These Dreams . . .

One of the hallmarks of being pregnant, for me, is very bizarre dreams. For example, a portion of one of my many dreams last night featured shoes somewhat similar to this picture (yes, colored leather bowling shoes). Hopefully none of you know how to analyze dreams because this just might show you how messed up I truly am. In my dream, there was a store I kept going back to. It was sort of a department-style store, with lots of different things. It was a store that encouraged sampling and even had signs that reminded you "Free Samples!" I kept going back to the store and looking at this pair of shoes. I really wanted this pair of shoes. I felt like it was probably okay to sample them, and my 3rd or 4th time back at the store I just couldn't resist. I picked up one of the shoes, broke off a piece, and started chewing. Yum. It was very satisfying and it didn't take me too long to finish off the whole shoe. That's right, I had been eyeing these shoes as a snack. I continued to feel a little guilty about whether I should have asked permission to sample the shoes, but later I saw a guy in the store pick up the other shoe and start eating, so then I felt better about it. Clearly I should have had a snack before going to bed last night . . . ?!

Cold Camping . . .

CRAZY or Tough?? You decide . . .

(PS -- Sorry the pics are so tiny, they were taken with Jake's Blackberry!) Jake and the other scout leaders decided to go ahead with the planned scout campout this last weekend. Despite the cold temperatures. Oh, and the 6+ inches of snow we got this week.

They hiked in about 1/2 mile with all their gear.The leaders got to sleep in the "lean-to" they found near the trail. They pitched their tent inside and put a tarp over the opening. It was still frigid, though, and Jake was grateful for his nice mummy bag (thanks Mom and Dad!) and multiple air-activated handwarmers inside his sleeping bag. The boys slept in their tents. Some of them didn't sleep at all. Temps overnight dipped to a nice, balmy 8 degrees. With a chilly breeze. We're just glad everyone made it back with all their fingers and toes!!

Road Trip . . .

We took a quick road trip over the weekend to Erie, PA.

Jake was team doc for Cornell Women's Hockey this season and they made it to the NCAA "Frozen Four". The semifinal game was Friday night at Tullio Arena in downtown Erie.

Jack has been a regular at the hockey games this season, going frequently with Jake. He has made friends with and LOVES the Cornell bear!

Sadly for all, the Cornell women fought a tough battle and lost their semifinal game to BU. Which cut our trip shorter than intended (we all thought they would certainly make it to the finals on Sunday).
Luckily, I don't think we missed too much. There wasn't much to see in Erie, especially in the winter. Saturday was a CHILLY day, we had intended on taking the boys on a tour of the "Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm", and they were excited to see some big buffalo.
Unfortunately, Jack fell asleep in the car. So he missed the buffalo.

And because it was so cold, we just took a quick look and called it good!

Wishing we had some warm fur like those buffalo . . . they don't look too cold but we do!

James also fed some alpacas--it was a funny hodge-podge farm with a bunch of buffalo, a couple of alpacas, two goats, and a cow.

That was it for Erie.

But, the road trip was fun, the boys did great in the car (considering we drove 8 hours in 2 days). And, it's always fun to be together!

Monster Jam

The three J's went to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse last night for the MONSTER JAM!!!

A good time was had by all. The night started spotlights and an introduction of the Trucks and their drivers.

The boys were excited!

Gravedigger was the favorite of the Veigel's, especially since he lives in Kill Devil Hills in NC near the Outer Banks. We drive by the Gravedigger estate whenever we go down there.

Gravedigger ended up winning the tournament.

Jackson and his earplugs. He did not like them.

Madusa was the only female driver and broke an axle after a super high jump. I think she would have won the whole thing.

After the race they set thing up for the freestyle session.

We took the time to snap some photos and buy a boomerang.

They had stunt motorcycles.

The superman truck at the end of his freestyle session.

James's new favorite truck is the Avenger, a new take on the '57 Chevy.

It was a perfect dads and lads night.

Japanese Anime . . .

Some time ago, friends here introduced us to the world of Japanese anime. Because these movies are a bit off the "beaten track" (although I think they've all been picked up by Disney), I thought they were worth a review.

Overall, we have enjoyed this genre. You just have to be a tad open-minded to a slightly different film style and culture.

Overall, however, the animation itself is beautiful. Unlike American animation, the films have beautiful scenery and backdrops. They also have beautiful music. And, our kids really seem to enjoy these.

"My Friend Totoro" was the first one we were introduced to and James loved it immediately. With the exception of one culturally different scene that startled me a little (email me if you want more details!), it was a charming little film about 2 little girls and their "imaginary" friend. Jack loves this movie, "Ponyo". It's a cute little movie about a fish who manages to turn into a little girl. The similarities between it and Disney's "Little Mermaid" that we are all familiar with are very few, Ponyo being much more appropriate for younger children (no teenage-esque fits of temper, expressions of hatred towards parents, or romance). If your children are super-sensitive, Ponyo's father may come across as a bit creepy.

We watched "Castle in the Sky" last night for the first time and I was quite pleasantly surprised. As I look back, the plot is really not fabulous and there were portions that were a bit funny (the comic relief was a bit overdone), but I enjoyed it and was interested from beginning to end (which is saying something as the movie is 2 hours long). The animation is really quite good, especially considering the movie first came out in the 80s. Jack got a bit bored but must have liked it in the end as he woke us up at 2 AM (and again at 6 AM!) crying because he wanted to watch it again. The story is sweet and innocent and even the hint at romance is very subtle. Older kids will enjoy this one more than Ponyo.

Broaden your horizons and try one of these out! If you have Netflix, "Ponyo" is on Instant Play.

Enjoy . . .

Ash Wednesday

So today is basically day 1 of Lent. . . I think. And I have decided to do something this year. Most people give up something, but I am going to take on something instead. I am going to make a conscious effort to do a selfless act of service for someone everyday. This plan is quite spontaneous but stems from a Catholic friend of mine and President Monson's talk given a year and a half ago. I just decided today and thus wasn't quite prepared, so my act today was to help those with whom I work avoid lentish temptations.

Those of whom I speak have given up chocolate for Lent, so basically I helped eat some chocolate to decrease the size of the "temptation jar" at work. It is weak I know but I will hopefully give something more meaningful throughout the next 40 days. I write this not to brag or to say how righteous I am, but to put it down for people to witness and for others to help me stay on target. I may or may not post what I have done for that day but wish me luck and please post ideas for me.

Snow Day

Winter is clearly not done with us yet. Yesterday morning we had no snow left after a couple of days of 40-50 degrees and rain. However, in about 24 hours we got a foot or more of new snow. Fortunately the Ithaca schools were cancelled. The roads weren't cleared completely until about noon today. Jake out shovelling. Keep in mind Jake and I had thoroughly shoveled the driveway (5-6") and walk and cleaned off the cars last night before we went to bed. All of this (another 6+") came overnight. Due to a stiff, freezing wind, the drifts in some places on the driveway were over a foot high.
We tried to play outside but didn't make it for too long. The wind was too cold.
James was clearly not happy about it. He got cold quickly and went inside!

Jack lasted a little longer. The snow wouldn't pack so snow angels were about all we could make.
I had to trample a path so Jack could walk, the snow was past his knees. Have to admit it's pretty to look at. I'm glad I had nowhere to be today!

Frog and Toad and Dr Seuss . . .

I'm sorry our adventures have been a bit thin lately! Between winter and morning sickness I haven't had much new to post. And I'm feeling like we really need a new post.

We have, however, been reading a lot. Jackson is enjoying reading so much more lately. So here are our recent favorites:

I love it when kids get old enough to enjoy books that I enjoy. I really love Frog and Toad. The little short stories are a great length if you're looking for a quick story, or read more stories if you have some time. They are interesting and have a great overall theme of great friendship.
I had to say "Happy Birthday" to one of our all-time favorite authors, Dr. Seuss (his birthday was the end of last week). Jackson is starting to enjoy Seuss and I don't think I ever get tired of reading it. It's nonsense enough that it is always entertaining and who doesn't love to read in rhyme? We just bought this one (Target-$5 sale on Seuss hardcover books!) and we've loved reading it--"Did you ever fly a kite in bed?"!