Going to College?

Yesterday we were driving in the car to Southdale Mall in search of Stride Rite shoes.  John was watching for us to pass 3M so he could wave to Ryan.  We were not going to be passing 3M, which I was explaining to John-- but he was SURE that we would catch a wave from Ryan. 
Trying to (kind of) change the subject... I asked John where he wants to work when he gets big like daddy.  He immediately responded- 3M!!! I was kind of expecting an answer like this... So I went with it... :)
I started telling him how hard you need to work to get a job at 3M.  How you need to be a kind person to everyone, how you need to eat all your meals, play hard, and then go to pre-school, grade school, high school, AND college!  I was (clearly) trying to give him a bit much to think about so that we could get off topic of not seeing 3M on our way to Southdale.  His response was quick and just what every mom wants to hear (when their child is three) ... "No Collie (college) for me!" 
I asked why was would not be going to college? I said, Auntie Alana and Lauren go to college, Uncle Mark goes to college! Daddy went to college!  His response, "but mom, won't you miss me!  Nope, NO collie.  Me miss my mommy."
That may have worked yesterday in the car- it was very sweet! But, my hope for you and Stephen is that you both go to a great college! :)

Do You Know The Muffin Man?

The songs I have been singing to Stephen at night and nap have been getting a bit old.  Last week I decided to mix it up a bit and try a few new ones.  Well, when I tried the Muffin Man song- it sparked his interest!  So I went with it... And may be taking it too far... but he really really likes it!  It goes something like this:
I start with the original verse:
Do you know the muffin man? The muffin man, the muffin man?  Do you know the muffin man, he lives on Mulberry lane.  Yes, I know the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man, he lives on Mulberry lane!
Then, I change it up:
Do you know Uncle Ryan? Uncle Ryan, Uncle Ryan? Do you know Uncle Ryan, he lives in Rochester! Yes, we know Uncle Ryan, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Ryan! Yes, we know Uncle Ryan, he lives in Rochester!
And so on....
Gramma Mitty....Portland Avenue.... (Or, she is a nurse, too! )
Poppa Joe.... Portland Avenue... (he works at Plantra!)
Auntie Kelli... Bloomington...(she is an engineer!)
Auntie Sara..... St. Paul... (she is an engineer!)
Auntie Jinette.... Rochester....(she is a nurse, too!)
Uncle Mark.... St. John's College... (his girlfriend's name is Jill! Or, he is your god-daddy!)
Nana Jana... Arbor Court.... (she is a hockey player!)
Poppa Steve...Arbor Court...(he likes to golf!)
Auntie Lauren..... Ireland..... (she is a rock climber/likes to kayak!)
Auntie Alana.... St. Olaf College... (she is a your god-mommy!)

Anyways, it may sound (very) strange to you, but Stephen loves it and it is a good way for me to tell him little tid-bits about his family! :)  I change it up each line... and add/edit the song to however I need to while he is falling asleep.
Nighty - night!!!

Daddy Withdrawal

We have been home for just over a week, and are still getting over the fact that Ryan has to work.  Well, I am well adjusted to the fact that Ryan needs to work- We have never had so much time off work and school since we started dating 10 years ago... but the boys obviously don't understand.  They want dad to do everything still and when they need to settle for me ...well, they are settling.  :/  I knew it would be a transition back to life with just mom at home.  They wake up in the morning calling for dad, their voices are so sweet, hoping and wishing that dad will come around that cracked door.
John has figured out how to call dad from my phone and did so one day last week.  The conversation went like this:
John: Hi Dad!! Dad, me no like 3M any more!  You coming home now? 
Ryan: John, where is your mom??  Does she know you have the phone?!  (And, YES I am in the background supervising!!)
John: Me miss you.  Me NEED you. 
Ryan: I will be home soon.
Caroline: NO YOU WON'T! DON'T SAY THAT!  IT IS ONLY 8:20AM!
John: Me no like mom.  You coming home now?? 
Caroline: Dad will be home after we play outside, have a snack, play more, eat lunch, and take naps.... it will be a lot of playing before dad gets home.  :)
John: (in a desperate plea...) PLEASE. COME. HOME. DAD.!! WE NEEEEEDDD YOU HERE. 
Ryan: I love you John, you will have fun with Stevie Joe and Mom, build a train set that we can play with when I get home.  Tootles!
John: OoooKkkkay. Tootles.

I think John got hung up on the tootles part.... and he handed the phone to me and went to build a train. :) 

We miss do miss Ryan while he is working... but have gained a different dad this week- it's Steve's first week home RETIRED!!!! :D 

This is the necklace John made for me to wear today!  I have always dreamt of proudly wearing my kids' hand made jewelery... and this necklace made for a bit of a reality check!  HA.  I never thought the necklaces would be made of a saw, a wrench, a hammer, a wagon wheel, a couple wooden number beads, a baby stroller and a bolt.  HAHA,
Thanks John- I love it!