12-16-2006 Happy Birthday Tanner(1) & Bailey (3)

Saturday, we trekked to Shreeve, Ohio to celebrate both Tanner & Bailey's birthdays.

Tanner had a great time with his cake (if I recall correctly, he got much more messy than Bailey did at her 1st).

Bailey really enjoyed opening her presents, in particular the dress-up shoes from yours truly and her American Girl Bitty Baby. Upon opening the Bitty Baby, Bailey looked into the little window of the box and said "Don't worry, baby, I'll get you out." She then kissed the box. Quite adorable!! Happy Birthday Messners!!

HO! HO! HO! 12-15-2006

Today, Zoe went and told Santa what she wanted for Christmas. She wore her Christmas dress, which she has been asking to wear everyday since I bought it and her shiny new "slippers". She had great time dancing & twirling around the house before leaving and would pick up the skirt of her dress just like Cinderella does at the ball.

Our conversation on the way to mall included a lot of "talking up" sitting on Santa's lap & telling him what she wanted for Christmas. When first asked what she was going to tell him, she wanted "A Castle" (a bit out of Santa's budget). Daddy, then, mentions a doll house (which she will be getting, but not from Santa). She quickly jumped all over this gift request. Upon receiving glaring looks from me, Tony mentions that maybe she wants a new baby doll - her previous standard answer to what she wants from Santa (a gift Santa has made sure to have because that "was" what she wanted). Zoe says, "Yes, yes, a baby doll house." Daddy makes one more attempt to convince her that she wants a camera of her own (another gift Santa has on hand). However, Zoe is sticking firm to a "baby doll house." Grrr....

Anyway, once we get to the mall, there is virtually no line for Santa, but Zoe is balking. So, we let a couple of people go ahead of us & just watch. Santa then convinces Zoe to come get some crayons he is handing out. Then, he asks Zoe to give him five and she does. He asks again, and another five takes place. Santa then reaches down, plops her on his lap. He holds her hands down away from her face & click, click, click...three pictures taken. No tears & even a smile. Rejoice!! What a good Santa!!

And, what did Zoe tell Santa she wanted?
A camera (with lots of coaching from Daddy)

And, later why was Zoe upset?
Because she didn't tell Santa she wanted a castle!!

You can't win.

OSU Victory Lunch #2 12-14-2006

The 6th annual OSU vs. That Team Up North lunch was celebrated again on Thursday. The victorious buckeyes (Lew, Tony and an absent Steve) were treated to lunch at the Fat Man's Buffet by what must surely be direhard wolverine fans (Shane, Bob & Ralph) for the 3rd straight year in a row. They were even kind enough to provide a special cake commemorating the Buckeye's victory.

Zoe & the whales 12-8-2006

Today, we trekked to Cabella's to do a little Christmas shopping. Zoe had a great time seeing all of the animals and such. She especially enjoyed the fish pond. Upon seeing the large carp, she said "Look Daddy, a whale". I guess if you saw a fish the same size as yourself, you might think it was a whale too.

OSU Victory Lunch 12-7-2006

Today was one of Tony's OSU vs. Michigan victory lunches. This one required a couple of Michigan fans to don OSU apparel & Tony just happened to have his camera handy.

Zoe & the "Pooh in the Box" 12-6-2006

This morning, we went to Ann's house to learn all about at the letter "G" (which Zoe must have learned by osmosis because she certainly wasn't paying very much attention, but somehow knew all about the letter when we got home.) Anyway, Ann took this video of Zoe playing with the intensisty that only a 2 year-old can.



This video was of the FOURTH time, she played with it. By the FOURTH time, you might think she would know when it was going to pop up, but apparently not. This also is not even close to the very first day that she played with this toy. She plays with it EVERYTIME we go over there. If only we could all be surprised over & over & over again, by that which has become predictable.

Christmas is Coming... 12-6-2006

It is official, the trees, snowmen, stockings, etc... i.e. all indoor Christmas decorations are up (you'll have to talk to Tony about the outdoor ones). We have a total of 7 trees this year, but a few of them are rather small (& one rather tall). Last night, I hosted the Christmas book club, a small, but joyous gathering. Joyous for me, mostly because it forced to me have all of my decorations up & the house cleaned. Now, I can relax for a few days.

For your viewing pleasure (& because Tony keeps pestering me to add this to the blog - mostly, I believe, so he can show people exactly how crazy I am), I've posted below, the 7 lovely trees (also note - the festive decorations on the mantle & more importantly, the TV mounted about it, YEAH!!). Merry Christmas!!

Christmas List

Zoe

(purchased) The Little Mermaid DvD - widescreen 10-3
Curious George -DvD widescreen
(purchased) Cars - DvD widescreen - 11-7
TotSports T-ball Set
TotSports Basketball Set
IKEA - play tunnel
IKEA - light - bead chandelier
(purchased) Fischer-Price Twin Time Dollhouse
Lowes - Butterfly nightlight & light switch plate
Clothes - 3T - adjustable waistband need in bottoms
Shoes - size 9

Trica

Murder She Wrote DvD Collections Season 1, 3 & 4
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire DvD - widescreen
Giftcards - JoAnn, Borders, New York & Company
COACH SOHO SIGNATURE CHECKBOOK WALLET $218 - Silver/Dark Brown
COACH SOHO SIGNATURE WRISTLET $48 - Silver/Dark Brown
Large Comfy Sweatshirt to replace much loved favorite, but worn out Virginia Tech sweatshirt
Workout clothes
World Peace
Books for Book Club:
February - Digging to America by Anne Tyler
May – Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
June – What Do You Do All Day by Amy Scheibe
July - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Cuisinart Pizzelle Press

Tony
Sports Coat (44, I think)
Dress Shirts(L-16 neck, I think)/Slacks(38-31)
(purchased) Wool Socks
(in progress) A national championship buckeye team
(acquired) Fiesta Bowl ticket(s)
Book Gift certificates
Books in paperback preferred...
Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
1632 by Eric Flint
1633 by Eric Flint, David Weber, and James Baen
1634: The Ram Rebellion (Assiti Shards) by Eric Flint
1634: The Baltic War by David Weber and Eric Flint
1635: Cannon Law (Ring of Fire)
Island in the Sea of Time by S. M. Stirling
Against the Tide of Years by S. M. Stirling
On the Oceans of Eternity by S. M. Stirling

O' Christmas Tree 12-3-2006

Tonight, we got our live Christmas tree for the parlor. To date, it was the fastest Christmas tree selection ever. It was 25 degrees & windy with light snow. I pretty much picked the first big tree I saw. Once we got it home, inside and in the stand, I gave the tree some water. Zoe, upon seeing this, raced upstairs to get a 5 oz. Dixie cup from her bathroom and filled it with water to give to the tree. I must say the first couple of times, it was pretty cute. But, being the obsessive-compulsive that she is we stopped her the third time (although, this time she did figure out that she didn't need to go all the way to the upstairs bathroom to get water). She did have fun and we are looking forward to decorating the tree tomorrow.

The "Hot Dog Lady" 12-2-2006

Yesterday, Tony & Zoe took a quick trip to Home Depot to pick up a couple of last minute items needed to hang our TV above the mantle. It happened to be close to lunch time & Zoe requested a hot dog (she's had lunch there before obviously). But, when they went in, the hot dog lady was nowhere to be found. Zoe inquired as to where the "hot lady" was...Tony replied they would look for her on the way out. When they had finished their shopping, "hot lady" was still missing. Tony realizing it would not be a good idea to have his daughter come home and talk about the "hot lady" coached Zoe the whole way home to say the "hot dog lady". Once home, Zoe asked about 30 times "Where is the hot dog lady?" This is not a high estimate as to the number of times this question was asked and answered. It may be even a little low. I am very grateful that she seems to have forgotten about her for today.

Messner Visit 11-27-2006 to 11-30-2006

Wendi, Bailey & Tanner came for a visit this week. Bailey & Zoe had a great time playing together while Tanner enjoyed finding all of the toys he wasn't old enough to play with. The moms did a little shopping while the kids did lots of playing. It was even warm enough on Tuesday that we went outside & played for a little while.

Flu Shot Conversation (11-28-2006)

This morning, Zoe got a flu shot. I told her that we were going to the doctor and she was going to get a shot in her leg to keep her from getting sick. She translated this to she was going to the doctor to make her leg feel better. We get to Zoes doctor's office which is located on the second floor of the building & used the stairs rather than the elevator. We sign in and wait our turn. When they call *Michelle's* name (for some reason she is always called Michelle at the doctor - something to do with her first & middle name being on the chart when usually it is only the first name), we head back to the room. Zoe is a little apprehensive, but not doing too bad. I sign the consent from, pull down her pants & hold her arms above her head. The nurse tells Zoe there is going to be a little pinch. Zoe winces ever so slightly as she gets the shot. She checks out her band-aid and we pull the pants back up. She then says, "Now, we can go on the elevator." Sure. In the car while leaving, she says, "The doctor gave me a little pinch. It tickled." If only, it were all this easy!!

Zoe's Big Girl Bed (11-19-2006)

I think the title says it all.

We've also realized how much air-fare we can save, by shipping ups rather than buying her a seat!!

Still No.1 (11-18-2006)

As anyone reading this blog already knows OSU beat Michigan 42-39!! Go Bucks!! It wasn't pretty (well, sometimes it was, but never fail, it turned ugly shortly thereafter). And, whoever heard of "roughing the center". I am pretty sure Zoe had about 5 new words added to her vocabulary during the game. As yet, we've not heard any of them, but I am sure we will in the future at the most inappropriate moment possible. Immediately followining the victory, Tony & I booked plane tickets to visit his parents in Arizone Jan. 5 - Jan 14. And, to our surprise, the BCS championship game is Jan. 8 AND in Arizona. :) Tony is now accepting sponsors to pay for his ticket price. He is willing to put your company name on a hat, t-shirt, pants, shoes, tatoos, whatever. Donations also accepted. Unfortunately, we do not have non-profit status, so it won't be tax deductible. Anyway, it's sure to be a good time!! Go Bucks!!

What is this? 11-17-2006

What is this?!?

To you , it may look like a mat, a box lid & a couple of chairs.

To Zoe, it is her very own Survivor inspired obstacle course.

Last night, for various reasons, Zoe stayed up & watched Survivor with us. When the show was over, she created this little course which she proceeded to run & then wanted Mommy & Daddy to run also.

First you jump over the box lid...run along the mat...then...


...run past the chairs...



...and then leap into the tent!!



What fun!!

Zoe's Christmas Tree - 11-11-2006

What ever does one wear while decorating your own little Christmas tree? A butterfly costume, of course - dressed down this time (no hairnet or slippers).

I saw a cute white Christmas tree with pastel ornaments at Bronners that inspired this tree for Zoe's room. Zoe had a great time decorating her little tree while wearing her butterfly costume.

Zoe the Butterfly Princess 11-10-2006

While shopping on Friday, Zoe found this cute butterfly costume that she conned Grandma into buying for her. She had her own bag for it that she had to carry. She also had to hold it the whole way home and put it on the second we got in the door. And, what does one wear with a butterfly princess costume? Why pink fuzzy slippers and a hair net over your face, of course!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Kathy!! 11-10-2006

We celebrated Aunt Kathy's birthday with a long shopping day at Birch Run and Bronner's followed by cake at home.

Zoe at Play

Two days ago, we finally broke out the play-dough that Zoe got for Christmas last year (supposedly, some sort of pay-back present for a bubble-machine the previous summer - not a fair pay-back at all really. I mean, kids LOVE bubble machines , plus I didn't make her to use it in the house). Anyway, back to the play-dough...Zoe isn't quite sure what to do with it yet. Her goal is pretty much to see how fast she can empty all ten little containers. But, she has fun when Daddy or Mommy plays with her. Tonys venture into play-dough included a cute little black rabbit with a orange carrot. Zoe then insisted on a brown carrot (brown carrots don't really look like brown carrots & Tony has now banned the making of all brown carrots).

Yesterday, while Mommy lounged on the couch and read, Zoe's friends Lily & Elmo had a tea party together. It was very cute. Also, notice how Elmo is totally dominating the conversation.

This morning, Zoe is playing princess and so far the princess has broken into the jelly-belly jelly beans dispenser, figured out how the open both the freezer and refrigerator and tried to make chocolate milk for her baby.

Zoe's 1st "Semi-Official" Haircut 11-02-2006

Zoe ended up getting her 1st semi-official haircut tonight at my salon. I was getting my haircut and she insisted she needed hers cut also. So, the very nice & accomodating stylist said she would "act like" she was cutting her hair. But, by the time, she got the booster seat and the kids cape, she decided to actually cut her hair. So, Zoe got a quick haircut. I've never seen Zoe so HAPPY about anything. She had the biggest smile on her face the whole time. It was adorable!! Her hair doesn't look much different, but she had the BEST time!!

Happy Birthday Poppa Dave!! 10-31-2006

Poppa Dave's birthday was Tuesday, so we got to celebrate with him. Zoe "helped" him blow out his candles and open his presents. I am pretty sure she thinks every birthday party we attend is hers...

Buzzzz.....Trick-or-Treat

Zoe did a little trick-or-treating at a few neighbors on Monday night (since we would be out of town for my Grandpa's funeral on Tuesday.) Daddy took her to a few houses who he called in advance. She definitely liked getting candy & didn't want to stop when they ran out of houses. She loved her costume and wants to wear it around the house all of the time.

Good-Bye Grandpa Hart

Sunday morning (10/29), my Grandpa Hart passed away after battling illness for quite some time. We will miss his big smiles and laughs, but know that he has gone on to a better place. Love you, Grandpa

Happy Birthday Emily!! 10-28-2006

We travelled to Columbus this past weekend to celebrate cousin Emily's 4th birthday!! Appropriate for a fall Saturday, it was a OSU Football party (just what every little girl dreams of - or at least in our family they do). The festivities included goodie bags, pom-pom making, a cupcake block "O" and, of course, an OSU victory. Zoe had a great time playing with her cousins - especially once they started playing princesses.

PUMPKINS!! 10-24-2006

Tonight we painted and carved the pumpkins we picked a couple of weeks ago. Zoe had a great time, as she always does anytime paint is involved.

Conversation of the Day

10-23-2006

While I was at the sink doing dishes, Zoe yells...

"Mommy, Mommy, come quick. In the den!!"

I reply... "I'm busy."

Zoe bursts into the kitchen and says...

"Alex went poppy in the den."

My reply..."Okay, I'll clean it up in a second."

Zoe's reply.

"I touched it."

My inner reply..."grrreat..." (I've found 2 years old don't really understand sarcasm.)
Out loud..."Come here so we can wash your hands."

While washing her hands, Zoe informs me...

"It was smushy."

I love being a Mom.

Baileys at Bailey's

To watch the OSU game, we trekked to Bailey's Pub & Grille. (nice name, huh). Picture is from on our way out the door. It was a good time. Lots of OSU fans (the manager there is a Buckeye). Staff was not thrilled about random O-H, I-O cheers. Luckily, we had the "green" room so as not to disturb other customers. Not so lucky - no kids menu. We munched an appetizers and Zoe had about 10 orange wedges from the bar - Tony's fault for ordering a Bells. OSU won 44-3 (interesting stat of the game - all time OSU vs. Indiana record 43-2-2). GO BUCKS!!

Tony's Fish

Picture of Tony's dinner from Friday night at going away party for John Carvill (Ford guy from Ireland moving to Austraila). It is some sort of Red Snapper with a leaf in it's mouth. Uncle Ben, Zoe and I had Cheeseburger Macoroni - Hamburger Helper. I think I liked mine better.

Uncle Ben Visits

Zoe and Uncle Ben (seen here resting) have been having a great time playing together - builing Thomas houses, watching TV, frog jumping & playing tag!!

I can knit!!

After two knitting classes at JoAnn's, I have successfully completed my first knitting project. A purse!! Yeah!!

Safety First

While riding around on her scooter, Zoe decided she needed to *try* the potty (as a means to scam some candy). This, of course, involves removing all clothing - excluding her helmet (& allowing me to snap this picture).

End result = no pee-pee, no poopie, just picture