Update on our life in Chicago

I have finally realized that as quickly as the first year in Chicago has gone by, we still have two years to go. I am terrible at being patient. I want to reach the light at the end of the tunnel without the back-breaking hike to get there. When I want something, I want it NOW! That is why Loyola has been so challenging. I have to work day-by-day, semester-by-semester to one day (hopefully) reach graduation. And I am growing increasingly impatient! I feel like a torpedo. I know I have the potential to soar, but have to wait for someone to release me!

I have also decided to stop stressing about grad school. I will just do my best to get the best grades possible, build my resume, and experience all I can in chicago. Then when the fall of 2009 comes around, I will begin my worrying until I land a spot in a grad program. Somewhere, Anywhere. 

The kids are doing fine. Andrew switched instruments in band; he is playing the French horn now. It is big. And loud. Sarah is trying to join the drama club at her school. She has a new aspiration in life to be an actress, dancer, and marine biologist - all wrapped into one Bohemian princess! Simon has a great teacher this year! She loves him and it shows! He is improving 10-fold! He likes to go to class and always does his homework as soon as he gets home!

We are still having fun and exploring the city. Tomorrow I am going to the Museum of Contemporary Art with a friend. I have a ceramics class this semester. I LOVE IT! It is my favorite class ever! I have to write a paper about a specific piece of artwork at the museum. I have never been to a contemporary art museum before. So I am excited to see what they have. I have renewed my love for art this semester. I remember my senior year in high school when I took painting and sculpture. I wanted to go to art school, move to Greenwich Village in New York, wear Doc Martins and black-rimmed glasses. I wanted to go to poetry readings, drink lattes in quaint coffee shoppes and browse for apartment furnishings in various loft studios in the city. Like Sarah, I had a Bohemian streak in me. And I think it's back.

I'll keep you posted with pictures of my ceramics. As soon as I can figure out how to upload pictures to a blog. Computers are not my forte.

more poems by my kids

Tonight I wait for a star to appear.

I am keeping a wish for the dream maker to hear.

Speak softly and speak kindly and he will grant your request.

I have a special wish; he may think it is the best.

I am waiting for the star to glow in the sky.

There it is!

"Dream maker, please don't let my grandpa die."

-Sarah

Here in the valley between two high mountains

lies a monster sleeping for 100 years.

A plane flies above.

The monster stirs.

Mountains rumble! Crash! Collapse!

A pebble hits the monster in his eye.

And he falls back asleep.

-Andrew

Something is red, Something is blue.

Something smells like a monkey.

I think it is you.

-Simon

Dolls and kitties; ribbons and lace.

Pink and purple make a pretty face.

Boxes of chocolate, and bottles of perfume

Girls and ladies like flowers in bloom.

Girls and ladies wait with an empty vase.

-Sarah

Swords clash and tempers fume.

Armour is brandished and flutes are in tune.

The war drum beats and the battle cries call.

Two sides of the story are both about to fall.

War is a game that nobody will win.

Everyone will hurt, and bleed in the end.

-Andrew

I am five and you are too.

When we grow up we will be twenty-two.

Then we will get married and buy our own shoes.

And instead of cartoons, we will watch the news.

-Simon

Bumpy Roads

Come look in my closet at all the pretty dresses and hats.

If you look in my brother's closet you might see some bats.

I have dolls and tea parties, and dances and shows.

My brothers just have boogers, bad breath, and old dirty clothes.

I have pink and purple bedding, with heats in bloom.

My brother's bed screams of lurking doom!

I have soft silky hair and rosey red cheeks.

I bet my brother hasn't showered in weeks.

I'm gentle and pretty. I'm graceful and cute as can be.

Not like my brother. He is covered in fleas.

-Sarah

Our sister has cooties; she looks like a bug.

When cleaning her room she sweeps it all under her rug.

She has snakes for hair and spiders for eyes.

And every word she speaks is nothing but lies.

She wears pink and yellow dresses, just like a girl.

When I think of her all I want to do is hurl.

She dances and sings and makes lots of drama.

No way that girl is related to our mama.

She reads Judy Blume and listens to Jonas Brothers.

She only thinks of herself and not about others.

Little sisters are gross. They are such a pain.

When I think about her it hurts my poor brain!

-Andrew (in response to the above poem by Sarah!)

My name is Simon. I am a boy.

I'm not a book or a silly little toy.

I have two hands, but only one head.

When I get scared, I hide under my bed.

My teeth are white but my eyes are brown.

When grown-ups talk to me they have to look down.

I like to play. I watch too much TV.

But just about everyone is in love with me!

-Simon