OK, I'm still (almost) quoting a Christmas song post-New Year's Day ("Sleigh Ride" to be exact). I find it hard to let go of all of the festivities! We haven't undecorated yet. We don't usually do it until the 10th or so of January, but we were even later this year in putting them up. So, I'll keep you posted on our progress and when we draw the line between festive and freaky and take them down!
We went sledding again yesterday at the same giant hill you see in the picture at the top of the page. It had been an active ski hill for 57 years, but has been closed since 1996. "The hill" is now our local, sledding favorite and back in the day, was considered a ski slope for beginners.
Tell that to Lilly's almost-10-year-old friend who joined us and became airborne (!!) on her new tube sled! Her first run down, the first time she's been to "the hill", she decided to ride down from the "tippy-top" as the kids call it. She did end up grazing the fence at the bottom as her path gradually beared right for her remaining ride after "the jump". This is kind of a ledge about a third of the way down "the hill". Dave and I watched her from the bottom as the rest of our crew was deciding how high up to venture. We weren't sure it was going to end well. "Not on MY watch!" I said.
She was OK though and her reply was, "That was AWESOME!" Kudos to another strong and adventurous woman-to-be! She did complete the rest of her stint at "the hill" with the entire bottom of her tube on the ground at all times, though. She later admitted that she did not like the face-to-fence meeting after all.
The approach to "the hill" is a little ominous. There is a large trash can FILLED with neon-colored remnants of once-loved sleds that did not survive. However, so far, I have never seen an ambulance called to "the hill" to rescue the riders of said sleds.
Except for one minor collision and a resulting snowy, stinging faceplant last winter by my "youngest" (Malcolm, who is 10 minutes younger than Harrison), the crowd has a mutual respect for each other. The sledders try to steer out of the way of stationary people (like parents watching their kids whiz by) or other children and participatory parents making their way back up for another adventure. If they can't steer, you just have to sidestep FAST when someone desperately yells, "Watch OOOOOOUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!" as the whoosh gets louder and louder, closer and closer.
We had the best storm this weekend! It lasted from early Saturday morning and it was still flurrying last night! Disappointingly though, there were "only" several inches of accumulation. This was not enough to cancel school today. My kids and I were looking forward to another day of fun in the snow with pajamas on under our snow gear! The snow did make our sledding outing so much more fun though...pretty darn near perfect.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. I've been told that if they didn't, even terrific winter breaks like the one that just ended would become old hat. I'll tell you, this morning was a rude, cold, post-holiday, I can't BELIEVE I have to get up THIS early kind of Monday. No wonder the day has a bad reputation. Hey, it's a dirty job, but some day has to do it.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Another Year Over...
Happy New Year 2010!
Well, we made it through another Christmas season. As it happens all too often, Dave and I leave all of our wrapping until the last minute. So, we were up until 4am Christmas morning disguising surprises. I also baked 3 pies. We sat on the couch downstairs for only a few minutes when Malcolm and Andy decided it was time to open up their gifts. If we had been to bed we might have let them go after their presents, but we hadn't so they didn't.
Dave brought them upstairs until 7am. I fell asleep on the couch downstairs, but apparently Dave didn't get much sleep because Malcolm was crying in diappointment. I so appreciated that he sacrificed for me while I was catching ZZZ's. I did feel guilty but then I decided that guilt was not a good Christmas emotion.
We had a very cozy day, just the 6 of us. Then, we drove 1 1/2 hours to see my mom, my sister, my brother-in-law and my nephew. We had a nice dinner of ham and scalloped potatoes, kind of a family tradition. One of my pies was supposed to be a vanilla-chocolate marble pudding pie, but it flopped. I think I added the layer of vanilla pudding before the chocolate pudding was cool enough. So, we called it "mud pie" because it was more like soup in a crust and went with it. I was the only one who dared to try it, but my other 2 pies were a hit! We exchanged gifts and headed home. It was a tough holiday without Dad, but we were thinking of him as if he was still with us.
So, OK, onto the next part of our adventure. My in-laws live in Canada and it's about a 7-hour drive to get to see them. We always go a day or two after Christmas. Our original goal was to spend 12/26 at home packing and then leave for Canada the next morning.
Well, every time we try to do this, my body fails. I just need a full day to recover from the sleep-deprivation, rushing, crazy kids and of course, the great deal of family fun of Christmas before I take on the laundry, gift assembly, passport location and car cleanout that is required for our annual trip.
Dave worked so hard to try to get us to go on the 27th, but I just couldn't muster any energy. So, we left on the 28th. My mother-in-law cooks a GIGANTIC extended family dinner every year. God bless her (and my father-in-law who is just as hands-on as my dear husband). This year there were 25 of us!
We don't like driving up the same day as the dinner is scheduled (like it was this year on the 28th), but we made it up there in time even though we hit weather and delays as feared. I got to meet my 2 nephews that were born in 2009 who are 10 months and 8 weeks. I fell in love instantly! Of course, I love seeing how big my other nieces and nephews have grown in a year. I also cherish the time we spend with my wonderful and multitude of brothers and sisters-in-law and other family and friends.
Dinner was delicious as always. We all crashed hard and late that night and enjoyed a relaxing couple of days with my in-laws and other family that was in town before we headed back on the 30th.
New Year's Eve involved all of us being couch potatoes as we usually are. Sometimes, we get together with friends, but it's always low-key. This year, we were just us watching movies, eating Chinese food and staying up until midnight. Dave took a nap, the twins fell fast asleep around 10pm and I barely made it, but 4 out of 6 of us enjoyed sparkling juice and then went to bed.
New Year's Day was much of the same relaxing and then today has been a cleanup day. The kids and Dave return to school and work respectively on Monday the 4th. So far, I like 2010 and I'm loving the snowstorm that is lasting all weekend here in New England!
From our family to yours, Happy New Year and have a safe and joyous 2010!
Well, we made it through another Christmas season. As it happens all too often, Dave and I leave all of our wrapping until the last minute. So, we were up until 4am Christmas morning disguising surprises. I also baked 3 pies. We sat on the couch downstairs for only a few minutes when Malcolm and Andy decided it was time to open up their gifts. If we had been to bed we might have let them go after their presents, but we hadn't so they didn't.
Dave brought them upstairs until 7am. I fell asleep on the couch downstairs, but apparently Dave didn't get much sleep because Malcolm was crying in diappointment. I so appreciated that he sacrificed for me while I was catching ZZZ's. I did feel guilty but then I decided that guilt was not a good Christmas emotion.
We had a very cozy day, just the 6 of us. Then, we drove 1 1/2 hours to see my mom, my sister, my brother-in-law and my nephew. We had a nice dinner of ham and scalloped potatoes, kind of a family tradition. One of my pies was supposed to be a vanilla-chocolate marble pudding pie, but it flopped. I think I added the layer of vanilla pudding before the chocolate pudding was cool enough. So, we called it "mud pie" because it was more like soup in a crust and went with it. I was the only one who dared to try it, but my other 2 pies were a hit! We exchanged gifts and headed home. It was a tough holiday without Dad, but we were thinking of him as if he was still with us.
So, OK, onto the next part of our adventure. My in-laws live in Canada and it's about a 7-hour drive to get to see them. We always go a day or two after Christmas. Our original goal was to spend 12/26 at home packing and then leave for Canada the next morning.
Well, every time we try to do this, my body fails. I just need a full day to recover from the sleep-deprivation, rushing, crazy kids and of course, the great deal of family fun of Christmas before I take on the laundry, gift assembly, passport location and car cleanout that is required for our annual trip.
Dave worked so hard to try to get us to go on the 27th, but I just couldn't muster any energy. So, we left on the 28th. My mother-in-law cooks a GIGANTIC extended family dinner every year. God bless her (and my father-in-law who is just as hands-on as my dear husband). This year there were 25 of us!
We don't like driving up the same day as the dinner is scheduled (like it was this year on the 28th), but we made it up there in time even though we hit weather and delays as feared. I got to meet my 2 nephews that were born in 2009 who are 10 months and 8 weeks. I fell in love instantly! Of course, I love seeing how big my other nieces and nephews have grown in a year. I also cherish the time we spend with my wonderful and multitude of brothers and sisters-in-law and other family and friends.
Dinner was delicious as always. We all crashed hard and late that night and enjoyed a relaxing couple of days with my in-laws and other family that was in town before we headed back on the 30th.
New Year's Eve involved all of us being couch potatoes as we usually are. Sometimes, we get together with friends, but it's always low-key. This year, we were just us watching movies, eating Chinese food and staying up until midnight. Dave took a nap, the twins fell fast asleep around 10pm and I barely made it, but 4 out of 6 of us enjoyed sparkling juice and then went to bed.
New Year's Day was much of the same relaxing and then today has been a cleanup day. The kids and Dave return to school and work respectively on Monday the 4th. So far, I like 2010 and I'm loving the snowstorm that is lasting all weekend here in New England!
From our family to yours, Happy New Year and have a safe and joyous 2010!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
So behind, but OK with it!
Every year, I resolve to wrap my Christmas presents early. Every year, my husband and I are up until the wee hours doing it. My two older ones no longer believe in Santa Claus, so we don't fret as much about a child sneaking down into the basement office where we're working. Now, it's only a 50% chance that someone who catches us will be a believer. The sleep deprivation is worth the look on their faces Christmas morning. After all, there were no gifts under the tree when they turned into bed!
I dread that part since I can't stay up that late anymore without significant pain, but I've been so calm about Christmas this year! I shopped online early enough that I didn't have to worry about paying through the nose for expedited shipping. I also did a little at a time and stayed focused at the stores. I think I even stayed within my budget for a change!
So, I must go clear off the table for tonight's family dinner. We have adopted a tradition from my husband's family. We give each other ornaments and giftwrap them on Christmas eve. During dinner, we each open our packages and hang them on the tree. We always eat dinner in the dining room too. Right now, said table is full of greeting cards from our friends (that I mostly sorted and displayed!), school papers, bills, Star Wars Legos and the cordless phone amongst other things.
However, tonight there will be candles, scented pinecones, sparkling grape juice (only two of us are old enough to drink wine) and spaghetti. A simple, yet wonderful dinner that makes memories for us every year. Hopefully, I will put up our Nativity Set that belongs on the table next to it. Since I cheated and bought store-bought cookie dough, I might have a shot at putting it up before dinner!
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Keep Christ in Christmas. For those who celebrate other holidays, I hope you had a beautiful Hannakuh and I would love to hear what other traditions people have for Christmas or other holidays!
God Bless.
I dread that part since I can't stay up that late anymore without significant pain, but I've been so calm about Christmas this year! I shopped online early enough that I didn't have to worry about paying through the nose for expedited shipping. I also did a little at a time and stayed focused at the stores. I think I even stayed within my budget for a change!
So, I must go clear off the table for tonight's family dinner. We have adopted a tradition from my husband's family. We give each other ornaments and giftwrap them on Christmas eve. During dinner, we each open our packages and hang them on the tree. We always eat dinner in the dining room too. Right now, said table is full of greeting cards from our friends (that I mostly sorted and displayed!), school papers, bills, Star Wars Legos and the cordless phone amongst other things.
However, tonight there will be candles, scented pinecones, sparkling grape juice (only two of us are old enough to drink wine) and spaghetti. A simple, yet wonderful dinner that makes memories for us every year. Hopefully, I will put up our Nativity Set that belongs on the table next to it. Since I cheated and bought store-bought cookie dough, I might have a shot at putting it up before dinner!
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Keep Christ in Christmas. For those who celebrate other holidays, I hope you had a beautiful Hannakuh and I would love to hear what other traditions people have for Christmas or other holidays!
God Bless.
Merry Christmas!
Please accept my sincerest holiday wishes! Whatever you celebrate, may you enjoy quality time with your family and friends.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
My Favorite Saturday
I think that there is truly something spiritual about a gray day, but especially a Saturday. If there is rain (even just a drizzle) or snow, that's even better. I believe it is something that started in my childhood. The coziness of being hunkered down on a gloomy Saturday with my whole family around just stuck with me all of these years.
I love sunshine as much as the next person but there's just something about it. As a mom, I seem to have added a nesting element to it. My reflections are not as deep right now though as it's noisy around here with the joyful and not so joyful sounds of my children! Curling up with a book is also out of the question.
However, I light scented candles, put on classical music (or Christmas music if it's the season) and peek out the window a lot. I find inspiration this way. These are also the days that I do most of my baking with my kids or crafts with them adding to the whimsy.
Today was one of these wonderful days. There was a light rain falling that is now changing to snow. There are so many Christmas lights and decorations up around town that is making it so much more magical too. The only way it could be more perfect is if my own family had our tree up or a fire going in our fireplace. We always wait until my daughter's birthday is over to do our heavy-duty decorating, but we're behind this year. Our family is also in the process of purging toys to bless others (and make room for Santa's goodies!). So, our fireplace is not accessible right now.
I am looking forward to more of these days this season and beyond. One of the candles I have burning right now is Balsam Fir so I can pretend it's a Christmas tree.
My kids do have a lot of energy and need a ton of exercise, however. They've been known to play outside in the rain, but not when it's this cold. So, after a day or two, it's time for me to say, "Rain, rain go away." Today, though, I had my Saturday.
I love sunshine as much as the next person but there's just something about it. As a mom, I seem to have added a nesting element to it. My reflections are not as deep right now though as it's noisy around here with the joyful and not so joyful sounds of my children! Curling up with a book is also out of the question.
However, I light scented candles, put on classical music (or Christmas music if it's the season) and peek out the window a lot. I find inspiration this way. These are also the days that I do most of my baking with my kids or crafts with them adding to the whimsy.
Today was one of these wonderful days. There was a light rain falling that is now changing to snow. There are so many Christmas lights and decorations up around town that is making it so much more magical too. The only way it could be more perfect is if my own family had our tree up or a fire going in our fireplace. We always wait until my daughter's birthday is over to do our heavy-duty decorating, but we're behind this year. Our family is also in the process of purging toys to bless others (and make room for Santa's goodies!). So, our fireplace is not accessible right now.
I am looking forward to more of these days this season and beyond. One of the candles I have burning right now is Balsam Fir so I can pretend it's a Christmas tree.
My kids do have a lot of energy and need a ton of exercise, however. They've been known to play outside in the rain, but not when it's this cold. So, after a day or two, it's time for me to say, "Rain, rain go away." Today, though, I had my Saturday.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
We Oughta Be in Pictures!
Hello friends,
As soon as I find the thing-a-ma-doody (I coined the term. In this case, I am referring to a cable.) that connects my camera to my computer, I will post some recent pictures.
As soon as I find the thing-a-ma-doody (I coined the term. In this case, I am referring to a cable.) that connects my camera to my computer, I will post some recent pictures.
In the Christmas Spirit!
I have never paid attention to how many shopping days are left until Christmas (well, maybe when they get into the single digits!). It's 67 degrees where I live (Northeast US). Apparently, the record high for today was 65 degrees set back in the the 1930's! Time for a new statistic!
In spite of the weather, the fact that my son wore only a T-shirt to school this AM (oh, and pants too) and that I'm airing out the house by opening our porch door, I am totally in the Christmas spirit!
I've started my shopping (before the aforementioned last days of the countdown!), decorated a little and there's a local radio station that plays Christmas songs 24/7 that I have on whenever possible. Yup, it's on right now! This is significant because anyone who knows me knows that I work well under pressure (aka I need a deadline coming up fast to accomplish most things). I think I've just burnt myself out with all of the last minute stuff after all of these years I've been on earth. I've just been planning ahead better. Having 4 kids in 4 years has also taught me that waiting until the last minute can be hazardous to our health. No joke! Serious stress!
I feel a void because I did not properly record the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting that was on TV last night. We got fiberoptic TV recently and apparently I'm still on the learning curve of using the equipment. I have succesfully recorded other shows we like so I know I can do it. I'll get over it, even though I have a passionate admiration for New York City and an attachment to Rockefeller Center. I ice skated there with my dad when I was a kid.
OK, I'm mushy. I like (some) cheesy Christmas TV specials and songs. I figure I must not be the only one or they wouldn't be on! My all-time favorite Christmas songs are the ones with Christ in them. "Do you Hear What I Hear", "O Holy Night" and "The Little Drummer Boy" top my list. Here is a list of my other fun favorites with my favorite singers of said songs:
"Sleigh Ride" (Leonard Bernstein and the Boston Pops), "Happy Holidays" (Andy Williams), "Feliz Navidad" (Jose Feliciano), "Baby it's Cold Outside" (Dean Martin and Martina McBride) and "J-I-N-G-L-E Bells" (Frank Sinatra) to name a few.
Also, because they remind me of my three boys: "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"
And of course, from the awseome 80's: "Last Christmas" (Wham!) and "Wonderful Christmastime" (Sir Paul McCartney).
This one has GOT to go though (all versions, sorry Jackson 5, love you guys, but you should have done another song!): "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".
Chime in! (pun intended) Which ones do you love and which ones make you wanna lose your lunch?
Merry Christmas! Happy Hannakah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!
In spite of the weather, the fact that my son wore only a T-shirt to school this AM (oh, and pants too) and that I'm airing out the house by opening our porch door, I am totally in the Christmas spirit!
I've started my shopping (before the aforementioned last days of the countdown!), decorated a little and there's a local radio station that plays Christmas songs 24/7 that I have on whenever possible. Yup, it's on right now! This is significant because anyone who knows me knows that I work well under pressure (aka I need a deadline coming up fast to accomplish most things). I think I've just burnt myself out with all of the last minute stuff after all of these years I've been on earth. I've just been planning ahead better. Having 4 kids in 4 years has also taught me that waiting until the last minute can be hazardous to our health. No joke! Serious stress!
I feel a void because I did not properly record the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting that was on TV last night. We got fiberoptic TV recently and apparently I'm still on the learning curve of using the equipment. I have succesfully recorded other shows we like so I know I can do it. I'll get over it, even though I have a passionate admiration for New York City and an attachment to Rockefeller Center. I ice skated there with my dad when I was a kid.
OK, I'm mushy. I like (some) cheesy Christmas TV specials and songs. I figure I must not be the only one or they wouldn't be on! My all-time favorite Christmas songs are the ones with Christ in them. "Do you Hear What I Hear", "O Holy Night" and "The Little Drummer Boy" top my list. Here is a list of my other fun favorites with my favorite singers of said songs:
"Sleigh Ride" (Leonard Bernstein and the Boston Pops), "Happy Holidays" (Andy Williams), "Feliz Navidad" (Jose Feliciano), "Baby it's Cold Outside" (Dean Martin and Martina McBride) and "J-I-N-G-L-E Bells" (Frank Sinatra) to name a few.
Also, because they remind me of my three boys: "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"
And of course, from the awseome 80's: "Last Christmas" (Wham!) and "Wonderful Christmastime" (Sir Paul McCartney).
This one has GOT to go though (all versions, sorry Jackson 5, love you guys, but you should have done another song!): "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".
Chime in! (pun intended) Which ones do you love and which ones make you wanna lose your lunch?
Merry Christmas! Happy Hannakah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!
Monday, November 30, 2009
10 years? Really?
Hello everyone,
First of all, THANK YOU for reading this. It means that you still have faith in me and keep checking back to see if I have updated my blog! Sorry this is a long post, but I feel that I owe you that!
It has been a very tough couple of months. I started having energy crashes again. For those who have read my earlier posts, you know that this has been a challenge for the last two years. The good news (and the bad news) is my doctors could find nothing in my bloodwork to explain it this time.
So, I have chalked it up to having one child home at all times and the challenges that come with that, the change of season and just having an erratic sleep schedule. As much as I adore and cherish being with my children, I never have time to myself. My husband has been wonderful as always in helping me find some again. Nothing exciting. No shopping sprees or spas. However, a tiny bit of girl time with friends and sleeping in on weekends. I love him for it. Things are starting to look up! I am also forcing myself through the fatigue, while still caring for myself, as I MUST prepare for Christmas!
My uncle passed away in early November, four and a half months after my father. They were best friends. He was not "technically" my uncle as he was not a blood relative. However, he has been a part of my life since birth. He and his wonderful wife were chosen to be my guardians should anything have happened to my parents.
I attended the wake and funeral out-of-state as did my mother and my sister. My sister attended just the wake as she had to get home for work obligations early the following morning. This gave my mother and I some quality time, just the two of us, in a hotel and on the drive back to her home afterwards. We talked like old friends and even compared birth stories! It's amazing what you think you will NEVER talk about with your parents and then you do!
I was very blessed that I was able to say goodbye to my Uncle Cass. My dear husband took two days off of work to care for our children back here.
Fast forward to the present. After Malcolm, Harry and Lilly had the flu, Andy skipped it and went straight to pneumonia and Lilly's flu turned INTO pneumonia, our family recovered and celebrated Thanksgiving at my father's favorite restaurant. While we usually have Thanksgiving at either my sister's or my parents' home, but this year was the first one without Dad. So, we decided to do something different.
I thought of him as I took my last sip of coffee after dessert. He loved to eat, especially dessert. I was sorry he couldn't enjoy the delicious food with us. I also missed catching up with him. He enjoyed our children and would always ask my husband how his job is going. He would then listen intently to our long answers to his questions, hanging on every word!
This Wednesday is my sweet girl's 10th birthday. I look at her and I don't know where the time went. Ten years ago, here she was, a brand new baby with the most beautiful fingers you've ever seen. I noticed how her nails looked manicured as I nursed her for the first few times. I fell in love instantly as you do with your children. We were all learning together what it meant to go from a couple to a family.
Her toddler years were filled with what seemed like nonstop tantrums, but I managed to see the joy in these years as well. I kept in mind that after all, Lilly is an emotional, bright, empathic, strong-willed, confident young lady. Although she was an early and eloquent speaker, she did not have a handle on her strong emotions. This is something we still struggle with together.
As she grew, she made friends (some of whom she still has!), became a big sister three times and learned to read and write. Her artwork still never ceases to amaze me. Her lifelong imagination for story-telling/writing and creating whatever she wanted from scratch has continued to help her flourish as a student. She plays the violin and is almost a black belt in karate (whenever she decides to put her mind to it, she can test for it and become one...there's the strong-will again). She is also a quick study with everything including her birthday present, a Ripstik. For those who are not familiar, a Ripstik is a combination of a skateboard and a snowboard that you use on pavement. She's just about mastered it in the few days that she's had it!
She has been sporting a teenage vocabulary ("That's not fair.", "All of my friends have one/are allowed to do it.") and behavior (slamming doors, telling her friends how mean her parents are) since about age 7. I am worried what real teenhood has in store for us, but on the other hand, could it get any harder than this? Maybe, but I don't want it to be any other way.
Happy Birthday, Sweetie! You're my favorite 10-year-old! Mom and Dad love you very much and are so, so proud of you!
First of all, THANK YOU for reading this. It means that you still have faith in me and keep checking back to see if I have updated my blog! Sorry this is a long post, but I feel that I owe you that!
It has been a very tough couple of months. I started having energy crashes again. For those who have read my earlier posts, you know that this has been a challenge for the last two years. The good news (and the bad news) is my doctors could find nothing in my bloodwork to explain it this time.
So, I have chalked it up to having one child home at all times and the challenges that come with that, the change of season and just having an erratic sleep schedule. As much as I adore and cherish being with my children, I never have time to myself. My husband has been wonderful as always in helping me find some again. Nothing exciting. No shopping sprees or spas. However, a tiny bit of girl time with friends and sleeping in on weekends. I love him for it. Things are starting to look up! I am also forcing myself through the fatigue, while still caring for myself, as I MUST prepare for Christmas!
My uncle passed away in early November, four and a half months after my father. They were best friends. He was not "technically" my uncle as he was not a blood relative. However, he has been a part of my life since birth. He and his wonderful wife were chosen to be my guardians should anything have happened to my parents.
I attended the wake and funeral out-of-state as did my mother and my sister. My sister attended just the wake as she had to get home for work obligations early the following morning. This gave my mother and I some quality time, just the two of us, in a hotel and on the drive back to her home afterwards. We talked like old friends and even compared birth stories! It's amazing what you think you will NEVER talk about with your parents and then you do!
I was very blessed that I was able to say goodbye to my Uncle Cass. My dear husband took two days off of work to care for our children back here.
Fast forward to the present. After Malcolm, Harry and Lilly had the flu, Andy skipped it and went straight to pneumonia and Lilly's flu turned INTO pneumonia, our family recovered and celebrated Thanksgiving at my father's favorite restaurant. While we usually have Thanksgiving at either my sister's or my parents' home, but this year was the first one without Dad. So, we decided to do something different.
I thought of him as I took my last sip of coffee after dessert. He loved to eat, especially dessert. I was sorry he couldn't enjoy the delicious food with us. I also missed catching up with him. He enjoyed our children and would always ask my husband how his job is going. He would then listen intently to our long answers to his questions, hanging on every word!
This Wednesday is my sweet girl's 10th birthday. I look at her and I don't know where the time went. Ten years ago, here she was, a brand new baby with the most beautiful fingers you've ever seen. I noticed how her nails looked manicured as I nursed her for the first few times. I fell in love instantly as you do with your children. We were all learning together what it meant to go from a couple to a family.
Her toddler years were filled with what seemed like nonstop tantrums, but I managed to see the joy in these years as well. I kept in mind that after all, Lilly is an emotional, bright, empathic, strong-willed, confident young lady. Although she was an early and eloquent speaker, she did not have a handle on her strong emotions. This is something we still struggle with together.
As she grew, she made friends (some of whom she still has!), became a big sister three times and learned to read and write. Her artwork still never ceases to amaze me. Her lifelong imagination for story-telling/writing and creating whatever she wanted from scratch has continued to help her flourish as a student. She plays the violin and is almost a black belt in karate (whenever she decides to put her mind to it, she can test for it and become one...there's the strong-will again). She is also a quick study with everything including her birthday present, a Ripstik. For those who are not familiar, a Ripstik is a combination of a skateboard and a snowboard that you use on pavement. She's just about mastered it in the few days that she's had it!
She has been sporting a teenage vocabulary ("That's not fair.", "All of my friends have one/are allowed to do it.") and behavior (slamming doors, telling her friends how mean her parents are) since about age 7. I am worried what real teenhood has in store for us, but on the other hand, could it get any harder than this? Maybe, but I don't want it to be any other way.
Happy Birthday, Sweetie! You're my favorite 10-year-old! Mom and Dad love you very much and are so, so proud of you!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Still here!
Thank you, followers and visitors for not giving up on me! I will let you know what's been going on very soon. There've been a LOT of schedule and other types of setbacks that have kept me from writing. Pictures coming soon too!!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Two Degrees of Separation
When our identical twins, Harry and Malcolm, were born, we decided that we were not going to treat them as a unit. Literally, from Day 1 we dressed them differently. We also very rarely refer to them as "the twins".
Harry (kissee) Malcolm (kisser)
As very young boys, Harry wore reds and Malcolm wore blues. Now they pick their own clothes out and sometimes still pick out their traditional reds and blues. Coincidence? There's yet another nature/nurture debate with identical twins WAITING to happen It's when Malcolm wears red and Harry wears blue that some of our friends get thrown off....as do I!
We have two older "singleton" children (singleton is a term used by either medical people or parents of twins when comparing one child to twins....and never any other time as far as I can tell!). We thought our youngest boys deserved to develop their identity individually just like Lilly and Andy did and are doing. I did work toward and successfuly get them to take a nap at the same time when they were babies/toddlers, but that was mostly for sanity reasons.
When it was time for preschool, we were fortunate that the school we wanted had two classes at the same time. So, they were separated for the first hour of school and then the second, last hour, they were together. The preschool teachers recommended that we keep them separated for kindergarten which started this fall.
Well, the school that we wanted them to go to for half-day kindergarten has only one teacher. She has a morning class and an afternoon class. There are about four full-day classes at the school, but I'm a stay-at-home mom and my kids are only 5 years old. I want to spend more time with them and they need free time to play and rest! So full-day wasn't a choice for our family.
I talked to the principal last spring about this dilemma since the school was going to put them in the same class. The only solution would be that I would have to provide transportation for the morning child since our neighborhood would only be assigned bus service for the afternoon session. The principal discouraged me from splitting them and driving the morning guy, again, for sanity reasons.
We decided as a family to go ahead and try them in the same afternoon class. Andy had this teacher, she has tons of experience and we figured if anyone can handle them, she can.
Well, it lasted until this past Monday (Day 12 of the school year). I got a call from said teacher that we love and she asked if there was ANY way that we'd consider separating them after all. She said that they're holding each other back academically and that each child has so much potential that cannot be realized as a twosome in the same timeframe. I made an executive decision because Dave is away and I know he'd agree with what was best for our kids. He did.
It turns out I only have to drive to the school one time per day. I picked Harry to do the morning session since he is just slightly easier to wake up in the morning. So, Harry and Andy (a super 2nd grader) get on the bus together in the morning, I pick Harry up at 11:30a with Malcolm in tow, bring them both back for lunch and then put Malcolm on the bus at 12:15p. Then, he gets a turn to ride home at the end of the day with big bro Andy on the bus.
So far so good...I'm adjusting to the new schedule and the fact that I now need to get a part-time job that I can work at while one twin is home with me (for just an hour or so per day). Still looking for that one. I was just starting to hone in on jobs that I could do given that fact that I had a few hours everyday to myself...Poof! Everything changed!
Harry and Malcolm, I'm happy to report, are thriving individually and the teacher is ecstatic about their progress. There were no tears either! For me, it is wonderful to spend time one-on-one and I know each boy loves having Mommy to himself too.
Everything happens when Dave's away...more on that in my next post!
Harry (kissee) Malcolm (kisser)
As very young boys, Harry wore reds and Malcolm wore blues. Now they pick their own clothes out and sometimes still pick out their traditional reds and blues. Coincidence? There's yet another nature/nurture debate with identical twins WAITING to happen It's when Malcolm wears red and Harry wears blue that some of our friends get thrown off....as do I!
We have two older "singleton" children (singleton is a term used by either medical people or parents of twins when comparing one child to twins....and never any other time as far as I can tell!). We thought our youngest boys deserved to develop their identity individually just like Lilly and Andy did and are doing. I did work toward and successfuly get them to take a nap at the same time when they were babies/toddlers, but that was mostly for sanity reasons.
When it was time for preschool, we were fortunate that the school we wanted had two classes at the same time. So, they were separated for the first hour of school and then the second, last hour, they were together. The preschool teachers recommended that we keep them separated for kindergarten which started this fall.
Well, the school that we wanted them to go to for half-day kindergarten has only one teacher. She has a morning class and an afternoon class. There are about four full-day classes at the school, but I'm a stay-at-home mom and my kids are only 5 years old. I want to spend more time with them and they need free time to play and rest! So full-day wasn't a choice for our family.
I talked to the principal last spring about this dilemma since the school was going to put them in the same class. The only solution would be that I would have to provide transportation for the morning child since our neighborhood would only be assigned bus service for the afternoon session. The principal discouraged me from splitting them and driving the morning guy, again, for sanity reasons.
We decided as a family to go ahead and try them in the same afternoon class. Andy had this teacher, she has tons of experience and we figured if anyone can handle them, she can.
Well, it lasted until this past Monday (Day 12 of the school year). I got a call from said teacher that we love and she asked if there was ANY way that we'd consider separating them after all. She said that they're holding each other back academically and that each child has so much potential that cannot be realized as a twosome in the same timeframe. I made an executive decision because Dave is away and I know he'd agree with what was best for our kids. He did.
It turns out I only have to drive to the school one time per day. I picked Harry to do the morning session since he is just slightly easier to wake up in the morning. So, Harry and Andy (a super 2nd grader) get on the bus together in the morning, I pick Harry up at 11:30a with Malcolm in tow, bring them both back for lunch and then put Malcolm on the bus at 12:15p. Then, he gets a turn to ride home at the end of the day with big bro Andy on the bus.
So far so good...I'm adjusting to the new schedule and the fact that I now need to get a part-time job that I can work at while one twin is home with me (for just an hour or so per day). Still looking for that one. I was just starting to hone in on jobs that I could do given that fact that I had a few hours everyday to myself...Poof! Everything changed!
Harry and Malcolm, I'm happy to report, are thriving individually and the teacher is ecstatic about their progress. There were no tears either! For me, it is wonderful to spend time one-on-one and I know each boy loves having Mommy to himself too.
Everything happens when Dave's away...more on that in my next post!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Third Day
So, we're three days into one of my husband's megatrips overseas. He's in the UK this week, will be going to Ireland over the weekend (a sidetrip since it's too far to come home in between) and to Russia next week.
He's been traveling about 25-50% of the time since our first child was born. So, I've developed some very good survival strategies, but it doesn't make me feel any less sick when he leaves, especially for such a long time. His trips range from 1 day to 12 like this one.
The sick feeling comes from looking ahead to the tears and heartbreak of my kids missing Daddy, early morning soccer practices that I have to pack all 4 kids to go to (the non-participants being reluctant and angry about it too), being the sole homework-helper and the one who has to get everyone out in the morning, etc. Then, there's the what if someone gets sick. I get sick or worse (like we all get sick?). There's probably not a scenario we haven't weathered while Dave has been away including ER visits, major illnesses and a failed and leaking water heater.
However, the trick is to not look at the whole 12 days, but just to take it one day at a time. It's really amazing when you think about how far away he is. The kids look at the globe and point to all of the countries and states that Daddy has been to. He also has brought back some beautiful things from the many countries that our family can treasure. Of course, you can buy Russian nesting dolls in an import store, but how cool is it to buy them at a store the same day you were standing on Red Square? What about a boomerang from Down Under?
He doesn't like leaving us either since we cherish our family time together. He also misses the absolutely, crack-up funny times like when Lilly told me last night that there is a boy in her class that has been "observing" her. Can you tell she loves science? She then asked this boy what he had noticed about her. He then reported that she has a bald spot on her head. She then explained that it was simply how her hair parted. I was in hysterics!
So, so far, one mandatory church meeting for Andy's First Communion coming up in May of 2010 (which was a great reminder to me that God is there and I need to remember that), one late karate night getting home shortly before the twins' bedtime with homework stil hanging over us and one Open House at Lilly's new school tomorrow. Thankfully, our wonderful babysitter Valerie will be helping me that night. As much as Lilly wants to show off her school to her brothers, it's just another late night that all the kids don't need and I don't need to bring them to.
Casualities? One missed bus and a pig-sty of a house that I've devoted today to cleaning from top to bottom. It's about time that I learned the value of staying home and not running everywhere, especially when I'm flying solo!
He's been traveling about 25-50% of the time since our first child was born. So, I've developed some very good survival strategies, but it doesn't make me feel any less sick when he leaves, especially for such a long time. His trips range from 1 day to 12 like this one.
The sick feeling comes from looking ahead to the tears and heartbreak of my kids missing Daddy, early morning soccer practices that I have to pack all 4 kids to go to (the non-participants being reluctant and angry about it too), being the sole homework-helper and the one who has to get everyone out in the morning, etc. Then, there's the what if someone gets sick. I get sick or worse (like we all get sick?). There's probably not a scenario we haven't weathered while Dave has been away including ER visits, major illnesses and a failed and leaking water heater.
However, the trick is to not look at the whole 12 days, but just to take it one day at a time. It's really amazing when you think about how far away he is. The kids look at the globe and point to all of the countries and states that Daddy has been to. He also has brought back some beautiful things from the many countries that our family can treasure. Of course, you can buy Russian nesting dolls in an import store, but how cool is it to buy them at a store the same day you were standing on Red Square? What about a boomerang from Down Under?
He doesn't like leaving us either since we cherish our family time together. He also misses the absolutely, crack-up funny times like when Lilly told me last night that there is a boy in her class that has been "observing" her. Can you tell she loves science? She then asked this boy what he had noticed about her. He then reported that she has a bald spot on her head. She then explained that it was simply how her hair parted. I was in hysterics!
So, so far, one mandatory church meeting for Andy's First Communion coming up in May of 2010 (which was a great reminder to me that God is there and I need to remember that), one late karate night getting home shortly before the twins' bedtime with homework stil hanging over us and one Open House at Lilly's new school tomorrow. Thankfully, our wonderful babysitter Valerie will be helping me that night. As much as Lilly wants to show off her school to her brothers, it's just another late night that all the kids don't need and I don't need to bring them to.
Casualities? One missed bus and a pig-sty of a house that I've devoted today to cleaning from top to bottom. It's about time that I learned the value of staying home and not running everywhere, especially when I'm flying solo!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Summer's Last Hurrahs
Malcolm chilling on a bench at the amusement park.
Malcolm, David, Harry, Cristy and Lilly. Real hay, no Andy. He's not comfortable being outside on windy days. It must be the tornado watch trauma.
Below: Andy and Lilly on the Carousel.
Harry on our hike after our picnic in the park.
Here are some pictures of my family doing some last summer outings: an amusement park, a hayride courtesy of our friend, Kevin and his family's tractor and acreage and a picnic.
Welcome to Two New Followers!
Thank you, Tracy and Brenda! I was so excited to see both your names added recently! Tracy, thank you for your picture of your kitties too!
School Supplies
So, I had the luxury of taking only my two older ones shopping for school supplies last week. My daughter has gone into 4th grade and my older son has gone into 2nd grade. My twins have started kindergarten, but I had planned to pick out their backpacks myself and have them be thrilled and thankful afterward WITHOUT bringing them with me. Everything else we need for kindergarten is found at home already.
Lilly has been accepted into an academically advanced program. The only supplies list she had was from this program. We had to get 8 different color folders, two of each, plus one of "her choice". From the list, it was unclear whether or not this meant a color of her choice (therefore, two more folders) or one extra folder. We went with the latter hypothesis...and a puppy folder was chosen.
Next came discussions about whether or not a "goldenrod" color (I blame the crayon makers for kids learning this level of color precision) would actually be a yellow folder (required) or an orange folder (also required). I then present what looks like a perfect, pumpkin-orange folder (score one for Mom?....not so much). Lilly informs me that it's red and not orange, but not brick red like the other folders on the lower shelf.....OK, fine, so red is done, etc., etc....
Meanwhile, Andy does have a real list from his teacher. Considering Andy is a typical "guy" when it comes to shopping, I did NOT anticipate what happened next. In case you don't know how a "guy" typically shops, it involves a short list, getting into a store and then getting the heck out.
Andy's list consisted of a pencil box, a pack of pencils and some crayons and markers that he liked. The problem was that the store had preprinted lists of school supplies for each grade. Andy then picked one up (I was STILL thinking I was shopping with my guy here and I was about to be totally blindsided). This office supply store has a BRILLIANT marketing campaign here. They print out these lists and put them beautifully and separately by color-coded grades (again with the colors.....). For example, Andy's 2nd grade "list" was green. Consult Lilly for the exact shade of green. I'd go with green-yellow if it were up to me.
Well, I now saw another part of Andy that I am familiar with, but not in a store context. He loves details and directions. Heck if I was going to stop him before he got every last thing on that list! I did talk him out of some things that we had at home and convinced him that we do NOT need another PACK of highlighters. Yes, we could all share them. No, your twin brothers won't ruin them because they won't need them in kindergarten. No, really, they won't. No, you don't need to see their list. I did have my "responsible parent" hat on of course and wouldn't have let him buy all of that stuff if we didn't need it at home to use for school projects and homework, but it did take some convincing.
Well, we finally got out of there with a bill well into the TRIPLE digits. I felt buyer's remorse over this for days and couldn't bring myself to tell any of my friends what we'd spent on supplies. We got all of the folder hue situation solved for Lilly, I bought materials so I could set up two "homework stations" for Lilly and Andy so there would be less arguing at the kitchen table about breathing too loud (I kid you not) and the like and off we went.
That night, Andy put everything into his new backpack for school the next day....and came home with all but was on his ACTUAL list. Oh, and the twins love the backpacks I picked for them.
Lilly has been accepted into an academically advanced program. The only supplies list she had was from this program. We had to get 8 different color folders, two of each, plus one of "her choice". From the list, it was unclear whether or not this meant a color of her choice (therefore, two more folders) or one extra folder. We went with the latter hypothesis...and a puppy folder was chosen.
Next came discussions about whether or not a "goldenrod" color (I blame the crayon makers for kids learning this level of color precision) would actually be a yellow folder (required) or an orange folder (also required). I then present what looks like a perfect, pumpkin-orange folder (score one for Mom?....not so much). Lilly informs me that it's red and not orange, but not brick red like the other folders on the lower shelf.....OK, fine, so red is done, etc., etc....
Meanwhile, Andy does have a real list from his teacher. Considering Andy is a typical "guy" when it comes to shopping, I did NOT anticipate what happened next. In case you don't know how a "guy" typically shops, it involves a short list, getting into a store and then getting the heck out.
Andy's list consisted of a pencil box, a pack of pencils and some crayons and markers that he liked. The problem was that the store had preprinted lists of school supplies for each grade. Andy then picked one up (I was STILL thinking I was shopping with my guy here and I was about to be totally blindsided). This office supply store has a BRILLIANT marketing campaign here. They print out these lists and put them beautifully and separately by color-coded grades (again with the colors.....). For example, Andy's 2nd grade "list" was green. Consult Lilly for the exact shade of green. I'd go with green-yellow if it were up to me.
Well, I now saw another part of Andy that I am familiar with, but not in a store context. He loves details and directions. Heck if I was going to stop him before he got every last thing on that list! I did talk him out of some things that we had at home and convinced him that we do NOT need another PACK of highlighters. Yes, we could all share them. No, your twin brothers won't ruin them because they won't need them in kindergarten. No, really, they won't. No, you don't need to see their list. I did have my "responsible parent" hat on of course and wouldn't have let him buy all of that stuff if we didn't need it at home to use for school projects and homework, but it did take some convincing.
Well, we finally got out of there with a bill well into the TRIPLE digits. I felt buyer's remorse over this for days and couldn't bring myself to tell any of my friends what we'd spent on supplies. We got all of the folder hue situation solved for Lilly, I bought materials so I could set up two "homework stations" for Lilly and Andy so there would be less arguing at the kitchen table about breathing too loud (I kid you not) and the like and off we went.
That night, Andy put everything into his new backpack for school the next day....and came home with all but was on his ACTUAL list. Oh, and the twins love the backpacks I picked for them.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Emotional Rollercoaster
I am a pretty fearless person. I put my mind to something and I do it. I go into our poorly-lit garage to get things late at night, often when everyone is asleep. The closest ears are two stories up. No one could hear me scream.
During the day in the warm weather, we leave the garage doors open. We have a family of chipmunks that live in our stone wall right outside the garage. While I'm outside playing with the kids I see these some tiny, some not-so-tiny creatures run in and run out (oh, I'm talking about the chipmunks here, not my darling kids).
We've only had two chippies in 7 years make it all the way up into our house (and OUT again with the help of a coaxing but kind broom). If one gets trapped in there overnight, I don't fret too much. Also, some of these animals look better fed than my own family.
I just put my mind over matter and tell myself that I'm bigger than it is. If I hear something, save the shatter of a broken garage window, it's probably a chipmunk. Knowing me, I'd let it free too even though there are woods just a few feet away that are home to coyotes, foxes, etc. that could do much worse damage to me if they wanted to. On second thought, I'd better protect the little guy from predators.
I also used to walk home alone really late at night when I lived in the city. Looking back on this, it was a stupid thing to do, but I survived. Again, mind over matter "walking home, walking home, almost there...."
But....rollercoasters? Yikes! I have always had a fear of walking across long bridges (the taller the more scarier they are for me....and when there's water underneath....that's when I'm terrified). Somehow, falling 50 feet and hitting the grass would be better than hitting the water? I don't think so.... I just don't like being on them, especially in the middle. I'm OK driving over them, less OK when I'm stuck in traffic on one, but still fine.
I want to teach my kids not to live by their fear and also prove to myself how silly these fears are. So every summer, I try a rollercoaster with my kids. Lilly in particular is a daredevil and wants to ride the biggest, highest and fastest coasters. Thankfully, her dad is somewhat of a coaster enthusiast, well, he's not afraid anyway.
I went on a a tamer one to "warm up" and to show my only daughter how strong women (including her mother) could be. I screamed the whole time! She was humorously embarrassed and made me swear never to scream on a ride with her again. I couldn't promise that!
So, I've been thinking about it. I can breathe myself through the height and the horrible racket of the "click-click-click" of the cars going up the hill to meet the impending doom of going down the hill. I can ALMOST enjoy that part. It's different from the middle of a bridge because it's on the ground.
Then, aaaaaagghhhhhh comes the first drop where you feel like you're doing a nosedive straight into the hard earth at a steeper-than-90-degree angle...if you can get any steeper....but it sure FEELS like you can...and ARE!
Can you imagine how scared I'd be if the coaster went over water? This is the thrill of weightlessness that coaster-lovers live for, apparently.
I'm OK with the speed and the unpredictability of the rest of the coaster. After all, I'd rather NOT see what's coming, thank you!
So, is it true that if you go on them over and over again that you lose your fear of them? I'll have to get back to you on that next summer after I once again stand in those long lines with a pit in my stomach as I get closer to our turn and try it again. Seems as if I'm OK with coasters except for the weightlessness part. Maybe I should become an astronaut first? Maybe I should just tell my kids, "Sorry, Mommy's human and Mommy is afraid?" Nah.....
What are YOU afraid of?
During the day in the warm weather, we leave the garage doors open. We have a family of chipmunks that live in our stone wall right outside the garage. While I'm outside playing with the kids I see these some tiny, some not-so-tiny creatures run in and run out (oh, I'm talking about the chipmunks here, not my darling kids).
We've only had two chippies in 7 years make it all the way up into our house (and OUT again with the help of a coaxing but kind broom). If one gets trapped in there overnight, I don't fret too much. Also, some of these animals look better fed than my own family.
I just put my mind over matter and tell myself that I'm bigger than it is. If I hear something, save the shatter of a broken garage window, it's probably a chipmunk. Knowing me, I'd let it free too even though there are woods just a few feet away that are home to coyotes, foxes, etc. that could do much worse damage to me if they wanted to. On second thought, I'd better protect the little guy from predators.
I also used to walk home alone really late at night when I lived in the city. Looking back on this, it was a stupid thing to do, but I survived. Again, mind over matter "walking home, walking home, almost there...."
But....rollercoasters? Yikes! I have always had a fear of walking across long bridges (the taller the more scarier they are for me....and when there's water underneath....that's when I'm terrified). Somehow, falling 50 feet and hitting the grass would be better than hitting the water? I don't think so.... I just don't like being on them, especially in the middle. I'm OK driving over them, less OK when I'm stuck in traffic on one, but still fine.
I want to teach my kids not to live by their fear and also prove to myself how silly these fears are. So every summer, I try a rollercoaster with my kids. Lilly in particular is a daredevil and wants to ride the biggest, highest and fastest coasters. Thankfully, her dad is somewhat of a coaster enthusiast, well, he's not afraid anyway.
I went on a a tamer one to "warm up" and to show my only daughter how strong women (including her mother) could be. I screamed the whole time! She was humorously embarrassed and made me swear never to scream on a ride with her again. I couldn't promise that!
So, I've been thinking about it. I can breathe myself through the height and the horrible racket of the "click-click-click" of the cars going up the hill to meet the impending doom of going down the hill. I can ALMOST enjoy that part. It's different from the middle of a bridge because it's on the ground.
Then, aaaaaagghhhhhh comes the first drop where you feel like you're doing a nosedive straight into the hard earth at a steeper-than-90-degree angle...if you can get any steeper....but it sure FEELS like you can...and ARE!
Can you imagine how scared I'd be if the coaster went over water? This is the thrill of weightlessness that coaster-lovers live for, apparently.
I'm OK with the speed and the unpredictability of the rest of the coaster. After all, I'd rather NOT see what's coming, thank you!
So, is it true that if you go on them over and over again that you lose your fear of them? I'll have to get back to you on that next summer after I once again stand in those long lines with a pit in my stomach as I get closer to our turn and try it again. Seems as if I'm OK with coasters except for the weightlessness part. Maybe I should become an astronaut first? Maybe I should just tell my kids, "Sorry, Mommy's human and Mommy is afraid?" Nah.....
What are YOU afraid of?
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