On the way home from dinner and ice cream on Thursday we stopped by Daddy's work to jumpstart his truck so it wouldn't be there overnight. Every now and then the headlights get left on, etc so this has become almost routine. The culprit this time was the air pump used to blow up beach balls and such for a retirement party for Matt's boss. The battery was completely drained even though the car was idling the entire time.
We figured this would only take an extra 10 minutes and we'd be home by 7:00 for a fun end of the day party of cake and presents. As you can guess, it didn't happen this way at all. The battery was really really dead and wouldn't hold a charge. Since we were in a hurry to get home (Henry was getting cranky), Matt didn't idle the truck as long as we should've (the manual told us later). So as I stupidly pulled away in the van with our only pair of jumper cables, Matt's truck stalled and I didn't turn back to see him trying to flag me down. Plus he accidentally left his Blackberry in the van. By the time he walked across the huge parking lot to use the phone at the front desk, I'd just pulled into the driveway at home. Doh!
What seemed like 30 minutes later (prob barely 15) with the evening traffic and a train crossing to boot, we were back jumpstarting the truck again. It took a bit for the engine to turn over and when it did we were off again, this time with me following. : ) We made it through the parking lot and to the stoplight before it stalled again. Matt had just enough juice to back the truck mostly onto the grassy shoulder. After a few more fruitless jumps, Plan B quickly formulated: we need a new battery and we need to get home before the kids completely melt down. I was having vivid flashbacks to similar situations with my beloved 1968 Volvo that I drove in high school. Great car, but terrible electrical problems. It seemed like a "plug in hybrid" at times because I had to charge the battery every night so we could drive it the next morning!!
One of the great things about Beltsville is that most things seem to be "on the way home". Autozone included. We got a new battery and headed home for the party. After getting the kids down some thunder storms rolled in and I felt nervous about Matt changing the battery in a dark parking lot alone and with lightening above. We called our insurance company and learned that we only have roadside assistance on the minivan, so no free towing for the truck.
Since Friday was his flex day anyway we called the security guards and explained the situation, asking them really nicely to not ticket or tow it and promised to be there first thing in the morning.
It ended up not being first thing in the morning because I forgot that I had to do my glucose test first thing (fasting). While that hour past with me at the lab, Matt was able to hopscotch his truck into a real parking space. It was close to 10:00 by the time we'd pulled out the dead battery, installed the new one and were back home again to enjoy the day off. I actually enjoyed getting my fingers greasy with Matt while we unscrewed the terminals. I got to use my Craftsman socket set that's 19 years old now. Funny how engine grease brings back such fond memories for me!
When Matt exchanged the dead battery for the $10 credit, he also picked up a 2nd pair of jumper cables. Took us long enough to figure that one out! Despite all the craziness and that Matt didn't get to take Evalyn fishing with her new pink rod, it was a memorable experience.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Evalyn Turns Three!
On Thursday Evalyn woke up to a chorus of Happy Birthday and a downstairs decorated with balloons and a banner. She had a box of Lucky Charms for her birthday cereal and a few gifts to open first thing. Her favorite was the big bucket of Playdoh with tools and shape cutters. She played with this for almost an hour straight while Henry took his morning nap.
After that we went to her well-child check-up with the pediatrician. I was feeling bad for scheduling this ON her birthday because I thought she was due for some shots. Turned out she didn't need any (whew!). She had fun with a bunch of firsts at the doctors: getting weighed and measured on the big girl scale, having her blood pressure taken with an arm cuff, her reflexes tested with the little hammer knee thing, and doing some hopping around and coloring games.
After that we stopped for a quick early lunch at "Old McDonald's" before heading to Brookside Garden's "Wings of Fancy" Butterfly exhibit. I wished I'd planned ahead enough to pack a picnic lunch instead, but it was so so hot outside I didn't feel that bad about it.
The butterfly garden (as we refer to it) is one of the most magical things to experience. After paying admission you go into this sauna of a greenhouse enclosure that is filled with flowers and hundreds of butterfly species. So many shapes and colors it just takes your breath away. Evalyn was a little older than Henry last year when we went. This time it was Henry's turn to be awestruck and squeal and point and try to grab everything in sight! Evalyn meanwhile was just as delighted by it but was so "grown-up" and verbal about everything she saw. It made me realize that she's not a toddler anymore! One of the guides gave her a magnifying glass to explore with. She proceeded to hold it next to any stationary butterfly and examine it carefully as she flitted about.
I was kicking myself for forgetting the camera. There was this especially endearing shot of her leaning over a rock with outstretched arm peering through the magnifying glass. That's my girl! Fortunately another mom with two kids in tow took a couple of shots and emailed them to me. We happened to buy our tickets at the same time and stuck up a conversation about our baby carriers. She had her 10mo in the same style of Ergo that I own, but I was wearing Henry in my black Mei Tai that day. It's always fun to meet a fellow babywearer while out and about!
It was so hot and sweaty chasing Henry around and trying to keep him from grabbing every blossom and butterfly within reach. Plus he was getting tired and a little wound up so even when I did put him back on my back he protested loudly. Evalyn's attention span was pretty much at it's limit anyway, so it was definitely time to go. I would really like to see this exhibit sometime sans kids, or at least crazy toddler, so I could actually SIT on the bench and soak in the tranquility of the place and read some of the signs and pictures about the many species. As it is, I never feel like I get my whole $5 worth ($9 incl one child admission).
The next stop along Evalyn's Birthday Day of Fun was a ride on the carousel and train on the other side of Wheaton Regional Park from Brookside Gardens. If it wasn't the middle of the summer and a code orange weather day and me being great with child, I might've considered taking the jogging stroller and walking through the gardens like we did when my mom visited last spring. Needless to say driving through light traffic in an air conditioned vehicle and parking a the carousel was the way to go this time around. Sadly the train was out of service getting some repairs done. : ( So we settled on a carousel ride with blaring 80's music before coaxing the kids back in the car. Both were very tired. But the drive home was too short for Henry to fall deeply asleep so naps were a miserable failure. Tired Mommy was very very disappointed.
Later that evening we went to California Tortilla for dinner, Evalyn's favorite place to eat, and made a quick stop at Coldstone Creamery for her free birthday dessert. My brain was a little fried at this point because I let Evalyn choose her "pink" ice cream flavor based on color rather than flavor. I knew she wanted strawberry but when she pointed to the raspberry sorbet I didn't feel like explaining the difference. The coupon was for a free Love It size. That is a lot of ice cream. So the obliging scooper put one small scoop in a sugar cone with rainbow sprinkles and the rest in a Love It size waffle bowl with another generous coating of rainbow sprinkles. After Evalyn had licked all the sprinkles off her raspberry sorbet she handed me the cone and we traded. She ate some more sprinkles off the waffle dish while I licked away at the melting cone. I love ice cream in almost any flavor. But this particular combination was disgusting. Since it was "free" I felt bad throwing it all away so we took the leftovers home. It's still in the freezer but will soon be in the trash. yuck!
The post-dinner birthday party was almost a disaster due to the Dead Battery Fiasco (see separate post). But candles were blown out (albeit on red white and blue 4th of July cupcakes rather than the gloriously pink layer cake that never got made) and presents were opened. We watched a few minutes of the Babe DVD Evalyn had just opened before reading some stories and tucking our sweet little princess in bed for the night. I wanted her to have a special day of happy memories and I think we succeeded.
(I know this is a very looooong post and I am a wordy writer, but hey, no one's paying you read my blog and my husband is no longer paying me by the word! ; ) I do appreciate anyone who's read to the end though. Hopefully you didn't fall asleep in the process. I almost did....)
After that we went to her well-child check-up with the pediatrician. I was feeling bad for scheduling this ON her birthday because I thought she was due for some shots. Turned out she didn't need any (whew!). She had fun with a bunch of firsts at the doctors: getting weighed and measured on the big girl scale, having her blood pressure taken with an arm cuff, her reflexes tested with the little hammer knee thing, and doing some hopping around and coloring games.
After that we stopped for a quick early lunch at "Old McDonald's" before heading to Brookside Garden's "Wings of Fancy" Butterfly exhibit. I wished I'd planned ahead enough to pack a picnic lunch instead, but it was so so hot outside I didn't feel that bad about it.
The butterfly garden (as we refer to it) is one of the most magical things to experience. After paying admission you go into this sauna of a greenhouse enclosure that is filled with flowers and hundreds of butterfly species. So many shapes and colors it just takes your breath away. Evalyn was a little older than Henry last year when we went. This time it was Henry's turn to be awestruck and squeal and point and try to grab everything in sight! Evalyn meanwhile was just as delighted by it but was so "grown-up" and verbal about everything she saw. It made me realize that she's not a toddler anymore! One of the guides gave her a magnifying glass to explore with. She proceeded to hold it next to any stationary butterfly and examine it carefully as she flitted about.
I was kicking myself for forgetting the camera. There was this especially endearing shot of her leaning over a rock with outstretched arm peering through the magnifying glass. That's my girl! Fortunately another mom with two kids in tow took a couple of shots and emailed them to me. We happened to buy our tickets at the same time and stuck up a conversation about our baby carriers. She had her 10mo in the same style of Ergo that I own, but I was wearing Henry in my black Mei Tai that day. It's always fun to meet a fellow babywearer while out and about!
It was so hot and sweaty chasing Henry around and trying to keep him from grabbing every blossom and butterfly within reach. Plus he was getting tired and a little wound up so even when I did put him back on my back he protested loudly. Evalyn's attention span was pretty much at it's limit anyway, so it was definitely time to go. I would really like to see this exhibit sometime sans kids, or at least crazy toddler, so I could actually SIT on the bench and soak in the tranquility of the place and read some of the signs and pictures about the many species. As it is, I never feel like I get my whole $5 worth ($9 incl one child admission).
The next stop along Evalyn's Birthday Day of Fun was a ride on the carousel and train on the other side of Wheaton Regional Park from Brookside Gardens. If it wasn't the middle of the summer and a code orange weather day and me being great with child, I might've considered taking the jogging stroller and walking through the gardens like we did when my mom visited last spring. Needless to say driving through light traffic in an air conditioned vehicle and parking a the carousel was the way to go this time around. Sadly the train was out of service getting some repairs done. : ( So we settled on a carousel ride with blaring 80's music before coaxing the kids back in the car. Both were very tired. But the drive home was too short for Henry to fall deeply asleep so naps were a miserable failure. Tired Mommy was very very disappointed.
Later that evening we went to California Tortilla for dinner, Evalyn's favorite place to eat, and made a quick stop at Coldstone Creamery for her free birthday dessert. My brain was a little fried at this point because I let Evalyn choose her "pink" ice cream flavor based on color rather than flavor. I knew she wanted strawberry but when she pointed to the raspberry sorbet I didn't feel like explaining the difference. The coupon was for a free Love It size. That is a lot of ice cream. So the obliging scooper put one small scoop in a sugar cone with rainbow sprinkles and the rest in a Love It size waffle bowl with another generous coating of rainbow sprinkles. After Evalyn had licked all the sprinkles off her raspberry sorbet she handed me the cone and we traded. She ate some more sprinkles off the waffle dish while I licked away at the melting cone. I love ice cream in almost any flavor. But this particular combination was disgusting. Since it was "free" I felt bad throwing it all away so we took the leftovers home. It's still in the freezer but will soon be in the trash. yuck!
The post-dinner birthday party was almost a disaster due to the Dead Battery Fiasco (see separate post). But candles were blown out (albeit on red white and blue 4th of July cupcakes rather than the gloriously pink layer cake that never got made) and presents were opened. We watched a few minutes of the Babe DVD Evalyn had just opened before reading some stories and tucking our sweet little princess in bed for the night. I wanted her to have a special day of happy memories and I think we succeeded.
(I know this is a very looooong post and I am a wordy writer, but hey, no one's paying you read my blog and my husband is no longer paying me by the word! ; ) I do appreciate anyone who's read to the end though. Hopefully you didn't fall asleep in the process. I almost did....)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Evalyn's Playgroup Birthday Party
I wonder if Evalyn will ever have just one birthday party.... thus far in her almost 3 year old life she's probably celebrated each one at least 2 or 3 times each. But given how much she loves anything to do with birthdays from singing the Happy Birthday song (usually daily), to making playdough cakes with candles, to wrapping random toys in her play fabrics or coloring sheets and presenting them to people, it makes sense. This year is no exception: A friends party during playgroup, a family party the evening of her real birthday, and celebrating with Grammum and Pappy Friday night and Saturday while they're in town.
Since Evalyn's circle of friends involves mostly playgroup kids and their siblings, it seemed a simple enough endeavor to host playgroup at our house and provide cupcakes and water fun in lieu of a formal "birthday party" with invitations, party favors, games, etc (Johanna inspired the idea with her daughter's party in May...). I figured that we'll be hosting enough b-days down the road that I can wait until she's really into it before doing the real deal! Call me a lazy mom or a pragmatist, but as long as there are people she knows gathered together singing Happy Birthday to her with real candles to blow out, and some fun toys to open, I don't think Evalyn cares about the details. ; )
Anyhow, Tuesday morning was hot hot hot and crying out for some wading pools and sprinklers. Fortunately there was an edge of shade on the patio for the mom's until high noon which by then everyone was tired out and heading for the minivans. We borrowed an extra wading pool from a fellow playgroup mom (thanks Sally!) and had a couple of sprinklers going that the bigger kids had a blast with. With a bowl full of goldfish crackers, lemonade, cupcakes, bubbles and a fenced in partially shaded yard, everyone seemed to have a good time.
After waving goodbye to the last of our friends, feeding my kids lunch and putting them to bed, I kept wondering why I still felt so uncomfortable even though I was inside with the A/C. Then I realized my clothes were soaked through with sweat! After a quick clothes change in front of a box fan, I could finally relax and put my feet up. Next year, I said to myself, I'll definitely stick to an air conditioned party! Or not be pregnant, either one would be an improvement. ; )
Evalyn had a great time. She loves cupcakes mostly to just lick the frosting off the top. Fortunately, Henry or I obliging eat the remaining cake without complaint. It was so cute watching her blow out the candles with such vigor. I wish I could've slid the cupcakes closer but Henry climbed up right next to her and made to grab at them. Too much going on in such a short time! She had fun opening the hastily wrapped "share with your friends" toys of balloons, bubble wand, bubble machine and flashlight. The only problem was I forgot to buy AA batteries so only the bubble wand and balloons got played with. Doh! It was fun watching the kids free for all with the bubbles and end up dumping them on the patio and smearing the wand through to get the same affect as dipping in the tray. It was then I realized a bunch of fun bubble-making stations would have been the perfect addition to the water-themed party. Next year......
Since Evalyn's circle of friends involves mostly playgroup kids and their siblings, it seemed a simple enough endeavor to host playgroup at our house and provide cupcakes and water fun in lieu of a formal "birthday party" with invitations, party favors, games, etc (Johanna inspired the idea with her daughter's party in May...). I figured that we'll be hosting enough b-days down the road that I can wait until she's really into it before doing the real deal! Call me a lazy mom or a pragmatist, but as long as there are people she knows gathered together singing Happy Birthday to her with real candles to blow out, and some fun toys to open, I don't think Evalyn cares about the details. ; )
Anyhow, Tuesday morning was hot hot hot and crying out for some wading pools and sprinklers. Fortunately there was an edge of shade on the patio for the mom's until high noon which by then everyone was tired out and heading for the minivans. We borrowed an extra wading pool from a fellow playgroup mom (thanks Sally!) and had a couple of sprinklers going that the bigger kids had a blast with. With a bowl full of goldfish crackers, lemonade, cupcakes, bubbles and a fenced in partially shaded yard, everyone seemed to have a good time.
After waving goodbye to the last of our friends, feeding my kids lunch and putting them to bed, I kept wondering why I still felt so uncomfortable even though I was inside with the A/C. Then I realized my clothes were soaked through with sweat! After a quick clothes change in front of a box fan, I could finally relax and put my feet up. Next year, I said to myself, I'll definitely stick to an air conditioned party! Or not be pregnant, either one would be an improvement. ; )
Evalyn had a great time. She loves cupcakes mostly to just lick the frosting off the top. Fortunately, Henry or I obliging eat the remaining cake without complaint. It was so cute watching her blow out the candles with such vigor. I wish I could've slid the cupcakes closer but Henry climbed up right next to her and made to grab at them. Too much going on in such a short time! She had fun opening the hastily wrapped "share with your friends" toys of balloons, bubble wand, bubble machine and flashlight. The only problem was I forgot to buy AA batteries so only the bubble wand and balloons got played with. Doh! It was fun watching the kids free for all with the bubbles and end up dumping them on the patio and smearing the wand through to get the same affect as dipping in the tray. It was then I realized a bunch of fun bubble-making stations would have been the perfect addition to the water-themed party. Next year......
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Longest Day of the Year
June 21st, usually the summer solstice, holds a special place in my heart because it's my birthday! The official First Day of Summer. The day the sun is up the earliest and sets the latest. Today I turned 29. It's funny that since having kids I've had a hard time keeping track of what age I am. I often have to stop and think about it when asked. Is that normal or just me??
When I thought yesterday about what turning 29 meant to me, my first thoughts were of my Grandma. For the longest time whenever we asked how old she was the answer was always "29". Eventually when her youngest was well over that age she started claiming "Plenty-nine". Why did she choose 29 I wonder? Perhaps because 29 is a great "prime of your life" kind of age. None of that thirty-something connotation that comes when the 2 changes to a 3. But I have a hard time thinking 35 will feel that much different than 29. And maybe that's it. Twenty-nine could be the cusp of young-adulthood v. adulthood, the age where you always think of yourself as an adult in their prime. Hmmm, I'd better stop there before rambling off any more into sappiness and cliche!!
Today was a very long day though. I'm in the midst of participating in our stake's Girl's Achievement Day Camp (more on that in another post) so I wasn't expecting much of a "Me Day" other than going out to dinner tonight. And it pretty much was like that. I was exhausted from a very busy week in addition to the day camp and the fact that I'm 6 months pregnant but keep forgetting that I should slow down a bit. So I was sleeping on the couch when Matt came home from work. He always manages to hide whatever gifts he's wrapped in places I never seem to find and sneak in his shopping trips so that I'm almost always surprised by the details when they're in front of me. :) Tonight was no exception.
Evalyn was so excited about my birthday that we commenced with cake and presents as soon as I was coherent enough from my snooze on the couch. We blew out candles on the yummy german chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting several times because the kids had so much fun with it. Evalyn's blowing skills were perfect and even cranky-late-nap Henry removed his paci and started blowing at the candles too! Very cute indeed!
Shortly after we sat down though, we looked outside as a HUGE burst of wind threatened our patio chairs and dining canopy to become airborne. The thunderstorm and buckets of rain that had been building in the late afternoon finally let loose from the darkened sky. That captured all of our attention for several minutes before getting back to the business at hand.
One of my gifts was a 3-ring notebook, I could feel through the wrapping. This made me excited even before opening the paper because in our family this almost always means an itinerary for a trip! Matt started the tradition with our honeymoon and we've kept it going in fun and creative ways. This Surprise Trip is to the Longwood Gardens in the southeast corner of PA and then over to Central PA to explore Lancaster County and it's environs, two places that we've never been. I'm super excited for it! And I love how my creative husband never ceases to amaze me. :)
I also got a rice cooker!! I've heard rave reviews from people who own them so I can't wait to put ours into action. Yet another kitchen appliance to add to our collection. We like to joke that "in our next house" we'll have an entire pantry dedicated to our kitchen appliances. We really do use them, but only a couple at a time can actually be on our counter at any given time. Fortunately we have an adjacent cabinet to our kitchen that somewhat serves this purpose, though it's not well suited for organized storage.
After cake and presents we headed to Chevys for dinner. This is one of our favorite kid-friendly sit down places and tonight was no exception. They get a balloon to tie to their highchairs and crayons and a tortilla dough ball to play with. We can order a side of rice and beans to be brought out before our platters so the kids eat sooner. We don't feel so bad when half of the rice and beans falls on the floor because it's an easy-clean concrete slab surface. The noisy atmosphere is just right so that our children's racket blends right in. Their fajitas really do come out sizzling. And I can choose from the menu in the time it takes the waiter to bring our drinks because I love their chicken flautas with jalapeno jelly and mango-habanero sauce. MMMM. Oh, and tonight the waiter brought out complementary kid cones that completely occupied them for 10 minutes as they licked and crunch with little to no assistance from us. A++ on the management there!
When I thought yesterday about what turning 29 meant to me, my first thoughts were of my Grandma. For the longest time whenever we asked how old she was the answer was always "29". Eventually when her youngest was well over that age she started claiming "Plenty-nine". Why did she choose 29 I wonder? Perhaps because 29 is a great "prime of your life" kind of age. None of that thirty-something connotation that comes when the 2 changes to a 3. But I have a hard time thinking 35 will feel that much different than 29. And maybe that's it. Twenty-nine could be the cusp of young-adulthood v. adulthood, the age where you always think of yourself as an adult in their prime. Hmmm, I'd better stop there before rambling off any more into sappiness and cliche!!
Today was a very long day though. I'm in the midst of participating in our stake's Girl's Achievement Day Camp (more on that in another post) so I wasn't expecting much of a "Me Day" other than going out to dinner tonight. And it pretty much was like that. I was exhausted from a very busy week in addition to the day camp and the fact that I'm 6 months pregnant but keep forgetting that I should slow down a bit. So I was sleeping on the couch when Matt came home from work. He always manages to hide whatever gifts he's wrapped in places I never seem to find and sneak in his shopping trips so that I'm almost always surprised by the details when they're in front of me. :) Tonight was no exception.
Evalyn was so excited about my birthday that we commenced with cake and presents as soon as I was coherent enough from my snooze on the couch. We blew out candles on the yummy german chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting several times because the kids had so much fun with it. Evalyn's blowing skills were perfect and even cranky-late-nap Henry removed his paci and started blowing at the candles too! Very cute indeed!
Shortly after we sat down though, we looked outside as a HUGE burst of wind threatened our patio chairs and dining canopy to become airborne. The thunderstorm and buckets of rain that had been building in the late afternoon finally let loose from the darkened sky. That captured all of our attention for several minutes before getting back to the business at hand.
One of my gifts was a 3-ring notebook, I could feel through the wrapping. This made me excited even before opening the paper because in our family this almost always means an itinerary for a trip! Matt started the tradition with our honeymoon and we've kept it going in fun and creative ways. This Surprise Trip is to the Longwood Gardens in the southeast corner of PA and then over to Central PA to explore Lancaster County and it's environs, two places that we've never been. I'm super excited for it! And I love how my creative husband never ceases to amaze me. :)
I also got a rice cooker!! I've heard rave reviews from people who own them so I can't wait to put ours into action. Yet another kitchen appliance to add to our collection. We like to joke that "in our next house" we'll have an entire pantry dedicated to our kitchen appliances. We really do use them, but only a couple at a time can actually be on our counter at any given time. Fortunately we have an adjacent cabinet to our kitchen that somewhat serves this purpose, though it's not well suited for organized storage.
After cake and presents we headed to Chevys for dinner. This is one of our favorite kid-friendly sit down places and tonight was no exception. They get a balloon to tie to their highchairs and crayons and a tortilla dough ball to play with. We can order a side of rice and beans to be brought out before our platters so the kids eat sooner. We don't feel so bad when half of the rice and beans falls on the floor because it's an easy-clean concrete slab surface. The noisy atmosphere is just right so that our children's racket blends right in. Their fajitas really do come out sizzling. And I can choose from the menu in the time it takes the waiter to bring our drinks because I love their chicken flautas with jalapeno jelly and mango-habanero sauce. MMMM. Oh, and tonight the waiter brought out complementary kid cones that completely occupied them for 10 minutes as they licked and crunch with little to no assistance from us. A++ on the management there!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Which Sports Car Are You?
My sister had this on her blog and I thought it was fun, too. : ) I don't know a lot about sports cars, but the questions were creative.
I'm a Porsche 911!
You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My Mommy-Free Weekend
Earlier this week plans were made for Matt to take the kids to Grammum's house for an overnight visit. Usually we'll all make the 3.5 drive together, but I had some commitments to take care of down here. Plus the prospect of a day and a half all to myself was a wonderful early birthday present indeed!
I was a little apprehensive since this was the first time I'd ever been away from my children overnight. I think the fact that they were 3 hours away and not down the street was what made me most nervous. What if something happened where they needed me and I couldn't get there fast enough?? As I helped buckle my little ones into their carseats and kissed them goodbye on Friday morning I teared up and had a small cry after they drove off. Mostly the dramatic What If Something Terrible Happens thoughts were what drove the tears, but I soon regained my composure and realized that my cell phone and wallet were in the diaper bag that was in the van!! So 20 minutes later they pulled back in and I said goodbye again with a smile and a laugh.
While in my quiet house I cleared my hobby/work table in the office of all the household debris and mail to be filed, etc. After an hour of excavation I laid out my scrapbook album and figured out where to start up again. But then I left for a birthday lunch and ice cream for my friend and walking partner, Anne, and her daughter. It felt strange to be together sans my kids and to eat my entire lunch all by myself without interruption!
I sorted through some more photos for a Father's Day present while waiting to head up to Kellie's house for a fun evening of going to my my first yarn shop, dinner at La Madeliene's, and knitting and bookshopping at Borders. I love starting new hobbies and knitting is no exception. I love how my mind bends to observe things differently: anything made out of yarn catches my eye now, I keep thinking of projects and materials to use. I love reflecting back a few weeks ago and comparing my skills then with now, that feeling of progress and accomplishment. And it's even more fun starting a hobby with a great friend at my elbow to guide and encourage. : )
Saturday morning was another beautiful day, the cool air and sunshine made me feel guilty staying inside with my to-do list. I did some more scrapbooking, ran a couple of errands, baked Magic Bars for the Dessert Auction, knitted, all while listening to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. : ) I was so into my routine that I hated leaving to drive all the way down to the church for 2 whole hours of MY day, but of course I went and had a fabulous time laughing and bidding on the desserts with the rest of the ward to help fundraise for the YW's Girls Camp.
I ended the evening with more knitting and Harry Potter, only stopping when Matt and the kids were an hour from home to clean the house and hide the Father's Day gifts.
I knew going into the weekend that I had too much I wanted to get done for the time I had. So I did what I do best: made a list. Then I estimated some times, looked at my schedule and decided on 3 things to do: Organize project table, get scrapbooking going, and knit in solitude. I added Father's Day prep in the category of already scheduled events. Result: I felt relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of it all. Did I want another day of it? Sure! But I was so happy to hug my little ones and tuck them in bed again. And now that I've gotten through the initial separation anxiety, I'm all for more Mommy-Free Days!
I was a little apprehensive since this was the first time I'd ever been away from my children overnight. I think the fact that they were 3 hours away and not down the street was what made me most nervous. What if something happened where they needed me and I couldn't get there fast enough?? As I helped buckle my little ones into their carseats and kissed them goodbye on Friday morning I teared up and had a small cry after they drove off. Mostly the dramatic What If Something Terrible Happens thoughts were what drove the tears, but I soon regained my composure and realized that my cell phone and wallet were in the diaper bag that was in the van!! So 20 minutes later they pulled back in and I said goodbye again with a smile and a laugh.
While in my quiet house I cleared my hobby/work table in the office of all the household debris and mail to be filed, etc. After an hour of excavation I laid out my scrapbook album and figured out where to start up again. But then I left for a birthday lunch and ice cream for my friend and walking partner, Anne, and her daughter. It felt strange to be together sans my kids and to eat my entire lunch all by myself without interruption!
I sorted through some more photos for a Father's Day present while waiting to head up to Kellie's house for a fun evening of going to my my first yarn shop, dinner at La Madeliene's, and knitting and bookshopping at Borders. I love starting new hobbies and knitting is no exception. I love how my mind bends to observe things differently: anything made out of yarn catches my eye now, I keep thinking of projects and materials to use. I love reflecting back a few weeks ago and comparing my skills then with now, that feeling of progress and accomplishment. And it's even more fun starting a hobby with a great friend at my elbow to guide and encourage. : )
Saturday morning was another beautiful day, the cool air and sunshine made me feel guilty staying inside with my to-do list. I did some more scrapbooking, ran a couple of errands, baked Magic Bars for the Dessert Auction, knitted, all while listening to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. : ) I was so into my routine that I hated leaving to drive all the way down to the church for 2 whole hours of MY day, but of course I went and had a fabulous time laughing and bidding on the desserts with the rest of the ward to help fundraise for the YW's Girls Camp.
I ended the evening with more knitting and Harry Potter, only stopping when Matt and the kids were an hour from home to clean the house and hide the Father's Day gifts.
I knew going into the weekend that I had too much I wanted to get done for the time I had. So I did what I do best: made a list. Then I estimated some times, looked at my schedule and decided on 3 things to do: Organize project table, get scrapbooking going, and knit in solitude. I added Father's Day prep in the category of already scheduled events. Result: I felt relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of it all. Did I want another day of it? Sure! But I was so happy to hug my little ones and tuck them in bed again. And now that I've gotten through the initial separation anxiety, I'm all for more Mommy-Free Days!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Flashback Friday: The Vacuum Hose
(So I wrote this a week ago and forgot to post it ON Friday, but here you go anyway!)
My family went through a few different vans during my growing-up years. They typically were driven until it cost more to repair than the resale price. One van that kept on ticking was the pale blue Dodge, I think it was. It took us on many an outing and trips into town, etc. Living out in the boonies everything was a trip somewhere.
Sundays going to church was one of the rare times during the week my dad drove and my mom would ride shotgun. The engine was very loud, not to mention the volume that 4 to 5 children plus two teenage foster boys can create. It was difficult for my parents to carry-on a conversation. My ever-ingenious father came up with a simple solution: the vacuum hose.
My dad would talk into one end and my mom would listen. Then they would switch and my mom would talk or respond, etc. I'm sure the first time they did this we thought it was hilarious and had our turns blowing or yelling into it. But after that it just became old hat. Doesn't everybody's parents talk like this when they drive somewhere?
My family went through a few different vans during my growing-up years. They typically were driven until it cost more to repair than the resale price. One van that kept on ticking was the pale blue Dodge, I think it was. It took us on many an outing and trips into town, etc. Living out in the boonies everything was a trip somewhere.
Sundays going to church was one of the rare times during the week my dad drove and my mom would ride shotgun. The engine was very loud, not to mention the volume that 4 to 5 children plus two teenage foster boys can create. It was difficult for my parents to carry-on a conversation. My ever-ingenious father came up with a simple solution: the vacuum hose.
My dad would talk into one end and my mom would listen. Then they would switch and my mom would talk or respond, etc. I'm sure the first time they did this we thought it was hilarious and had our turns blowing or yelling into it. But after that it just became old hat. Doesn't everybody's parents talk like this when they drive somewhere?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Castle Flags
Yesterday I got out the box of Duplos for the kids. I think Evalyn was napping at the time and I figured Henry would stand a better chance sans big sister to actually play with the blocks. They kept him busy for quite awhile. Last night as I was leading Evalyn upstairs to bed she paused to show me her "play ground". She'd made a teeter-totter, flags(?) and "stepping things"(?). I love seeing my children use their imagination!
This morning while Henry was napping, Evalyn started building castles with the Duplos. She brought them over to me and handed me a pipe cleaner (aka chenille twists these days) and wanted me to make a flag for her castle. I managed that and impressed myself with the idea to make it stay up by sandwiching an end between two bricks. Evalyn was so delighted with this that she made as many castles as she could so we could make more flags for them.
Next she found a door Duplo and built a castle on top of that. She handed me a pink pipe cleaner saying "Make me a princess!" Again I thought quickly and was delighted that I could make a person out of one pipe cleaner. : ) Then her princess needed a friend, of course. It was quite a fun time. I should look into acquiring more Duplos it seems!
Later in the day the "castle flags" became "racing flags" that they each held as Evalyn yelled some version of "On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!" then raced from one end of the kitchen to the other. I wonder what they will become tomorrow...
This morning while Henry was napping, Evalyn started building castles with the Duplos. She brought them over to me and handed me a pipe cleaner (aka chenille twists these days) and wanted me to make a flag for her castle. I managed that and impressed myself with the idea to make it stay up by sandwiching an end between two bricks. Evalyn was so delighted with this that she made as many castles as she could so we could make more flags for them.
Next she found a door Duplo and built a castle on top of that. She handed me a pink pipe cleaner saying "Make me a princess!" Again I thought quickly and was delighted that I could make a person out of one pipe cleaner. : ) Then her princess needed a friend, of course. It was quite a fun time. I should look into acquiring more Duplos it seems!
Later in the day the "castle flags" became "racing flags" that they each held as Evalyn yelled some version of "On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!" then raced from one end of the kitchen to the other. I wonder what they will become tomorrow...
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Watching Thunderstorms
Summer in the Mid-Atlantic seems to truly be here when the late afternoon/early evening thunderstorms roll in. Growing up in California we didn't have lots of rain or thunderstorms. Because of the prevalent drought, rain was like snow for us. We'd ride outside on our bikes, splash in puddles, play in the mud and get soaked to the skin, of course. (These were non-lightning storms mind you.)
The smell of rain falling on dry dirt brings me back to the window in my upstairs bedroom as a young girl. I remember pressing my face against the mesh as the wind wafted that fresh wet dusty smell into my nose and I watched the pale dirt far below turn dark with the falling drops. It is one of my favorite smells to this day.
We had the first big afternoon storm of the summer a few days ago. I opened the front window so the kids could watch the rain and flashes of lighting while we waited for Daddy to come home. I felt a little funny not opening it more than the 4 inch gap that the safety latches allowed, paranoid of course that they might fall out. But they didn't seem to mind. After a bit and since I was sitting right next to them I opened the window some more and they pressed their faces against the screen, just like any kid loves to do. Then to engage their attention even longer, I opened the screen so they could stretch out their hands and feel the blowing misty rain. They laughed with glee over this. As soon as they started leaning out though, I put the window back down to the safety-latched level so they could reach their arms out but not their bodies. Again I felt kind of over-protective as a mother to reign them in so, but they still laughed and giggled when we heard the loud booms and the wind blew rain at them. (Thus the crouched down posture of Henry in the picture.) I wish I had a better camera/skills to capture the lighting as they were silhouetted against the window.
Yesterday another storm blew over and we had another fun hour playing in front of the open window. We'll see how long storm watching lasts as a way to engage their attention!
The smell of rain falling on dry dirt brings me back to the window in my upstairs bedroom as a young girl. I remember pressing my face against the mesh as the wind wafted that fresh wet dusty smell into my nose and I watched the pale dirt far below turn dark with the falling drops. It is one of my favorite smells to this day.
We had the first big afternoon storm of the summer a few days ago. I opened the front window so the kids could watch the rain and flashes of lighting while we waited for Daddy to come home. I felt a little funny not opening it more than the 4 inch gap that the safety latches allowed, paranoid of course that they might fall out. But they didn't seem to mind. After a bit and since I was sitting right next to them I opened the window some more and they pressed their faces against the screen, just like any kid loves to do. Then to engage their attention even longer, I opened the screen so they could stretch out their hands and feel the blowing misty rain. They laughed with glee over this. As soon as they started leaning out though, I put the window back down to the safety-latched level so they could reach their arms out but not their bodies. Again I felt kind of over-protective as a mother to reign them in so, but they still laughed and giggled when we heard the loud booms and the wind blew rain at them. (Thus the crouched down posture of Henry in the picture.) I wish I had a better camera/skills to capture the lighting as they were silhouetted against the window.
Yesterday another storm blew over and we had another fun hour playing in front of the open window. We'll see how long storm watching lasts as a way to engage their attention!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Henry Dog
Henry has two loveys: his paci and his Henry Dog or "puppy". He's had his puppy since he was a newborn; Grammum had Evalyn open it at Christmas just before he was born. As he got older he bonded with this cheerful yellow dog in a very sweet way. He lights up with a grin when he sees it, cuddles up with it for nap time, and "talks" to it in his own little way. When he wakes up he likes to take it with him when he leaves his crib.
As with most loveys, it is difficult to get them washed. I'd been saying for months that I need to wash it but never got around to it. Well, Monday in the late afternoon Henry Dog ended up outside in the wading pool. Decision was made. Bath time for the puppy. While Matt took the kids for a quick errand I added some laundry soap to the bathroom sink for a quick wash-up. I was shocked! The water turned very very brown! I knew he was dirty but since he's not an outside toy I didn't think he was THAT dirty! So I snapped a picture for evidence.
After a few thorough rinses I stuffed him in a pillowcase and in the dryer with some towels. He and was dry in time for a slightly later bedtime. Whew! Too bad I didn't take a Before picture, it would've been more impressive!
As with most loveys, it is difficult to get them washed. I'd been saying for months that I need to wash it but never got around to it. Well, Monday in the late afternoon Henry Dog ended up outside in the wading pool. Decision was made. Bath time for the puppy. While Matt took the kids for a quick errand I added some laundry soap to the bathroom sink for a quick wash-up. I was shocked! The water turned very very brown! I knew he was dirty but since he's not an outside toy I didn't think he was THAT dirty! So I snapped a picture for evidence.
After a few thorough rinses I stuffed him in a pillowcase and in the dryer with some towels. He and was dry in time for a slightly later bedtime. Whew! Too bad I didn't take a Before picture, it would've been more impressive!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Flashback Friday: The Beeping Light Switch
When my sister and I were around 7 and 8 (I think) my dad finished remodeling some attic space into the girl's room. It had rainbow wallpaper, matching pastel drawers built-in to the sloping walls, two twin size waterbeds and some dark dark blue carpet that he must've gotten on clearance or salvaged from the dumpster (ever the thrifty man). We tended to leave the light on often and since the room was out of the way it drove my dad to install a special sound activated light switch. Every 3 or 5 minutes the lights would turn off, unless we made a noise.
At night as we lay in our beds quietly reading or drawing, one or both of us would "chirp" a high pitched sound like "beep" or "booh" every few minutes to turn the light back on. Our reflexes became so automatic that the light barely flickered. Quite odd, but it solved the problem of leaving the light on. Every now and then Heather or I would come up with a new way of turning the light on, a new phrase or magic word. It was usually shortlived and soon we were back to "beeping" the light back on.
One time my aunt kept her clothes in our room while she was visiting. While changing that night, the light suddenly went off. She didn't know what to make of it, but carefully moved across the room and shoved the switch up to the top "On" position. When we came up to bed a while later, we were baffled that after a few minutes of quiet time the light didn't turn off. The switch was too tight for us to slide back down to the middle or off position, so we waited until our mom came up to say goodnight to fix it. We still found ourselves "beeping" every few minutes and then laughed at how programmed we were. One of the many unique things we experienced growing up.
At night as we lay in our beds quietly reading or drawing, one or both of us would "chirp" a high pitched sound like "beep" or "booh" every few minutes to turn the light back on. Our reflexes became so automatic that the light barely flickered. Quite odd, but it solved the problem of leaving the light on. Every now and then Heather or I would come up with a new way of turning the light on, a new phrase or magic word. It was usually shortlived and soon we were back to "beeping" the light back on.
One time my aunt kept her clothes in our room while she was visiting. While changing that night, the light suddenly went off. She didn't know what to make of it, but carefully moved across the room and shoved the switch up to the top "On" position. When we came up to bed a while later, we were baffled that after a few minutes of quiet time the light didn't turn off. The switch was too tight for us to slide back down to the middle or off position, so we waited until our mom came up to say goodnight to fix it. We still found ourselves "beeping" every few minutes and then laughed at how programmed we were. One of the many unique things we experienced growing up.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Evalynism: Forgot
One of Evalyn's cute sayings of late goes something like this:
"Mommy, you got for the spoon!" or "I got for to get my crayons"
It took me a few times to realize she was trying to say "forgot". It's like listening to pig latin or something. I don't have the heart to try to correct her yet, and almost find myself saying "gotfor" as well!
"Mommy, you got for the spoon!" or "I got for to get my crayons"
It took me a few times to realize she was trying to say "forgot". It's like listening to pig latin or something. I don't have the heart to try to correct her yet, and almost find myself saying "gotfor" as well!
It's all happening at the zoo.....
Friday I had an ultrasound at Johns Hopkins so we decided to make a family day of it and try out the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. We've been to the National Zoo in DC numerous times but only recently learned about this one (thanks for the tip Corinne). It was a hot day, not super humid though and there were some passing clouds and a breeze. But definitely not an ideal day to be outdoors. We made the best of it and enjoyed the many shaded areas of the zoo.
That morning before we left I researched a bit and figured out that we could use our Friends of the National Zoo membership to gain admittance for free! The $55 FONZ Household membership is the best deal around. You get reciprocity with a 100 other zoos around the country plus free parking at the National Zoo (which is $16 a day usually), free cookies, a calendar, a magazine, etc. Plus it's the least expensive family membership fee. Admission to the Maryland Zoo for 2 adults and 1 child would've cost $40! I love great deals! It almost seemed like we were cheating getting in for free.....
Since it was our first time we had no idea that the zoo itself was a long walk/stroller ride in the sun before you got to any exhibits. Had we realized this we probably would've waited for the next tram. It was just after 1PM when we arrived, not the most ideal time you might think. BUT as we entered, the hordes of school groups were exiting. : ) A nice thing to see indeed. We had the place practically to ourselves the entire afternoon.
We watched the polar bears eat some fish before heading to the food area for a late lunch. After a carousel and polar bear ride we visited the farm animals. They had same very tame goats in a pen where the kids could walk around and brush them. That was a lot of fun, especially Spot the smiley goat who is a very old 11 years.
This was Henry's first time at the zoo since he was a little baby. There's nothing like watching your child's eyes open wide in excitement taking in new experiences, seeing things that bring a smile to their face and make them jump up and down and point with eagerness. The chickens and cows and ducks he liked especially. The polar bear at the beginning captivated him.
After the farm animals we started at the beginning of the Maryland Wilderness trail. It winds through the major biomes of Bogs, Caves, Meadows and Farms with great play areas and exhibits throughout. Some of the play areas were for ages 4 and up, but because it was so empty we let Evalyn try them out anyway. She LOVED the giant slide that comes out of a huge tree. Some of the dark tunnel areas made her a little nervous but Henry just ran through them pell-mell taking it all in. It was nice and shady along this whole path with native plants throughout. A very nice stroll indeed.
By the time we looped back to the farm area the zoo was closing soon and we were all beat. So we gingerly side-stepped the African Safari portion hoping Evalyn wouldn't ask about the giraffes or elephants. : ) We'll save that for another outing. On the way home we asked Evalyn what her favorite animals were. She said the bats. Mine were the river otters, goats and polar bears. Matt liked the smiling goat. And Henry seemed to like everything. Except being buckled back in his carseat.
That morning before we left I researched a bit and figured out that we could use our Friends of the National Zoo membership to gain admittance for free! The $55 FONZ Household membership is the best deal around. You get reciprocity with a 100 other zoos around the country plus free parking at the National Zoo (which is $16 a day usually), free cookies, a calendar, a magazine, etc. Plus it's the least expensive family membership fee. Admission to the Maryland Zoo for 2 adults and 1 child would've cost $40! I love great deals! It almost seemed like we were cheating getting in for free.....
Since it was our first time we had no idea that the zoo itself was a long walk/stroller ride in the sun before you got to any exhibits. Had we realized this we probably would've waited for the next tram. It was just after 1PM when we arrived, not the most ideal time you might think. BUT as we entered, the hordes of school groups were exiting. : ) A nice thing to see indeed. We had the place practically to ourselves the entire afternoon.
We watched the polar bears eat some fish before heading to the food area for a late lunch. After a carousel and polar bear ride we visited the farm animals. They had same very tame goats in a pen where the kids could walk around and brush them. That was a lot of fun, especially Spot the smiley goat who is a very old 11 years.
This was Henry's first time at the zoo since he was a little baby. There's nothing like watching your child's eyes open wide in excitement taking in new experiences, seeing things that bring a smile to their face and make them jump up and down and point with eagerness. The chickens and cows and ducks he liked especially. The polar bear at the beginning captivated him.
After the farm animals we started at the beginning of the Maryland Wilderness trail. It winds through the major biomes of Bogs, Caves, Meadows and Farms with great play areas and exhibits throughout. Some of the play areas were for ages 4 and up, but because it was so empty we let Evalyn try them out anyway. She LOVED the giant slide that comes out of a huge tree. Some of the dark tunnel areas made her a little nervous but Henry just ran through them pell-mell taking it all in. It was nice and shady along this whole path with native plants throughout. A very nice stroll indeed.
By the time we looped back to the farm area the zoo was closing soon and we were all beat. So we gingerly side-stepped the African Safari portion hoping Evalyn wouldn't ask about the giraffes or elephants. : ) We'll save that for another outing. On the way home we asked Evalyn what her favorite animals were. She said the bats. Mine were the river otters, goats and polar bears. Matt liked the smiling goat. And Henry seemed to like everything. Except being buckled back in his carseat.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)