Making His Father's Heart Swell With Pride

My kids have shown quite an interest in cars lately.  And when I say 'kids' I mostly mean Caleb.  And when I say 'interest in cars' I mostly mean they are pointing out the make and model, and they quiz each other on passing cars.  I hear things like, 'what's that Caleb?', 'which one is that?!', 'look, there's a Mustang!'. 

Caleb is getting pretty good at knowing brands.  The other day he saw a Dodge Charger in the parking lot and not knowing it was a Charger, he said 'sweet Dodge!'.

Ryan has encouraged Caleb's growing interest in cars.  Recently he and Caleb were having a conversation about Mustangs.  It came up that a Mustang is a muscle car.  Well, of course Caleb wanted to know what that meant.  Ryan informed him that a muscle car is a short back, long front, big engine, American-made car.  Caleb just listens and soaks it all in.  And I know that this stuff is sticking!  How do I know?  Well.......the other day Caleb was with his friend Nathan and I overheard bits of their conversation.  It went like this

Caleb - Blah blah blah blah blah Mustang.  Blah blah muscle car.

Nathan - What's a muscle car?

Caleb - It's a short back, long front blah blah blah blah blah......

See?!  He is listening and taking it all in.  Now, if only his teacher can relate her lessons around car facts then I think Caleb will really excel in his education.

Above And Beyond

Kids are known to get out bed at nighttime for various reasons.  Such as, a drink of water, to go potty, or they are just plain 'ol not sleepy.  But Mae is not like most kids.  She likes to take things to a whole other level.  Mae comes out for thinking too much.  Her mind gets whirring at night when she lays down, and she'll come out to ask questions or to voice a concern.  All of which border on the ridiculous and are not really important, especially when the light of day hits.

The other night was no exception.  True to Mae-form, she came to the family room where Ryan and I were detoxing from the day, only this time she caught me off guard with her question/concern.  This is what she said

I think my tongue is too big for my mouth.

Are you kidding me??!?!  I tried (without success) to not laugh.  Apparently she had bitten the side of her tongue and it was bothering her.  It amazes me how her mind works, and comes to conclusions that, again, border on the ridiculous.

Is there a contest for the most ludicrous nighttime excuse?  If so, I think I can win it.

Weekend (cleaning) Warrior

I cleaned out both vehicles this weekend.  On Saturday I tackled the truck.  All the nooks and crannies were overflowing with food bits and candy wrappers, with a fair amount of sand sprinkled in for a perfect balance of NASTY.  Needless to say, it was time to clean it out.  Four hours and too much quality time with the shop vac, a scrubbing rag, and windex later.....I now have a splendidly clean vehicle in which to drive my brood around in.

While I was cleaning the truck I had these two thoughts:

1) I'm pretty certain that we could feed a small African village with the crumbs.

2) do I have to let the kids inside when I'm finished?

Sunday found me doing the same for the car, Ryan's vehicle.  The kids aren't in the car as much as the truck, but they still have left their presence known.  Although it wasn't as bad off as the truck, it was in desperate need of some one on one time with the shop vac.

I also had two thoughts while cleaning out Ryan's car:

1)  again, the feeding of the village in Africa.

2)  do I have to let Ryan back in the car when I'm finished?

Now that I'm done with both vehicles, I have a strong sense of accomplishment.  There's nothing like looking over the finished product of hours of scrubbing and cleaning and knowing that it sparkles because of the elbow grease you applied.  Speaking of elbows........have you ever heard of shop vac elbow?  I think I have it.

Neighbors

When we moved into our house, my kids were the only ones on the street.  Now, after a couple new neighbors have moved in, my kids have playmates and potential friends.  It's awesome! 

Mae has a friend that lives next door, a girl her age.  And Caleb has three boys across the street near his age/grade as well.  I'll pray that a little girl Isabel's age will move nearby soon.  So far she's content to follow along with Mae and her friend or the boys.

Having neighbor friends for my kids makes me think of my own childhood friends.  I had great neighbor friends and I hope that my kids have the same kind of experience as I did........playing all day and into dusk, making up games and experiencing made-up places, and coming home only after being called in by mom.

The other bonus is, when the doorbell rings I no longer wonder who's trying to sell me something. 

Irony

Yes, I find it ironic that my son received a good character award at school.  Not because he isn't a good boy.  He is.  It's just funny that the day before the big assembly, he was at the park with his class and decided to be funny and pee all over the bathroom floor!

Not his typical behavior.  Good thing the award isn't based on a momentary lapse of judgement.

It's Going To Be A Loooooong Summer

Today was day one of summer vacation for the kids.  It went ok.  Nothing super exciting, but not entirely boring either.  At least I didn't think so.

We went to Isabel's school for her last conference.
Then to a friend's house to drop something off.
Can't forget a weekly Target run!
And back home for an afternoon swim.

After Caleb and Isabel played together in the pool, they played in Caleb's room.  They did well together so I was surprised when Caleb later said to me "I want a new roommate.  A boy this time, so I can have someone to play with not be bored".

Hmmm.  This is weird.  Especially considering that Caleb shares a room with no one.  However, to his request I say this - too bad buddy, the baby making shop is closed for business.  Learn to play well with your sisters!

I think it's going to be a long summer vacation this year if he keeps this up.

Stuck A Feather In Her Hair And Called It Macaroni

As a birthday gift for one of Mae's friends, I took the girls to get a feather put in their hair.  Isabel wanted one as well, so I obliged her.  Afterwards, as Mae and her friend were pleased with their new accessory, Isabel was ecstatic!  She wouldn't (couldn't!) stop talking about it.

Doesn't my feather look pretty?
Can you see my feather?
How 'bout now?
I love my new feather!
Thank you Mommy for my feather!
I have to be careful with my feather.

That is just a sampling of what she said.  A small sample.  For she became obsessed and wouldn't stop talking about it.  If you want a real idea of what it was like to hear her, this is what it sounded like for the rest of the day

Lalalalala feather!  Feather lalalalalalala. Lalala feather feather lalala feather.  Feather feather lalala feather! Lala feather lalalala feather lala feather feather lalalala.  Lalalalala feather.  Feather lalalalalalala. Lalala feather feather lalala feather!  Feather feather lalala feather. Lala feather lalalala feather lala feather feather lalalala. Lalalalala feather!  Feather lalalalalalala. Lalala feather feather lalala feather.  Feather feather lalala feather. Lala feather lalalala feather lala feather feather lalalala!

I love my little girl.  Even when she's hyper-obessed with a silly feather.  But if I hear that word one more time I may have to be admitted to the loony bin!

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Isabel talks a lot.  I mean A LOT!  She's always asking questions and wanting to know things.  Although it is great that she is so inquisitive and feels free to talk to us, sometimes it can get to be too much.

I was in the truck today and realized I had another headache.  It made me wonder if it was the radio that I always have on when I'm driving.  Also because it seems that I am only aware that I have a headache when I'm in the truck.  So I turned off the radio.

Then Isabel asks me the 143rd question of the day - "why do we have nose boogers?"

*sigh* I turned the radio back on.

Don't Quit Your Day Job

I love conversations with my kids.  I get an inside peek into what they're thinking.  But sometimes it makes me wonder who their parents really are.

Caleb - Did you know there are two kinds of plumbers?

Me - No, I didn't.  What are they?
(seriously, TWO kinds of plumbers??  This I must know.)

Caleb - Well, one kind I don't know how to explain, but one kind of plumber works on sinks and showers. The other one fights crime.

Remind me to do a background check before calling our next plumbing 'professional'.

Typical Boy

It seems that lately I get my giggles from overhearing conversations that my kids are having.  Here is what I heard this morning on the way to school.

Mae (to Caleb):  Why do you collect hair bands, that's gross!

Caleb: Because then I can slingshot them at girls. (insert giggles here)

Gotta love that boy.  He has always had a thing for the ladies.  But I hope it doesn't get him into trouble.  It might be too late for that though.

I Think I Need To Secure A Lawyer

The other day I was helping Isabel pronounce tsunami (remember when she called it a salami?)  Here's how it went....

Me:  Su-nah-me.

Isabel:  Sue-mommy.

I give up.  But I admit that I will miss these mispronunciations of hers.

It's All About Perspective

Caleb loves playing soccer.  I mean LOVES soccer!  He recently ended his latest season and we had a conversation about it and about some of the players on his team.  Caleb was telling me that a certain player was not very good, and he was right.  The little girl was not aggressive (at ALL!) and it was clear that she wasn't really interested in being there.  It just wasn't her thing.  I tried to explain to Caleb that not all people are good at soccer and that there may have been reasons why this girl was signed up to play.  Maybe her parents made her?  Or, maybe she wanted to try soccer and then realized she didn't like it?  Who knows, but my point was that she may not be good at soccer but I was certain she is good at something else, just we all are.

Caleb thought about that for a minute and came to this conclusion.  The girl is probably a good artist.  Ha!  I love my son!  He's got a great way of looking at things sometimes.

Mae Day

As of today I have been a mother for ten years.  Thanks to Mae!  Yep, today is her birthday.  Ten years, wow.  Sometimes it feels like it's flown.  Other times, I know I've lived through each and every day.  Oh the joy of being a mom. :)  The question is - will either of us survive the next ten years?

I wrote Mae's birth story a few years ago, thought I'd re-post it today.  Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day before Mae was born I stayed home from work. I had been having irregular brackston hicks for weeks (with no pain) but that morning, as I got ready for work, I thought maybe I was having some more and wondered if it was 'the day'. It was 3 days before my due date, so I was hopeful. Turns out it was nothing, but I did enjoy a nice day at home.

Early the next morning, say around 3:00, I was quickly awoken when my water broke. I was so excited! I woke Ryan up, then called the doctor (who told me to make my way to the hospital). We took our time getting ready as we had learned in our birthing class that most first-time labors went slow and there was reason to rush to the hospital. After I had eaten some breakfast and gotten dressed and ready to leave, I called my parents to let them know that 'today was a great day to have a baby!'

just before leaving for the hospital we took this picture

And we were off!!!!

We got to the hospital around 7:00 that morning. I could feel some contractions, but nothing with any pain, yet. I remember in my birthing class, seeing a chart with varying degrees of happy faces, ranging from very smiley to a a serious/unhappy face. I walked in the hospital with a full smiley face. I was happy and excited to finally to this show on the road!


In fact, I was quite excited about everything. The hospital we were at was like a nice hotel and there would be no room changing at all during the course of my stay. My room was a one-stop shop, the only time I would leave would be when I checked out with my baby in my arms. And it was a nice hotel hospital room too! The room had updated everything, from the carpet, furniture and colors to the jet tub in the bathroom. In fact, I was looking forward to using that jetted tub!

A couple hours after arriving, my contractions still weren't anything to complain about. I could feel the tightening but with minor discomfort. The nurse suggested I either talk a walk around the halls or take a bath to maybe speed things up. Hmmmm.....walking halls with socks and a hospital gown - or - check out the jetted tub???

I opted for the bath. Thank you very much.

It must have worked. As I was in the bath, my contractions went from minor discomfort to uncomfortable to GET ME OUT OF THE TUB!!!

I didn't really have a birth plan. I'm a 'go with the flow kind of gal', so I figured we'd make decisions as they came depending on the circumstances. I had thought of forgoing the epidural though. My sister in law had had two babies and all she had for meds was something to take the edge off. Sounded good to me. So, there I was (out of the bath by this point) sitting in a rocker talking to the nurse about meds. I told her I'd like to take the edge off. She was fine with that, but did mention something about it wearing off by the time I need to start pushing.

Um, WHAT?! No. There will be no wearing off of drugs! Please give me an epidural. Thank you!

So, around 10 o'clock is when my happy face went from 'smiley face' to 'hurts a whole lot'. But by 10:30 I got my epidural (or 'hapidural' as a good friend called it) and I was back to my super happy face, albeit a bit scared and tired.

Seems things progressed quite well after that. Not that I felt anything. Mostly I rested and waited for my doctor to check me, then tell me any news of my progression. Shortly before 1:00, they started prepping me for birth. They reconfigured the bed and I got into postion. And I said an absolute NO to the mirror. Ewe.

Around 1:00 I was pushing. I pushed for about 15 minutes and she was out! There she was, all red and squirmy and crying. Our Mae Elisabeth.

And our lives were changed in an instant. At exactly 1:16 on the afternoon of May 18, 2001.

Super-Duper-Crazy-Busy-Full Day

I had a busy-crazy day. I'm overwhelmed just recalling all that has been done and experienced today.  Nothing out of the ordinary, just jam-packed with everyday mom stuff.


It all started after breakfast, I followed Ryan to a bike shop to get his bike that had been worked on. He then left for work and I went to Costco on my way home. As I was finishing at Costco, my hairdresser called to ask if I had forgotten my hair appointment.  Crap, I did forget!!!  Good thing I was in her side of town and was able to run over to get my hair cut!  Then I hit a chocolate store on my way home (I received a call this morning that my name had been drawn for some free chocolate melts!). I picked up my free goods and went home.  Isabel and I barely had time to fix lunch and take a few breathes before picking up Mae and Caleb from school. Then Mae asked if she could stay late to help with a video she was working on (I said yes).  Which meant I had to stick around school for an extra hour. We made it home shortly before 4:00. And Isabel and I hadn't had time to do any school, so we worked on that. Then I threw in some dino chicken nuggets for dinner and slapped some honey dew on the table and we ate. 


I think I'm sitting at the computer, resting, now (and blogging). I'm pretty sure that's what I'm doing. That, and counting the time left to bedtime. One hour.  I think I'll sleep well tonight.  Whew, what a day!


**please note that I really really wanted to type this post without any spaces between words.  Looking back over my day, that is how I feel.  No wonder I have a headache!


***the good thing in all this (so far) is that I have not been ugly with the kids!  Truly the Lord is with me, for there is no other explanation for such good motherly behavior.  

NYC

Ryan and I took advantage of several things last month.

1).  Flyer miles
2).  Hotel points
3).  Spring Break
4).  My parents compassion, generosity, time and love of their grandchildren (and for us)

Put all those things together and we got a trip to New York city!!!

Yep, Ryan and I dropped the kids off with Mom and Dad and headed off to NYC for a week.  Alone.  It was bliss.  All of it!

Neither one of us have been to New York, and it was great to explore the city together for the first time.  I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the city.  We both were.  New York was a great vacation for us, and we look forward to going back someday.

While we were there, I downloaded a new app for my iphone.  Hipstamatic!  It takes vintagey pics, and I basically took lots of pictures using only the Hipstamatic app.  Here are a few that chronicle our trip.

Ryan took a picture of me after we went through the Guggenheim museum. (the only picture of myself taken with my iphone.  Ryan has a few on his fancy schmancy camera).

I took this shot as we were walking from the Guggenhiem to yet another museum, across the street from Central Park.  I got all artsy fartsy with my new app, can you tell?

Central Park had these neat lampposts throughout, and I just loved them.  What can I say, this is me being all artsy again.

This shot was taken by Ryan.  His turn to be artsy fartsy with my app/camera.  On Ryan's list of places to go was the Apple Store.  On the way, this shot was taken as we walked by Central Park, where the horse carriages are.  It was a beautiful dreary morning and Ryan took advantage of the low clouds hugging the buildings.

We purchased City Passes that gave us admission to many museums and attractions in the city.  One of the things used the pass for was the Empire State Building.  We went to the 87th floor (typical observation deck).  It was neat to look out over the entire city and see several sights from one spot.  This shot was taken after our tour and when night was upon the city.

We also took a tour of the Hudson and East River.  The boat took us past the Statue of Liberty.  I think next time we go, I'd like to actually go to the statue instead of quickly floating by.  Next time I'll also know that I'll need to purchase tickets for the crown months in advance.

I love this shot of the city, taken while on our river tour.

Ryan.  On the subway.  We took the subway every. where.  It was great.  At first we thought we'd have to take taxi cabs when we wanted to go places.  Turns out that the subway is cheaper, easier and more fun to use.  We were careful not to take the subway during late-night hours, so we were pretty safe (contrary to how I felt about NYC subways before our trip).

One night we went to a broadway show, Jersey Boys.  We got all dressed up for our night out.  Consequently, this is the only picture of Ryan and I together in the city.  After dinner, we had time to kill before our show, so we walked over to Times Square.  Oh.  My.  Goodness!  The sidewalks were crammed with people!  And the big signs all lit up, too!  I'm not a huge crowd person, so walking a few blocks on the super-crowed streets was enough.  But I can say I've been to Times Square.  And have no desire to go back.  Been there, done that.

Like I said, we'd LOVE to go back to New York.  There is so much to do!  We missed out on Soho and Greenwich Village, to name a few.  Hopefully next time we'll hit those places.  I also wouldn't mind spending more time in Central Park.  Maybe rent a couple bikes and have a picnic lunch in the park.  All with my man.  Alone.  It will be bliss.

Until then, I'll treasure the 5 days I had, alone, with my husband as I dream of the next trip.

Is That Why We Don't Get Visitors?

Tonight we heard coyotes in the vicinity of our backyard.  They were cackling their strange song, so Ryan went outside to scare them off.  I stayed inside with the kids and watched from our dining room window.

Caleb was quite upset about his dad being out there with coyotes.  He didn't cry, but was close.  Isabel reassured him that Dad would be ok.  She said "Dad will be ok 'cuz he smells bad".

Apparently Ryan doesn't smell so appealing to wild coyotes.  It must be a scent undetectable to the human nose.  Or maybe we all smell bad and no one is telling us?

This Week In Quotes

Isabel has been saying some pretty cute stuff, as usual.  And I feel the need to share it/write it down so I don't forget these things (I'll need bribery material come her teen years, you know).

So, here's the latest from the mouth of my babe.......

"Japan had a salami" (tsunami)

After we found a caterpillar and put him in an old fish tank with lots of leaves and sticks, Isabel asks "when will he make his raccoon?"

"I hurt my funny bone and now there are sparkles in my arm."

"Dad is runned out of hair." (yes, his hair is not as prolific as it used to be)

Day 5

It's been five days since Mae has been her usual self.  Granted, today she really does feel and act better, despite the lingering hacking cough.  It's also been 5 days since either one of us has ventured out of the house (and going to/from school to get kids doesn't really count).  So today I am putting my foot down on this silly flu thing and Mae and I are going out!

Out of the house, I say!

I have a fabulous Jamba Juice coupon (that expires today) and I fully intend to use it!  How's that saying go....'starve a cold, feed a fever'?  Or is it 'feed a cold, starve a fever'?  Whatever, doesn't matter.  Jamba feeds the 'I've been confined inside for DAYS' part of the soul.  And so Mae and I are busting outta of this joint.  Watch out world, here we come.  No, really, watch out.  And to all those that are behind us in line, you should go ahead and get the immunity boost, just in case.

Sick Days

Today marks day 4 of Mae being sick with a off/on fever and cough.  She's logged a lot of couch and movie time.  A LOT.  Thanks to streaming Netflix, Mae has watched numerous movies.  As thankful as I am for Netflix and the ability to stream instant movies, I'm also ready for this to be over and for life to return to normal.

Here's the top ten things I've said countless times over the last 4 days.

1 - How are you feeling?
2 - Better?
3 - Let's take your temperature.
4 - Here, drink this.
5 - Are you drinking your water?
6 - Drink your water.
7 - Hungry?
8 - you need to eat something.
9  - What do you want to watch now?
10 - What movie is this? This is weird.

Simply The Best

My friend Amy makes the most amazing popcorn.  Like, EVER!!!!  She pops the kernels on the stove in her handy dandy stock pot along with a secret mixture of oil and salt (not that it's really a secret secret, it's just that I don't know).  When we get together for Friday afternoon play dates Amy inevitably brings her homemade popcorn.  And instead of watching my kids or talking with my friends, I usually end up scarfing up most of the popcorn.

It's sad really, my obsession with Amy's homemade popcorn.  I really should learn how to make it myself. Then I won't be so rude during play dates or neglect my children.  Maybe.

In the mean time I will console myself with the fact that popcorn is a vegetable.  It has to be!