During our late lunch this afternoon the boys started playing "The Quiet Game" against each other. Ryan said the loser should drink a half cup of lemon juice. Then he went about trying to lose the game. That boy loves lemons. Daddy saw the silly cheating going on and made up a rule that the loser would have to drink a juice of his choice. We all watched as Brett mixed together olive juice, a dash or two of green Tabasco sauce, some BBQ sauce, a little vinaigrette, and a few squirts of lemon juice. What started out as a little fun has become serious business! The house has never been so quiet. I'm pretty sure that I wasn't part of the game to begin with, but you better believe that this trap door won't be the first to open!
Update: Our house was quiet for over half an hour. A very strange, almost uncomfortable quiet, considering that all four of us were in the house, wide awake. Ryan did the best of all of us, retreating to his room and playing by himself. Finally, the pressure was too much for him. Brett and I watched Ryan come into the kitchen, dip a spoon into the glass waiting on the table, consider the taste . . . and drink it up. Todd, not wanting to be left out, sampled it as well. But it was Ryan who started and finished drinking the two tablespoons of Dad Juice. He followed it up with a loud, "Yay!" that had me and Brett busting up. Far from being the loser in this game, I think Ryan beat us all.
[Ryan said the Dad Juice really wasn't that bad, except for the taste of the BBQ sauce.]
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
A Case of the Lazy Mom
I try not to be. But more times than I care to admit, I have to admit I am a lazy mom. Case in point: teaching your child how to tie his own shoes. What is the appropriate age for a child to learn how to tie his shoes? I think they should start learning in kindergarten and be proficient maybe by first grade. This was true for my youngest. However, it is only true because he was motivated to learn. He asked for the skill to be demonstrated, watched, practiced, and exerted his independence by doing it himself (even if we were running a little late and I was ready to jump in and just get it done myself). My oldest is finally learning to tie his shoes, and he is (I am embarrassed to say) in the the fourth grade.Yikes! How did I let this happen? The answer--I'm lazy, of course. It was far too easy to keep buying velcro shoes. We have talked about needing to work on this skill together for years. I thought I was committed to making it happen this summer. I had a plan--a plan which quickly fell apart the moment summer began. Right before school started I bought Todd a pair of tie-shoes. We agreed that this was it. It was time for him to learn how to tie his own shoes. And he has. Only he is not using the traditional method. Brett recently taught the whole family a new way to tie our shoes. It is supposed to be much more effective at staying tied. I agree that it seems to be a stronger knot. It is a little awkward, but I prefer using it to tie my own sneakers. So while I am lazy, apparently you can teach an old dog some new tricks.
Monday, July 30, 2012
A Visit With Brett in Maine
I'm still on vacation. I'm currently with my parents in Kittery, Maine. What a summer we have had! I feel very fortunate and hope that I can share some photos to document our trip.
I am thrilled that we were able to have such a nice visit with my husband. Brett, a.k.a. "The Dude" has hiked over 1,800 miles on the Appalachian Trail (2,180 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine). He started from Springer Mountain five months ago. Now he has less than 300 miles to finish, which will take about three weeks. We picked him up and brought him back to my parents' house. He was about three hours away by car. Brett spent six days with the family resting and getting his gear back on track.
It was so good to see him, though I continued to be shocked by how much he has changed physically. I told him that it was reassuring that his voice didn't change, otherwise I may not have been able to recognize him. Eventually, I got used to the new him. It won't be nearly as strange being reunited with him when he finishes.
I wish that I were able to hike to the top of Katahdin to see Brett finish the trail, but I will be home by then. The boys will be starting school soon. We knew that if Brett took a week off to be with the family we would be gone by the time he finishes. But it was worth it to have the time together.
For a few photos of Brett on our visit, check out my blog with updates from Brett's A.T. adventure.
http://bretts-at-journal.blogspot.com/2012/07/sat-72112-fri-72712-kittery-me-family.html
I am thrilled that we were able to have such a nice visit with my husband. Brett, a.k.a. "The Dude" has hiked over 1,800 miles on the Appalachian Trail (2,180 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine). He started from Springer Mountain five months ago. Now he has less than 300 miles to finish, which will take about three weeks. We picked him up and brought him back to my parents' house. He was about three hours away by car. Brett spent six days with the family resting and getting his gear back on track.
It was so good to see him, though I continued to be shocked by how much he has changed physically. I told him that it was reassuring that his voice didn't change, otherwise I may not have been able to recognize him. Eventually, I got used to the new him. It won't be nearly as strange being reunited with him when he finishes.
I wish that I were able to hike to the top of Katahdin to see Brett finish the trail, but I will be home by then. The boys will be starting school soon. We knew that if Brett took a week off to be with the family we would be gone by the time he finishes. But it was worth it to have the time together.
For a few photos of Brett on our visit, check out my blog with updates from Brett's A.T. adventure.
http://bretts-at-journal.blogspot.com/2012/07/sat-72112-fri-72712-kittery-me-family.html
Saturday, June 30, 2012
More Like Daddy
I think Ryan has been hearing me talk about the similarities I see between him and dad. Lately, he has been asking me, "Who's more like Daddy? Me or Todd?" I try to give a politically-correct answer: "You're both half Mommy and half Daddy." Or, "You are both like Daddy in different ways." I can tell that it makes Ryan feel good to be like his dad. It is sweet. I really don't want to say something or make comparisons that will hurt Todd. But the truth is, sometimes it amazes me to see the similarities between Ryan and Brett.
Some similarities are physical. Both of the boys have blue eyes like their dad. But Ryan's hands are Brett's--big palms and solid fingers. Todd has longer, thinner fingers--perfect for the piano. Ryan's toes are also just like Brett's. He can spread his toes out like Brett. Ryan is proud of this skill, and thinks it's so funny that I can't control or spread out my toes at all. Poor Todd has untalented toes like Mom. Ryan has pointed out that even his belly button is like Brett's "Grand Canyon" belly button.
More than the eyes, hands, and fingers, I continue to marvel at Ryan's curiosity. He approaches things just like Brett. I have mentioned before how Ryan will quickly lose interest in toys or board games. But he can spend forever looking through a junk drawer, playing with a gadget or some other thingamajig. Before we left on vacation, Oma gave the boys some money to spend. After a trip to Walmart, Ryan spent the next week begging me to take him back so he could buy something he saw there. He was relentless. He was thrilled when we finally went back and he bought his prize--a small LED laser pointer/flashlight combo.
While we were at the rodeo, I thought of something else. Neither of my boys likes to be in front of a crowd. But while Todd is shy and a quiet talker even one-on-one, Ryan has no problem striking up a conversation with a stranger. Brett gets sick at the thought of talking in front of a group, but has no problem one-on-one, even with people he has never met. On the plane ride out here, Ryan is the one who told the missionaries in front of us, "Hi. We're Mormon, too." At the rodeo, Ryan jumped right up by himself to get the autograph. He also made friends with the kids behind us. At the parade this morning, Ryan asked the man next to us to pet his dog. Todd and I are much more likely to sit back and keep our questions to ourselves rather than approach a stranger.
Ryan also has a little of the wild in him. He will try a crazy stunt. Just this week Uncle Mike was telling the boys about how he remembers Brett wanting to try out the bark shock collar they had for their dog. After trying it on the low setting, Brett asked him to turn it up higher. And higher, until it hurt. Would Todd do this? No. Ryan thinks fire, fireworks, and the like are cool and exciting. He would love for me to give him free reign to experiment with these things. (No on your life!) Todd approaches life with more caution (like his Mom).
I find the differences and similarities in people an exciting thing to observe. I hope that as I continue to observe my boys that I will be able to see more ways that Todd takes after Brett and Ryan takes after me. I also hope to see ways in which they are uniquely themselves.
Some similarities are physical. Both of the boys have blue eyes like their dad. But Ryan's hands are Brett's--big palms and solid fingers. Todd has longer, thinner fingers--perfect for the piano. Ryan's toes are also just like Brett's. He can spread his toes out like Brett. Ryan is proud of this skill, and thinks it's so funny that I can't control or spread out my toes at all. Poor Todd has untalented toes like Mom. Ryan has pointed out that even his belly button is like Brett's "Grand Canyon" belly button.
More than the eyes, hands, and fingers, I continue to marvel at Ryan's curiosity. He approaches things just like Brett. I have mentioned before how Ryan will quickly lose interest in toys or board games. But he can spend forever looking through a junk drawer, playing with a gadget or some other thingamajig. Before we left on vacation, Oma gave the boys some money to spend. After a trip to Walmart, Ryan spent the next week begging me to take him back so he could buy something he saw there. He was relentless. He was thrilled when we finally went back and he bought his prize--a small LED laser pointer/flashlight combo.
While we were at the rodeo, I thought of something else. Neither of my boys likes to be in front of a crowd. But while Todd is shy and a quiet talker even one-on-one, Ryan has no problem striking up a conversation with a stranger. Brett gets sick at the thought of talking in front of a group, but has no problem one-on-one, even with people he has never met. On the plane ride out here, Ryan is the one who told the missionaries in front of us, "Hi. We're Mormon, too." At the rodeo, Ryan jumped right up by himself to get the autograph. He also made friends with the kids behind us. At the parade this morning, Ryan asked the man next to us to pet his dog. Todd and I are much more likely to sit back and keep our questions to ourselves rather than approach a stranger.
Ryan also has a little of the wild in him. He will try a crazy stunt. Just this week Uncle Mike was telling the boys about how he remembers Brett wanting to try out the bark shock collar they had for their dog. After trying it on the low setting, Brett asked him to turn it up higher. And higher, until it hurt. Would Todd do this? No. Ryan thinks fire, fireworks, and the like are cool and exciting. He would love for me to give him free reign to experiment with these things. (No on your life!) Todd approaches life with more caution (like his Mom).
I find the differences and similarities in people an exciting thing to observe. I hope that as I continue to observe my boys that I will be able to see more ways that Todd takes after Brett and Ryan takes after me. I also hope to see ways in which they are uniquely themselves.
Rodeo Cowboys
We have been in Utah doing lots of fun activities for the past two weeks. Maybe I can post pictures. This week the boys and I experienced our first rodeo, the Lehi Rodeo Roundup. We bought our tickets a week ago and have been looking forward to it. I thought it was a lot of fun, and I think the boys did, too. I missed the memo that I needed to curl my hair, put on a fun top, and wear my jeans, cowboy boots, and hat, of course.
I was quite impressed with the participants, including the rodeo royalty who rode their horses around the arena between each event carrying a flag/banner of one of their sponsors. There was one girl who was flying each time she went around.
I was also impressed with the cowboys I saw both in the arena and in the stands. I didn't realize I was such a sucker for strong, good-looking, country cowboys. But they were everywhere. Sadly, there were two injuries in the rodeo. Both of the guys were able to walk out, but I wonder how serious the injuries were. I hope they are okay. Although I just admitted to being a sucker for a nice cowboy, I really wouldn't want to see my man competing in a rodeo.
The boys also enjoyed watching the motorcross riders doing their stunts and crazy jumps. (Another activity I wouldn't want to watch my man doing.) While they were clearing the equipment from the stund riders there were some rodeo princesses signing autographs. We were only in the second row and Ryan hopped down and got in line with the other kids to get an autograph. Another part of the fun and excitement.
Ryan asked if we could go see the rodeo again tonight. Tempting.
I was quite impressed with the participants, including the rodeo royalty who rode their horses around the arena between each event carrying a flag/banner of one of their sponsors. There was one girl who was flying each time she went around.
I was also impressed with the cowboys I saw both in the arena and in the stands. I didn't realize I was such a sucker for strong, good-looking, country cowboys. But they were everywhere. Sadly, there were two injuries in the rodeo. Both of the guys were able to walk out, but I wonder how serious the injuries were. I hope they are okay. Although I just admitted to being a sucker for a nice cowboy, I really wouldn't want to see my man competing in a rodeo.
The boys also enjoyed watching the motorcross riders doing their stunts and crazy jumps. (Another activity I wouldn't want to watch my man doing.) While they were clearing the equipment from the stund riders there were some rodeo princesses signing autographs. We were only in the second row and Ryan hopped down and got in line with the other kids to get an autograph. Another part of the fun and excitement.
Ryan asked if we could go see the rodeo again tonight. Tempting.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Marry Someone Nice
This afternoon the boys and I were discussing our up-coming vacation, including my brother's wedding. I told the boys that they would be getting a new aunt, Aunt Sherree. Ryan asked if they would call her Aunt Sherree when they met her (before my brother gets married). Ryan suggested that maybe he would just call her Sherree until they were married. I told him he could call her Aunt Sherree from the beginning. Ryan agreed saying, "Yeah. I don't think she'll mind. I think she's probably nice." I told him that I was sure she was nice. James is so nice; there's no way my brother would marry someone who isn't nice too. I went on to say how great it was that the people in my family married such nice people. I started listing examples: Dave married the very nice Amy; Don the nice Kerri; Lisa, the nice Mike. Ryan interrupted, "And Daddy married someone really nice, too."
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Same But Different
Today during church I couldn't help but notice how my boys entertain themselves in such different ways, indicative of their different personalities.
Ryan is quite the snuggler, and having his mother sit still for a full hour invites his attention. Today was no exception, and for most of the meeting Ryan was leaning against me or had his arm around me. Ryan also spent some time doodling. This, naturally, led to taking apart his pen, playing with the insides, putting it together without the grip, playing with the grip, taking the pen apart again, and finally assembling it back properly. Next, he investigated my pencil case, saving a piece of gum for after the meeting, straightening a paper clip, twisting it around, breaking it in two, and he finished off by playing with two thumb tacks.
Todd loves games. We have two small dry-erase board notebooks from the Dollar Tree. They were Christmas presents from my nieces. These notebooks are perfect for church. The past few weeks Todd has tried to initiate a game of hangman with me or Ryan and has ended up frustrated when neither of us would play. Ryan simply isn't that interested. I try to tell Todd that I will play a game with him at home, but when I come to church I want to listen to the message. Playing hangman is a little too distracting for me. Todd will often ask me to come up with a page full of math problems for him to work on. It used to be addition or subtraction. These days he asks for multiplication problems with a few division problems thrown in for fun. Today Todd used the dot-to-dot page in his wipeable notebook to make mazes. He still wanted to play a game with me, but it wasn't that distracting because it took him so long to create the maze. I was able to do the maze pretty quickly and without talking. The first few mazes Todd made were pretty simple. Then Todd had to make it more challenging, similar to a video game. First I had to get the shield, then I could go back and make it through the poison traps without getting killed.
Despite their differences, Todd and Ryan can play together nicely. Sure, they have their moments when they need a break from each other or when they are interested in doing different activities. More often than not, they realize that having a brother to play with is a great thing. This morning while I was getting ready for church the boys built a blanket fort in the family room. Since it has turned out to be a day of non-stop rain, I am glad that I let the boys keep the fort up. They have been playing together for the past hour since lunch--speaking kindly and fairly softly, cooperating with their plans and games, and using their imagination.
Watching them and listening to them play together warms my heart. I am so grateful that they are so close in age (16.5 months) and that they have continued to be buddies. My hope for them is that they will continue to be great friends as they get older--especially in high school when differences can drive people apart so easily. As adults it can be easier to recognize the value in having people who approach the world from a different perspective. I hope that each of my boys will appreciate their differences and see the strengths and value in his brother.
Ryan is quite the snuggler, and having his mother sit still for a full hour invites his attention. Today was no exception, and for most of the meeting Ryan was leaning against me or had his arm around me. Ryan also spent some time doodling. This, naturally, led to taking apart his pen, playing with the insides, putting it together without the grip, playing with the grip, taking the pen apart again, and finally assembling it back properly. Next, he investigated my pencil case, saving a piece of gum for after the meeting, straightening a paper clip, twisting it around, breaking it in two, and he finished off by playing with two thumb tacks.
Todd loves games. We have two small dry-erase board notebooks from the Dollar Tree. They were Christmas presents from my nieces. These notebooks are perfect for church. The past few weeks Todd has tried to initiate a game of hangman with me or Ryan and has ended up frustrated when neither of us would play. Ryan simply isn't that interested. I try to tell Todd that I will play a game with him at home, but when I come to church I want to listen to the message. Playing hangman is a little too distracting for me. Todd will often ask me to come up with a page full of math problems for him to work on. It used to be addition or subtraction. These days he asks for multiplication problems with a few division problems thrown in for fun. Today Todd used the dot-to-dot page in his wipeable notebook to make mazes. He still wanted to play a game with me, but it wasn't that distracting because it took him so long to create the maze. I was able to do the maze pretty quickly and without talking. The first few mazes Todd made were pretty simple. Then Todd had to make it more challenging, similar to a video game. First I had to get the shield, then I could go back and make it through the poison traps without getting killed.
Despite their differences, Todd and Ryan can play together nicely. Sure, they have their moments when they need a break from each other or when they are interested in doing different activities. More often than not, they realize that having a brother to play with is a great thing. This morning while I was getting ready for church the boys built a blanket fort in the family room. Since it has turned out to be a day of non-stop rain, I am glad that I let the boys keep the fort up. They have been playing together for the past hour since lunch--speaking kindly and fairly softly, cooperating with their plans and games, and using their imagination.
Watching them and listening to them play together warms my heart. I am so grateful that they are so close in age (16.5 months) and that they have continued to be buddies. My hope for them is that they will continue to be great friends as they get older--especially in high school when differences can drive people apart so easily. As adults it can be easier to recognize the value in having people who approach the world from a different perspective. I hope that each of my boys will appreciate their differences and see the strengths and value in his brother.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Bad Guys and Good Boys
[A morning conversation with Ryan.]
Ryan: When I was little I used to think that no bad guys lived in Florida.
Mom: What do you think now?
Ryan: Bad guys can live anywhere. Even in jail. Like they might try to knock down the door or something to get out.
On a happier note, I just thought of another benefit of not having a very large home. The first and foremost benefit is that there is less to clean. I struggle enough as it is. Another benefit is that I pass by the boys' bedrooms on the way to my own. Were that not the case, I might miss out on glancing at them as I pass by multiple times each night after they have fallen asleep. The boys sleep with their bedroom doors open, and I love to see them sprawled out or sweetly snuggled in their covers.
Ryan: When I was little I used to think that no bad guys lived in Florida.
Mom: What do you think now?
Ryan: Bad guys can live anywhere. Even in jail. Like they might try to knock down the door or something to get out.
On a happier note, I just thought of another benefit of not having a very large home. The first and foremost benefit is that there is less to clean. I struggle enough as it is. Another benefit is that I pass by the boys' bedrooms on the way to my own. Were that not the case, I might miss out on glancing at them as I pass by multiple times each night after they have fallen asleep. The boys sleep with their bedroom doors open, and I love to see them sprawled out or sweetly snuggled in their covers.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
For Brett From Home (5/30/12)
I never put up the hummingbird feeder. In fact, I never refilled any of the feeders. I think I didn't want to get their hopes up only to disappoint them when I leave. (Good excuse, no?) I think it's cool that the wrens nested in our garage twice this year. I think there were three babies this time. They left the nest last Thursday, and on Friday there was still one left in the garage. It looked like Momma wren was still coming in and feeding the bird, but the baby couldn't figure its way out. I figured I would let them work it out on their own, but when the baby still hadn't left the garage on Saturday I finally opened the back door a crack. It didn't take long before the baby was outside. I heard the birds chirping around the yard for the rest of the weekend, but I haven't seen them since. I have seen a Rufous-Sided Towhee hopping around the back yard a few times. I think the coloring on those birds is quite striking, so I have been excited to see it so often. It's been a few years. [Apparently the bird formerly known as the rufous-sided towhee is now the Eastern Towhee. Thank you, Wikipedia.]
I am looking forward to seeing my family soon. As always I panicked before purchasing the plane ticket. It is so expensive to travel. Even though I knew that there was no way around it--it was going to cost what it was going to cost--I wished that you were here that night to encourage me to go ahead and press "Purchase Ticket." It was after 10:00pm and there was no one that I could call to calm me. Even if you were home you would probably have been asleep; I would have woken you up to ask you if I should go ahead and purchase the tickets; and you would have been a little annoyed with me. I always freak out with big expenses. But, I really feel like it is worth the expense to spend this time with my family, to meet my brother's bride and see him get married, and to see you as well.
I started going through the book about New England that I picked up from the used book store. As I looked through it, I decided that I am going to encourage my boys to do a little extra study to go along with our excursions. I started compiling a reading list for them including some books by local authors as well as the history behind some of the places we will be visiting. I plan on doing this for both Utah and New England. Todd's teacher just told him today that she expects her students to read 33 hours over the summer. That averages to about 3 hours a week. We are hoping that he has the same teacher for next year, and I would love for him to be able to report back that he continued to read. I also think it will be good for Ryan to have a reading goal this summer.
I have big plans to keep Todd busy learning this summer. I think I already told you that his teacher wants to work with him via e-mail and online to get ahead on the fourth grade math and hopefully finish the book this summer. And I would like to pick up where we left off on some piano lessons. Lofty goals we have.
I am looking forward to having a girls night out (just dinner at this point) with Jen, Donna, and Anne, for my birthday Friday night. I drove by Coach-N-Four earlier this month. It made me miss you and the birthday dinner you might have treated me to. Actually, I really enjoyed my birthday dinner at the Boathouse last year. That was a lovely evening.
I love that I have been able to talk and hang out with Jen more. I really enjoy having her live close. Jen took me and the boys out for a Mother's Day (Eve) movie. ["Chimpanzee" was a great choice for our diverse group--young, oldish, male, female.] It meant so much to hear Jen tell me that I was one of her favorite mothers. It literally brought tears to my ears to feel her sincerity when she said that.(Especially after a tough week when I felt like my new neighbors maybe didn't respect my parenting much. What do they know, anyway?)
I feel like my brain has been a little fried lately. I have not done nearly as well keeping up with my updates as I would like. But I think about you all the time. I get excited to share your story with people who ask about you. I really am so proud of you and what you are accomplishing. Sometimes I probably gush too much, but I can't help it. You are very cool, and I have enjoyed following you on this adventure.
I am looking forward to seeing my family soon. As always I panicked before purchasing the plane ticket. It is so expensive to travel. Even though I knew that there was no way around it--it was going to cost what it was going to cost--I wished that you were here that night to encourage me to go ahead and press "Purchase Ticket." It was after 10:00pm and there was no one that I could call to calm me. Even if you were home you would probably have been asleep; I would have woken you up to ask you if I should go ahead and purchase the tickets; and you would have been a little annoyed with me. I always freak out with big expenses. But, I really feel like it is worth the expense to spend this time with my family, to meet my brother's bride and see him get married, and to see you as well.
I started going through the book about New England that I picked up from the used book store. As I looked through it, I decided that I am going to encourage my boys to do a little extra study to go along with our excursions. I started compiling a reading list for them including some books by local authors as well as the history behind some of the places we will be visiting. I plan on doing this for both Utah and New England. Todd's teacher just told him today that she expects her students to read 33 hours over the summer. That averages to about 3 hours a week. We are hoping that he has the same teacher for next year, and I would love for him to be able to report back that he continued to read. I also think it will be good for Ryan to have a reading goal this summer.
I have big plans to keep Todd busy learning this summer. I think I already told you that his teacher wants to work with him via e-mail and online to get ahead on the fourth grade math and hopefully finish the book this summer. And I would like to pick up where we left off on some piano lessons. Lofty goals we have.
I am looking forward to having a girls night out (just dinner at this point) with Jen, Donna, and Anne, for my birthday Friday night. I drove by Coach-N-Four earlier this month. It made me miss you and the birthday dinner you might have treated me to. Actually, I really enjoyed my birthday dinner at the Boathouse last year. That was a lovely evening.
I love that I have been able to talk and hang out with Jen more. I really enjoy having her live close. Jen took me and the boys out for a Mother's Day (Eve) movie. ["Chimpanzee" was a great choice for our diverse group--young, oldish, male, female.] It meant so much to hear Jen tell me that I was one of her favorite mothers. It literally brought tears to my ears to feel her sincerity when she said that.(Especially after a tough week when I felt like my new neighbors maybe didn't respect my parenting much. What do they know, anyway?)
I feel like my brain has been a little fried lately. I have not done nearly as well keeping up with my updates as I would like. But I think about you all the time. I get excited to share your story with people who ask about you. I really am so proud of you and what you are accomplishing. Sometimes I probably gush too much, but I can't help it. You are very cool, and I have enjoyed following you on this adventure.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
For Brett From Home (5/22/12)
Well, it has happened--I got computer help from my nine-year-old son. After seeing me struggle for a little while on the computer, Todd came in and fixed the problem for me. Don't ask me how it happened, but the desktop was rotated 90 degrees. Which means that working the mouse felt off as well. I'm still not sure how he knew the solution so quickly, but I was grateful that he helped me out before I got frustrated.
I was also paid a nice compliment on Ryan's behalf at school last week. The mom who comes in for Smiley Math (a once-a-week volunteer-run program that gives kids the opportunity to earn points by working out logic problems, etc.) chatted with me in the library. There was a calendar-related problem on their last worksheet, and she was impressed with the unique method Ryan used to solve the problem (relabeling the days of the week to calculate the question more quickly). She said Ryan was the only one who approached the problem differently and it really showed "thinking outside the box." I often get frustrated that Ryan goes through his work so quickly (and sloppily). She pointed that his desire to get done quickly helped him come up with an easier (and still correct) solution. It was a good reminder for me to look for the positive qualities in my children and not just be quick to criticize when things are not done my way.
I am finding it hard to eat up the food in the fridge and freezer before summer. I am simply not cooking like I do with you at home. (I would miss cooking more if it weren't for the baseball schedule.) My lazy protein has been cooking with eggs, quite often. A typical late breakfast or lunch for me is an open-faced fried egg sandwich with Cheddar on an English muffin. Mmmm. I have also been known to cook that for dinner when the boys eat at your mom's. It's also good as an after-the-boys-are-in-bed supper. It's good anytime of day!
I missed the roses blooming on the side of the house this year. I just didn't take the time to check on them. I didn't miss out on the hydrangeas. They are full of blooms and I have enjoyed cutting them and keeping a vase of them in the kitchen. I have vase full of beautiful blue blooms right now. I love them! I am also enjoying the gardenias. They don't last too long before they start wilting (inside or out), but they smell so sweet. I love them, too! I also love my pink Gerber daisies, though they are not producing as many blooms these days. I started quizzing the boys on the flowers I kept inside, just so they would know what some of Mommy's favorites are.
You'll never believe what I saw about two weeks ago: I drove by a young man rollerblading on Forest Rd. with his dog! After ten years of rollerblading with my dog in this neighborhood and a few more years in our previous neighborhood it was fun to see someone else enjoying this form of exercise.
I have been more cautious with Copper, though he has run off a few more times. Once, he ran off in the rain?!? But this last week has been good. I have also been trying to play Frisbee with him more, now that he will finally run for me. He gets so excited when he sees his toy come out. He doesn't even mind if the boys play too.
The wrens nested again in the very same spot. The babies just left the nest this afternoon. I think there were three fledglings. They were making a ruckus during my piano lessons. I explained to Todd and Ryan the conversations that were taking place between Mommy or Daddy Wren and the babies.
Mommy/Daddy Wren: Dinnertime, dinnertime, dinnertime. Where are you? Where are you? Where are you?
Babies: Food! Food! Food! Here we are! Here we are! Here we are!
Of course, it was much cuter when I was using little birdy voices to act it out. Todd, especially, liked it.
I was a little afraid of opening the garage door and moving the car out to go to baseball practice this afternoon. I didn't want to run over one of them. So I had Todd keep watch for me, and I think it worked out just fine. I have enjoyed watching the wrens this last week and it really made me miss you.
I was also paid a nice compliment on Ryan's behalf at school last week. The mom who comes in for Smiley Math (a once-a-week volunteer-run program that gives kids the opportunity to earn points by working out logic problems, etc.) chatted with me in the library. There was a calendar-related problem on their last worksheet, and she was impressed with the unique method Ryan used to solve the problem (relabeling the days of the week to calculate the question more quickly). She said Ryan was the only one who approached the problem differently and it really showed "thinking outside the box." I often get frustrated that Ryan goes through his work so quickly (and sloppily). She pointed that his desire to get done quickly helped him come up with an easier (and still correct) solution. It was a good reminder for me to look for the positive qualities in my children and not just be quick to criticize when things are not done my way.
I am finding it hard to eat up the food in the fridge and freezer before summer. I am simply not cooking like I do with you at home. (I would miss cooking more if it weren't for the baseball schedule.) My lazy protein has been cooking with eggs, quite often. A typical late breakfast or lunch for me is an open-faced fried egg sandwich with Cheddar on an English muffin. Mmmm. I have also been known to cook that for dinner when the boys eat at your mom's. It's also good as an after-the-boys-are-in-bed supper. It's good anytime of day!
I missed the roses blooming on the side of the house this year. I just didn't take the time to check on them. I didn't miss out on the hydrangeas. They are full of blooms and I have enjoyed cutting them and keeping a vase of them in the kitchen. I have vase full of beautiful blue blooms right now. I love them! I am also enjoying the gardenias. They don't last too long before they start wilting (inside or out), but they smell so sweet. I love them, too! I also love my pink Gerber daisies, though they are not producing as many blooms these days. I started quizzing the boys on the flowers I kept inside, just so they would know what some of Mommy's favorites are.
You'll never believe what I saw about two weeks ago: I drove by a young man rollerblading on Forest Rd. with his dog! After ten years of rollerblading with my dog in this neighborhood and a few more years in our previous neighborhood it was fun to see someone else enjoying this form of exercise.
I have been more cautious with Copper, though he has run off a few more times. Once, he ran off in the rain?!? But this last week has been good. I have also been trying to play Frisbee with him more, now that he will finally run for me. He gets so excited when he sees his toy come out. He doesn't even mind if the boys play too.
The wrens nested again in the very same spot. The babies just left the nest this afternoon. I think there were three fledglings. They were making a ruckus during my piano lessons. I explained to Todd and Ryan the conversations that were taking place between Mommy or Daddy Wren and the babies.
Mommy/Daddy Wren: Dinnertime, dinnertime, dinnertime. Where are you? Where are you? Where are you?
Babies: Food! Food! Food! Here we are! Here we are! Here we are!
Of course, it was much cuter when I was using little birdy voices to act it out. Todd, especially, liked it.
I was a little afraid of opening the garage door and moving the car out to go to baseball practice this afternoon. I didn't want to run over one of them. So I had Todd keep watch for me, and I think it worked out just fine. I have enjoyed watching the wrens this last week and it really made me miss you.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Photo Challenge #9 - Music
Unofficial Holidays
Happy Star Wars Day!
Did you just say, "Huh"? Or am I the only one who has never heard of this before? I was greeted with multiple Star Wars greetings today on Facebook. Time to set in the Mom guilt. I haven't planned my food and entertainment around the movies. A missed opportunity for fun family together time. I feel a little better knowing that the dog on dogpile.com didn't dress up as Luke Skywalker. It can't be a real holiday if he doesn't acknowledge it.
What makes today Stars Wars Day? Thankfully, there were clues: "May the Fourth be with you." Apparently, Star Wars is not on my radar much. Although just yesterday I was thinking that when I vacuum my kitchen doormat it sounds just like Chewbacca.
Tomorrow, of course, is Cinco de Mayo. Another opportunity to plan my food and entertainment for fun family together time. I'll have to check to see if dopile dresses up for that one. I wasn't planning on doing anything special, but on the way home from baseball tonight Todd asked me if we could have tacos for dinner tomorrow. After all, it is Eat Mexican Night.
Before Stars Wars Day came along, there was March Fourth. I liked the idea of a family coming up with goals together and Marching Forth to accomplish them. But, I always let the day pass without doing anything.
Do I sound a little cynical? Do I sound like I am not a fan of holidays? On the contrary, I like celebrating holidays and having traditions. I like making special homemade cakes for family birthdays. I like having fun family together time. I just have a hard time adding anything extra fun and cutesy to our regular routine. And that makes me a little sad.
Did you just say, "Huh"? Or am I the only one who has never heard of this before? I was greeted with multiple Star Wars greetings today on Facebook. Time to set in the Mom guilt. I haven't planned my food and entertainment around the movies. A missed opportunity for fun family together time. I feel a little better knowing that the dog on dogpile.com didn't dress up as Luke Skywalker. It can't be a real holiday if he doesn't acknowledge it.
What makes today Stars Wars Day? Thankfully, there were clues: "May the Fourth be with you." Apparently, Star Wars is not on my radar much. Although just yesterday I was thinking that when I vacuum my kitchen doormat it sounds just like Chewbacca.
Tomorrow, of course, is Cinco de Mayo. Another opportunity to plan my food and entertainment for fun family together time. I'll have to check to see if dopile dresses up for that one. I wasn't planning on doing anything special, but on the way home from baseball tonight Todd asked me if we could have tacos for dinner tomorrow. After all, it is Eat Mexican Night.
Before Stars Wars Day came along, there was March Fourth. I liked the idea of a family coming up with goals together and Marching Forth to accomplish them. But, I always let the day pass without doing anything.
Do I sound a little cynical? Do I sound like I am not a fan of holidays? On the contrary, I like celebrating holidays and having traditions. I like making special homemade cakes for family birthdays. I like having fun family together time. I just have a hard time adding anything extra fun and cutesy to our regular routine. And that makes me a little sad.
For Brett, From Becca (5/4/12)
This week has flown by for me. We continue our day-to-day routine. This week has been busy with field day activities for the boys. Todd was able to participate on two different days: once for third grade and once for fourth grade. Both boys participated individually in the hurdles. Todd got first place in the Third Grade boys race and Ryan got second place in the First Grade boys race. All of the classes were very competitive when it came to the Tug-of-War. That is my favorite event to watch. The three-legged race has always been favorite event to participate in, and I was pleased that both of the boys let me race with them during the parent participation portion of field day. I would even say that we did a pretty great job (except when Todd paused to say to hi to his spectator brother and friends when we were turning back around).
Ryan begged me to check him out of school after field day today. Many parents check their kids out. About half his class was gone. But I had things that I wanted to do at home. And I honestly think those low-work days when half the class is gone are some of the best. Ryan came home off the bus so cheerful and happy. He clearly had fun this afternoon. It made me feel good to hear him say, "Thanks for not checking me out from school." They celebrated Cinco de Mayo with some snacks and got to watch a movie. I am sure he wouldn't have had so much fun at home.
I enjoyed meeting with Todd's teacher about completing the Fourth Grade math book this summer. It may mean more work for me keeping up with his assignments and tests and encouraging him to continue to make progress. But what else will I be doing? I am also going to try to keep the boys reading this summer. They usually do a good job, but being away from home we will have to make a point to plan reading time into our activities. Vacations are great, but I don't want them to regress too much. And it would be great if they could advance even a little.
I finally had to turn on the air conditioner this week. I held off for as long as I could. There are some times of day when it's not so bad, but it's getting humid also. Today was especially humid. The sun wasn't so strong during Ryan's field day, but it was so humid that I still felt like I was melting.
We had a bit of a downpour last night. I had already been thinking it was time to check the gutters again, and last night confirmed it. Actually, last night I realized that I should have checked the gutters last week. I will work on cleaning them out this weekend. It will be a new experience for me.
Besides being here to clean out gutters and do all the rest of the outdoor maintenance, I also miss being able to call on you to be my bug killer. I had to kill a cockroach last week in the bathroom. I'm sure it would have been very funny to any onlookers. Although, if there were anyone around watching (and laughing) I am sure I would have enlisted their help.
The sago palm is starting to look kind of freaky in an almost obscene way. I'll post a picture later. I'm sorry if you are disappointed about it splitting.
Yesterday the boys and I finally reached our goal of reading scriptures 20 days in a row (110 days this year). We almost didn't make it a couple of times, but we were determined to succeed. We've only reached 20 days in a row once before. We reached our 10 days in a row goal twice before, and I rewarded the boys with a Dairy Queen trip. This time I told the boys they had to reach 20 days before they could earn their DQ trip. If we make it to 25 days in a row they will earn a movie night. On our way for ice cream yesterday I remembered the new frozen yogurt store, Top This. The boys were excited about trying it. It was not as "heavy" as DQ and the boys got to pick out their own toppings. It totally hit the spot.
I made some lentil soup this week. It was so delicious. Ryan loved it too. I will definitely be making it again. Do you think you would eat it? I also made kale chips. They kind of taste like a broccoli, but are light and crispy and almost disintegrate in your mouth. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.
Copper ran off on me again this morning even though he got a nice golf course run last night. This is the first time he has run off when I let him out for his morning pee before school. He didn't even wait for us to take him to the bus. I was scrambling to get the boys ready for school and I was trying to get myself ready to attend field day. I couldn't start looking for him until after I got the boys on the bus. I drove around the usual streets with no luck. I asked Mark if he could keep an eye out for Copper while I was at field day, but I decided to stop by the house again. I was just in time to receive a phone call from a woman on Kildare who found him. I don't know what he was doing over there or what prompted him to leave this morning.
I picked up a German book from Goodwill about two weeks ago. I've been flipping through it from time to time. I would love to be able to teach myself enough German to be able to get by on my next trip (2013??).
I'm happy to hear that you seem to be doing a little better on the trail. I really don't want you to give up. I think it you can just get through Virginia it will be a little easier. I'm so proud of you!
Ryan begged me to check him out of school after field day today. Many parents check their kids out. About half his class was gone. But I had things that I wanted to do at home. And I honestly think those low-work days when half the class is gone are some of the best. Ryan came home off the bus so cheerful and happy. He clearly had fun this afternoon. It made me feel good to hear him say, "Thanks for not checking me out from school." They celebrated Cinco de Mayo with some snacks and got to watch a movie. I am sure he wouldn't have had so much fun at home.
I enjoyed meeting with Todd's teacher about completing the Fourth Grade math book this summer. It may mean more work for me keeping up with his assignments and tests and encouraging him to continue to make progress. But what else will I be doing? I am also going to try to keep the boys reading this summer. They usually do a good job, but being away from home we will have to make a point to plan reading time into our activities. Vacations are great, but I don't want them to regress too much. And it would be great if they could advance even a little.
I finally had to turn on the air conditioner this week. I held off for as long as I could. There are some times of day when it's not so bad, but it's getting humid also. Today was especially humid. The sun wasn't so strong during Ryan's field day, but it was so humid that I still felt like I was melting.
We had a bit of a downpour last night. I had already been thinking it was time to check the gutters again, and last night confirmed it. Actually, last night I realized that I should have checked the gutters last week. I will work on cleaning them out this weekend. It will be a new experience for me.
Besides being here to clean out gutters and do all the rest of the outdoor maintenance, I also miss being able to call on you to be my bug killer. I had to kill a cockroach last week in the bathroom. I'm sure it would have been very funny to any onlookers. Although, if there were anyone around watching (and laughing) I am sure I would have enlisted their help.
The sago palm is starting to look kind of freaky in an almost obscene way. I'll post a picture later. I'm sorry if you are disappointed about it splitting.
Yesterday the boys and I finally reached our goal of reading scriptures 20 days in a row (110 days this year). We almost didn't make it a couple of times, but we were determined to succeed. We've only reached 20 days in a row once before. We reached our 10 days in a row goal twice before, and I rewarded the boys with a Dairy Queen trip. This time I told the boys they had to reach 20 days before they could earn their DQ trip. If we make it to 25 days in a row they will earn a movie night. On our way for ice cream yesterday I remembered the new frozen yogurt store, Top This. The boys were excited about trying it. It was not as "heavy" as DQ and the boys got to pick out their own toppings. It totally hit the spot.
I made some lentil soup this week. It was so delicious. Ryan loved it too. I will definitely be making it again. Do you think you would eat it? I also made kale chips. They kind of taste like a broccoli, but are light and crispy and almost disintegrate in your mouth. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.
Copper ran off on me again this morning even though he got a nice golf course run last night. This is the first time he has run off when I let him out for his morning pee before school. He didn't even wait for us to take him to the bus. I was scrambling to get the boys ready for school and I was trying to get myself ready to attend field day. I couldn't start looking for him until after I got the boys on the bus. I drove around the usual streets with no luck. I asked Mark if he could keep an eye out for Copper while I was at field day, but I decided to stop by the house again. I was just in time to receive a phone call from a woman on Kildare who found him. I don't know what he was doing over there or what prompted him to leave this morning.
I picked up a German book from Goodwill about two weeks ago. I've been flipping through it from time to time. I would love to be able to teach myself enough German to be able to get by on my next trip (2013??).
I'm happy to hear that you seem to be doing a little better on the trail. I really don't want you to give up. I think it you can just get through Virginia it will be a little easier. I'm so proud of you!
For Brett From Home (5/1/12)
I said "Rabbit, rabbit" yesterday morning, only to realize that it wasn't the first day of the month. Then, I forgot this morning. I think. I don't actually remember. Do you think it counts if I said it a day early?
Do you remember how we used to comment that we always seemed to catch a glance at the clock at a specific time? Your clock time was "7:06"; mine was "12:34". I still seem to glance at the clock at "12:34" quite often. I like it because it always makes me think of you. It's a happy-thought surprise in the middle of the day.
Do you remember how we used to comment that we always seemed to catch a glance at the clock at a specific time? Your clock time was "7:06"; mine was "12:34". I still seem to glance at the clock at "12:34" quite often. I like it because it always makes me think of you. It's a happy-thought surprise in the middle of the day.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
For Brett From Home (4/24/12)
I miss having you around to share my little nothing-happenings. However, it has been kind of fun recording these daily thoughts. Years from now it will be interesting to see what concerned me and what I thought about.
I mentioned on the phone that the sago palm is splitting. It is forming two cones. It isn't the sago palm right by the mailbox as I first told you. It is the one closest to Bobby's yard.
The lawn mower is working well enough that your dad was able to use it today. It still has troubles though. I'm not sure what the diagnosis is, but the motor keeps dying. I blew off the back patio and your dad successfully mowed our yard yesterday. Hooray! Hopefully the oaks are almost done dropping. I will make a point to check the gutters and clean them out soon.
We finally got some good rain last Tuesday. We needed it. It was pouring hard for at least a half hour right after the boys got on the bus. I would like to have been curled up in bed, but no such luck. It was kind of a cozy, snuggle-up rain. I don't suppose you have that same feeling about rain these days.
We got more rain on Saturday. Since then the temperature has dropped, and it has been quite nice, although windy. The wind chimes were so loud on Sunday when Jen was over that she shut the sliding glass door. She said she felt like she had to yell to talk to me. I was thinking about you all day today wondering how cold you have been. I heard that had some snow in New England.
The spring weather has been beautiful lately. There have been a few days (today included) when I would really like to have driven the Mustang. I'll just have to wait until you're back in the fall and make a point to drive it then.
The boys are still not getting to bed with any regularity. It would drive you crazy. There was one day last week when Ryan just didn't wake up on his own. He was completely out of it, and I felt so bad for his tired little body that I let him sleep in until 7:45am. I finally had to go in and wake him up. He was thrown off by the fact that he had slept in past the time that the bus is supposed to come. It made him a little grumpy until he discovered that I had decided that all of the boys would just be car riders that morning.
I have also not been going to bed well (big surprise!). I am not staying up past Midnight; my bedtime has been more like 11:30pm. But the six or seven hours of sleep I get each night just hasn't been enough. It is starting to wear on me. In fact, last week I had a dream where I came across an alligator snapping turtle (which didn't look like a real alligator snapping turtle--its shell was covered in fuzz...). I knew that the turtle was quick and vicious and I had to move it out of the road (I'm not sure why...). But I was simply too weak and tired to get it out my way. I wasn't just tired in my dream. I was weak and tired in real life, even though I was sleeping, and it carried over into my dream.
In fact, I have been remembering a lot of my dreams lately. Some of them are good dreams. Many of them are spurred by real-life situations. (Anne had recently told me about coming across an alligator snapping turtle in the middle the road.) I had a dream where I attended an end-of-the-year function at the elementary school. There was some drama in the dream, but what stuck out to me was the table of desserts we got to sample. One of the desserts served was pineapple upside-down cupcakes. I had recently seen a recipe for them in my recipe binder (in real life and in the dream) and was so excited to be able to try them. I woke up wanting to bake them, but have had to hold off because we still have too many sweets around the house from Easter and now Todd's birthday.
Monday was Todd's birthday. It may take me a while to get used to him being NINE years old. We celebrated yesterday and today. I will probably let him invite a friend or two to do something fun this Saturday as well. On Friday your dad took Todd and me out to dinner (Chinese) for our birthdays (even though mine is still a month away.) On Sunday we had the whole family over for cake and ice cream. Todd got a few presents from the family. Yesterday morning I let Todd open the few presents from me before breakfast. I made him orange ricotta pancakes, which he had requested the night before. And I baked chocolate chip cookies for him to share with his class at school. The boys had baseball after school and I had chorus practice tonight, so we didn't really do anything to celebrate in the evening. All in all, we kept it simple, but I think Todd was really happy with his birthday.
Baseball is still going strong. I feel like I haven't seen very much of their games. Last week I stayed home from Todd's two games in order to put Ryan to bed earlier. When your dad took us to dinner on Friday he told me that Todd had been hit by the ball during his game the night before. I asked Todd to show me. He has a huge bruise on his thigh! He never mentioned it when he came home that night. (It was so late that I had to hurry him along just to get him in bed before 10:00pm.) And he never mentioned it the next morning before school. Poor tough guy.
Last week it seemed like Copper was not keeping up with me very well on his walks. Last night was a completely different story. He was so full of energy. I asked your mom if we could give him a run yesterday evening just as it was getting dark. Copper ran harder than I have seen him run in a while. When I got back I told your mom that I was sure that he would have run away last night without that run. This morning he was in the mood to run as well. I'm glad that I was able to give him his morning roller-blading run. He had no trouble keeping up with me. Since the morning was crisp and beautiful I made sure that I went a little longer for him.
The other day I mentioned smelling the honeysuckle vines on the golf course. The flowers smelled so sweet last night that I commented on them. Todd corrected me and informed me that they were jasmine. I looked it up on Wikipedia last night. He was right, of course. And clearly I know nothing about flowers!
I am looking forward for your return for Copper's benefit possibly more than mine. We sure try to do our best with him, but it's not the same. On Sunday he did something that he hasn't done in a very long time. I had gone to Publix the day before and bought a baguette. When I came home from church all that I could find of it was the plastic bag it came in torn in pieces. He ate the entire thing. Luckily it doesn't look like it made him sick. Thank goodness he left Todd's birthday cake alone. It was cooling on a rack, covered with a dish towel.
I have been getting my fill of chick flicks while you have been gone. Lately I have been crushing on Zac Efron. Yes, he is quite young and was a star on Disney's High School Musical. But he has grown to be quite the good-looking man. I'm looking forward to seeing the latest chick flick he starred in.
Wishing you were here to hug and kiss on. Hope you're doing well.
Much love from home.
I mentioned on the phone that the sago palm is splitting. It is forming two cones. It isn't the sago palm right by the mailbox as I first told you. It is the one closest to Bobby's yard.
The lawn mower is working well enough that your dad was able to use it today. It still has troubles though. I'm not sure what the diagnosis is, but the motor keeps dying. I blew off the back patio and your dad successfully mowed our yard yesterday. Hooray! Hopefully the oaks are almost done dropping. I will make a point to check the gutters and clean them out soon.
We finally got some good rain last Tuesday. We needed it. It was pouring hard for at least a half hour right after the boys got on the bus. I would like to have been curled up in bed, but no such luck. It was kind of a cozy, snuggle-up rain. I don't suppose you have that same feeling about rain these days.
We got more rain on Saturday. Since then the temperature has dropped, and it has been quite nice, although windy. The wind chimes were so loud on Sunday when Jen was over that she shut the sliding glass door. She said she felt like she had to yell to talk to me. I was thinking about you all day today wondering how cold you have been. I heard that had some snow in New England.
The spring weather has been beautiful lately. There have been a few days (today included) when I would really like to have driven the Mustang. I'll just have to wait until you're back in the fall and make a point to drive it then.
The boys are still not getting to bed with any regularity. It would drive you crazy. There was one day last week when Ryan just didn't wake up on his own. He was completely out of it, and I felt so bad for his tired little body that I let him sleep in until 7:45am. I finally had to go in and wake him up. He was thrown off by the fact that he had slept in past the time that the bus is supposed to come. It made him a little grumpy until he discovered that I had decided that all of the boys would just be car riders that morning.
I have also not been going to bed well (big surprise!). I am not staying up past Midnight; my bedtime has been more like 11:30pm. But the six or seven hours of sleep I get each night just hasn't been enough. It is starting to wear on me. In fact, last week I had a dream where I came across an alligator snapping turtle (which didn't look like a real alligator snapping turtle--its shell was covered in fuzz...). I knew that the turtle was quick and vicious and I had to move it out of the road (I'm not sure why...). But I was simply too weak and tired to get it out my way. I wasn't just tired in my dream. I was weak and tired in real life, even though I was sleeping, and it carried over into my dream.
In fact, I have been remembering a lot of my dreams lately. Some of them are good dreams. Many of them are spurred by real-life situations. (Anne had recently told me about coming across an alligator snapping turtle in the middle the road.) I had a dream where I attended an end-of-the-year function at the elementary school. There was some drama in the dream, but what stuck out to me was the table of desserts we got to sample. One of the desserts served was pineapple upside-down cupcakes. I had recently seen a recipe for them in my recipe binder (in real life and in the dream) and was so excited to be able to try them. I woke up wanting to bake them, but have had to hold off because we still have too many sweets around the house from Easter and now Todd's birthday.
Monday was Todd's birthday. It may take me a while to get used to him being NINE years old. We celebrated yesterday and today. I will probably let him invite a friend or two to do something fun this Saturday as well. On Friday your dad took Todd and me out to dinner (Chinese) for our birthdays (even though mine is still a month away.) On Sunday we had the whole family over for cake and ice cream. Todd got a few presents from the family. Yesterday morning I let Todd open the few presents from me before breakfast. I made him orange ricotta pancakes, which he had requested the night before. And I baked chocolate chip cookies for him to share with his class at school. The boys had baseball after school and I had chorus practice tonight, so we didn't really do anything to celebrate in the evening. All in all, we kept it simple, but I think Todd was really happy with his birthday.
Baseball is still going strong. I feel like I haven't seen very much of their games. Last week I stayed home from Todd's two games in order to put Ryan to bed earlier. When your dad took us to dinner on Friday he told me that Todd had been hit by the ball during his game the night before. I asked Todd to show me. He has a huge bruise on his thigh! He never mentioned it when he came home that night. (It was so late that I had to hurry him along just to get him in bed before 10:00pm.) And he never mentioned it the next morning before school. Poor tough guy.
Last week it seemed like Copper was not keeping up with me very well on his walks. Last night was a completely different story. He was so full of energy. I asked your mom if we could give him a run yesterday evening just as it was getting dark. Copper ran harder than I have seen him run in a while. When I got back I told your mom that I was sure that he would have run away last night without that run. This morning he was in the mood to run as well. I'm glad that I was able to give him his morning roller-blading run. He had no trouble keeping up with me. Since the morning was crisp and beautiful I made sure that I went a little longer for him.
The other day I mentioned smelling the honeysuckle vines on the golf course. The flowers smelled so sweet last night that I commented on them. Todd corrected me and informed me that they were jasmine. I looked it up on Wikipedia last night. He was right, of course. And clearly I know nothing about flowers!
I am looking forward for your return for Copper's benefit possibly more than mine. We sure try to do our best with him, but it's not the same. On Sunday he did something that he hasn't done in a very long time. I had gone to Publix the day before and bought a baguette. When I came home from church all that I could find of it was the plastic bag it came in torn in pieces. He ate the entire thing. Luckily it doesn't look like it made him sick. Thank goodness he left Todd's birthday cake alone. It was cooling on a rack, covered with a dish towel.
I have been getting my fill of chick flicks while you have been gone. Lately I have been crushing on Zac Efron. Yes, he is quite young and was a star on Disney's High School Musical. But he has grown to be quite the good-looking man. I'm looking forward to seeing the latest chick flick he starred in.
Wishing you were here to hug and kiss on. Hope you're doing well.
Much love from home.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
For Brett From Home (4/17/12)
I think Ryan has been having a hard time with our busy schedule this spring. He was complaining about an upset tummy on Sunday night and again on Monday morning. The boy said he felt too sick to go to school. I knew that I could push him to go to school, but I just had a feeling that he should stay home. I reminded him that staying home from school meant make-up work, no after-school play time with friends, no baseball that evening, and a nap. He happily agreed to the conditions. His mood improved significantly when the time for catching the bus had come and gone. But I didn't hear a word of complaint that afternoon on the friends issue. He also made an attempt to rest in the afternoon, but I was the only one who caught a few z's. In the end, I still don't regret letting Ryan have his mental health day. I am happy that he has an easy baseball schedule this week. No game or practice until Friday. Oma took Todd to baseball this afternoon, so Ryan has the rest of the afternoon to be a little boy, now that he has finished his math homework. I think he needed this break.
Todd, on the other hand, is doing just fine. In fact, with this week being FCAT testing you might think that Todd would be a little more stressed. Not at all. He is the one reminding me about eating a good breakfast. He suggested making "real" oatmeal for breakfast this morning, complete with raisins. How could I refuse him? Rather than being stressed this morning, he was excited about the prospect of getting Nerds as a snack at school after the test.
I had errands to run yesterday, so Ryan got to tag along with me. Ryan had one request: we had to get a birthday present for Copper. Per his request I took him to Walgreen's, where we found a glow-in-the-dark frisbee ring. I thought it was a perfect idea. Ryan let the ring soak up some rays and tested it in the bathroom. It really glowed. That night we tried it out and almost lost it. The ring had lost is glow and we couldn't see it in the bushes where Ryan had thrown had landed it. Still, it was a very sweet thought. Ryan also gave Copper a belated birthday treat yesterday. He let Copper lick his empty yogurt container. That sweet boy loves his Copper.
I also bought a special treat for Ryan at the grocery store: Silk, vanilla-flavored almond milk. Ryan has been begging me to buy it ever since he tried it at a friend's house. He loves it. I think he drank three cups of it yesterday. I like it okay, but just in small quantities. I might like it more as I get used to it. It did taste good with my bananas and oatmeal this morning.
Ryan and I also stopped at the vet yesterday and picked up some flea medicine for Copper. I gave it to him last night, and I didn't see any fleas on him when I checked him today. (Yeah!) I bought some special soothing shampoo to use on him, hopefully tomorrow. I also noticed that he seemed to have a little limp again today. I checked his paws thoroughly (he hated every minute of it), but I didn't see anything suspicious. I'll keep an eye on him.
This afternoon, instead of offering his yogurt container to Copper, Ryan mutilated his yogurt cup. He was using his spoon to bend out the bottom of the container. He reminded me so much of you, testing the properties of the plastic--pushing, scraping, poking, exploring, thinking. He also completely took apart (and put back together) the mechanical pencil he was using for his homework today, at times writing with it half-assembled. I restrained myself from telling him to just let the pencil be. I know it is good for him to put his curiosity to work. It amazes me to see his brain work sometimes. A little Brett.
I wonder how soon we will be able to employ Ryan's assistance in honey-do projects. I haven't heard the details yet, but I think your dad heard big bad news about the lawn mower. I may ask Deede about having Alex help out with the lawn. The corner cabinet in the kitchen could also use an oiling, when you get a chance. It is quite squeaky.
I have been working quite a bit on the blogs (a total of three) that I am keeping up for you. I have spent a lot of time setting them up and rearranging some things. My goal is that if I do it right now, then the photos, updates, and journal entries will all be organized at the end of the trip so we can do something special with it. I think we should do just that--something special. I think it is important to have your experience documented for your posterity.
I am typing now to the sound of seven boys playing nicely in the backyards (on the playset in Tammy's yard at the moment). Music to my ears. I feel very lucky to have great neighbors and friends so close for the boys to play with.
I met up with some church friends at Top This, the new frozen yogurt store that moved into the old Coastal Lumber building (Is that the name of the store that was across from the high school? I can't believe I've already forgotten.). While I was there I ran into (UPS driver) Carlos. He had heard (maybe from Donna?) that you were hiking the A.T. He said that he hiked the Georgia section. He started out with the intention of hiking to Blood Mountain and just kept going until he reached the Georgia/North Carolina border. It sounds like has the attitude of "never-again!". You'll have to ask him about it when you get back.
I had another aviary surprise today, though with the mild winter I shouldn't be that surprised. I saw our first hummingbird. It was in the front yard and just peeked into the dining room window. Time for me to set up the bird feeder.
I think you will be pleased to know that your mom finally bought herself a new sewing machine. This week she bought a Bernina which she has been wanting for years. Her machine finally stopped working, so she has been using mine. Mine doesn't do any fancy stitches, but it does the straight and zig zag stitches just fine. I think your mom is excited about her machine. I told her that you would have been happy if she bought herself a good machine years ago. She deserves it.
I know it really hasn't been that long since I talked to you, but it kind of feels like it already. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope you're doing well.
More from today:
I took Ryan to Chick-Fil-A for dinner tonight. They were doing a school fundraiser tonight, similar to the Hungry Howie's school night. Ryan definitely has a European attitude when it comes to eating his meals. I think he enjoys the socializing more than the eating. When I encouraged him to take a bit for the hundredth time he replied, "I just don't feel like taking a bite." He was content to sit and talk, having my full attention.
When we got home Ryan and I took Copper for a golf course run. We passed the hedge of honeysuckles (correction: jasmine). They smelled so sweet. I thought of you. I also noticed that the two baby long leaf pine trees in the backyard seem to be doing very well.
Tonight before bed Ryan and I finally looked at the booklet about babies, as promised. We saw the goo-blobs, alien-looking babies, white-fuzz-covered babies, legs-up-in-the-face babies (like Ryan, right before he was born), and newborns. I don't remember having a detailed conversation with my mom when I was young about umbilical cords and how my belly button came to be. I'm also pretty sure I didn't ask her whether I pooped or peed in her tummy. Also, "Do you tell if it's a boy or girl by looking at how the baby sucks its thumb?" (Wha?...uh, no...You just look right there.) All things considered, it wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it might be.
Todd, on the other hand, is doing just fine. In fact, with this week being FCAT testing you might think that Todd would be a little more stressed. Not at all. He is the one reminding me about eating a good breakfast. He suggested making "real" oatmeal for breakfast this morning, complete with raisins. How could I refuse him? Rather than being stressed this morning, he was excited about the prospect of getting Nerds as a snack at school after the test.
I had errands to run yesterday, so Ryan got to tag along with me. Ryan had one request: we had to get a birthday present for Copper. Per his request I took him to Walgreen's, where we found a glow-in-the-dark frisbee ring. I thought it was a perfect idea. Ryan let the ring soak up some rays and tested it in the bathroom. It really glowed. That night we tried it out and almost lost it. The ring had lost is glow and we couldn't see it in the bushes where Ryan had thrown had landed it. Still, it was a very sweet thought. Ryan also gave Copper a belated birthday treat yesterday. He let Copper lick his empty yogurt container. That sweet boy loves his Copper.
I also bought a special treat for Ryan at the grocery store: Silk, vanilla-flavored almond milk. Ryan has been begging me to buy it ever since he tried it at a friend's house. He loves it. I think he drank three cups of it yesterday. I like it okay, but just in small quantities. I might like it more as I get used to it. It did taste good with my bananas and oatmeal this morning.
Ryan and I also stopped at the vet yesterday and picked up some flea medicine for Copper. I gave it to him last night, and I didn't see any fleas on him when I checked him today. (Yeah!) I bought some special soothing shampoo to use on him, hopefully tomorrow. I also noticed that he seemed to have a little limp again today. I checked his paws thoroughly (he hated every minute of it), but I didn't see anything suspicious. I'll keep an eye on him.
This afternoon, instead of offering his yogurt container to Copper, Ryan mutilated his yogurt cup. He was using his spoon to bend out the bottom of the container. He reminded me so much of you, testing the properties of the plastic--pushing, scraping, poking, exploring, thinking. He also completely took apart (and put back together) the mechanical pencil he was using for his homework today, at times writing with it half-assembled. I restrained myself from telling him to just let the pencil be. I know it is good for him to put his curiosity to work. It amazes me to see his brain work sometimes. A little Brett.
I wonder how soon we will be able to employ Ryan's assistance in honey-do projects. I haven't heard the details yet, but I think your dad heard big bad news about the lawn mower. I may ask Deede about having Alex help out with the lawn. The corner cabinet in the kitchen could also use an oiling, when you get a chance. It is quite squeaky.
I have been working quite a bit on the blogs (a total of three) that I am keeping up for you. I have spent a lot of time setting them up and rearranging some things. My goal is that if I do it right now, then the photos, updates, and journal entries will all be organized at the end of the trip so we can do something special with it. I think we should do just that--something special. I think it is important to have your experience documented for your posterity.
I am typing now to the sound of seven boys playing nicely in the backyards (on the playset in Tammy's yard at the moment). Music to my ears. I feel very lucky to have great neighbors and friends so close for the boys to play with.
I met up with some church friends at Top This, the new frozen yogurt store that moved into the old Coastal Lumber building (Is that the name of the store that was across from the high school? I can't believe I've already forgotten.). While I was there I ran into (UPS driver) Carlos. He had heard (maybe from Donna?) that you were hiking the A.T. He said that he hiked the Georgia section. He started out with the intention of hiking to Blood Mountain and just kept going until he reached the Georgia/North Carolina border. It sounds like has the attitude of "never-again!". You'll have to ask him about it when you get back.
I had another aviary surprise today, though with the mild winter I shouldn't be that surprised. I saw our first hummingbird. It was in the front yard and just peeked into the dining room window. Time for me to set up the bird feeder.
I think you will be pleased to know that your mom finally bought herself a new sewing machine. This week she bought a Bernina which she has been wanting for years. Her machine finally stopped working, so she has been using mine. Mine doesn't do any fancy stitches, but it does the straight and zig zag stitches just fine. I think your mom is excited about her machine. I told her that you would have been happy if she bought herself a good machine years ago. She deserves it.
I know it really hasn't been that long since I talked to you, but it kind of feels like it already. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope you're doing well.
More from today:
I took Ryan to Chick-Fil-A for dinner tonight. They were doing a school fundraiser tonight, similar to the Hungry Howie's school night. Ryan definitely has a European attitude when it comes to eating his meals. I think he enjoys the socializing more than the eating. When I encouraged him to take a bit for the hundredth time he replied, "I just don't feel like taking a bite." He was content to sit and talk, having my full attention.
When we got home Ryan and I took Copper for a golf course run. We passed the hedge of honeysuckles (correction: jasmine). They smelled so sweet. I thought of you. I also noticed that the two baby long leaf pine trees in the backyard seem to be doing very well.
Tonight before bed Ryan and I finally looked at the booklet about babies, as promised. We saw the goo-blobs, alien-looking babies, white-fuzz-covered babies, legs-up-in-the-face babies (like Ryan, right before he was born), and newborns. I don't remember having a detailed conversation with my mom when I was young about umbilical cords and how my belly button came to be. I'm also pretty sure I didn't ask her whether I pooped or peed in her tummy. Also, "Do you tell if it's a boy or girl by looking at how the baby sucks its thumb?" (Wha?...uh, no...You just look right there.) All things considered, it wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it might be.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
For Brett From Home (4/15/12)
It feels like it's been a while since I let you know the goings-on in the house. Based on the list I have in front of me - a lot has been happening.
Today was Copper's birthday. We didn't get him a present. We didn't give him a walk. And we didn't pay a whole lot of extra attention to him today. This had Ryan (who was obviously very tired) crying on Copper's behalf. "It's just so sad. He didn't get any presents on his birthday!" To make matters worse, Copper has been something of a flea bag, despite my effort to treat him. I have heard this is going to be a bad flea year, and it scares me. I am going to run some errands tomorrow and hope that I find something that will give him relief. If it makes you (and Ryan) feel better, I did give Copper some frisbee-throwing time this morning.
The boys and I are faring well while you are away. I do feel a little bad for Copper though. Last Tuesday night he ran off on me again. Big time. He ran off right before I went to bed (in other words, late). I had been throwing the frisbee for him and he just disappeared after the fourth throw. I didn't see him at the door until the wee hours of the morning. That makes for a tired mommy.
I did have an interesting dream that night. I was at the grocery store with two new male acquaintances (rather good-looking men, I might add). I was walking with my arm around one of them. Then I leaned into his chest and . . . slowly inhaled. My interpretation of this dream: I miss the closeness of my Hun.
When you first left, Ryan was having a hard time settling down for sleep. He seemed more scared. He tried to lean on Copper for support. Ryan would try to call Copper into his room to sleep with him, but Copper was never interested. Ryan would end up crying. We got over that, and Ryan became content going to sleep after petting Copper good-night, as long we kept the light in the hallway on.
A few days ago I was the first one up in the morning. I went to wake up Todd for school. Then I went into Ryan's room. The room was empty. I couldn't find Ryan. I went back to Todd's room. I looked all around the house. I was starting to get nervous. I went back to my room and found Ryan asleep on the floor using Copper's dog bed as a pillow. Earlier this week Ryan crawled into bed with me after having a bad dream. He was so sweet putting his arm around me. Then, once more Ryan came in and fell asleep by Copper's bed in the wee hours. Three times in one week. Ryan doesn't act out at all during the day, and he doesn't say a whole lot about you. But I can tell that he misses having you around.
There is another thing that has concerned Ryan this week. His mother can't spread out her toes. That pinky toe of mine (and the three toes to the left of it) has no control. Ryan has tried multiple times to demonstrate how it is done. He explained that I needed to see that muscle working on the top of my foot. But no matter how much I strain, I can only make my toes curl down and back up. No sideways motion at all. I think Ryan looks at me as moderately handicapped now.
The weather has been just lovely (although my hair is telling me that it is a little humid today). I set out the hammock a few times, but haven't really had a chance to take the long hammock-nap that has been calling my name. I have been sleeping with the window open, and this morning I really noticed the birds chirping. "Pretty-bird-pretty-bird-pretty-bird" started right outside the window around 6:00am, and soon it was all a ruckus--albeit a beautiful spring ruckus. I thought about the poem I came across. It made me stop and think about the beauty around me, even in my own backyard.
One thing I haven't enjoyed this week is the dropping of the oak catkins (Thank you, Wikipedia for giving me a name to those annoying and very messy things all over my yard). Our yard is blanketed with them. Literally. They are everywhere! I can't wait for the lawn mower to be fixed some I can suck them up.
Yes, the lawn mower broke this last week. Your dad mowed our front yard and was working on the back, and it just died on him. Your dad did his best to look for the problem. He felt that it just wasn't getting any gas, even though there was plenty in the tank. After looking inside the tank and noticing some debris in the gas, he came up with a plan to take the tank apart, pick out the debris and put it all back together. I proposed a different plan--pouring the gas through a filter and into an empty gas tank. We wiped out the inside (and of course, the outside) of the tank on the mower, and poured the filtered gas back in. We were left with a clean tank, clean gas, and . . . a lawn mower no better working than when we started. I feel the pain that you experience when assisting your less-mechanically inclined family members.
I certainly appreciate all of the honey-do's you do for us. Thanks for walking me through tightening the door handle in the kitchen. I was grateful again today for you fixing my car door. I keep expecting it to be broken, and am always happily surprised when I remember you fixed it.
I still haven't seen much of Mark and Donna. Mark said that the spring breakers have been terrible. I would guess that it has been the worst year ever. Apparently the beaches have been packed. I'm glad that I haven't had to be in the middle of it all.
I had one of Sandra's mint brownies this week. It was as delicious as ever. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to ship one or five to you. I'm thinking I'll have to beg Sandra to make you a batch when you get home.
I talked to the boys last night and got them to think of some questions to ask you about the trail. I'm not going to tell you what the questions are ahead of time. They came up with some good ones and some not that great ones. I look forward to hearing your answers.
I think you'd be proud of me. I've been drinking at least 32 ounces of water every day. When I'm really trying I can drink 40 ounces in a day. Impressive, huh?
We sat in the back of the church today. I had a rough start with Ryan and felt a little frustrated soon after we sat down. I took Ryan out, talked with him and let him know he needed to change his behavior. He had already accumulated 45 minutes of no outside time when we got home. I basically told him to put on a happy face and get over it. Not that many minutes later, back in the chapel, he rested his head against my shoulder. I put my arm around him, breathed in the "my-sweet-little-boy" scent from his head, and we essentially made-up and had no more issues. I was able to enjoy the meeting. After church the bishop said that he noticed me from the stand and said that I seemed to be glowing. It was such a touching thing to say. It made me think that although things are tough sometimes without you, we're doing okay. Still I miss you and love you as ever.
Today was Copper's birthday. We didn't get him a present. We didn't give him a walk. And we didn't pay a whole lot of extra attention to him today. This had Ryan (who was obviously very tired) crying on Copper's behalf. "It's just so sad. He didn't get any presents on his birthday!" To make matters worse, Copper has been something of a flea bag, despite my effort to treat him. I have heard this is going to be a bad flea year, and it scares me. I am going to run some errands tomorrow and hope that I find something that will give him relief. If it makes you (and Ryan) feel better, I did give Copper some frisbee-throwing time this morning.
The boys and I are faring well while you are away. I do feel a little bad for Copper though. Last Tuesday night he ran off on me again. Big time. He ran off right before I went to bed (in other words, late). I had been throwing the frisbee for him and he just disappeared after the fourth throw. I didn't see him at the door until the wee hours of the morning. That makes for a tired mommy.
I did have an interesting dream that night. I was at the grocery store with two new male acquaintances (rather good-looking men, I might add). I was walking with my arm around one of them. Then I leaned into his chest and . . . slowly inhaled. My interpretation of this dream: I miss the closeness of my Hun.
When you first left, Ryan was having a hard time settling down for sleep. He seemed more scared. He tried to lean on Copper for support. Ryan would try to call Copper into his room to sleep with him, but Copper was never interested. Ryan would end up crying. We got over that, and Ryan became content going to sleep after petting Copper good-night, as long we kept the light in the hallway on.
A few days ago I was the first one up in the morning. I went to wake up Todd for school. Then I went into Ryan's room. The room was empty. I couldn't find Ryan. I went back to Todd's room. I looked all around the house. I was starting to get nervous. I went back to my room and found Ryan asleep on the floor using Copper's dog bed as a pillow. Earlier this week Ryan crawled into bed with me after having a bad dream. He was so sweet putting his arm around me. Then, once more Ryan came in and fell asleep by Copper's bed in the wee hours. Three times in one week. Ryan doesn't act out at all during the day, and he doesn't say a whole lot about you. But I can tell that he misses having you around.
There is another thing that has concerned Ryan this week. His mother can't spread out her toes. That pinky toe of mine (and the three toes to the left of it) has no control. Ryan has tried multiple times to demonstrate how it is done. He explained that I needed to see that muscle working on the top of my foot. But no matter how much I strain, I can only make my toes curl down and back up. No sideways motion at all. I think Ryan looks at me as moderately handicapped now.
The weather has been just lovely (although my hair is telling me that it is a little humid today). I set out the hammock a few times, but haven't really had a chance to take the long hammock-nap that has been calling my name. I have been sleeping with the window open, and this morning I really noticed the birds chirping. "Pretty-bird-pretty-bird-pretty-bird" started right outside the window around 6:00am, and soon it was all a ruckus--albeit a beautiful spring ruckus. I thought about the poem I came across. It made me stop and think about the beauty around me, even in my own backyard.
One thing I haven't enjoyed this week is the dropping of the oak catkins (Thank you, Wikipedia for giving me a name to those annoying and very messy things all over my yard). Our yard is blanketed with them. Literally. They are everywhere! I can't wait for the lawn mower to be fixed some I can suck them up.
Yes, the lawn mower broke this last week. Your dad mowed our front yard and was working on the back, and it just died on him. Your dad did his best to look for the problem. He felt that it just wasn't getting any gas, even though there was plenty in the tank. After looking inside the tank and noticing some debris in the gas, he came up with a plan to take the tank apart, pick out the debris and put it all back together. I proposed a different plan--pouring the gas through a filter and into an empty gas tank. We wiped out the inside (and of course, the outside) of the tank on the mower, and poured the filtered gas back in. We were left with a clean tank, clean gas, and . . . a lawn mower no better working than when we started. I feel the pain that you experience when assisting your less-mechanically inclined family members.
I certainly appreciate all of the honey-do's you do for us. Thanks for walking me through tightening the door handle in the kitchen. I was grateful again today for you fixing my car door. I keep expecting it to be broken, and am always happily surprised when I remember you fixed it.
I still haven't seen much of Mark and Donna. Mark said that the spring breakers have been terrible. I would guess that it has been the worst year ever. Apparently the beaches have been packed. I'm glad that I haven't had to be in the middle of it all.
I had one of Sandra's mint brownies this week. It was as delicious as ever. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to ship one or five to you. I'm thinking I'll have to beg Sandra to make you a batch when you get home.
I talked to the boys last night and got them to think of some questions to ask you about the trail. I'm not going to tell you what the questions are ahead of time. They came up with some good ones and some not that great ones. I look forward to hearing your answers.
I think you'd be proud of me. I've been drinking at least 32 ounces of water every day. When I'm really trying I can drink 40 ounces in a day. Impressive, huh?
We sat in the back of the church today. I had a rough start with Ryan and felt a little frustrated soon after we sat down. I took Ryan out, talked with him and let him know he needed to change his behavior. He had already accumulated 45 minutes of no outside time when we got home. I basically told him to put on a happy face and get over it. Not that many minutes later, back in the chapel, he rested his head against my shoulder. I put my arm around him, breathed in the "my-sweet-little-boy" scent from his head, and we essentially made-up and had no more issues. I was able to enjoy the meeting. After church the bishop said that he noticed me from the stand and said that I seemed to be glowing. It was such a touching thing to say. It made me think that although things are tough sometimes without you, we're doing okay. Still I miss you and love you as ever.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Photo Challenge #8 - Dream
For Brett, From Home (4/9/12)
It was so nice to talk with you last night and the night before. I can't remember the last time we talked on the phone for an hour. I'm glad that you had a nice trail town to enjoy this beautiful spring weekend.
I'm sorry I wrapped up our conversation last night with the sad news of our dearly departed wren. I know these things happen in nature, but I worry about the two fledglings who may not be able to make it with one of their parents gone. You kind of had me freaked out about the possibility of one of the babies getting stuck somewhere in the garage. I did a quick search through the garage and didn't see anything. I think they found their way out. One of them left behind a poopy mess on the window of the back door that I will have to clean up. Ewwww.
Speaking of poopy messes. On my way back from the store this morning I noticed that the golf course was watering our road with their big poop-water sprinklers. There was absolutely no way around. I rolled up all the windows in the car and forged ahead through the spray. Now my car stinks! I think I am going to have to pull it back out of the garage and give it a rinse. Pardon me for a moment.... Whoo-eee! Peee-eww!
I took Copper for an evening golf course run yesterday. He was limping pretty badly on Saturday, so I didn't exercise him. He seemed better yesterday, but I am still nervous about running him on the road.
I've watched a few movies on Netflix this last week or two while trying to get chores done. I am a little embarrassed by how cheesy they may seem, but they were perfect for me. Light chick-flicks (including some ABC family originals) that are not objectionable and don't require much concentration. Here are some of the titles: "Revenge of the Bridesmaids," "My Fake Fiance," "Love's Kitchen," and get this one (I smile and cringe as I type it.) . . . "Pizza My Heart". I'm thinking of watching "My Future Boyfriend" next. It doesn't matter that I can't hear you laughing me at me--I'm laughing at myself!
I just got off the phone with your mom to discuss our weekly schedule. This is a necessary phone call each week. We will continue to have more scheduling phone calls as the week progresses to coordinate baseball games and practices, as well as other kid-watching needs. I'm looking forward to summer.
My sink spilleth over. This weekend of holiday activities has done a number on my kitchen. I've been so worn out the last two evenings that I haven't been able to catch up. It hasn't been this bad in a while. Today's job: dishes and laundry. If I could only finish those two things I would be a happy homemaker.
I never got to ask you how you enjoyed the Easter messages (and my drawing of Copper) we sent you in the mail drop. I still laugh that some of my messages made it into the hands of fellow hikers: "[heart] I love you, Brett! [heart]," "Hugs and Kisses from your Hun: [heart] X O X [heart] X O X [heart]," "You're one in a million! I'm proud of you for living your dreams." and "Keep it up! Our thoughts and prayers are directed to you." I'm glad that I didn't say anything too embarrassing. I don't mind that they know that you are loved and supported from home. You do indeed have our support and love (especially mine).
I'm sorry I wrapped up our conversation last night with the sad news of our dearly departed wren. I know these things happen in nature, but I worry about the two fledglings who may not be able to make it with one of their parents gone. You kind of had me freaked out about the possibility of one of the babies getting stuck somewhere in the garage. I did a quick search through the garage and didn't see anything. I think they found their way out. One of them left behind a poopy mess on the window of the back door that I will have to clean up. Ewwww.
Speaking of poopy messes. On my way back from the store this morning I noticed that the golf course was watering our road with their big poop-water sprinklers. There was absolutely no way around. I rolled up all the windows in the car and forged ahead through the spray. Now my car stinks! I think I am going to have to pull it back out of the garage and give it a rinse. Pardon me for a moment.... Whoo-eee! Peee-eww!
I took Copper for an evening golf course run yesterday. He was limping pretty badly on Saturday, so I didn't exercise him. He seemed better yesterday, but I am still nervous about running him on the road.
I've watched a few movies on Netflix this last week or two while trying to get chores done. I am a little embarrassed by how cheesy they may seem, but they were perfect for me. Light chick-flicks (including some ABC family originals) that are not objectionable and don't require much concentration. Here are some of the titles: "Revenge of the Bridesmaids," "My Fake Fiance," "Love's Kitchen," and get this one (I smile and cringe as I type it.) . . . "Pizza My Heart". I'm thinking of watching "My Future Boyfriend" next. It doesn't matter that I can't hear you laughing me at me--I'm laughing at myself!
I just got off the phone with your mom to discuss our weekly schedule. This is a necessary phone call each week. We will continue to have more scheduling phone calls as the week progresses to coordinate baseball games and practices, as well as other kid-watching needs. I'm looking forward to summer.
My sink spilleth over. This weekend of holiday activities has done a number on my kitchen. I've been so worn out the last two evenings that I haven't been able to catch up. It hasn't been this bad in a while. Today's job: dishes and laundry. If I could only finish those two things I would be a happy homemaker.
I never got to ask you how you enjoyed the Easter messages (and my drawing of Copper) we sent you in the mail drop. I still laugh that some of my messages made it into the hands of fellow hikers: "[heart] I love you, Brett! [heart]," "Hugs and Kisses from your Hun: [heart] X O X [heart] X O X [heart]," "You're one in a million! I'm proud of you for living your dreams." and "Keep it up! Our thoughts and prayers are directed to you." I'm glad that I didn't say anything too embarrassing. I don't mind that they know that you are loved and supported from home. You do indeed have our support and love (especially mine).
Friday, April 6, 2012
For Brett, From Home (4/6/12)
I'm missed being able to talk to you much this week. I know you haven't had good cell phone coverage. I hope that I am available when you get into Damascus. This will be a busy weekend, but I'd love to catch up.
I still haven't been able to see how many wrens are in the nest. I keep trying to peek in every now and then, but all I see is a dark mass of down and feathers. I do know there is one less wren baby than Mommy Wren hoped for. I saw that an unhatched egg was kicked out of the nest last night. Tiny egg. With this being Easter and seeing all of the candy around, the wren egg is so small it looks more like candy than the real thing to me. I have a feeling that there are not as many wren babies as we have seen in the past. They just seem quieter this year, and mom and dad don't seem as busy feeding. Maybe that's a good thing when it comes to the clean-up. Ryan came home from school earlier this week having a bad day. Near tears he told me how he had accidentally poked himself in the eye with his pencil at school, everybody (i.e. Todd) was ignoring him, and to top it all off he stepped in bird poop in the garage! Poor kid! (You think someone is tired?) I have noticed that the wren parents have been cleaning nest more frequently and I do try to clean up when I notice it. But you definitely need to watch where you step.
Copper has now run off three times since we got home from Spring Break. I already told you that he didn't come the second time until after midnight. After falling asleep with no Copper at home, I woke up, checked and happily found him outside and let him in--at 2:30 in the morning. Then, on Tuesday this week he ran off in the afternoon when he was outside alone for less than a minute. Ryan brought me his old "Lost Dog" poster and told me the bad news. Luckily, we drove around and found him quickly (on Lakeway). He was wet, and even though I had bathed him just the day before (!!!) he got another bath. I have told the boys that we simply can not trust him outside at all. I really am trying to give him exercise, but I think he misses you and the extra attention you give him.
I felt terrible this morning when I took Copper for a walk. He looked like he was limping a little, but I checked his paws and didn't see anything suspicious. We continued our walk, and he didn't seem like he was really limping anymore. But, I kept our walk a little shorter and didn't push him. When we got home I noticed blood on the kitchen floor. The poor boy had scraped his pad. It wasn't bleeding when I checked his paw at the beginning of the walk, but there was no missing it by the time we got back home. I'm so sorry, Copper!
Todd finished his 8th card in Mile Club yesterday (40 miles this year), and as far as I know he's still in the lead. I think it's funny that Todd is such a good runner and obviously doesn't mind running like his parents do.
I'm trying to update your A.T. blog, but I have so many pictures from you now that it's kind of hard to go back and add them all. I'm also not sure how to handle transcribing your journal. I think I may just keep up with my trail updates and simply transcribe your journal into a Word document.
My family is starting to plan and get excited about James' wedding in June. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. James expressed it perfectly in his e-mail to all of us: "So a few people have expressed interest in doing some family stuff before the actual wedding, and I think that would be great. I'm not exactly sure what and/or when, but even hanging out, playing games and eating ham sandwiches sounds like fun when Mitchell siblings are involved" (emphasis added).
I'm interested to hear how your feet are faring. I really hope you're getting used to the new shoes and that your blisters from the old shoes are healing. Please take care of yourself.
Love, Becca
I still haven't been able to see how many wrens are in the nest. I keep trying to peek in every now and then, but all I see is a dark mass of down and feathers. I do know there is one less wren baby than Mommy Wren hoped for. I saw that an unhatched egg was kicked out of the nest last night. Tiny egg. With this being Easter and seeing all of the candy around, the wren egg is so small it looks more like candy than the real thing to me. I have a feeling that there are not as many wren babies as we have seen in the past. They just seem quieter this year, and mom and dad don't seem as busy feeding. Maybe that's a good thing when it comes to the clean-up. Ryan came home from school earlier this week having a bad day. Near tears he told me how he had accidentally poked himself in the eye with his pencil at school, everybody (i.e. Todd) was ignoring him, and to top it all off he stepped in bird poop in the garage! Poor kid! (You think someone is tired?) I have noticed that the wren parents have been cleaning nest more frequently and I do try to clean up when I notice it. But you definitely need to watch where you step.
Copper has now run off three times since we got home from Spring Break. I already told you that he didn't come the second time until after midnight. After falling asleep with no Copper at home, I woke up, checked and happily found him outside and let him in--at 2:30 in the morning. Then, on Tuesday this week he ran off in the afternoon when he was outside alone for less than a minute. Ryan brought me his old "Lost Dog" poster and told me the bad news. Luckily, we drove around and found him quickly (on Lakeway). He was wet, and even though I had bathed him just the day before (!!!) he got another bath. I have told the boys that we simply can not trust him outside at all. I really am trying to give him exercise, but I think he misses you and the extra attention you give him.
I felt terrible this morning when I took Copper for a walk. He looked like he was limping a little, but I checked his paws and didn't see anything suspicious. We continued our walk, and he didn't seem like he was really limping anymore. But, I kept our walk a little shorter and didn't push him. When we got home I noticed blood on the kitchen floor. The poor boy had scraped his pad. It wasn't bleeding when I checked his paw at the beginning of the walk, but there was no missing it by the time we got back home. I'm so sorry, Copper!
Todd finished his 8th card in Mile Club yesterday (40 miles this year), and as far as I know he's still in the lead. I think it's funny that Todd is such a good runner and obviously doesn't mind running like his parents do.
I'm trying to update your A.T. blog, but I have so many pictures from you now that it's kind of hard to go back and add them all. I'm also not sure how to handle transcribing your journal. I think I may just keep up with my trail updates and simply transcribe your journal into a Word document.
My family is starting to plan and get excited about James' wedding in June. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. James expressed it perfectly in his e-mail to all of us: "So a few people have expressed interest in doing some family stuff before the actual wedding, and I think that would be great. I'm not exactly sure what and/or when, but even hanging out, playing games and eating ham sandwiches sounds like fun when Mitchell siblings are involved" (emphasis added).
I'm interested to hear how your feet are faring. I really hope you're getting used to the new shoes and that your blisters from the old shoes are healing. Please take care of yourself.
Love, Becca
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Why Don't People Skate?
Seriously, why not?
I hate to run. In fact, I typically view exercise of any sort as a chore. But I will skate: specifically in-line skating or Rollerblading.
I like to feel the wind blowing against my face as I move along. I like the smooth, fluid motions. Remember, too, how it can feel like dancing? I love coasting down a hill, quickly skating from side-to-side, imagining that I am skiing. Occasionally, I like trying to see how long I can balance skating on one foot. I would like to try more "tricks" and practice skating backwards, but I am too chicken to do much of that on the road with my dog, where I do most of my skating.
Doesn't that sound like fun? People often tell me that it looks fun. And it is.
But don't let the fun fool you. It is a workout, too. I come back from my skate sweating, with my heart-pumping and with legs that feel tired from good work. I like that you can take it easy or really push yourself to move and work hard. I like that I can work hard without getting a cramp. (Did I mention I hate running?) I like that my dog gets a better workout when I skate, too. He is still panting from our outing. That's a good thing. He is more content when he's had time to be active.
So why don't I ever see people skating--with or without a dog? I see people walking, running, and biking all the time. I hear friends talk about Zumba and going to the gym. But I don't know another person who skates. (With the exception of my neighbor who just started skating me once a week after seeing me skate with Copper in the mornings.)
Is it because you don't have good skates? Invest in them. I am sure you have spent more on your running shoes, your bike, or your gym membership over the years than I have on a good pair of Rollerblades. I have had my Rollerblades for about 13 years. While I (rather, Brett) have replaced the wheels a few times, replaced the brake (from Brett's own unused skates), and have glued the boot back into the frame more than once, my skates have served me well. I have happily used them up and buying a new, good quality pair of skates is a priority for me this year.
Perhaps you feel foolish? I still have moments (like today) when my balance is tested and I have to do the big arm wave to stay in control. No big deal. Copper and I do great skating together, but occasionally he catches a whiff of something and has to check it out. Now.
Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking when they see this woman skating with her golden retriever: "Does she think she's twelve?" or "Aawww. How sweet." or maybe, "Good for her."? I bet I wouldn't get such an enthusiastic wave from the school bus driver who passes by if I were running.
Who skates anymore?
I do. And I'm proud to say it.
Won't you join me?
I hate to run. In fact, I typically view exercise of any sort as a chore. But I will skate: specifically in-line skating or Rollerblading.
I like to feel the wind blowing against my face as I move along. I like the smooth, fluid motions. Remember, too, how it can feel like dancing? I love coasting down a hill, quickly skating from side-to-side, imagining that I am skiing. Occasionally, I like trying to see how long I can balance skating on one foot. I would like to try more "tricks" and practice skating backwards, but I am too chicken to do much of that on the road with my dog, where I do most of my skating.
Doesn't that sound like fun? People often tell me that it looks fun. And it is.
But don't let the fun fool you. It is a workout, too. I come back from my skate sweating, with my heart-pumping and with legs that feel tired from good work. I like that you can take it easy or really push yourself to move and work hard. I like that I can work hard without getting a cramp. (Did I mention I hate running?) I like that my dog gets a better workout when I skate, too. He is still panting from our outing. That's a good thing. He is more content when he's had time to be active.
So why don't I ever see people skating--with or without a dog? I see people walking, running, and biking all the time. I hear friends talk about Zumba and going to the gym. But I don't know another person who skates. (With the exception of my neighbor who just started skating me once a week after seeing me skate with Copper in the mornings.)
Is it because you don't have good skates? Invest in them. I am sure you have spent more on your running shoes, your bike, or your gym membership over the years than I have on a good pair of Rollerblades. I have had my Rollerblades for about 13 years. While I (rather, Brett) have replaced the wheels a few times, replaced the brake (from Brett's own unused skates), and have glued the boot back into the frame more than once, my skates have served me well. I have happily used them up and buying a new, good quality pair of skates is a priority for me this year.
Perhaps you feel foolish? I still have moments (like today) when my balance is tested and I have to do the big arm wave to stay in control. No big deal. Copper and I do great skating together, but occasionally he catches a whiff of something and has to check it out. Now.
Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking when they see this woman skating with her golden retriever: "Does she think she's twelve?" or "Aawww. How sweet." or maybe, "Good for her."? I bet I wouldn't get such an enthusiastic wave from the school bus driver who passes by if I were running.
Who skates anymore?
I do. And I'm proud to say it.
Won't you join me?
From Goo Blobs to Birth
Oh, what a crazy and interesting conversation I had with Ryan last night. Todd was nearby--all ears, I'm sure--but it was with Ryan that the phrase "goo blob" was introduced to describe the beginning of life. How we got there is difficult to explain. It started out with Ryan sharing and asking a lot of questions related to his non-fiction library book on UFOs. One thing led to another and pretty soon the conversation moved from alien abductions to pregnancy and the beginnings and growth of a baby in the womb. (Don't ask.) I tried to explain how small we begin, but how all of the information is there from the beginning to grow into the form that we recognize as babies. Ryan came up with the idea of goo, since we have no bones at that point. Towards the end of the conversation I asked Ryan if he wanted to see some pictures of what babies look like as they are growing. He enthusiastically replied in the affirmative.
Now I am wondering, "What was I thinking?"
I have a booklet that I kept from my pregnancy days called, "As Your Baby Grows: From Conception to Birth." It has photos that show month-by-month growth and development. It is a little intense, but I already know that Ryan will eat it up. He has such a curiosity when it comes to learning things about science and how things work. He is very much like his dad in that respect. I also know that it will lead to more questions. Thus the question I now ask myself, "What was I thinking?"
Wish me luck.
Now I am wondering, "What was I thinking?"
I have a booklet that I kept from my pregnancy days called, "As Your Baby Grows: From Conception to Birth." It has photos that show month-by-month growth and development. It is a little intense, but I already know that Ryan will eat it up. He has such a curiosity when it comes to learning things about science and how things work. He is very much like his dad in that respect. I also know that it will lead to more questions. Thus the question I now ask myself, "What was I thinking?"
Wish me luck.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/29/12)
After Copper ran off last night, I made sure that I exercised him this morning. I went roller-blading with neighbor Beth and had a really nice time. I think she would like to make it a weekly date. After piano lessons I threw the frisbee with Copper a few times to let him a run a bit until he got bored. Then, when you mom was bringing Todd home for the night they drove up and down the fairway to give Copper a little more exercise. Only, when your mom got to my house she realized that when she had turned around, he had kept on going. She hadn't realized it at the turn, because it was already dark. I thought we were doing so well today. He never tried to run off all afternoon when the doors were open and piano students were coming in and out. He lay in the back yard or on the front porch and seemed like he was enjoying the day. Apparently I won't be able to let Copper out after dark without careful supervision.
I saw an unfamiliar orange cat on our front porch when I came home from baseball tonight. Later, I went into the garage and thought I smelled cat urine. Coincidence?
No news on the number of wren babies in the nest. I'll keep trying my best to get a peek without bothering them.
The boys were in bed by 8:30pm tonight! And, I think they were totally asleep before 9:00pm. Believe it or not, this is note-worthy. (I may even be able to get myself to bed by 10:30pm.)
I saw an unfamiliar orange cat on our front porch when I came home from baseball tonight. Later, I went into the garage and thought I smelled cat urine. Coincidence?
No news on the number of wren babies in the nest. I'll keep trying my best to get a peek without bothering them.
The boys were in bed by 8:30pm tonight! And, I think they were totally asleep before 9:00pm. Believe it or not, this is note-worthy. (I may even be able to get myself to bed by 10:30pm.)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Congratulations to the Happy Couple
It's 10:30pm on Wednesday, 3/28/12. I just went into the garage and heard the little "feed me" squeaks from the wren babies for the first time! Brett, I so wish you could be here for this!
For Brett, From Home (3/28/12)
I had such a wonderful time with you and the family this Spring Break. It was such a nice vacation. So nice to relax again, to have no real schedule, to take it easy with the people I love. I felt refreshed on Monday and had a good day. But now it's Wednesday, and I already feel like I need another vacation. It's 8:52pm and the boys are still awake. No wonder I stay up each night until almost midnight. My evening Mommy Time can't get started until 10pm, by the time I get the house chores done!
I have been seeing Daddy Wren make more appearances lately. On my first day back I thought I saw a wren feeding the babies. Then I realized it was Dad bringing Mom a bug snack. In fact, I just witnessed Daddy Wren catch a moth that was resting on the back sliding glass door and give it a good shake-down before flying off with it. I'm sorry you're not here to witness it. I hope the wrens come back next year for you.
Our new neighbors moved in today. The moving truck was unloading when I got home from school today. I saw the mom for half a minute when I went to greet the boys off the boys. We waved and I was going to go over and say hello with the boys, but she was gone by the time we dropped their backpacks in the house. I had planned on making an apple pie this week, since it sounded good on vacation. I think I will make an extra and bring it over to the new neighbors and officially meet them.
I am thinking about talking to Tammy about my reading with Logan. I just can't keep up with it when we have a baseball game or practice the same day. That happened both Monday and Wednesday this week. It's just one more thing that eats up my time in the afternoon with the boys.
I started a 30-day challenge at the beginning of March. It was a photo-a-day challenge, with an assigned topic for each day. I liked that the topics were varied and gave little glimpses into my life.
It lasted 7 days....
I still want to finish the photo challenge, but I think I will have to start fresh in April. Going out of town twice in March messed it up.
I haven't gotten back in the groove with Copper's exercise yet and I paid for it tonight. I had to drive to school Tuesday (story time) and Wednesday (library) this week. And I elected to drive the boys on Monday since we all slept in past 7:00am after getting back late on Sunday night. Your mom gave him a run around the golf course on Monday. And I gave him my best Frisbee exercise yesterday afternoon. He just wouldn't run for me. Tonight after baseball I gave Copper some decent Frisbee throws in between supervising the boys' showers. But while he was off searching for the Frisbee, I went in to check on the boys. When I came back, Copper was no where to be found. I knew he went out for a run, and there was nothing I could do at that point. I continued bed time, and by the time I got the boys settled down in their beds Copper was cooling off on the back porch. Thank goodness.
I'm not sure how it happened, but I have another honey-do for you. We now have two broken screen doors. I saw Copper run right into and mangle the metal frame of our kitchen screen door shortly after you left. Today I just noticed that the screen in our bedroom screen door is pulled out of the bottom. I have been leaving the doors open a lot lately with the beautiful weather we have been having. Copper enjoys lying by the screen door at night, and the damage looks like it could have been his mistake again, but I didn't witness it this time. Side note: The night before last I really wanted to sleep with the doors open, but sprinklers had been running on the golf course that night and it smelled so bad that I just couldn't handle it. Bummer.
Do you remember before you left how the receiver got stuck on a song and wouldn't go back to the main menu for Pandora? It happened again. I think you were able to refresh it by unplugging it for a few minutes. It is an easy fix (which I haven't gotten around to doing yet--not a big priority), but I thought you might be interested in knowing about it.
I took care of the oil change this afternoon. I had them do the full check and everything (including tire pressure) looked fine. I will still have the tires rotated and balanced if you like. In the car today I mentioned how smudgy the windows were. Ryan offered to help me wash them this weekend. How sweet! And a great idea. I might even wash Copper while I'm at it.
I'm glad that you have been enjoying some beautiful weather. I hope you continue to have some perfect days for hiking.
Ryan asked who was taking him to baseball today: Oma? No. Daddy? (...???...) We miss you and love you.
I have been seeing Daddy Wren make more appearances lately. On my first day back I thought I saw a wren feeding the babies. Then I realized it was Dad bringing Mom a bug snack. In fact, I just witnessed Daddy Wren catch a moth that was resting on the back sliding glass door and give it a good shake-down before flying off with it. I'm sorry you're not here to witness it. I hope the wrens come back next year for you.
Our new neighbors moved in today. The moving truck was unloading when I got home from school today. I saw the mom for half a minute when I went to greet the boys off the boys. We waved and I was going to go over and say hello with the boys, but she was gone by the time we dropped their backpacks in the house. I had planned on making an apple pie this week, since it sounded good on vacation. I think I will make an extra and bring it over to the new neighbors and officially meet them.
I am thinking about talking to Tammy about my reading with Logan. I just can't keep up with it when we have a baseball game or practice the same day. That happened both Monday and Wednesday this week. It's just one more thing that eats up my time in the afternoon with the boys.
I started a 30-day challenge at the beginning of March. It was a photo-a-day challenge, with an assigned topic for each day. I liked that the topics were varied and gave little glimpses into my life.
It lasted 7 days....
I still want to finish the photo challenge, but I think I will have to start fresh in April. Going out of town twice in March messed it up.
I haven't gotten back in the groove with Copper's exercise yet and I paid for it tonight. I had to drive to school Tuesday (story time) and Wednesday (library) this week. And I elected to drive the boys on Monday since we all slept in past 7:00am after getting back late on Sunday night. Your mom gave him a run around the golf course on Monday. And I gave him my best Frisbee exercise yesterday afternoon. He just wouldn't run for me. Tonight after baseball I gave Copper some decent Frisbee throws in between supervising the boys' showers. But while he was off searching for the Frisbee, I went in to check on the boys. When I came back, Copper was no where to be found. I knew he went out for a run, and there was nothing I could do at that point. I continued bed time, and by the time I got the boys settled down in their beds Copper was cooling off on the back porch. Thank goodness.
I'm not sure how it happened, but I have another honey-do for you. We now have two broken screen doors. I saw Copper run right into and mangle the metal frame of our kitchen screen door shortly after you left. Today I just noticed that the screen in our bedroom screen door is pulled out of the bottom. I have been leaving the doors open a lot lately with the beautiful weather we have been having. Copper enjoys lying by the screen door at night, and the damage looks like it could have been his mistake again, but I didn't witness it this time. Side note: The night before last I really wanted to sleep with the doors open, but sprinklers had been running on the golf course that night and it smelled so bad that I just couldn't handle it. Bummer.
Do you remember before you left how the receiver got stuck on a song and wouldn't go back to the main menu for Pandora? It happened again. I think you were able to refresh it by unplugging it for a few minutes. It is an easy fix (which I haven't gotten around to doing yet--not a big priority), but I thought you might be interested in knowing about it.
I took care of the oil change this afternoon. I had them do the full check and everything (including tire pressure) looked fine. I will still have the tires rotated and balanced if you like. In the car today I mentioned how smudgy the windows were. Ryan offered to help me wash them this weekend. How sweet! And a great idea. I might even wash Copper while I'm at it.
I'm glad that you have been enjoying some beautiful weather. I hope you continue to have some perfect days for hiking.
Ryan asked who was taking him to baseball today: Oma? No. Daddy? (...???...) We miss you and love you.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/14/12)
It's been so nice talking with you on the phone lately. You sound so upbeat. I hope that you are thoroughly enjoying the trail.
Things are continuing to go pretty well at home, but baseball is killing me. This year seems worse than others, even though I have more help than I could ask for from your parents. I feel kind of bad that I am missing so much of watching the boys play...kind of. The after-school and bedtime schedules have been difficult. I feel like I have been rushing and hounding the boys to do their homework, and rushing and hounding the boys to go to bed. And, even with my rushing they aren't getting to bed before 8:30pm each night. Not late compared to some kids, but late for our kids who wake up early and are used to a good night's rest. Ryan especially is having a hard time of it. It would be nice to have you here to help with the evening schedule. But, hopefully we can figure things out soon. Then we only have two months more of school. And, I have a whole week of Spring Break to rest up: no school, no homework, no baseball!
Spring is here for real. I have been leaving the doors open this week and have enjoyed listening to the birds going crazy in the mornings. The orange blossoms have opened up and are filling the air with their sweet scent.
I noticed the wren sitting in her nest on Monday morning, and each morning since. The nest is so high, I haven't been able to look in yet. I am also trying to respect her space and not make more of a ruckus than necessary.
Copper is doing well. We have been exercising him. A couple of nights I have had to exercise him using the Aerobie and hit a tree every two out of three throws. I am sure that Copper misses your super-throws, but he still gets excited any time he sees me pull out his flying disc. Ryan is making sure that he hugs Copper every day, and Copper doesn't seem to mind. He settles down easily with the boys when they visit your parents. And your parents have taken Copper for a run around the golf course every now and again.
Looking forward to seeing you. I hope you're ready for the invasion of space you are sure to experience.
Things are continuing to go pretty well at home, but baseball is killing me. This year seems worse than others, even though I have more help than I could ask for from your parents. I feel kind of bad that I am missing so much of watching the boys play...kind of. The after-school and bedtime schedules have been difficult. I feel like I have been rushing and hounding the boys to do their homework, and rushing and hounding the boys to go to bed. And, even with my rushing they aren't getting to bed before 8:30pm each night. Not late compared to some kids, but late for our kids who wake up early and are used to a good night's rest. Ryan especially is having a hard time of it. It would be nice to have you here to help with the evening schedule. But, hopefully we can figure things out soon. Then we only have two months more of school. And, I have a whole week of Spring Break to rest up: no school, no homework, no baseball!
Spring is here for real. I have been leaving the doors open this week and have enjoyed listening to the birds going crazy in the mornings. The orange blossoms have opened up and are filling the air with their sweet scent.
I noticed the wren sitting in her nest on Monday morning, and each morning since. The nest is so high, I haven't been able to look in yet. I am also trying to respect her space and not make more of a ruckus than necessary.
Copper is doing well. We have been exercising him. A couple of nights I have had to exercise him using the Aerobie and hit a tree every two out of three throws. I am sure that Copper misses your super-throws, but he still gets excited any time he sees me pull out his flying disc. Ryan is making sure that he hugs Copper every day, and Copper doesn't seem to mind. He settles down easily with the boys when they visit your parents. And your parents have taken Copper for a run around the golf course every now and again.
Looking forward to seeing you. I hope you're ready for the invasion of space you are sure to experience.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Dirty Sock Club
A couple of weeks ago, Ryan hung a flag on his door. Below it, a handwritten sign read, "Stay out!"
The only problem is that Ryan's flag is a sock. A previously worn sock--dirty, but not too stinky. The rule of the room which this sock-flag symbolizes is: Only people who wear dirty socks are allowed to come in.
Dealing with Ryan's dirty socks is a challenge, to be honest. He takes them off in the middle of the night and they fall behind his bed. Or, he just tosses them under his bed in the morning. About once a week I find a collection of maybe five or seven socks (odd numbers, of course). As much as seeing dirty socks around the house drives me crazy, I have allowed this dirty sock to remain, proudly hung as Ryan's flag.
The only problem is that Ryan's flag is a sock. A previously worn sock--dirty, but not too stinky. The rule of the room which this sock-flag symbolizes is: Only people who wear dirty socks are allowed to come in.
How he come up with this idea, I can not begin to guess. As bizarre as it is, I love the way this kid's mind works. It is quirky and funny. He just tickles me.
Dealing with Ryan's dirty socks is a challenge, to be honest. He takes them off in the middle of the night and they fall behind his bed. Or, he just tosses them under his bed in the morning. About once a week I find a collection of maybe five or seven socks (odd numbers, of course). As much as seeing dirty socks around the house drives me crazy, I have allowed this dirty sock to remain, proudly hung as Ryan's flag.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/7/12)
It has been so nice having a little more communication with you this week. As I mentioned, I was feeling disconnected last week. It was hard not knowing the details of the life you are experiencing now. Being able to have such a nice conversation with you on Sunday really helped. Your last e-mail really topped it off, helping me feel even better. I'm sorry I wasn't very focused and had to let you off the phone quickly this afternoon. It has been a crazy day.
Today left me feeling a little stretched, and it didn't even include baseball.
12:00am - Go to bed!
6:45am - Todd's wake-up call. Time for scriptures in Mom's bed.
7:50am - Todd is still finishing last night's spelling homework (late baseball night) and hasn't eaten breakfast yet. Bagel, it is!
8:10am - Load up boys (including Logan) and drive to school
8:25am-12:00pm - Volunteer in the library (Book Fair Preview this week).
12:00am-1:00pm - Errands: bank deposit, pick up Todd's Rx, grocery store
2:30pm - Practice with Beth and Tia (as their accompanist).
3:30pm - Boys home. Empty backpacks.
4:00pm-4:40pm - Logan here for reading.
4:15pm-4:20pm - Call from you!
4:40pm-4:45pm - Another call from you!
4:45pm - Practice with Becky and Mara (as their accompanist)
5:15pm - Retrieve aerobie from tree on golf course where boys got it stuck. Bring boys home
5:45pm - Real Dinner! (beef stroganoff and roasted asparagus)
6:30pm-7:45pm - Cub Scouts for Todd. Ryan finishes homework in car. Then Mom and Ryan take Copper for walk in the neighborhood around the church.
7:50pm - Return movie.
8:15pm - Snack for boys; hurry up time for bed brush your teeth time for bed have you brushed your teeth yet are you ready for bed!? while doing dishes
8:45pm - Boys in bed. Mom time (finally).
Fortunately, not all days are like this, but some come awfully close.
As I mentioned, this past weekend was rainy. I was awakened on Saturday morning by Copper, who was crawling all over me looking for comfort during the thunderstorm. He may also have been chased up there by the boys who were unsuccessfully attempting to console him. Later that day I noticed a little scratch on my face, a battle wound from the dog pile. The rain never really let up and the boys (including Logan) were confined to the house. They had a great time playing at home. In the early afternoon they were starting to have a hard time keeping their energy in check. They set up the coffee table in the bedroom as a launch pad for the stuffed animals they were going to chuck at each other (their own version of "Angry Birds"). I'm not sure what happened, but somehow Logan fell on/knocked into/pounced on/elbowed? the coffee table, and one of the glass inserts broke. (Two honey-do's in only 2 1/2 weeks isn't bad, right?)
I had a dream about you last night. We were picking you up in Gatlinburg. You had shaved your head and had done a terrible job. There were uneven patches all over, and it looked like your hair was thinning in places (hah!). But you were in a great mood, smiling ear to ear. (Can I talk you into not totally shaving your hair when you get back? Cut, yes. Shave, no.)
I'm looking forward to going to Orlando for the Time Out for Women conference this weekend. I hope that all goes well. I'm looking forward to that spiritual, emotional, and social uplift. I reminded the boys that I was leaving tomorrow and Todd's response was, "Yay! Oma's!"
On Sunday Todd prepared a Family Home Evening lesson for us. On a sidenote we mentioned trials/problems. I reminded that boys that when they have problems, they need to turn to God in prayer. But I also told them that they also need to remember God when they don't have problems. I asked they what they could say in prayer during those times. Their answer was, "We can say, 'thank you' that we don't have any problems." I told them they could thank Heavenly Father for their blessings. A little later Todd was saying family prayer and in his prayer her thanked Heavenly Father that our family didn't have problems. On one hand it made me feel good that we are able to offer our boys a pretty good environment where they are happy, loved, and provided for (with little drama). On another hand (one that I think you will appreciate), I think having the feeling that you have no problems is a huge step towards contentment and gratitude, i.e. being happy with what you have. Isn't that what you are always preaching? Granted, Todd is still young and really doesn't have problems. But I love that he acknowledged it.
I know that your life right now is not problem-free. You must be tired and cold. But the rewards (beautiful views, camaraderie with other hikers) come precisely because you are willing to endure those hard days.
Today left me feeling a little stretched, and it didn't even include baseball.
12:00am - Go to bed!
6:45am - Todd's wake-up call. Time for scriptures in Mom's bed.
7:50am - Todd is still finishing last night's spelling homework (late baseball night) and hasn't eaten breakfast yet. Bagel, it is!
8:10am - Load up boys (including Logan) and drive to school
8:25am-12:00pm - Volunteer in the library (Book Fair Preview this week).
12:00am-1:00pm - Errands: bank deposit, pick up Todd's Rx, grocery store
2:30pm - Practice with Beth and Tia (as their accompanist).
3:30pm - Boys home. Empty backpacks.
4:00pm-4:40pm - Logan here for reading.
4:15pm-4:20pm - Call from you!
4:40pm-4:45pm - Another call from you!
4:45pm - Practice with Becky and Mara (as their accompanist)
5:15pm - Retrieve aerobie from tree on golf course where boys got it stuck. Bring boys home
5:45pm - Real Dinner! (beef stroganoff and roasted asparagus)
6:30pm-7:45pm - Cub Scouts for Todd. Ryan finishes homework in car. Then Mom and Ryan take Copper for walk in the neighborhood around the church.
7:50pm - Return movie.
8:15pm - Snack for boys; hurry up time for bed brush your teeth time for bed have you brushed your teeth yet are you ready for bed!? while doing dishes
8:45pm - Boys in bed. Mom time (finally).
Fortunately, not all days are like this, but some come awfully close.
As I mentioned, this past weekend was rainy. I was awakened on Saturday morning by Copper, who was crawling all over me looking for comfort during the thunderstorm. He may also have been chased up there by the boys who were unsuccessfully attempting to console him. Later that day I noticed a little scratch on my face, a battle wound from the dog pile. The rain never really let up and the boys (including Logan) were confined to the house. They had a great time playing at home. In the early afternoon they were starting to have a hard time keeping their energy in check. They set up the coffee table in the bedroom as a launch pad for the stuffed animals they were going to chuck at each other (their own version of "Angry Birds"). I'm not sure what happened, but somehow Logan fell on/knocked into/pounced on/elbowed? the coffee table, and one of the glass inserts broke. (Two honey-do's in only 2 1/2 weeks isn't bad, right?)
I had a dream about you last night. We were picking you up in Gatlinburg. You had shaved your head and had done a terrible job. There were uneven patches all over, and it looked like your hair was thinning in places (hah!). But you were in a great mood, smiling ear to ear. (Can I talk you into not totally shaving your hair when you get back? Cut, yes. Shave, no.)
I'm looking forward to going to Orlando for the Time Out for Women conference this weekend. I hope that all goes well. I'm looking forward to that spiritual, emotional, and social uplift. I reminded the boys that I was leaving tomorrow and Todd's response was, "Yay! Oma's!"
On Sunday Todd prepared a Family Home Evening lesson for us. On a sidenote we mentioned trials/problems. I reminded that boys that when they have problems, they need to turn to God in prayer. But I also told them that they also need to remember God when they don't have problems. I asked they what they could say in prayer during those times. Their answer was, "We can say, 'thank you' that we don't have any problems." I told them they could thank Heavenly Father for their blessings. A little later Todd was saying family prayer and in his prayer her thanked Heavenly Father that our family didn't have problems. On one hand it made me feel good that we are able to offer our boys a pretty good environment where they are happy, loved, and provided for (with little drama). On another hand (one that I think you will appreciate), I think having the feeling that you have no problems is a huge step towards contentment and gratitude, i.e. being happy with what you have. Isn't that what you are always preaching? Granted, Todd is still young and really doesn't have problems. But I love that he acknowledged it.
I know that your life right now is not problem-free. You must be tired and cold. But the rewards (beautiful views, camaraderie with other hikers) come precisely because you are willing to endure those hard days.
For Becca, From Brett (via e-mail 3/5/12)
Made the big climb out of NOC today. It was not as bad as I expected. Cold tonight, around 10 degrees. We will see how the bag keeps warm. Should be in Fontana Dam Wednesday afternoon. Cold day today. Ice all around, but spirits are high (as long as it is not wet). Looking forward to seeing you in two weeks. I love you and really feel your support. I hope everything around the house is not too much. I know you are the best thing that has happened to me. I think about you all the time out here. I wish you were here with me. There are a lot of things that you would like. The views are really nice. I am glad there are no leaves out yet so you can see a lot. I am crawling in bed with a hot water bottle tonight. I love you and you are a good hun. Good night. I bet you are glad that I am gone and you are not fighting the cold house. I have all the cold sleeps I need right now.
Photo Challenge #6 - Chores
A good day is when I have finished all this (dinner, dishes, and counters) before 8:00pm.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Photo Challenge #5 - Something You Love
Finding pictures on my camera not taken by me:
seeing the "special things" through the eyes of a child.
Also:
words of affirmation
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Photo Challenge #2 - Water
Feeling blah. This is the "water" I notice. Another day I might have motivated myself to do something about this.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Ryan Recycles
A tiny token engraved with the word "crazy," a lug nut, fuzzy orange pom poms, a pipe cleaner, plastic goodly eyes, a yellow highlighter, a broken pencil, beads, a piece of rope, a buckle, a bouncy ball, an empty water bottle, a doohicky, a thingamabob, and a whatchamacallit . . .
Mom [after looking at the "crazy token" Ryan found on the bus]: Ryan, you find some very interesting things.
Ryan: Yeah. I like to recycle. . . It's good for the earth.
Ryan told me that he was supposed to make a project for school out of recycled items, but I haven't seen anything come home telling about this project. It may only have been a suggestion, but you can be sure that Ryan has been asking me every day this week about this project. I guess I know something we will be doing this weekend.
Update: Not long after having this conversation with Ryan, he made me this special note.
Mom [after looking at the "crazy token" Ryan found on the bus]: Ryan, you find some very interesting things.
Ryan: Yeah. I like to recycle. . . It's good for the earth.
Ryan told me that he was supposed to make a project for school out of recycled items, but I haven't seen anything come home telling about this project. It may only have been a suggestion, but you can be sure that Ryan has been asking me every day this week about this project. I guess I know something we will be doing this weekend.
Update: Not long after having this conversation with Ryan, he made me this special note.
Time With Todd
On Wednesday I skimmed an article that talked about some things we can do to help our families be functional (as opposed to dysfunctional). It mentioned being intentional about the way we express ourselves towards our children. I thought about how I could do a better job of spending quality time with my boys. I spend time with them; I talk to them; I sing a song to them and tuck them in bed at night; I read scriptures with them in the morning; I attend class parties and special functions; I try to make them good meals, including the occasional just-for-fun foods (like the star-shaped chicken hand pies we had for dinner last week) and encourage family mealtimes. But so often I feel like many of my activities with them are rushed.
It made me feel good when I thought about the past few days; I recognized two times that I slowed down for Todd. Ryan is an easy one to snuggle with and feel close to. Even today when I was in Ryan's classroom to watch his presentation he was sitting in my lap. (There weren't enough chairs to go around and that was an easy and mutually agreeable solution.) Todd really enjoys one-on-one time, but he doesn't always get it. I had been feeling like we have been really busy, and I wanted to play some games with the boys on Sunday. We played a game of Scattegories Junior with Jen. After she left I let Todd pick a game. Todd picked the game Life. I ever-so-slightly rolled my eyes, but agreed. I'm so glad that I did. We ended up having a really nice game together. I know that it means a lot to Todd when someone takes time to play with him, whether it is a board game or a backyard game of football or tether ball (like Papa played with him on Tuesday afternoon).
I had another opportunity to spend time with Todd Tuesday evening. On Wednesday there was a special dinner for the Cub Scouts called the Blue and Gold Banquet. All the boys were invited to make and decorate a cake. I felt like Todd should do as much as possible on his own. Knowing that he has little experience in the kitchen (because I don't have the patience to cook often with my children) I knew it would take a while. I wanted it to be good experience so I added some songs to a new playlist I called "Cooking With Todd," and I let Todd add some songs as well. Having the music helped me relax and have more fun with the activity. Todd impressed me with how well he knew his way around the kitchen finding all of the ingredients and the measure spoons and cups. He did a great job and we both had fun with it.
On Wednesday we decorated the cake. We were running a little late after school trying to get everything done, so I did feel a little rushed. But, Todd still decorated the cake using his own design and was really proud of the final product. I need to let the boys cook with me in the kitchen more.
Whenever I do something right with my boys I think, "I'm so glad that I am helping to create such a positive memory for them." It would behoove me to ask myself, "What kind of memory am I creating for them?" during those times that I allow things to get too rushed and show impatience with them. I want them to have and to remember a mom who took time with them.
It made me feel good when I thought about the past few days; I recognized two times that I slowed down for Todd. Ryan is an easy one to snuggle with and feel close to. Even today when I was in Ryan's classroom to watch his presentation he was sitting in my lap. (There weren't enough chairs to go around and that was an easy and mutually agreeable solution.) Todd really enjoys one-on-one time, but he doesn't always get it. I had been feeling like we have been really busy, and I wanted to play some games with the boys on Sunday. We played a game of Scattegories Junior with Jen. After she left I let Todd pick a game. Todd picked the game Life. I ever-so-slightly rolled my eyes, but agreed. I'm so glad that I did. We ended up having a really nice game together. I know that it means a lot to Todd when someone takes time to play with him, whether it is a board game or a backyard game of football or tether ball (like Papa played with him on Tuesday afternoon).
I had another opportunity to spend time with Todd Tuesday evening. On Wednesday there was a special dinner for the Cub Scouts called the Blue and Gold Banquet. All the boys were invited to make and decorate a cake. I felt like Todd should do as much as possible on his own. Knowing that he has little experience in the kitchen (because I don't have the patience to cook often with my children) I knew it would take a while. I wanted it to be good experience so I added some songs to a new playlist I called "Cooking With Todd," and I let Todd add some songs as well. Having the music helped me relax and have more fun with the activity. Todd impressed me with how well he knew his way around the kitchen finding all of the ingredients and the measure spoons and cups. He did a great job and we both had fun with it.
On Wednesday we decorated the cake. We were running a little late after school trying to get everything done, so I did feel a little rushed. But, Todd still decorated the cake using his own design and was really proud of the final product. I need to let the boys cook with me in the kitchen more.
Photo Challenge #1 - Something That Makes Me Smile
I have been in the mood to do a photo challenge. I saw a friend post a photo challenge she is doing during for March on Facebook yesterday. Each day gives you a different subject to photograph. It sounds like fun. Let's see how long I can keep it up.
The silly facial expressions bring a smile to my face every time.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/1/12)
We booked the cabin. And it is pet-friendly. You'll get to see Copper (and the rest of us) in just about two weeks!
I'm getting a little anxious. I haven't seen the wrens in the garage since the day they got stuck in the house. I hope they didn't get spooked.
I had some jobs around the house and didn't want to get sucked in to the TV, so I turned on NPR using the BlueRay player. I always forget about turning it on. I listened to a couple of Fresh Air programs while I did the dishes and mopped the kitchen floor. It was perfect. (Bonus: Listening to NPR always makes me feel smarter!--Except for CarTalk. That just makes me laugh and laugh.)
I am playing the piano for someone on Sunday, and it is a pretty tough piece of music. I started practicing it today, and I practiced hard. The side tip of my right pinky has key-burn. (I just coined that phrase.) I had been thinking about picking up the guitar again, but now I feel too injured. Wah.
You may not be here, but I got a certain satisfaction using one of your boots to squash a huge spider tonight.
I'm getting a little anxious. I haven't seen the wrens in the garage since the day they got stuck in the house. I hope they didn't get spooked.
I had some jobs around the house and didn't want to get sucked in to the TV, so I turned on NPR using the BlueRay player. I always forget about turning it on. I listened to a couple of Fresh Air programs while I did the dishes and mopped the kitchen floor. It was perfect. (Bonus: Listening to NPR always makes me feel smarter!--Except for CarTalk. That just makes me laugh and laugh.)
I am playing the piano for someone on Sunday, and it is a pretty tough piece of music. I started practicing it today, and I practiced hard. The side tip of my right pinky has key-burn. (I just coined that phrase.) I had been thinking about picking up the guitar again, but now I feel too injured. Wah.
You may not be here, but I got a certain satisfaction using one of your boots to squash a huge spider tonight.
Draft from 2011: Baseball Ends, Summer Begins
I have a few posts that I started (some from a loooong time ago) and never finished. They are saved as drafts; some are very short and some are nearly finished. I am going to finish and post some of them from time to time, just to review what you may have missed. This is a post from 2011 (the year I didn't blog!).
All this draft had was a title and these photos.
We are in the middle of baseball season right now. It is a hard time for me. Between chorus practice on Monday nights, piano lessons on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and Cub Scouts/church on Wednesday nights--adding baseball to the mix makes me feel a little out of control. I complain about it quite a bit during the four months of the season. But I continue to let my boys sign up because they really enjoy playing, I think it's good for them to play on a team and learn to work with new people-kids and adults alike, and it's only four months, right?
But, I am glad when it is over and we get our life back. I love the slow and easy summer day these photos represent. It gives me hope that we will make it through this baseball season, just as we have the others, and I will be able to relax and enjoy time my boys again.
All this draft had was a title and these photos.
We are in the middle of baseball season right now. It is a hard time for me. Between chorus practice on Monday nights, piano lessons on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and Cub Scouts/church on Wednesday nights--adding baseball to the mix makes me feel a little out of control. I complain about it quite a bit during the four months of the season. But I continue to let my boys sign up because they really enjoy playing, I think it's good for them to play on a team and learn to work with new people-kids and adults alike, and it's only four months, right?
But, I am glad when it is over and we get our life back. I love the slow and easy summer day these photos represent. It gives me hope that we will make it through this baseball season, just as we have the others, and I will be able to relax and enjoy time my boys again.
The Golden Rule
Poor little Ryan came home from school and shared a bad experience from his day. First of all, this morning his class presented their oral presentations for Black History month. Ryan talked about Jackie Robinson, and I thought he did a great job. A volunteer took pictures and filmed the students. Ryan was one of the students featured on the end of the day school news program. Apparently, he found that embarrassing. Then he told me that the lunch lady laughed at him and called him a baby. I was a little confused until Ryan clarified that these were two unrelated incidents.
I made a mix-up when packing the lunches before school. Ryan got something Todd had picked out for lunch, and Ryan expressed his dislike. I imagine it was something like a very whiny "I didn't want those fruit nuggets in my lunch." The lunch lady who was standing nearby addressed his ingratitude and said something along the lines of, "Don't be such a baby." At least, this is the story I get from Ryan. Whatever was said and however it was said was hurtful enough that Ryan broke down and cried telling me the story. I tried to tell Ryan that the lunch lady probably hears whiny, ungrateful kids all day long and might have said something hurtful unintentionally because she was out of patience. But, even when I tried to look at the situation from her point of view, I still can't imagine that her words were justifiable.
It saddens me to hear name-calling. It especially hurts my heart to hear an adult calling a child names. Even when a child is being a little whiny or even a little obnoxious, name-calling has no place. I don't think adults realize how hurtful it is to call a child a "baby" (how often do you hear that??) "sissy" (I heard that one a week ago), "candy" (a new one I heard that over the weekend), telling a boy he is "acting like a girl" and so on.
Later in the evening Ryan brought up the Golden Rule. He pointed out that the lunch lady knows the Golden Rule. (I bet she has at least heard of it.) So, why would she treat someone a way that she wouldn't want to be treated? Good question. I think we are all guilty of saying something we later regret.
I used this as opportunity to remind my boys (and myself) how much our words can affect others. I am reminded of this great quote:
"Unless what you are about to say or do has a high probability for making things better, don't say it and don't do it" (Dr. Glenn I. Latham, "The Power of Positive Parenting").
I made a mix-up when packing the lunches before school. Ryan got something Todd had picked out for lunch, and Ryan expressed his dislike. I imagine it was something like a very whiny "I didn't want those fruit nuggets in my lunch." The lunch lady who was standing nearby addressed his ingratitude and said something along the lines of, "Don't be such a baby." At least, this is the story I get from Ryan. Whatever was said and however it was said was hurtful enough that Ryan broke down and cried telling me the story. I tried to tell Ryan that the lunch lady probably hears whiny, ungrateful kids all day long and might have said something hurtful unintentionally because she was out of patience. But, even when I tried to look at the situation from her point of view, I still can't imagine that her words were justifiable.
It saddens me to hear name-calling. It especially hurts my heart to hear an adult calling a child names. Even when a child is being a little whiny or even a little obnoxious, name-calling has no place. I don't think adults realize how hurtful it is to call a child a "baby" (how often do you hear that??) "sissy" (I heard that one a week ago), "candy" (a new one I heard that over the weekend), telling a boy he is "acting like a girl" and so on.
Later in the evening Ryan brought up the Golden Rule. He pointed out that the lunch lady knows the Golden Rule. (I bet she has at least heard of it.) So, why would she treat someone a way that she wouldn't want to be treated? Good question. I think we are all guilty of saying something we later regret.
I used this as opportunity to remind my boys (and myself) how much our words can affect others. I am reminded of this great quote:
"Unless what you are about to say or do has a high probability for making things better, don't say it and don't do it" (Dr. Glenn I. Latham, "The Power of Positive Parenting").
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
For Brett, From Home (2/29/12)
Another little gem from Ryan yesterday morning:
Ryan: Mom, what if you had a baby while Dad was on the trail? And Dad couldn't come to see.
Mom: Whoa. That wouldn't be good. But, it takes babies nine months to grow.
Ryan: Really??
Mom: Yeah. And I [sucking in my stomach] don't have a baby in my tummy right now. So at least we don't have to worry about that.
The wren nest in the garage looks great, and I still see the birds in the garage some mornings. I haven't seen mama bird sitting in the nest yet, but I still think that they will take up residence. I felt bad for the birds yesterday. We were in a rush to get to the bus stop. I went through the garage to put my rollerblades on, shut the garage door behind me, and skated off with Copper. When I got back from our run I saw that the front door was open. Apparently a little boy did not shut the door completely and the wind blew it open the rest of the way. I came inside to find both of the wrens flitting about. Copper and I took them by surprise and they got a little nervous. I opened the back door and a short time later they escaped, one from the front and one from the back. I did have a clean up a few little droppings on the dining room floor....
Kristie and I are narrowing down the cabin for Spring Break. It's hard to believe how close it is getting. After hearing how disappointed you were about not seeing Copper, I asked Kristie if we could go back and look for a pet-friendly location. I hope that it works out and that I can give you that surprise.
Ryan: Mom, what if you had a baby while Dad was on the trail? And Dad couldn't come to see.
Mom: Whoa. That wouldn't be good. But, it takes babies nine months to grow.
Ryan: Really??
Mom: Yeah. And I [sucking in my stomach] don't have a baby in my tummy right now. So at least we don't have to worry about that.
The wren nest in the garage looks great, and I still see the birds in the garage some mornings. I haven't seen mama bird sitting in the nest yet, but I still think that they will take up residence. I felt bad for the birds yesterday. We were in a rush to get to the bus stop. I went through the garage to put my rollerblades on, shut the garage door behind me, and skated off with Copper. When I got back from our run I saw that the front door was open. Apparently a little boy did not shut the door completely and the wind blew it open the rest of the way. I came inside to find both of the wrens flitting about. Copper and I took them by surprise and they got a little nervous. I opened the back door and a short time later they escaped, one from the front and one from the back. I did have a clean up a few little droppings on the dining room floor....
Kristie and I are narrowing down the cabin for Spring Break. It's hard to believe how close it is getting. After hearing how disappointed you were about not seeing Copper, I asked Kristie if we could go back and look for a pet-friendly location. I hope that it works out and that I can give you that surprise.
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