Our two kids are simply not fans of Halloween. Abby begged to stay home with me today instead of going to school for fear of scary masks. Since she was begging to miss a day on which there would be treats, party activities, and basically no work, I figured she must really be apprehensive. So, she attended Noah's parade with me...the parade in which Noah was going to be an adorable bumble bee. When it came time to don his stripes and stinger, Noah decided that would be a terrible idea. There was no way he was going to be a bee or anything else but himself. EVERY kiddo in the school was in costume, except Noah. Even the teachers were decked out! But Noah preferred to be in the parade with his regular cloths on, and holding his sister's hand. I think this quality is kind of funny and cute: our kids are imaginative, funny, playful, and up for dressing up at home. But for some reason Halloween freaks them out such that they want life to be as familiar and normal as possible on this day. I'm betting they will want to participate more in the years to come, but for now we're kind of appreciating the tender and special sensitivity they both seem to have about it all.
October 29, 2010
October 26, 2010
oh yeah, I turned 33 last month!
Things have been so busy here that I've neglected to write. This is becoming a trend, I'm finding. But I will try to persevere for the sake of my 5 readers ;) whom I love and probably tell all of these tidbits to by email or phone anyway...
I had a fantastic b-day. Matthew took the kids to church Sunday morning and I got to stay home in my jammies, drink my coffee, and sew while watching an episode of Friday Night Lights. I was totally, unashamedly indulgent as I basked in the aloneness of the morning. I had only myself to dress, and hey! I was already wearing pajamas, so why bother? I had only myself to feed, and Matthew and the kids had made coffee and treats. It was a morning to remember! After that Matthew came home, kicked me out (sending me to the quilt shop near here to buy a little bit of fabric that I've been desiring) so that he could make my favorite dessert: his unmatched apple galette and hand whipped cream. We shared laughs and galette with friends. I felt celebrated and loved and--dare I say it? Rested! Amazing.
I had a fantastic b-day. Matthew took the kids to church Sunday morning and I got to stay home in my jammies, drink my coffee, and sew while watching an episode of Friday Night Lights. I was totally, unashamedly indulgent as I basked in the aloneness of the morning. I had only myself to dress, and hey! I was already wearing pajamas, so why bother? I had only myself to feed, and Matthew and the kids had made coffee and treats. It was a morning to remember! After that Matthew came home, kicked me out (sending me to the quilt shop near here to buy a little bit of fabric that I've been desiring) so that he could make my favorite dessert: his unmatched apple galette and hand whipped cream. We shared laughs and galette with friends. I felt celebrated and loved and--dare I say it? Rested! Amazing.
September 23, 2010
don't let this cute face fool you!
Last night Matthew came into the family room, flopped onto the couch and said:
'It's like playing whack-a-mole, putting those kids to bed!"
'It's like playing whack-a-mole, putting those kids to bed!"
pre-schooler!
This was the best pic I could get of our squirmy wormy on his first morning of pre-school...
Bean started pre-school on Monday! He marched himself into the classroom, sat down to play with trains and only said goodbye to me after the teacher prodded him to do so. He didn't even look up! And you know what? I din't even tear up as I walked to my car to figure out what to do by myself for an hour (the first day was an hour and 20 mins., not 3 hours). He's more than ready to enjoy the time with kiddos his age, and I am happy for the short break from being on high alert that my all of a sudden toddler turned mountaineering yahoo crazy explorer child has gotten himself stuck in some precarious place. Again. Probably in search of a snack or dangerous tool of some kind. This mellow little guy is a lot like Curious George...so well meaning, well, most of the time, but into so much trouble! And he's smart about it. For instance, when is a great time to swipe a Trader Joe's cookie? Hmm, when mom is in the shower, of course.
G (shampoo in hair): Noah--Who got that Joe Joe for you?
N: Um, me.
Those cookies were up impossibly high. Matthew told me that Noah boasted: "Daddy, do you want a Joe Joe? They are at the top of that ladder!"
So in the last week, I have:
caught Bean at the top of the cabinet, you know--where the liquor and cookies live.
caught him in the car (and subsequently had to get the car jump started)
caught him in the basement. Twice.
found him sleeping UNDER his bed. Way under.
caught him in the garage trying to get onto Abby's bike (he was almost there. I'm thankful for that sturdy kickstand).
caught him at the end of our driveway checking out the machines and construction as the city replaces the storm drain system on our street.
A few of the things he's been caught WITH: scissors, sharpies, whole gallons of milk, pliers, espresso tamper, his mouth full of (non-authorized) chocolate or fruit leather or cookies...you name it.
He can unlock the locks and he isn't asking for permission to go outside--he just does it.
Those 3 hours of preschool, MWF, are going to be lifesavers. For both of us. Oh yeah, and we are SO PROUD of him!! He is really growing and becoming his own little dude. Love it!
Bean started pre-school on Monday! He marched himself into the classroom, sat down to play with trains and only said goodbye to me after the teacher prodded him to do so. He didn't even look up! And you know what? I din't even tear up as I walked to my car to figure out what to do by myself for an hour (the first day was an hour and 20 mins., not 3 hours). He's more than ready to enjoy the time with kiddos his age, and I am happy for the short break from being on high alert that my all of a sudden toddler turned mountaineering yahoo crazy explorer child has gotten himself stuck in some precarious place. Again. Probably in search of a snack or dangerous tool of some kind. This mellow little guy is a lot like Curious George...so well meaning, well, most of the time, but into so much trouble! And he's smart about it. For instance, when is a great time to swipe a Trader Joe's cookie? Hmm, when mom is in the shower, of course.
G (shampoo in hair): Noah--Who got that Joe Joe for you?
N: Um, me.
Those cookies were up impossibly high. Matthew told me that Noah boasted: "Daddy, do you want a Joe Joe? They are at the top of that ladder!"
So in the last week, I have:
caught Bean at the top of the cabinet, you know--where the liquor and cookies live.
caught him in the car (and subsequently had to get the car jump started)
caught him in the basement. Twice.
found him sleeping UNDER his bed. Way under.
caught him in the garage trying to get onto Abby's bike (he was almost there. I'm thankful for that sturdy kickstand).
caught him at the end of our driveway checking out the machines and construction as the city replaces the storm drain system on our street.
A few of the things he's been caught WITH: scissors, sharpies, whole gallons of milk, pliers, espresso tamper, his mouth full of (non-authorized) chocolate or fruit leather or cookies...you name it.
He can unlock the locks and he isn't asking for permission to go outside--he just does it.
Those 3 hours of preschool, MWF, are going to be lifesavers. For both of us. Oh yeah, and we are SO PROUD of him!! He is really growing and becoming his own little dude. Love it!
September 8, 2010
Parks Visit!
We were honored to host 5 of the 6 Parks Clan at the start of September (missed you Hannah!!). You guys might just be the easiest five people to host in a 3 bed 2 bath home. Somehow the kitchen remained cleaner with LESS work than ever...well, less done by me. The kids had a blast--I don't think I even saw Noah for the 2 days y'all were here! And Abby and Emma were like peas and carrots.
We will remember laughing till we all cried over Antoine and more cowbell you tube videos. :)
We are so glad we got to see you before you went half way around the world again.
We will remember laughing till we all cried over Antoine and more cowbell you tube videos. :)
We are so glad we got to see you before you went half way around the world again.
Third Grade!
Abby started third grade yesterday (Tuesday). So far, so GREAT! She loves her teacher (we love her too!) and her classroom, classmates, assignments, you name it. Everything is AWESOME. I give it about a week. She'll come back down to earth and figure out that there are real kids in her class (you know, people who laugh at the wrong things, pick their noses, tattle, burp, wiggle, hum, choose sides, and interrupt); and that her teacher assigns homework that is not fun (the "All about Me" assignments will give way to subtraction and multiplication tables); oh yes, and taking baths and setting out her outfit for the next day will be a chore...I know it's hard to believe.
But for now, she loves third grade, and we are loving her enthusiasm for the newness and excitement that is also such a great part of life these days. And we are hopeful that more and more the annoying parts of life as a human with other humans will be taken in stride, forgiven, accepted, let go, put in their place so that the great parts of life, learning, relationships, and play will outshine annoyances and set backs. May this be a year of putting in to practice the word we talked so much about last year: Resilience! Today was a good start. Day 2 of third grade and she forgot her homework folder. Oh boy. There were tears, lip quivers, and 30 minutes of sullen sadness--not so much over the homework but over the recess period she would have to forego in order to finish the homework. SIGH. My inner mommy was about to hop back in the car and race to school to rescue her folder and save the day. But that's not going to help her with the life skill of remembering important things. So instead, I talked with her and told her that if she could find a way to improve her attitude and recoup the afternoon, she could play with her buddy Madeleine when she got home. Abby pulled it together. She saved her own day. And she's out living it up in the September evening sunlight right now.
So here we go, third grade! We're pretty sure this year is going to be a ton better than last year and that Abbs will learn a lot and enjoy the new challenges.
But for now, she loves third grade, and we are loving her enthusiasm for the newness and excitement that is also such a great part of life these days. And we are hopeful that more and more the annoying parts of life as a human with other humans will be taken in stride, forgiven, accepted, let go, put in their place so that the great parts of life, learning, relationships, and play will outshine annoyances and set backs. May this be a year of putting in to practice the word we talked so much about last year: Resilience! Today was a good start. Day 2 of third grade and she forgot her homework folder. Oh boy. There were tears, lip quivers, and 30 minutes of sullen sadness--not so much over the homework but over the recess period she would have to forego in order to finish the homework. SIGH. My inner mommy was about to hop back in the car and race to school to rescue her folder and save the day. But that's not going to help her with the life skill of remembering important things. So instead, I talked with her and told her that if she could find a way to improve her attitude and recoup the afternoon, she could play with her buddy Madeleine when she got home. Abby pulled it together. She saved her own day. And she's out living it up in the September evening sunlight right now.
So here we go, third grade! We're pretty sure this year is going to be a ton better than last year and that Abbs will learn a lot and enjoy the new challenges.
August 20, 2010
good gifts
Friends of ours up the street gave Noah this vuvuzela (of recent South African World Cup fame). It is possibly one of Noah's most favorite toys. Most of the time I think it is awesome to see him whooping it up and rousing the neighbors, but I have to hide the thing after lights out. The other night (to our surprise), he sounded the ahroooooga at 9:30, waking Abby up, and causing the household peace to dissolve into a much later night than anticipated. Oh well. I mean what is a vuvuzela for if not to wake people up? Shouldn't every 3 year old boy have one of these things?
Other Noah moments/quotes:
(You might notice a decidedly bodily bent to these--we're potty training, so bear with us)
Asked of mom during a diaper change: "What color are the poops? It's a surprise for you!"
(we hear this every time he flushes): "Bye poops! Bye tee tee!" (He waves with glee. It's pretty cute.)
During bath time, talking to himself about his anatomy while also riffing on a favorite bathtime activity of fishing for toys: "This is not a fish; it is a penis." (Pause, Noah stands up holding himself and exclaiming proudly): "I caught a penis!"
And a super sweet moment: Noah wanted some milk and Abby volunteered to get it for him. Noah looks at me and says, "Abby is so wonderful." The lilt and adoration in his voice was priceless.
Other Noah moments/quotes:
(You might notice a decidedly bodily bent to these--we're potty training, so bear with us)
Asked of mom during a diaper change: "What color are the poops? It's a surprise for you!"
(we hear this every time he flushes): "Bye poops! Bye tee tee!" (He waves with glee. It's pretty cute.)
During bath time, talking to himself about his anatomy while also riffing on a favorite bathtime activity of fishing for toys: "This is not a fish; it is a penis." (Pause, Noah stands up holding himself and exclaiming proudly): "I caught a penis!"
And a super sweet moment: Noah wanted some milk and Abby volunteered to get it for him. Noah looks at me and says, "Abby is so wonderful." The lilt and adoration in his voice was priceless.
3rd grade, here she comes!
School starts on September 7th for Abby. I'm so glad we have a few weeks of summer yet, even though I'm ready to get back in to the groove of having a schedule. This has been Abby's summer of art. She took art lessons and spent a TON of time (and paper) making delightful drawings and paintings. Yesterday we sat on the back porch and took in over an hour of late afternoon sunshine. Noah played with trucks, Abby painted with watercolors, and I read and dozed and let my mind wander in the quiet breeze. I'll try to scan and post some of Abby's creations of late--she really has made some great strides! On the health front, the antibiotics have done their job, it would appear. Abby seems to be back to her usual self again (1.5 days to go on the antibiotics and we're done!!). And that's why I'm glad she still has some summer left to enjoy.
August 12, 2010
Summer 2010 recap
Life happens so fast. I feel like there are 20+ blogposts I could have written this summer, but I have been so so busy just trying to keep up that I simply haven't been able to do it. I'll mention some highlights and lowlights...in chronological order:
Vacation in South Carolina, on the beach. Pearsons, Millers, Udoujs. So much fun!
Abby FINALLY finishes 2nd grade after a week of snow day make-ups. Cruel.
Matty and G celebrate 10th Anniv.
The California Carlsons 5 come for a weekend. YAY!
Genna's computer dies. Hardrive failure.
Matthew has a great year-one review at work.
Rusty nail goes through Matthew's flip flop into his foot. ER/antibiotics and he's all better.
The St. Louis Maynors 4 come for a week! They must LOVE us to make that drive.
Abby gives her violin "Twinkle Twinkle" graduation concert. Brava!
Canoeing for the first time--Pearsons and Maynors. Super fun.
Noah drops his naps and begins potty training. Thanks, Grayson, for inspiring Noah to be a big boy. Too bad about the naps, though.
Abby diagnosed with Lyme Disease. This SUCKS. She's still on antibiotics. I'll write more about that later.
Genna gets food poisoning or the flu. No fun. Everyone else is fine.
Matthew fixes G's computer. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Canoeing with the Steens, and kayaking too!
Matthew's intense bike workouts in the morning make him vomit twice! (This is a first for him. He's really workin' it out there before 7 am!)
Abby picks her new room color. Anyone who knows Abby and me knows this was not an easy process. We agonize over practically imperceptible variations in tone. But we settled on Benjamin Moore Blue Bonnet, tinted at half the formula. It's perfect.
G sends off contract for Noah to start 3 mornings per week of pre-school.
We're making it. We've enjoyed a lot of great highs this summer, and we've also had some unexpected bumps in the road. But we're blessed to live when and where we do. I'll write more soon.
Vacation in South Carolina, on the beach. Pearsons, Millers, Udoujs. So much fun!
Abby FINALLY finishes 2nd grade after a week of snow day make-ups. Cruel.
Matty and G celebrate 10th Anniv.
The California Carlsons 5 come for a weekend. YAY!
Genna's computer dies. Hardrive failure.
Matthew has a great year-one review at work.
Rusty nail goes through Matthew's flip flop into his foot. ER/antibiotics and he's all better.
The St. Louis Maynors 4 come for a week! They must LOVE us to make that drive.
Abby gives her violin "Twinkle Twinkle" graduation concert. Brava!
Canoeing for the first time--Pearsons and Maynors. Super fun.
Noah drops his naps and begins potty training. Thanks, Grayson, for inspiring Noah to be a big boy. Too bad about the naps, though.
Abby diagnosed with Lyme Disease. This SUCKS. She's still on antibiotics. I'll write more about that later.
Genna gets food poisoning or the flu. No fun. Everyone else is fine.
Matthew fixes G's computer. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Canoeing with the Steens, and kayaking too!
Matthew's intense bike workouts in the morning make him vomit twice! (This is a first for him. He's really workin' it out there before 7 am!)
Abby picks her new room color. Anyone who knows Abby and me knows this was not an easy process. We agonize over practically imperceptible variations in tone. But we settled on Benjamin Moore Blue Bonnet, tinted at half the formula. It's perfect.
G sends off contract for Noah to start 3 mornings per week of pre-school.
We're making it. We've enjoyed a lot of great highs this summer, and we've also had some unexpected bumps in the road. But we're blessed to live when and where we do. I'll write more soon.
July 17, 2010
He's a Craigslist GENIUS, I tell you!
OK, I have a lot of other things to blog about: what we've been up to all month, etc.--but I cannot hold this in. Matthew just scored the MOST amazing dining room set. Check this out: for the first time in our marriage, we have a table that seats more than 4! This seats six, PLUS it comes with three leaves bringing that count to twelve. He got the table, 6 chairs, 3 leaves, a gorgeous buffet and hutch for $225.00. Now, you may be thinking, "Yay, way to go Matthew." But let me tell you what we figured out about this set. It is a Drexel "Profile" set, circa 1958. If you look at Retro Renovation you can read all about it, but for starters, that site mentions the following:
"The Drexel Profile furniture collection was designed by John Van Koert, and it was in production from 1955 to 1961. Van Koert started out as a jewelry designer for Harry Winston after WWII and later branched into industrial design. He also is well known for designing silver for Towle, particularly the Contour design; his particular attention to the drawer pulls and other hardware on Profile pieces is noted in the catalog."
And now the kicker. Matthew priced the set online. The table and chairs alone are selling (fast) for 4-5K. The buffet and hutch (with gorgeous real silver pulls) easily fetches 1K.
Honestly, I was as happy with the set before we knew any of that. We love the style of it; it's a mid-century modern set in just the color, and with just the types of lines we love. We can seat lots of people together, comfortably, and it will last and last because it is solid. I just cannot believe that it belongs to us now, and we paid 225. The table we have had since leaving St. Louis we paid 200 for, and are selling on craigslist... I am SO EXCITED! Come over for dinner, everyone we have room at our table!
And seriously, Matthew may have found a calling as an economist, but I can't say enough about his incredible sleuthy research and acquisition skills, as well as his gift for selling things to buy new (to us) things that meet our needs SO much better. He is a super duper rockstar genius.
"The Drexel Profile furniture collection was designed by John Van Koert, and it was in production from 1955 to 1961. Van Koert started out as a jewelry designer for Harry Winston after WWII and later branched into industrial design. He also is well known for designing silver for Towle, particularly the Contour design; his particular attention to the drawer pulls and other hardware on Profile pieces is noted in the catalog."
And now the kicker. Matthew priced the set online. The table and chairs alone are selling (fast) for 4-5K. The buffet and hutch (with gorgeous real silver pulls) easily fetches 1K.
Honestly, I was as happy with the set before we knew any of that. We love the style of it; it's a mid-century modern set in just the color, and with just the types of lines we love. We can seat lots of people together, comfortably, and it will last and last because it is solid. I just cannot believe that it belongs to us now, and we paid 225. The table we have had since leaving St. Louis we paid 200 for, and are selling on craigslist... I am SO EXCITED! Come over for dinner, everyone we have room at our table!
And seriously, Matthew may have found a calling as an economist, but I can't say enough about his incredible sleuthy research and acquisition skills, as well as his gift for selling things to buy new (to us) things that meet our needs SO much better. He is a super duper rockstar genius.
June 17, 2010
10 Years of Matty & G
Ten years ago today Matthew took Genevieve to be his wedded wife.
We vowed our love and fidelity and we became a whole new family. We had no idea what would come our way, but we knew we would rather face all of it--good or bad--together. After ten years of sharing this life, and of growing up together, we're both more certain of those vows and of the huge blessings of walking together through each day that we are blessed to live.
I am giddy today; it is a momentous day, a milestone, and a reminder of the best things. So, to my best friend and the love of my life, I LOVE YOU! Happy Anniversary!
We vowed our love and fidelity and we became a whole new family. We had no idea what would come our way, but we knew we would rather face all of it--good or bad--together. After ten years of sharing this life, and of growing up together, we're both more certain of those vows and of the huge blessings of walking together through each day that we are blessed to live.
I am giddy today; it is a momentous day, a milestone, and a reminder of the best things. So, to my best friend and the love of my life, I LOVE YOU! Happy Anniversary!
June 11, 2010
June 4, 2010
an AWESOME day at home
Today Noah and I camped out on our front lawn and enjoyed the amazing show of mighty machines as they worked to lay a new water main. Next up will be the sewer line, then we get a gas line, then the whole street will be paved! Normally I would not be so excited about road work being done 50 feet from my front door, but I'm giddy to tell Noah when even a garbage truck is going by, let alone backhoes, front end loaders, tampers, rollers, dumpers, and rock crushers! This is a dream day for Noah; the only thing that could make it more fun would be getting to operate the machines himself.
one more critter for the growing list of backyard buddies
This little red fox has some amazing superpower. Or maybe Matthew's BBQ pulled pork is so enticing that it gave the fox superfox abilities. A couple of weeks ago, this critter dumped our (large, lidded, wheeled, flip top) trash can over to get to the drippings and fat. Impressive work for such a small fox!
violin lessons!
After years of begging to play an instrument, we have finally taken the plunge and put Abby into lessons! She seems to be a natural and has taken to playing like a fish to water. I'm looking for a flute for her so I can give her some lessons on that too.
Abby's new sport
She is playing lacrosse, which is a popular sport on this coast. So far she really enjoys the game and is making some buddies. I love seeing her smile on the field!
summer, here we come!
OK, I know I haven't blogged in ages. And if you are like my friend Bronwyn, you are tired of checking in to this blog just to see a picture of a tick. Well, you asked for it! Here come some updates!
Abby update: She has learned to climb walls! She does this every day, pretty much. There are only 2.5 weeks left of 2nd grade, and summertime cannot come quickly enough for this kid! We are all SO ready.
Abby update: She has learned to climb walls! She does this every day, pretty much. There are only 2.5 weeks left of 2nd grade, and summertime cannot come quickly enough for this kid! We are all SO ready.
April 20, 2010
Flora and Fauna
Our yard is bursting with colour and with an unexpected array of animal life. Now, some of the critters we see are fine by me--they are welcome to scurry about around my house as long as they stay out of it--these include squirrels, amazing birds (robins, cardinals, chickadees!), and even our funny groundhog (see picture below). I like those guys. The deer and rabbits are ok as long as they don't eat the flowers. But then there are strange or yuckie critters: the wild turkey startled me this week while I was chatting to Matthew by phone on his lunch break. This turkey was HUGE! And very close. And very loud. Then, the bright red tick I found walking along the deck. I HATE ticks. Hate them. The one pictured here is now dead (sorry if that offends anyone out there). It was a brilliant hue but it had to go. And then the snake. This guy has crossed my path--like that anthropocentric viewpoint, MY path? Actually I have disturbed this snake three times, twice nearly stepping on it. I'm trying to make myself feel better by imagining that it is the same snake each time, but it may not be. The one in the picture seems bigger than the one Noah discovered two weeks ago.
So we have lots of wildlife around. None of it domestic. So far though, not too many insects in the house, and that makes me glad. The flora though, that I bring in! We have Crocus, daffodils, paperwhites, irises, violets, grape hyacinth, bleeding hearts, hellebore, wisteria, jasmine, azalea, bradford pear, forsythia, regular hyacinth, and a bunch more that I can't identify. I've attached a handful of pics below!!
Alright, I need to go--Abby needs a ride to school, Noah wants to watch a show, and I am in my pjs (a common state at 8 am just before driving Abby to school...) Here we go! Enjoy the pics.
So we have lots of wildlife around. None of it domestic. So far though, not too many insects in the house, and that makes me glad. The flora though, that I bring in! We have Crocus, daffodils, paperwhites, irises, violets, grape hyacinth, bleeding hearts, hellebore, wisteria, jasmine, azalea, bradford pear, forsythia, regular hyacinth, and a bunch more that I can't identify. I've attached a handful of pics below!!
Alright, I need to go--Abby needs a ride to school, Noah wants to watch a show, and I am in my pjs (a common state at 8 am just before driving Abby to school...) Here we go! Enjoy the pics.
April 13, 2010
Handsome boy.
Here is our sweet little guy on his b-day. He was wily and not very obedient that day, but he looked awfully adorable. It's a good thing they are so cute at this age, hey?
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