The Carnahans

Picture Day Wardrobe

2012-02-08T09:35:00.002-05:00

This morning I walked over to put Matt's lunchbag and water bottle next to his backpack, and saw a small stack of shirts on the console table.

Picture day.

He was going to school in his student council shirt, and will have two changes today for WEB leader group shot and orchestra/chamber photos. If he knew the schedule for the photos he could have just layered them on and peeled them off as needed. The weather is finally cold enough today to justify layered clothing...

Say cheese, Matt.

Rendering Our Home Even More Circus-like

2012-02-07T22:00:00.005-05:00

...a cotton candy machine! Matt was assigned cotton candy machine duty at the student council dance last Friday night. The experience resulted in a decision to utilize a TRU giftcard on a cotton candy machine which arrived today in a sizable box via UPS.

Matt came through the door after Running club and somehow managed to wait until after dinner to gather up leftover pixie sticks from Christmas stockings and start up the machine. I was concerned we'd have sugary webs/film all over the kitchen, and while that may still happen when we actually use flossing sugars as the machine calls for...we were safe this evening.

We didn't get much of the sweet treat, and the flavor was better suited for tart pixie sticks...but we had fun regardless. Every home should have one. ;)

Pinkalicious Party

2012-01-24T23:00:00.005-05:00

We are investing a lot of time w/activities at the library. It's helping Meredith interact w/kids her age in larger groups and listen/follow instructions from a non-parent adult...necessary skills for school in the future that she doesn't get by staying home and out of a formal preschool environment. Getting back into the routine of our weekly library reading/song/craft time has been good for her. I noticed that after talking w/Ms. Julie (the librarian who runs the childrens' program at the public library) at the OMES Literacy Night, Meredith seems to be more connected to Ms. Julie and is now identifying Thursday as her "Ms. Julie's class" day of the week.

In attending this weekly class, we keep up on the latest offerings such as Lego club, zoo visits, book readings, special events, etc. Tonight was the Pinkalicious party, and Meredith was beside herself w/anticipation of wearing her pink fuzzy scarf and eating a pink cupcake.

I'm pretty sure the library had no idea that 50+ little girls adorned in every shade of pink on the planet would invade the library for tonight's event. It was like the prince's royal ball in the Cinderella story: "...every girl in the land attended."

This is pinkalicious Kate (Jack's sister).

There were many activities to partake in: tiara making, paper cupcake decorating, princess wand assembling, etc; but the lines and crowd were a hinderance in getting to them. We made it to the photo booth and squeezed our way over to the paper cupcake station before leaving to check out our books and pick up something pink and sugary at the store on the way home.

Inspite of the lateness of the evening hour (for sugar consumption, that is), we stopped in together at the store and picked up a pack of pink iced cupcakes, pink marshmallows, and pink strawberry ice cream. We brought it home and had a grand finale to our Pinkalicious party. Naturally, one little pink monster wasn't interested in bed until after 10pm tonight. A memory maker though and lots of fun together...

An Adoption and a Lego Club Win for Tim & Jack

2012-01-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

The topic this week at our library story/song/craft time that Meredith, Lily, Lucy and I attend was "Pets"; and the craft was the creation and adoption of a pet rock.

Miss Julie, the librarian, asked Meredith what she wanted to name her pet to which Meredith replied, "Meredith". I'm pleased our girl still likes her name at this point in life. Her pet is leashed (w/a pipe cleaner) and is adapting well to life in the Carnahan household.

Inspite of our first encounter with winter weather this evening, Tim and I picked up Jack and headed over the library (2nd trip there for the day) for the monthly Lego Club meeting. We just discovered this was offered and we wanted to check it out. Even with the weather such as it was, there were approximately 25 kids in attendance. The boys partnered with a younger boy named Cameron for the final contest: air, land, or sea transportation model. The boys' model was victorious in the "air" category...winning the majority of votes over several other projects. I heard the term "symmetry" being tossed around...apparently this is a critical aspect in Lego building and inspires admiration if used.

The boys joined the coordinator for the evening and the other category winners to assemble their builds in the display cube. They had a group photo taken and their models will be on display at the library for the next month.

A Dental Visit for Meredith

2012-01-17T13:56:00.008-05:00

Meredith had her first visit to a new (pediatric) dentist this morning. The boys are out of school today and decided to come along with the girls and I (we had Lucy for the day). The office was entertaining...tv, tents/toys, fish tank, wall-mounted video games, etc.; and the staff was friendly. Both the dentist and hygienist commented on Meredith's rain boots: Dr. Haring said he'd never seen a pair of boots like that in his office (ha(!)...especially in January, right?), and Renee wanted them in her size. I can't decide if Matt's predictions via the Farmer's Almanac (mild winter w/little snow) are going to prove true or if Brian's "I heard" weather reports of "...a winter that will have Chicagoans wanting to leave Illinois) is going to pan out. Given the continued temps in the 40-50's and subsequent rain, I'm leaning towards siding w/Matt; but then, February has historically proven to be the month for snow and calamity days.

Meredith had a perfect tooth report and struck a pose for her "1st visit" (w/this dentist) photo that the office captures for each patient. Inspite of the "glowingness" of the state of her teeth, she mostly likely will need a palate expander in a few years due to a narrow upper jaw creating a crossbite w/her lower jaw (at least, I think that was the explanation). Lovely. I had hopes she might be our one child fortunate to avoid dental correction.

I'm pretty sure I'll be nominated for the "Mom of the Year" award in 2012. ENT and Dentist appointments this short break, and I've got Pediatrician and Opthamologist visits lined up for the week of Spring break. Creating memories for our kids they'll ~~fondly~~ reflect back on...that's what I'm here for. ;D

Tim's First Orchestra Concert

2012-01-11T21:30:00.005-05:00

Tim's first concert as an elementary school violinist was tonight. Tim opted to wear a tie for the performance, as did Jack...a friend and classmate of his. There were only a handful of boys (less than five) among the 90+ students that chose this accessory, and it makes me smile knowing Tim was one of them.

The students played (plucked) well together; and inspite of it being January, we enjoyed a trip to Dairy Queen afterwards.

"We Need to Mow Our Grass, Mommy!"

2012-01-09T15:44:00.010-05:00

I don't believe I've ever heard that statement in January...even during our time in Texas.
We had sunshine and mild temps again today, so I took advantage of the weather and packed up the outdoor Christmas lights now rather than waiting until Spring.

Meredith, donning three separate animal prints (the spotted Dalmation on her shirt isn't visible), headed out with me to practice her kicks and dribbles while I bundled cords and light strings.

She stopped only long enough to note the length of our grass and play with a wispy maiden grass stem leftover from the initial Autumn cutting. I considered the mowing suggestion for a moment after Meredith made it. Maybe a January cutting of the grass just so we Brian can say we he did it one year would be memorable and...fun(?).

Meredith's Chosen Sport: ...

2012-01-06T21:00:00.005-05:00

Soccer. We've tried to talk Meredith into joining her little friend at TKD in the upcoming Little Kickers class, but she just has no desire at this point to be involved. Over the boy's winter break, I mentioned possibly joining a soccer class for her age group and to say she was enthusiastic about the idea is an understatement.

She immediately grabbed her little pink and grey soccer ball and began showing me her kicking and running skills. I mentioned the class a few more times over the next week to be sure she wasn't waivering...nope; asked each time when she was starting, admitted she isn't good at dribbling, and asked if we would all come to watch her games.

She asked me this morning if we could get her a yellow shirt with her name and the number three on the back b/c she likes the color yellow and "...is the number three 'snuggle pal' (a term Tim has designated and assigned to each of us as family members) in this family." I've heard nothing of the yellow shirt with "Meredith" and "3" on the back since the beauty that is her red soccer team shirt was handed to her when we arrived at the class. :)

We laced up her Puma's, filled her pink Camelbak for her drink break, and headed out for class.

Meredith spoke clearly with her coaches (ie. she didn't act weird and proclaim herself "shy"), met a new friend (Zoe) among the girls in the group, and surprised me a little with how readily she participated (no pushing her to participate at all) and performed.

Meredith has not displayed an issue with low self esteem at this point in her young life. Throughout the day most days, she has begun announcing random thoughts and facts ("I know that cats eat cat food." or " I know that people sit on chairs."), and when asked how she has so much knowledge, she will respond, "Because I'm awesome!". Tonight at the table, she continued to reflect on her class and all the details and ends with, "I was awesome!". She really was...so proud of her. Inspite of her enthusiasm, I envisioned a different experience upon arriving at the class. She hasn't stopped thanking us for the class all day long. I am thankful for a thankful little girl.

The coaches gathered the children at the end of the class for handstamps. Meredith enjoys getting her handstamped (if the receipt checker at Costco doesn't stamp her hand each month, she will ask about it), but later this evening she wanted to know when she gets the "shiny thing" (a trophy). Oh my. I love her exuberance for this activity.

You Have to Make This Soup!

2012-01-05T19:00:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday the Iowa Girl Eats blog posted a "You have to make this soup!" soup recipe, so I printed it out b/c we all enjoy homemade soups...it's pretty much the only kind we eat anymore. (And I'm copying her post title b/c really--"You have to make this soup!"). On Wednesday I mentioned the recipe to Matt while he ate breakfast and I drank coffee. (This is Matt, our child chef; so request to make soup in: 3, 2, 1...). Today (Thursday), I was asked to retrieve the necessary ingredients and make the soup for dinner. This is the routine at the mention of a new recipe; and really not a problem this particular time b/c I'd already planned a grocery trip for mid-morning.

I made the soup tonight w/a minor adjustment or two to the recipe, and it was an immediate favorite for us. It reminds me of the Olive Garden trips that Brian and I would make before the kids were born. We would order their Pasta Fagioli soup and breadsticks for dinner. While the soup was perfection, the service usually was not as it was not a "big tip" meal. Now we have a recipe that provides the taste of a favorite soup w/o suffering through lackluster restaurant service. So here is the recipe...for us to recall should we lose the printed copy, and to share w/whomever reads here and opts to try for yourselves. Grab a glass of wine, cook & simmer, assemble a salad or bake some bread, enjoy...

Tomato & Turkey soup w/Ditalini
Ingredients:
EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 sweet, white onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1.5-2 lbs. ground turkey breast
Salt & Pepper
2 15oz. cans of tomato sauce
45 oz. chicken broth
1 can Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 cup Ditalini pasta
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Red pepper chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:
*Heat EVOO over medium heat in a large soup pot. Toss in and stir the carrots, onion, and garlic. Add the ground turkey, season with salt & pepper, and cook until the turkey is no longer pink (break it up as you cook).

*Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, beans, and italian seasoning. (The original recipe calls for red chili pepper flakes for 'zing'. Some of us don't like 'zing', so I omitted the flakes.) Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. (I simmered our pot for 2-3 hours).

*If you want the soup to be thicker, shake equal parts cornstarch w/water and add sparingly to the pot until you are satisfied w/the consistency. I added about 2 tablespoons worth.) Add the Ditalini pasta and simmer for 10-15 minutes before serving. This filled my 5.5 quart Le Creuset pot about 3/4 full...serving stats will depend on the number of people eating, and the size of the bowls.

*Note: I used organic and natural product with this recipe.

2011 Christmas Card Photo

2011-12-24T14:22:00.002-05:00

Zoo Wildlights

2011-12-23T21:52:00.005-05:00

We are enjoying our time together as a family this last week and a half of 2011. We went to see Mission Impossible 4 yesterday afternoon, and met Jen/Jack for chinese. We were to go see the zoo's Wildlights after dinner, but the rain kept us from following through w/that. Today, Brian cleaned (<--don't judge!) while I shopped and baked w/Matt. We made a half batch of Buckeyes together, then he continued with preparing dinner...a recipe from his Global Gourmet class that we have termed "carbilicious". We all bundled up after dinner to head over to Powell to see the zoo lights.

The lights around the pond are choreographed to various musical selections. One of the choices this year was The Music Box Dancer. I loved this instrumental piece everytime I heard it on the radio in the late 70's, and it brought back memories of pretend piano playing as a 7-8 year old little girl when I heard it this evening over the loud speakers.

I confused a wild boar structure with a hog. Tim heard 'hog' and saddled up.

The kids are all on photo mutiny now. Matt, the sibling leader, strikes again...

Sometimes we get a semi-decent shot of them in the mix... Lots of fun either way.

Dog Art for M's Room

2011-12-21T10:43:00.018-05:00

Indecision has paid off. To date, I had not found any "just right" art for Meredith's big (16"x20"), $7 frameless frames in her bedroom. Lisa wanted to get Meredith something for Christmas, and since she's an art teacher, I asked if she could/would create something we could frame in M's bedroom. I love.love.love what she created. Dog art!

Lisa is an individual that doesn't just hear conversations...she listens. (It's a skill and I appreciate it when I see evidence of it in others). She apparently remembered an interaction w/Meredith that I shared w/her in which M told me something to the affect of, "...every family needs a dog b/c that's just the way life is supposed to be.", and M's favored canine at the moment is a dalmation.

She used a page from an old art book and created a perfect dalmation print for M's room. I can't stop going into M's room and admiring the details: the watercolored heart balloon, the sad puppy face, the glittery dog bone...it's perfection.

I asked the artist to sign her work, and am "commissioning" her for two more pieces to fill the remaining frames. We have some fairly incredible and talented people involved in our life...

Bathtime Lazer Show

2011-12-18T19:37:00.004-05:00

The idea of using glowstick bracelets in the bathtub (with lights out) for bathtime entertainment was presented on another blog that I like to read and keep up with. Meredith and I found the 15-pack glowsticks at the Dollar Spot yesterday and she had her "lazer light show" bathtime this evening.

We cracked four of them and turned out the lights...so much fun! If not for risking a flare up with eczema, I would have let her continue on much longer.

She's a hoot. We enjoyed a day out together yesterday...just the two of us. Among our errands, we went to the post office to mail our Christmas cards, stopped at "The Money Store" (the Dollar Store) for two new helium balloons for her to play with, ate lunch at Wendy's, and bought her a new Santa hat to replace her missing one. She proclaimed it a "relaxing day" which in Meredithese means she had a good time.

"WOW'd" in Chicago

2011-12-12T20:12:00.014-05:00

We were invited to attend a WOW (World of Whirlpool) award ceremony and dinner in Chicago on Friday evening. Part of Brian winning the Account Manager of the Year in the contract division included a trip to Las Vegas that was take place back September/October. The planning and coordinating for the three kids in three locations along w/our own travel schedule for that planned trip was creating a bit of stress for me. I was elated when the trip was cancelled and was replaced with a cash award and invitation to the event in Chicago this past weekend.

A glass of pre-event wine w/Brian's manager in the hotel bar, a champagne greeting at the event, and participation in the group's "guess the holiday drink" challenge from the bartender contributed to our moment in the WOW photo booth. It was an incredibly fun evening...

Whirlpool has some sort of arrangement w/the Wit hotel...they give them KitchenAid appliances for their suites and receive special rates in return for the entertaining the company does at WOW. Our suite the first night was lovely. I happily filled the small pool-sized garden tub to the edge w/hot water (since I wasn't paying for it) and soaked w/o interruption while admiring the glass tile around me. I only fully appreciated these features the following evening when the non-suite Wit room we paid for (so we could hang out in Chicago longer w/o children...woohoo!) offered a toilet with plumbing issues and missing washcloths (<--maybe the two were connected?).

Chicago architecture and window displays continue to fascinate me...maybe Brian too, but not as much(?). The buildings have detail that isn't "done" much anymore. If the kids would comply, I'd happily walk Chicago (in warmer weather than what December offers) only to take photographs of buildings.

Saturday was all to ourselves. A Dunkin' coffee breakfast, time for random photos, a few final Christmas gifts for the kids, Garrett's popcorn, and a Gino's pizza/beer dinner...perfection. Our Garrett's wait in line was amusing. A ticket scalper was unloading a packet of Donnie & Marie tickets onto a family standing in front of us. The wife appeared to have planned for a leisurely popcorn-munching Saturday night that didn't involve sitting for several hours w/kids in tow...watching the Osmond siblings. I'm so glad I'm married to a man who "caves" to things like donating to St. Judes, not Donnie & Marie. Earlier, we'd decided on Gino's pizza for dinner. After standing in line for only a few minutes (in the cold), we were offered an immediate spot at the bar to eat which we eagerly accepted. Chicago pizza and beer at the bar on a Saturday night...good times together. We left our white-out graffiti and hope to see it still there the next time we visit.

Matt the Good Citizen Has Returned...To OOMS, That Is.

2011-12-07T15:41:00.012-05:00

We attended Matt's holiday orchestra concert on Monday evening. The regular orchestra as well as the chamber group that he's involved with played very well. I'm anxious for the spring concert. In the past the spring concert has included electric violin solos, smoke/lights, rock songs featuring orchestral parts, etc. It's the most entertaining of the three concert performances (in my opinion).

Matt was awarded the male Citizen of the Month (November) award for team 801. I was the lucky parent to attend the award breakfast and presentation this time. It was dark, and cold with a misting rain when we arrived this morning at the school. After running across the parking lot to catch up with a moving figure we thought was a teacher who could get us into the closest door that is otherwise locked...we discovered a misguided grandmother who was actually at the wrong school altogether. Matt, Sam (a friend's son and our Student Council carpool), and I had a good laugh at the scenario. After listening to the accolades the team 801 representative/teacher read about Matt, I turned to my friend whose 7th grade daughter was also being awarded and said, "I think this must be like a fortune cookie only you add "at school" after the reading. B/c this only kind of describes what I see in the home on a daily basis...". ;) Hahaha. I suppose it's better than an inverted display of behaviour/location.

I really enjoyed the time w/my Matt in a place where he clearly feels comfortable and a part of things. I hope this continues into highschool next year.

We Are Family. I Got All My Sisters Family With Me...

2011-12-04T17:52:00.006-05:00

I really don't prefer family grocery trips, but that's what transpired today...all 5 of us at Kroger Marketplace. Together. Ugh...and just how many items will end up in the cart b/c my 3 birds are with me(?).

As soon as we pulled up to the store, Brian observed the parking lot was packed and apparently thought I would/should know why that was. ::shrug:: I think I shrugged the same look the delivery guy from A Christmas Story did when asked what was inside the "fraj-ee-lay" box. We made it into the store to discover a horrendous crowd and lines ten shoppers deep at every checkout. The shelves in the Marketplace portion of the store appeared mostly cleared and people were shuffling around with multiple carts, so I correctly judged there had to be some sort of sale going on although I saw no signage indicating this. We made it around for the few grocery items we needed, and grabbed a spot in line. By now I had noticed a sign stating today was the last day to cash in from the "Holiday Bucks" promotion. ::shrug:: Never heard of it. <--This is how unmotivated shopping as a family makes me. :D

The woman in line ahead of us had a cart full and asked me if I'd mind holding her spot while she ran back for milk and yogurt. Brian and the boys immediately launch into the numerous pranks they can pull with her cart of sought-after toys while she's gone. When she returned, we started talking about the sale: basically over a 6-week period for every $100 spent at Kroger on groceries using a Kroger Rewards card, a shopper received $10 in "Holiday Bucks" to spend at the Marketplace from 12/1-12/4. She also has 3 children and indicated she viewed it as a free $100 for just doing what she was already doing anyway--buying groceries for her family. True--except that she had over 4x her "Holiday Bucks" amount in her cart. ::shrug:: Not how I shop with "free" money, but to each his own. So in parting, the woman tells me I should check and see how many "bucks" I earned during the period. Yes, I should...except, I have my family with me and the shelves appear similar to those in Texas in '05 when the hurricanes were approaching.

Upon arriving home, I got Matt's eardrops in (ear infection #1 for the season in the works), folded some laundry and meandered to the receipt file to check my "bucks" total...$90. $90?! Back to Kroger Marketplace I go. Probably will only find Snuggies and cheap smelly candles on the shelf, but a family-less shopper is a concentrated shopper. Maybe I'll grab a Starbucks and contemplate the color of the Snuggies for an excessive length of time... :D

I did not buy the remaining Snuggies on the shelf. I found an item I had on my "need to replace" list and purchased it: a down comforter for Matt's bed. His room is big and on a corner of the house, and since he's been layering his bed with every blanket he owns (in addition to his 6 year old down comforter + flannel sheets), I used my "bucks" to bring my cost down to $20 for an item I have been scouring the holiday sales ads for in search of a deal.

Ninety unwasted dollars on a "need" item turned my day around. (Along with finding a recipe for crockpot caramel in a can. This might be the year I finally make the Christmas With the Kranks' caramel creme pie. I imagine it and the perfect formulation of it every year...but haven't attempted it to date.)

A "Zinger" Purchase

2011-11-30T14:53:00.004-05:00

In the movie "You've Got Mail", the characters discuss the ability to "zing" others...saying exactly what you wish to say at exactly the moment you wish to say it. I found a "zinger" purchase today...I found exactly what I was looking for and paid exactly no more than I hoped to pay for it.

Each year for the past 14 years, Brian has purchased and Old World Father Christmas ornament for me at Christmas. I've wanted to display them alone on a tree for the past couple of years, but I've either not made it out to find the type/size of tree I wanted or they were priced more than I wanted to spend. Since we had another day of sick childcare kids, Meredith and I made a trip to Dublin for two errands...one of which was Tuesday Morning to see if we could find a suitable ornament tree. The store had a small assortment of sizes and styles. We selected a 5ft lighted "cedar" tree.

I failed to keep track of the dates on the collection, but I think this may be the first ornament that Brian purchased back in Indiana at The Green Door.

This is the $4 tree star I picked up on clearance last year. Our tree will continue to be topped by "The Godfather" (Matt's nickname for our Father Christmas topper) for now, and the sparkly star is atop my ornament tree.

This sad little member of the collection is always tucked away on the backside of the tree. During one of our Texas holiday seasons, Brian apparently procrastinated on ordering an ornament, and settled for the sake of tradition on this creation (it's not even a Father Christmas...it's a Santa). He gives me permission every year to keep it in the ornament bin and off the tree altogether, but it's more fun to delegate it to a backside branch and laugh about the story of how it came to be in an otherwise beautiful collection.

The Tree and All Its' "Toppings" for 2011

2011-11-27T17:47:00.005-05:00

We pulled out the tree bag to "make" the tree and put "toppings" on it (Meredith's description of our activities), then Meredith popped "Roodle, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in for the kids to watch. ("Rudolph" is apparently a tongue-twister for her).

Anytime Meredith spies a nutcracker soldier in a store, she asks to hold it while we shop so she can imaginary play w/it for the duration of the shopping trip.

She was quite excited to discover we had our very own nutcracker soldier inside one of the Christmas bins. She immediately started in w/commentary b/n her and the toy.

11.26.11 = Matt is 14.

2011-11-26T19:45:00.002-05:00

Matt wanted our "Health Nut" brownies as his candled birthday confectionary this year. I need to work on my presentation of brownies as birthday cake, but the taste was a "10". We baked these together this morning after cleaning up the kitchen from fixing pumpkin biscuits for the start of Matt's 14th birthday.

Brian took the boys to Lazer Kraze for several sessions of laser tag, then we all went to a family favorite, Bravo! (Matt's choice), for dinner together where he almost made it through a plateful of spaghetti w/meatballs.

As I wrote to Matt in his card, this is the feeling that he inspires in me...most days. ;) Love my Matt...

Tim's TKD Red Belt and Seeded Glass Globes

2011-11-19T20:00:00.006-05:00

Tim advanced to the red belt level in taekwondo today. I asked him to give me some "attitude" for our post-testing photo. Tim's "tough guy" look is pretty much a Mona Lisa...a hint of a smile is evident. I can only imagine what kind of look the "Probie" belt level (black/white) will inspire six months from now.

I found a new designer's blog that I've been reading in the late evenings. In reading a post from over a year ago, in order to stay on budget w/redecorating one of the bathrooms in her home, she replaced only the globes on the light fixture rather than replacing the fixture itself. While we were in Lowes today for toilet repair parts (an identical issue on two of our three toilets in a single week...hmm), I remembered to check out the lighting area. We have a half-bath fixture with globes reminiscent of our old kitchen lighting (thick...yellow...yuck), and I thought these seeded glass globes might modernize and brighten the area. Lowes had them and I love the difference this inexpensive change has brought to the space.

"Doughnuts With Dad and a Dude (Homestyle)"

2011-11-17T08:30:00.003-05:00

Each year the OMES PTO hosts a "Doughnuts with Dads and Dudes" breakfast in the school Commons. This year, because of Tim's orchestra class being held at the middle school, a choice had to be made whether to skip class or attend the 1/2 hour event. Because Brian had a day of travel and we carpool other kids to orchestra with us, we planned to host our own "Doughnuts With Dad and Dude" event for Tim, Brian, and Jack here at home. Brian ventured over to Krispy Kreme early to get a couple of boxes of the greatest doughnut on the planet.

Brian, haven already eaten a doughnut while Tim showered, was ready to head out the door as Tim came downstairs. We informed Brian this was "Doughnuts with Dad", not "Doughnuts from Dad". Tim fully expected a sit-down-and-chat-with-my-dad breakfast so he could get lots of hugs in and educate Brian on how he solves difficult algebraic problems.

As Matt headed out the door for carpool to Student Council, in came Jack for carpool to orchestra and the "Doughnuts with a Dude" part of the breakfast event. Krispy Kremes straight off the line, Martinelli's apple juice, abundant seating, conversation from the person sitting right next to you that you can hear...hmm--maybe we'll put "Doughnuts with Dad and Dude(s)(Homestyle)" on the calendar for next year too.

Outings, $2 Turkeys, and a Vice

2011-11-16T06:30:00.008-05:00

We've been a somewhat busy household, but I haven't been faithful about dragging my camera along on our outings...so few pictures to post to go along w/my notes about recent life activities.

Brian and I celebrated our "sweet 16" anniversary on 11/11/11. Of all the years to do an "11" photo as we did for our 11th anniversary five years ago, this would have been the one w/the most 11's in it; but I had a cold and looked/felt "less than" for the day, and Brian was caught in several conference calls. We planned to have a steak/wine/dessert meal together at a Polaris area restaurant, but I didn't want to spend money on a meal that I wouldn't be able to taste much of. Tim was invited to a friend's house for a couple hours that evening, so we opted to go eat dessert together at Mimi's after dropping him off. The cold air cleared my nose...we ended up having dinner together at Mimi's and then our planned bread pudding dessert. We took a piece of pumpkin cheesecake home to Matt since he likes most things involving pumpkin and was enduring the evening alone for a couple of hours in the company of Meredith...and her mouth.

Tim had his Super Strings Saturday event on Saturday morning. Since the 4th grade group doesn't get to participate in the event's lunch, I took the boys (Matt, Tim, and Jack A. <--several "Jack's" in Tim's realm, so we must label w/last initials) to their choice of lunch options...which turned out to be Arby's (for the curly fries, I believe).

On Sunday, Matt participated w/the Chamber orchestra at Polaris's annual Magical Night of Giving event. The required attire for orchestra includes black shoes. Matt had outgrown the pair he's had the past two years. The week before this event, I endured a shoe shopping trip w/the entire family (definitely not my preference these days) out to JCPenney's shoe dept. b/c there was a sale on shoes and I had a $10 off of $25 coupon I could use on the purchase. The shoe dept. was a mess w/shoe boxes and people everywhere...and of course--limited staff, the boys were doing their punch/poke routine, and Meredith was destroying the organization of my purse contents in search of gum...that Tim has just taken the last piece of. Once we had the options in front of us, Matt made a quick choice, I paid, we left. On Sunday as we were heading out the door to get to the event on time, Matt and Brian come out the door laughing b/c the tongue of one of the shoes pulled completely out as Matt was putting them on. Kind of ironic b/c Matt selected this pair over the other because of the comfort of the tongue. He manuevered the tongue in place and grabbed his running shoes for post-event while I retrieved the receipt...b/c the shoes were going back immediately following the performance since we'd be at the mall anyway. I imagine I looked slightly inconspicuous walking the mall to JCPenney w/a pair of men's black dress shoes (no box or bag) and a receipt in hand.

A recipe I noticed in a section of Sunday's paper prompted us to investigate the possibility of pumpkin bread pudding. Matt located a recipe online, we tried it, and it was wonderful. I really need to get my recipes organized...we're finding a lot of "keepers" b/n our curiosity resulting in part from Matt's Global Gourmet class, Pinterest and newspaper findings, and a cheap subscription to Bon Appetite magazine I picked up awhile back.

I'm labeling these weekly Kroger coupons my "turkey" coupons. Kroger is running a turkey sale at $.59/lb w/a $10 purchase through the holidays. By the time I buy the turkey, a few other groceries we need anyway, and pair the coupon...I'm averaging $2 turkeys. I love having the deep freezer for items like this.

I My back finally had enough of standing and utilizing the kitchen island as a docking area for my computer and desk items. Through Pinterest perusing, I discovered (and paired a 25% off coupon at World Market) a Campaign console table that was an ideal option as a desk for my space. I'm contemplating moving the two $25 trapezoidal storage ottomans I found earlier this summer under the desk as seating; but that would involve replacing them as in their current role they are storage/seating/foot props by the sofa. I found a mirror at Home Goods (mirrors are becoming a vice for me. Some women like shoes and purses...) that I like in the wall space above the area. I have gazed and contemplated the leaf prints in several stores this year; and I finally purchased them at Kroger b/c they were 40% off and I had the $5 coupon (that I forwent another $2 turkey in order to further diminish the price of the artwork). I don't spend alot of time at "my space", but I like having the kitchen island freed up and an area for my computer, paperwork, magazines/catalogs, etc. that I can centralize and keep everything organized.

"Hat"itude

2011-11-04T14:04:00.005-04:00

Meredith asked to wear her baseball cap. It's not my imagination. We have definite "hat"itude in the household today.

Spidey-Girl: Take 2

2011-10-31T19:12:00.005-04:00

Meredith has been telling everyone who inquires that she was going to be a mummy for Halloween this year. When I have pointed out that she has repeatedly indicated she does not want to trick-or-treat, and I subsequently have not planned a costume for her, she looks at me as if she can't understand the disconnect I'm having. Apparently in her mind, she dresses up and hangs out at home while Kit Kat's mysteriously appear in the cauldron for her consumption. I bought a chocolate stash, said "no" to Tim's bid for a Ben Franklin costume this year (b/c after the 2 hours of ToT'ing, when does he wear it again(?)...), and planned a pizza/movie/eat-trashy-candy and don't-anwser-the-door kind of night. Mid-afternoon today, Meredith starts matter-of-factly talking about ToT'ing. Nevermind she lasted only 5 minutes last year; this year she.was.doing.it. I was convinced, but not enough to shred a sheet...so I offered to take her out in last year's Spidey-girl costume. Tim was invited by a friend to go out w/him, so he did--in the friend's old Michael Jackson costume: a wig, hat, and ~~gloves~~ glove.

Here she is...taking orders for the various and sundry types of candy that everyone will want her to collect on her door-to-door quest.

Scoping...

Done. Five houses in.

Reconsidering. Spies other children having fun and collecting candy. Chocolate candy. Gazes...

Eh. Decides her single Kit Kat's good enough, and she's heading in...

Enjoying the bounty of her harvest.

Brown County 2011

2011-10-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

The boys had Friday off from school, so we'd planned our annual Brown County trip for this past weekend. We celebrated Meredith's birthday Thursday, left Friday morning for the trip, and returned Sunday mid-afternoon so I could finalize Matt's luggage for his 8th grade class trip to Washington this week. We had to have his suitcase at the school by 7:30pm Sunday night, and the 5 fully loaded tour buses left at 6:10am yesterday morning.

Matt is a gem of a teenager. He likes to intentionally exhibit poor table manners (sipping, slurping, smacking, shaking his food like a wild animal, etc), wait for our reaction and correction, then whisper "Yes!" w/a fist pump. Apparently achieving parental disdain is the goal. About every 5th time we are subjected to this, we skip the bait, let him look ridiculous and hope for the best w/re: to his future ability to impress others while in a dining scenario.

My photography is also under attack. Expressionless, aloof gazes are offered. ::yawn:: Carry on, child...

Meredith got to join the mining fun this year w/the boys. This continues to be the highlight of the trip for the kids.

Tim and I waited in a very crowded and very warm toy shop this year to have our turn at matryoshka viewing. There were several with varying themes that he liked, but he decided on this Christmas tree set. I think I look forward to purchasing this for him as much as he looks forward to the anticipation of finding one, the selection process, and the annual purchase.

Our "Rare Shirley Doll" Turns Four

2011-10-20T23:00:00.017-04:00

Each year on M's birthday, we've gone outside for pictures; but this year it was cold, windy, and wet. I actually did consider taking her outside on the rock with an umbrella, but then I realized I would end up with a wet camera and no optimal photo to reflect back on as a result...so we stayed indoors for her '4' photo.

I'm glad we stayed inside b/c I'm quite certain I never would have captured this enthusiasm on a rock in the rain. Hahaha...

A combination of drinking coffee too late at TKD and overthinking a busy upcoming extended weekend had me not sleeping well last night. After 3 hours of sleep and 2 hours of lying in bed trying to get back to sleep, I finally gave up and headed downstairs at 3:15am to bake Meredith's "special request" birthday cake: chocolate cake, red frosting, topped with blue and yellow candles.

What is it w/this girl and frosting?! As I'm taking pics of her cake (I don't know why I do this each year for the kids. As if we're going to want to sit and look at cake photos when they're older...but then again--I wouldn't have caught this moment if I wasn't photographing her cake.), we're talking about how the frosting probably tastes. She asked to try it, and since I'm mellowing with age, I said okay--thinking a finger swipe was coming...not a tongue swipe! We both laughed...then I informed her she just claimed her piece.

Meredith wanted to go to Panera for broccoli/cheese soup for her birthday dinner tonight. Brian was to be traveling though and not sure of the time he'd be home, and Matt was to be at a cross-country bonfire. I remembered Costco sells Panera soups, so we headed over there and bought some non-Panera broccoli/white cheddar soup (no Panera soup in sight today) with a pack of big bread rolls that Jenny recommended. I don't want to use the latest word on my over/misused words loathe list ("Uh"-mazing!), so I won't; but the dinner was incredibly tasty and a lot cheaper than a visit to Panera. Brian cancelled his traveling and the rain cancelled Matt's bonfire, so we all ended up home for our girl's celebration. We got Meredith the mini set of Strawberry Shortcake dolls as a gift this year, along with a canister of Pop Arty beads. I wasn't sure she would love the bead set the way I do...

I can't tell who loves the beads more: Meredith, the boys, or me. We all sat on the floor and made funky jewelry items for a lengthy time tonight; then Meredith and I continued for another 45 minutes later up in her room before bed.

I just love M's cross-eyed 'blow out the candles' expression. She is priceless.

Brian chose a near-machete style cake cutting knife which brought on a round of laughter. Of all the knives available...

Meredith, as I wrote on this year's Papyrus card, I love e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. about you. I love that we've taught you not to use the word "hate", and now you instruct everyone else you come in contact with on this lesson in word choice should he/she unknowingly toss the word out in conversation. I love that anything that can't be explained from your point of view is met with "I guess that's just the way God made it." I love that you sit on the first level of our closet storage everytime you "hide", and then exclaim "Mom! You're not supposed to find me here!" each time I go directly to the closet. I love that you are such an eager learner and want to work on spelling words and addition problems and love being read to and reading (reciting from memory) to your friends. For all the strengths the boys have, I love that you are the most imaginative of our children. I love being your mom.

P.S. I neglected to note something that I wanted to keep as a memory of Meredith's birthday this year. Both Matt and Tim, of their own intiative, thought through individual gifts for their sister. Matt had wanted to awake Meredith early this morning before he left for his 7am Student Council meeting, but I really need her to get as much sleep as her body will permit...so I had to say "no". He came through the door after school and immediately went to Meredith to say "Happy birthday" and gave her a piece of artwork, designed for her, that he worked on during spare time in his Science class. Tim came home next with a library book from the school that he had checked out especially for Meredith. I was encouraged by their thoughtfulness. Sometimes I think the kids just don't "get it", but today they did.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

2011-10-17T14:41:00.009-04:00

I'm chanting this to myself as I try to get inspired to revamp Matt's room. In the interim, I'm goofing around with smaller scale projects that I can succeed at quicker. Our poor firstborn child will have an organized room again...someday.

I first saw these owl plates at Hobby Lobby. I wanted multiple plates but didn't want to make three trips w/a coupon each time (since the policy is one coupon/visit), and I thought they might tip the scale on the balance I have in Meredith's room and render it an owl-themed space...so I passed on picking them up.

I found them at TJMaxx though for less than the Hobby Lobby coupon price, and since I could buy all three at once--I scooped them up. I picked up a few wall plate holders on sale at the craft store, and hung them last night above her closet.

I also ended my search for a coordinating second lamp in her room for her pseudo dresser. I found the shade at World Market and paired it with a Target lamp base.

The Velvet Devil is a World Market wine that was touted as a winner of some award on Food Network. Since it's a merlot and I like to find new favorite wines, I bought a bottle and Brian and I planned on opening it on Halloween (his idea). Brian had to break it out early b/c he needed red wine for a new beef/barley soup recipe I'd come across in my Living magazine (a free subscription I have that I think I might actually pay to renew...it's that good.). B/c of the packaging of the bottle, I failed to note it was a twist off cap. A twist off cap on a bottle of wine doesn't conjure thoughts of optimism re: the wine I'm about to taste so it had a lot to make up for prior to even pouring it in my glass. Nothing velvety or smooth about it; so in the pantry it will remain for use in a few recipes before it gets tossed and Halloween might not be as fun this year. ;)

Matt's Last 8th Grade Cross-Country Meet

2011-10-11T20:34:00.002-04:00

Coach Uher encouraged buzz cuts for team solidarity, and Matt participated (I sheered his locks at home). This is the team in their pre-huddle pep talk. They always end it with, "1,2,3,4,5,6,7...Blazers!" and I never did figure out why the count goes to seven. Maybe I'll remember to ask at the bonfire/cookout next week...

I much prefer Matt's non-solidarity locks. I caught him along the fenceline at about the mile mark. This Hyatts Middle School course wasn't a difficult one to run, but we (the parents) have determined in our discussions that the kids do better on the weekend meets when they've rested up and had a good breakfast rather than running after a day spent in school.

Brian saw this hawk sitting atop a fence post as we were waiting in a line of traffic. Naturally by the time I got my camera out and the lense cap off, we were moving and passing it; but I got one decent shot captured.

Bucket List: Play Hooky. Check.

2011-10-11T14:11:00.005-04:00

While walking out of the free metro park preschool "tree" class doesn't exactly count as hooky b/c we didn't technially miss it, and certainly we didn't need permission or an excuse to leave...it felt like hooky when Jenny and I opted to leave mid-class and head the girls over to the puzzle/puppet area. Between the completely-wrong-for-the-role instructor and the lack of parental control/supervision of the multitude of preschoolers, we couldn't hear anything...so we left. What rebels we are...

Princess Meredith, Matt's PR, and Comfy Kicks

2011-10-10T19:35:00.002-04:00

Meredith, Tim and I attended Addie's princess-themed party on Saturday. The hat stayed on for less time than last years' Halloween costume (I must be getting old and mellow b/c it didn't really bother me) and she opted to not ride the pony or eat cake...but other than that, she had a fun time at this first experience of attending a friend's party. What a mess of a girl.

Matt ran a PR (personal record) at Saturday's cross-country invitational and more than met his season run time goal that his coach calculated for him. Free pizza for our resident runner at the end-of-year movie/pizza party... Matt mentioned joining the Winter Running Club, and I'm proud of him for considering it on his own . Cross-country has been a good supplemental Fall sport for Spring Track, but I was contemplating the 3 month span b/n the two sports and curious about options.

My foot on my desk...in a Comfy Kick. I hate running around with bare feet, but it's not cold enough for slippers all day and I don't like the feel of socks w/o shoes around the house. I was considering a $10 pair of Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats, but held off...and I'm glad I did b/c these lovelies called "Comfy Kicks" are identical and half the price at the new Five Below store at Polaris. They have a slight anti-slip sole on the bottoms, and come w/a zippered pouch to carry them along in my purse.

"Scratch" and a Few of Our Truck "Photo Booth" Captures

2011-10-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

What a day. I was in the kitchen for much/most of it doing "scratch" cooking/baking. Biscuits, cornbread muffins, chicken noodle soup, and several batches of chickenetti sauce...along w/two spinach lasagna trays yesterday. Hopefully the effort alleviates some of the dinnertime scramble. I've been utilizing the crockpot frequently since the start of school. I tried a recipe for french dip beef sandwiches last week that I discovered late one evening on Pinterest, and it was a hit w/everyone. We don't eat a lot of red meat, but I imagine I'll be taking advantage of the Kroger B1G1 roast sales more frequently now.

I am trying to stock the basement freezer with meals to help with dinners over the next month. Brian has been enduring grand jury assignment for the past month with one more month to go, and this has added to chaos of the after-school/evening schedule. Matt's cross-country daily practices and weekly meets will be ending next week, and while we are enjoying tracking his progress w/the sport, the less-congested schedule will be a welcomed change until track season starts.

Meredith pleaded to ride along w/me to Matt's violin lesson tonight inspite of the picture of complete boredom in passing the hour I painted for her (shameful, I know--but I had hopes of I could catch up on a couple of catalogs/magazines I have waiting to be viewed and read). I'm glad she's persistent...we had a fun time together. She asked for my phone so she could click photos of herself, Lizzy, and me. She took the top set, and I captured the bottom set while she stood out of the sunroof.

"Okay. Mommy...I'll be a princess; but only if I can be a monster princess."

2011-09-29T13:53:00.006-04:00

Meredith is invited to the birthday party of her little friend, Addie, who we have gotten to know via Tim's taekwondo classes. Addie is having a "princess" themed party, and the guests are to dress up in princess attire. Meredith decided that "princess" is interpretive, and issued the statement in the post title about her princess plan. The girl makes me laugh, and this is good b/c I need humor to balance the many characteristics she exudes nearly every day.

I had to negate her monster idea for Addie's party pictures' sake; but we did reach agreement on a princess hat (versus a tiara), and we are pairing a couple of current sparkly/shimmery items from her wardrobe to appear more princess than monster at the upcoming party. (I really should have taken phone pics of the scowl that each tiara produced as it was tried on.)

I went to the craft store to come up with a plan for the hat. I found a $1.99 foam/tulle princess hat, considered how simple this find made things, then walked away so I could make the process more difficult. ;) It really didn't end up being a bad project once Lisa suggested Mod Podge (my spray adhesive wasn't working). The supplies were inexpensive and I used tulle pieces from one of the tutus we made her a couple of years ago. Here's the finished product. Hope she wears it.

I also found a perfect wall addition to M's room (that I have come to realize will never really be "done"). At 60% off (which seems impressive, but really--given the weekly high percentage off sales or coupons, no one should ever pay full price at a craft store), I decided to try it out on the corner wall space that holds the lonely metal flower. I like it. And after having to endure a discussion about why she can't be a monster princess in a non-monster princess themed party, I hope the girliness of the print absorbs into Meredith's little head. Just a bit. ;) Or not...I love her character regardless.

Meredith's Bedroom

2011-09-22T13:48:00.021-04:00

Meredith is nearly four, and I finally got around to painting her bedroom at the end of July. Once I had Brian's buy-in and talked myself into painting her walls charcoal, I was able to put the room together fairly easily. There is still some wall space to fill as needs arise and/or items are discovered, but for now--little girl's room is done.

The floor could probably use a splashy rug of some sort to liven it up, but that would just be something for me to trip over and more importantly--have to pick up when I vacuum...so I'll probably find peace w/the non-splashy carpet. :)

I found these chippy shelves at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. I had a single longer shelf in mind, but these work. I'm on the hunt for a light faced, chrome (I think?) wall clock with actual numbers (not numerals) to go above the bed to the right of the shelves.

Meredith's creative spirit and imagination is quite different than that of Matt and Tim's when they were her age. She has two imaginary friends (boys, I think) named "Ring" and "Sucker Lollipop", and they live in France where the Eiffel Tower is...thus the significance of that shelf item. These "friends" are very real for M. They frequently call Meredith on her multiple cell phones and she holds parties in our closet for them and invites various stuffed animals and any family member she can convince to sit in a closet to attend.

Meredith selected the paint color (I gave her 3 choices) for this little $3 metal reindeer. It's not Christmas time, but the sparkly apple green is an accent color in her room...so we shelved it.

The room needs another small light above the ottoman corner or on the bookcase dresser, but I want to stick w/a small scale glass or chrome-colored lamp...and I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. The ceiling fan light attachment does offer a bit more light when we really need it. (As much as I do love the girly chandelier look that is so popular right now, a ceiling fan is more useful and helps keep the upstairs bedrooms airy).

These ceramic crown planters were at Marshalls. I bought two for $12 and they house M's hair bands and accessories. I had purchased the crown tray awhile back from Marshall's, and we keep her hairbrush, detangler, lotion, and "lipsticks" in it.

I picked up two of these woolen basketweave placemats and hooked them to the hardware as a faux valence for the room. I struggle with window coverings, in general. Fabric is so committal, and hard to impress me given the dark wood blinds we have throughout the house. So for now (and really--probably forever), this $8 avoidance of the window covering for Meredith's room in this home is complete. ;)

Now to ~~tackle~~ retackle Matt's room. My makeover of Tim's bedroom left Matt w/o some necessary furnishings, so his dwelling space needs attention. It's been about 5 years since we chose paint and put things in order for him, so it's time to readdress the area for his continuing teenage years. Wish me luck...(might have it done by the time he leaves for college). :D

The Wishing Tree

2011-09-21T13:32:00.004-04:00

Over the past five years that we've lived here, we have frequently passed a yard on a corner lot in the next subdivision over from our's that has a large weeping willow tree. I've noted this home's yard many times in passing b/c it reminds me of how Brian's great grandma Povall's yard used to look...very english. As it turns out, we've known the owners for five years...their daughter was in the same 3rd grade class as Matt and also ran Track this past Spring. The mom and dad are both originally from England, thus the english-looking yard.

Meredith has also taken note of the Barnes' yard b/c of the "wishing" (willow) tree on the edge of the front yard. She has asked relentlessly to go see it, so today Lily and Meredith made a Lucy "sandwich" in the wagon and we walked the five blocks over to see the "wishing" tree. Tracy was home with her childcare crew and was delighted to have the girls visit her "wishing" tree.

Spider Class

2011-09-13T15:35:00.009-04:00

Lilly's mom, Jenny, introduced us to the free monthly, seasonal pre-schooler classes offered across the road at Highbanks Metro Park. We went online and signed up for the next 3 month's worth of classes. Today's topic was "Spiders!".

We wandered along the big outdoor deck of the park's nature center in search of spider webs to examine. Lily had a firm grasp on Jenny's hand each time a web was spotted.

This was the largest web (with the resident spider in view) that we observed outdoors.

9.10.11

2011-09-10T17:29:00.005-04:00

Candle season is upon us and the Yankee B1G1 coupons are popping up on the internet. We dropped Matt off at the school for an out-of-town cross-country meet, finished some chores around the house, and headed out to Polaris for a couple of our favorite autumn Yankee scents and a Starbucks. Inbetween conversation w/Brian, I caught Tim and Meredith cuddling while sipping down their drinks.

Matt continues to improve his time with each cross-country meet which equals success by the standard we've been trying to encourage him to focus upon. Today he cut his time by 26 seconds from last weekends' meet, and is at a 16:55 time for a 3200m run. Happy with him for making an effort, and happy for him b/c he gets to see improvement as a result of his efforts.

We brought Michael home w/us from the meet and he's staying overnight, so the boys are off in the neighborhood w/friends while Brian and I get the first patio fire of the season going. S'mores assembling is on the agenda before we send Brian off to Chicago for a few days and start another "week+something". The "something" this week being the start of Tim's orchestra classes which were to be 1x/week after school at his school (1.5 blocks away) and are now 2x/week before school...at Matt's school...4.5 miles away. ::sigh::

Life...

6:30-7:00am...

2011-09-03T17:20:00.018-04:00

Is the earliest time I hope to see on the bedside clock tomorrow morning upon waking up. Matt is the student council Treasurer this schoolyear, and subsequently must attend the 3 weekly regular 7am council meetings in addition to the 7 am board meeting 1-2 times a month. I was looking forward to sleeping in after 4 consecutive 5:00am wake up times; but alas, the cross-country conference/meet for this weekend was scheduled for 8am (requiring the team to be on the bus for departure at 6:45am).

This photo is my view from the truck of the first few school teams starting to settle into the fog-laden "camp" (tent) area after unloading from their buses. Since the temps were predicted to hit 96 today with a heat advisory, I was actually thankful for the early wake up and run times for the runners.

The middle school boys pack starting their run. Updated: just read in the Dispatch there were 1500 (middle and highschool) runners from 40 schools at the meet yesterday.

Matt had me, Connie and Phil (his friend Michael's parents) laughing with his story of nearly being shoved into a tree in the woods by another school's runner during his run. It's reassuring to know that Matt isn't the type of person who we have to worry about reacting negatively to a potential trigger like nearly being shoved into a tree during a cross-country run.

Matt and I made it home by mid-morning and we all headed over to Zoombezi Bay w/Brian for one last visit this season. The weather forecast claims scattered storms are on the way tomorrow and a drop in temperature on Monday of nearly 30 degrees from what we had today.

Kroger Rewards

2011-09-02T15:24:00.007-04:00

I remember going to the Amoco station in West Lafayette when we still lived in Indiana and seeing the price at $1.50/gallon (from a previous $1.10/gallon), and thinking to myself that an error w/the signage must have occurred.

We've made some changes recently with where we purchase groceries and gasoline. Shell and UDF's Exxon Mobil are the two closest stations to our home and directly across the street from each other. Many times Exxon had their price slightly lower, so that's where we would fill up our vehicles until about a month ago when we noticed that UDF had switched from Exxon Mobil to UDF brand gasoline. We opted to purchase strictly at Shell at that point. During one fill-up, Brian noticed that our Shell station participates in the Kroger Rewards program, and since we are now Kroger shoppers we've been anxious for the first chance to redeem our earned Kroger Rewards points. We did it today. $3.15/gallon shouldn't put a smile our faces, but it's better than $3.75/gallon.

Another separate but related change we decided to test was using our credit card each month for our purchasing in order to accumulate points that can be cashed in for Shell gas cards. It's kind of a circular process. I've read about others' success with it via newspaper and online articles; and while we aren't at the level of earning free gasoline or vacations, saving $.60/gallon today was inspiring.

Off to get Tim to TKD and get back to researching more "circular" budgeting that I might be able to implement...

A Friend for Meredith

2011-08-31T13:31:00.007-04:00

Lily is joining Meredith, Lucy, and I one to two days/week this school year. We first met Lily's family via baseball last year when one of her older brothers and Tim played together on the same team (the team that was coached in part by Tim's favorite baseball coach ever, "Coach Todd"...Lily's dad). I am so glad this opportunity presented itself b/c Meredith needs this consistent interaction with a little friend her age (which has been hampered since I don't "do" mom's clubs...).

Matt's 1st Cross Country Meet

2011-08-30T21:23:00.002-04:00

After track, Matt made the decision to run cross country this Fall. He's been conditioning all Summer with the team through strength building exercises and running 2 mile courses at Alum Creek dam and a couple of metro parks. Tonight was the first official meet at the OOMS home course (Orange Township Park), and as evident in the photo below--Matt was anxious. Individual times and performances aside...someone has to come in last, and Matt didn't want to be that runner this time.

We texted back/forth after school during the team study time, and established 2 goals for this first meet: aim to not be the last runner, and improve his time from the practice meet. I am incredibly proud of him...he managed both.

Back From the Library's Story Time

2011-08-29T11:39:00.002-04:00

...and home to this little love note from Brian. Meredith liked that dad chose to use her dry erase board and markers for his message. We're getting a lot of mileage out of this little board lined like school paper. She's been combining it with our Leapster fridge sets and number magnets to practice writing letters, words, numbers and drawing pictures...of the Titanic, trees, rain clouds, and machine guns. ::sigh:: The life of a girl influenced by the presence of older, Nerf-loving brothers...

Polaris Fountain

2011-08-26T15:10:00.005-04:00

Taking a fruit leather break at the mall's outdoor fountain this afternoon...
I've seen this fountain many times and keep forgetting about it, so this was our first trip in suitable attire. Kind of nice b/c w/school in session it wasn't crowded.

8th and 4th Grade

2011-08-24T11:13:00.006-04:00

Purple Belt

2011-08-23T07:05:00.000-04:00

Tim tested for and succeeded in securing his purple belt in taekwondo last Saturday. He broke both boards on the first attempt, and his numbered evals for technique/etc were among the highest he's scored. Watching our kids find their interests and excel at what they enjoy provide some of the most fulfilling moments in our life as parents.

The "Ugly"

2011-08-22T21:10:00.004-04:00

I need to vent. This blog has served as a spot for me to document some of our family moments together. The day-to-day memories can get lost in routines and schedules and the busyness of life. Typically, I don't document negativity mainly b/c although I can overdwell on a negative scenario for hours/days/weeks, I really don't want to consistently leave those particular memories for us to reflect on in later times. I would hope we all focus on the postive, but sometimes recalling the opportunities we've suffered or learned from situations is useful too.

We've had a rough last few weeks of summer for a variety of reasons. Some of it has been just plain ugly. I don't like having "ugly" in our life.

"Ugly" this summer began with a situation that is ongoing for now and I hope to erase the horribleness of it from my memory over time after it has passed, but not the learning from it.

"Ugly" continued with a realization about the soccer program Tim has been involved with. Tim has enjoyed playing soccer the past two seasons inspite of losing every game his team played. The team had a capable and organized parent coach, but he left the organization this season for a competing entity that offers a more focused program for kids. We considered this program for Tim, but the cost was 2-3 times the cost of the current organization we are enrolled in and we didn't feel Tim's focus on soccer justified the spending.

Asking some questions has led us to a belief/realization(?) that the team Tim is continuously being assigned to is a "potluck/leftover" team. After all the other teams have "networked" and requested to be placed together with coaches/players, a team is formed with those remaining...that's the team Tim has been placed on for three seasons. The problem is that this season there is no capable and organized parent coach (quite the opposite, actually), and most of the experience that was had w/the previous group of boys left for the other program or are choosing not to play. The team this season involves 4 grade levels; and it is my belief that 2nd graders should not be playing on the same team as 5th graders. I realize cutoff dates exist for general age inclusion/exclusion, but I don't believe this 4-grade spread is consistent w/all the teams and when I asked the Director if it was, I was not given a response. Hmm. Program concerns along with numerous concerns with the parent coach this season (based on five years of acquaintance and much interaction on projects and activities) have led us to opt to keep Tim out of soccer this season and I am sad about this. I hope I can pursue a better soccer scenario for Tim in the Spring b/c he enjoys the sport. If not, I hope others will challenge the current system and the voice of many will bring about a change.

The most recent "ugly" involves yet another moment I will note as "an encounter with an ill-behaved child with an even more ill-behaved parent". I think future encounters can mostly be avoided by stricter approval on my part of who our children spend their time with. I've been too lenient in the interest of fulfilling their need for friendships. Friends for the boys ("normal" kids with "normal" parents...per our definition, of course) are sparse. I've had to rule "no interaction allowed" for a couple of individuals that Matt and Tim have befriended. This too saddens me and I do pray often for acceptable friends to enter the lives our sons. I feel the prayer has been answered and the need will continue to be met b/c both Matt and Tim have friendships that meet our standards; but apparently I need to also add to my prayer for me to trust my perceptions on individuals before violence towards our kids occurs.

In the past I've handled scenarios involving poorly behaved children two different ways. I've calmly confronted the child, only to be met w/anger by a parent. I've firmly confronted the child, only to be met w/anger by a parent. This encounter...I opted to have Tim part ways and I would refrain from any communication. Per Tim, (whom I have no reason not to trust) a rock was thrown at his head. It was a single rock both times (the first one missed...he didn't get away in time before the second one was hurled), not a handful of pebbles thrown randomly around or near Tim. The rock was thrown at Tim. B/c the child continued to inquire w/Tim about playing, when I happened to answer the door this past weekend, I (calmly) communicated that b/c of the rock throwing Tim was no longer allowed to play with him. Lies and tears ensued upon his return home (my assumption based on the v/m that was left for me). Woodpeckering our doorbell the next day b/c we chose not to answer and speak with him led to me opening the door long enough to (firmly) communicate this was not acceptable behaviour on his part and he needed to leave. More lies and tears ensued upon his return home. Nasty messages/etc from the "even more ill-behaved parent" about me and our children have been spread around. I suppose I need to trust my instincts and negate the acquaintance the next "ill behaved child" the first time the radar blips.

I need a new planet.

Strings Camp Vultures(?)

2011-07-25T19:10:00.005-04:00

Matt started a week of overnight strings camp at Otterbein this morning. After walking his suitcase to the dorm he and his friend will be rooming in, we noticed this sight across the courtyard. Assuming these are vultures (I thought vultures had long necks), we couldn't figure out why they were lurking on this rooftop. Leaving our son at camp with possibly enough dead material in the area to draw this many scavengers kind of has me concerned. Texts confirm Matt is still alive as of 7pm tonight.

Location, Location, Location

2011-07-24T21:55:00.003-04:00

The location of Matt's weekly violin lessons has changed due to the graduation of his instructor. (She was permitted use of the campus instructional rooms while a student at Otterbein; now we take him to her apartment for an hour each week.) Carolyn's apartment is not near the Heavenly Cup campus shop where I could fulfill the occasional craving for a "Coke with vanilla". (Note: On more than one visit "vanilla Coke" confused the person behind the counter at this shop, so I learned to order "Coke with vanilla".)

We made a trip to Zoombezi with Jen and Jack last week. As Jen, Meredith and I waded through the lazy river, the discussion of vanilla Coke came up. I'd forgotten that Sonic has them, and Sonic is on the way to at least three of our regular weekly/monthly stops. Location, location, location. Mother Nature, bring on the Texas-like temps and humidity of the past week if I can hydrate with a Sonic vanilla Coke every once in awhile.

MKC

2011-07-20T21:40:00.003-04:00

We had orthodontist appointments today, and this is a sign for a neighboring company. I'm sure at some point over the past two years that Matt's had braces I've noticed the sign has Meredith's initials; but today it "clicked". It's kind of fitting for the day since she's been busy this afternoon and evening building castles and Starbucks with the block set.

After the Sonic Boom

2011-07-20T09:35:00.002-04:00

...that reverberates throughout the downstairs after Meredith jumps from her bed each morning, we often find her on the stairway. Sometimes her babies (Lizzy and Spotty) are tossed onto the hallway floor, and sometimes we find feet sticking out through the banister. Today she opted to just cozy up in what appears to be very uncomfortable position and sleep for another half hour. School year childcare aside, clearly I won't be removing stairway gates in the near future.

Ice Cream "Art", $1 Numbers, and A Masterpiece by Meredith

2011-07-17T22:00:00.007-04:00

I secured her with an after bath treat (mental note to myself made), and Meredith--upon discovering a hole in the bottom of her sugarcone, abandoned the sugary gold called Breyers, and started in with ice cream "art". As Trunchbull from Matilda would say, "Much too good for children!". If I didn't have an aversion to sharing ice cream, I'd have been all over the remainder...

The $1 Spot has school supplies stocked. I love school supplies. I bought a foam clock and a dry-erase board lined like elementary paper so M and I can practice time and writing. After a bike ride to the playground, she had the clock out during our own Harry Potter popcorn party on the living room floor last night while the guys were at the final HP movie at the theater. Just keeping it fun and lowkey...me, that is. Not Meredith--we'd been talking about birth times for her and the boys; and she insisted I come up with a time for the cat too. She wouldn't end our first discussion on telling time until I gave her an hour and minute for Leila's birth. (::me...whispering:: wow.)
Our work with the $1 magnetic numbers has been productive. A few sit sessions on the floor next to the refrigerator...and she's grasping that the number ten has two digits, and the one "holds hands" with her friends 0-9 to make the numbers 10-19. I've enjoyed teaching 'core' concepts to each of our kids, but Meredith does challenge me to be a little more creative with the lessons.

This might look like a scribbled page of a coloring book to many; but to me, it's a blue, Scooby monster masterpiece. Meredith's coloring books are filled with scribbled pages done in under a minute. Very little willingness to concentrate regardless of many, many attempts to coach her on this. Maybe it's the new can of flower crayons, but the girl sat down, focused herself for 10+ minutes and stopped my vacuuming to show me this. It's a big deal(!), so we took a picture of her shining moment and work of art! She's producing "in the lines" coloring pages now like it's always been this way. Now to tackle color variation...

Matt Decided the Cat Turned Six Today

2011-07-16T23:30:00.007-04:00

We adopted Leila in October 2006 and at that time she was approximated to be 18 months old. I can't recall with complete certainty, but I don't think we've celebrated the cat's DOB as long as she has resided with us. That changed today, b/c Matt decided the cat turned 6 on this date (7/16/11), and a party ensued. I think the boy was just searching for another reason to have chocolate cake.

The kids and I stopped at Petsmart on an errand run this week and selected a twinkle ball, a chirping mouse trapped in a rubber cage ball, and a Cheese Chaser (a remote control mouse) for the birthday girl.

Birds and A Zoo Trip

2011-07-13T23:00:00.004-04:00

When we arrived home from vacation, I noticed an accumulation of bird droppings along our front porch pillars. No nests were visible. At some point either later that evening, or earlier the next morning the source of the messes became apparent.

The swallows, whose aerial acrobatics I've enjoyed watching while drinking coffee on the porch in the mornings, discovered the tops of our pillars as a resting spot while we were on vacation. I don't really prefer the cleanup that's required b/c of them, but since I'm usually out watering the front area anyway, I'm not searching for pillar blockage to deter them. From what I've read, they have their season and the "show" they put on in the mornings is a fair exchange. They have such pretty coloring.

This past week (fortunately after our return home), our second brood of 2011 baby bluebirds fledged the nest. Now that we know the approximate schedule of how things happen w/this type of bird, we were able to be especially observant and catch each bird taking off and leaving their first home. Brian and I often laugh picturing ourselves as geriatric birdwatchers. We'll probably have shelves and walls full of bird paraphernalia after a half lifetime of this particular curiousity of ours.

The kids and I visited the zoo with a particular interest in seeing the new polar bear exhibit, and the manatee tank (Meredith's "must see" after viewing a Dora library video). I don't think I've ever stood under a live polar bear before.

Beware of the little bear on the left...she's a Grizzly disguised as a Sun Bear.

Virginia Beach Vacation: Oceana Jet Base Tour, Final Night

2011-07-13T20:30:00.021-04:00

We planned on returning for another beach day on Wednesday, but the weather looked more promising for Thursday being spent in the sun. We walked about 12 blocks up to a waffle place for breakfast, and stopped by a street kiosk on the way back to inquire about tickets for the Jet Base tour. A funny side story about this kiosk: early in the week, a hotel employee advised us this is where Jet Base tour tickets were sold. We inquired with a ticket company across the street, and their employee didn't even know the Jet Base offered tours. Hmm. The kiosk was never opened when we happened by it (it was seven blocks away from our hotel); so we thought maybe the Base sold tickets. B/c an active military base training for combat rather than peace time...they probably have time to run ticket tours in their "down" time. We drove our Thule-laden Expedition to the Base (a 15 minute drive), drove up to the MP entry station where officers ahead of us were having ID's checked and being saluted...and we inquired about a tour. Bwhahaha...(::wiping tears from my eyes::). Brian apologized profusely, surrendered his driver's license, and we received a military "escort" for a U-turn out of the entryway of the Jet Base.

Well, the 24th street kiosk was open after our Wednesday breakfast, and a tour was leaving in two hours. We hustled back to our hotel, got showered and grabbed our gear, and made it back in time for the departure of the 1962 double decker/open top tour bus. A C130 flew overhead of us while we waited.

We turned onto a familiar boulevard. I'm pretty sure I saw Brian shrink down in the seat a bit as we passed the MP station. The fact that each bus occupant had to show our ID's not once, but twice at various points in the tour, made our personal "Family Vacation" moment even more hilarious.

The rain did begin to fall early into our tour. We hustled down to the main bus deck briefly, but the better views and photography were up top...so that is where we chose to return inspite of a few lingering drops. I protected my lens as best as I could.

This is a photo I edited for Tim's sake. "I ::insert heart:: Jet Noise!" was a popular bumper sticker for sale in the area, and Tim wanted one; but I knew we could personalize the phrase with a photo that we captured. We spent 20+ minutes parked right under the air traffic control tower viewing the take offs/landings of the F18's that we'd been listening to from our balcony and watching from the beach area since our arrival on Sunday. And to think the tour bus driver recommended purchasing earplugs before we left... Tim and I agreed we could listen to jet noise all day.

The tour included an opportunity to purchase lunch at the Officers Club dining area. We were still full from breakfast so we opted to tour the "petting zoo". The hightlight was of course Tim's favorite military jet of all time, the F14 Tomcat.

Brian and I were pleased the Jet Base tour plan came together. Inclement weather, a Waffles and Company breakfast, and persistence to visit an open 24th street kiosk made Wednesday a better day of vacation than what we'd originally planned for ourselves.

Thursday was our final full day at Virginia Beach, and we spent it in the sun and sand. We ended the day with a family bike ride up the boardwalk's bike path. I really should have videotaped the adventure. Between Matt and Tim's combined efforts in the driver's spot where the hand brake was located, we were not without laughter for the full hour. Meredith spotted a carnival section along the path, so we rewalked a lengthy portion of the boardwalk to ride spinning monkeys and other "thrill" rides on our final evening at Virginia Beach.

The full trip back on Friday was uneventful with the exception of Meredith vomiting on herself and into her carseat (b/c as prepared as I am with bags, I never manage to get the bag to the recipient before the mess ensues) in a rainy, foggy mountainous patch of the trip. I stripped her down and cleaned up in-transit as best we could while Brian forged ahead for home. As busy and full as our schedule was, we felt rested and properly "vacationized" for 2011.

Virginia Beach Vacation: The Naval Shipyard Tour

2011-07-13T18:00:00.018-04:00

Waiting on the dock, pier bench, and boat seat for our tour to begin. Our tour was scheduled from 5:30-7:30pm; and while I can't speak for the others, I think it's a safe bet that we all felt inclined to unwind a bit w/the cool breeze and break from the sun and temps that the boat generated.

The boys' interests aside, military ships with the American flag waving seemed like a perfect mix for a "week of July 4th" vacation.

After the tour, we drove back, ate some Haagen Daz (they had a shop right across the street from our hotel...dulce de leche only a street away on vacation = happiness), and walked the beach/waded in the waters. The kids showered and fell asleep; Brian and I caught the last of the Wednesday fireworks show off the balcony.

Virginia Beach Vacation: Norfolk, USS Wisconsin

2011-07-13T15:00:00.029-04:00

On Tuesday we drove to Norfolk to view and tour the USS Wisconsin. We had seen various ships from the interstate as we drove into the area on Sunday, and the guys were anxious to get up/close/personal with as much as we could.

Tim and I lagged a little behind the others as we walked the boardwalk/dock area in search of the USS Wisconsin (it's a big ship, but we'd turned left instead of right along the way), and I caught him ship gazing and maybe imagining a career that involves something Naval. I titled this photo on my flashdrive: Me loving the view of the boy loving the view. :)

We did find the ship we specifically came to see. Brian and the boys took the inside tour, while Meredith and I stayed on the outside decks and the attached museum.

I thought Meredith and I might have difficulty filling the 1.5 hour tour time that Brian and the boys were partaking in, but the museum had many child-friendly activities that kept her occupied.

This was one of my favorite photos from our time together. She sat still long enough for two photos in front of this old photo mural, then jumped up and ran past a large ship model and proclaimed in a very loud voice (in a very quiet room), "Mama(!)...that ship looks like the Titanic!".

When the tour was finished, we walked the Wisconsin's outer deck (made with teak wood...the budget for the refitting of the ship allowed for this extra) and revisited a couple of museum sites and the gift shop w/the boys. The favorite purchase of the trip for the boys was their dogtag sets. They enjoyed picking out the colors and deciding what verbiage to have stamped on their individual tags.
We'd missed an earlier boat tour of the Naval shipyard and really wanted to get this activity in for the boys, so we opted to stay in Norfolk a bit longer than planned. We bought our tickets, walked to dinner at a restaurant called Snappers that was recommended by the ticket booth attendant, and came back to toss pennies and make wishes at a dock area fountain before boarding for our "Two Hour Tour" (an hour shy; but I had the Gilligan's Island theme song in my head the rest of the evening upon reading the length of time our little cruise would take).

Viginia Beach Vacation: The Beach

2011-07-13T07:51:00.010-04:00

Monday, July 4th at Virginia Beach was sunny and hot during the day; but a storm set in late afternoon and through the evening, so the fireworks barge that was sitting out in the Atlantic off the pier "in waiting" eventually left. Disappointing for the kids. I think many of the larger area hotels do offer a fireworks display during the summer every Sunday and Wednesday evening. Brian and I caught the last of the Wednesday show from our balcony, but the kids were exhausted from our day at the Oceana Naval Jet Base followed by an after dinner beach walk/wade. All three had bathed and fallen asleep by the time the Hilton show started.

Our beach time in Virginia (which ended up being only two of the five days we were there b/c there were several sights in the area we wanted to visit) was relaxing for Brian and I, and entertaining for the kids. We shared waters w/the dolphins, started a dead jellyfish collection, lounged, and played in the waves.

Virginia Beach Vacation: Origins, The Trip Down

2011-07-12T18:33:00.018-04:00

The evolution of our vacation destination this year is noteworthy. Brian really wanted to visit England, but we didn't think Meredith would handle an 8 hour flight over the Atlantic very well. Washington, D.C. sounded like fun to me, but Matt is going there in the Fall for his 8th grade trip and we didn't want to diminish that experience for him. The boys wanted to repeat our '09 vacation in Chicago (minus the guaranteed-fiasco-called-Amtrak portion of that trip); but I thought we should try something new (as much as I like Chicago). Next, Brian pondered a Disney cruise. Pricey, and we really didn't want to dip into savings for a vacation; but we agreed that if he won the Account Manager of the Year top prize, we'd spend the winnings on a cruise. Of course, he did win...but by the time he learned of it, the cruises were booked for summer. At this point, every time Brian uttered the word "vacation", he went on auto ignore with everyone. "Staycation"(?)...perfect.

One evening, Brian handed me his computer with Virginia Beach information pulled up and asked what I thought about a stay there for a week. A beach, a hotel (so I don't have to make beds, pack an obscene amount of supplies, and can toss bath towels on the floor when I'm done), and some other fun resort type activities close by to do/see sounded fun. (::Auto ignore 'Off'::).

Matt and Tim both continue to be interested in the Navy operations. Matt has NROTC as a possibility on his radar, and Tim swears he'll fly jets one day for the Navy. Virginia Beach's proximity to Norfolk's Naval jet base and the Nauticus Center made this a perfect spot for our 2011 vacation.

We chose not to drive straight through on the way down. We stopped in at one of our favorites, a Hilton Garden hotel, and the kids enjoyed pool time while Brian and I relaxed in the whirlpool.

On Sunday morning, Brian took the kids down for the hotel breakfast while I got ready and repacked our belongings for the the last portion of our trip. We arrived around noon to a very congested front drive/valet area at the Hilton. We unloaded everything next to one of the benches, let a valet take care of the truck, listened to Michael Buble being played continuously over the outdoor sound system, and waited for an attendant with a cart to rescue us.

I packed conservatively, and we still looked like we were there for short-term housing rather than a single week's vacation stay. Suitcases, backpacks for each child, toiletry bags, stroller, beach bags, beach tent, wave boards, etc...it all had to be present for the journey.

The Hilton's "jellyfish" lights were neat; their elevator system was not. Three elevators servicing a 20-floor hotel (with lights that we think might be the same type used for tanning) made for lengthy waits and long, hot rides to/from our room.
Since it was early afternoon by the time we were settled in our room, and we planned for Monday as a dedicated "beach" day...we wandered the boardwalk area around our hotel, took the kids to the rooftop pools for swimming, then walked the strip. We stopped in at a shop advertising salt water taffy. Mmmm...so good; my favorite flavors were orange cremesicle and spicy cinnamon. While the boys and I were filling our taffy bags, a man inquired if we were from the Olentangy (I was wearing an Olentangy shirt). We chatted w/them for several minutes...it was kind of neat to see someone from our area 10+ hours away from home. Later in the week, I threw this shirt back on to run downstairs for something, and a hotel employee that I was alone on the elevator with says to me, "Are you from Columbus, Ohio?". :) I never expected to meet so many new people with an Olentangy shirt. It is truly a small world at times. On our second dedicated "beach" day later in the week, the waves were much stronger so I went out to "ride" them with the boys. A man was behind Matt and I at one point, and I guess upon seeing us getting wiped out and pulled under several times, he decided to be our wave watcher. While we waited for waves to roll in, we chatted w/him and discovered he and his wife are from our hometown in Indiana. Thirty five miles of beach, thousands upon thousands of people...what are the chances?

We ate pizza at Dough Boys our first night on the strip. I think "California" pizza = no tomato sauce(?); and while it was good, the pizza at "PI"zzeria later in the week was more memorable. We are not a group that likes to eat out over and over again, and fortunately a little Farm Fresh grocery several blocks up from our hotel was within walking distance. We made a couple of trips there for lighter/less pricey meals that we could eat in our room/on the balcony overlooking the ocean.

My note of our Virginia Beach pizzas has to include our balcony incident for our recollection and laughter. For reasons unknown to us, the occupant above our room decided to hurl a piece of half-eaten pizza down at us as we all sat on our balcony one evening. We'd done/said nothing to this individual (other than he might have heard me mutter something about secondhand smoke early one morning as I headed back into our room for breathable air). While Brian took Meredith in to clean tomato sauce off her sandal (haha...so funny. Now.), I went in and called hotel Security to advise them of the matter. I returned to the balcony alone to sit and further enjoy the view. Upon realizing (by the smell of cigarette smoke) that our friend was still outside, I quietly called up, "Enjoy your visitor." He was still around the next day b/c he was verbally "saucy" when Tim and I sat together on the balcony; but not giving him a reaction shut him up for the duration, and then he was gone the following day. Pizza thrown at us on a 10th floor balcony...that's a new experience.

2011 OYAA Giants: 7-1-1 and #2 Tourney Seed

2011-06-29T23:40:00.007-04:00

As the Coach put it: the team was sleep walking through the 3rd inning. It looked as though the Giant's second loss of the season was an inevitable outcome for their final game. However, at the bottom of the fourth inning, the Tiger's pitcher loaded bases with walks. (We'd had our misfortune with that same issue earlier in the game...thus the 7-2 lead by the Tigers). Ryan stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam to bring the Giants back within a point of tying up the game. I think the grand slam bolstered Ryan's focus to win--he nailed the pitching at the top of the 5the inning and struck the Tigers out quickly w/no additional runs.

Overthrows and subsequent base stealing along with more walks by the Tigers pitcher led the boys to an 8th and winning run at the bottom of the 5th (final) inning. The team is seeded 2nd in the upcoming tournament (which to our abundant disappointment, we will miss due to vacation scheduling).

Tim had the opportunity to use his new catcher's mitt and did a good job stopping the ball with it. This blog is "our" space, and I don't mind using it to brag on our children and leave them bits of literary love for reading at their choosing. Tim, you continue to surprise and impress me w/your interests and enthusiasm for everything you decide to pursue. While you aren't usually the "star" player on the team, you are a consistent contributor in the various sports you participate in. W/re: baseball, you've managed some hits, and you've kept a good eye and taken advantage of walks...both of which have led to important runs that helped your team win games. You've also had your experience with striking out; and while that was disappointing and at times mood-inducing (haha) for you, you rarely went down w/o solid swinging that just didn't connect...and it made you a more determined batter the next time. You clearly understood more about the strategy of the game this season and knew where that ball needed to be before it got to you. I can't wait to watch you continue to develop your baseball skills in the coming years should you choose to continue w/this sport.

Orange Library Zoo Night

2011-06-28T22:48:00.002-04:00

Brian took Matt to his first conditioning practice for cross-country tonight. The Orange library has a series of entertainment guests lined up, so Tim/Meredith/I scheduled a book return and pickup visit combined w/seeing a few zoo animals.

Meredith has been inquiring w/me about the libary/zoo visit all.day.long. Her expectations involved elephants and giraffes. I was hoping setting the record straight about what she might see at the library along with the promise of a zoo visit after vacation would promote maximum enjoyment for her tonight. She made it through 4 animals, but the direct sun and heat along with a fussy brother/sister duo sitting next to her proved to be too much...so we headed in for a bag full of books and left. I laughed through the photos I took b/c if I took 20 of Tim and Meredith, 18 of them had her looking at the crying crew to her right through her sunglasses with obvious disdain.

We stopped at the store for Oreo Ball ingredients for Matt's latest kitchen fix upon his arrival back home from practice, drank fizzy orange juice, and went out back to practice catching a baseball w/Tim's new mitt.

Highbanks Creek Walk

2011-06-28T16:21:00.004-04:00

We took our annual summertime Highbanks Metro Park creek walk this morning. We found and caught for observation: snakes, crawfish (which Matt determined the genders of...7th grade science being used in the "real world"), salamanders, minnows, and a toad.

I look forward to this activity together every Summer. It's free, it's fun, it's outdoors, and it's positive (mostly) time with each other.

Zoombezi Bay/Trip 1

2011-06-27T17:40:00.005-04:00

We altered our plans for the day b/c the weather forecast in combination w/our weekly schedule seemed most suitable for a trip to Zoombezi Bay today. I kind of like unplanned schedule changes like this b/c the kids (specifically, the boys) are usually fairly jovial w/each other. (When the change works in their favor, that is...).

The boys spent the entire 3.5 hours together on slides and in the various pool areas. Meredith and I wandered around the wave pool and Barracuda Bay's pirate ship, but mainly found enjoyment in walking/floating along the lazy river. We all met back up a couple of different times to munch on Zbars, cheese crackers, bananas, and fruit leather.

Matt found this tiny little Praying Mantis walking alongside our seating area. After picking it up and passing back/forth with Tim, they put it in a safe place so it wouldn't get trampled. I don't think I've seen a Praying Mantis that small since our '04 Christmas tree in Texas that came complete with a Praying Mantis nest.

Tim's New Catcher's Mitt

2011-06-27T09:07:00.004-04:00

Tim has enjoyed the times he's played the catcher position for his baseball team this season. The coach's catcher mitt is difficult for him to catch with, so he usually ends up reverting back to his regular mitt. Ryan is the coach's son who is also an excellent pitcher, and whose pitches have proven to be painful for Tim at times. After much research on Tim's part of local supply, price, and reviews...we finally conceded to his pleading for his own catcher's mitt. He and Brian spent much of last evening heat treating it in the oven, catching balls outside, and making starter efforts in working it to perfection for Tim's use.

I think the child must have thanked us for the mitt at least 7 times between last evening and this morning as he continued to treat and soften it.

Eating Trash and Having Fun w/Friends

2011-06-24T23:30:00.003-04:00

We spent the day with Jen and Jack. Our original plan was to have lunch at a new hotdog restaurant in Powell, and go trek the Highbanks creek; but w/the chilly weather and abundant rain, I thought the creek might not be as enjoyable as it usually is...so we opted for Jungle Jacks at the zoo.

The boys somehow convinced Jen that she would not get soaked on the log ride...ha. We visited Jeni's ice cream afterwards. Inspite of Jen's teeny tiny cup of ice cream, I was not deterred from ordering the Black and Tan sundae like I said I would w/my next visit. It was huge; but oh my--so worth every bite I finished. After bite one, I didn't care that my choice was more fattening than her's. She's not as avid about ice cream as I am anyway. Some differences make for a good friendship, right(?)! :)

Gone Fishin'

2011-06-24T21:32:00.007-04:00

I brought up an assortment of small game sets and card games from the basement today. I'm anxious for a day when storms are so bad that we just stay inside watching movies, eating popcorn and pieces of sharp cheddar, and playing games together.

Meredith latched on to a canister with the Gone Fishin' game inside along with yet another set of Go Fish cards. I think we're at 3 different decks of cards for that game...variety keeps it fun. Tim joined Meredith for a couple of rounds of fishing before Jen and Jack showed up for a day out together.

She's quite attached to the game; and since it's good for hand/eye coordination, we played it multiple times at several points in time this afternoon and evening.

The Promised Land

2011-06-23T17:57:00.006-04:00

The boys were occupied outdoors with a friend of Matt's who stayed for an overnight visit, so Meredith and I went to "The Promised Land" (the mall) for quarter rides b/c her behavior finally earned her the coveted playtime.

We also went to the play area with soft climbables in the mall's center area so she could run off some energy and ~~struggle again with~~ have another opportunity to practice sharing space and time on the structures and interact with other children. Other than a boy calling her a "dummy" b/c she was blocking entry to a slide, it went well. I think based on M's only slight recollection of the name-calling moment and the fact that she was still slide-blocking when I walked around the structure to check on her...she left unphased by her first instance of playground scorn.

Crayons

2011-06-20T22:27:00.003-04:00

Early this morning, I read a tutorial for making pretzel mold crayons from old, broken crayon stock. I think our current crayon supply has been accumulating for 10 years.We had rainy weather again today and only TKD and a team sponsored running shoe sale to attend for Matt...so we decided to try our hands at homemade crayons. We spent $1.50 on a flower pretzel mold (b/c Meredith is the main user of crayons at this point in our household), and got busy separating and "shelling" crayons from their paper covers.
Matt ate a can of Italian Wedding soup for lunch so we'd have a can to use for our project...haha. I knew the boys would be all over this project. We ended with a colorful array of crayons that kept the boys occupied a good portion of the day in a production role, and have caught Meredith's attention and curiosity.

Meredith has never been an avid fan of crayons and coloring books; but that could change w/her newly shaped crayon collection. We both enjoyed our time sitting together this evening at the table and completing dot-to-dots and coloring her coloring book pages.

She started off scribbling as she does most coloring sessions; but unlike times past, she worked to color within the lines once I sat and colored a few items with her watching attentively. I need to sit and color more, and be busy less.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T22:00:00.003-04:00

We had a low-key, but relaxing celebration of Brian today. The kids were eager for Brian to open his custom Candle Lab candle (soy mint leaf + vanilla bean + pomengranate = perfection). We went to Bob Evans early for breakfast, I mowed the yard while Brian worked out, and we spent the day doing nothing memorable. I think we were all waiting on dessert.

Brian grilled filets from Costco for dinner; and as wonderful as steak is each time we have it since we don't eat it often...dessert was better. I used a giftcard I'd received on a half/half vanilla bean and Reese Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. So rich. So highly caloric. So yummy.

Meredith Poppins played w/an umbrella while dinner was grilled...

All was fine...until it was not; and the look Meredith is frequently seen with these days made an appearance. Life is just so darn frustrating, isn't it Myrtle? ;)

Coloring Our World...Or At Least, Our Home

2011-06-17T15:37:00.005-04:00

Tim had a TKD fun camp for a few hours this morning. Matt, Meredith and I dropped him off and used the time enjoying a Krispy Kreme stop together, Groupon shopping Old Navy, viewing nearly every.single.tank at the aquarium shop, and picking up new scrapbook paper for Meredith's bedroom frames.

I'm planning to tackle bedroom painting for Tim and Meredith after vacation, but need to finalize a room color for Meredith. After viewing and re-viewing several design blogs, I've changed my direction with M's room color and am leaning towards an untraditional color (charcoal) for a little girl's room. I hope I can pull off the "vision" in my head. While at the craft store, I happened across more discounted fake plant life...the best kind for our household since b/n the cat and myself we kill everything else.

I love this one...a little firework in a bottle. I like finding splashes of color to break up the neutrality of earth tones I am usually drawn to. I am not alone...I had a discussion just this morning w/the TKD Masters re: how non-neutral color within a home requires so much commitment.

That discussion was sparked by M's outfit today...she looks like a creamsicle in a neon orange tutu skirt with a matching tank that sports a neon yellow flower. It's fun to play "doll" w/my girl on occasion... :)

A tiny couch potato w/one of her books this afternoon. Indecent and requiring covering for online blogging, but a moment I didn't want to not capture.

Tim's Paper Airplane Factory

2011-06-16T15:28:00.003-04:00

In clearing a corner of the basement of accumulated items, I came across a book on making paper airplanes. Tim set up shop on the living room floor and started testing out each of the models outlined in the book. The colorfully designed paper sheets that came with the book make the oodles of paper flying machines now lying around the other two levels of our home slightly more acceptable. Tim is having fun, and I choose to make that my focus...

Amusement Rides + Salty Caramel + a Custom Candle

2011-06-14T19:34:00.013-04:00

The kids and I bought our Zoombezi passes today. The last time we did this in 2008, the card photos were worth a few laughs...and that hasn't changed. Meredith scowled for her's, Tim straight-faced his moment in front of the webcam, Matt can't wait to be done w/braces, and my picture is so obscure that I'm pretty sure that should I lose my card, 9 out of 10 people who might find it could get admission to the park without even a raised eyebrow from the waterpark's gatekeeper.

We spent an hour or two riding the amusement rides at the zoo's Jungle Jack's Landing. Meredith went on everything she was able to with me at her side...no signs of amusement ride anxiety w/our girl.

We had a couple of stops post-zoo. We used a Jeni's giftcard on an ice cream visit. This store just brightens your day by walking into it:

They have homemade banners with soda pop bottle lights strung throughout the shop.

Fresh flowers in Ball jars along the counters and bar area... I stuck with my favorite: salty caramel ice cream; but the "Black and Tan" sundae (salty caramel, chocolate & caramel sauce, and smoked almonds) is on my Jeni's "to do" list for a future visit. Maybe Brian and I need another date night asap.

Our last stop was at The Candle Lab. The kids each selected a scent to collectively make a custom candle for Brian for Father's Day. They opted to mix pomengranate + mint leaf + vanilla bean; and while it's difficult to be completely sure it's a winner based on the soy oil mix, my fingers are crossed that Brian enjoys it as much as the kids did making it together.

Together

2011-06-11T21:03:00.005-04:00

We had a "together" day today. Tim's late morning baseball game was cancelled due to overnight rain, so we visited the new library up the road and drove over to Dublin to pick strawberries.

Meredith was excited about getting her first library card. The library has a kiddie computer area. Meredith is accustomed to this mouseless laptop family and struggled a bit w/the computer mouse. I made a mental note to visit this spot together frequently so we can work on her "mousing" skills before her schooling days begin in a couple of years; then laughed telling Brian about this thought process b/c we didn't use computers much until college...late college.

We hadn't been to the strawberry farm since 2008; but somehow managed to hold onto our three 4-quart baskets in the basement (not sure how they avoided my Spring clean/organize sweep the last two years), so I brought them upstairs and had them ready to haul our fruit home today. The kids each grabbed one once we parked.

Typically when you enter the field area a worker will direct you to the rows you can start picking from; however, there was no attendant today and that would probably be b/c at this stage of the picking season--it's every picker for him/herself. The berries were small; but we managed to gather a single 4-quart basket of them.

We all enjoyed the traditional slushies on the pole barn store patio afterwards.

This phone camera pic of Matt cracks me up. He turned an everyday ride down the interstate into a pseudo-rollercoaster ride. All b/c the windows were fully down (except Tim's--he thought he might get swept from the truck)... I love how he's "no hands" w/his arms raised..."as if", Matt! I saw a much different view from beside you on the Kings Island coasters last month!

Tim's First "Double Do" Day

2011-06-08T22:12:00.005-04:00

Tim's new Black Belt Club uniform arrived last week. That meant Wednesdays now become what one TKD mom terms "Double-Do" day...a regular class followed immediately by a Black Belt Club class. Tim was a tad anxious about being new to the smaller group, but he handled it well and did an impressive job learning several upgraded skills that Master Boles specifically teaches this group. Tim's favorite part of his first Black Belt Club class was stick sparring.

This is the board with the Black Belt Club member names on it. In the excitement of his first Club class, I'm not even sure Tim noticed his name on it this evening.

Gift/Lunch Bags

2011-06-07T18:00:00.001-04:00

I had been going back/forth on what little end-of-schoolyear gift to get each of my childcare girls. I finally settled on a couple of Summer items (beach ball and sidewalk chalk) along with a Matchbox car for each of them. Olivia, Brecken, and Lucia all love it when the mini-car basket is brought down from the shelf. Between my own fascination with them, the boys' collection castaways, and Meredith's potty training rewards...we have enough inventory for several pretend car lots.

I found these green/purple apple lunch bags on clearance at Old Navy; so I loaded the trinkets into them, and used a giftcard with ribbon and lettering from my growing clearance/Dollar Spot giftwrap stash to complete them. W/the price of gift bags, I usually go w/the multipack kraft paper version; but finding a gift bag that doubles as a lunch bag was preferred...and more fun. :)

It's been a busy school year with the childcare each day and the addition of the boys' various new activities. I think back to the last school year before soccer, Chamber orchestra, track, student council, and I suppose summer baseball since it begins during the school year...when we only had to have Tim at TKD 2x/week and ponder how slow the weeks must have seemed. I can't recall that existence very vividly now. We'll be adding after-school orchestra class for Tim to nearly the same mix in the Fall (childcare will be reduced to just Lucia in deference to flexibility for Meredith's sake); and cross-country, WEB leader, and student council Treasurer for Matt to the schedule. It's good to be active and involved. I'm pleased the boys are discovering new interests and not opting for a sedentary lifestyle.

M's Toe Checks

2011-06-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

My baby book has written in that I frequently inspected my toes before bed to make sure there was no lint inbetween them. Meredith has apparently inherited this need for toe checks...she is constantly sitting down and looking inbetween them.

Last night we were out on the patio looking for flower buds on her strawberry plants. She makes a dash for one of the chairs and starts another toe check. I asked her what she was looking for, and she replied, "I'm making sure there aren't ants and bugs inbetween my toes!".

Matt's First Violin Solo Recital

2011-06-05T20:43:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, Matt gave us an invitation to a Spring recital that his violin instructor (a graduating senior at Otterbein College) was hosting in the Batelle auditorium for her students. I was happy that Matt was being forced into a solo opportunity...something he's avoided and needs to move forward with accomplishing.
Saturday morning, Tim had a baseball game scheduled very early w/pictures prior to the game at 8am. The team won w/their biggest margin yet (8-1) and provided a lot of excitement that included one of the boys hitting a grand slam. We were glad to have that activity done by 11am to avoid the harshest heat of the day. I headed off to get grocery shopping done before Matt's recital.

I was checking out when a call from Matt comes through. He informs me that he texted his violin instructor re: what he should wear to the performance (which was just 3 hours away at the time of his call), and she told him a "penguin suit" was appropriate b/c the girls would be wearing black dresses. I informed Matt that a "penguin suit" is a tuxedo...that can't be right; and if it is, where is my broom(?) b/c this really shouldn't be sprung upon a mother 3 hours pre-performance. I assumed a dress pants/shirt/tie were suitable...

It turned out that his violin instructor is part of a group that was performing at a formal event that evening, and she thought the "Matt" texting her was a freshman in the group who was confused about attire his first time performing. Whew. Crisis averted. Although...imagining Matt showing up in formal attire while the others were in sundresses/sandals was good fodder amongst the group during the cookie/punch time afterwards.

Matt played superbly for his first solo.

Tim's Pioneer Day

2011-06-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

Tim's 3rd grade Pioneer Day was today. The group had perfect weather for the activities: biscuit/butter making, an 1870's classroom, square-dancing, candle dipping, tin punching, etc. Part of Tim's attire for the day was the same hat that Matt used for the event 4 years ago. The hat will now be turned over to the PTO group for future 3rd grade boys to use as a costume piece. I'm anxious to see Tim's sepia class photo with the kids dressed like children from the late eighteen hundreds.

This is the candle Tim made by dipping and redipping a wick into the various hot wax containers. He asked if we could burn it, but I didn't have a suitably sized candle holder. We improvised with popcorn kernels...something we thought maybe a child in the late 1800's might have used. The boys have spent the weekend attempting to burn the candle down to the kernels in hopes of having popcorn explode from beneath the melted wax; but I quelled that experiment before I had another mess to clean up. Sorry children...another time, perhaps.

Dining and Kitchen Lighting

2011-06-02T21:45:00.002-04:00

Old Lighting:
New Lighting:

I was finally able to get our handyman in to hang the lighting I had ordered for the kitchen and dining areas. Upon installing the lights, we discovered one is slightly unbalanced...the shade has thicker glass on one side. I called the company, but I bought the lighting at 75% off, so it was no longer available...not even a damaged light to pull a shade from. The bad news is I'm stuck with an imperfect shade; but the good news is they gave me the credit I requested and I now paid around $130 for the four original lights. Since a near identical light currently is priced at $250 per fixture at Anthropologie, I'm opting to focus on the savings rather than the little-more-than-a-hint of skew on a single light above our kitchen island.

Sal, our handyman, talked us into dimmer switches for the lighting above the table and island. The change in the type and amount of light that emits from the new fixtures is incredible. If I'd known clear glass shades and bulbs with dimmers would make such a difference, I might have done this a lot sooner. (And probably paid a lot more...).

End-Of-Year Concert

2011-06-01T23:15:00.006-04:00

The OOMS 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestra's end-of-year concert was this evening. Matt's "Eleanor Rigby" group played one final time for the assembly. Awhile back, the kids and I had looked up lyrics to the song; and Meredith sings them anytime she hears the tune...including tonight at the concert while sitting up in the bleachers.

Nancy Drew

2011-06-01T13:02:00.004-04:00

This was my "go to" series for reading when I was younger. Every trip to the library started with a search of the Nancy Drew section in hopes there was a new novel released in the collection. (Matt, Tim, Meredith...this was life pre-internet). I used to babysit for one particular family, and the mother was a Nancy Drew fan as well. I especially looked forward to babysitting opportunities with them so I could pull a favorite off the shelf and read after the children were in bed for the evening.

When OMES opened, I stood in the library talking w/the librarian when a parent brought in a box of the complete Nancy Drew set in mint condition...free. For the library. I've been considering purchasing the series book by book for about a year; but haven't found books in the condition I wanted or at the price I was willing to pay. I found an auction on Ebay for books 1-10, and even with shipping the price was lower than any other option I've come across.

The package arrived today, and the set appears better than I expected. I'm not sure they've even been read. Poor books. I'll fix that; and perhaps eventually Meredith will be interested in the yellow-bound literary treasures up on the shelf.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T22:23:00.003-04:00

Brian, Matt, Meredith and I got up early this morning for a breakfast out before we retrieved Tim from an overnight at Jack's house. On the way home, we stopped in at The Andersons hoping that landscape shop #5 might have the plants and shrubs Brian and I finally agreed on for the front walkway area. We were to go and visit the Field of Flags exhibit (2500 3'x5' flags staked in a huge grassy area), but we forgot to detour by it on the way home and got busy with other activities in/around the house once we were home.

Matt has loved chewing on mint leaves since he was young and could cross the street to Grandma/Grandpa Carnahan's house and retrieve fresh mint from their yard. He was on the hunt for strawberry plants for Meredith's planter, when he discovered a couple of mint plants. We planted them in pots today and have been sucking on the leaves and thinking up mint recipes.

Today's weather was hot...in the 90's. The kids played out back in the water while Brian worked in the yard. I finished up a few loads of laundry and ironing, put together potato salad to go w/grilled chicken for dinner, and made Memorial Day cookies before getting Tim to another baseball game this evening. I've had the star cutters for several years and keep forgetting to use them; but the addition of clearanced red and blue Wilton sparkle icing (after Valentines day ,I think), along with leaving the supplies in plain view on the counter for 3 days prior...the cookies made it from the idea stage to edible munchie this year.

Tim's team won another game (they are 2-1 now), but it was lackluster. A final score of 1-0 due in part to only two hits the entire game, and lots of striking out and walking batters (from both teams). Hopefully Saturday's game with the 9am start time finds the boys w/more energy. And awake...since team pictures are @ 8am. Ugh. Brian and I are going to have to paper/scissors/rock this one...

40(!)...Followed by Other Stuff

2011-05-28T23:28:00.008-04:00

Today, Brian turned 40. We're a few years shy of being together half our lifetime, and I think I've probably laughed out loud with, at, or because of Brian many, if not most, of our days spent in each other's company. I shot several photos of him today while we sat together and drank coffee on the patio...watching the kids play w/an Air Hog rocket (that later included timing the Air Hog launches: 4.89 seconds was the record...but that remains in dispute). This one was my favorite captures of Brian this evening b/c it's completely candid--which makes for great photography most every time.

After dinner at Red Lobster (Brian's choice chosen in the interest of our boys ::sweet::), we came home to coffee and Brian's favorite cake, the variety he will always request...a boxed chocolate mix with canned frosting.

Tim had his second baseball game today, and earned the "game" ball. He was at bat 3 times and managed two really good hits + a walk on his final turn...and he scored a run this game! Tim clutched the prized ball for the remainder of the afternoon here at home, and mentioned wanting to have it shadow boxed. He's a seed eating/spitting, Big League gum chewing, game ball winning, water sharing, Giants baseball player this season...so much fun to watch our youngest son in action.

Soccer Game Trophy + Ice Cream

2011-05-24T21:48:00.010-04:00

Same story, different day: soccer fields are soaked and tonight's final game was cancelled. The spring soccer season is officially over for Tim. Finally. Making up the make up games and overlapping this sport with baseball has zapped some of the enjoyment of it this Spring.

Tim's coach treated the team to DQ ice cream and handed out their trophies. Much of the team wore their soccer shirts; but Tim stuck with his Twins baseball shirt from last summer for tonight's festivities. He got a little good-humored heckling for it. Ice cream and home in time for some patio reading of Titanic w/Meredith...life is good.

Beautiful Weather, Baseball, Bees, Big Cake, Birds, and Brunch

2011-05-22T20:11:00.014-04:00

Giants vs. Yankees: Tim's first kid-pitch baseball game. He managed a solid hit out b/n the shortstop and second base, made it to first, took second on an overthrow, and ran to third base with the next play...and then the team got their 3rd out (so no run into home this game). He was so excited about the possibility.

Meredith keeping an eye on and sizing up...

...this new friend, Rebecca (a sister of a Giants player).

Brian's parents visited early for his upcoming birthday, and were fortunate to be here for Tim's first baseball game and see him in action. Everyone ended up w/a lovely "farmer" tan inspite of two large umbrellas (with the exception of Meredith...probably b/c the sun couldn't catch her b/n runs with her new friend).

How did this many bees end up on a cement block sign in the Meijer parking lot?

Matt is a chocolate cakeaholic. We didn't escape a Costco run w/o this very chocolate, very heavy post-grilling out w/grandma and grandpa dessert. Half of it is in the freezer for future consumption

People watchers in the tree. (Watching the bird watchers on the patio).

The babies are sizable enough to be peeking out at the world from their small, hollow nest cover. We think they will most likely leave the next sometime this week.

We scheduled a brunch at Polaris Grill this morning and arrived a little early. Brian and his dad passed the time playing with gadgets and options on the Expedition's touchscreen while Meredith observed.

Buxom Girls & A Really Big Puzzle

2011-05-18T15:57:00.007-04:00

Meredith, Lucy, and I went to the Polaris play area this morning for a little "out/about" time away from the house. We stopped in at the cosmetic shop b/c I wanted to test out a Bare Escentuals lip shine that I'd read about: Buxom Lips. Apparently the shade monikers each have a 1940's style pinup girl assigned to them, and Meredith and I agreed that "Gabby" was our gal.

I had fun testing out lip shine with my 3.5 year old daughter; and I was thrilled that she was enjoying the experience as much as she was. I look forward to more of these times together as she grows.

On a pass by the puzzle shop, I caught a glimpse of the number 32,000 on a really big box and had to capture a photo of it so I would remember to investigate this later on. Apparently Ravensburger broke the world's largest puzzle record with this creation (that actually has 32, 256 pieces). It measures 17' x 6', and retails for $300...but is currently $190-ish on Amazon. I wonder how much the framing of it would run (assuming this isn't the type of puzzle one loads back into the box upon completion)...

Pasta

2011-05-17T10:11:00.007-04:00

A catalina for organic pasta plus a coupon for Garden Delight pasta matched up for a jar full of rotini at $.35. I'm planning a pasta salad centered meal for whatever is deemed as the busiest evening this week; but now that I've containerized our cheap pasta, I'm considering feeding everyone black beans/brown rice until the weekend so I can savor a colorful pasta view from the pantry a few days more.

A Tim Day

2011-05-14T20:21:00.006-04:00

It's been a Tim day. Baseball practice this morning, TKD belt testing this afternoon, and a soccer game this evening. Tim graduated with several of his TKD friends up to the advanced kid class that starts with the brown belt.

The grading at belt testing is getting more strict. Point grades are now being assigned on the evaluation sheets rather than just checks and comments next to the criteria.

Off with the blue...

...and on with the brown belt. Tim has been invited by Master Boles to join the Black Belt club. He's thrilled to have gotten "the letter" (invitation), and is anxiously awaiting his new black uniform. Just in time too...the current one is rapidly shortening in the arms and legs.

Tim's Piano Recital

2011-05-13T13:55:00.003-04:00

Tim's 3rd grade piano recital was this morning. He played Alouette, and was the only one that chose that particular song to play for his classmates and parents in attendance. Note the expression on the face as he played. It didn't change until he was finished, then the big Tim grin appeared w/his bow to the audience. Good job leading off the recitals, Tim(!)...dad and I knew you could handle it, and apparently your music teacher has learned that about you as well.

Video Operation Instructions...by Matt.

2011-05-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

Brian will be attending tonight's OOMS talent show to watch Matt's orchestra group perform Eleanor Rigby. Since I will be covering Tim's soccer practice and cannot attend, Matt pulled out the Flip video so Brian can record the group's performance for my viewing pleasure later this evening.

After reviewing the detailed instructions Matt prepared for Brian (b/c Flip video recorders contain incredibly advanced technology and thank goodness we have Matt to guide us), I think our oldest child should consider a career of instructional manual creation. Other than "Remove Flip video recorder from sealed bag", and play-by-play for replacing the batteries should they drain out--I think he's got it all covered.

The Paperbackbookswap site that we like to utilize for new-to-us books has a sister site...SwapADVD. I've been shipping out media mail dvd's over the past year and earned an ample amount of credits, but haven't been able to spend my credits due to inventory of the dvd's I want and my spot in the lineup. A favorite for Meredith finally became available and it arrived in the mail today in perfect condition. I'm first on the runway for Strangers On A Train and am anxious to watch the movie I/we have heard referenced several times in other movies/shows, but have never seen.

Play ball!...(and where's my coffee?)

2011-05-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

Not the first baseball practice, but the first of Tim's baseball practices that we were able to attend was on the schedule tonight. (The weekly calendar is hectic again with overlapping soccer and baseball seasons and an upgrade for Tim in TKD...he's been invited to join the Black Belt club; so the coffee pot is going to be working a lot of overtime to ensure Brian and I remain alert.) Speaking of coffee brewing, tonight Brian texted me to inform me that we lost our 3rd percolator in less than a year. That's it(!)...we're back to drip coffee (b/c Brian immediately ran out for a replacement as we cannot.be.without.coffee!); but this time w/a stainless Bunn that will hopefully manage to keep up w/our need for the seering hot version of the "last legal stimulant" (to quote You've Got Mail).

Of course Tim did not let a missed practice or two reduce him to "newbie" status. The child acted like he owned the field and was lifetime friends with every soul there tonight. He was clearly in his element, and I am confident in the decision to not give up on trying to wrangle schedules and forego this sport for him this year.

Meredith's First Tea Set

2011-05-11T14:44:00.008-04:00

I think Meredith's interest in Titanic started either with the Little Golden Book story we have, or maybe #54 on the roll-up keyboard (the theme song to the movie Titanic). Every day, M's been asking me to help her spell "titanic" with her fridge magnets. If this winds up on a school spelling list some day, we're good.

With our frequent readings of A Bargain for Frances, Meredith and I have often talked about my little ceramic tea set that I have from my childhood. I hope to display it in Meredith's room when I get back to tackling bedrooms over the summer. Brian bought Meredith her own little tin tea set while I was away with Matt at Kings Island on Saturday.

The image of Brian taking his daughter out and buying her first tea set makes me smile when I think of it. I hope she recalls that outing together as she grows and creates many "little girl tea time" memories with it. The toy set has held her attention...lots of "tea" being consumed in this household.

I made up 3 kinds of oatmeal cookies for Matt's student council participation in staff appreciation this week. I added Craisins to one batch, and the reminder that we have a huge bag of Craisins in the pantry has sparked a little Craisin craze in Meredith. She's grabbed them by the handsful for snack the past two days.

Crazy on Craisins...

Music in the Park and Kings Island

2011-05-08T19:28:00.007-04:00

The Music in the Park competition was Saturday. Eight busloads of children, instruments, lunches, and clothing changes to two separate competition sites followed by 7 hours of Kings Island. OOMS very nearly had a clean sweep of the trophies, and Matt found his inner "thrill seeker" by getting in line for a few rides he normally would have refused to consider. (We agreed though--the Scrambler was our favorite. It's 42 years old. It was just three years old when it was brought from Coney Island to KI for the park opening in 1972.) :)

Matt and I got up at 4am and didn't arrive back at home until 1am Sunday morning. I had a perpetual headache that doses of three different OTCMs, five minutes of reflexology from a fellow chaperone who is a nurse, and a Starbucks couldn't kick. Well, in all fairness, I'm certain the Starbucks would have succeeded but I let Matt talk me into one last ride on the Racer coaster which is not a headache-free friendly ride. The sign in the photo, I could have used that sentiment on a button or shirt for the day...

2.5 Bluebirds Are Here

2011-05-05T21:23:00.003-04:00

Brian checked for baby bluebirds while outside today. Two are here, one is poking through the egg, and the fourth should be out in the next day or two. The parents sat on the neighbor's gutter up above the bird pole watching us the entire time, but never dived at us as previous parents have when we've done nest status checks. I think they trust us. Brian has read that they do learn to trust humans to the point of eating mealworms from a hand. This never gets old...

Update: All four eggs have hatched as of early morning 5/6/11!

Lighting

2011-05-04T12:25:00.000-04:00

Brian has never liked the lighting in our home; especially the kitchen/dining fixtures. They are too ornate for his taste. The shades are too yellow, the lines too curvy, they require way too much effort to clean, etc. We've agreed on replacing them, but I am an "all things congruent" type so one set of new lighting = a whole house swap for consistency sake. The fact that our dining table is off-centered from the light above it has finally irritated me more than variable lighting in our home and the subsequent mental anguish that shopping for new lights would assuredly generate.

I found this light today in a link from a design blog I follow. It's in the shops' "clearance" section, has great reviews, and paired with an online code I received by signing up for the company's email list...I managed to get four of them for the original price of one. The savings will probably go to Sal, the handyman, for installation since new wiring will be necessary over the table...but having another project that requires decision-making on my part checked off the list is worth it.

Oh, oh, oh--Ice Cold Milk, and an Oreo Cookie...

2011-05-02T21:22:00.004-04:00

they forever go together
what a classic combination
when a dark, delicious cookie
meets an icy cold sensation
like the one and only creamy
crunchy chocolate O-R-E-O.

Why do I know that entire jingle from 25+ years ago, and why do I sing it every time I eat an Oreo(?). I had one (or 3) today, and they were divine...m"OR"e on this further down in the post.

Because fences continue to not be permitted in our subdivision,
Because an inkling of landscape design isn't a prerequisite for home ownership,
Because we don't want the image below as the view from our patio all summer...

Oakland planted the tree for us...

...and it's a struggle for Brian to watch the remainder sit unplanted until the weekend when we have time to ground them. Maybe. A Track relay to attend and baseball practice Friday evening, chaperoning a Kings Island trip Saturday along with a soccer game, the daily doses of rain...

Meredith has been working to correctly say "or". I told her when she mastered it we would buy some springtime "Or"eos to celebrate. She tries so hard...to the point of frustrating herself. We tried the "magic keychain" that helped Tim learn his "or" sound, but that wasn't working for M. She's made improvement, and since "four" no longer sounds like "foo" but rather like a true Bostonian's dialect of the number's identity...we bought the springtime Oreos today and sugared up on yellow filling.

This is my new pear pillar. I couldn't find an apothecary that I preferred, but I did like this candle pillar's shape...so I went w/it; and I like the outcome. Naturally, it's personal--I blend an organic pear every day into my smoothie, so the decor has a "reason".

Easter

2011-04-24T19:18:00.012-04:00

Meredith is never so quiet as she is when she's sneaking candy.

She's very stealthy...to my knowledge, no one has taught her to hide with her candy. Last night, I heard the sound of wrappers coming from the kitchen area. Realizing she was eating Starburst that someone had left out on the kitchen island, I called out, "Meredith--what are you doing?". She replied, "I don't want to talk about it, mom!".

Between moments of keeping Meredith away from chocolates, we played a new game for us--Bananagrams. A year or so ago I almost bought this game as a stocking stuffer; and after playing it together today, I wished I had followed through w/the purchase earlier. We'll be enjoying this game together for many more family gatherings.

Each year seems to require a new strategy for assisting our bluebirds in a successful nest b/c the sparrows foil whatever plan worked the prior year. We have four eggs this cycle that will hopefully result in an additional four baby birds in another 7-10 days.

On a final note for the day: Mmm...homemade cinnamon yeast rolls. May I never lose the recipe and always have the ability to knead the dough for them.

April Fools or Easter?

2011-04-22T14:21:00.002-04:00

Brian's mom sent an Easter bag in the mail, that included a small ziplock mining bag of rocks for each of the kids. She indicated the bags were from Brown County.

The boys *love* the rock shop at Brown County. Mining for gems in the waterway and finding new "must have" objects from the store is their favorite part of the trip...so the rock bags from grandma were well-received.

Tim asked if he could eat them. Uh--yeah Tim, eat the rocks. Seriously--who ponders whether they can/should eat a bag of rocks? Sheesh...sugar hound. After separating several rocks for Meredith, one crumbled in my fingers and I then noticed the chocolate center. At that moment, I understood why the "rocks" appeared painted...and promptly went to inform Tim that he could, in fact, eat the rocks.

Once Upon a Time...

2011-04-22T11:38:00.003-04:00

Matt jumped on the couch (bad), knocked over a lamp (very bad)...and broke the shade (beyond bad). While this didn't spark my inner "banshee", it did launch a discussion b/n all of us as to how long it would take me to find a replacement shade; and not just b/c I'm...selective, but b/c I'm I'm observant and I've noticed the following about lampshades:

1) Lampshades are sold together with lamps.
2) Lampshades sold separately are either overpriced, or offered in extremely limited colors, shapes, sizes, materials, etc.

So I glanced around every slight chance I had when out/about, but it's been the same result each time...wrong color, wrong shape, wrong size, wrong material, wrong price, etc. (Actually, I don't think wrong price applies b/c I'm pretty sure that had I found what I was looking for, I might have paid the given msrp w/o searching for a coupon or inquiring about upcoming sales.)

I escaped to Meijer last night so I could price-match organic mac/cheese at $1/box, and decided to actually search for the Home Goods department. (Our Meijer is under redesign with weekly relocation of entire departments.) As I expected--limited inventory, but there was a shade that I thought was a good fit...and it was on sale for $6/shade down from $25/shade. Two left...works perfectly b/c I wanted to switch out the floor lamp shade as well to match.

Here is the view I bought:

Here is the view I got:

I could be the only person that didn't realize that funky print on the shades' inside appears when you light up the lamp. For the price and knowing what I'm up against--we are now a funky shade family. The guys love them, and they're growing on me.

The End

Priceless

2011-04-18T12:30:00.001-04:00

Me: I asked Meredith a question just now...can't even recall what I asked.

Meredith: "I'm talking on the phone right now. You can't interrupt me when I'm on the phone." (Hmm. I can't imagine who she's heard that from.)

Me: "Excuse me?! How about, "Just a minute, Mom. I'm talking on the phone right now. I'll talk to you when I'm done."?

::silence::

Meredith: "Well those are expensive words, Mom; so I can't say that."

My words might be "expensive", Meredith; but yours--priceless. I learn so much from our kids.

Dinks That Shrink

2011-04-17T21:45:00.003-04:00

On Friday afternoon, Lisa brought over some leftover Shrinky Dink material from the Evening With The Arts festivities. The kids filled some "down" time in today with Shrinky Dink creations...and all 3 of them stayed occupied with them. This rarely occurs. I may forego using a craft coupon on project supplies and buy another box of Dinks (ie. the 3 child occupier)!

Evening With the Arts

2011-04-15T07:48:00.003-04:00

I have another piece of Tim art coming soon to hang up on a landing wall in the near future. :) I love using the kids' masterpieces as decor.