Carter sat down for a snack after school and I asked him what his favorite part of the day was. He said Miss Corak gave him goldfish crackers because he didn’t have any breakfast and–

What?

You told her you didn’t have breakfast? But you did! You had breakfast! You had a waffle. (No need to discuss how healthy his breakfast was BUT HE AT LEAST ATE SOMETHING before school.)

He shrugs. “Oh, I forgot.”

You can’t go forgetting those things and then telling your teacher and now she probably thinks I’m a bad mother that doesn’t feed her child breakfast before school oh my OH MY.

This is the same child that last semester was repeatedly coming home with overdraft notices from the cafeteria. Even though I sent him with the same amount of money as Noah, and they both had never missed a day of school. Carter was always running out and so when the lunch lady called one day to say he needed more money in his account I had a little talk with her.

How does he keep running out of money? I send him with the same amount as Noah and I know Noah is eating lunch.

“Well, Carter comes down to the cafeteria for breakfast every morning.”

That’s an extra $1.80 or whatever per day.

He thought it was like a complimentary continental buffet.

If only.

Oh, and I couldn’t resist: Lunch Lady as performed by Adam Sandler and the late, great Chris Farley.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

Dare I even bring up my very well-intentioned list?

I know it was a fall thing but really I meant it to carry over until now because there’s NOTHING to do right about now, and I need the nudge out of the house each wintery week.

The Field Museum, on a free day and apparently there are lots of them(In Gray’s words: See Rexy at Night At The Museum)
The Art Institute/Millennium Park Day
Lincoln Park Zoo
Shedd Aquarium, on a free day
Museum of Science & Industry (NOT on a free day, we have a family pass)
Attend an age appropriate storytime at local bookstore
Go for a hike at Deep River
Get soy icecream from Pat’s Parlor, just because.
County Line Orchard
Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center
Bailly HomesteadandChelburg Farm
Feed the ducks/geese at Lake George
Eat cupcakes at Designer Desserts
Pegggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Visit the Curious Kids’ Museum

What have we done? What have I crossed off?

We DID make it to the Shedd on New Year’s Eve. I had the thought that it would probably be empty that day, because everyone is getting ready for parties and stuff, right? But, um, I think it was ACTUALLY probably the most crowded day of the year. Go figure! (And note to anyone else- museums on a holiday= CROWDED.) (PS we had fun- the Fantasea show was awesome.)

The whole fam, 12-31-09

We’ve had plenty of cupcake dates, so I’ve crossed that off but don’t even think that means we won’t be doing it again. Also, we have family passes that expire next month to the Museum of Science & Industry so we’ll be doing that quite soonish. Oh, and we did go to Bellaboo’s and liked it ALOT. I plan to go there again (it’s definitely more geared to the younger ones like Gray & Ivy’s ages (4 & 16 months.)

I’ve been thinking about even adding a trip to the beach on there- in the winter. I miss Lake Michigan. (Let’s be honest, it would probably just be a drive out there, while the kids nap in the car and I get a coffee from Starbucks’ drive thru, but it’s a goal.)

[Last week's post: Things I love about Northwest Indiana]

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

Right about now everyone’s mumbling about the freezing cold and counting down the days until spring break (which, heh, is no guarantee of nice weather) but there are some great things about living in the region. Here’s some of my faves:

1. Snow days- I’ll start off with something relevant to right now. I do love the excitement of hearing the kids have a snow delay or cancellation due to the snow. You have to admit that the snow falls have been exceptionally beautiful this winter.

2. BOOTS- Need I say more? Certain shoes are necessities when living here. You HAVE to have good boots and usually a few pair, you know, warm snow boots, tall dress boots, rain boots for the slush…

3. Chicago- we’re so close, yet not in the city. An easy drive brings you to some of the best museums in the country, and of course fabulous shopping, restaurants, and theatre.

4. The Dunes- Every time warm weather hits I vow to visit the Dunes more, maybe as the kids get older I will, but it’s pretty awesome being so close to Lake Michigan and the beauty of the sand dunes. I’m more likely to be there at sunset than the middle of a hot summer day. There’s nothing like walking barefoot along the shore skipping rocks, just minutes from my house.

5. New Buffalo, Michigan- so, I don’t want it to seem I’m always leaving the area but it’s so wonderful to be close to so many awesome places. When we want a break from the usual, we head to New Buffalo and eat at Brewster’s and walk to the beach and eat lots of ice cream.

6. Fall- the colors, the smells, the leaves, the trees, everything about fall in Northwest Indiana is awesome. It’s my very favorite.

7. The people. It’s true, everyone tends to know everyone around here. Especially if you have family here or go to church. But it’s nice to be where everybody knows your name (only when I’ve actually showered and did my makeup otherwise I’m totally avoiding you).

Kinda weird for me to end this on a number like 7 but those are my favorite things. What did I miss? What do you love about where you live?

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

We put off seeing Santa until the very last minute. Like, CHRISTMAS EVE. But it was actually pretty awesome.

We took the kids to the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond where they have a full “A Christmas Story” exhibit -complete with Santa’s Mountain just like in the movie. With the slide and everything.

The animated displays are pretty impressive- once featured in the windows of Macy’s in New York City several years ago- they are placed in an awesome setting (and you can still go see it all for free until January 10.) And they had all the Leg Lamp memorabilia you could ever want in the gift shop.

So yeah, Christmas is SO two weeks ago, but we have snow now, and it’s COLD and WINTER and it just feels like A Christmas Story still…

I think about it every time I get the boys bundled in their snow pants and boots and coats and gloves and face mask and hat and then they have to go potty. Actually most of the snow came once school was back in session so now their teachers have to deal with all of that. Heh.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

Over the past several months I’ve been sent some items that I thought I’d share about here as ideas for those last minute gifts we all have hanging over our heads. I’ve already found myself wandering up and down the aisles of Target all zombie-like. Just tell me what to buy, people. That’s the mode I’m in now.

So, just so we’re clear, these items were given to me and now I’m writing about them. Not paid to say any of this, but I was given product to keep.

For the wee one:

Ikea plush toys [$1.49- $19.99] I’ve actually purchased a few here and there and now until December 24 for every Ikea soft toy sold $1 Euro (about $1.47 US dollars) will go to UNICEF. That’s a great excuse to make another trip to Ikea! They have awesome toys for kids (and you could fill my house stocking with that store, and it wouldn’t even cost alot! - but you might have a lot of assembling to do- but it would be awesome!)

For the growing one (and the parent that just wants their kid to play with something for longer than two seconds):

Playskool’s Busy Ball Popper [$24.99] is not only one of the most POPULAR toys ever for 9 month olds & up, it helps to develop eye fitness, judge distance & timing, and aids in learning anticipation & prediction. Playskool is more than just a toy maker. They want their toys to engage and be “More Than Play”, and as a parent you can nurture your child’s development through playtime. You can see a video all about that here.

For the littlest gamer:

Littlest Pet Shop video game for the Nintendo DS [$29.99]. Mini-games let the player explore new towns with their favorite pets. Venture on quests, deliver invitations, serve up ice cream, and style pets as everyone gets ready for the biggest LITTLEST PET SHOP party of the year. And be prepared for a few surprises along the way, like an all-new mystery pet that just might show up at the party!

For the bigger gamer:

Wii Fit Plus [$19.99 if you already have Wii fit, $99.99 if you need to get started.] The Wii Fit Plus has new exercises and tools to personalize your exercise routine (or if you’re like me and don’t HAVE a routine, it makes one FOR YOU.)

For the gassy:

PhartEphant [$24.95]. He’s cute and, excuse me, he farts. I KNOW you know SOMEONE that would be perfect for this gift. I don’t think you can get him in time for Christmas, but it’s probably even better as an I’m Thinking of You or birthday gift, too. You can also just hang out on the website there and listen to the toots all day. My kids sure can.

For the babywearer:

New Native baby carrier. My personal favorite is the organic cotton twill with poppy trim [$76]. Save 10% off your purchase using code: PMHRM149 (thru 1/1/2010).

For your computer (seriously your computer is longing for this companion):

The Epson Artisan 810 all-in-one printer [on sale now for $199]. With built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking, it prints, scans, and accesses memory card slots from any room in the house, including from your iPhone!! The Artisan 810 features a 7.8” smart touch panel and 3.5” LCD that lights up only the buttons necessary to the user, making it effortless to select, copy, enlarge, rotate, crop and print photos without a computer. And it’s super pretty.

Ok, so I admit I am done with my Christmas shopping EXCEPT for batteries. What’s on YOUR last minute list?

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

Packages came today and I think I’ve finished Christmas shopping. I left the boxes sitting on the couch and it was almost time for the older boys to get off the bus from school. I am so glad I remembered to move the boxes. I just set them in the basement, in view, but the kids don’t really go down there.

Tonight at dinner Carter told me, wide-eyed, of a story Mrs. James told him. SOME kids sneak around their house to find the presents their parents got them for Christmas.

Do you and Daddy go out places when we go to bed and buy presents for us?

Um, yeah, well you’ll have to wait until Christmas!

I DIDN’T tell them about how my brother and I used to look ALL OVER for our presents. In closets, under beds. My parents were good present hiders. I still need to ask where they hid everything.

Every year my brother would “accidentally” fall on one of his presents or shake it and push his finger and tear off a corner exposing the box and clue-ing him in to what it was. Then he’d hound my Mom incessantly I know what it is, you might as well give it to me!

One year it was a metal Transformers TV tray. A TV tray. Really? That could wait until Christmas, but no. He got to open it and because there was one for me, too (I think mine was Carebears?) I got to open mine as well.

Later my boys wanted to “look for something” in the basement. All three together. I blurted out “You better not go in there!”

And thought, it’s starting. I’m going to have to hide their presents from now on.

This is gonna be fun.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

Last year we started the tradition of The Elf On The Shelf. He visits until Christmas and watches over the kids and reports back to Santa what he sees. He came with a story book and in it the kids got to name him- of course my kids had no problems coming up with a totally appropriate elf name: Chazz Star. (For real it’s way better than Buddy or Santa.)

Each night he’d fly to a new spot in the house (if Mom & Dad remembered in their exhausted holiday haze, and amazingly, we did, with a few very close calls in the morning as the kids woke up and we were all Look! Over there! And quickly threw Chazz up on the fridge or in the Christmas tree branches.)

This year hubby asked when I was going to put the elf out and I was like, elf? Oh yeah. Where did I put him? I thought for sure I’d find him as I dug out Christmas decorations but I remember hiding him somewhere less obvious so that the kids wouldn’t know it was US that was behind the magic of Chazz Star.

Anyway, I found him last night and the kids noticed him on the shelf pretty quickly. And that’s when Gray decided that Chazz is SCARY and HE’S LOOKING AT ME and I glanced up at him and he totally WAS looking at Gray.

I keep telling the kids they’re suppose to go talk to Chazz and tell him what they want for Christmas. Noah asked if he could ask for money. No you can’t ask for money I said huffily. Then he turns to me with his puppy dog eyes and says I just wanted money so I could help you buy groceries and stuff.

Ok, suck up. (And I admit it made me misty, that child and his heart.) Also? Total suck up.

Every other hour Gray comes up to me and crouches out of the elf’s view. He’s scaring me, Mommy.

Only 22 days until Christmas!

P.S. I’m going to tell you where I hide Chazz this time and ask you about it next year, so remember, okay?

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

This morning as we were preparing for Thanksgiving, Noah marveled at a ceramic pumpkin with a lid on the sofa table. He busied himself with tiny slips of paper and announced “hey guys, let’s write down what we’re thankful for and put it in the pumpkin and read them all later!”

And so we did. What a great idea, Noah.

Later we read them aloud.

We are thankful for each other, for our Thanksgiving meal, for chocolate and coffee (OF COURSE) and for our jobs and beds.

We laughed and we smiled and we loved and we thanked.

And we planned for Christmas. We’ll put a box under the tree. Noah, you’re in charge of the slips of paper.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

It has been weeks maybe MONTHS since everyone in our house was healthy. It’s one cold after flu after pink eye after bronchitis after the other. It seems ALL we’ve been eating is soup. Which is ok with me because I LOVE SOUP.

Like, I think about it and I think, I love soup! Could it be the perfect food?

When I’m up for it, I love to make a huge pot of copycat Olive Garden minestrone. I make this all the time. And mine is better than Olive Garden’s. But I haven’t really felt like chopping up all those veggies and stuff lately so we’ve been eating mostly canned.

My current favorite (and by favorite I mean I am kind of addicted): Amy’s Fire Roasted Southwestern Vegetable soup. It feels SO good on my throat. And is really so flavorful for a canned soup.

Last night I went out with some friends to Pikk’s Tavern, downtown Valpo and I couldn’t wait to find out what their soup of the day was.

I was seriously bummed when all they had was broccoli cheddar, gumbo, or seafood chowder. But I just couldn’t NOT get soup, so I figured I’d try the broccoli cheddar (their soup of the day.) It was WAY different than I expected. It was amazing. Pureed and spicy. And oh my gosh I need some right now.

So, back to the cans, I am worried I’m going to get burned out on my Amy’s Fire Roasted soup. Please let me know what your favorites are. I need to update my cupboards!

Do you like soup? What is your favorite you can buy at the store? Do you have a favorite recipe?

PLEASE SHARE. I eat soup for breakfast. Really.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .

I try to limit the kids’ TV-viewing as much as possible, but have to admit I often watch along and get crafty ideas watching Sprout with Gray. (Plus I LOVE Kipper the Dog’s accent.)

Gray’s pretty crazy about the Sunny Side Up Show and Chica. His favorite thing is to play Dress Up Chica at Sprout Online.

He even had his big brother write Chica a letter:

(I found that note in their craft pile and it prompted this whole post, actually!)

Starting Monday November 23, Sprout will be running an on-screen crawl of what Sproutlet viewers say they’re thankful for. Be sure to upload your message at Sprout’s Thanks For Giving site now!

AND on Thanksgiving Day, Sproutlets can speak live (ON AIR!) with the Sunny Side Up Show host and share why they are thankful. I just happen to have some connections over at Sprout and they gave me the special call-in number a little early: 877-91CHICA !!

(The number will not be active until 8:45am ET on Thanksgiving morning.) Gray will for sure be calling in! Will you?

In the meantime, there are lots of fun Holiday crafts and coloring pages to get the little ones involved with your Thanksgiving decorations. And what a good reminder as they create to think about all that we are thankful for.

Also, enter the “What Have You Learned” contest now through November 22. Submit your child’s artwork showing what he or she has learned - could be counting, ABC’s, sharing, etc.

Artwork will be shown on air and one winner per day will be chosen the week of Dec. 7th. Prize includes a Sprout Gift Package which includes a Leap Frog Tag Junior. Good luck!

PS I was not paid by Sprout to write any of this. I am just a Mom to a little boy that REALLY likes his Sprout. And I happen to like Sprout, too.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .