Bathroom nearly done; summer ends

Good family news - Andrew made it through the night without a diaper, with no incident.  We have kept him in the diaper for awhile and he usually does not use it, but with the toilet out on the first floor for awhile we did not want to risk.  We gave it a shot, and he did fine.  Once he turned the corner on using the potty, he went all the way with no turning back.  He has a strong independent steak so once he realized he was capable, there was no doubt.

Tomorrow, Sarah and Dave leave for Taiwan.  It was a quick week with us, but the kids have especially been delighted to have some family around consistently to play with them.  They love the attention.  We will all be sad to see them go.

The past week has brought an intense spurt of bathroom reno. Too much, in fact.  I let the project languish a little bit, not by design, but out of desire to repeat follies from past summers.

Two years ago, I completed the bathroom and basement renovations, and it was not pretty.  I enlisted half of Rachel's family as free labor and we hardly got it done before summer ended.  I was wiped out physically and mentally.  I had to take some shortcuts and so I was not as proud of the work as I could have been.

This year, I worked hard through July (when not on vacation or sick!).  But I still had coffee in the morning, read the paper, had breakfast with the kids, and was done with work before dinner.  It allowed me to keep a regular rhythm to life that was sustainable.

Last week, I wanted to kick the process into higher gear because summer was ending and guests are staying upstairs.  After a few long days and nights, I got the floor, toilet, and vanity installed.  And I vowed not to continue with these nights because my patience was wearing thin.  Since then the shower has been tiled.  I just need to grout, seal, and finish the trim.

Feeling a little bathroom fatigue, I decided to tackle to the other summer project - the kitchen / mud room door.  The steel entry door was not ugly, but added nothing and stole needed light.  On a separate trip to HOBO, a Chicago-area bargain home improvement store, we found an exterior-grade 15-lite door at a fraction of the price of any of the big boys.  I ripped out the door and marveled at the sub-standard construction of my previous kitchen renovations.  It is good to know that my skills have improved.  We added a picture window above the door, because there was a hole in the exterior wall from where the original transom window was located.  I also took the opportunity to remove the builder's grade trim from the door and the pass through to the dining room, and install trim that better matches what is found elsewhere in the house.  Not painted yet, but a nice little diversion project.

We are also making headway in some mudroom renovations.  I am sick of the ice cold shoes in winter, so I added an HVAC run to the mudroom.  I am sure the walls need insulation to really make it habitable, but this is a start.  There are some short- and long-term goals to accomplish to improve this area's functionality and appearance, so we will try to tackle some of those quick wins now that we can see this area from the house a little more.

Time to clean up - the garage is a complete mess, but the basement is getting there.

Work begins on Monday.  Egads!

-alan 

Return of the blog

So this blog was silent for over a year.  Why?  Many reasons, including work and family responsibilities increasing over the past year.  So let's summarize, as if that were possible...

Last summer, I embarked on a year-long program sponsored by the Chicago Teacher's Union to mentor me through the process of applying for a National Board Certification.  This is a nationally recognized certificate to classify me as a "master" teacher and a nice pay bump.  Sounds nice, right?  Well the program was grueling, occupying more time than I could have imagined.  There was a 2 week summer institute, weekly meetings downtown, and lots of writing assignments that occupied my free time most every night.  I tried to compensate by getting to work at 6 each morning, so that I would not have lesson planning or papers to grade at home.  This was mostly successful, though my friends could not comprehend getting up at 5am for work.  I also had a student teacher in two of my classes, so that I had some more free time to get stuff done.  Rachel was particularly supportive, volunteering to do extra chores and spending extra time with the kids while I was attending my classes.

So blogging certainly was an easy thing to cut from life.  But all that work was worth it.  Thanks to collective bargaining there will be a great payoff starting next year.  I learned some great new tools and techniques to augment my teaching.  I got a lot of practice at doing analytic writing.  And I got to work with some great people that I met through the program.  Results, sadly, will not be revealed until Halloween.

At home, the boys are growing.  Andrew completed his second year of co-op nursery school and his first summer camp.  Here he is singing proudly at the end-of-year concert.  He actually likes to pretend sing better than actually producing sounds...

He is mostly potty trained, which was accomplished fairly painlessly.  He largely refused to shed the diaper, but as soon as his mind was made up he made the transition within a few weeks.  He is becoming an oldest child, trying as much as possible to boss around / protect / antagonize his little brother.  He loves being outside, playing with his parents, making faces in the mirror, trains, playing drums, electronics, Legos, and going shopping.

Daniel has turned a year and a half, and is much more gregarious than big brother.  He is very smiley and loves getting the attention of others.  His biggest obsession is balls, which was also his first word.  He has words for more, stuck, mom, dad, andrew, water, stroller, shoes, outside, and several more that I forget.  He is adding them every day and will probably explode with words shortly.  He also loves being outside, trains, and construction trucks, all of which he learned from his big brother.

Construction on Milwaukee Ave, the major street at the end of the block, has been winding down this summer.  It has been a major road reconstruction project, and has been a source of fascination for the boys.  There are still some trucks parked down the street, but the workers have mostly moved on the street is reopened.

Earlier this month we took our annual summer trip to visit Mom in Michigan.  It was a bit more tiring than previous vacations, mostly because the children's attention spans dictate lots of activities to prevent them from getting restless and destroying Mom's condo.  But that also made it fun to be able to visit lots of people and do things out and about.  We went to the Oakland County Fair and the kids spent nearly an hour getting on and off all the old tractors on display, in addition to watching the motorcycle globe of death, pig race, animal displays, and a few rides.  We had a couple fun days at Sharon and Matt's house (my childhood home), saw Phil and Karen's house for the last time (it has been sold), visited my cousin Caroline for a playdate, went to the splash park in Farmington, and lots of walks in Mom's condo complex.

Currently I am working on our first floor bath.  I would call it the "main" bath, but it is actually identical in square footage to the one a floor above.  Even has the same layout.  And some elements of the design will be the same, though they will be distinct enough from each other than it shouldn't seem too cookie-cutter.  

The bath was one of the top priorities to renovate upon moving into the house, but for circumstantial reasons the project has been postponed until this year.  Sorry 1970s, but the pink just never grew on us.

Pink linoleum tile, pink tub, pink toilet, pink sink, and wall-to-wall pink tile.  With some lovely glass block.  There was no recourse here, it was time to start from scratch.

I took out 3 layers of wall (ceramic tile, acrylic tile, plaster and lathe), and 3 layers of vinyl floor tile to uncover the original hexagon tile floor.  In retrospect it could have been saved, but I was concerned about water damage to the subfloor.  After jackhammering through 4 inches of concrete, I found that the damaged subfloor was not actually loadbearing.  Lesson learned.

The tub was also a bit of work, as it was an old cast iron tub that needed quite of bit of coaxing with a sledgehammer to bust into pieces.  Thanks Eric for all the demolition equipment!

I have since laid a new subfloor (needed 2 layers of 3/4 inch ply to bring it up to level!), reframed the exterior wall, and added insulation.

I have drywalled the ceiling and 2 of 4 walls, installed the tub, rerouted drain and water lines, installed a new door, and updated the electrical.  Lots done, but still lots to do.

Finally, it was supposed to be wedding week around here.  It was, but just not as planned.  Rachel was matron of honor in our friend Christine's wedding on Saturday, and Andrew was the ring bearer.  They fulfilled their roles, but that was about it.

Daniel fell ill on Tuesday with what turned out to be a mild case of hand, foot and mouth disease.  Andrew also fell slightly ill on Thursday and Friday, but was well enough to attend the rehearsal.  I stayed home with Daniel during the rehearsal but then was picked up by Rachel to attend the rehearsal dinner.  Unfortunately, I got too sick and had to leave about an hour later.  I went straight to bed and woke up with a fever of 103 and felt simply dreadful.  Rachel was gone the whole day for the wedding.  I stayed home, as did Daniel.  Andrew attended the ceremony only.  The boys actually felt fine, but we didn't want to risk infecting other kids.  As for me, I feel a little better today and hope to work at school tomorrow morning with some students....fever is gone, so I think I will be ok.

-alan

Academic year winding down

I was walking to social function on Friday with some colleagues, and it was remarkably cool for June.  We realized that the extended school year has been much more bearable, because there have been so few hot days this spring.  I am sure I would be going crazy right now if it was in the 80s.

I have finally finished the sprint at the end of the race, in terms of work.  For the last 3-4 weeks, I had several performance evaluations, finals to write, and an application for a National Board Certification support program.

The good news is that my evaluations have been positive and I have been assured I will be back next year (with tenure, whatever that is worth!).

I am very frustrated with the political system in Chicago and Illinois.  The pension system outside of Chicago remains in jeopardy, with reform necessary to ensure the state does not go bankrupt - but the Illinois constitution prevents pensions from being reduced.  A deal needs to be made, and whatever reductions/cutbacks they make to the state pension system will likely be levied on Chicago pensions with time.  So I watch with anticipation.

The Chicago Board of Ed has been living on pension holidays for over 10 years now, failing each year to provide the proper amount of funding into the system.  The holiday ends next year, and the district owes $600 million, compared to the $150 million they paid this year.  That is a big chunk of change that will eat up budgets district-wide.  We will be living through pain now because of years of living beyond our means.  Despite a modest enrollment drop, Chicago has opened over 100 new schools in the last 15 years.  It is no wonder they are willing to fight to close down schools now - it was not wise to invest all that money to open new schools without considering the long-term financial obligations of maintaining a bloated system.

In other school news, I will also have a student teacher from Michigan State last year.  He will be with me for half of my day, from August through the end of April.  I should have 3 chemistry and 2 biology classes - though the bio classes will be different preps.

Because of the time saved thanks to the student teacher, I decided to spend next year applying to become a National Board Certified Teacher.  The process is a big, big pain but there is plenty of prestige, money, and the chance to grow a lot professionally through the process.  I worked nonstop for 3 weeks on an application to select into the district support program.  I turned in my 40 page application earlier this week, and I await feedback from them.  The next step is a two week summer program in July to introduce me to the cohort.

Because I will be busy for those two weeks, and because the summer is shorter than the past, we decided to forego the long-desired bathroom renovation and focus on small projects instead.  I am disappointed by this, but I have been using the upstairs bathroom for showers to take my mind off it.

When Rachel's Dad was in town, we started work on our new bedroom doors.  I did finally get them installed - kind of.  I actually have not finished the knob installation and there is some work with the trim that needs to be done to ensure the doors close properly.  But they are good enough for now - and look way better than the white hollow door doors!

Today I spent the day working outside tearing up grass for the small patio we will install behind the garage.  We will put our patio table and new umbrella there once it is done.  I hope to take advantage of cool weather this weekend to get as much done as possible!  I am looking forward to sipping some cool beverages out there in the evenings once it is done...

-alan

Gone too soon...

My dad has been visiting us for the past few days and he snuck out of the house this morning before we were awake to say goodbye.  I think this act is telling of his entire time here and the overwhelming sense that I can't believe it is already over.  I'm really sad he's gone.

As a kid I was never great with goodbyes in the moment but always found a way to move on from momentary sadness.  Big goodbyes like leaving the US for China and then leaving China are always really tough on me but I've grown somewhat desensitized to saying "see you later" to my family.  I guess that is par for the course when your parents live in Taiwan.  This time, even though I didn't say a proper goodbye, is harder somehow.  I don't know when I will go to Taiwan next or when our relatives from the Far East will be back stateside.  

I think everything is compounded to by the fact that Sarah and Dave are now in Taiwan too.  They and my parents get to hang out all the time.  While I don't mind a little distance and am certainly glad we are all not under one roof, it is hard to think that I am missing out on so many new memories they will share together.  I wouldn't say I'm jealous but still just a little bummed.

I went to upload the pictures from my dad's time here and there are only a sorry few from our beautiful trip to the zoo.  I know we were instructed to take more, but seriously we were dealing with time flying by at warp speed.  I'm a still a little bummed that I didn't get a shot with him or even a picture of him with Daniel.  We have so few chances to be together as a family and create physical memories with photos.  I prefer to be in the moment and not force a ton of shots, but with time together as such a precious commodity I really dropped the ball.  Sorry if this has taken a dark turn but sometimes the reality of having family so far away just hits you.  I guess we are just going to have to fly out there sometime to capture the moment.

Without further ado, I'll share the precious memories we did immortalize.  Wednesday Andrew played hooky from co-op and we went to Lincoln Park Zoo.  It was hands down the best day in terms of weather that we have had this year.  It was beyond gorgeous.  I wish we could have a proper spring filled with days like that!

While I found parking (snagged a free spot, woot!) the guys checked out the farm.  Andrew was impressed by the baby chicks.  It is quite a marvel to see them emerge from their shells and how they are so much more mobile than human babies.

 Speaking of which, Daniel sports his freaked out face while chilling in the stroller.  It was his first time at the zoo so he had to read up on it before he fully visited.

 Andrew had fun hoarding the fake food from the big tires.  Grandpa encouraged him to climb in the centers and he eventually did. He did share with another kid who came to the display.  Sharing is not always easy for a two year old.

 Grandpa points out the camels to Andrew.  Notice their matching hats.  One kid saw dad and said "mom, he looks like a cowboy."  As long as it wasn't a Dallas Cowboy I think my dad was ok with the comparison.

 Aww so cute!

 It was great going to the zoo early in the day.  There were a lot of people but no big crowds.  Andrew could walk right up to the displays and stay there as long as he wanted.  My dad was great at pointing things out to him!

Daniel wanted out of the stroller to see the gorillas too!  

 I loved going into the Big Cat house this time.  You know we love us some wildcats, but that day the tiger was particularly entertaining.  He kept making a loud, deep cry.  It even stirred Daniel who was at this point sleeping in the Ergo carrier.  The tiger even walked around for us too.

Rawrrrr....Go Cats!

 This is supposed to be Andrew's scared face...it looks like a yawn to me!

We went to see my mom's favorite animal, the giraffe.  They are so tall!

 Hello Mr. Hippo!

Daniel gave me a nice smile, but Andrew was enthralled by the meerkats!

 Rhino butt!

Thursday Alan took off from work and we got to all hang out together.  We went bowling in the morning and Alan got his career high game at 254.  The awesome play was tainted a bit by Andrew splitting his lip and bleeding everywhere.  I guess that's why parents shouldn't let their 2 year olds carry 14 pound balls.  For lunch we went to Edzo's Lincoln Park where my dad enjoyed his burger.  He is a burger aficionado so it was good we introduced him to one of the best spots in Chicago.  When we returned home the men worked on sanding and staining some new bedroom doors. Begone with you Hollow Core!

Friday we went to Andrew's art class and made some great watercolor projects on paper and on a stuffed monkey.   Then we headed down to Costco and had some lunch.  My dad finally introduced me to his beloved ice cream bar.  I have to say it was pretty tasty!

Saturday was fairly low key but that is where I really get to appreciate having my dad around.  He gets an A for sure in terms of playing with the boys.  He gets really into it and doesn't seem to tire (unless he is reading a book).  It was so fun to hear Andrew get excited about "Long long time ago" stories like we did when we were kids.  I would hear "More again story."  Dad even watched the kiddos Saturday so Alan and I could go out for a bit.

Sunday was Mother's Day and the real star was Alan.  Even though he was leading music at church he managed to go shopping, make much of breakfast, and set the table before I was up.  It was quite a spread and I felt quite appreciated.  Post church and nap, we went out to Pita Inn for a Mother's Day dinner.  Yum!

So I guess this is kind of a Father's Day post too soon.  I love you Dad and thanks for your visit.  You are welcome to pop in again anytime.  Next time we need to take mom's advice and use the camera.

All aboard for a fun time!

The past few days have been full of fun activities and yummy treats. Grandma Allmen was in town and it was Andrew's birthday on Thursday!  Daniel was also dedicated at our church on Sunday.

We kicked things off on Wednesday with Andrew bringing "dirt" to co-op.  He liked it but didn't touch the gummy worms hiding inside. Note to self: don't put coconut on kids' stuff in the future, they can't handle the texture.  Many of his classmates didn't want their treat because of the fake grass.

Well hello there grandma!  It is nice to see you again.

Andrew woke up on the morning of his birthday requesting candy for breakfast.  I met him halfway by putting chocolate, marshmallows, peanut butter, and bananas into pancakes.  For some reason I think anything can be breakfast appropriate when housed in a pancake!  Later we headed out to the neighborhood Yoga Shop for a free music/movement class.  He did a great job following directions and dancing along to the music.  His favorite part was popping the bubbles the teach blew around the room!

All that activity tuckered this new two year old out.  Here's the aerial shot of him sleeping in his new toddler bed!  Bear, dog, brown bear check!  All the babies must accompany him for proper sleep.

It was good he rest because we went to a very exciting train themed diner for dinner.  Decked out in train themed decor, this 50s diner is a dream for the young and young at heart.  

Yes, our food was delivered by a train..if only the Metra brought us dinner every night.

Andrew was excited when his birthday cupcake came out, but loved the train whistle on top most of all!

Daniel took a ride in the train but big brother didn't want to join in the fun.

Friday was no fun with both boys visiting the doctor and getting shots.  Andrew made the most of it by taking full advantage of the Sesame Street stickers he was given.  

We had more train themed fun on Saturday when Alan got out the Lionel set from his dad.  It was pretty impressive to see how fast it could go.

We took a walk to a new park in the neighborhood.  Andrew was mostly interested in the wood chips but he managed to show off his climbing skills too.

 Daniel just enjoying life and loves watching his big brother.

Sunday was full of celebrations, friends, and food.  Some friends joined us at church to see Daniel's dedication.  Here's Andrew making sure there is a Bible between himself and "Mali."  

Here's the family up in front during the dedication.


Afterwards we had a delicious lunch (gracias carnitas tacos) and Andrew got his birthday cake!

While Daniel didn't get any cake he had fun being held by our neighbors.

After cake Andrew immediately started opening gifts (without us in there).  How is it that his has this birthday routine down already?  He got some great gifts.  Here he is cutting food from Tom and Sarah.

After nap he tried out his tricycle and Northwestern train from Grandma.  He can barely pedal right now, but I'm sure he'll get the hang of it by the end of summer!

Daniel poses here for his monthly shot.  I love those bright eyes and killer smile!

 -rachel