and she is from New Mexico, USA. The boys like her a lot and they also enjoy her fiance Francois. Yup, she's getting married March 20th. By then, I should have had our baby and be home again. We've had tenants in our basement since August which has been fun for the boys (there are 3 boys close to their age). We've learned a lot through this experience.
Konrad is enjoying French Immersion this year and learning a lot more French!!! Very exciting because now he understands some things we say around the house. He's also able to read. I catch him studying his multiplication table posted beside his bed before I turn out the lights. And he's learning piano. He's also starting jiu-jitsu this winter. Anders is learning to be an avid fisherman as well, LOVES his books and animals, is very affectionate and can stay in the lines while colouring. These things are important to kids. Actually, Anders knows the notes on the piano almost as well as Konrad since he's present for daily practices.
We had a busy Christmas. I worked through the holidays so there wasn't much 'down-time'. Actually, it nearly killed me. There's also been the transit strike in Ottawa for over a month which means I need to leave half an hour earlier (6:45) to avoid spending 1.5 to 2 hours on the way to work. It's been inconvenient for us but I really feel for all the people whose livelihood is threatened by the lack of transit. Urghhh.....
Friends came over on Christmas Eve and we ate lots of good stuff (thanks to the Lee Wen family and Kaicy!), sang carols and played music. We were to host the Jakob Family Christmas but Grandpa Jakob broke his leg mid-December so Eric's parents weren't able to make it. Everyone else came, including my parents. Once the dinner was over, things were relaxed. On the Saturday, we took the boys ice-fishing up at the lake. They each caught a prize trout which we enjoyed for dinner the next day. New Year's was a bit quieter than usual - we had some friends over for a relaxed evening. No one else was working over the holidays so I was trying to be social in the evenings and effective at work during the day. Not something I can manage very long.
Right now, we're at Eric's parents place for a couple days while Eric worked in the area. Ken and Wendy had a baby girl Thursday and we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the baby before we leave town to return to Ottawa. Congrats Ken and Wendy!!!
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