We just arrived home from my mom's where we spent Christmas. It was lovely, complete with an entire day in the house playing with Christmas gifts (although I did make it to the shower in order to be presentable for our dinner guests). We spent the day after Christmas exploring the wonders of the outdoors in Red Rock Canyon where our children climbed rocks and discovered caves, made arrowheads, and danced with the devil of a seemingly bottomless pool of water that was cold, very cold. But they tromped through mud and water, encouraged each other, climbed rocks that were pretty tough, and enjoyed themselves. What more could a parent ask for?
We returned from our adventures to a stack of holiday greetings, or should I say holiday pictures. One of my dearest friends loves getting holiday photos as long as they include the parents. "Kids are always changing," she says, "but it's MY friends that I want to see." I agree. It's nice to see everyone each holiday, if only a snapshot, in their finest attire, with their best smile. This is the time when everyone wants to look their best, or share their best adventure of the year, or simply sign a card that says Merry Christmas. Whatever the case may be, it's nice to be the recipient of so many happy faces.
I noticed the same feeling when I sent a text to the people who really make a difference in my life on Christmas Eve. The responses that came pouring back made me smile, each one. It is truly a great thing to share your feelings, however simple, with those who are important to you. It is hard to remember in the thick of things, but that is why I'm particularly grateful for a moment of clarity to compose a message to say, "You matter to me." I think everyone needs that, no matter what.
So tonight as I opened the cards in our stack of mail (I chose to ignore the bills for now and concentrate on the nice mail), I realized that there was only one "Year in Review." I wonder why that is . . . are we too busy? Have the lives of our children overtaken our own and we have nothing to report? Has this year been one we'd rather not remember? I don't know, but I realized that I'm in the same boat. Because of the nature of my business and busyness at the holidays, I just managed to pull together a photo montage with a New Year's message and I too am happy to address and mail away our cards. I think that's okay, but I still love to write, so I'll blog . . . for now.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Walk a Mile . . .
I've been away for a while . . . mainly because my best friend and I started a business embellishing clothes. It sounds questionable, but is really fun and occupies the times of my day when I would consider writing a blog post or two. Here's our site if you care to check it out, but I digress. . .
As an only child, I always wanted 5 children, the first born when I was 25, and every two years after that until I was 33, and then if we wanted more, I'd still be at a reasonable age for more children. Three has been enough for me and us for now, but sometimes I look at my friends who are unmarried, or have one child, and I wonder what my life would be like if we'd waited to get married or have children. I think about the complications that are magnified by children, (and marriage to an extent).
There are many things that complicate a life. I pay our bills twice a month, do our laundry once or twice a week, pick up umpteen dishes/Legos/shirts/jackets/shoes in a day. I drive a carpool, shuttle kids to Brownies/soccer/baseball/camp. Make dinner, oversee homework, read stories, shop for groceries. . . The list seems to go on and on and on. I can't tell you how many times in a day I ask children to do what I asked them to do, or put on their shoes, or be nice to each other, etc. So naturally, I wonder if I would be more sane if I'd had children later in life, had more of a career, or had a job other than my home and children for that matter. I dont' have the answer, but I wonder.
As a young girl, I remember my dad talking about traveling the world once I left for college. He suggested joining the Peace Corps, or doing humanitarian work some other way. I left for college 15 years ago, and until November, he hadn't been out of the country.
My dad recently quit his job, rented his house for a year, and made flight arrangements to India for 6 months. Really. His bag was much smaller than those I've seen donned by contestants on The Amazing Race. He had little more than a rough idea of a few cities he wanted to visit, and was on his way. Leading up to his departure I was so excited for his adventure because he hasn't been an example of a risk-taker in my life. It's exciting to see him head off on this adventure.
He left in November and I've received one call from him, which I hung up on because I didn't know there was a delay in international calls, but mostly it's been through Facebook (thank you!) that I've learned about his adventures. Through his status updates, I've been able to view some really cool things (a 4 year old's right of passage getting a haircut, my dad giving school supplies to children in a very poor school, him giving hungry people rice, etc.). He's posted great photos, and then this . . .
He was meditating one morning and his shoes got stolen.
Dang it!
No matter how few possessions you have, how altruistic your motives are, or that the only one you are responsible for is yourself, there are still basics of life that require attention. My children will still need three meals a day, our clothes will still need to be washed regularly, and my dad will still have to somehow watch his shoes while meditating.
I don't know that this revelation on my part helps my dad any, but it sure helps me gain perspective.
As an only child, I always wanted 5 children, the first born when I was 25, and every two years after that until I was 33, and then if we wanted more, I'd still be at a reasonable age for more children. Three has been enough for me and us for now, but sometimes I look at my friends who are unmarried, or have one child, and I wonder what my life would be like if we'd waited to get married or have children. I think about the complications that are magnified by children, (and marriage to an extent).
There are many things that complicate a life. I pay our bills twice a month, do our laundry once or twice a week, pick up umpteen dishes/Legos/shirts/jackets/shoes in a day. I drive a carpool, shuttle kids to Brownies/soccer/baseball/camp. Make dinner, oversee homework, read stories, shop for groceries. . . The list seems to go on and on and on. I can't tell you how many times in a day I ask children to do what I asked them to do, or put on their shoes, or be nice to each other, etc. So naturally, I wonder if I would be more sane if I'd had children later in life, had more of a career, or had a job other than my home and children for that matter. I dont' have the answer, but I wonder.
As a young girl, I remember my dad talking about traveling the world once I left for college. He suggested joining the Peace Corps, or doing humanitarian work some other way. I left for college 15 years ago, and until November, he hadn't been out of the country.
My dad recently quit his job, rented his house for a year, and made flight arrangements to India for 6 months. Really. His bag was much smaller than those I've seen donned by contestants on The Amazing Race. He had little more than a rough idea of a few cities he wanted to visit, and was on his way. Leading up to his departure I was so excited for his adventure because he hasn't been an example of a risk-taker in my life. It's exciting to see him head off on this adventure.
He left in November and I've received one call from him, which I hung up on because I didn't know there was a delay in international calls, but mostly it's been through Facebook (thank you!) that I've learned about his adventures. Through his status updates, I've been able to view some really cool things (a 4 year old's right of passage getting a haircut, my dad giving school supplies to children in a very poor school, him giving hungry people rice, etc.). He's posted great photos, and then this . . .
He was meditating one morning and his shoes got stolen.
Dang it!
No matter how few possessions you have, how altruistic your motives are, or that the only one you are responsible for is yourself, there are still basics of life that require attention. My children will still need three meals a day, our clothes will still need to be washed regularly, and my dad will still have to somehow watch his shoes while meditating.
I don't know that this revelation on my part helps my dad any, but it sure helps me gain perspective.
Friday, September 4, 2009
If You're Gonna Spew. . .
Child #2 begins Kindergarten this Tuesday. If you didn't already know, it's a BIG deal, for both of us. For the past 6 years, he's been with me during the majority of each day. Preschool has never been longer than 5 hours, and never for days in a row. And while he's had playdates, been to summer camp, and I've been out of town on occasion, we spend the majority of our days together. Good or bad, it is what is . . . and we've certainly had our share of both.
Today was Kindergarten Orientation.
Great!
Right?
WRONG!!!!
Hubby is out of town, so I've got no reinforcements. I wake up early and decide to get ready in the downstairs bathroom, so as not to wake the sleeping cherubs (all three of them). They eventually wake, and #2 just lies in bed. He actually looks like he could go back to sleep. He's a good sleeper, but he always wakes up early, feeling good.
He says his head hurts, he needs a drink of water, he needs help getting out of bed. . . you get the picture. I took his temperature (normal) but offer him some Motrin in case his headache really could be helped with something mild, which he declines. I quickly decide this calls for a huge dose of sympathy, so I lay it on thick. He eventually gets dressed, brushes his teeth, even takes a shower. He asks for toast for breakfast and can he eat in in the car on the way? Of course. #1 & #3 are off to the neighbor's house, and #2 and I are off to meet the teacher.
He and I sit through the 45 minutes of school director & K teacher talk. Fine. He acts nervous, but if you weren't his mom or dad you'd never know it. We meet a few other students and parents, and I stand around to talk to the teacher. I begin my greeting and look over at #2. It looks like he has a booger on his lip, so I hand him a tissue. I continue talking and look over again, and he's catching vomit in his hands!!!!
THIS POOR KID!!!!!
I shovel tissues his way, wishing I had one of those kidney shaped plastic things that are always in the hospital but never seem large enough to do the job. As gracefully as I can, I turn to the teacher and say, "It looks like we've got a nervous stomach. I'm going to step over here and break open those Clorox wipes I brought in today, clean up our mess, and be on our way." I do just that. His teacher asks him if he'd like to see something in the room while I get myself together. He agrees and everything is honky dorey. Really.
Here's the kicker - we get into the car. He eats the remaining three quarters of his toast and quickly says, "I wish I had another piece of toast." We head off to Target and he's back to his usual self.
"What just happened?" I say to myself.
At the Back-To-School potluck that evening, his teacher asks me if I think he's going to be okay on Tuesday. I sure hope so ("but I'll be available all day if you need me.")
Today was Kindergarten Orientation.
Great!
Right?
WRONG!!!!
Hubby is out of town, so I've got no reinforcements. I wake up early and decide to get ready in the downstairs bathroom, so as not to wake the sleeping cherubs (all three of them). They eventually wake, and #2 just lies in bed. He actually looks like he could go back to sleep. He's a good sleeper, but he always wakes up early, feeling good.
He says his head hurts, he needs a drink of water, he needs help getting out of bed. . . you get the picture. I took his temperature (normal) but offer him some Motrin in case his headache really could be helped with something mild, which he declines. I quickly decide this calls for a huge dose of sympathy, so I lay it on thick. He eventually gets dressed, brushes his teeth, even takes a shower. He asks for toast for breakfast and can he eat in in the car on the way? Of course. #1 & #3 are off to the neighbor's house, and #2 and I are off to meet the teacher.
He and I sit through the 45 minutes of school director & K teacher talk. Fine. He acts nervous, but if you weren't his mom or dad you'd never know it. We meet a few other students and parents, and I stand around to talk to the teacher. I begin my greeting and look over at #2. It looks like he has a booger on his lip, so I hand him a tissue. I continue talking and look over again, and he's catching vomit in his hands!!!!
THIS POOR KID!!!!!
I shovel tissues his way, wishing I had one of those kidney shaped plastic things that are always in the hospital but never seem large enough to do the job. As gracefully as I can, I turn to the teacher and say, "It looks like we've got a nervous stomach. I'm going to step over here and break open those Clorox wipes I brought in today, clean up our mess, and be on our way." I do just that. His teacher asks him if he'd like to see something in the room while I get myself together. He agrees and everything is honky dorey. Really.
Here's the kicker - we get into the car. He eats the remaining three quarters of his toast and quickly says, "I wish I had another piece of toast." We head off to Target and he's back to his usual self.
"What just happened?" I say to myself.
At the Back-To-School potluck that evening, his teacher asks me if I think he's going to be okay on Tuesday. I sure hope so ("but I'll be available all day if you need me.")
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sticker Day Revised
When I was in high school my friends and I would hold random "Sticker Days." There was no rhyme or reason as to when they would occur, some days we would just decide, "Tomorrow is Sticker Day." The evening before the event, we would go to the local grocery stores and steal (yes, I said steal) packs upon packs of stickers from their stationary department. The next day we arrived, armed with stickers and proceeded to decorate anyone who wanted stickers with said stickers. We did not discriminate, all grades, all cliques were adorned by the end of the day. I seem to remember people seeking us out (which felt nice in high school) to get stickers, and there were some who adamently protested, whom we left alone (I think). The thing I remembered most was coming away from the day and having a genuinely satisfied and good feeling, that I had been a part of bringing people together and making some people smile. From my end, it seemed like people generally enjoyed those days, myself included.
Fastforward a few years and I just returned from delivering my cookies to three unexpecting friends. The first, it was her birthday and she had been craving them, the second because she lives across the street from the first and I'd feel foolish traveling that little distance and not spreading the calories (I mean goodness), and the third who hinted earlier that she had a hankerin' for some. I was able to meet one woman's little girl for the first time at one home and interrupt bedtime and be threatend with a piece of mind (which changed to a smile) at another.
My day began with a 5:30 am bootcamp (followed by bills, grocery shopping, laundry, making dinner, and the other normal occurrences of a Monday), but ended with my family reaping my wrath over things that were admitidly insignificant, but at the time, I just couldn't take one more thing. After they all slunk upstairs, I went to visit my friends, if only for a brief minute at the door, it was just the change of pace I needed to recharge my battery. I know about the adage that when you're feeling sorry for yourself, do something nice for someone else and you'll forget your worries (or something along those lines). I won't argue with that, at all, I just wish I could figure out another way to package up the frustration I feel at my family sometimes, and do something nice for them. Something different than paying the bills, stocking the fridge, cleaning the clothes and dishes, and making meals because those things don't seem very nice until they're not done. Maybe tomorrow on my way home from my spin class, I'll stop off at some store and buy a few packs of stickers.
Fastforward a few years and I just returned from delivering my cookies to three unexpecting friends. The first, it was her birthday and she had been craving them, the second because she lives across the street from the first and I'd feel foolish traveling that little distance and not spreading the calories (I mean goodness), and the third who hinted earlier that she had a hankerin' for some. I was able to meet one woman's little girl for the first time at one home and interrupt bedtime and be threatend with a piece of mind (which changed to a smile) at another.
My day began with a 5:30 am bootcamp (followed by bills, grocery shopping, laundry, making dinner, and the other normal occurrences of a Monday), but ended with my family reaping my wrath over things that were admitidly insignificant, but at the time, I just couldn't take one more thing. After they all slunk upstairs, I went to visit my friends, if only for a brief minute at the door, it was just the change of pace I needed to recharge my battery. I know about the adage that when you're feeling sorry for yourself, do something nice for someone else and you'll forget your worries (or something along those lines). I won't argue with that, at all, I just wish I could figure out another way to package up the frustration I feel at my family sometimes, and do something nice for them. Something different than paying the bills, stocking the fridge, cleaning the clothes and dishes, and making meals because those things don't seem very nice until they're not done. Maybe tomorrow on my way home from my spin class, I'll stop off at some store and buy a few packs of stickers.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Facebook Virus
Recently on Facebook there has been a virus going around. It's not a bad computer virus or even a bad medical virus, just a list of 25 random things you write about yourself, and you tag 25 people and they write their own. Here are my 25 random things:
1. I keep pens and chapstick until they run out. I don't lose them. I like Uniball Grips to write with (I hate ball point pens) and I like Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.
2. I do not like tomatoes. When I was little my babysitter would make sandwiches for lunch with tomatoes. The texture grossed me out, so I put them on the side of my plate. She would shove them down my throat until I gagged. For the longest time I would gag if I accidentally ate a tomato. I'm not compelled for any reason to get over my childhood trauma.
3. I think Jack Bauer kicks ass!!!
4. I like attending sporting events. My favorite is hockey because it's pretty much all action and not a lot of contrived entertainment. I think it's sad that events like sports have become so overrun with what happens in between the sport itself. Is it too much to ask for a little down time? Do we ALWAYS need to be entertained???
5. I will see any action movie with Matt Damon.
6. Of all the habits I've had in my life, smoking has never been one of them.
7. I love watching old people who know how to partner dance. I'd like to learn before my 50th wedding anniversary, but hubby refuses. It's good I've got 39 years to soften him to the idea.
8. I took piano lessons as an adult. I stopped to take prereqs for a nursing program. I wish I had a real piano to take lessons again, or get my kids started. I think it's one of the only instruments that sounds good, even when practicing.
9. I don't listen to sappy music or see sappy movies because I'm afraid of becoming too sentimental about things . . . anything.
10. My right pinkie finger doesn't straighten, and I don't know why.
11. I have a problem with books. I like how some books feel when I pick them up. This presents a problem when in a store that carries books because I will always look and feel, and sometimes buy, even though my To Read pile is well over 70 now.
12. I love hot and sour soup, and I'm baffled that every Chinese restaurant has the same recipe, but I can't duplicate it at home, no matter how hard I try.
13. I appreciate people who say what they mean, and mean what they say, and I try be one of these people myself.
14. I love overhearing my children play make believe games with each other. I love it when they've organized a show with a performing dog or 3 year old on guitar. I think the thing I like about this most is that they usually get along and two are okay with one being in charge, and they just talk to each other and agree.
15. I love overhearing my children laugh . . . hard. It ALWAYS makes me smile.
16. I think a binary world view is a scary thing to have.
17. I ALWAYS have a book with me. Hubby makes fun of me when I travel and asks, "How many books did you bring this time?" when I'm leaving overnight and I have 2 books, and 600 pages to go in the first. But what if my car broke down on the side of the road and I had to wait for 6 hours? I'd wish I had my book with me if I forgot it.
18. When I go home I always go two places:
The Tattered Cover
El Taco de Mexico (7th & Santa Fe) for a smothered Special Burrito
19. I have only been out of the country once. Last year for our 10 year anniversary we went to Aruba. I'm willing to go anywhere, though.
20. I love camping, especially backpacking. I love the idea of having everything I need on my back. I don't even mind being away from showers or toilets, because it's one less thing that needs to be cleaned. (With regards to #17 I would probably only bring the book I'm reading at the time on a backpacking trip because too many books are heavy).
21. When I watch tv, I cross stitch to stay awake, otherwise the inactivity would knock me out in about 2 seconds flat. That's probably why I almost always fall asleep in the movie theater.
22. While the act of doing laundry is Sisyphean, sometimes I like the sense of accomplishment when it's all done, folded and put away.
23. I was born at home and had #3 at home. It was one of the coolest things I've experienced. I actually delivered him myself (we had a midwife there, but I did all the work).
24. There is a vacant storefront in my neighborhood. I dream of owning a bookstore there.
25. I feel inferior and am somewhat envious of women who work. I know being a stay at home mom is worthwhile endeavor. I know that being with my children is/will be rewarding and enjoyable, like today and yesterday, but sometimes the monotony can be mind-numbing. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing worthwhile to contribute to adult conversations. I think things might be different if I spent the bulk of my day talking to adults, but then again I'm sure some of my friends who work are tired of talking to adults and would just like to be home with their kids. The grass is always greener . . . and I'm working on appreciating my own grass.
1. I keep pens and chapstick until they run out. I don't lose them. I like Uniball Grips to write with (I hate ball point pens) and I like Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.
2. I do not like tomatoes. When I was little my babysitter would make sandwiches for lunch with tomatoes. The texture grossed me out, so I put them on the side of my plate. She would shove them down my throat until I gagged. For the longest time I would gag if I accidentally ate a tomato. I'm not compelled for any reason to get over my childhood trauma.
3. I think Jack Bauer kicks ass!!!
4. I like attending sporting events. My favorite is hockey because it's pretty much all action and not a lot of contrived entertainment. I think it's sad that events like sports have become so overrun with what happens in between the sport itself. Is it too much to ask for a little down time? Do we ALWAYS need to be entertained???
5. I will see any action movie with Matt Damon.
6. Of all the habits I've had in my life, smoking has never been one of them.
7. I love watching old people who know how to partner dance. I'd like to learn before my 50th wedding anniversary, but hubby refuses. It's good I've got 39 years to soften him to the idea.
8. I took piano lessons as an adult. I stopped to take prereqs for a nursing program. I wish I had a real piano to take lessons again, or get my kids started. I think it's one of the only instruments that sounds good, even when practicing.
9. I don't listen to sappy music or see sappy movies because I'm afraid of becoming too sentimental about things . . . anything.
10. My right pinkie finger doesn't straighten, and I don't know why.
11. I have a problem with books. I like how some books feel when I pick them up. This presents a problem when in a store that carries books because I will always look and feel, and sometimes buy, even though my To Read pile is well over 70 now.
12. I love hot and sour soup, and I'm baffled that every Chinese restaurant has the same recipe, but I can't duplicate it at home, no matter how hard I try.
13. I appreciate people who say what they mean, and mean what they say, and I try be one of these people myself.
14. I love overhearing my children play make believe games with each other. I love it when they've organized a show with a performing dog or 3 year old on guitar. I think the thing I like about this most is that they usually get along and two are okay with one being in charge, and they just talk to each other and agree.
15. I love overhearing my children laugh . . . hard. It ALWAYS makes me smile.
16. I think a binary world view is a scary thing to have.
17. I ALWAYS have a book with me. Hubby makes fun of me when I travel and asks, "How many books did you bring this time?" when I'm leaving overnight and I have 2 books, and 600 pages to go in the first. But what if my car broke down on the side of the road and I had to wait for 6 hours? I'd wish I had my book with me if I forgot it.
18. When I go home I always go two places:
The Tattered Cover
El Taco de Mexico (7th & Santa Fe) for a smothered Special Burrito
19. I have only been out of the country once. Last year for our 10 year anniversary we went to Aruba. I'm willing to go anywhere, though.
20. I love camping, especially backpacking. I love the idea of having everything I need on my back. I don't even mind being away from showers or toilets, because it's one less thing that needs to be cleaned. (With regards to #17 I would probably only bring the book I'm reading at the time on a backpacking trip because too many books are heavy).
21. When I watch tv, I cross stitch to stay awake, otherwise the inactivity would knock me out in about 2 seconds flat. That's probably why I almost always fall asleep in the movie theater.
22. While the act of doing laundry is Sisyphean, sometimes I like the sense of accomplishment when it's all done, folded and put away.
23. I was born at home and had #3 at home. It was one of the coolest things I've experienced. I actually delivered him myself (we had a midwife there, but I did all the work).
24. There is a vacant storefront in my neighborhood. I dream of owning a bookstore there.
25. I feel inferior and am somewhat envious of women who work. I know being a stay at home mom is worthwhile endeavor. I know that being with my children is/will be rewarding and enjoyable, like today and yesterday, but sometimes the monotony can be mind-numbing. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing worthwhile to contribute to adult conversations. I think things might be different if I spent the bulk of my day talking to adults, but then again I'm sure some of my friends who work are tired of talking to adults and would just like to be home with their kids. The grass is always greener . . . and I'm working on appreciating my own grass.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Should I take a hint?
In preparation of our annual Christmas Soup open house on Saturday, I was wiping down the baseboards and walls in our kitchen and was reminded of my preparations for the event last year.
It was a rainy Friday morning, and I was running in between our little room in the back of our house where we keep our TV (we call it the back house). I hadn't showered or gotten out of my pajamas, but was getting the boys set up for a little auto-sitter while I enjoyed my morning routine, uninterrupted. The boys were happy, entertained and contained, so I made my way back to the house to get ready. I made my way carefully up the steps, to find the door . . . locked. Oh, that's right, I made sure to close it behind me so the rain wouldn't get in. No problem, I'll just call my hubby at work from the back house to run home and open the door. Back across the yard, pick up the phone and . . . it's off the hook in the house. CRAP!!! Now what?
Plan A: I pulled on the door handle really hard for about 15 minutes with tears (or was that rain?) streaming down my face. No luck.
Plan B: I grabbed a rock from my backyard and pounded away. Have you ever intentionally broken a window? It is a wild feeling. . . the anticipation of hearing the glass brake, your hand going through something hard that should be intact. Window eventually gave way, I was in the house, cleaned up the mess, then braced for the rest of the day. I successfully found someone to replace the glass that afternoon and everyone loved our party the next day.
Now today, hubby has a busy day at work, so he leaves early. I'm ready to leave the house at 8:35 to get #1 & #2 to school by 9. We go through the usual business of getting in the car and trying to ignore the plethora of distractions between the front door and the car. We get in and we're off . . . or so I thought. The car won't go into gear. CRAP!! I call hubby who can't get away. Now what? Thank goodness for good friends who were not too far away or too busy to add a trip to our house to pick up kids for school. Then I remembered I have been paying for Roadside Assistance on my cel phone. They arranged for a tow truck to our mechanic, and #3 and I are home for the day. Lucky for me, I bought new makeup yesterday and now feel like I can go out in public again. Urgh!!
On the bright side, I do have everything I need to make the remaining soups for our party on Saturday, and I have all the material to finish the quilt I'm making for my college roommate's baby (who is almost 2 months old now).
I'm not going to think about what adventures next year will bring.
It was a rainy Friday morning, and I was running in between our little room in the back of our house where we keep our TV (we call it the back house). I hadn't showered or gotten out of my pajamas, but was getting the boys set up for a little auto-sitter while I enjoyed my morning routine, uninterrupted. The boys were happy, entertained and contained, so I made my way back to the house to get ready. I made my way carefully up the steps, to find the door . . . locked. Oh, that's right, I made sure to close it behind me so the rain wouldn't get in. No problem, I'll just call my hubby at work from the back house to run home and open the door. Back across the yard, pick up the phone and . . . it's off the hook in the house. CRAP!!! Now what?
Plan A: I pulled on the door handle really hard for about 15 minutes with tears (or was that rain?) streaming down my face. No luck.
Plan B: I grabbed a rock from my backyard and pounded away. Have you ever intentionally broken a window? It is a wild feeling. . . the anticipation of hearing the glass brake, your hand going through something hard that should be intact. Window eventually gave way, I was in the house, cleaned up the mess, then braced for the rest of the day. I successfully found someone to replace the glass that afternoon and everyone loved our party the next day.
Now today, hubby has a busy day at work, so he leaves early. I'm ready to leave the house at 8:35 to get #1 & #2 to school by 9. We go through the usual business of getting in the car and trying to ignore the plethora of distractions between the front door and the car. We get in and we're off . . . or so I thought. The car won't go into gear. CRAP!! I call hubby who can't get away. Now what? Thank goodness for good friends who were not too far away or too busy to add a trip to our house to pick up kids for school. Then I remembered I have been paying for Roadside Assistance on my cel phone. They arranged for a tow truck to our mechanic, and #3 and I are home for the day. Lucky for me, I bought new makeup yesterday and now feel like I can go out in public again. Urgh!!
On the bright side, I do have everything I need to make the remaining soups for our party on Saturday, and I have all the material to finish the quilt I'm making for my college roommate's baby (who is almost 2 months old now).
I'm not going to think about what adventures next year will bring.
Monday, December 1, 2008
But I wove you . . .
This is the way #3 tries to get out of doing something he doesn't want to do. He says it in this sweet little sing-song voice and cannot pronounce the L in love and it just melts your heart, kind of. But that's not what I wanted to write about . . .
One of my favorite programs is This American Life. In a nutshell, it's thought provoking, in depth journalism, with essays every so often. It's an NPR show from Chicago that is on every weekend, usually airing Friday evening. (It has also become a TV show on Showtime, although I've only seen snippets of that because we don't have that channel). This show has opened my eyes to new ideas, people, ways of looking at the world, authors, etc. I love it. I subscribe to their podcast because I can't possibly ensure that the hour the show is on each weekend (or rebroadcast for that matter) is the precise hour my children are going to be quiet, so I tune in when I'm driving/running/doing dishes, you get the picture.
Episode #293 aired on July 11, 2008 entitled A Little Bit of Knowledge.
Act 2 of the show was an excerpt of a book by Dan Savage called The Commitment. The excerpt is regarding gay marriage in 2004, and how certain members of Dan's family were in favor of he and his partner getting married, but their son was ademently opposed to the idea, while Dan & his partner weren't sure if they wanted to get married at all. But in the middle of Dan's discussion about gender issues with his son, he has this wonderful discussion about falling in love that just melted me. Here it is:
It's not a decision you get to make, I said. It's not a decision I got to make, it's a decision your heart makes.
When?
When you're older, I said. One day your heart will let you know whether you're the kind of man who falls in love with a woman or a man. There was a long silence and I thought DJ had fallen asleep. He was curled up next to me resting his head against my side and I couldn't see his face. I stayed very still.
Grandma says you're supposed to marry the person you love, DJ suddenly said. He hadn't fallen asleep, he'd just been quietly working through something.
That's right, I said. Grandma does say that, all the time.
But you love me and we're not gonna get married.
Grown up love is a special kind of love. People don't fall in that special kind of love with their sisters or their mothers or their sons. There's something in your heart that makes you go out into the world and find someone new, someone you've never met before, and that's the person you fall in love with.
Why?
Because that's how new families are made. And one day you'll meet the person you want to make a new family with and that's the person you're supposed to marry.
Why?
Because marriage is a promise that you make to that other person. A promise to stay in love with them forever. To be related forever, so that you'll always be together.
Amen, brother.
One of my favorite programs is This American Life. In a nutshell, it's thought provoking, in depth journalism, with essays every so often. It's an NPR show from Chicago that is on every weekend, usually airing Friday evening. (It has also become a TV show on Showtime, although I've only seen snippets of that because we don't have that channel). This show has opened my eyes to new ideas, people, ways of looking at the world, authors, etc. I love it. I subscribe to their podcast because I can't possibly ensure that the hour the show is on each weekend (or rebroadcast for that matter) is the precise hour my children are going to be quiet, so I tune in when I'm driving/running/doing dishes, you get the picture.
Episode #293 aired on July 11, 2008 entitled A Little Bit of Knowledge.
Act 2 of the show was an excerpt of a book by Dan Savage called The Commitment. The excerpt is regarding gay marriage in 2004, and how certain members of Dan's family were in favor of he and his partner getting married, but their son was ademently opposed to the idea, while Dan & his partner weren't sure if they wanted to get married at all. But in the middle of Dan's discussion about gender issues with his son, he has this wonderful discussion about falling in love that just melted me. Here it is:
It's not a decision you get to make, I said. It's not a decision I got to make, it's a decision your heart makes.
When?
When you're older, I said. One day your heart will let you know whether you're the kind of man who falls in love with a woman or a man. There was a long silence and I thought DJ had fallen asleep. He was curled up next to me resting his head against my side and I couldn't see his face. I stayed very still.
Grandma says you're supposed to marry the person you love, DJ suddenly said. He hadn't fallen asleep, he'd just been quietly working through something.
That's right, I said. Grandma does say that, all the time.
But you love me and we're not gonna get married.
Grown up love is a special kind of love. People don't fall in that special kind of love with their sisters or their mothers or their sons. There's something in your heart that makes you go out into the world and find someone new, someone you've never met before, and that's the person you fall in love with.
Why?
Because that's how new families are made. And one day you'll meet the person you want to make a new family with and that's the person you're supposed to marry.
Why?
Because marriage is a promise that you make to that other person. A promise to stay in love with them forever. To be related forever, so that you'll always be together.
Amen, brother.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle
I don't know how I got so lucky today, but my children entertained themselves this afternoon by using trash and recyclables to make robots. They worked together and dug through the trash, and here is what they came up with. I love it!!! The two yellow ones have Matchbox cars on the bottom, which they used to race down the hill in front of our house. What a great afternoon.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Giggles
#1
One year for Christmas, I took our daughter to the dollar store for her to pick out a gift for Dad. I know, big spender. (This was probably the Christmas when she was two.) She chose a small vanilla scented statue of Jesus that had adhesive on the bottom to stick on a dashboard or something similar.
Fast forward a few months and we go visit my husband at his office. I pointed out to her that he had the Jesus statue on his bookshelf. She took a whiff and said, "Ummm. It smells like Jesus in here."
#3
It is a favorite bedtime ritual in our house to read stories. Sometimes I choose the stories, sometimes the kids do. The other night I chose The Peace Book by Todd Parr (if you don't have this book, I highly recommend getting it). Each page begins with the phrase: Peace is . . . followed by some action, ie. . . .sharing a meal, . . .keeping the street clean, . . . being who you are, etc.
The book opens with, Peace is making new friends and #3 says, "Who is Peace?" and starts pointing to each of the five children on the page and asking, "Is that Peace?" The third page reads: Peace is listening to different kinds of music and there's a picture of a person in a turban playing a recorder to a snake coming out of a basket, and he says, "Oh, that's Peace."
I can't wait for the day he sees a snake charmer on the Travel Channel or something like that and yells out, "That's Peace!!!"
One year for Christmas, I took our daughter to the dollar store for her to pick out a gift for Dad. I know, big spender. (This was probably the Christmas when she was two.) She chose a small vanilla scented statue of Jesus that had adhesive on the bottom to stick on a dashboard or something similar.
Fast forward a few months and we go visit my husband at his office. I pointed out to her that he had the Jesus statue on his bookshelf. She took a whiff and said, "Ummm. It smells like Jesus in here."
#3
It is a favorite bedtime ritual in our house to read stories. Sometimes I choose the stories, sometimes the kids do. The other night I chose The Peace Book by Todd Parr (if you don't have this book, I highly recommend getting it). Each page begins with the phrase: Peace is . . . followed by some action, ie. . . .sharing a meal, . . .keeping the street clean, . . . being who you are, etc.
The book opens with, Peace is making new friends and #3 says, "Who is Peace?" and starts pointing to each of the five children on the page and asking, "Is that Peace?" The third page reads: Peace is listening to different kinds of music and there's a picture of a person in a turban playing a recorder to a snake coming out of a basket, and he says, "Oh, that's Peace."
I can't wait for the day he sees a snake charmer on the Travel Channel or something like that and yells out, "That's Peace!!!"
Monday, October 20, 2008
Our Sunday Chaos
Yesterday was an especially weird day. #1 and I began the day by cheering on my friend and mother of daughter's friends in a triathalon. I might have been inspired for a new sport, except I'm not such a strong swimmer.
The preschool where #2 & #3 attend is run by a church and yesterday was Preschool Sunday, and the 3 & 4 year olds have been practicing two songs. So we packed up for church early and were guests in the preschool's church, and what do you know, the boys wouldn't sing. We sat in a pew and watched their classmates sing. Okay, no big deal.
Then we proceeded to our church. #3 throws a major tantrum in the middle of Sacrament Meeting and puzzle pieces go flying. Nice. I ask #1 if she'll help pick up the puzzle pieces, to which she agrees because she's that kind of a kid (thank goodness). She's bending down on her heals leaning forward and bumps her elbow and is jolted upright by the pain and then her eyes roll back in her head and she goes over backwards. I look at her and see her eyes rolling around but she's not responding to me, and I freak out. Hubby and I jump up and try to get her out of the chapel, get her some water and he takes her to get some food. After further evaluation, her blood pressure was probably low from being almost horizontal, and then with lack of circulation because she was sitting on her heels, well you get the picture. She was/is fine.
Nothing like having your child pass out to get your heart pumping. Then when we realized she's okay, I was drained.
We enter Primary, and our behavior problems are in full force, and I was off to the adult's classes to retrieve the parents of said children.
Hubby and I came home and looked at each other and said, "What the heck just happened?"
"We give up."
The preschool where #2 & #3 attend is run by a church and yesterday was Preschool Sunday, and the 3 & 4 year olds have been practicing two songs. So we packed up for church early and were guests in the preschool's church, and what do you know, the boys wouldn't sing. We sat in a pew and watched their classmates sing. Okay, no big deal.
Then we proceeded to our church. #3 throws a major tantrum in the middle of Sacrament Meeting and puzzle pieces go flying. Nice. I ask #1 if she'll help pick up the puzzle pieces, to which she agrees because she's that kind of a kid (thank goodness). She's bending down on her heals leaning forward and bumps her elbow and is jolted upright by the pain and then her eyes roll back in her head and she goes over backwards. I look at her and see her eyes rolling around but she's not responding to me, and I freak out. Hubby and I jump up and try to get her out of the chapel, get her some water and he takes her to get some food. After further evaluation, her blood pressure was probably low from being almost horizontal, and then with lack of circulation because she was sitting on her heels, well you get the picture. She was/is fine.
Nothing like having your child pass out to get your heart pumping. Then when we realized she's okay, I was drained.
We enter Primary, and our behavior problems are in full force, and I was off to the adult's classes to retrieve the parents of said children.
Hubby and I came home and looked at each other and said, "What the heck just happened?"
"We give up."
Sunday, October 12, 2008
To Play or Not to Play
One of our favorite things to do is go to the park to have a little family baseball game. Hubby or I will pitch, and the kids take turns fielding and hitting. It's usually a pretty enjoyable experience, a few negotiations about "one more pitch" or "one more hit," maybe some tears, but generally, it's fun.
BUT . . .
. . . as is the case with parks in general, there are other people there, which is usually a good thing, except when it comes to the family baseball game (or any ball game we've intended to play at the park). After we've been going for a little while, a kid who doesn't belong to us, will skirt around the fringes, start shagging some balls, and before you know it, they're struggling with #2 over whose turn it is to bat next.
Hubby's point is this, "I came to the park to pitch balls to my kids, not your's. I didn't come to the park to referee 6 kids fighting over the next swing (with the bat, we hope), it's tough enough with 3, so would you kindly butt out."
I get it. Sure I do. But where do you draw the line? Our kids will usually ask to play with other kids in their ball games at parks and other parents are gracious enough to consent. I don't mind so much except when one of our children isn't in the mood for sharing one of his parents. He does so well with one on one attention, especially when it involves Dad and a ball. Maybe it's different for me being with them the majority of every day, that I don't mind mixing it up a little and playing with other kids at the park because we do have a lot of one on one time, so the hour Hubby has to play with the kids at the park on a Sunday afternoon is precious to him. During the week it gives me a chance to speak to other adults at the park during the day, where he's not at the park to make friends, he's there to play with his kids.
Sometimes, we've taken balls and mitts and if other kids don't have a mitt, they usually don't ask to play, but any other sort of ball game seems to be free reign.
I clearly understand both sides of the issue (Economy? War in Iraq? Equality in marriage? BHAA, we're talking real issues here) I'm just not sure how what the protocol for diplomacy is in resolving this one. I'm up for any suggestions you have. Give it to me straight. I don't need it sugar coated, my skin is pretty thick.
I'm serious.
BUT . . .
. . . as is the case with parks in general, there are other people there, which is usually a good thing, except when it comes to the family baseball game (or any ball game we've intended to play at the park). After we've been going for a little while, a kid who doesn't belong to us, will skirt around the fringes, start shagging some balls, and before you know it, they're struggling with #2 over whose turn it is to bat next.
Hubby's point is this, "I came to the park to pitch balls to my kids, not your's. I didn't come to the park to referee 6 kids fighting over the next swing (with the bat, we hope), it's tough enough with 3, so would you kindly butt out."
I get it. Sure I do. But where do you draw the line? Our kids will usually ask to play with other kids in their ball games at parks and other parents are gracious enough to consent. I don't mind so much except when one of our children isn't in the mood for sharing one of his parents. He does so well with one on one attention, especially when it involves Dad and a ball. Maybe it's different for me being with them the majority of every day, that I don't mind mixing it up a little and playing with other kids at the park because we do have a lot of one on one time, so the hour Hubby has to play with the kids at the park on a Sunday afternoon is precious to him. During the week it gives me a chance to speak to other adults at the park during the day, where he's not at the park to make friends, he's there to play with his kids.
Sometimes, we've taken balls and mitts and if other kids don't have a mitt, they usually don't ask to play, but any other sort of ball game seems to be free reign.
I clearly understand both sides of the issue (Economy? War in Iraq? Equality in marriage? BHAA, we're talking real issues here) I'm just not sure how what the protocol for diplomacy is in resolving this one. I'm up for any suggestions you have. Give it to me straight. I don't need it sugar coated, my skin is pretty thick.
I'm serious.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Recent Musings
I took my own advise and finally wrote blog ideas down in my little notebook I carry around in my purse.
~~Recently our sons' preschool had a family dinner with pizza and a puppet show. In principle it was a great activity (. . . here's the BUT), except for the Webkinz raffle. I'm sure the planners had nothing but good intentions when they decided to hold the raffle. The dinner and entertainment was all free, so it's not a big deal to hold a raffle for $1/ticket. No big deal, right?
WRONG!!!!!
My single-minded little 5 year old can't get his mind off the stuffed animals sitting on the table. My sweet husband took him outside for most of the evening to divert his attention. The poor kid was ready for nuclear meltdown well before the raffle was to occur. And then it happens, the raffle and two other kids win. No Kidding!?!? #2 can't even think straight he's so disappointed. After a long day and he's tired, this is not a pretty sight. I think he cried . . . LOUD, all the way home, and then when we got home, and finally just collapsed.
Perhaps I'll suggest further raffles be things for the adults, hopefully we can handle ourselves better when we don't win than #2.
But there's a silver lining to this black, black cloud.
The next morning, I was recounting the events to my dear friend. She suggested her children hadn't discovered the evils of Webkinz yet, (but she has a few on hand for when they do) and she volunteered to make a special delivery from the Webkinz Elf to #2 on Monday afternoon. And "Oh the joy. The joy, joy, joy!" (I think that was supposed to be "noise," but I'll take a little poetic licence with that one.) Thus Alvin joined our family, a quiet beagle, who has brought a smile to one little 5 year old's face that continues to this day.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Webkinz Elf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~We live in a city where Tuesdays are free days at some of the museums. The first Tuesday of the month happens to be the favorite of my children . . . Dinosaur Museum (aka Natural History Museum), Science Museum, and the Model Railroad Museum. It's a great way to spend a Tuesday with thousands of your closest friends who also love free things. I love that we live so close to these great museums and we can go once a month, and I can let the kids wander to whatever interests them that day. It happened to be the contraption that shot small balls out of the mouth of a frog, simulating the way a Darwin's Frog belches its babies from its mouth. I'm sorry I didn't take a picture because they loved it! Something else they loved was pushing each other through a conveyor belt intended for produce at the mock grocery store, or shapes in the building department. I love the way they explore things and figure out what works in their brains. I usually sit back and watch, and wait for them to come get me and show me what they did or discovered or built. We spent three and a half hours at the one museum, so we didn't even get to see the dinosaurs. We'll hit that one first next month.
~~Wednesday morning was the preschool trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Heaps of fun!! But we're going through a bit of a heat wave and on the way home we discussed what to do for the rest of the day, and we decided to go swimming. Yep, it's October and we're going to the pool because it's just too hot to sit indoors in our 100 year old house with no air conditioning, and the sun is just too hot if I'm not in the water, but you won't hear me complaining. It was a glorious day! So glorious, in fact, we went back the next day.
I LOVE this town!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
That'll teach me
Yesterday morning I came home from my spin class to a silent house. I made lunches, breakfasts and was well on my way to a productive first day of preschool for my boys, class for myself and I even had a lovely blog post parading through my mind. I knew hubby was on the computer upstairs, so I opted to continue my productivity downstairs, passing up the possibility of blogging on my iPhone because the screen is a little too tedious for long posts. Little did I know that if I waited longer the thoughts would drift away and my lovely images would scatter with the calls for weather reports, lost shoes, pencils, butt wiping and the likes of my day.
Now I know why people keep notebooks on their nightstands and write things down in the middle of the night or whenever things come to them.
Now I know why people keep notebooks on their nightstands and write things down in the middle of the night or whenever things come to them.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Your-in trouble!!!!
Last Friday, I noticed our downstairs bathroom was starting to smell. . . like an out-house. So I scoured the toilet. Hubby washed the shower curtain, bath mat, mopped the floor and scoured the rest of the surfaces. Smelled like a dream. Until yesterday when the smell resurfaced. What the heck!?!?!?
Daughter and I were in the car alone today and I asked her about this. Not accusing, just to see if she had any pertinent information. Yep! "#2 pees in the plant."
"HE DOES WHAT?????"
Apparently, he's doing us a favor by watering the large potted plant we have in the bathroom.
Daughter and I were in the car alone today and I asked her about this. Not accusing, just to see if she had any pertinent information. Yep! "#2 pees in the plant."
"HE DOES WHAT?????"
Apparently, he's doing us a favor by watering the large potted plant we have in the bathroom.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I'm a nerd
Yesterday I started a new class. It's Nutrition 150, a prerequisite for a BSN degree, and one of two classes I haven't taken yet. I walked onto campus, with my new notebook in hand, complete with a map of the campus and a copy of my schedule. I went to the bookstore and bought my $121 book to go along with my $60 class. (Urrrrgggghhhh) I bought my parking pass and went to sit on a bench and wait for my class to start.
As I sat in class and listened to the first day speal, I got excited. I love learning new things, and taking tests and doing assignments. Since my undergrad days, I now love multiple choice tests and assignments where there are right and wrong answers, without the essays I used to write for english and political science classes. I'm turning into a science nerd. I think I like the order and structure of the hard sciences that I don't have everyday in my life.
I really like school, having a schedule for myself and deadlines and objectives. The deadlines and objectives and schedules I make in my planner don't really seem the same. I think I like the control I have over myself when I'm in class. Or maybe I like the fact that I can sit there for 90 minutes and no one is going to pull on me or sit on me or throw pillows at me. Maybe it's the fact that I'm not in charge of anyone else but me when I'm sitting in a class. It seems so much easier to accomplish things in school than it does in non-school-life. I don't remember feeling like this when I was in school full time.
The grass is always greener somewhere else.
As I sat in class and listened to the first day speal, I got excited. I love learning new things, and taking tests and doing assignments. Since my undergrad days, I now love multiple choice tests and assignments where there are right and wrong answers, without the essays I used to write for english and political science classes. I'm turning into a science nerd. I think I like the order and structure of the hard sciences that I don't have everyday in my life.
I really like school, having a schedule for myself and deadlines and objectives. The deadlines and objectives and schedules I make in my planner don't really seem the same. I think I like the control I have over myself when I'm in class. Or maybe I like the fact that I can sit there for 90 minutes and no one is going to pull on me or sit on me or throw pillows at me. Maybe it's the fact that I'm not in charge of anyone else but me when I'm sitting in a class. It seems so much easier to accomplish things in school than it does in non-school-life. I don't remember feeling like this when I was in school full time.
The grass is always greener somewhere else.
Update to the Porcelan gods
I think we've got it!!! Or he's got it, rather. He'll take himself, anytime and I couldn't be happier for him (and me).
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Praying to the Porcelain Gods
A few years ago, this meant something vastly different. But as the mother of at soon-to-be three year old we're singin' the praises of the potty these days!!! After day two and only one accident (and even a #2 in the potty), I've got nothing to complain about . . . but is it too much to ask that a trip to the bathroom not interfere with dinner on the table ready for everyone to sit down and eat at 7:45 pm.
It's late, it's been a long day, I ran six miles, have been without a husband for three days because he's trying a case this week, we've endured the bank opening savings accounts for three little people, Trader Joe's for apples that weren't there, CVS for potty treats and Walgreens for a certain plastic daggar that #2 had to have and I said he could get if he was good. So dinner's on and #3 decides he wants a "cow tail" and that's a poop treat, so he's off to the potty, but it's not just a sit there and do your business trip, it's an I've got to be completly naked and need my special potty seat from upstairs and I'm just going to sit there and wait trip. Oh, and did I mention that I ran 6 miles and haven't showered yet, and I STINK and can hardly stand to be in the same room as myself!!!
To those of you who are going through the same thing, I'm sorry to complain, I know there are many many many more things to complain about with regards to getting out of diapers. My life is pretty good, all in all.
It's late, it's been a long day, I ran six miles, have been without a husband for three days because he's trying a case this week, we've endured the bank opening savings accounts for three little people, Trader Joe's for apples that weren't there, CVS for potty treats and Walgreens for a certain plastic daggar that #2 had to have and I said he could get if he was good. So dinner's on and #3 decides he wants a "cow tail" and that's a poop treat, so he's off to the potty, but it's not just a sit there and do your business trip, it's an I've got to be completly naked and need my special potty seat from upstairs and I'm just going to sit there and wait trip. Oh, and did I mention that I ran 6 miles and haven't showered yet, and I STINK and can hardly stand to be in the same room as myself!!!
To those of you who are going through the same thing, I'm sorry to complain, I know there are many many many more things to complain about with regards to getting out of diapers. My life is pretty good, all in all.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Long Lost Love
I'd forgotten how much I love camping. This past weekend we took the fam up into the hills for a two night camping trip with two other families from our daughter's school class.
IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!
I think that since the birth of #2, I'd convinced myself that camping was way too much work and not worth the headache, but boy was I wrong. While it was a little bit of a chore getting everything together, once we got there, all six kids were off into the woods. There was a very cool open space that was shaded and had a huge fallen tree in the middle that was across a small road from our campsite, that the kids called their "clubhouse." They were off exploring and creating.
At one point in the weekend, the group divided into groups and #2 was in the cooking group and came to me asking for a plate and knife and Twinkie, to serve to the other groups. He came back a few minutes later and said, "They loved it!!!" Of course they did, I wanted to say, it's a TWINKIE!!!
I realized that while staying in a hotel may have some creature comforts:
-many pillows
-soft beds
-a flush toilet within a few feet instead of a few hundred feet
-a shower
-temperature control
-no bugs (I hope)
BUT there are also a few drawbacks, like:
-everyone in a confined space and when you want to say "go play," they can only jump from bed to bed
-there is usually a TV, which doesn't really work for my crew
-entertainment requires serious effort - packing everyone in the car, making sure we have enough snacks/diapers/water/time to see or do what will fill the time
I'm now ready to go at a moments notice!! Bring on the woods!!!
IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!
I think that since the birth of #2, I'd convinced myself that camping was way too much work and not worth the headache, but boy was I wrong. While it was a little bit of a chore getting everything together, once we got there, all six kids were off into the woods. There was a very cool open space that was shaded and had a huge fallen tree in the middle that was across a small road from our campsite, that the kids called their "clubhouse." They were off exploring and creating.
At one point in the weekend, the group divided into groups and #2 was in the cooking group and came to me asking for a plate and knife and Twinkie, to serve to the other groups. He came back a few minutes later and said, "They loved it!!!" Of course they did, I wanted to say, it's a TWINKIE!!!
I realized that while staying in a hotel may have some creature comforts:
-many pillows
-soft beds
-a flush toilet within a few feet instead of a few hundred feet
-a shower
-temperature control
-no bugs (I hope)
BUT there are also a few drawbacks, like:
-everyone in a confined space and when you want to say "go play," they can only jump from bed to bed
-there is usually a TV, which doesn't really work for my crew
-entertainment requires serious effort - packing everyone in the car, making sure we have enough snacks/diapers/water/time to see or do what will fill the time
I'm now ready to go at a moments notice!! Bring on the woods!!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Lazy Summer Days
I love beginning the days reading stories to my children in bed.
Next, I love it when I ask them for a few minutes, (uninterrupted (ha ha!) on the computer so I can pay bills), and I overhear the make believe game they've created. Our sons have developed recurring dog characters, Rex & Rover, who visit our house and according to my mom, "it's amazing how they stay in character." So they'd come up with a dog school, and our daughter was the teacher/principal or something like that. They entertained themselves for about an hour with this game. We were all happy as clams.
We were in desperate need of a Costco trip, so we went, came home, made lunch and put away everything while they watched School House Rock. What is better than getting out of the car and hearing your son sing, "Lolly lolly lolly, get your adverbs here." I had to put my hand on my head to keep from floating away.
I love having nothing to do.
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