The Mommy Memoir...Scrapbook

Christmas Memories '08

2008-12-26T23:18:00.012-06:00

Little girls cracking up during the pre-school Christmas program. JoJo laughed more than she sang.

Jim pounces on fudge sent by my friend K shortly before he hid it from the rest of us. A yearly ritual for our fudge junkie.

"...and you're having 40 people in MY house on Christmas Eve because...???"

E's school Christmas program.

JoJo and H-Jo avoiding older siblings' school program by escaping to the narthex (church foyer).

E wanted to make sure Santa knew exactly where to go--to avoid any confusion.

There he is...making his way down the basement stairs on Christmas Eve.

Passing out loot. E's either a little star struck or pondering the possibility that this Santa is an impostor. Not sure which.

Santa's pooped.

Santa passing out a gift to cousin KayKay. Grandpa Pete trying to get the shot.

Santa making best effort to escape crazy family.

...just because...

Me and My Dad

2008-12-13T22:40:00.006-06:00

...a very long time ago. I love this picture for all kinds of reasons, not the least of which is the state of my hair. I'm sporting a total Buckwheat. It is no coincidence, of course, that JoJo's hair is exactly like this when she first wakes up in the morning. I told her just today that if she were a Native American, her name would be Little Crazy Hair. I am, of course, Big Crazy Hair.

By the way, could my Dad's Marine uniform be any more pressed and starched? Note the razor sharp crease down the front of the shirt.

Thanksgiving in the City

2008-11-28T12:14:00.007-06:00

We made the trek from suburbia and enjoyed quite a lovely Thanksgiving at Uncle P's ultra sweeeeet condo in the sky! It was a beautiful, crisp Chicago day. We really could not have asked for better...

Even Winston enjoyed the day--out on that amazing patio, of course.

Uncle P is an architect and he works a contemporary vibe in his home. He's got that city-life thing down. The kids think visiting Uncle P is the best thing ever.

Uncle P and girl friend K--thanks for hosting a lovely Thanksgiving. We all had a great time!

Halloween 08

2008-11-01T00:38:00.006-05:00

It was all about the Joker baby. I'm not talkin' about the campy one from the '60s. Nor the Jack Nicholson version from the '90s. E wanted to be the Heath Ledger interpretation--dark, psychotic, and wildly deranged. (So long cutesy Halloween outfits--hello scary BOY COSTUMES). E isn't allowed to see the PG-13 movie but I guess all the marketing and media exposure made its way into Ethan's noggin. Boy did it ever.

A yearly tradition with E and his friends...Two new, younger additions expand the group!

E's T-Ball

2008-06-11T00:09:00.004-05:00

End of School Year Festivities

2008-06-10T23:11:00.009-05:00

Dedication of new sign...

Farewell to Kindergarten :-(

Cracking up with Fr. Sunny

E. and his friend B.

Singing "Hail Mary" to parents and grandparents...

E. and his buddy D.

JoJo and her buddy E.

Easter Snowman!

2008-04-16T06:55:00.001-05:00

Ho, ho, ho...Merry Easter!

I forgot to post this until now, but let me tell you ...this picture was taken in our backyard on Easter Sunday. I kid you not. Let's just say we all wore coats over our Easter best this year.

The Midwest does not believe in global warming so therefore it does not exist.

Happy Birthday Eddy!

2008-04-14T13:58:00.002-05:00

That's How HE Rolls

2008-04-12T18:03:00.005-05:00

City Night

2008-02-24T01:13:00.005-06:00

On the shuttle to the Chicago Auto Show

ten more years Mr.

, 2 degrees F when I took this

Random snow pile outside mudroom door. E's idea of very big fun.

Hospital Pick-Me-Up

2008-02-13T15:47:00.004-06:00

Feel better Grandma!

Typical Winter Morning

2008-02-13T07:34:00.000-06:00

It was about 5 degrees F (-15C) when I shot this at 6:58 this morning. Why so specific about the EXACT time? Every minute counts when your son is trying to make his a.m. bus! By the way, we didn't miss it despite what I said on the video! Mr. Bob was running a few minutes late. That's a first.

Winter Fun - Midwestern Style

2008-02-04T23:18:00.000-06:00

It's all about sledding baby!

Jim was alone with the kids (and their buddy J.H.) so he could only get a posed shot. Trying to shoot pics while kids are flying down hillsides is nearly impossible. Largely because you are also responsible for preventing 5 other out-of-control sledders from bashing into your kids--who are also careening down the icy slope with wild abandon . Of course the shrimps think this is the biggest fun ever. Adults...well, let's just say that most of 'em white-knuckle-it and pray for a pure-grain alcohol respite somewhere down the line.

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

2008-01-27T08:27:00.000-06:00

Lose the 'Tude Kiddo

2008-01-17T11:20:00.000-06:00

A child is a curly dimpled lunatic. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

He had a point.

My niece Kristyn tells the little ones to lose the 'tude when they're not, shall we say, in their best moods. But even when JoJo's copping a major one, she's still kind of smiley. She's not one of those kids who just stays mad. It's pretty easy to pull JoJo from the dark side.

...and before you know it, we're back to whirly, twirly girl.

One question...I wonder when she'll discover that she has a birthmark on her back? Should I tell her or let her find out for herself? I think it's cute! I wonder what she will think of it in years to come. I love her age now. So uninhibited and no self-consciousness about body image, clothing, and the like. Ahhhh...the freedom.

JoJo's Third Birthday

2008-01-07T07:10:00.002-06:00

With Daddy at the dreaded...yes you guessed it...Chuck E. Cheese. Kids live for the place. Parents "offer it up" for their sake.

JoJo and Grace

At Great Uncle Vince Weiss' house. He wanted to show the kids his train that he sets up every year. It was given to him 75 years ago by his parents. It still chugs like a charm. Leave it to German engineering.

Uncle Vince reminded us that McKenna shares the same birthday with her Great-Great-Grandfather Andrew Balthazar Weissbecher. The year he was born, as with this year, January 6 fell on the Feast of the Epiphany. Hence, the name Balthazar--one of the three kings who presented Jesus with gifts shortly after his birth. Not sure if it was he or his son who dropped the "becher" in Weissbecher in years to come.

Ethan and Grace

Paul, Caitlin, and JoJo

The youngest five of 17 grandchildren. Millie and Pete recently received the news that they will be great-grandparents in July! Wow.

Christmas Blessings 07

2007-12-25T02:16:00.000-06:00

Click image for larger view.

Simbang Gabi Mass

2007-12-22T17:22:00.000-06:00

Father Sunny along with Caitlin, Ethan, McKenna, and Grace. A beautiful, love-filled celebration. I'm so glad we participated.

McKenna's Grace

2007-12-10T23:16:00.001-06:00

Of course, her brother decided to be a heckler...

First Snow of the Year

2007-12-01T18:36:00.001-06:00

JoJo testing out her new snow boots.

Not enough for sledding but enough to have to shovel off of the driveway. Oh joy!

Daddy is so pleased (not) with mommy because I'm making him put up Christmas decorations when it's 28 degrees outside. Behold that heartwarming holiday cheer.

Derebe's Birthday Pictures

2007-11-20T09:37:00.001-06:00

Beautiful, sweet girl!
I was told that she was five on her last birthday but I see six candles...

Special treats

Derebe Bekele (in white dress) with her family-Mother, Father, and three siblings

Count Kenna

2007-11-16T10:46:00.001-06:00

I remember counting the same way-thirty five plus years ago! The Count rules.

Ethan and John S.

2007-11-15T15:19:00.001-06:00

Apparently, this is a real song! Who knew?

Here's Bella!!!!

2007-11-04T11:55:00.000-06:00

She's soooo cute!!!

Power cheeks :-)

McKenna's in awe of her cousin's first "bink" experience. McKenna will give her tips on the finer points of the bink lifestyle.

Morton Arboretum

2007-10-28T02:36:00.000-05:00

We have this lovely gem--The Morton Arboretum--very close to our home (15 minute drive). We're members but sometimes I just forget how beautiful the place is. And especially wholesome and wonderful for children.

(click images for large view)

Grace and Ethan in the shallow stepping stone pool

Ethan, Grace, and Caitlin

Ethan, Luke, Leo, and McKenna. Good neighbors, good friends.

McKenna and Jim in the hedge maze. All you could say about the weather was Glory Be!

Caitlin

I actually got them to sit on the pumpkin for the photo. Amazing!

Cousins: Paul, Ethan, Grace, Caitlin,McKenna

McKenna. The expression?

Halloween Party '07

2007-10-28T01:15:00.000-05:00

Swell party at Jim's brother Michael's house (Yes...they're back. Via Australia, Florida, Georgia, and California!). Everyone had a great time.

Fr. McGrath

Fr. McGrath waxes poetic (Sorry for the blurry image. Funny how the camera lens matched my own vision right about then.).

JoJo and Jim

Mother Patricia with Father Richard

Mother Patricia with Good Witch/Bad Witch Rose

Pirate Family

Daphne, Velma, Scooby, and Shaggy. A.K.A The Larson's.

The Ring Bearer and the Ring. A.K.A Paul and Teri Eckroth

Marrianne, Count Michael, and the Ring Bearer

JoJo and Grace the Glamor Witch

Mother Mary Joan and her Glamor Witch Grace

More Pirates

2007-10-26T07:31:00.001-05:00

Pirates

2007-10-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

For some reason, this picture actually makes us realize that Ethan and McKenna are brother and sister--not just our two kids. Can't really explain it any better than that.

We are officially ready for Halloween.

Just JoJo

2007-09-24T19:31:00.000-05:00

I love these shots because they reveal the real JoJo. No cheesy mommy-pleasing-grin. And she warms my heart with her easy-going, kind spirit. She never demands my attention and I have to be better about not taking her sweet disposition for granted.

She's all dimples and curls--that one!

Singing for Daddy's 44th!

2007-09-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry that you're not home for the big day Daddy!!!

We love you very much.

Mommy, Ethan, and McKenna

It's McKenna Baby!

2007-09-14T14:36:00.000-05:00

Grandpa-pick-me-up #21

Click on image for large view

Babyhood or Beckham

2007-09-13T22:09:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, Ethan is all about being really "cool". He wants to do big boy things like practice for his upcoming belt test in Karate. He likes "playing teenager" and pretends his bedroom is a teenage hangout pad complete with a huge, flat panel TV, refreshment center, internet access (dream on kid), and NO mommies or daddies. I over heard him tell John Henry the other day that his parents were in Africa and that it was time to party 'till the break 'o dawn. God help me.

Strangely though, when I least expect it, he reverts to my two-year old toddler who just wants to snuggle and tote Crumby Bear around all day.

Go figure...

Ethan Works the Kata!

2007-08-22T22:45:00.001-05:00

Ethan wants Daddy to see the great progress while he's working in New York!

To Derebe, Love Ethan

2007-08-20T22:46:00.000-05:00

We recently sent another letter to Derebe and included this picture. Ethan's got her close to his heart--even though she is across the world. We hope she knows that God loves her and so do we!

Summer's Winding Down

2007-08-20T22:23:00.000-05:00

Ethan still has a week until the Kindergarten festivities begin. True to form, he's got a buddy in tow (John Henry).

McKenna is enjoying pre-school. Mom loves the uniform! Both kids in uniforms--finally!

Mimers and Timmy-the-Boy

2007-08-08T01:19:00.000-05:00

Looking faboo during a recent vacation in Hawaii. Both are super cute. Mimi looks just awesome. I told Oracle it looks like she has never been ill a day in her life.

Ethan has major frog envy. Timmy scored big time in the kid "street cred" department.

Precious Gifts

2007-08-04T03:51:00.001-05:00

Ethan - 19 Months

2007-07-09T20:30:00.001-05:00

How can he be 5 already? This seems like yesterday!!

Time Just Flies...

2007-07-09T19:50:00.001-05:00

...almost 20 months...better a little late than never!

Beetlejuice - Day-O

2007-07-09T19:23:00.001-05:00

Ethan just loves this song and this scene!

Bible Camp

2007-07-06T00:51:00.000-05:00

"Our God is an awesome God...He reigns with wisdom, power, and love..."

Ethan and Luke. Super buddies.

Goofy Goobers

2007-07-06T00:42:00.000-05:00

Ethan and his buddy John Henry. Life is not complete for Ethan unless he has a friend over or he is going to a friend's house. Play date coordination is always on my to-do list.

Summer is in full swing!

2007-06-22T20:37:00.000-05:00

Ready for the water park! She's a SPF 500 girl, like her Mommy. Ethan is too for that matter. I'm a sunscreen fanatic.

Not a great image but Mom is doing this on the sneak. No pics allowed in the Karate studio as per the sensei (instructor). She probably knows what I am up to and I will most likely be ejected next session. Obnoxious I am about this kid picture mission. I'm the first to admit it.

Working on form (or daydreaming out the window, you choose). Ethan wants that orange belt.

Kenna at Grandma Millie's house

Cousin Caitlin (almost 4)

Love that inhibition Kenna. Wouldn't you pay money to have that kind of freedom again?

Ethan on airplane...coming back from Florida.

Disney 2007

2007-06-06T00:06:00.000-05:00

Our Disney World vacation--May 30 - June 5, 2007. First "big" vacation without Daddy (he had to work). Still, we had a good time. Mommy brought our helper Catherine and we met up with Aunt Meghan and cousin Dominic. Here are some highlights...

We stayed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The kids thought the bunk beds were way cool!

Views from the room balcony. The room was a bit small but the views made up for it.

Swimming with cousin Dominic in the hotel pool. It was open 24 hours! Ethan thought swimming at midnight was a vacation highlight.

Our "table" at the Sci-Fi Restaurant, Disney MGM

More "tables" at the Sci-Fi

McKenna at Minnie's house...Magic Kingdom

Soaking wet with Dominic at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

"Fighting stance" at Animal Kingdom

Wrapping up the night at MGM

Ethan and Buzz Lightyear at Magic Kingdom. Ethan and Mommy went a second time--just the two of us. Ethan asked for some special "me and you time".

Ethan and Stitch

Aunt Meghan and Catherine in the Buzz Lightyear ride--Magic Kingdom

Catherine helped keep Mommy sane. Sort of.

Ethan and cousin Dom at the Animal Kingdom

Kenna getting tickled by Piglet. She was starstruck.

Ditto with Tigger.

After a character lunch at the Magic Kingdom

Pooh hug

Aunt Meghan and Catherine

One of the Little Einsteins mimicking McKenna

McKenna Crazy Hair

2007-06-05T23:58:00.000-05:00

I'll have my people call your people...