Vita Mix

Writing about my blender made me think of my new excitement about the Vita Mix.  (I know what this says about me!).   

One rainy day, Mr. Mister and I went to Costco to eat free samples for lunch.  While we were there, a guy had a huge booth set up, demonstrating the Vita Mix.  Usually I'd just keep walking, maybe stopping to take a sample.  But because we were in no hurry, I stayed to watch the whole thing (we were the only ones there until he started pouring the samples).  It was fascinating.  He made hot soup, a smoothie, and ice cream all in the same blender (not at the same time).  But what was really amazing was how he just threw in the items, not cut up at all.  When he made the smoothie he added whole pieces of fruit and then put an entire apple on top of everything else, not even close to the blade.  But in a few minutes, it was all a perfectly smooth and tasty treat.  Then when he made tortilla soup right after that with whole vegetables, I was really convinced.

I don't get excited about many things like this.  And I know it looks and sounds cheesy.  But it really is very impressive.  You can check it out here!  (Costco sells them for less than this website).

Eating.

Mr. Mister's eating habits are beginning to change. Much to our surprise, he no longer eats anything we put in front of him.  He also actually asks to get down from the table instead of eating until we make him get down.  While it seems like a relief from the never-filled-belly syndrome, it is actually just a change in the battle.  Now I see what other parents go through all the time!  Making something only to have it refused or thrown to the floor, never knowing what he's really going to eat, and hoping he's getting enough of what he needs.  

For example, the other day, I think he ate mostly Cheerios.  I don't know how he's not bored of plain Cheerios yet, but he still eats a lot of them.  Thankfully though, he also still loves good things like bananas, yogurt, tomatoes, cheese, and strawberries.  I know it could be worse!  

signs of aging.

I've noticed that as we near our 5 year anniversary this summer, many of our nice wedding gifts we received 5 years ago are showing signs of aging.  For example...

• The number one sign you need a new vacuum:  You have to pick things up off the floor before and after vacuuming.  
• The number one sign you need a new blender:  You have to crush ice with a rolling pin before putting it in the blender.

Too bad you only get to register once!  

A Hot Day

Today was so hot it felt like summer. We went to the park for a fun playdate with some other mommies and their kids and had lots of fun playing and running around. I think that every other mom who has been cooped up inside with kids all winter was at the park too.

By the time we got in the car to head home, poor Mr. Mister's cheeks were bright red and his head was all sweaty from wearing his hat (which he thankfully kept on!). I had to stop at the store for a few things on the way home, so I picked up some popsicles for a fun treat on a hot day.

When we got home, I was all excited to give Mr. Mister a popsicle. But before I could get them out, he had dug the bananas out from my shopping bag that was sitting on the floor and tore one off from the bunch. I tried to convice him to eat a popsicle instead (now that's an ironic mom moment), but he cried and just wanted the banana. So he passed up cold sugar on a stick for a healthy piece of fruit. I wonder how long that will last?

Pretending and Telling Stories.

Those are the two big milestones Mr. Mister has hit recently. He's learned how to pretend to have a snack and a drink, which works well for us when he's hungry in the car but we don't have any snacks. It's really cute...he uses his pincer grasp to pretend to pick a piece of food out of our hands and then puts it up to his mouth and makes an eating noise. He'll do the same thing pretending to take a drink out of his hands. He thinks it's funny and it is fun to watch him do it!

He's also been starting to tell me a lot of stories about things that have happened recently. The other day, he fell off his Hot Wheels bike outside. Later that day he said, "Boom. Ouch. Bike." My favorite was when we were driving in the car in PA and out of nowhere he said, "Woah. Nick. Beep, beep." and then made the all done sign. It took me a minute, but then I realized he was telling me about when he and Uncle Nick were in the water at the beach. They were saying "woah" when the waves came. Then when it was time to get out, Uncle Nick set his watch for one minute and when it beeped, they were all done. Isn't that amazing that he remembered that a week later and summarized the story like that? I just love watching him learn!

Teacher of the Year

Last night I went to a banquet where my mom was honored as Teacher of the Year for her building, along with the teachers from the other buildings in her district. She teaches in the special needs preschool where she has both typical students and those with special needs in her class. The wide variety of abilities and needs makes her job very challenging, but she does it so well. Her students are blessed to have her in their lives. I wish Mr. Mister could be in her class!

I was so proud of her as she stood on stage and as her principal shared why she is their teacher of the year. I had tears in my eyes as the principal described how hard she works, how much she cares for her students and their parents, and how much knowledge she brings to her fellow teachers.

I have known for a long time that she is an excellent teacher, as I've seen the hours she puts in writing IEPs, coming up with new ideas, creating activities, and communicating with parents. I am so happy that she was recognized in front of her district. She is very deserving and I'm so proud of her! Congratulations, Mom! I love you!

More Pics

Here are a some more pictures from our weekend in Pennsylvania....

The birthday boy and his wife.

Three generations of fishermen.

Enjoying the lake.

Learning from the expert!

Learning from the not-so-expert.

I like their reflections in the water.

Enjoying some grandma time.


We finally got a picture with all three of us in the air!

P.S. In case you're wondering, the yellow tag on Mr. Mister's hat is his fishing license. Papa made him one to match the other men's hats!