Party of (soon-to-be) Five

Backlog

2011-08-19T09:09:00.002-04:00

I've been terrible at keeping up with this blog, and part of the problem is that I miss a big event that I think that I must post about, and then don't post anything while I'm waiting for the time or inspiration to create that oh-so-necessary post. So I'm trying to play a little catch-up, but I'm also going to skip a lot of our adventures to get us somewhat up to date. Bear with me!

Seven!

2011-06-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Dear Claire,

It is hard to believe that seven years ago you were a teeny baby that I held incredulously in my arms. You are the one that turned me in to a mother, and that is the most amazing gift that anyone has ever given me.

Watching you over the past year as you transitioned to a new school has been a real learning experience for me. I expected you to be overwhelmed by the big new school, but instead you act as though you've been there all along. When I drop you off in the morning and you take the hand of our neighbor who is a little less confident than you are, it makes my heart happy. You are so good at figuring out when someone needs a little extra love or support and quietly providing that. A gift that I hope you will have for your whole life.

You played two seasons on the same soccer team, and have developed into quite a talented player. I hope that you will stick with it - there is so much that you can learn from playing on a team, and pursuing athletics. You, however, may have other plans. You've told me that you're already good at soccer, and you think that you want to try something else now. You are always looking for new things to try - you want to try ice skating and horseback riding and softball and swimming and ... everything. I struggle with the desire to give you everything that you want, and to try to keep some sanity in our family calendar.

All year I've watched you start new adventures, and every time you come home from a new place you tell me about a new friend that you've made. You have such a trusting heart, and you truly believe that everyone is as good and kind-hearted as yourself. I know that someday that is going to stop, and my heart hurts just thinking about it. You see only the good in other people, and that innocence is part of what makes you so special. I know I can't choose your friends for you, but I hope that you will continue to find ones that appreciate who you are.

You had a good first year in public school. I was worried about whether it would be challenging enough for you, and it wasn't always, but you did a great job anyway. Everyone at the school who knows you tells me how great you are, and it makes me so happy to know that they are seeing what I see. This year has intensified your love for reading - in fact you told me that your favorite place at school is the library. I can definitely relate to that!

I wish that I could sweep away your insecurities. You still have periods of shyness when going in to a new situation with a lot of people. You get very embarrassed if you know that you did something wrong, and there are other people around who saw. But more and more as you gather new experiences your confidence grows.

Every time I hear this song on the radio, the beginning makes me think about you, and the way that I feel. I love you, Claire-bear, and I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day

Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are.

I love you!

Mommy

Think pink...

2011-02-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

That's right - soon there will be another little girl in the family. Here's what she thinks about it:

We think she's beautiful already - even though she keeps sticking her hands in front of her face...

She says, "I can't wait to meet you in July!" (July 24th to be specific....or as specific as a due date can be.)

For Ben, on your 5th birthday

2011-01-25T20:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Ben,

It is hard to believe that my sweet little boy is five years old already. In some ways you want to be so grown up, and at other times you remind me so much of the toddler you were just a few short years ago.

While I hope to slow these years down and savor every minute, you are always wishing that you are older. You idolize most of the older boys that you know - both in the neighborhood and at school. We are blessed to be surrounded by a group of boys that let you join in with them without making you feel at all out of place. Even our neighbors who are 5 or 6 years older than you cheerfully respond to your greetings, and spend time talking with you and answering your questions.

At school this year you have made great strides. Your reading has improved so much, and you will sit down with me and read one of the books that your teacher sends home practicing a word or sentence over and over until you can read it completely with no mistakes. You are so proud every time you get to do one of the "long chains" at school, just like the kindergarteners. I have worried that your tendency towards being social will interfere with your learning, but so far you have proven me wrong.

You love to be out doors doing just about anything. This fall you played on a soccer team for the first time. The amount of energy and enthusiasm that you have amazes me. Especially since you still get up most days before 6 AM. You get out there, though, and go, go, go the whole time.

At this point, I can't imagine getting able to regularly sleep past 7 AM, but at the same time I treasure my early morning time with you. You snuggle up beside me on the couch, and ask me to put on a show for you. Sometimes you will sit separately, but sooner or later you reach over and put your hand on my cheek or shoulder. You need that physical connection, and it makes me melt every time. Often when we've had a busy day you will come up to me at night as I'm putting things away after dinner and say, "will you come sit and snuggle with me, because we haven't had much snuggle time today?" Now how could anyone turn down an offer like that?

Ben, the way that you interact with the people around you makes me so proud of the person that you are becoming. I can't wait to see what this next year brings.

I love you so much - you will always be my little boy,

Mommy

The perfect Christmas card

2010-12-03T19:49:00.007-05:00

What a goofball!

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, one of the things that adds stress to my to-do list is creating the perfect Christmas card to send out to our family and friends.

All the disdain a 6 year old can muster.

Confession - last year, I finally got pictures I was happy with, and my sister designed a beautiful card, and then I never sent it out. Whoops.

For me, one of the biggest struggles is getting the perfect pictures to capture what the kids are like. One of these years I'm going to have no choice but to make a card entirely of "outtakes" from the photo shoot, but not this year. With a little bribery, I was able to get pictures that made me happy, but I also got plenty of not so great ones - can you tell who was the more uncooperative one this year?

Then once you have pictures that you are satisfied with, you need to choose from what is now a myriad of options for creating a card. Now I have to say, that in the past I dismissed Shutterfly cards as being pretty simple with not a lot of options. Well, boy has that changed! They now have an astonishing array of holiday cards to choose from.

As I browsed through their Christmas cards, I was quite impressed with the selection. I was expecting to see a lot of the standard 4 by 8 photo cards with room for a photo or two. They do have those, but they now have them in a variety of styles. Here is one of my favorites, that is not quite so traditional.

They also have a variety of 5 by 7 cards printed on high-quality card stock. This one gives plenty of space to let people know what you've been up to over the course of the year. What a great, way to capture the epic holiday letter!

What surprised me the most were the 5 by 7 folded cards. Every one that I looked at had space inside where you could add a personalized message, and often, more pictures. They look very classy. I love the simplicity of the message on this one.

In addition to cards, Shutterfly offers a wide array of photo gifts, like these desk calendars, that are great options for those hard to shop for people on your list, who adore your children as much as you do!

This year, I'm using Shutterfly to create and print my holiday cards. I can't wait to see them in person, because I love how they look on the computer!

Disclosure Statement:

This post is part of a series sponsored by Shutterfly. Participating bloggers are reviewing the new Shutterfly cards and sharing their faves, and have been compensated with coupon codes for 50 free cards. However, that hasn't changed the opinions that I've expressed in this post.

Grace in Small Things - Day 7

2010-11-25T19:59:00.002-05:00

1. Getting to sleep in (at least at my house, sleeping until 7:30 is sleeping in).

2. Watching my mom teach Claire how to set the table with the silver, china, and crystal.

3. Kids dancing around the room to Christmas music.

4. My mom and dad getting up to dance to Christmas music.

5. Spending time with family.

There are so many little things in every day to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Grace in Small Things - Day 6

2010-11-24T20:12:00.002-05:00

1. Waking up to a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns cooked by my awesome husband.

2. A reasonable drive on the day before Thanksgiving - only about a half hour longer than usual.

3. Amusing car conversations with the kids. (Claire, after reading a billboard: Why would your house be upside down? That's crazy!")

4. Laying on the floor at my parents' house reading Christmas stories to my kids.

5. Surprise doggy kisses in the middle of number 4.

Grace in Small Things - Day 5

2010-11-23T20:03:00.002-05:00

1. A two day work week!

2. Listening to Claire read a story to her doll.

3. Enthusiastic puppy greetings when I walk in the door.

4. Being almost done with my Christmas shopping - only person left on my list!

5. Snuggling in front of the fire with a good book. (Yep, another fire tonight.)

Grace in Small Things - Day 4

2010-11-22T20:11:00.002-05:00

1. A hot cup of coffee in the morning. Starting my day without one just isn't right.

2. Seeing pink striped sunsets while I watch my kids ride bikes and jump over leaf piles.

3. Being able to see when a student makes the connection that they need to understand what you're teaching.

4. Fudge tracks ice cream.

5. Sandpapery kitty kisses.

Grace in Small Things - Day 3

2010-11-21T22:08:00.002-05:00

1. One of the best feelings in the world is snuggling a baby. I got the chance to get some time with my adorable niece, Adele, this morning, and it made my day.

2. Grocery shopping without the kids is so much quicker and easier.

3. Old friends. Tonight we had one of Brian's friends from middle school and his family over for dinner. It is always nice to get to hang out with them.

4. Having friends over is a good excuse to cook a meal that is more indulgent than our typical fare.

5. At the end of the day, nothing beats a purring kitty curled up in your lap.

Grace in Small Things - Day 2

2010-11-20T23:04:00.002-05:00

1. A productive day around the house - we got lots of small tasks that have been put off taken care of this morning.

2. A Hokie win - this made for a much more cheerful evening than it might have been!

3. More lovely fall weather. We have been lucky that all fall the weekends have been gorgeous - all of our rain has occurred during the week.

4. Generous family. Brian's aunt and grandmother were nice enough to come and babysit the kids so that we could go out to an art show and dinner.

5. Good friends. Getting to spend grownup time with some of our favorite people doesn't happen very often, but it is great when it does!

Grace in Small Things

2010-11-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

It has been far too long since I've done this exercise of posting five things I'm grateful for. My plan is, in this week leading to Thanksgiving, to do it every day.

1. Health. After having both kids on antibiotics for different ailments over the last two weeks we have been blessed with a week where there has been nothing bigger than the occasional sneeze.

2. Fires on a cold night. Brian built one tonight as soon as we made it home, and it feels wonderful.

3. My job this year is so much better, and so much less stressful than what I was going through at this time last year.

4. Flexibility. Part of what makes this job wonderful is having much more free time. I was able to take all of Wednesday off to go see Claire in a Thanksgiving play (she was Narrator #1!), have Thanksgiving lunch with her at school, and then volunteer at the school's book fair. It was a great day.

5. Fall colors. Though many leaves have fallen, there are still a few trees showing off their beautiful colors, and the fall decorations that are scattered around the house make me happy.

Claire's first school report

2010-10-11T19:41:00.002-04:00

On Friday Claire told me that she needed to learn some facts about Christopher Columbus to share in class on Tuesday. I looked up some stuff online, and we talked about it a lot. Eventually she was able to share all of it orally, but was nervous that she would forget, so wanted to write it down. Here is what she wrote (this actually turned out longer and more detailed than the oral version).

Cristufr Clumbis wuz born in Itly and his fodr seld cheese and wen he wus oldr he wontid to sail to indeu. So the Spanish king gave muny so cristfr clunbis cud sail and have suplis and sailrs and he wontid to sail too indeu. and wen he landid he thot he wus in indeu but he wus in the bhamus and he stept of the boat and he saw unarukins and so he cold them indens and peple htot wen he got sik and he did he got rele sik he did.

Translation:
Christopher Columbus was born in Italy and his father sold cheese and when he was older he wanted to sail to India. So the Spanish king gave money so Christopher Columbus could sail and have supplies and sailors and he wanted to sail to India. And when he landed he thought he was in India but he was in the Bahamas and he stepped off the boat and he saw americans and he called them Indians. And people that when he got sick and he died he got really sick he died.

(The end was supposed to be that they thought he was 55 when he died, but I think it took her so long to sound out the words that she forgot what she was saying.)

Overall, I think she did a great job. And I commend her teacher for being able to translate first grade spelling to English!

My Crazy Son

2010-10-10T14:37:00.005-04:00

Three times a week I drive Ben to school in the morning after we drop Claire off, and those car rides seem to produce the craziest of conversations. Here are three of my recent favorites.

*****************************************************************************

Ben: Tomorrow you're picking me up in car line, so I don't need lunch.

Me: Can you remind me in the morning so I don't forget?

Ben: I'll try, but you have a bigger brain than I do, so you'll probably remember first because your brain is bigger.

Me: OK

Ben: Can we stop talking about brains now? They're kind of disgusting.

*****************************************************************************

Ben: Are we late today? Can we stop at the gas station because I'm really hungry, and I need a snack.

Me: Nope.

Ben: But Daddy used to stop there every day and buy us something.

Me: No, Daddy stopped there once.

Ben: How do you know that?

Me: Because Daddy and I talk to each other.

Ben: I'm not going to talk to you any more unless you stop talking to Daddy!

*****************************************************************************

Ben told me something he'd learned the previous day in school about a platypus.

Me: So you read a book about platypi?

Ben: No, platypuses.

Me: Nope, one is a platypus, but more than one we call platypi. Just like one octopus is an octopus, but more than one is octopi.

Ben: Like one car is a car, but many are carpi!

Me: No, but that would be pretty funny, right?

Ben: Yeah, but really it's a traffic jam.

Please note Ben's very stylish first day of school ensemble.

My girl

2010-09-23T15:39:00.002-04:00

When we got home from school today Claire brought me a craft project that has been sitting on a shelf since her birthday in June and asked if she could work on it. I opened the box, quickly browsed the directions, and gave her basic instructions. Then she sat down to work on it.

She had arranged a few felt shapes on the pink tote bag, but nearly every time she reached into the plastic bag she pulled out something new that she hadn't seen before. Then I heard her mutter, "let's get organized". She took everything back off the bag, and then started methodically laying out all of the felt shapes on the table, grouping them by shape, and then organizing by color.

"Now. Let's start over," she told herself, and started arranging the shapes into a pattern she found pleasing on the bag. She moved things around trying different color combinations, and moving them just a bit one way or the other.

Sometimes I see a side of her that strikes a chord in me. She loves to create - even her new teacher, after knowing her only a week recognized how much she loves to color and draw. However, sometimes her perfectionist tendencies impact her creativity. She wants - needs even - someone to validate her choice before she makes it final. She gets upset if something doesn't turn out the way she pictured it in her head.

Just like me.

This is why I don't scrapbook. There are so many details, and what if I take my photos and all of those amazing papers and stickers and photo borders and everything else, and then I don't like how it ends up? So I just don't do it. I have several drawers of scrapbooking materials down in the basement, and it continues to sit there - used only infrequently, and generally not for its intended purpose.

I work hard to encourage Claire's creativity, and praise the finished product, even if it is different than how I would have done it. I want her to be happy, and to see her successes even when it might initially not be how she intended it. I want her to not be afraid of the outcome, and to enjoy the process of creating, and of trying new things. Most of all, I want her not to stop because she is too worried that she might fail.

She hums quietly to herself as she works. Then turns with a smile, "I'm almost done, Mom!" "I can't wait to see it, sweetie - it's going to be great!"

Summer wish list

2010-07-03T08:54:00.003-04:00

1. Go to the zoo.

2. Go to a Rocknoceros concert.

3. Go camping.

4. Have a picnic.

5. Take a train ride in to the city to go to a museum.

6. Visit an aquarium.

7. Go fishing.

8. Eat frozen custard while we sit on the town green.

9. Attend an outdoor concert.

10. Go to the botanical gardens and feed the ducks and turtles.

What's on your to-do list this summer?

Finding a new normal

2010-06-30T13:21:00.003-04:00

So the end of the school year was last week. And for me, it was the end of this phase of my career. I had been unexpectedly put back in the classroom shortly before the school year started, and the workload proved to be too much for me and for our family right now, so I am not headed back in the fall.

Now I have to work on figuring out what my new "normal" is going to be. Although, with it being summer, the word normal is all relative. Every week of July means something different going on - a different schedule, different activities, or different location. Maybe I can find normal in August???

At any rate, right now I am looking forward to taking care of lots of neglected projects around the house, catching up on my "to read" pile, and spending lots of relaxed time with my family. Seems like a good enough plan to me.

Best Shot Monday - Summer is here!

2010-06-21T17:18:00.003-04:00

Today is officially the first day of summer, though it has certainly felt (temperature wise) like summer for quite a long time. And this weekend was no exception! I took a few minutes to photograph some of my favorite signs of summer - my hydrangeas. I first fell in love with hydrangeas while honeymooning on Nantucket. It seemed that behind every garden gate, and around every doorway were gorgeous bunches of hydrangeas. This particular plant hasn't flowered before due to deer munching on it. It looks great this year, though, and the color is just phenomenal. The mature blooms are this amazing blueish-purple, but the ones that have just bloomed are that beautiful greeny-white with the purple tips. Perfectly lovely.

Go visit Tracey to see some other fabulous photos from Best Shot Monday.

To Claire - Age Six

2010-06-08T18:52:00.006-04:00

Dear Claire,

Last week you turned six. And what an event it was. Your school happened to schedule kindergarten graduation on your birthday, and so you hit two big milestones the same day. You were so excited about graduation - alternating with sadness at leaving the school and teacher that you've known for the last three years. I hope that over the course of your lifetime you have many other teachers that you love as much as you love Miss Pam. We couldn't have asked for a better person to help guide and shape you over the past 3 years. You have learned and done so much in her classroom. She even taught you to be a Steelers fan which is much appreciated by Aunt Renita and Uncle Paul.

Over the past year you have progressed from being what I like to call a "hunt and peck" reader (having to sound things out - sometimes forgetting the first word of the sentence by the time you get to the last) to being able to sight read chapter books. In fact Nonno and Nonni gave you a new chapter book at your birthday lunch (you chose lobster, of course), and you were so! Excited! Ten! Chapters! Which you had finished reading before rest time was over that afternoon. And had read again the next day. And you packed it to take down to their house this week, so I'm sure you'll get through it a few more times before the week is over. I love how much you love to read. When I was young I read at every opportunity, and I reread my favorite books over and over again. I hope that reading continues to introduce you to many friends and new worlds to explore.

In the fall you will start first grade at the public elementary school that is just a few streets away from our house. You seem quite excited at this prospect, and often ask as we're driving "have we passed my new school yet?" I love how you describe the others who will be in first grade with you - you list all of your friends from the neighborhood, and then you say, "and the friends I don't know yet." May you enter every stage of your life with such an optimistic attitude. I have no doubt, knowing the person that you are, that you will create many new friendships very quickly, while still remaining loyal to those who you already know. You have such a loving heart. So many people who meet you comment on that, and it fills my heart to watch you show them with just a few words or actions how caring you are.

While you readily give of yourself to others, this also means that you have a sensitive side, and sometimes something that might seem harmless to another causes you to become very upset. Usually all you need is a little time (and some cuddles) to right yourself. I wish I could guard you from those kinds of hurts, but the reality is that it will happen all your life, and as much as I wish to save you pain, all of these experiences will, in the end, make you stronger.

You love arts and crafts of all kinds. Clearly your friends recognize this because so many of them got you presents that will allow you to unleash that creative side. I'm glad, because that's not something that is natural for me, so while I try to provide you with lots of supplies, I'm not very good at thinking to pick something like that out to do on any given day.

You also love to be active. Another of your big accomplishments in the past year is the ability to pump your legs so that you no longer need to be pushed on the swings. I can still remember the day this fall when you ran up to me, "You were right, Mommy! You said one day I would just be able to pump and now I CAN!" You were so very proud of yourself. You love to run, ride your bike or scooter (though you think your scooter is too babyish for you now), and play football, soccer, or catch with Daddy in the backyard.

At the same time, a part of you needs quiet to recharge yourself. Saturday at your birthday luau you ran around excitedly with all of your friends. Upstairs, downstairs, outside - everything was done with high energy. However, before the evening was over - while a few guests still remained - you were found coloring by yourself on the floor of the family room. I think you just needed some time to yourself to regroup after the excitement of earlier. Mommy needs that, too, and if you recognize it already it will make your life much easier. Though let me tell you, when you have kids that quiet time to recharge becomes much harder to come by!

When you come downstairs in the morning you get sad if Ben is snuggled next to me on the couch and there is no room for you, so we wiggle around to try to accommodate everyone. At dinner you and Ben take turns setting the table, and whoever sets gets to pick where everyone sits. You typically alternate between choosing to sit next to me, or graciously saying, "Ben, I'll let you sit next to Mommy if you let me tomorrow." While sometimes it can be frustrating to have the two of you both clamoring for my attention, I know that in the blink of an eye it will be different, and I will regret not cherishing these moments more.

If 5 and three quarters is any indication, age 6 will be very dramatic. This year you had "the best birthday ever!" By contrast, though, when forced to run errands last month you told us, "this is the WORST Mother's Day in the whole world!" You tend to describe everything in extremes. I hope that the next year is full of far more "bests" than "worsts". And with time, that you will discover that sometimes those worsts are not really so bad after all.

This weekend Daddy and I are going down to North Carolina to watch your Uncle Calvin graduate from high school. When I first met him he was the age you are now. I don't feel that different or that much older than I did back then, so I better be careful. If I glance away for too long you will be the one graduating from high school.

Claire, you are lovely in so many ways. Smart, thoughtful, funny, beautiful, and a little crazy (biased? Not possible!). I try to imagine the woman you are growing in to, and though in some ways I can't wait to meet her, for now, I will enjoy you just the way you are.

Love you always,

Mommy

Ten on Tuesday

2010-05-25T19:52:00.003-04:00

1. Yes, I am not good at updating this lately. I feel like the world just keeps on spinning and I am hanging on desperately by my fingernails trying not to fall off. I keep thinking "oh next week will be better/calmer/easier." I've been thinking that since September. It doesn't seem to have happened yet.

2. My kids are totally unpredictable at the dinner table. Yesterday they ate all of their food and even had seconds of some things (actually Claire had 3 helpings of green beans). Today they ate all of their carrots and not much of anything else. Oh well, it means leftovers for Brian's lunch tomorrow.

3. I'm sure one thing that doesn't help with the dinner issue is that lately I usually don't get to pick the kids up until at least 5, which means we're not home until around 5:30, and they are starving. Finding them a snack that they're willing to eat that won't ruin their dinner is a constant challenge.

4. Two weekends ago we took the kids camping. Actually, due to my knee I came home to sleep and left Brian to sleep with the kids. It was a big success. The others with us raved about the food Brian prepared (though you could tell it was planned by men, there was a lot of meat and no side dishes for dinner). The kids had a blast playing at the playground, eating s'mores, and fishing. Everyone slept pretty well, though a few found themselves on the downhill slope of the tent making it a little more complicated. All in all a good trip. To be repeated.

5. Work has been stressful lately. It is time for the state standardized testing, and my students test in math on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Sunday I woke up and immediately my head was full of sample test questions. It's even invading my weekends! So far the kids have been mostly cooperative during review activities, so I am hopeful that it will go well.

6. Today the kids wanted to go outside when we got home, so I went out front and did some weeding while they rode bikes and scooters up and down the sidewalk. None of our gardens have been weeded since my dad worked on them when I had my surgery, and boy can you tell. Part of this weekend needs to be dedicated to getting the front of the house under control and planting some annuals.

7. Some of the gardens are flourishing, though. Last week I went out and picked a vase full of peonies (photo above), and put them in the middle of the dining room table. Their sweet scent drifts across the house at unexpected moments and just makes me happy whenever I notice it.

8. I can't believe that in 8 days I will be the mother of a six year old. Where does the time go. I can still remember so vividly the day that she was born. That morning I sat on the floor of my kitchen - 2 days past my due date - talking on the phone with a friend while I scrubbed the fronts of my cabinets with Clorox wipes. After a very stressful afternoon and evening I held my first baby in my arms. But the rest of this is a story for next week.

9. Claire graduates from her Montessori school on her birthday next week, and she is beyond excited about it. However, she is upset about leaving behind her teacher of 3 years. She keeps telling me that she wishes Miss Pam could be her teacher forever, and why can't her school add more classes so she can stay there for first grade.

10. Friday night when going to get in her pajamas Claire told me that Miss Pam gave her some kisses to put in her pocket, so she was going to put them somewhere safe. The next day she was upset about something. Then she said, "I know!" and stuck her hand in her pocket. "I have my kisses from Miss Pam, I put them in here this morning." And just like that it was all better.

Ten on Tuesday - It's April!

2010-04-06T19:44:00.003-04:00

1. The biggest news around here is that on March 24th I had surgery to reconstruct the ACL on my right knee. I've had this surgery twice on my left knee, and don't remember the road to recovery being so long, but the last time I was 9 years younger, and had no kids to keep up with. I was also on summer break, so had plenty of time to recuperate. I am headed back to work tomorrow, and am hoping that it goes ok.

2. The surgery was on my dad's birthday. We did manage

to have some yummy Thai food, and some sort of dessert (I can't remember what) for his birthday dinner, and then we celebrated again a few days later with my sister and brother-in-law. Of course Dad did cook his own birthday cake.

3. This is not the first time his birthday has been interrupted because of my knee. When I was in high school doing PT after some of my knee surgery I reinjured my knee (popped some scar tissue) at PT, and both of my parents had to drop what they were doing (Mom was cooking Dad's birthday dinner) to come and get me because I could not drive home.

4. Speaking of Dad's cake, we were discussing it a few days earlier, and someone brought up pineapple upside-down cake. Dad thought that that was a great idea for a birthday cake, when Claire piped up, "upside down cake? That's crazy! How will you have candles?" She didn't understand why this made all of the grown-ups erupt with laughter.

5. In other Claire news, she learned how to tie a bow today at school. She came in wearing a sticker that says, "I can tie!" and promptly ran to get one of her sneakers and show me how well she could tie a bow. It took her several minutes, but she did a great job!

6. Also, she continues to read everything she can get her hands on. While down at the lake she found an article on lemurs in my parents' Smithsonian magazine and read it (with some help). Then she read part of it again to me on the phone later that day.

7. Quite a while

ago

I ordered Ben a shirt and tie from Children's Place for Easter and a wedding we are going to next weekend. Ever since he saw the tie he has been dying to wear it. Sometimes he would fasten it over his pajamas, and he would

often ask to wear it to school ("Mommy, can I look handsome today?"). I finally took it and hung it up in my closet to keep it safe. He finally got to wear it Sunday, and he was thrilled!

8. Easter was nice, we had a relaxed brunch at the home of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, complete with an egg hunt for the kids. Everyone had a great time (except my leg which swelled up enormously in protest).

9. Spring has definitely sprung here in Virginia. The cherry trees are past peak, which means that we have drifts of cherry blossom petals covering our deck. Our dogwood is just about to bloom. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths brighten the garden. Even the bleeding hearts have started to bloom. I was thrilled last week to discover that the magnolia tree that Brian and I bought as an anniversary present two years ago. Last year it got leaves but never flowered, so I was a bit concerned, but this year it got quite a few beautiful large flowers.

10. Brian has also spent quite a bit of time readying the vegetable garden for planting. So far the only thing he's put in the ground are onions, but he has the rest tilled, raked into mounds, and ready to be filled with peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash. Summertime is coming!

Ten on Tuesday - It's been a while!

2010-03-02T21:52:00.003-05:00

1. We are really ready for some warmer weather around here. I would truly like to get rid of the giant dirty piles of snow that still line the roads and parking lots.

2. Had a nice dinner at Noodles & Co. with the kids tonight. We all get food that we really like, and they told me about lots of things that happened at school. They're growing up!

3. Of course, no conversation with Ben is complete without him totally making something up. At dinner tonight, after hearing that Claire did something so well that she got to make the class example, he told me that he did such a good job at taking grapes off of their stems for snack time that he got to teach that "lesson" to the other students.

4. Brian is off on a trip tonight. I never sleep well while he's gone. Hopefully Friday will come soon.

5. As I'm typing this I looked out the sliding glass door, and noticed snow drifting down. It's not supposed to amount to anything, but still - really? It's March.

6. The kids and I are really enjoying the adventures of Iggy and his Wiggy bed as our bedtime story the last few nights. Check it out. (Be prepared - it plays music!)

7. I celebrated my birthday last weekend. I got many lovely gifts, and birthday greetings from friends new and old - near and far (thanks to Facebook). The kids were probably more excited than I was, which is fun to watch. They probably sang to me about 7 times over the course of dinner Friday night - needless to say, the waitstaff also knew it was my birthday, so they sang to me, too.

8. Some parts of the Olympics have been very exciting to watch. Watching the kids try to act out the sports they see after the fact, is also very entertaining. Perhaps more so than the NBC commentary. ;)

9. It has been interesting at work trying to get back into routine after our extended snowcation. I believe that last week was the first full school week for students since the middle of January. I'm sure they'll be back up to speed just in time for spring break in a few weeks.

10. Well, Mom and Dad arrived back in the country from France, shared a glass of wine with me, and now it is time to head to bed. I didn't have time to pull out my camera and look for recent pictures - maybe next time. Until then - Happy Tuesday!

Four Years Old!

2010-02-14T21:08:00.004-05:00

Dear Ben,

A few weeks ago you turned four years old. You were anxiously waiting for the day to arrive. A few days earlier you told me, "I couldn't do this if I was only 3, but now I'm almost 4, and so I'm big enough." Turning 4 was quite the milestone in your eyes. When I asked you if I could still call you my baby even when you were 4

you thought about it very seriously, but finally agreed that it would be ok. I'm not sure how many more years that will last!

I can still remember so clearly the day that you were born. I had to wake up very early to get to the hospital at the right time. Now you wake me up early nearly every day. I guess I should have known what I was getting myself in to. Someday I will be yelling at you to get out of bed, I'm sure, but I don't anticipate it happening anytime soon!

Just a few days after your birthday I had my first parent-teacher conference for you. Your teacher had many wonderful things to say to you, including how smart you are. She was concerned that you tend to choose easier work than what you can do, because then you don't have to concentrate very hard. I talked to you about it that day, and only a couple of days later

she told me that you had gotten 2 lessons on newer more challenging work, and you told her that you had been wanting to try this work. She was very impressed with how well you did. I have a feeling that this is a conversation that we may be having for the next 14 years. Probably with varying levels of frustration on both of our parts. You made me proud, though, and I am sure that that will also happen over and over for the next 14 years.

Even though you think you are so big now, you still love to snuggle, and will often run up just to give me a kiss, and then go back to whatever you were doing. I cherish the moments I get to cuddle with you, because I know it won't always be this way. I hope, however, that you will always be as loving as you are now - even if you find new ways to show it.

You still have delicious toddler cheeks - they help remind me that as much as you think you are all grown up, that you are still my little boy, and no matter how big you get, that is never going to change. I love you, Ben - happy birthday to my very big little boy! I hope that being 4 is every bit as wonderful as you have imagined.

Mommy

It's a new year

2010-01-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

Looking back on 2009, it is amazing how quickly the year went by. For me it hasn't been an easy year. The beginning of the year was filled with anxiety wondering how the budget cuts would affect my position. Then I was relieved to find that my position would be renewed for the new school year. I spent the summer doing a lot of work, and not a lot of resting, only to discover, just a few short weeks before school began that my position had been cut and I would be back in the classroom. It made for a very stressful fall for me as I struggled to find the balance between an increased work load and my family, though thankfully, I feel like I'm finally starting to get my feet under me. The fall was made more stressful when I got a mystery illness. The doctors still haven't figured out what it is that is plaguing me, so I'm hoping that 2010 brings some answers. Ben also got hit by a case of the chicken pox that, partially due to his having been vaccinated, resulted in the longest slowest case of the chicken pox that I've heard of. He was contagious for nearly 3 weeks, and the spots are still fading.

We were, however, blessed in many ways. We were able to spend a lovely Easter on the outer banks due to the generosity of some of my mother-in-law's friends. It was a quick trip, but it marked good time spent with family. We also had a lovely trip to California with my family over the summer to celebrate an important family birthday. The kids have been flourishing in school. They are both learning so many new things, making great friends, and constantly astonishing us with the things that come out of their mouths. They love being at the same school this year, and I think it has been good for them (and much easier for us). We have spent lots of time with our many good friends, and although it sometimes seems that those times are few and far between it always wonderful and much appreciated when we do make the time for it.

In general, life was good. And when it wasn't I always had two, goofy, adorable, snuggly, all-around-wonderful kids to cheer me up and make me smile.

So here we are, with high hopes for 2010. I have several goals for this year. One is to post here more regularly. Another is to use my camera more - this past year I had a huge decline in the number of photos I took. Lastly, and most importantly, is to find a good balance between taking care of my family, dealing with work, and taking time to take care of myself.

Happy New Year!

Fall Fun

2009-11-21T07:54:00.004-05:00

It's been a while. This school year is kicking my butt. One of these days it's bound to get easier, but I haven't seen it happen yet. Here are some pictures of the fun we've been up to this fall when we can squeeze it in!

All four of us headed down to Blacksburg for a football game - we had a beautiful day, and a WIN! Claire showed off some very unique Hokie style.

We harvested lots of tomatoes from our garden, and have a freezer full of spaghetti sauce to show for it.

I went on a field trip to the C&O canal, where there were some beautiful views.

We took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.

The kids had international day at school.

And then Halloween - an adorable musketeer, and a beautiful princess showed up at our door!

Stay tuned for more. In the meantime, for those who are interested in some unique handmade jewelry check out the giveaway going on over here. Lisa Leonard's designs are lovely.

Early Morning Funnies

2009-09-27T08:20:00.001-04:00

Me: I think you guys gave me your colds.

Ben: *sniffs experimentally* No, I still have mine!

Best Shot Monday - boat ride

2009-09-21T21:39:00.002-04:00

Ben enjoying a boat ride on the weekend before Labor Day. Looks just about perfect to me!

Check out more great shots when you visit Tracey over at Best Shot Monday.

Ten on Tuesday - the back to school edition

2009-09-08T21:30:00.003-04:00

1. Today was a busy day for most of the household. It was my first day of school with students, Ben's first day of Montessori, and Claire's -2nd day of kindergarten (kindergarteners don't start back at school until Thursday, but she went today to help her teacher show the new 3 year olds the classroom routines).

2. When Ben woke up he didn't even make it all the way down the stairs (he saw me in the hallway) before he ran back upstairs to put on his clothes for the first day.

3. He was most excited about his new "cool" shoes (sorry Uncle Brandon, they're not fancy anymore). So excited that after taking off his pajamas and running to the bathroom, he came back naked, and started putting his socks on. I did manage to talk him into putting on his clothes before his socks and shoes.

4. When I picked Ben up he told me he met lots of new friends. According to him, he met a girl named Christopher, a boy named Benjamin wearing the same shoes (Brian guesses he met him in a mirror), and a boy named traffic light. So pretty much everything he said is suspect.

5. Claire said she was very helpful, but that there were lots of people to help, so she got to spend some time doing her own work. She brought home two bracelets that she made, one sewn, and one beaded, and some coloring including a picture labeled "me and mi famle".

6. After school we went to get a "treat". Ben opted for the coffee shop and got some of "Nonni's favorite cookies", I got a pumpkin spice latte, and Claire chose ice cream from Cold Stone (I still can't believe that Ben chose the coffee shop over ice cream).

7. I was planning on asking Claire for a bite of her ice cream until she made her choices. Cotton candy ice cream (blue) with mini marshmallow mix-ins. No thanks.

8. Brian didn't have a special first day of anything, but he did a good job finishing packing the lunches (he was responsible for the PB&Js, and taking some pictures before they left.

9. He did, however, turn Ben's name tag in to the front office with the paperwork instead of actually putting it on our child.

10. All in all a good first day for everyone.

Ten on Tuesday

2009-08-04T20:21:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about what my kids have added to my life. Here are some of the things I've been pondering lately:

1. Patience. Teaching middle schoolers I was pretty sure I had boundless stores of patience. Clearly I had a lot left to learn - as my kids quickly taught me. I am more patient than I imagined, but still, it runs out sometimes.

2. Humility. There is no choice when you have children, but to be humble. Like a few weeks ago at the post office when Ben told a man he had a big butt. That was most definitely a humbling experience.

3. Reflection. Sometimes when I watch and talk to Claire I see some of my traits reflected in her - particularly self-consciousness. I hope that I can help her outgrow that, as it is something that I have struggled with all my life. As I watch my children experience things, I spend a lot of time reliving my own memories of similar things.

4. Energy. There are days I feel like I have nothing left to give, but as a parent, that's just not an option, so I somehow manage to find enough extra stores of energy to make it through the day and keep up with two very active monkeys.

5. Laughter. I have never laughed as much as I have since Claire and Ben were born. Every day they do something goofy that makes me laugh.

6. Wonder. Having kids is an opportunity to look at the world again through fresh eyes. The wonder that they find in the smallest things is amazing to watch. The other day Claire said to me, "Look Mama, isn't this the most beautiful rock you've ever seen?" It was something that normally I would have walked right past without noticing, but to her the color and the shape were clearly noteworthy.

7. Fatigue. All nighters in college were nothing compared to the day-in day-out demands of taking care of two kids. Especially when one or the other (or both) are going through periods of not sleeping very much, or for very long at a time. Somehow we make it through. I can do a lot more, on a lot less sleep, than I ever thought possible. It definitely makes me forgetful, though. Sometimes I wander from the dining room into the kitchen, and by the time I've arrived I've forgotten what I was coming for.

8. Pride. There is nothing that makes my heart swell more than watching my kids accomplish something new. When people compliment them it makes me so proud of the little people that they are becoming. Also getting to see the pride that they take in their accomplishments - be it reading a new word, some artwork, or an outstanding physical feat - fills up my heart.

9. Gratitude. I feel as though since becoming a mother I stop more often to be thankful for all of the blessings I have. Clearly, Claire and Ben are two of my biggest blessings, but there is so much else to be thankful for. Every time that I take a moment to stop and think about it, I feel so incredibly lucky.

10. Love. I never imagined that I could feel so much love, and yet it continues to grow and grow. I am so lucky to have these two amazing children in my life. The love makes me happier than ever for the good things, but it also makes me hurt when they are hurting. I wouldn't give it up for anything.

Ten on Tuesday - the picture free edition

2009-07-14T21:48:00.002-04:00

1. The power cord to my lovely MacBook is not working well. Tomorrow I will be visiting the Genius Bar. This is why there are no new pictures today.

2. Tomorrow I will also be celebrating my 9th wedding anniversary. Yippee!

3. Except we're not really going to celebrate until next week when the kids are at my parents' house for 3 days.

4. Also, to add to tomorrow's excitement, I need to register Claire for SACC (school aged child care) for the 2010-2011 school year. I have been told that if I don't get through tomorrow, I am likely to wind up on the waiting list, without a spot.

5. My kids crack me up all the time. Lately they frequently pretend to be mother and child, and so tonight I heard Claire telling Ben, "Honey? Honey, you're beautiful, but I just don't know. You're kind of odd." I have no idea where she came up with that, but I could not stop laughing.

6. In other funny kid stuff, Ben has started prefacing many statements with "I'm serious!" which just makes me laugh so hard. He really is trying to be serious a lot of the time, but I can not help cracking up.

7. We just got back from 5 days in northern California. We had a great trip including a trip to an aquarium, riding a cable car, seeing the giant Redwoods, a 98th birthday party, and a trip to the beach where both kids got to splash in the Pacific Ocean. It was fabulous.

8. My mom told me today that one of Claire and Ben's fourth-cousins-once-removed (got that?) who is between them in age, told her Nonni yesterday, "I want to go back to Auntie Popo's and play with those kids." When she was told that they flew home on the plane yesterday she then replied, "Well call them, and tell them to come back!" Apparently they were popular.

9. Ben liked playing with his fourth-cousins-once-removed, but preferred playing in their father's fire truck. I think if we lived in California Nick would be Ben's new best friend. He let them turn on the lights, talk over the loudspeaker, and try out the siren, as well as trying on his hat and coat.

10. Speaking of his coat, in a classic example of one hand not talking to the other, it was determined that all fire personnel at a traffic incident have to wear reflective vests. The reflective vests are not fireproof, so if there is a fire they can not wear them. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Ahh, bureaucracy.

And that's it for this Tuesday. Stay tuned - if I can get a new power cord, or they can make it work, hopefully I'll have pictures from our trip to share soon.

Best Shot Monday - buds

2009-07-06T06:28:00.003-04:00

As a kid, being forced to get up early on Saturday mornings to go and weed the gardens, I never thought I would have gardens of my own, or get so much pleasure out of watching the flowers come up. My favorites are definitely my hydrangeas.

Please stop by Tracey's blog to check out some of the other fabulous pictures from Best Shot Monday.

Five!

2009-06-08T21:03:00.003-04:00

Claire's fifth birthday was last week. I will try to write more about it later, but here is a photo from her party on Saturday as she waited at the table for the cake to be brought in - she couldn't hold still she was so excited.

Happy birthday, Claire! I love you!

Make sure that you go visit Tracey to see what everyone else is sharing for Best Shot Monday.

Best Shot Monday - Memorial Day

2009-05-25T20:52:00.003-04:00

Today we remember all of the men and women who served our country and have died, but most particularly, around our house, we are thinking of our grandfathers. Here is a picture of Brian and the kids with Papa Jim taken in December 2007. This is the first year that we are remembering Papa Jim on Memorial Day, rather than Veteran's Day. He accomplished so much in his years of service for our country, and was very proud of it - deservedly so. We miss him, and we're grateful for his service, and that of Grandpa Collins, and Grandpa Mills - all of whom proudly served our country.

There are so many men and women who we honor today. Take a moment to remember them, before heading on to see the magic everyone else is sharing at Best Shot Monday.

Stay tuned...

2009-05-19T22:40:00.002-04:00

For 10 on Tuesday - the Wednesday edition. I am exhausted, and it is not going to happen tonight. I will leave you with this cute picture, as a consolation prize.

Ten on Tuesday - remember that thing?

2009-05-12T20:44:00.005-04:00

1. It's been a long time. At the end of the day I am tired, and though I frequently think of blog posts as I work or drive, I rarely take the time to type them once I'm sitting on the couch.

2. I'm making it a mission to take better care of myself - tonight I soaked my feet, then exfoliated them with a sugar scrub, and put on nice foot lotion and heavy socks.

3. I've also started doing a cross-training exercise program every Monday at school. It makes Monday long days, but I get a great workout, and I need it.

4. I had a very relaxing Mother's Day with my three favorite people. They were very sweet to me.

5. My husband must have read my mind about my plan to take care of myself because I got a spa gift certificate for Mother's Day.

6. Last Saturday we made our first (of many) trips to the farmer's market. Even though there's not a lot of produce out, what was there was great, and the kids were thrilled that the homemade donuts were back.

7. Brian was sad that the olive and pickle guy was not back.

8. My fresh crepe at the farmer's market was delicious (feta, spinach, and mushrooms - yum). My favorite part of Saturday mornings.

9. Right now I'm watching the Biggest Loser finale, and chatting online with my sister. An enjoyable way to finish the day. We're also simul-blogging our 10 on Tuesday. (I just made that word up, btw.)

10. Our gardens are starting to change over to summer flowers, and I'm enjoying looking around each week at what is new. The bleeding hearts (shown above) are shedding their flowers, while the peonies are getting more buds every time I look. The clematis has started to bloom, and one lilac is done, while the other hasn't begun yet. I've found one of the nice things about gardening is how much everything changes week by week (or sometimes day by day).

Poor sick boy

2009-05-11T18:45:00.002-04:00

This afternoon at almost 4 I turned my cell phone on to find I had a message. Ben's daycare had called to tell me he had a fever of 101.5 and didn't feel well, and was I going to come pick him up. They did not call my work number, or Brian, but I jogged over to get him, and then had him sit on a mat in the gym and watch me exercise. He sat so very still and watched us run, do sit-ups and push-ups, run some more, jump rope, sit down and stand up over and over again (squats). He must have thought it was all very bizarre. I got several comments about how well behaved he was - I knew it was because he was sick (and maybe because he was up at 4:45 this morning - ugh).

Tonight at dinner, he leaned against my arm, looked at his plate of food, and said pitifully, "I'm so berry hungry" and yet he didn't pick anything up to eat it unless I handed it to him. He had roughly half a piece of garlic bread, and half a cup of water.

My boy is sick, and I wish I could make it all better right away.

Things to remember

2009-05-07T20:51:00.002-04:00

Some of my favorite current phrases and words that the kids use:

ickscover - Claire's version of discover
icksgusting - Claire's version of disgusting (a theme?)
It will feel me better - Ben speak for it will make me feel better

************************

We have been inundated with rain lately. This morning Ben saw all the worms on the driveway, and begged me to let him pick them all up and take them to school. Because I am mean and horrible I refused - instead we threw them into the garden. He sulked for the first 4-5 minutes of the car ride, but then wanted to know what a sign said, so the silent treatment was over.

*************************

On the way home today the kids were in the backseat. They decided to tell each other jokes. Claire said, "ask me if I'm a crab?" Ben: "Are you a crab?" Claire: "Yes! Wok wok wok wok wok!" They laugh like little loonies. Then it was Ben's turn. He tried the same crab joke, but Claire said he needed to make up his own. Ben: "A hat was silly and fell into the gas station and they closed the tank." Claire: "That wasn't funny. Yours needs to be funny like mine."

Best Shot Monday - how can I choose

2009-04-20T06:35:00.004-04:00

A few shots from the beach - it's been a week and a half now - how is that possible? These are certainly special memories. See what other memories people are sharing by visiting Tracey over at Mother May I for Best Shot Monday.

Vacation

2009-04-08T21:34:00.003-04:00

I have been extremely neglectful around here lately. Things have been hectic, and my stress level has been high, so blog posting has not been at the top of my list. Yet life goes on.

Yesterday we dropped Lucky off at the house he would be staying at while we were away, only to find out about an hour later that he had run off. Here's a snippet of conversation from the back seat as we drove back to try to find him:

Claire: We need to hurry, we can't waste any time! I don't want him to be gone, because he has such soft ears. I love his soft ears. And I love beagles. If Lucky is gone we would have to get a new dog, and I think the pet store wouldn't have any more beagles.
Ben: *shrugs* I guess Papaya (ed: our Siamese kitten) will have to be our beagle now.

later:
Claire: We can't give up.
Ben: Imagination Movers never give up!

Today he was found, and is now back safely at Brian's grandmother's house. We'll pick him up on Monday. Hopefully he won't have any more adventures between now and then.

In the mean time, we'll enjoy this.

Picture taken at dinner. Not a bad place to relax, eh?

Soup to the rescue - M'm, M'm, Good

2009-03-17T20:58:00.003-04:00

We may have reached a milestone last night.

For dinner the kids were having Campbell's princess noodle soup, and grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches. Ben ate all of the noodles out of his soup, then picked out a tiny bit of carrot that was in there, and said he didn't want it, so we told him to put it on his plate. Then he picked up his bowl and drank all of the broth. Brian made some kind of comment about how good the soup was, and how he even ate all of those carrots. Ben looked a bit surprised. Then we pointed to the one on his plate, and, since apparently he believed that he'd just eaten carrots, he picked it up and put it in his mouth and ate it! This is the first time we've gotten him to eat any sort of vegetable in probably over a year without hiding it in something else.

When he asked for another bowl of soup I made sure to give him plenty of the teeny carrot pieces, and he ate every single one! We talked about how good the carrots were and he said, "Yes. And soft." So for now we'll stick with super cooked soft carrots, but at least it's something.

Best Shot Monday - ponies and dinosaurs

2009-03-16T06:10:00.003-04:00

This photo is from several months ago, on a weekend morning. I could hear both kids playing together and giggling, so I peeked in to see what was going on, and this is what I found. The perfect blend of the two of them.

Check out more pictures by visiting Tracey over at Mother May I.

Grace in Small Things

2009-03-12T21:08:00.004-04:00

1. My sweet boy - even in the middle of the night, when I'm utterly exhausted, he still makes me laugh. "Mama, can I sleep with you?" "No, you need to go back to bed." "Just a teensy-tiny bit?" For the record, I did not give in, so as soon as he woke up the next morning, he said, "But I didn't wanna go back to my bed."

2. Pleasant conversation with neighbors after our neighborhood association meeting.

3. It is incredibly unlikely that there will be any changes to school start times despite the SLEEP coalition trying their hardest. Hooray! I'm glad that I finally truly cared about something political, and I put time and effort into making my voice heard, and it worked! (Obviously it was all my influence.)

4. My husband cooking dinner. Yummy, and I could snuggle on the couch with my kids while he got it all ready.

5. KGB jokes on The Office.

You, too, can find Grace in Small Things.

Grace in Small Things

2009-03-05T20:45:00.003-05:00

1. Having my kids play happily and independently so I can veg out for a little while when we first get home from work/school.

2. Yummy Mexican food for dinner. That I didn't have to cook. Or clean up.

3. Happy kids eating a decent dinner and popsicles for dessert.

4. Snow days and two hour delays.

5. Seeing all the hyacinth tips coming up that we planted down by the mailbox last fall. I can't wait to see them!

You too can find Grace in Small Things.

Grace in Small Things

2009-02-26T20:40:00.003-05:00

1. An adorable birthday card that Ben made for me at school today.

2. The sweetest cupcake made out of flowers sent by my sister (and Pete).

3. Being able to find amusement in the irrationality of a very tired three year old (Ben: Mommy, (pointing) why is this your forehead? Me: I don't know, that's just what it's called. Ben (whining): But I don't WANT it to be called a forehead.)

4. Lots of happy greetings today from wonderful friends.

5. Coworkers who were kind enough to bring in a (yummy! oreo!) cake for me, and enough leftover to share with the kids after dinner.

You too can find Grace in Small Things.

Grace in Small Things - part 3

2009-02-20T18:07:00.002-05:00

1. Receiving beautiful flowers at work from my husband last Friday. It made me feel so special and loved.

2. An unexpected playdate/chat with a neighbor (even in the bitter cold).

3. Kids playing happily together - even when it only lasts 5 minutes before the fighting starts. OK, sometimes ten.

4. Crossing things off of my to-do list.

5. "Mama, can I snuggle with you?"

You too can find Grace in Small Things.

Grace in Small Things

2009-02-12T21:09:00.003-05:00

1. Relaxing to watch Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice with a glass of wine.

2. Having a (mostly) clean house.

3. Having reservations at a yummy restaurant for Valentine's Day.

4. Peanut M&Ms.

5. Playful kittens (but not at 5:20 AM).

You too can find Grace in Small Things.

Ten on Tuesday

2009-02-10T21:11:00.003-05:00

1. I missed Best Shot Monday - again. That pesky work thing keeps getting in my way. But it has a new home now, so feel free to stop by and say hi to Tracey. The photo above is the one I would have posted.

2. My back hurts. I was doing some rearranging in the basement this afternoon. Perhaps I should have waited until Brian was home, but I wanted to surprise him.

3. On the plus side it looks great, and I think we'll like the new arrangement.

4. The weekend keeps going by too quickly. And yet when it's over, and people ask me what we did, I can't think of much to share.

5. I did do a lot of laundry. That's always fun.

6. Still have two loads to fold. Blah.

7. This morning in the car Ben and Claire were talking about Spiderman. Claire said, "he can do all of the stuff a spider does except eat bugs." Then Ben talked about how he catches bad guys in his web, too which Claire replied, "and sucks their blood." Umm, no. Are they reading vampire stories in preschool now?

8. I really enjoyed the Twilight series, but I think Claire's still too young for that.

9. Ben has his interview tomorrow at Claire's preschool.

10. He asked to be in the green room because green is his favorite color. Also, that class has a pet gecko named Harold. I think it would be a good place for him.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Grace in Small Things

2009-02-05T19:02:00.004-05:00

There is so much in life to be grateful for, and we so rarely say those things out loud. I'm going to take my cue from Susan over at Friday Playdate, and try to make this a regular thing around here.

1. Ben wandering around with a pair of Mr. Potatohead glasses precariously perched on his face. "Mom, I can't see you without my glasses. See? I can't see you!" *whips teeny tiny plastic glasses off of his face*

2. Claire cajoling her brother into giving her some of the artwork he made at school. "Pleeeeeeeeease? I'll invite you to my birthday! Oh thank you! This is so lovely!"

3. Working with a new group of students at school who actually want to work and are doing really well, and being sought out by a student at school who know he needs help so he doesn't fall behind in the second week of the quarter.

4. After Ben bit the head off of a dinosaur shaped chicken nugget he made it walk around his plate saying, "help! I can't see anything. Can you see me? I think I need a new head!"

5. The memories I have of my kids with Papa Jim. We will forever regret not being able to forge new memories, but the ones we already have, and the photos, will always be treasured.

You, too can find Grace in Small Things.

Three

2009-01-25T21:12:00.005-05:00

Dear Ben,

Yesterday you turned 3. As usual, you first woke up around 5:30 AM. You are nothing if not predictable in that respect. In many other ways, you keep us guessing every day. You are full of character, that's for sure. The last few months your favorite insult, and you imbue it with as much scorn as your little voice could possibly hold, has been "baby girl". If Claire, me, or even the cats do something to bother you, you will give a big harrumph, and then exclaim, "baby girl." I think you like it most because it bothers your big sister so very much.

You are still very stubborn. Bribery and threats rarely work with you. This week I would often tell you that we had to go straight home from school because we had to get things ready for your party. You would tell me, "actually, I don't want a birthday party." No, you don't, you'd rather get whatever it was you wanted right then. But only a few minutes later you would change your mind again, "actually, I do want a party."

I love how much joy and enthusiasm you have. When I pick you up from school and you first see me you get the biggest smile, and you run to give me a hug. That makes my day. You are still such a loving little boy. Though you would correct me, "I a big boy now, I wear underwear!" You will sometimes come up to me as I sit on the sofa, and say, "Mommy? Can I snuggle with you?" How could anyone say no to that?

I love listening to you play with your sister. Tonight the two of you were playing with one of the new toolkits you got for your birthday. You were pretending to screw something in, while Claire manned the cell phone, and talked to your client, "Yep, we're just checking on things. Making sure it's tight. There's a leak? Ok. Uh-huh. Bye." You continued to work industriously. I'm so glad that you two can be such good friends to each other. That is when you're not driving each other crazy, because we definitely see that, too. You seem to have a talent for saying and doing exactly what will annoy Claire the most. I keep telling her that that is a little brother's job, but that doesn't really make her feel any better.

You love music so much. You will frequently put on concerts for us with the guitar that you got for Christmas. You almost always request to watch Imagination Movers on TV, or a Rocknoceros podcast on my computer. Sometimes you won't respond to me unless I call you Imagination Mover Dave or Coach Cotton. At your school's holiday concert whenever we could hear anyone in your class singing it was you. You may not be pitch perfect, but you are certainly enthusiastic.

Ben, you amaze me everyday with what a big boy you are becoming. You are growing up so quickly, and I love the new changes, but I will also miss the stages that you are growing out of. I worry that sometimes I don't pay attention and the "last times" slip by without me noticing. I didn't realize the last night that I put you to bed in your crib, or the last morning I got you out. I want to go back in time, and make sure that those memories are imprinted in my mind forever. I love you so very much. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Ten on Tuesday - the Inaugural edition

2009-01-20T08:19:00.003-05:00

1. Yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.
2. For King's day of service, I've decided to participate in the Knit your Bit campaign.
3. King is probably best known for the "I have a dream" speech. I think today, that part of his "dream" is becoming a reality.
4. Today is about change.
5. I am grateful that my kids will grow up in a world where they won't understand why electing a president that is African-American is a big deal.
6. Unknowingly, but what a nice coincidence, Ben and Claire chose to wear patriotic colors today.
7. Me? Do blue jeans count?
8. At least my Starbucks cup has a patriotic cardboard sleeve.
9. No matter who you voted for, it is impossible to deny that today is a historic day for our country.
10. Yes we can!

Best Shot Monday - cousins

2009-01-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

Every year sometime in the week before Christmas my husband's mother's family all gathers for a holiday party. I caught Ben and his cousin, Ryan, in a particularly "cheesy" mood while the older generation tried to watch football behind them.

Visit Tracey at Mother May I for more pictures from Best Shot Monday.

Where has my baby gone?

2009-01-15T20:10:00.002-05:00

I rushed home from school yesterday to be here when Ben's bed was delivered, then headed back to school, ran some errands, picked Claire up and took her to dance class, and then finally returned home.

I found Ben and Brian in a storm of cardboard boxes and pieces of pine. Some of them resembled a bed.

About 45 minutes later, we had a twin bed, with rails set up. (We bought Ben a twin-over-full bunkbed set, but for the time being we are only using the top part.) I quickly heated up some dinner for the kids, they ate, and then we went back upstairs to put on pajamas. As soon as Ben had his pajamas on, and for every 30 seconds thereafter he said, "will you tuck me in, Mama?" Over and over and over again. Until finally it was time to get tucked in. I kissed him and hugged him, and put his stuffed elephant in beside him. He gave me a huge smile, and said goodnight.

This morning I was awakened by him calling me. I went in, and when I reached out to him in bed he realized where he was, and suddenly said, "oh, I can get out by myself." Then he told me, "The bedbugs didn't bite me. My elephant helped me sleep." By all accounts, a good first night. Let's hope it continues to go as smoothly. Or that maybe? Possibly? He will start sleeping later in the mornings. Ha!

Ten on Tuesday

2009-01-13T20:17:00.002-05:00

1. I have been a terrible blogger lately.

2. My baby is turning 3 in 11 days. Scaaaaaaaaary thought.

3. He gets a big boy bed tomorrow. I'm excited and trepidatious.

4. Work has been a little crazy since we got back from the holidays. Hopefully things will get straightened out soon.

5. I was so tired this morning that when I got to Ben's classroom to sign him in I looked at my watch and thought the battery was dead again (it had just been replaced last week). I was frustrated, but just made up the time based on the last time I'd looked at the clock in the car. Today at 3:45 PM I realized I had put the watch on upside down, which was why the time looked all wonky when I checked it throughout the day. Brilliant.

6. I am sipping minty green tea out of a mug my office-mate gave me for Christmas. Lovely.

7. We decided that the cats were finally big enough to wear the collars that we had bought them when we first got them. I put Penny's on after dinner, and she has spent the last hour and a half trying to figure out how to chase the little bell on her neck.

8. Now we need to figure out where Papaya's collar is hiding.

9. Claire started a new dance class last week, and tomorrow is her second class. We got her tap shoes last weekend, and I can't wait to see her face when she puts them on and starts tip-tapping.

10. The kids and I have a four day weekend this weekend. Hooray!

Best Shot Monday - Santa

2008-12-22T06:08:00.002-05:00

Every year the fire department lets Santa take a ride on the back of this fire engine, and he and his helpers hand out candy canes to any little ones who come out to greet him. There is a truck that drives ahead blasting sirens and Christmas carols, and carrying a big inflatable Santa to get people out of their houses. They came by our house Saturday about 15 minutes after we'd put the kids down for a nap. We ran up and grabbed Claire who hadn't fallen asleep and she asked for two candy canes so she could give one to Ben. A nice way to kick off her Christmas vacation!

Head on over to visit Tracey at Mother May I and see what other best shots have been posted this week!

Recipe for disaster?

2008-11-30T13:51:00.003-05:00

One almost-three-year-old boy who is potty training who was:

taught to pee standing up at preschool (minus)
taught to lift the toilet seat and wipe up afterwards (plus)

Add:

two curious kittens who love running water (or anything that sounds like it)

Results:

one big mess

Let the caroling begin!

2008-11-30T07:37:00.003-05:00

Well, Thanksgiving is over, which means the Christmas season is officially upon us. Some notables from the last few days:

1. Mom got her usual teasing for her love of Christmas - the Christmas mugs and dishes were out before most people were awake on Friday morning. Uncle Paul decided to protest yesterday morning and for breakfast used a non-Christmas mug, non-Christmas plate, and non-Christmas napkin. He's a rebel that one.

2. Sherryl got to hear some of the fun stories about Uncle Paul growing up - like when he ironed his hair because he was so upset to find out it was curly.

3. Ben playing air guitar to Rocknoceros and watching his reflection in the fireplace doors.

4. The kids dancing with each other at Eric and Jaclyn's party last night, they had more energy and enthusiasm (though a little less grace) than the rest of the people out there.

5. The Hokies won yesterday! Go Hokies!!

Now I'm snuggled under a blanket on my own couch with a kitty purring on my arm, trying to figure out how to get all the cleaning done that needs to get done today before the week begins! Maybe I'll listen to Christmas carols while I do it.

Gobble Gobble

2008-11-27T20:31:00.002-05:00

That's what we did today! Gobbled up turkey (fried), stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, salad, and much much more. Not to mention four kinds of dessert.

We have so much to be thankful for. The family and friends we had dinner with today, the family who we couldn't be with, but are always in our hearts, and our friends scattered all over the country.

The kids, in typical kid fashion, alternated between charming, mischievous, and whiny, but overall they were well behaved. Of course, because it's a holiday, they've been sick. Claire had a stomach bug yesterday, but was much better today, while Ben has a nasty cough that he can't seem to get rid of.

We hope everyone else had a similarly fabulous day. Hopefully I'll get photos from our day up soon.

Gobble gobble!

Time for Ten on Tuesday

2008-11-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

I know, the excitement never stops around here!

1. I am very tired this week. And it is only Tuesday. This does not bode well.

2. Last night I made Citymama's Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Mmmm, tasty.

3. According to Brian, kittens who have been basking in front of the fireplace make an excellent heating pad.

4. I wore a nice skirt today that made me happy, with shoes I really like, but with the amount of standing and walking I did, the heels were a bad choice. My feet say, "ow!"

5. Ben now repeats everything I tell him at bedtime. "I love you, buddy." "I love you too, Mama." "Have sweet dreams." "Have sweet dreams, too, Mama." "See you in the morning!" "See you in the morning, too, Mama." What a cutie.

6. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. More for the chance to relax and spend time with family than for the food, but the food will be good, too!

7. This year the turkey will be fried. Mmmmm, fried turkey skin.

8. The kids were asking yesterday whether Christmas was before or after Thanksgiving, so I clarified that it was before. Then they asked about Easter. Seriously? I think we have a while before we need to worry about when the Easter Bunny is going to arrive.

9. And also, Ben told me yesterday that he wants to be a spaceship for Halloween next year. I'm sure he'll remember that next October.

10. Although he does play with the space shuttle toy at Claire's school every day when we pick her up. Maybe he really will want to be a spaceship next year.

Wasn't this fascinating? Ten things you really needed to know. I am so glad that I could help make your life more complete. Any time.

Too fast

2008-11-18T06:04:00.002-05:00

This weekend Ben woke up grumpy from a nap, so I cuddled him in my lap, and as he rested his cheek on my chest I could look down and marvel at his thick dark eyelashes, the soft curves of his cheek and nose that tell me he is still more baby than boy. I looked at his hands to check for those little dimples at the tops of each finger. He gently reached up and put a hand on each of my cheeks, and pulled my face down for a kiss. My little man. My snuggly, loving, mischievous little boy.

And then yesterday he wore underwear to school. He made it all day until 6:30 PM without an accident. He cried when I made him take them off and put on a diaper for bed.

Where is my baby disappearing to?

Best Shot Monday - my boy

2008-11-17T06:07:00.003-05:00

I had to go into my archives to find a photo for this week, as I haven't picked up the camera lately. Here's Ben who was only too proud to show off the delicious mess he made with his macaroni and cheese.

Head over to Mother May I to see what Tracey has in her heart, and other shots from Best Shot Monday.

already trying to play the system

2008-11-13T23:07:00.000-05:00

Normally every morning when Ben and I come downstairs (before dawn has cracked) I make my coffee, he gets his cereal bar, we let Lucky out, and then he asks me if he can watch Imagination Movers. The other morning, he started talking to Penny.

B: Hi catty-cat! Good morning!
P: rrowr
B: What's that Penny? Oh, OK.
P: meow
B: I'll tell her.
B: Mama? Penny-Pen wants to watch 'magination movers.

Sure, blame it on the cat, buddy. That's sure to get you what you want.

kitties

2008-11-12T22:18:00.003-05:00

Cute cats? Where?

Nothing to see here. Please disperse.

Oh alright. We're cute, we admit it. Purry and cuddly, too. Whatcha gonna do about it?

Ten on Tuesday

2008-11-11T21:46:00.002-05:00

1. Since we've had the kittens I've heard Claire laugh more than I can recall recently. I'm glad that they are bringing our family so much joy.

2. Role reversal - Today I had to work, but Brian and Ben had the day off, so Brian also kept Claire home from school and was in charge all day long. And I mean all. day. long. since Tuesday night's I teach my class from 4:30-7:30.

3. I think they all had a pretty good day - a trip to Grandma's for haircuts, lunch, and to see the new puppies - how could that be bad!

4. Today near his mom's house Brian got gas for $1.92/gallon. The cheapest price I saw today around here was $2.25/gallon.

5. My awesome husband made my day today, because in addition to keeping the kids busy he made huge strides in picking up the house so it will be ready when the cleaning ladies come tomorrow.

6. It's been quite chilly here the last two days, so we've had a fire both nights. Cozy.

7. Even kitties love to bask in front of the fireplace.

8. Claire can now read on her own the first 6 Bob books. Everyday she is eager to try more.

9. I feel like we've had some really nice family time lately. It's been good to have that.

10. My husband and I have a date night this Saturday to go to dinner and see the new James Bond movie. Hooray! It's been a long time since we've had some quality "alone" time.

Best Shot Monday - frog

2008-11-10T17:12:00.003-05:00

There was just something I really liked about the sun shining on this frog statue at the zoo. I feel bad I cut his little toes off, but I was doing this while holding my 35 pound son. I didn't have a lot of time to futz around.

See lots of other Best Shots when you check in with Tracey at Mother May I.

Meal Planning

2008-11-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

I used to do my meal planning on Mondays, make my grocery lists, and have plenty of time to shop. Now that I'm back to work it's not that easy, so I meal plan on the weekend, we try to hit the grocery store together on Sunday, and hopefully we remember everything, or don't change plans too much. Here's what we're having this week:

Sunday -
butternut squash soup for the grownups
pumpkin waffles for the kids

Monday -
chicken cordon bleu (made these today and they're ready and waiting in the fridge)
rice
green beans

Tuesday -
I teach class, and Brian takes the kids out for pizza

Wednesday -
pasta w/pesto (a surefire way to get the kids to eat!)
salad

Thursday -
beef stew in the crockpot
roasted brussel sprouts

Friday -
taco salad if we're home, but maybe, hopefully, we're going out

What's on your menu this week?

having fun together

2008-11-08T22:01:00.003-05:00

Two times in the last few days while having conversations with others it has come up that children that are close in age, like Ben and Claire, often play well together. I am happy that they normally enjoy playing together. Just this morning I came to the kitchen after being in the basement paying bills, and Ben showed me that they had set up "carseats" in front of the back door. When I asked where they were going he said they were going to the grocery store, but then I asked what they were going to be and he said, "Actually, we're not going to the grocery store. We're going somewhere else." Then he headed off to play with Claire and I overheard a bit of their conversation, at first Claire wanted to be the mommy, but Ben insisted on being the daddy, so he drove her to her "dress-up party". When he stopped the car he told her, "now let me open and close your door, so you don't hurt your fingers."

Moments like these I want to always remember. Especially when they're teenagers, and don't want to be in the same room with each other.

Once upon a time...

2008-11-07T20:41:00.002-05:00

Ben spontaneously decided to tell a story at dinner (I think he was trying to avoid having to eat, he never did finish his dinner).

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Ben who was wearing a green shirt. Then a giant came. He started to cry. But then he ran away. He went to a picnic concert. Then he was happy because the bear didn't come. The End.

I'm not sure if it was a giant bear, or if there was both a giant and a bear. He didn't elaborate. Either way, given the other stuff I've seen out in the bookstores I'm pretty sure that we can find a publisher.

Mother's Night

2008-11-06T21:50:00.006-05:00

One of my new favorite nights of the year. Once again I got to go to Claire's school after dinner, and she got to show me three kinds of "work" that she does during the day. This time we did the matching game, flag learning, and the sound box.

On the way there she told me, "Mother's night is not my favorite night because I can only do short work, and all the work I want to do is long." She seemed to recover her enthusiasm once we got in there. I was slightly mortified because her current favorite phrase is, "oh darnit!" and she said it over and over again. When the teacher said she needed to move on to show me something new because we'd spent nearly half the time on the first "work" on the list she said it, and then she was told there was only 7 minutes left and she said, "only 7 minutes left! oh darnit!" Then again when she dropped some colored pencils while carrying them back to the shelf. We had a little talk when we got home about it, so hopefully she's not teaching her entire class to say it. Or if she has it will start to subside.

Her teacher told me that everyday after lunch she and another 4 year old in her class that she's friends with decide together if they want to work with the kindergarteners or play. Apparently this other girl always thinks for a minute and then says that she wants to play, so finally this week Claire said, "You always just want to play! I'm going to work today." This is the second time this year that her teacher has noticed her making up her mind about something and standing up for herself, not just going with the flow - good work, Claire! Don't forget that lesson - you'll need it all your life.

International Day

2008-11-05T20:49:00.002-05:00

In addition to Halloween on Friday we had International Day at Claire's school. Fortunately when Nonni was going through the old Halloween costumes at her house she found a small kimono. I bought a pair of child-sized chopsticks for 50 cents, and she had a costume. I managed to finagle her hair into a teeny tiny bun, and with the help of some hairspray it held up for the whole day!

Here is Claire practicing her kung fu moves at home.

And at the parade at school.
We ended the day with a nice afternoon of just Claire and Mommy - she used a gift card to Build a Bear to make a horse named Callie that she carries everywhere, and then we had a yummy lunch, walked around the mall some, and had some ice cream for dessert - because she surely wasn't going to get enough sugar later in the day! It was a really nice way to spend the afternoon.

Ten on Tuesday

2008-11-04T21:26:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to do NaBloPoMo again this year, so I stole this idea for Tuesdays from my sister.

I started my morning by climbing out of bed, pulling on some clothes, making coffee, and heading to the polls. I was in line 20 minutes before they opened, and home 25 minutes after. Not too shabby. I hope you voted, too!
Yesterday and today were teacher work days - it is relaxing to be there when the building is quiet and people are feeling industrious. Back to the real world tomorrow, though.
I like having it be light out when I'm on my way to work. Makes me feel better about starting my day.
Our kittens switch regularly from being spastic to being fast asleep. Crazy kittens.
I love how Ben looks at and talks to the cats. He will say in this high pitched voice, "hi catty-cat! Catty-cat! How are you?" If they go anywhere near him, or let him pet them he turns to me and says, "aww, she loves me!" SOOOO cute!
I have started Christmas shopping. Go me!
I have not shopped for the birthday party we have to attend this weekend. Boo!
My job is sometimes frustrating, but sometimes very gratifying. I really like the people I work with which makes a huge difference.
I am loving the fall colors outside right now. I really need to get my camera and just have it with me all the time. Often as I'm driving I see an amazing tree - just incredible color or shape or contrast - and wish I could stop and take a picture.
I have been teaching the same staff development class (a class for other teachers) for over 5 years. I think that this year I am doing a better job with it than I ever have - I don't know why, but all of a sudden I am filled with lots of new ideas and enthusiasm for the content. It feels good.

Best Shot Monday - Halloween Treats

2008-11-03T06:05:00.003-05:00

I did make the kids dress up again yesterday to take pictures that showed their costumes better. Here are my favorites, I can't pick just one!

We had a doggy that I could barely slow down long enough for a good picture.

A very fierce "dinosaur rex".

And here he's getting a little help with his tail. Much like Halloween night where he wanted me to carry his tail, or carry him, in between every house. Next time the tail needs a wrist loop like ladies used to have for the trains on their dresses.

Many thanks to Nonni for making the fabulous costumes - we got many compliments!

Head over to see Tracey's adorable cheetah at Best Shot Monday, and see what other shots people are sharing this week!

Two more days.

2008-11-02T21:31:00.003-05:00

Oh I am glad that the election will be over soon. Although I've been able to participate in some interesting conversations over the last few months I am so tired of the endless commercials, phone calls, and people knocking on the door. No matter how many times we tell people on the phone that we have definitely decided and who we are voting for they keep calling to check. I am more than ready for some change, but I don't want to spend the next 48 hours hearing about it. Wouldn't you rather see something adorable?

Last weekend we were invited to a Halloween party. The kids had a blast - here is Ben, having already shed his costume, playing the drums.

The cutest little puppy dog tail.

A very sweet kitty cat climbed into my lap!

And oh yeah, we also brought home these two adorable kittens last weekend. Meet Penny and Papaya - they are sisters, although they look nothing alike. Penny is the gray and white one, and Papaya would almost fool you into thinking she was a pure-bred Siamese if it weren't for her sweet white little paws. They are such a sweet addition to our family, and we're all having lots of fun with them.

Halloween Preview

2008-11-01T22:08:00.003-04:00

I haven't had time to sort through all of the photos from yesterday to pick my favorites, and I think that I might need to sweet talk the kids into putting them on again during the daylight tomorrow to take a few more pictures (some of the leftover Halloween candy might come in very handy for that), but here is a teaser -

I hope that everyone's Halloween was as sweet as ours was - all treats and no tricks!

Best Shot Monday - glee

2008-10-19T21:55:00.003-04:00

Last weekend the cooler fall weather heated back up a bit, and we had plans to go apple picking that fell apart due to a variety of factors. We wound up at Clemyjontri Park with friends, and the kids had a great time - can you tell?

Head on over to Mother May I, where Tracey shares the love in her house, to see what other Best Shots people are sharing.

PS - If you have an extra minute, please head to 5 Minutes for Mom, and vote for my photo of Ben (#14) - thanks!

Wow! Please vote!

2008-10-16T18:51:00.002-04:00

My photo for the Sleeping Angels photo contest the other day is now a finalist! I'm so excited about this. I can already envision Ben's room with this fabulous new furniture in it - unfortunately I have to actually win for that to happen, so I need your help! I need your votes!

Think of it as practice for November 4th. Except Ben is a lot cuter than either candidate. So head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, and vote for Ben (#14 - A Tale of Two Kiddies). I'd really appreciate it! I would also like to use more exclamation points in this post!!!

The rules say that you can vote once per computer, though we found at our house that I believe we share an IP, and couldn't vote on each of our computers. But give it a try - maybe it will work for you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

picnic dinner

2008-10-15T10:49:00.002-04:00

Saturday my kids were overtired despite long naps, and I had a feeling that dinner was not going to go smoothly. So I decided that for dinner, we would have a picnic! In the family room! While watching a favorite show! (Charlie and Lola is a GREAT show, btw.)

Claire: I don't liiiiiiike that picnic blanket, I want the blue one.
Me: This is my favorite picnic blanket. It's the one I used when I was a little girl, and I went on picnics with Nonno and Nonni and Aunt Jen, and Uncle David and Aunt Sarah.
Ben: When you were a little girl named Mommy?

Yes, buddy. You got it.

Best Shot Monday - sunrise

2008-10-13T10:00:00.003-04:00

The sunrising behind the opening ceremonies at last weekend's Susan G. Komen 3-Day. This was an amazing, life-changing experience. When time allows I hope to post a much more detailed post about the weekend. For now this will have to suffice.

Check in with Tracey at Mother May I for a look at other Best Shot Monday posts.

Sleeping babies

2008-10-12T22:59:00.004-04:00

I don't think there is anything more heart-melting to a mom than a sleeping baby. My "babies" are growing up - much faster than I want them to. Much faster than I am willing to admit sometimes. But sometimes I still walk in on just the right moments. I'd been sitting with Ben, with his head in my lap, and then got up to go do something in the kitchen. I realized it was awfully quiet in the family room and peeked in to find this.

The lovely sisters at Five Minutes for Mom are sponsoring a giveaway that I just couldn't miss out on the opportunity to win. My "baby" could use a big-boy room, and when I saw the Summer Breeze line that's one of the available prizes I knew it couldn't be more perfect. Because Ben is in the smallest bedroom I've been planning on looking for a Captain's bed to get the extra storage underneath, and I've already bought sheets and comforters in red and blue stripes to go with the two gorgeous framed pieces that we have for his room. I would love to have this set to help move things along on the path to making his "big boy" room, even though it will probably break my heart just a little.

Emily - 0, voice recognition software - 2

2008-09-29T21:01:00.002-04:00

Last time I battled with, and finally outsmarted, the voice recognition software in the car. This time it was on the phone. I lost. Today I was trying to get through to a real live person (a feat in and of itself) at my credit card company, but the Fates (and a two year old) were working against me.

Phone: If this is correct, please press, or say, one.
Ben: MOMMMMMMMMMMY!
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response.
Me: frantically presses 1 over and over
Phone: If this is correct please press, or say, one.
Ben: MOOOOOOO-OOOOOOMMMY!
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response.
Phone: Please press, or say, your 16 digit account number, now.
Ben: MOMMY! I need WATER!
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response.
Me: bangs head on desk. bangs phone on desk.
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response. Returning to the main menu...
Ben: Mommy? Can I have water? Water? Mommy, water?
Me: gives up. hangs up.

Best Shot Monday - my girl

2008-09-29T06:23:00.002-04:00

This picture is from a weekend at the lake in late August. Claire kept wanting me to take pictures of her making funny faces, but I caught this one when she was in between funny faces and just being herself.

I am determined to make the time to get to visit all of the other great shots going on over at Best Shot Monday, and you should, too!

funny

2008-09-27T18:15:00.003-04:00

Claire and Ben having an imaginary phone conversation. Please note that apparently phone conversations best take place at top volume!

B: Hello, who are you?
C: My name is Claire Pyatt, P-I-T-T-T-T-T-T-T.
B: And my name is Ben Pyatt, T-T-T-O-O

Best Shot Monday - Say CHEEEEEEEESE

2008-09-22T06:46:00.003-04:00

Ben and his buddy Ethan, cheesing for the camera.

To see more shots from Best Shot Monday make sure to check in with Tracey over at Mother May I!

Best Shot Monday - Claire and Patrick

2008-09-14T21:32:00.003-04:00

The week before Labor Day I had to work, but the kids weren't in school yet. We paid a fortune to the babysitter for the first two days, and then my parents took the kids down to the lake for the last three. We managed to get there on Friday while the kids were still napping, and so I got this absolutely adorable picture.

Patrick is a dog my sister got from FAO Schwartz. He was bequeathed to my parents when Sarah started moving into apartments that were far too small to house a giant stuffed puppy, and now he is Claire's buddy when she's down at the lake. He sleeps on her bed at night, and when she "rests" in the other room he has to go with her.

Sometimes now Claire can act so mature, but moments like this make it easy to see how little she still is.

Go over and check out Tracey's pictures of her daughters, and everything else that will be shared at Best Shot Monday!

and we'll have fun, fun, fun...

2008-09-07T22:04:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago we attended a Beach Boys concert with my parents at Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts, which is, conveniently, just a few minutes from our house. This was our birthday present for Dad, and everyone had a great time - particularly the kids.

Ben took a while to warm up because we had to wake him up from his nap to get in the car and go, so he settled in with Nonno to eat some cheese and crackers.

Claire and Nonni had a lot of fun dancing.

Doesn't Ben just look thrilled? I actually like this picture of myself, though, so I'm posting it anyway. :)

Me, trying for something a little different. Those in the family will recognize the picnic blanket in the top right from picnics 25 years ago (or more).

Ben finally decided to bust a move.

Last dance - awwww.

I love this picture, even though you can't see my dad's face, and while snapping away I didn't notice that woman behind Claire. Something about the way she is looking at him.

We really had a fabulous day - good food, good wine, fun music, a patch of shade, and a very enthusiastic crowd. I think that we will all be eager to go back again next year.

First Day of School

2008-09-02T21:33:00.004-04:00

Today was Ben's (and my) first day of school. The entire ride to school every time we passed kids waiting at the bus stop or saw a school bus he told me, "Those kids are going to school. Just like me!" He was very eager to begin his day - particularly since it started with sitting down at the table at school to eat his yogurt and cereal bar. Yum! He didn't even notice my leaving, and I was too stressed about making it to work on time that I didn't even have time to cry. I did tear up a little when I recounted it to my office mate later in the morning, but we all survived.

Of course I couldn't resist taking some pictures before we left the house - we were only running a few minutes behind.

First I asked Ben for a thumb's up. Instead he flashed me his gang signs.

Wait, that's better - complete with a totally cheesy grin. That's my boy!

And of course Claire couldn't resist getting in on a photo-op!

When I picked Ben up he was just getting up from his nap. All we can get out of him about his day was, "I went outside and played and stuff and sleeped." Sounds like a busy day to me! When I ask him about his teacher, Miss V., he tells me that she helped him go potty. (She told the parents at the meet and greet a few weeks ago that she would have the whole class potty trained in 2-3 months. Good luck with my stubborn boy, I will support you every step of the way. He told me tonight that he is excited to go back tomorrow, so that's a good sign. I think we're going to have a great year!

bring on the smiles

2008-08-20T13:27:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my lovely, long-time friend, Colleen, had given me a very special gift.

The Rules:
1. The recipient must link back the the award's creator (http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com/)
2. You must post these rules if you recieve the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to recieve the award after recieving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

I definitely have #3 and #7 covered. It was just the kind of pick-me-up I needed yesterday to know that someone else sees all of the other characteristics in me. Colleen is such a kind person, always doing something for others. If you have a minute to take a look at her blog you will see how much time and energy she puts into making her house a happy home for her husband and her three gorgeous kids. I wish she wasn't all the way up in Maine, but I keep trying to convince her that a trip to DC would be a fun way to spend their vacation. Maybe one of these years!

I'm going to break one of the rules and pick only three people for this award today. Some of the others that I would have chosen don't have their own blogs - imagine!

1. Julie at Rarely Home Mom is an amazing person. She has such an enormously good heart. We share a love of reading, cooking, and having fun with our kids. Although I've never met her in person I've known her online for probably close to 5 years. I consider her a kindred spirit, and am lucky to "know" her.

2. Paige at My Home is My Heart fills her blog with a delightful combination of humor, fun, and adorable pictures of her kids. She is an amazing woman and mother, and I really enjoy getting to read these snippets of her life every day.

3. I know my friend Leah doesn't typically participate in these sorts of things, but it just wouldn't be right to leave her out. First of all, her kids are so freaking adorable that I love being around them. Not to mention that mine have a blast when we play together. Leah is someone I haven't known for very long, but it seems like that doesn't matter at all when we're together. She's one of the few people that I can talk to about absolutely everything, and when we go out for our "ladies night" dinners we talk and talk and talk until the waitstaff is ready to throw us out of the restaurant. And then we leave with things still unsaid. She is a true friend, and a wonderful mom, so I had to include her on this list.

Thank you ladies for being a part of my life - even if most of the time it's only via the computer screen. I really enjoy the glimpses into your lives that you post on your blogs.

Behind

2008-08-18T22:49:00.003-04:00

I've missed two Best Shot Mondays - and not because I don't have pictures to share. Things have been a little bit crazy around here lately, and I just haven't been making the time to post, so I thought I'd share some of the kids latest funnies.

Claire: Hey mama, you know what?
Me: What?
Claire: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Me: Probably not. What are you thinking?
Claire: We didn't see any shark pajamas when you bought my new polar bear pajamas.
Me: ....

************************************************************

Ben: I'm a scary dragon!
Claire shrieks and hides on the couch.
Claire: Help! It's a scary dragon!
Ben: *offended* I not a dragon any more. I a Benjamin!

************************************************************

Yesterday we went to a Beach Boys concert with the kids and my parents at a local outdoor venue. All week I'd been talking about it with the kids, but Ben had a little trouble keeping things straight.

Ben (Monday after nap): We go to the Beach Mans today?
Me: Not the Beach Mans, buddy, the Beach Boys.

Ben (Tuesday morning): Today we see the Beach Kids?
Claire: It's the Beach BOYS, Ben.

Ben (Friday afternoon - finally catching on): We're going to a picnic-concert. The Beach Boys. Not the Beach Mans.

************************************************************

Yes, we've been very busy, but it sure has been fun!

Best Shot Monday - hula

2008-08-03T21:04:00.002-04:00

Ben takes a break from learning to hula hoop to pet the turtle.

I don't know what it is about this picture, but something about it just strikes a chord with me. Click on over to visit Tracey at Mother May I for more great pictures from Best Shot Monday.

What a way to start the day.

2008-07-31T08:54:00.002-04:00

Ben: I don't want to be a good listener. I want to be a grouchy boy!

Best Shot Monday - story time

2008-07-28T06:18:00.003-04:00

This is probably my favorite image from our recent trip to North Carolina. On our very last night there, after putting on his pajamas, Ben wandered out to the family room, and asked Brian's grandpa to read him his bedtime story (Paddington Bear). Claire joined them as soon as she got her pj's on. Seeing the three of them all sitting together in the chair, and knowing how much that moment must have thrilled Papa Jim made my heart melt.

Head on over to see more shots from Best Shot Monday at Mother May I.

The times they are...

2008-07-24T14:48:00.002-04:00

a changing.

Around here anyway.

In just a short time - a month from tomorrow to be precise - I will be headed back to work. This is not something that I was seeking out, however it is an amazing and exciting opportunity that was too good (and unpredictable) to let pass by.

I will be working at the same middle school that I taught at before Claire was born. This time I will be serving as a math resource teacher - helping the students who need it the most. Our goal is to raise student test scores starting with the incoming seventh graders.

I can't tell you how immensely flattering it was to have the school seek me out and tell me how much they wanted me to take this position. I have been lying awake nights ever since coming up with ideas of what we can do for these students, and how to best accomplish it. I have dozens of ideas of ways that I can help the classroom teachers.

At the same time I am extremely anxious at the prospect of being away from my kids for so long every day. I have no doubts that they will flourish in their respective schools, but I worry about missing out on so many little moments in the day, or feeling like I have the time to just stop what I'm doing to roll around on the floor with them - or dance in their pajamas.

I know there will be a learning curve for the whole family as we get used to a new arrangement. I know that we will continue to make many happy memories together. I know that there are times that I will love it and times that I will hate it. I know that we will have lots of help as we get used to things.

It's not going to be easy. But it will be good. For all of us. I know.

Stolen moments

2008-07-23T16:11:00.002-04:00

This morning the kids were at a high-level of neediness. I, of course, was running around trying to get a lot done in not enough time. Welcome to my life. I put on our Imagination Movers DVD, which usually makes everyone happy while they dance and sing along. They squabbled. "Don't touch me!" "No, Claire! I don't want to dance with you!"

Until I separated them. You get this half of the carpet, you get this half. As soon as I looked away, they were sneaking onto each other's space - giggling together. Conspiring against me. I'm all for it since the whining stopped. Temporarily.

********************************************************
Some of my favorite recent memories:

Ben: Mama, I want to tell you something.
Me: Yes?
Ben: A car got broken, and a tow truck fixed it and a fire truck fixed it.
(He repeats this at every rest and bedtime. In its current incarnation there are also usually five tractors of different colors who also help fix the car. Staller extraordinaire.)

Me: Why are all of the pillows on the floor?
Claire: All of my friends are coming. We're having a hotchskop (hopscotch) tournament. If you need me send me an email, ok Mama?

********************************************************

Right now the silence is wonderful. The dog is sleeping in Daddy's chair, head resting on an Elmo slipper. (Oh yes, he is a daddy's boy.) Ben is quietly snoozing in his crib - he chatted for approximately 12 seconds after I put him in, and then dropped right off. When I last left Claire she was setting up her chairs and her bunny blanket to make a tent for all of her "friends". Now I hear no pitter patter of footsteps on the dining room ceiling (no KABLOOM of jumping off of her bed, either). I imagine her up there on the floor in a tangle of blankets and stuffed animals, legs stretched out in what appears to be an impossibly uncomfortable position. Flushed cheeks and even breathing. I wish I could sneak in, but her door sticks, and invariably wakes her. I will just have to hold onto the picture my mind has built, and wait for her to wander downstairs with creases on her cheeks, and eager for hugs.

Best Shot Monday - uncles

2008-07-21T15:01:00.003-04:00

Growing up I had two uncles, one aunt, and no cousins until I was halfway through college. One of the things I am so excited about for my children is being part of a big family. They have 7 uncles and 4 aunts, and more great-aunts and great-uncles than I could possibly count.

We don't always get to see a lot of all of the aunts and uncles, though we do really try to make an effort to do it whenever possible. I was pleased to get this picture on our recent trip to North Carolina.

Ben was intrigued by what Uncle Calvin was doing on his computer (looking at magic cards).

Check out more shots from Best Shot Monday over at Mother May I.

Happy Anniversary

2008-07-15T06:57:00.004-04:00

Eight years ago right now I was a nervous wreck. I was probably getting ready to go with my mom to get make-up done, and then back to the house to get hair done.

I'm not sure I spoke more than a 3 word sentence to anyone the entire morning. When I am nervous or stressed I tend to become much more introverted than normal.

I can still remember the feeling of taking those first few steps into the church, and seeing Brian at the altar, and our friends and family smiling at me. All of the butterflies magically disappeared. The rest of the ceremony is a blur, I couldn't wait for it to be over, and to hear those magic words, "husband and wife."

The last eight years have been full of a variety of challenges and excitement. I can't wait to share many many more years together.

Happy anniversary, baby - I love you!

Best Shot Monday - hydrangeas

2008-07-07T07:43:00.003-04:00

I love hydrangeas. They remind me of all of the beautiful ones we saw on our honeymoon in Nantucket - almost 8 years ago! This is the first summer of the 3 we have been in this house that we have successfully managed to get our hydrangeas to grow and flourish (and not get eaten by deer).

This one was in the backyard when we bought the house. Brian accidentally mowed over it the first year trying to clear out brush. The next year the deer ate it, so no flowers. This year it is a vibrant purpley-pink brightening up the corner of my shade garden.

This is one we bought this spring. It is a lovely pink - Merritt's Pink I believe. It has been flowering quite prolifically.

And the more traditional Nikko blue hydrangea. How can anyone resist the beauty of these flowers?

Check in with Melody at Slurping Life for more wonderful Best Shot Monday pictures. Tracey will be back next week!

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-05T21:37:00.004-04:00

We certainly hope everyone had as much fun on the fourth as we did. We spent much of the day getting ready for our friends - primarily preparing food. Brian smoked salmon, chicken, and ribs which is an all day affair. I made panzanella, a sweet and spicy cucumber salad, dessert, and the kids helped by shucking the corn.

We proudly flew our new flag. Our old one was badly faded, and our flagpole desperately needed replacing. We also bought 5 small flags that are decorating our front walkway. As we made our way through the store to purchase them, the kids waved them in the air, and loudly cheered, "Go Hokies" much to the amusement of the other patrons. Eventually I convinced them instead to chant, "U-S-A! U-S-A!"

After everyone had stuffed themselves, and we'd all been dampened a bit by the rain, the dads brought out the fireworks. Claire was a big fan.

Some of the children preferred to watch Noggin.

So from our tired family to yours - a very happy fourth of July!

Knock knock who's there?

2008-07-02T15:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was determined to get in my 3 mile training walk, despite Brian being out of town on business. So after lunch I piled the kids in the double stroller, hooked the leash on Lucky, and we headed out. It was a beautiful day, so pushing an extra 80+ pounds wasn't as brutal as it could have been. At one point along the way the kids started telling each other knock-knock jokes.

B: knock knock who's there?
C: you just say knock knock, and I say who's there.
B: oh. knock knock who's there?
C: who's there?
B: bush!
C: bush who?
B: bush stop sign!
*both kids break into uproarious laughter*

C: knock knock
B: who's there?
C: banana
B: banana who?
C: banana TREE!
*more loud laughter ensues*

It was a good day.

Best Shot Monday - summer fun

2008-06-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

Does it get better than spending a summer day in the sun, hair blowing in the ocean breeze, eating a slice of watermelon? If you look carefully you can see a tiny slice of the ocean on the very right side of the photo. Our beach days were almost a month ago, but they were great. The kids still talk about it all the time.

Today Melody is guest-hostessing Best Shot Monday over at Slurping Life while Tracey enjoys a well deserved vacation. Head on over to check out the photos that others are sharing.

Best Shot Monday - soccer

2008-06-23T07:15:00.003-04:00

Tracy's Best Shot Monday picture is about having summer fun, and boy did Claire have a blast at her one week soccer camp last week. She did a great job, and I was really proud of how hard she played, and how much she learned. Here she is focusing on the coach, waiting to go again. They had to dribble around, and then when he yelled a body part stop the ball by putting that body part on the ball. The funniest were when he yelled, "LIPS," but I didn't get any pictures of that.

Check out more summer fun by visiting Tracey at Best Shot Monday!

My little songbird

2008-06-22T22:10:00.003-04:00

Ben loves to sing, and after Happy Birthday, this is his favorite song:

Thank goodness I bought a Flip video camera, so you won't miss anymore moments like these!