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Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Time in a Bottle
The only light in my kids’ room. Their little nightlight. I tried to get a picture of the fireflies we caught that are sitting on their windowsill, but it wasn’t working out.
Noel stayed up a little late and he and I watched the fireflies we caught in a jar next to his bed as he went to sleep. He gasped each time one lit up. At one point he said, “They’re happy.”
Summertime!
Aside from blazing hot temperatures, I love Summer. It brings out something in me that the Winter has put to rest. As soon as the sun shines and the temperatures rise, I want to head for the pool and spend time outdoors. Yet another reason I'm happy that we moved to the mid-west from Texas, is that we can spend time outside in Summer without our faces melting off. When we have to go somewhere, I don't want to cry, and I am okay with doing more than running from the house to the car, and to a destination with air conditioning. Here's a quick peek at what we've been up to:
We joined a pool in the suburbs, but our awesome 'hood also has this adorable wading pool at the park, bored lifeguard included. These photos were taken on the first day of Summer. The high that day was something like 75 and the boys were freezing, but they HAD to go swimming.
They have also been spending a good amount of time at the library. The public library has a summer reading program with incentives like a family pack of baseball tickets if you conclude the 12 hours of required reading. Noel & Lennon have earned a book bag and silly bands so far, and have 6 hours to go until they get the baseball tickets. I'm proud of my little bookworms. They love filling out their little cards each day after they've done their reading. Have I mentioned that Noel taught himself how to read? It's true: I'm sending him off to Kindergarten already knowing how to read. I'm pretty sure we've earned some bragging rights.
We joined a pool in the suburbs, but our awesome 'hood also has this adorable wading pool at the park, bored lifeguard included. These photos were taken on the first day of Summer. The high that day was something like 75 and the boys were freezing, but they HAD to go swimming.
They have also been spending a good amount of time at the library. The public library has a summer reading program with incentives like a family pack of baseball tickets if you conclude the 12 hours of required reading. Noel & Lennon have earned a book bag and silly bands so far, and have 6 hours to go until they get the baseball tickets. I'm proud of my little bookworms. They love filling out their little cards each day after they've done their reading. Have I mentioned that Noel taught himself how to read? It's true: I'm sending him off to Kindergarten already knowing how to read. I'm pretty sure we've earned some bragging rights.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
where does the time go?
i've probably written this 8 billion times by now, but really...WHERE? these boys are just growing up so darn fast.yesterday, we had noel's first t-ball practice with kids from his kindergarten.
as you might imagine, it was AWESOME and hilarious and adorable.
the kids and parents were great and i have a good feeling about the school and his class and the families that we will get to know this year. it all feels very right.
a few weeks ago, our neighborhood had an art festival. i got their faces painted. the next day, they wanted them done again, so i did it myself. here's how it turned out. one of the face-painters at the fair stopped me and asked if there was another face painting booth somewhere. if so, it was a renegade. they were supposed to be the only ones there. when i told her i did it myself, she said i was talented. maybe i have a future...
even though they can really go at it, these guys are pretty good buddies, and i love that. it will be weird when they lead more separate lives next year...i hope it doesn't change their relationship too much.
if there ever was a class clown...i'm ready for summer and to have a bit more time to devote to my boys. i have a feeling that a lot of things will change next year. i feel their little-child-ness dwindling away...
Friday, March 11, 2011
Oh Yeah...
Lennon Had a Birthday...
February 19th, he turned the big T-H-R-E-E. I didn't forget about it, but I've been busy working. Blah.
This is the only thing that stinks about having kids with two birthdays so close together. It's sort of like if you had a birthday right around Christmas...it might get put on the back burner just a little. It was great fun though, and he loved it when we sang "happy birthday". He's funny...he likes attention, but not too much. If he's given more than he wants, he gets shy and grumpy. He's such a silly little guy and I love him to pieces.
We even ran into a Storm Trooper at his party. Perfection.
Yesterday's Happiness
sunshine.
running.
laughing.
searching for saber tooth tigers.
best friends.
big hills (even if they're called "suicide hill").
Monday, February 14, 2011
Today's Happiness-Valentine's Day Edition
From my three guys.
I'm not a big ooey gooey Valentine's person, but isn't it incredible that love can make your heart just about burst?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
I Like To Steal Ideas, but Only Ones That Are Brilliant
My friend Amy is posting something she's calling "Today's Happiness". I'm going to join her, because it's just a darn good idea. And you know, I might call my version "Yesterday's Happiness", because these were actually taken yesterday. In fact, I think one was taken two days ago...so I may not even be stealing anyone's ideas at all...
Anyway...
Yesterday, Noel read a book to me. One that he'd never seen before. He picked it up, and read it to me. I helped him with maybe 4 words. Happiness? Big time.
And he's just so silly. He makes me smile and laugh a million times a day.
Anyway...
Yesterday, Noel read a book to me. One that he'd never seen before. He picked it up, and read it to me. I helped him with maybe 4 words. Happiness? Big time.
And he's just so silly. He makes me smile and laugh a million times a day.What are you happy about today?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Celebrating Noel
Five years ago, I was itchy, and uncomfortable, and felt horrible.
I'll be honest, I had no pregnant glow...in fact, when I was gearing up for my next visit, I was planning to ask the doctor when she thought we could talk about induction, even though I was only 35 weeks pregnant.
The day of my appointment, I saw the dip stick turn GREEN, and I knew something wasn't right. The doctor came back in, and told me to head to the hospital, where she hoped to see my liver serum tests turn around, and if they didn't, we'd be having a baby, for my safety...and we would worry about the baby when he arrived. Not the words you want to hear, even though I was so ready not to be pregnant. I immediately felt panicked and started to cry, not for me, but because I thought when Noel was born, he'd be whisked away to the NICU. A million thoughts raced through my head and I was nervous and scared. My wonderful doctor said she was pretty sure we'd see my numbers go down with a day of rest and some IV fluids, and I'd be sent home on Friday.
The numbers went up.
I was napping in my hospital bed, alone, when the nurse came in to tell me the news that they would start inducing me that afternoon. I felt so calm. I started making calls. First, to Elliott, who I told to come back to the hospital, then to my parents, who wanted to be there when the baby was born, but were 8 hours away. They got in the car and left within the hour.
The greatest team of people were with me for the next 26 hours. The nurse who started the Pitocin explained everything to me in detail, and had also been a NICU nurse. She was the most comforting person, and although I can't remember her name, I will never forget her. She just had this way about her that made us feel so good about everything. She kept saying that when Noel was born, she'd do everything in her power to make sure he didn't have to go to the NICU, and if he did, she'd see to it that she, personally, was his nurse.
That is the kind of patient care everyone should receive.
My doctor was off that weekend and her colleague was with me as I labored over the next 26 hours. She, too, made me feel incredibly secure in a situation where I normally would have been scared out of my mind.
My husband was a rock. He was calm and reassuring. We excitedly watched our son's heart beating on the monitor...We talked about our life together, and what our future would be like. He transformed that day from a husband into a dad.
After a long, long day of seeing family and friends and laboring, Noel was ready to make his entry into the world. Once he was ready, he quickly showed his adorable, tiny self...and he CRIED-the sound we hoped to hear from him. As the doctor showed him to us for the first time, I thought, "I can't believe he has blonde hair."
He was so tiny: only 4 lbs. 9 oz., but he was strong and healthy in every way. He never cried. He slept a lot. He ate a LOT. He loved to be held. He was an angel.
He grew, and grew, and grew...into the wise, wonderful, silly, fun, crazy, goofy, cool FIVE year old that we celebrate today.
I'll be honest, I had no pregnant glow...in fact, when I was gearing up for my next visit, I was planning to ask the doctor when she thought we could talk about induction, even though I was only 35 weeks pregnant.
The day of my appointment, I saw the dip stick turn GREEN, and I knew something wasn't right. The doctor came back in, and told me to head to the hospital, where she hoped to see my liver serum tests turn around, and if they didn't, we'd be having a baby, for my safety...and we would worry about the baby when he arrived. Not the words you want to hear, even though I was so ready not to be pregnant. I immediately felt panicked and started to cry, not for me, but because I thought when Noel was born, he'd be whisked away to the NICU. A million thoughts raced through my head and I was nervous and scared. My wonderful doctor said she was pretty sure we'd see my numbers go down with a day of rest and some IV fluids, and I'd be sent home on Friday.
The numbers went up.
I was napping in my hospital bed, alone, when the nurse came in to tell me the news that they would start inducing me that afternoon. I felt so calm. I started making calls. First, to Elliott, who I told to come back to the hospital, then to my parents, who wanted to be there when the baby was born, but were 8 hours away. They got in the car and left within the hour.
The greatest team of people were with me for the next 26 hours. The nurse who started the Pitocin explained everything to me in detail, and had also been a NICU nurse. She was the most comforting person, and although I can't remember her name, I will never forget her. She just had this way about her that made us feel so good about everything. She kept saying that when Noel was born, she'd do everything in her power to make sure he didn't have to go to the NICU, and if he did, she'd see to it that she, personally, was his nurse.
That is the kind of patient care everyone should receive.
My doctor was off that weekend and her colleague was with me as I labored over the next 26 hours. She, too, made me feel incredibly secure in a situation where I normally would have been scared out of my mind.
My husband was a rock. He was calm and reassuring. We excitedly watched our son's heart beating on the monitor...We talked about our life together, and what our future would be like. He transformed that day from a husband into a dad.
After a long, long day of seeing family and friends and laboring, Noel was ready to make his entry into the world. Once he was ready, he quickly showed his adorable, tiny self...and he CRIED-the sound we hoped to hear from him. As the doctor showed him to us for the first time, I thought, "I can't believe he has blonde hair."
He was so tiny: only 4 lbs. 9 oz., but he was strong and healthy in every way. He never cried. He slept a lot. He ate a LOT. He loved to be held. He was an angel.
He grew, and grew, and grew...into the wise, wonderful, silly, fun, crazy, goofy, cool FIVE year old that we celebrate today.
Noel, YOU are simply a gem. Thank you for being you.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Date!
Sorry to leave that sad post up for so long and leave it hanging there...
Tomorrow we're taking the boys to my parents for a sleepover at my parents' house and heading to Lawrence to see one of our all time favorite bands, the Old 97's. We've been going to Old 97's shows for years and years. I actually introduced Elliott to this band, which is a rarity in our relationship.
I think Rhett & Co. are bringing a little taste of Texas with them. It's a whole 43 degrees today, and it's going to stay that way through Sunday. It's sunny & I can see patches of grass. I know it's 70 or something in Texas, but 40 is not 0, so...whatever.
I've got the creepy-crawlies in my nose and head, so it better go away before tomorrow. If not, I will resort to DayQuil, and I take no responsibility for my actions.
Tomorrow we're taking the boys to my parents for a sleepover at my parents' house and heading to Lawrence to see one of our all time favorite bands, the Old 97's. We've been going to Old 97's shows for years and years. I actually introduced Elliott to this band, which is a rarity in our relationship.
I think Rhett & Co. are bringing a little taste of Texas with them. It's a whole 43 degrees today, and it's going to stay that way through Sunday. It's sunny & I can see patches of grass. I know it's 70 or something in Texas, but 40 is not 0, so...whatever.
I've got the creepy-crawlies in my nose and head, so it better go away before tomorrow. If not, I will resort to DayQuil, and I take no responsibility for my actions.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Missing
I should go visit my grandparents' gravesides.
I've never even been to my grandmother's. It's sort of like, maybe I'm a little bit in denial still, even though it's been almost 5 years. If I go, and see the marker, it will make it all real and I'll totally lose it.
She is everywhere here. And I wish like hell that she was really here.
The other day, I had the fleeting thought to pick up the phone and call her. I haven't had one of those moments in a long, long time.
Will I ever get over this?
Being home. It's wonderful. And there's there teeny weeny little part that feels completely empty without her here too.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Clone Wars
There are times when it is really really extra hard to be gracious and grateful for what you have, like just being a parent. This job is not always easy. It's not all wine and roses, not all fun and games. Some days there is whining and shouting and "I don't want to!" from everyone. There are so many times when I wish they would just. be. quiet. for 30 seconds. Just 30 seconds!!!
Then, there are those times when I'm putting them to bed, and it's just the three of us, because Elliott gets a rare night out. I still have work I need to do, and it's already 8:30, so that means it's going to be a late night (again). But, we're laying there, and they're finally settling down, and Lennon puts his arm around me and says, "You're cute. Can I hug you?" (Are you crazy? Of course you can hug me, you insanely adorable little guy.) Noel keeps asking for lotion, so I tell him that when Lennon's asleep, I'll get him some. Finally, Lennon's asleep, and I get the lotion. Noel tells me that I'm mean for not getting him the lotion sooner. I let it roll off. I say, "Am I meaner than Oscar the Grouch?" "Yes," he replies. "You're meaner than a saber tooth tiger," I tell him. And he giggles. "You're meaner than a T. Rex."
And it goes on like this, until we can think of no more mean things, and we're quietly giggling...
"You're meaner than Luke Skywalker," I say. "Hey!" he laughs. "That's because you're not mean. You're sweet and nice and I love you."
"You're meaner than C3PO."
And we say goodnight, and say that we love each other.
I go back a few minutes later to give him an extra kiss. "Goodnight Storm Trooper."
"Goodnight Clone Trooper."
And even though I still haven't started that work, this seemed more important.
Then, there are those times when I'm putting them to bed, and it's just the three of us, because Elliott gets a rare night out. I still have work I need to do, and it's already 8:30, so that means it's going to be a late night (again). But, we're laying there, and they're finally settling down, and Lennon puts his arm around me and says, "You're cute. Can I hug you?" (Are you crazy? Of course you can hug me, you insanely adorable little guy.) Noel keeps asking for lotion, so I tell him that when Lennon's asleep, I'll get him some. Finally, Lennon's asleep, and I get the lotion. Noel tells me that I'm mean for not getting him the lotion sooner. I let it roll off. I say, "Am I meaner than Oscar the Grouch?" "Yes," he replies. "You're meaner than a saber tooth tiger," I tell him. And he giggles. "You're meaner than a T. Rex."
And it goes on like this, until we can think of no more mean things, and we're quietly giggling...
"You're meaner than Luke Skywalker," I say. "Hey!" he laughs. "That's because you're not mean. You're sweet and nice and I love you."
"You're meaner than C3PO."
And we say goodnight, and say that we love each other.
I go back a few minutes later to give him an extra kiss. "Goodnight Storm Trooper."
"Goodnight Clone Trooper."
And even though I still haven't started that work, this seemed more important.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The 2011 Bandwagon
What are your hopes for 2011? Here are mine:
- Work less. Spend more time with my family. Working from home doesn't equate to being able to spend more time with the ones you love. It also means maximizing work time so that it's all done in the most timely fashion. So, less navel-gazing while working & more working = more time with the dudes. Simple enough, right?
- More time reading & writing. I figure the more I read, the better writer I become. I want to write less "OMG"s and "LOL"s and more things that are meaningful. Once again, simple enough...
- Cook more meals at home.
- Buy from the farmer's market as much as possible.
- Go on walks. We live 1 block from a sweet walking trail. It's so easy...
- More time with real folks, less time engaged in cyber-space. I want "My Two Sons" to flourish this year, but I need to spend less time on Facebook. Don't we all? Time suck. Now that we're closer to family & friends, this shouldn't be hard to do. I may need some accountability. I deleted my Twitter last year, but I want to keep Facebook. Perhaps check it once a day? When I post my link to my new blog post?
- Be a great wife & mom. My patience and kindness took a major hit in 2010. I don't like it. I want to be different. I also think this is related to #6.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Hangover
I love Christmas. Who doesn't??
As an adult without kids, I liked Christmas, but now? It's just so much better. Hearing the squeals as they open gifts. Hearing "WOW!" over something Santa knew they wanted, or "Thanks for getting that for me," or hearing little Lennon say, "Where's Santa? I wanted to give him a hug and say 'Thanks'," is something i can't put into words. These kids...
They are something else...I tell ya.
We had such a great day. I want to make every day more like Christmas. Of course, without all the hoop-la and gifts, but with the good feelings and glad tidings. Who couldn't use more joy in the every day?
As an adult without kids, I liked Christmas, but now? It's just so much better. Hearing the squeals as they open gifts. Hearing "WOW!" over something Santa knew they wanted, or "Thanks for getting that for me," or hearing little Lennon say, "Where's Santa? I wanted to give him a hug and say 'Thanks'," is something i can't put into words. These kids...
They are something else...I tell ya.
We had such a great day. I want to make every day more like Christmas. Of course, without all the hoop-la and gifts, but with the good feelings and glad tidings. Who couldn't use more joy in the every day?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Last Christmas...
A year ago (well, almost), it snowed on Christmas eve, at our old house
in Texas.
It never snows in Texas.
People will talk about it for eons.
It probably snowed an entire foot-which was the biggest snowfall on record.
It was incredible...and beautiful.
And it was the perfect last Christmas for us to have there.
Even if they don't remember it, I know we'll never forget it.
And I'm so thankful for the memories we will make this year...
and for years to come.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A conversation between my two sons
Lennon: "Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way!"
Noel: "No, Lennon, sing this one: 'Jingle bells! Batman smells! Robin laid an egg! Batmobile lost a wheel and the Joker ran away! Hey!'"
Lennon: "Jingle bells! Batman smells! Batmobile! Batmobile! Joker ran away! Hey!"
Noel: "No...Lennon...that's not right...it's not Batmobile! Batmobile!"
minutes later....
Noel: " Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! AND THE JOKER RAN AWAY! HEY!"
Noel: "No, Lennon, sing this one: 'Jingle bells! Batman smells! Robin laid an egg! Batmobile lost a wheel and the Joker ran away! Hey!'"
Lennon: "Jingle bells! Batman smells! Batmobile! Batmobile! Joker ran away! Hey!"
Noel: "No...Lennon...that's not right...it's not Batmobile! Batmobile!"
minutes later....
Noel: " Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! Batmobile! AND THE JOKER RAN AWAY! HEY!"
Monday, December 20, 2010
Finding the Words
Last night I heard something here, that I want to try and put into words of my own, but I'm not sure how just yet...Instead, I post these pictures. And once again, just looking at them, I'm at a loss for words.
If you want to listen to what's got me so tongue-tied, you can listen to it here. I hope it touches you too.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Move Over, Williams-Sonoma
I'm always looking for a new holiday goody to share with my family & give away to friends. I love to bake, but cookies can become a bit of a chore and a mess (although they are FUN). Candy and fudge need thermometers and that gets tricky when you have small people that want to "help". Measuring temperatures while two kids fight for real-estate in the Learning Tower and arguing over who gets to stir and pour the lava-like concoction can get a little taxing.
This year, I decided to go with Peppermint Bark, which seemed like something everyone could participate in pretty safely, and it just sounded good. My old blogging friend Sarah started my wheels turning with this picture, and last night I went to work on my test batch. We'll be making more for gifts today, because, y'all...it's friggin' amazing. The recipe is from Bon Appetit, December 1998, and can be found in detail here. This is all you will need:
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Alexander
Today, we're headed down to the Coterie Theatre to see a live version of Judith Viorst's classic, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". We're all very excited. In 7th or 8th grade, I memorized this book for a speech contest, where I completely bombed. And I mean bombed. However, I still LOVE this book. Noel & Lennon do too. There's also a cute HBO Storybook musical version that they dig, and Lennon likes to walk around singing, "I've had a TERRIBLE! I've had a HORRIBLE! I've had a TERRIBLE! HORRIBLE! NO GOOD! VERY BAD! DAYYYYYY," which I need to catch on video. I hope the live version lives up to the book and musical versions with which we're already familiar. I've heard good things. I'm hopeful everyone will enjoy themselves.I've also got chicken pot pies in the oven, and my mom is bringing over apple crisp...somehow I don't think this is going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
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