A Visit with Santa

We had a visit with Santa while we were at the zoo on Friday night. I was pretty shocked when Eli sat on Santa's lap and told him (albeit very quietly) that he wanted a polar bear and a penguin for Christmas. Sadie, however, would have nothing to do with that fat jolly old elf!

Gingerbread House

I bought one of those Gingerbread House Kits and the kids and I decorated it the other night. At first they were both very gung-ho about adding the little candy decorations.Then, Sadie got kind of bored and ended up moving the candy from one dish to another with a few ending up on the floor and a lot ending up in her mouth.

Eli stayed pretty focused.In the end, the house ended up looking quite charming and the kids love sneaking candy off of their house.

PS Sorry a lot of these are blurry. We were doing this at night and there wasn't enough light. I tried using the flash, but that looked worse than blurry pictures!

Eli's Christmas Program

Eli's school had it's Christmas Program this morning. I think this short video shows exactly how Eli felt about performing in front of an audience! (Eli is on the top left, wearing a red sweater. He's the one with his hands in his pockets. Eli's really good friend Jackson is right in front of him.)

First Snowfall

I'm still going through our vacation pictures. Let's just say that I still need a lot of practice using all of the features of my new camera. But, here are a few to tide you over until I can get through them all.
We arrived home from our trip late last night and were welcomed by snow! We took the opportunity to go sledding.And do some shoveling:And take Dad for a ride:

Thank Goodness

Today is the last day of November which means it's also the end of posting every day. Thank goodness! I was really struggling thinking of things to write every day! Needless to say, I'll be taking a few days off before you'll be hearing from us again. We will be going on a short trip to North Carolina via the Smokey Mountains this week. Then we will return home for 10 days or so before the trek to Dakota for Christmas.

Pat's Here!

Auntie Pat is here to visit. The kids LOVE Auntie Pat and have so much fun with her when she's here. She's so good at playing games, and doing dishes and ice skating:I would love to show you pictures of Eli on the ice and I wish that the camera were the excuse this time, but unfortunately being three and not taking a nap is the reason that Eli refused to ice skate.

O, Christmas Tree II

We will be spending the Christmas Holiday in North Dakota this year. That used to mean that we wouldn't get a Christmas Tree, but now that we have kids who are at prime-enjoy-the-Christmas-Tree age we decided that we would have to get something. And that something turned out to be a fake three foot tree that we bought at the thrift store for $6. Sadie says that it is a "big tree", so it must be good enough.
Remember last year when we decorated the Christmas tree? Eli was the task master who worked very very hard at putting on as many ornaments as he possibly could. While Sadie spent the whole time holding as many ornaments as she could and admired them all. It turns out that after a year, things haven't changed a whole lot:Though she did manage to hang a couple:And Eli took a break for a moment to smile at the camera:Voila!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Turkey Day, every one! We just got back from our third annual "pronounce the e" Sperle-Ponesse Thanksgiving dinner. This will probably be the last turkey dinner that Katie and Matt cook for us, which is sad because not only is the food really delicious, but because they are also really great friends. The children have moved up to the "kids table" not that any of them ate a single bite. We still didn't get to do the visiting we were hoping the kids table would bring us because 4 children three and under can be really really loud especially when they are running laps around the table!
I would really love to show you pictures of the event, but wouldn't you know, my camera died. I'm so glad my new camera is on its way!
By the way, I'm thankful for all the laughter, smiles and tears that my children have given me over the past year so I can share them here with all of you. And I'm thankful for all of you, my family and friends, for being here for us no matter how near or how far away you are. I hope you all had a wonderful day feasting and sharing laughter and love with those you hold dear.

Eli's Got the Baby Bug

Let me set the scene: Eli was sitting looking through one of the numerous catalogues we've been getting in the mail.
Me: Eli what do you want for Christmas?
Eli: This baby right here.
Me: Which baby? (Thinking it was a baby doll.)
Eli: This one. (Pointing to a real baby in the catalogue.)

And another time, Eli was sitting on the table looking out the window when he told me this story:
"There is a baby outside. A naked baby. A naked baby playing in the leaves. And he is cold and wet. And no mommies are outside watching the baby only my mommy. We should bring the baby inside and make him OUR baby. He can be part of our family."

I think we've been reading New Baby Train too much!

Sadie's Got A Big Nose

Sorry. I don't have much else to say. Plus, I've gotta wipe up the floors before the Dancing With the Stars finale. 'Til tomorrow.

En Garde!

Remember Eli's Halloween Costume? We borrowed it from a friend and it was a real hit with Eli. Well wouldn't you know, I was out thrift store shopping and came across the same knight set sans sword, but it was only 67 cents, so I bought it anyways. Yesterday, Eli wanted a sword because we've been reading a lot of books about knights and dragons and rescuing the fair maiden (much to Dennis' chagrin). There just happened to be a large box blowing around outside, so I made Eli and Sadie each a sword so they could have a duel.

Oh Drats! and Ice Skating

I did it again. I didn't post yesterday, but it's not my fault. Dennis was finishing up a project last night so I had to find something else to do. I went to bed.
Dennis took Eli ice skating yesterday for the first time. I wish I had pictures to show you, but Dennis neglected to bring the camera. (I was at home with a very very sleepy Sadie, she napped an unprecedented 4 hours!) Eli was sort of excited but very nervous. They decided that they would just go and watch, if Eli changed his mind they could go skating. They watched about 15 minutes and Eli decided that he wanted to give it a try. This made Dennis nervous, because Dennis is not a very good ice skater. But, apparently they had a really good time. Eli was pretty wobbly and fell down a couple times. Dennis had to keep him up and push him around the ice. Next time we go we'll be sure to bring the camera. Oh, and apparently Eli kept saying things like, "Look at how good THAT daddy can skate!" Love it.

OSU vs. Michigan

Dennis and I braved the cold 30 degree temperatures to go see OSU play their big rivals Michigan. It was not a very exciting game as OSU won 42 to 7, but everyone who knows me knows that I don't go to sporting events for the actual sporting event. I go for everything else: the food, the cheerleaders, the band, the traditions, watching people sign the Star Spangled Banner and watching the men in the armed forces work really really hard to get the flag up, etc. Here we are with 105, 562 of our closest friends:

Marching bands just aren't a big deal in North Dakota, but we discovered after attending The Circleville Pumkin Show's marching band parade that marching bands are a huge deal in central Ohio High Schools. I suppose it's because most of the kids who attend those high schools go on to attend Ohio State and perhaps they want to be in the "Best Damn Band in the Land". They really are pretty good perhaps even better than the OSU football team this year. Here's their famous Script Ohio: The band, the cheerleaders, and some players running across the field. Yea!!!Apparently one of OSU's traditions is having the (I'm guessing here) ROTC do a push-up for every point every time OSU scores. Osu scored 42 points. That's a lot of push-ups.

Sadly, this was probably our last OSU football game as next year we'll be somewhere else besides Columbus, Ohio. Where that is we're not quite sure but it'll be west of the Mississippi. So, we probably won't be moving on to greener pastures, just browner ones!

Oops!

I had great plans to post last night and got distracted so I'll post two today. I was going to post all about the Pharmacy School's big "Beat Michigan" chili cook-off, but wouldn't you know, the camera battery died. Argh. And the kids were being soooooo cute. They were dancing on the stage (it was in a classroom with a raised platform where the teacher stands to give the lecture) and it was pretty hilarious. Eli was head-banging and Sadie was doing her "raise the roof" stomp complete with two other cute little girls, one of which could have been Sadie's twin. Sorry I couldn't show you the pictures. But, Dennis and I sampled 20 different chili. We both liked the same one. We tasted some really good ones and some were pretty awful, too sweet, too vegetarian, to tomatoey, etc. I like a good, spicy traditional southwest chili with lots of cumin and fresh peppers. I'm not sure who won because we left way before the end, but I sure hope it was the "Wild West Chili Gang".

Because I'm Never In Any Pictures

This post has nothing to do with the kids except for the fact that they are the reason that I have the friends I do. Remember last weekend when I told you about our over-night getaway? Well, here's a few pictures of the event.

The chalet at Hocking Hills at Crocket's Run. It's such a beautiful area, it's too bad the weather was raining and dreary. But, it gave us girls a good excuse for doing nothing but eating and talking.All of the girls. Can you believe that 13 girls stayed the night together and there weren't any cat fights? Man, times have changed since cheerleading camp.

Top Row L to R: Amy, Heather, Ali, Karla, Allanya, Diane, Melissa

Middle Row: Kendra, Me, Katie, Jennie

Bottom Row: Alyssa (the event coordinator and photographer extrordinaire), CherylProof that I did, in fact, go outside.

It's nice to know that big girls can still hold hands! That's me and Cheryl, being a little silly.
I haven't had such a good time since, well who knows when. It was a night of no worries. No kids to take care of. No bed times. No rules. I think we need to do it again. Soon.

Horsey Rides

This can't be good for Eli's back, but it sure is cute. By the way, I think it's official. Our camera is crapping out on us. Look at how hazy this picture is. All of them have been that way lately. Good. I need an excuse for a new camera and I think hazy pictures is a really good reason.

Professional Photos

Can you call Target Portrait Studios Professional? Anyways, time for the picture updates. Sadie, in particular, was being very very uncooperative which is why there are only 4 pictures of her by herself and we had to work really really hard to get them. But, several of them turned out cute and I love the pictures of them together. Have a look by clicking here. For Guest name, type in Sharleen Zeman-Sperle.

It's All How You Look At It

Imaginations are a wonderful thing. Eli's latest obsession needs you to think outside the box. So bear with me as I take you through the Sperle Hockey Game.
This looks like a rug, but it's not a rug. It's a very slippery sheet of ice. When you play hockey on this ice you must do all sorts of crazy moves, but only when you are on offense. If you are the goalie, you need to stay in one spot and move from side to side and block the puck from coming into the net (which really doesn't exist).
This looks like a cute little three year old boy, but it's not. It's Buckeye Hockey Player #78 (pronounced seven-eight) and he's the fastest. It looks like he's not wearing any shoes, which would usually be correct. However, he's wearing iceskates and that yellow ball is really a black puck.This looks like a crazy mom wearing a knight helmet holding a golf club, but it's not. It's a really tough offensive player #7 who is, apparently, not the fastest. (Photo taken by Eli)This looks like a little boy wearing a fireman's helmet pushing a stroller, but it's not. It's a hockey player wearing a hockey helmet driving the zamboni.So, come to our house and play a little hockey, but you better bring your imagination. We might even sing the zamboni song for you!

A Little Bit More About the Eels

Since Sadie got a big mention yesterday, I think it's Eli's turn today:
*Eli's favorite foods (by favorite foods I mean, "the only food Eli eats") are: hotdogs, ravioli, yogurt, chocolate, cereal, pb&j, and tator tots.
*Eli loves loves loves to read books. He reads all day long and often asks me to read to him. Yesterday, I caught him reading to Sadie. It was too cute.
*Eli has been throwing the most awesomest three year old tantrums ever. It's great! What does he throw tantrums over: us refusing to carry him, Eli not wanting to wear a winter coat when it's 35 degrees, not letting him eat cookies before dinner, us asking him not to whine and to please ask for something using a nice voice, and the list goes on and on and on...
*Eli loves sports: hockey, soccer, baseball, wrestling, football, and yoga are his current favorites.
*Eli is beginning to share a lot better with his sister. He loves to trade with her even if she doesn't always want to trade back.
*Eli is a PBS kid (no cable in our house!). He loves Sid the Science Kid, Super Why and Word World the best.
*Eli loves to write his name. At school, every paper he brings home has his name written really really big all the way across it, but nothing else. He always says,"Look! I wrote my name."
*Eli's play is getting really elaborate. He likes to play cars on his town rug, then he needs to build a house out of blocks, then the wooden dolls need to come out to live in the house, then the family decides to drive to the zoo so all of the animals need to come out and be set up in their cages, then his wallet needs to come out because that is where his "zoo card" is and then the cash register needs to come out because that is how you scan the card to get into the zoo...
*Playing games are another favorite: Hullaballoo, Candy Land and all computer games are huge hits.
*For every cooperative moment, there are 2 uncooperative moments.
*Before bed, Eli needs a drink of water, to have his blankets perfectly tucked in, a hug and a "kiss right here" said as he's pointing right on the center of his mouth and if you don't get it perfect you have to do it again.

A Little Bit More About the Sadester

I thought I'd take a little time to tell you more about Sadie and what she's been up to lately.
*Talking, talking and talking some more, not that you would understand anything she says, but she certainly has a lot to say.
*The girl knows what she wants. Giving Sadie choices does not work, because what she wants is usually not one of the choices. A simple example, "Sadie, do you want an apple or a banana for snack." "Grapes!"
*Sadie is very very loud. This is a Zeman trait. She loves to scream.
*Sadie must bring 1,000 things to bed with her. Her monkey, her purse, her wallet, her flashlight, several books, her water, and whatever else she thinks she needs to survive the night. Lately, it's been sugar cubes (not the real ones, the ones I gave her for her birthday).
*Sadie loves to eat, almost everything and lots of it. She wants bananas when she is in the middle of a tantrum. And lollipops about all the rest of the time. She loves her m&ms as she gets those for her reward for peeing on the potty.
*Sadie is very active. She loves to run and jump and roll around and wrestle and go up and down the stairs. However, she is not very coordinated and trips often.
*Sadie calls all of us a moose. When we walk into a room she says, "Uh-oh. I hear a moose coming."
*Sadie always has her hands full. She has monkey in one arm and something else in her other hand, usually a purse or a wallet or something that her brother really wants that she doesn't want him to have. She wants to take all of it wherever we go. I usually can get her to leave it in the car with the exception of Monkey. Monkey goes everywhere and he's been left everywhere. Luckily, we've been able to track him down every time. Monkey is so dingey, I think people know that he is well loved.
*Sadie has been really into giving hugs lately. She hugs all of her mommy friends, her music teacher, the librarian Mr. Sam, and pretty much anyone else.
*Currently, her favorite book is David Goes to School. She reads it all by herself "No, Dabid. No pussing. No shubbing. No rubbing in da habs." Translation: No David. No pushing. No shoving. No running in the halls.
*Her favorite songs are: Oh, Susanna! The Farmer in the Dell, ABCs and It's A Great Big Sun.