Spring Break

Although, I was dreading this week of no activities, it has actually gone by pretty darn fast. I decided that it was time to stick the boy in his underwear. Monday, we went through 4 pairs of pants and underwear. Tuesday, we didn't even get out of pull-ups, since we had a birthday party that evening. And a miracle hit on wednesday. Brennan told me he had to go potty and was going to do it himself. I peeked and saw him pull down his pants and start to go. I was so proud. It happened 2 more times that day. Thursday went well too. Today, we've gone through 3 pairs of underwear so far, but only because he gets them a little wet. He is starting to realize when he goes and stops to get to the bathroom. Yeah! We've had #2 on the potty down pat for almost a year, so this may be easier than thought. We get rid of diapers, only to trade in Lysoling the bathroom constantly cuz the kid has poor aim. Actually it'd help if he was taller so he didn't need a booster to clear the toilet. Ah, my tiny child.
This afternoon grandma and grandpa came over and helped fly kites. We all had fun.
Along with cleaning Brennan's potty accidents, poor Stella has had issues. I think her stay at the kennel Easter weekend stressed her out bigtime. Plus then she was spayed on Monday. Her bathroom habits were awful. Thank goodness for the Bissell SpotBot. We were sucking up accidents all over the place. Finally, she is getting herself back to normal. I'm getting the carpets cleaned on tuesday. They needed it anyway, but this pushed it.
We are looking forward to a visit with Grandma Rene next week, plus outdoor soccer practice starts! Yeah. Bring on the good weather. Please!
I had to add another picture of Brennan's weird sleep positions. He was sitting at the island playing cars and suddenly he was sleeping. Priceless. I snapped a picture and moved him to the couch.

Happy Easter

Brennan as Diego. He had to dress as his favorite character in school.












The Easter Bunny made it to my kids many more times than I'd like to admit. Between the candy and gifts, I think we are glad to say Easter is done. We had a great time, although the weather was a bit crappy. The end of snow is near... I just know it. Poor Wisconsiner's.... they are really getting hit this year. The craziest thing happened while we were in Dyersville, IA. Obviously we must take part in the hotel pool... especially since Maya got swimming goggles from the bunny. Well I'm just swimming with the kids when I look at another pair of boys and the woman they are playing with. I'm pretty much starring and thinking... I wonder if that is... no, it can't be. But she just called that little boy by the name I would. Finally she looks at me and her mouth drops. Yep, it was an old fellow co-worker from Madison. It was so fun and good to see her. That was my last "real" job (before this harder -- stay at home thing) and I worked with some great people. The world is a tiny place. That made my weekend. I added a picture of her and I at the bottom. And yes, I just got my hair cut and highlighted. I think I look a bit like my mom, but the bangs are fun. My brother brought a 5 pound Hershey bar as the poker prize! Nope, I didn't win it.
Stella is getting her womanhood taken away from her today. I hope she is not too angry when she returns to the house.
Tomorrow we head to Bloomington for a birthday party. Yeah. We love our friends.

The Luck to have Irish Friends

Happy St. Patrick's Day. We had a day planned with a friend to drive up to St. Charles to see a friend who had a baby on the 6th. I was so excited to see an 11 day old baby too, but the kids woke up coughing. Not bad, but not something I want a new baby subjected to. So bummer, I had to reschedule that trip. My Irish friend Megan O came over this morning with green clothes and a basket of St. Pat's books, necklaces, music and such for the kids. The kids love her, as she always comes up with kid friendly ideas. She'll make a great mom one day.
I always wanted to be Irish. Wasn't really a thought til I went to college with all the "South Side Irish"! I thought it would be fun to marry a guy with the last name O'Grady, O'Shea, etc. or any of the Mc's. I remember going through lists of names when I'd work looking for a guy my age with last names with the O' or Mc. Now I did date a Mc in high school, but never thought anything of it then. My lucky sister got a Mc in her name. Oh well. One of my past silly random thoughts to file. We're pretty happy being a Gurewitz.

Lots of Easter Fun

Last week was a beautiful, warm week. So of course, what do we wake up to on Saturday... snow! It was wet and fluffy and gone by that evening. When will we see the last of winter? This has been a long one. Saturday morning we went and had breakfast with the Easter Bunny (donuts and OJ). The kids do not say no to donuts.... Brennan wasn't too into the bunny, so lucky me got in the pictures. Today we went to the church grounds and took part in the Easter Egg Hunt. I question the word "hunt" as it seemed clearly obvious where every single egg laid. But both the kids had fun making a run for the egg field. Brennan won a Webkinz kitty as a door prize. Maya won sidewalk chalk.
We went out and bought beds this weekend for both kids. Yeah. It'll be a couple weeks before they arrive, but they are excited to get them. Maya got a cute white bed, which will serve as the guest bed too. Brennan got a twin over full bunkbed. Maya is excited to get the top bunk when visitors come.
Last night Adam got slaughtered in a game of Scrabble. Typically he wins, but last night I killed him. Grandma get your game face on for your visit.

Bye Bye Weekend

Adam got home last night from a weekend trip to Florida. He met his cousin to go to some Dodger spring training games and Epcot. You'd think that would lead to a hellish weekend, but it was kind of nice. Of course it is great to have him back, but there is something about being able to make PB and J for dinner and it is suitable... no complaints. A cooking break was great. I find I get so much more accomplished and the house stays cleaner if the husband is out and about. Vacation for him.... vacation for me. He had a great time, and I just may be interested in seeing those Cubs for spring training someday.
Saturday, the kids and I spent the day at my parents house. My brother was in town. We can't complain about his job with Hershey... he comes in like the Easter Bunny with a box of free candies for us all. We get anything from chocolate chips, to T-shirts, mints, truffles, 100 calorie snack packs.... when he worked for Pepsi... nothing. It would be supercool if he could get passes for the Hershey themepark in Pennsylvania. I've been wanting to go there for awhile.
I hit Bergner's the other day and got the deal of the year. They marked down all their winter shoes to clearance and then there was an 80% discount after that. I got 3 pairs of shoes for 32$, when retail the total was 230$. I bought these cute Sam and Libby ballet flats for $4.00. I have a serious shoe fetish, so this made my day! My biggest problem is that I can't seem to throw old pairs away and I am starting to run out of floor space in my closet. And I wonder why we have the "clutter" problem in this house.

My 3 New Obsessions

So, I once said, I'm not an exerciser by nature, well my new favorite time of the day is doing exactly that. Since joining the gym I have been a maniac body pumper. Adam too, in fact. I find myself going at least 5 times a week. I need to note that my weakling arms have increased to 3.5 kg's. I highly recommend this class. My thighs have never felt so tight!!
Obsession number two is bad. I hate to admit it, being I have never been a fan of video games and those who play. But suddenly I find myself going to Yahoo Games playing Ball Lines over and over. It is an addiction.
Finally, I find myself very interested in this political race. I love Mr. Obama. I think he's a real person, someone who could do something for our economy. He is a man that seems to care. Scary to me that Hill may win the nomination, but whatever, she'll get my vote any day over Mr. Bush. I remember saying in Alaska, "Man, we are going to have this dumbass for president until Maya is 5." Thank God these years have gone fast. However, I do think that if Hill wins the nomination, there are enough Democrats that don't like her that could lead to another Republican win. Not that I am a very political person, but I don't think McCain has much to bring... and what's up with that wife of his. It's really a crazy election. Do people vote for who they really think will do good, or do women vote for a woman just because they are women and do african americans vote for Obama because he is that race. If this is somewhat true.... who do the black women vote for? Anyhow, these are just my measily thoughts.
On an interesting note, we were actually thinking about moving to the UK (2 years) this past month. Yes, it's true. Always a dream of mine to live abroad in Europe. We were going to do it too I think, but Mr. Gurewitz got promoted here in the Heartland monday. Kind of a sigh of relief that we don't have to go through selling the house and packing up, but I was a little bummed too. I've gotten over the bummed part and am pretty happy we're staying now.
The warmer weather is coming!

Gymnastics and Soccer