Sonic

About two months ago we noticed that a new building was being put up between our house and the freeway.  After a while we realized it was going to be a Sonic.  Yeah!  They've got great shakes and it's just kinda fun to eat there.

Tuesday we were coming home from work and school and noticed that traffic was moving REALLY slow on 43rd.  An ambulance had passed us not that long before, so we assumed that there was an accident ahead of us and that's what was causing the delay.  Wrong!

After sitting in traffic for about 10/15 minutes, Erik looks at me and says "I think the delay and line is for Sonic."  I couldn't believe that a delay like that could be caused by a new restaurant being opened.  However, once we go in the right hand lane and had no problems moving down 43rd St., I saw that Erik was right.  

Not only was the delay caused by Sonic, but people were waiting in a line over 50+ cars long that wrapped around the whole strip mall.  There was even a news story about it that can be found here.

Stonefire Pizza

Yesterday for dinner we met up with Paul and Katie at Stonefire Pizza in New Berlin.  We've been there before, so we knew that we had to get Timmy to eat something right away, otherwise he would be too distracted to eat.

Stonefire Pizza is divided into 4 basic dining areas.  One for kids 8 and under, a room for older kids that showed different cartoons, a semi-ESPN zone for adults, and a room with no TVs for those that really want to keep from being distracted or just wanted a quieter area.

We sit in the area for kids 8 and under.  There are 5 different activity areas.  A train area, a water table, a play kitchen, a block area, and then a climbing area.  

Yesterday, Timmy went to play with the trains after eating and he was still over there playing contentedly after an hour and a half.  I went to take him to the bathroom to change him and he freaked out.  Yeah, it was really embarrassing.  But once that ordeal was over, we went to the games side of the restaurant.

Timmy played Ice Ball (totally skeeball but with white balls plastic balls instead of wooden ones) with Erik for a while and then decided that he wanted to play with the trains again.  Stonefire Pizza, like Chuck E. Cheese, gives out tickets for the games.  Both times we have been there now, I have come home with a whole envelope of tickets because we didn't have a chance to turn them in.  Oh well.  It's probably for the best.

Here are a few pictures to enjoy.  Next time you're in town, maybe we'll go to Stonefire Pizza. Maybe.  =)

The Oscars

For some reason I have always liked certain award shows.  I really enjoy watching the Golden Globes and the Oscars.  The other award shows, I could really take or leave.  

This year's Oscars was hosted by Hugh Jackman.  I found him to be quite entertaining, and sad that they didn't use him more.  He was funny, he sang and danced....what more could you really want?

That answer is a quicker awards show and one that isn't afraid to keep things in the same order, despite the sentimental factor.  This year, for the big awards like Best Supporting Actress, etc., they had five previous winners introduce the nominees.  This in and of itself, doesn't seem like a problem.  But instead of doing a clip from the movie, this year was a small personal tribute to each nominee.  While that sounds great, it got a little long.  I was just not a fan.  It could have been done so much better.

Normally the first two awards of the evening go to Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor.  Since one of the nominees for Best Supporting Actor was Heath Ledger, it seemed they (the Oscars creators) decided to keep the suspense going as long as possible and the sentiment as well.  It just seemed so strange to me to have those awards separated by so much time and show.  Maybe that's just me.

I was a big fan of The Dark Knight and very excited about it before it was released.  While the death of Heath Ledger may have caused some curious viewers to see the film that would not have originally, I was not one of those.  I think that Heath's performance in the movie was great and totally stole the show from Christian "I like to yell at people" Bale.  I don't know if I saw any of the other movies with nominees (yeah, we don't get out much) but I still think that Heath's performance was strong enough that he should have gotten the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, which he did.  I think his family handled everything very well and it's hard to completely understand the mixed emotions they must have felt as they stood upon that stage.  The sad thing is that, even though Heath totally deserved the Oscar, there will be people that say he got it only on the sympathy vote.  While we will never know what would have happened if Heath had been alive, it is clear that he deserved the Oscar and the acclaim that came with the part of the Joker.

I was disappointed by other aspects of the evening as well.  I do not understand why there was a song and dance number that didn't include the songs for Best Original Song.  It seemed to take up time and that's something that could have been cut.  I also don't understand how Bruce Springsteen and his song for The Wrestler was not nominated.  Oh, politics.  You show your face in the least likely of places.

The other thing that really disappointed me was how they did the "In Memorium" section.  You could barely see the people and couldn't read what the people did very easily.  If you want us to remember people, at least let us know who they are.  

One thing that I consistently do not like about the Oscars is how one movie often sweeps categories.  This year it was Slumdog Millionaire.  Rest assured that this opinion remains, even when I've seen and like the movie (remember when Return of the King won everything a few years ago? That was also annoying). It's like why even bother having a choice?  Why not just say, here's a blank ballot and you fill in what you think is best, oh and we've only given you the option of one movie.  Ridiculous.

Anyway, despite these annoyances, I will be back next year watching the Oscars.  Hope that next year goes better than this one!    

Patience

Okay, so since my last post, things have gotten a little better for Timmy and sleeping.  He did take a nap on Monday but then putting him to bed Monday night was a chore.  Last night he did really well and I think it's got more to do with reassuring him that we are still around than anything else.  I tried it for his nap today and aside from him wanting a story read to him before he fell asleep, it seems to have worked.

I know what I really need is patience.  It's not something that I'm very good at and is clearly something that I need to work on, especially when dealing with a little person.  I'll keep you updated about the toddler bed progress.

Change

I know that change is never easy for anyone, especially little kids.  We've found that out in abundance the last few days.

While Timmy loves his toddler bed, I think he loves the idea of it more than actually using it for sleeping.  I know that we only transitioned him over on Saturday night but still...things are very different.

When Timmy was in the crib he had no problem sleeping with his door closed and went to sleep fairly soon after we put him to bed (generally).  Now he freaks out, crying, if you try to close the door to his room all the way while he is still awake.  He is also having troubles staying in his bed.  Not that he's falling out of it or anything like that.  Just more that he wants to go play with the toys in his room or with Mom and Dad instead of going to sleep.

Yesterday he went down for a nap great in his bed.  Last night, that was a different story.  He was freaking out and crying and such until about 10.  Now, he's supposed to be down for a nap as I type but I can hear him playing with his toys and not sleeping.  I know that he doesn't have to take a nap and that just having some quiet down time for him is good too.  The problem is, when he doesn't take a nap, he often falls asleep around 6:30 only to wake up again at around 11.  Not very much fun at all.  

I know it takes a while to transition but does anyone have any advice out there for me?  I'd really like to make this as easy on all of us as possible.

Does Anyone Love Kopps More Than Timmy?

Here are a few pictures of Timmy enjoying Kopps' chocolate custard.  Delicious!

Hair Cut

For the past few years, I've gotten my hair cut about once a year.  I always intend on getting it cut more often but life just seems to get in the way.  Today, I was able to get my hair cut, and I really like it.  I know, it's not that drastic for me, but still, having shorter hair is a nice plus.  Hopefully I'll clog the vacuum less with my hair too!  Here's a before and after picture.  Let me know what you think!

Mario Kart

We've really been enjoying our Wii lately.  We like how it's really a family friendly game system.  While Timmy doesn't quite understand how to play a lot of the games (besides bowling), he does enjoy watching and attempting to help.  

We got Mario Kart for Christmas and really enjoy playing it.  We like how we can play other people online.  So, if you own Mario Kart and want some other racers...just let me know and I'll give you our key so we can play together.  The more the merrier!  =)

More Snow

Yesterday we got a few more inches of snow.  It took me a long time to get to work (about a half hour longer than normal) but the snow wasn't really all that bad.  It was light snow, not wet packing snow, which makes a big difference.  

After I got home and after Timmy woke up from his nap, we went outside to begin the clean up process.  As you can see in the pictures, he really likes to help and enjoys watching Daddy shovel.  Such a helpful little guy!

Timmy's Toddler Bed

Back in October or November we decided it was time to move Timmy from his crib to a toddler bed.  His crib is a convertible one and so we thought it would be fairly easy.  Wrong!  Turns out the accessories we were given when we originally purchased the crib were to convert the crib to a full-size bed.  Since that would be a little too big for Timmy right now, we ordered the toddler railing and was told it would be ready for pick up in about 4 weeks.

We were finally called to say the toddler railing was in on Wednesday.  I picked it up yesterday after work and Erik put it all together.  So far, Timmy seems to be taking to it quite well.  We made sure he was able to see the bed and climb in it before he went to bed last night because we thought that would be for the best.  While he has had a little bit of trouble going to sleep in his new environment, it really hasn't been too bad and we are hopeful that he adapts fairly quickly.

Here are a few pictures of Timmy's new bed and him enjoying it.  

Not Alone!

I'd just like to thank everyone who's let me know that they actually read the stuff that I write and look at the pictures.  Yeah!  I am not just talking to myself.  Sweet!

I've got some stuff to post tomorrow about Timmy and his new bed but since he's having troubles staying in that new bed and going to sleep, it's best that I wait and upload the pictures and such tomorrow.  I hope that everyone has a great night!

Happy Anniversary

I would like to wish a Happy Anniversary to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jake and Amy.  I hope that you have a great day and are able to celebrate the joy that is marriage and your love for each other.  Congratulations on 4 years!

Discovery World

Since it's been pretty cold around here lately (with the exception of last Tuesday), we decided to take Timmy down to the Discovery World on Sunday to run off some of his energy.  Yeah, really a good thing we did.  He really enjoyed the new exhibit on water and ringing the bell for the boat.  Here are a picture to give you an idea of how much Timmy loves the fish and the rest can be viewed here.

Guitar Hero

As a thank you for helping them move, Jake and Amy bought us a Guitar Hero game.  I wasn't too sure how much I would enjoy it, but have become quite addicted.  I think it's because I can feel like I'm playing an instrument which is something that I miss.  Almost makes me want to take guitar lessons.  Almost, but not quite.

Here are a few pictures of us enjoying Guitar Hero.

Ryan and Connie's Wedding

We were blessed to be able to attend Ryan and Connie's wedding in the middle of January and see some of our good friends.  It was a really good time and the reception was the first time Erik and I have gone out without Timmy since October.

Here are a few pictures from the night.  Enjoy!

Ryan and Connie's Grand Entrance

Erik and Me

Theresa and Me

Does Anyone Read This?

I am curious to know if anyone actually reads this or if it ends up being more for myself. I'm perfectly okay having a conversation with myself...but I was just curious.

If you are a reader, can you please comment on this post or in the comments chat box? Thanks so much!

Apologies

I have been horrible with blogging lately. I keep thinking I should write on my blog and then I get distracted by life and never come back to it. I am going to make a more concerted effort though, because I just should.

So, I am going to attempt to blog at least once a week. Shouldn't be that hard, right?

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to by best friend Katie and her husband Ryan.  It was such a joy to be a part of your wedding.  I really enjoyed it (being 7 months pregnant and all).  I hope that you two continue to have a life filled with love and respect.  I really miss being able to hang out with you whenever we want but am glad for the closeness that we continue to share.  Congratulations my friend!

Not To Be

Well, as most of you know by now, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl.  I think it was one of the more exciting games in recent memory.  While there were a few moments of unsportsman-like conduct, overall the game was pretty good.  Oh well, back to reality now.

Super Bowl

Well, we're over half way done with the Super Bowl and I thought it would be a good time to say that I am really rooting for the Cardinals to win.  I have liked the Cardinals for a while and really am rooting for them because they are the underdog.  It's been an interesting and entertaining game so far and some of the commercials have been entertaining.

I have noticed that there are a lot of Budweiser commercials and a lot of movie previews.  Some of the movies look interesting but I think it will be like normal and we'll see them when they come to the library for us to rent.

Go Cardinals!!

Half Time Show

I must say that this is the first half time show that I've actually been excited for in a long time.  For those of you who don't know, I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan.  I was therefore, uber excited to learn that he was performing for the half time show at the Super Bowl.  It's pretty much the closest I'm ever going to get to going to a concert.  It was great!  Timmy even enjoyed the music (at least I think it was the music and not laughing at Mommy).  I will shape this kid's music tastes yet!

Oh, and the image I assume is in public domain, but I took it from Wikipedia.

Moving Day

No, we aren't moving, but our downstairs neighbors did.  For those of you who don't know, Jake took a new job in Indiana and has been working there for about 2 weeks.  Yesterday, we loaded up their furniture and officially moved them to Indiana.  Amy will still be in Milwaukee for half the week for school and school related issues so we will probably be seeing them fairly often, even though they live in another state.

We enjoyed being able to help them with this whole process and hope that everything works out for the best for them.  While we will miss having them as neighbors, they feel that this was the best move for them and we can do nothing but be supportive of them as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.  The important thing is that they are doing it together and that's what really matters most.

After Timmy's nap, he and I headed down to Indiana to unload our car and pick up Erik.  He actually did really well on the 2.5 hour trip and only started to get a little tired of the car about 20 minutes from Jake and Amy's place (he was the same for the trip home).  I think we might have to invest in an I-Pass to make the trip go a little faster and smoother (not that it was even that big a deal, but not having to lug around all that change would be nice).  Timmy really did well, thanks at least in part to this game that he's created where he looks out for overpasses and then says "OOoohhhhhh!" while we go under them.  He also was on a constant look out for planes, trucks, and different colored cars, so he was well entertained.  Thank goodness we have a good traveler!

Timmy helping Daddy and Uncle Jake put the bed frame together

Timmy helping move in the box spring and mattress