Realizing that if I don't blog it, some of my best and dearest friends don't know....
I'm preggie.
Filled with joy. I'm having a girl. Eight years since I had a girl. Sobbed on the sonogram table. Ruby can't wait to meet Ivy Anderson.
Due end of January. Every day trying to forget it. Pregnancy feels lousy.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Yesterday was early dismissal from school which meant
1. Ashton with Cade's guidance unplugged the bread machine after the dough cycle and never let it finish rising and baking.
2. The kids decided to make Rice Crispy treats while I was on top of the fully extended two-story ladder changing a light bulb and vacuuming spider webs. When I got down they had added all the ingredients (but only half the Rice Crispies) without melting the butter or marshmallows and Cade was trying to push super mallowy treats into the pan. I tried to work in the remaining Rice Crispies and somewhat salvaged the lot. Next I set to cleaning up PAM spray inside drawers (what?), cereal crunched throughout the kitchen and several sticky pans.
3. Ashton forgot to start the dishwasher but remembered to empty it, dirty dishes and all. Oh joy for me to reload all the dirties and start it back up again and then unload it hours later.
4. Wyatt, encouraged by the naughtiness, ran around far too long without me changing his diaper because whenever I neared he would yell, "I don't stink, you do." Thanks two-year-old.
Amazing what can happen in four short but LONG hours. When Jeremy came home I had managed to salvage the house but not me.
I love school.
1. Ashton with Cade's guidance unplugged the bread machine after the dough cycle and never let it finish rising and baking.
2. The kids decided to make Rice Crispy treats while I was on top of the fully extended two-story ladder changing a light bulb and vacuuming spider webs. When I got down they had added all the ingredients (but only half the Rice Crispies) without melting the butter or marshmallows and Cade was trying to push super mallowy treats into the pan. I tried to work in the remaining Rice Crispies and somewhat salvaged the lot. Next I set to cleaning up PAM spray inside drawers (what?), cereal crunched throughout the kitchen and several sticky pans.
3. Ashton forgot to start the dishwasher but remembered to empty it, dirty dishes and all. Oh joy for me to reload all the dirties and start it back up again and then unload it hours later.
4. Wyatt, encouraged by the naughtiness, ran around far too long without me changing his diaper because whenever I neared he would yell, "I don't stink, you do." Thanks two-year-old.
Amazing what can happen in four short but LONG hours. When Jeremy came home I had managed to salvage the house but not me.
I love school.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Heard and Said
Heard around the the Anderson home...
Ashton calls Jeremy on the phone.
Ash: Hi dad! So, How was your day at work.
Jeremy: Fine Ash. How was your day?
Ash: How much money did you make today?
Jeremy: I don't know. I've never figured it out that way.
Ash: Well, tomorrow will you figure it out and let me know how many quarters you made?
After soccer practice...
Ash: Mom, did I do anything you didn't like today?
(We're working INTENSELY on sportsmanship) because heard very loud from sidelines last week...
Ash: Pass it to me, because I'm like, the best player.
or after he scores a goal in Saturday's game...
Ash to the ref: That was too easy.
We spend a morning off of school super cleaning the house. Cade says, "Mom. I wish it could stay this way all the time." Gotta love a first born.
Ashton gets a second note home from his teacher.
Mrs. Reichle: Ashton is working on not retaliating when someone does something mean to him. I've encouraged him to tell me instead of take matters into his own hands.
This kid will NEVER be bullied.
Ashton gets a note from his new third-grade reading buddy. "Ashton, you are WAY cooler than the last kid I read to. From your reading buddy."
At dinner Ruby tells us a boy in her class told her she was sitting in "his seat" during lunch.
Ruby: There are no assigned seats. Find a new one.
Boy spits and spit lands in someone else's milk. Boy gets in big trouble.
Boy to Ruby: I hate you.
Ruby: Yeah. I have ears. I heard you. So what?
See what three brothers will do to you?!
During a morning of fighting to squeeze Wyatt into his car seat (five times), returning to the Michael's cashier to pay for a Lindt truffle Wyatt snuck while I was checking out, dragging his two-year-old body out from under the Blockbuster rack and then repairing the Montsters VS. Aliens row we knocked over, and then ignoring a crying tantrum at Costco causing the checker to reply, "It's like a wailing song," Wyatt says to me on the way home, "Mom. I love you best."
Ashton calls Jeremy on the phone.
Ash: Hi dad! So, How was your day at work.
Jeremy: Fine Ash. How was your day?
Ash: How much money did you make today?
Jeremy: I don't know. I've never figured it out that way.
Ash: Well, tomorrow will you figure it out and let me know how many quarters you made?
After soccer practice...
Ash: Mom, did I do anything you didn't like today?
(We're working INTENSELY on sportsmanship) because heard very loud from sidelines last week...
Ash: Pass it to me, because I'm like, the best player.
or after he scores a goal in Saturday's game...
Ash to the ref: That was too easy.
We spend a morning off of school super cleaning the house. Cade says, "Mom. I wish it could stay this way all the time." Gotta love a first born.
Ashton gets a second note home from his teacher.
Mrs. Reichle: Ashton is working on not retaliating when someone does something mean to him. I've encouraged him to tell me instead of take matters into his own hands.
This kid will NEVER be bullied.
Ashton gets a note from his new third-grade reading buddy. "Ashton, you are WAY cooler than the last kid I read to. From your reading buddy."
At dinner Ruby tells us a boy in her class told her she was sitting in "his seat" during lunch.
Ruby: There are no assigned seats. Find a new one.
Boy spits and spit lands in someone else's milk. Boy gets in big trouble.
Boy to Ruby: I hate you.
Ruby: Yeah. I have ears. I heard you. So what?
See what three brothers will do to you?!
During a morning of fighting to squeeze Wyatt into his car seat (five times), returning to the Michael's cashier to pay for a Lindt truffle Wyatt snuck while I was checking out, dragging his two-year-old body out from under the Blockbuster rack and then repairing the Montsters VS. Aliens row we knocked over, and then ignoring a crying tantrum at Costco causing the checker to reply, "It's like a wailing song," Wyatt says to me on the way home, "Mom. I love you best."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
School Days
In an effort to pump out a blog post in five minutes...
I just don't want to forget:
1.Ashton starting Kindergarten; how he ran in the doors (still does) and wouldn't let Cade or Ruby show him the way to his class; the email home from his dear teacher (18-years teaching Kindergarten!) during his first week, "Brandy, Ashton is working on listening and following rules in class. Love Sue." which really means, "Brandy, Ashton is NOT listening and following rules, Love Sue." And my response back, "Dear Sue, Thank you for all that you do. Obviously these are concepts we reinforce at home. If you ever want to talk strategy, it's six-years in the making. Love Brandy."
Ashton admitting on week two that the hardest part about Kindergarten is not getting into trouble.
When we asked Ashton what his teacher calls him because there is another Ashton in the class he said, "Ashton A." -- or Sweetie.
2. Ruby started third grade full of confidence, sweetness and charm. At Open House Night her teacher told me, "Ruby is extremely smart, sharp, kind, and has great outifts."
3. Cade started fifth grade and if I even think about him moving on to Middle School next year I'll give myself heart palpitations. Why does he look so big? Am I his mom or what? These things should NOT be allowed to creep up on me.
I just don't want to forget:
1.Ashton starting Kindergarten; how he ran in the doors (still does) and wouldn't let Cade or Ruby show him the way to his class; the email home from his dear teacher (18-years teaching Kindergarten!) during his first week, "Brandy, Ashton is working on listening and following rules in class. Love Sue." which really means, "Brandy, Ashton is NOT listening and following rules, Love Sue." And my response back, "Dear Sue, Thank you for all that you do. Obviously these are concepts we reinforce at home. If you ever want to talk strategy, it's six-years in the making. Love Brandy."
Ashton admitting on week two that the hardest part about Kindergarten is not getting into trouble.
When we asked Ashton what his teacher calls him because there is another Ashton in the class he said, "Ashton A." -- or Sweetie.
2. Ruby started third grade full of confidence, sweetness and charm. At Open House Night her teacher told me, "Ruby is extremely smart, sharp, kind, and has great outifts."
3. Cade started fifth grade and if I even think about him moving on to Middle School next year I'll give myself heart palpitations. Why does he look so big? Am I his mom or what? These things should NOT be allowed to creep up on me.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Triathalon Day
Cade pulled it together after an exhausting week of Cub Camp (for me too -- I was in charge) for Saturday morning's triathalon.
The swim across Lum's Pond.
The bike through the park.
And the run. Where did this pix go?
Savoring the finish together. Look how Jeremy is laughing at Cade's pain!
After the race the kids do a fun run with the racers. Ash is going for the gold
Jeremy's laughing again. This dad LOVES having boys.
The swim across Lum's Pond.
The bike through the park.
And the run. Where did this pix go?
Savoring the finish together. Look how Jeremy is laughing at Cade's pain!
After the race the kids do a fun run with the racers. Ash is going for the gold
Jeremy's laughing again. This dad LOVES having boys.
Summer VA-CAY
I'm hoping pictures really do speak a thousand words because I'm lacking in time and energy to blog the last month.
Here goes.
We started our trip at Hill Cummorah for the Pagaent, a walk through the Sacred Grove, and a tour of Joseph Smith's boyhood home. My camera battery was dead, so I suppose a few words will have to suffice.
Let me sum up: Hill Commorah was basically a scene-by-scene musical of the Book of Mormon with as many stage pyrotechnics and special effects as humanly possible. Entertaining to all four kids, saying a lot. We'll be back in five years.
The Sacred Grove was just as I remembered it when I last went, IN THIRD GRADE. I hope it's as impressive to my kids even though they ran more than walked, and forgot Jeremy's counsel to use this as a quiet place to pray and reflect as soon as their feet hit the forest floor. Aaahhh well.
Joseph's home I loved -- for the perspective it gives my into his early transformative years, for its humbleness...how in the world did the family not wake up during Moroni's visit? The house is soooo small.
Next, with camera battery up and charged we headed to Niagara Falls. AWESOME.
We hiked.
Walked the "Rapid Walk." Took the "Journey behind the Falls," an amazing passageway carved out of the rock that drops you off behind the roar of crashing water. And, of course, "Maid of the Mist."
Last stop was the butterfly conservatory, an amazing place filled with thousands of butterflies that land on you, your neighbor, just not Jeremy?!
Our hotel room overlooked the falls; one side wall was a giant window, and on Sunday night we played games and then watched the firework show over the falls from our room window. It was magic!
We drove back and were barely home a few hours before I picked up the packed suitcases and we headed to the airport for the California leg of our trip. We met up with the Anderson's and went to Disneyland, then Jeremy flew back to DE and we stayed another couple of weeks.
Cade LOVED surf camp.
I went to watch the last day and was freaking out. No lifeguards. They surf wherever the surf report says the best waves are for the day. They're parking on the side of the road. There was a storm blowing in from Tahiti which made crazy surfing conditions the day I was there. A surfer died that day twenty miles up the coastline. Big waves, multiple swells. Sam the surf pro called off the surf competition because of unpredictable waves. But Cade still wanted to go out. Sam went with him and my heart raced and he got further and further out, a pindot in my camera's veiwfinder.
He rode a few waves, wiped out hard once, and headed in. The other, older, kids in the group watched from the beach and talked about his "guts." I was happy when it was over. Cade said the "rush" is what makes it fun.
Cade's biggest fans.
Here goes.
We started our trip at Hill Cummorah for the Pagaent, a walk through the Sacred Grove, and a tour of Joseph Smith's boyhood home. My camera battery was dead, so I suppose a few words will have to suffice.
Let me sum up: Hill Commorah was basically a scene-by-scene musical of the Book of Mormon with as many stage pyrotechnics and special effects as humanly possible. Entertaining to all four kids, saying a lot. We'll be back in five years.
The Sacred Grove was just as I remembered it when I last went, IN THIRD GRADE. I hope it's as impressive to my kids even though they ran more than walked, and forgot Jeremy's counsel to use this as a quiet place to pray and reflect as soon as their feet hit the forest floor. Aaahhh well.
Joseph's home I loved -- for the perspective it gives my into his early transformative years, for its humbleness...how in the world did the family not wake up during Moroni's visit? The house is soooo small.
Next, with camera battery up and charged we headed to Niagara Falls. AWESOME.
We hiked.
Walked the "Rapid Walk." Took the "Journey behind the Falls," an amazing passageway carved out of the rock that drops you off behind the roar of crashing water. And, of course, "Maid of the Mist."
Last stop was the butterfly conservatory, an amazing place filled with thousands of butterflies that land on you, your neighbor, just not Jeremy?!
Our hotel room overlooked the falls; one side wall was a giant window, and on Sunday night we played games and then watched the firework show over the falls from our room window. It was magic!
We drove back and were barely home a few hours before I picked up the packed suitcases and we headed to the airport for the California leg of our trip. We met up with the Anderson's and went to Disneyland, then Jeremy flew back to DE and we stayed another couple of weeks.
Cade LOVED surf camp.
I went to watch the last day and was freaking out. No lifeguards. They surf wherever the surf report says the best waves are for the day. They're parking on the side of the road. There was a storm blowing in from Tahiti which made crazy surfing conditions the day I was there. A surfer died that day twenty miles up the coastline. Big waves, multiple swells. Sam the surf pro called off the surf competition because of unpredictable waves. But Cade still wanted to go out. Sam went with him and my heart raced and he got further and further out, a pindot in my camera's veiwfinder.
He rode a few waves, wiped out hard once, and headed in. The other, older, kids in the group watched from the beach and talked about his "guts." I was happy when it was over. Cade said the "rush" is what makes it fun.
Cade's biggest fans.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Summer's here which means lots of craziness because I have lots of crazies.
Ashton drank too much pool water doing the backstroke at swim team practice and threw up -- inside the pool. They evacuated the kids to the lawn to play hot potato but Ash wouldn't join. "I don't think anyone wants to be around me today," he said.
Cade runs over. "Mom! Someone threw up in the pool!"
Yeah, it was Ash.
"Oh My Gosh EVERYONE," Cade yells. "It was ASHTON."
Leaving the aborted swim practice with all but Cade. I drive around back to find him. He sees me and thinks I'll leave him. (What?) So he hops the fence and gets a large chunk of his tighty regulation swim suit stuck. He's racing with a hole tonight.
Then we pull up to the post office. I find Ashton has only one flip flop.
"No problem, mom, I'll just hop," he says.
Meanwhile the family allowance has returned with great effect.
Twenty-five cents if I walk in their room at night and it's clean. Love that one.
Twenty-five cents for an act of service. Can't be toward me or Wyatt (too easy). There's been lots of discussion about that one. And some tears that it's too hard. Ha ha.
And more...but the kids can earn up to $2 a day and they have dollar signs in their eyes.
I'm dreaming of sanity.
Ashton drank too much pool water doing the backstroke at swim team practice and threw up -- inside the pool. They evacuated the kids to the lawn to play hot potato but Ash wouldn't join. "I don't think anyone wants to be around me today," he said.
Cade runs over. "Mom! Someone threw up in the pool!"
Yeah, it was Ash.
"Oh My Gosh EVERYONE," Cade yells. "It was ASHTON."
Leaving the aborted swim practice with all but Cade. I drive around back to find him. He sees me and thinks I'll leave him. (What?) So he hops the fence and gets a large chunk of his tighty regulation swim suit stuck. He's racing with a hole tonight.
Then we pull up to the post office. I find Ashton has only one flip flop.
"No problem, mom, I'll just hop," he says.
Meanwhile the family allowance has returned with great effect.
Twenty-five cents if I walk in their room at night and it's clean. Love that one.
Twenty-five cents for an act of service. Can't be toward me or Wyatt (too easy). There's been lots of discussion about that one. And some tears that it's too hard. Ha ha.
And more...but the kids can earn up to $2 a day and they have dollar signs in their eyes.
I'm dreaming of sanity.
Friday, May 29, 2009
There was a Hollywood invasion of Delaware last night when Cade and Ruby took the stage for their school's annual Lip Sync competition.
I loved that they wanted to perform together. And I loved it when Cade broke out with some moves (after gentle coaching..."Mom, what's an air guitar?")
They got beat out by six first-graders doing "Eye of the Tiger," and a Kindergarten duo slamming their guitars to "We Will Rock You," but boy, were they flying high to take home third place and bragging rights. Winners perform for the student body on the last day of school.
I loved that they wanted to perform together. And I loved it when Cade broke out with some moves (after gentle coaching..."Mom, what's an air guitar?")
They got beat out by six first-graders doing "Eye of the Tiger," and a Kindergarten duo slamming their guitars to "We Will Rock You," but boy, were they flying high to take home third place and bragging rights. Winners perform for the student body on the last day of school.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Freaky Things
Cade was rushed to Urgent Care Saturday for ten stitches in his big toe after he slid on a wet trampoline and impaled his toe on the hook end of one of the springs. I could post a picture but it would make you sick. Ten stitches in one toe is a lot. Nasty.
I was at the gym when it happened, but fortunately the Judge and Jack Legge had just pulled up to the house to borrow some bike shoes. It was a two man job, and an intense one at that, to alter the tension on the spring enough to twist it off the toe without ripping it more.
"What kind of freaky thing does this happen to?" the Judge asked.
Well...maybe Cade.
Who else fell through a lawn chair at swim team practice last summer and cut open his side -- stitches.
Who jumped off the swing last May and had his shoelace catch the rings -- broken arm.
Who hopped a fence and came down head first -- broken arm (same one).
Who hit his chin on the handles of his scooter while doing a jump -- stitches.
Who breaks his femur at two-years-old and lands in a body cast...."No one ever breaks their femur. It's the strongest bone in the body," the ER nurse tells me when we arrive at the hospital. Uh Huh.
And more...I know I'm forgetting some...Broken arm while I'm chaperoning a youth dance...
Before all this happened he was having a great week: band concerts, lip sync practice (competition's on Thursday), soccer, Webelos Arrow of Light. He even came home from school one day and said, "I'm really happy with myself." Funny Huh!
"Why?" I asked without laughing. "Because I've done a lot of things this year."
Looks like he's done one thing more.
I was at the gym when it happened, but fortunately the Judge and Jack Legge had just pulled up to the house to borrow some bike shoes. It was a two man job, and an intense one at that, to alter the tension on the spring enough to twist it off the toe without ripping it more.
"What kind of freaky thing does this happen to?" the Judge asked.
Well...maybe Cade.
Who else fell through a lawn chair at swim team practice last summer and cut open his side -- stitches.
Who jumped off the swing last May and had his shoelace catch the rings -- broken arm.
Who hopped a fence and came down head first -- broken arm (same one).
Who hit his chin on the handles of his scooter while doing a jump -- stitches.
Who breaks his femur at two-years-old and lands in a body cast...."No one ever breaks their femur. It's the strongest bone in the body," the ER nurse tells me when we arrive at the hospital. Uh Huh.
And more...I know I'm forgetting some...Broken arm while I'm chaperoning a youth dance...
Before all this happened he was having a great week: band concerts, lip sync practice (competition's on Thursday), soccer, Webelos Arrow of Light. He even came home from school one day and said, "I'm really happy with myself." Funny Huh!
"Why?" I asked without laughing. "Because I've done a lot of things this year."
Looks like he's done one thing more.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Miracle of Life
There's a miracle of life happening on our own front door.
Closer.
Closer.
Mama bird made my wreath her home this spring and boy oh boy were we excited when we found her nest...and then found four little blue eggs nestled inside.
Last week we pulled up a chair and saw the little peepers.
I LOVE Delaware in the Spring.
Closer.
Closer.
Mama bird made my wreath her home this spring and boy oh boy were we excited when we found her nest...and then found four little blue eggs nestled inside.
Last week we pulled up a chair and saw the little peepers.
I LOVE Delaware in the Spring.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Boy oh Boy
Sometimes I can't believe I'm a mom to three boys, one of which counts for two.
How did ultra feminine me wind up with these tornadoes of energy?
I count my blessings.
I love when they run to me after a day of playing outside with their sweaty little foreheads and that dirty smell that is oh so sweet to me.
I love the "pew, pew, pew" that bounces through my thoughts, hour after hour, day after day, as Wyatt fights his "guys," fends off Ashton, or just finds a stick.
I love the crazy immagination -- moseying around town becomes a race with each and every car on the road. Bugs are playthings. Trees are forts. The neighbors are droids.
Their fascination with numbers goes against all my natural capabilities. Why do they care what comes after a gojillion? Does it matter if ten ten times is more minutes in a day then they are awake? Is one gold dollar really more valuable than five paper ones?
Even the gross things have lightened our family and injected humor over the drama. When two-year-old Wyatt proudly announces, "I burbed," I know there is some innately boy stuff going on. Ashton knows there's some naughtiness which sends him into peals of laughter.
But with boys comes disgusting toilets....and teasing.
"Ruby, everytime you leave your purse on the floor I step on it as hard as I can."
Thanks Cade.
Lucky for me I also get trash removal, and lawn care (GO CADE!), and they carry in my groceries, and clean up after Primary and take my stuff to the car.
I love these boys of mine. And as I held Wyatt this morning and rubbed lotion all over his poor eczema covered legs and then Ashton curled up next to me and rested his head on my arm, I shut my eyes and tried to freeze frame the moment so I will always remember the perfect, perfect world that was mine for today.
How did ultra feminine me wind up with these tornadoes of energy?
I count my blessings.
I love when they run to me after a day of playing outside with their sweaty little foreheads and that dirty smell that is oh so sweet to me.
I love the "pew, pew, pew" that bounces through my thoughts, hour after hour, day after day, as Wyatt fights his "guys," fends off Ashton, or just finds a stick.
I love the crazy immagination -- moseying around town becomes a race with each and every car on the road. Bugs are playthings. Trees are forts. The neighbors are droids.
Their fascination with numbers goes against all my natural capabilities. Why do they care what comes after a gojillion? Does it matter if ten ten times is more minutes in a day then they are awake? Is one gold dollar really more valuable than five paper ones?
Even the gross things have lightened our family and injected humor over the drama. When two-year-old Wyatt proudly announces, "I burbed," I know there is some innately boy stuff going on. Ashton knows there's some naughtiness which sends him into peals of laughter.
But with boys comes disgusting toilets....and teasing.
"Ruby, everytime you leave your purse on the floor I step on it as hard as I can."
Thanks Cade.
Lucky for me I also get trash removal, and lawn care (GO CADE!), and they carry in my groceries, and clean up after Primary and take my stuff to the car.
I love these boys of mine. And as I held Wyatt this morning and rubbed lotion all over his poor eczema covered legs and then Ashton curled up next to me and rested his head on my arm, I shut my eyes and tried to freeze frame the moment so I will always remember the perfect, perfect world that was mine for today.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Easter, part 2
Family is now in good health.
Wyatt is still supertude, but I'm chalking that up to two-year-old-itis and not some other illness. Nothing I can medicate. Sigh.
So I finally got my pictures to remember my beautiful cherubs.
And, the sweetest thing happened at church.
I've been the Primary President seven months now and when I went to the front of the room today to thank our music leader and tell the kids I was teaching sharing time, they all cheered, and then those sweet, sweet, junior primary kids ran up to the room and started to hug me! So much love. And I had to tell them to sit down and stop hugging me, so we could begin. It was the most beautiful, impromptu, display and mirrors how I feel about them.
I just had to write it down so I wouldn't forget. I am not a "Primary" person and can't believe I have this calling...but days like today I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Wyatt is still supertude, but I'm chalking that up to two-year-old-itis and not some other illness. Nothing I can medicate. Sigh.
So I finally got my pictures to remember my beautiful cherubs.
And, the sweetest thing happened at church.
I've been the Primary President seven months now and when I went to the front of the room today to thank our music leader and tell the kids I was teaching sharing time, they all cheered, and then those sweet, sweet, junior primary kids ran up to the room and started to hug me! So much love. And I had to tell them to sit down and stop hugging me, so we could begin. It was the most beautiful, impromptu, display and mirrors how I feel about them.
I just had to write it down so I wouldn't forget. I am not a "Primary" person and can't believe I have this calling...but days like today I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Easter
Who has time to blog when you're frantically cleaning the house for parents and inlaws, your only daughter is getting baptized, and then on the day of the big arrival you come down with the flu?
So in an effort to catch up...
Good thing I realized after the last company visit that I just CAN'T get my house clean in one day. Certain superheroes are constanly conspiring against me.
Which means I start two days before my family comes and lock the bathroom doors as I finish them until only one is remaining. Then I unlock that door right before I head out to the airport. Love that I'm the only one who can bust in with a key. Love the control.
Such insane cleaning organization made it so when I awoke sick as a dog last Tuesday, all I had to do was a quick pick up and unlock those bathroom doors. Then off to the airport to get my mom. I LOVE having my mom. So does Ashton.
The next couple of days were filled with Ruby celebrations -- hair cut (hasn't been this short since she cut it herself when she was 4), ears pierced, trip to the Brandywine Art Museum, home of the Wyeth's. This little gem is just a few miles from me and fabulous. When I first moved to Delaware I went through it with my mom and cried?! Was postpartum with Ashton, but still, I love N.C. and Andrew.
Look at Ruby's before (on day of her birthday) and after...
Then the rest of the family arrived and we mini golfed, played games, had easter egg hunts, and made 150 cupcakes for Ruby's baptism.
I meant to take pictures of all the cuteness -- monogramed placecards telling what kind of cupcakes there were, chinese takeout boxes with "Ruby" stickers on them so friends could take home an extra, the beautiful baptism dress which I made and then my mom fixed for Ruby.
You can kind of see her dress here. Look at her cute grandmas.
But come baptism day the flu had spread to the rest of the family. I could barely get Ashton and Wyatt into ties and to the church. Jeremy forgot he would need a special key to get into the font and fill it up which made for some additional craziness. Ashton fell asleep across the front row he felt so lousy. Wyatt wouldn't leave my lap. And the whole family coughed and hacked through all the talks.
This family photo says it all: Ashton has been woken up for the picture and is taking off to curl up in a ball. Dang he's mad. Wyatt is DONE. Ruby's hanging in there. And yeah, this is the best we could pull off.
Then after the baptism I was so wrapped up in making sure three lovely nonmember families felt warm and comfortable that things got cleaned up without a pix. Alas.
I was in the middle of answering some question about the "dominant matriarchs" in the LDS church (was neighbor referring to ME?) when I looked over and saw the table being cleared.
What's worse, there are no Easter pictures because only Cade made it to church.
Everyone else was home in bed. Even our Easter egg hunt was moved indoors. Somehow the candy still got eaten but there's not a picture of a basket either. Should we go for a repeat next Sunday?
So in an effort to catch up...
Good thing I realized after the last company visit that I just CAN'T get my house clean in one day. Certain superheroes are constanly conspiring against me.
Which means I start two days before my family comes and lock the bathroom doors as I finish them until only one is remaining. Then I unlock that door right before I head out to the airport. Love that I'm the only one who can bust in with a key. Love the control.
Such insane cleaning organization made it so when I awoke sick as a dog last Tuesday, all I had to do was a quick pick up and unlock those bathroom doors. Then off to the airport to get my mom. I LOVE having my mom. So does Ashton.
The next couple of days were filled with Ruby celebrations -- hair cut (hasn't been this short since she cut it herself when she was 4), ears pierced, trip to the Brandywine Art Museum, home of the Wyeth's. This little gem is just a few miles from me and fabulous. When I first moved to Delaware I went through it with my mom and cried?! Was postpartum with Ashton, but still, I love N.C. and Andrew.
Look at Ruby's before (on day of her birthday) and after...
Then the rest of the family arrived and we mini golfed, played games, had easter egg hunts, and made 150 cupcakes for Ruby's baptism.
I meant to take pictures of all the cuteness -- monogramed placecards telling what kind of cupcakes there were, chinese takeout boxes with "Ruby" stickers on them so friends could take home an extra, the beautiful baptism dress which I made and then my mom fixed for Ruby.
You can kind of see her dress here. Look at her cute grandmas.
But come baptism day the flu had spread to the rest of the family. I could barely get Ashton and Wyatt into ties and to the church. Jeremy forgot he would need a special key to get into the font and fill it up which made for some additional craziness. Ashton fell asleep across the front row he felt so lousy. Wyatt wouldn't leave my lap. And the whole family coughed and hacked through all the talks.
This family photo says it all: Ashton has been woken up for the picture and is taking off to curl up in a ball. Dang he's mad. Wyatt is DONE. Ruby's hanging in there. And yeah, this is the best we could pull off.
Then after the baptism I was so wrapped up in making sure three lovely nonmember families felt warm and comfortable that things got cleaned up without a pix. Alas.
I was in the middle of answering some question about the "dominant matriarchs" in the LDS church (was neighbor referring to ME?) when I looked over and saw the table being cleared.
What's worse, there are no Easter pictures because only Cade made it to church.
Everyone else was home in bed. Even our Easter egg hunt was moved indoors. Somehow the candy still got eaten but there's not a picture of a basket either. Should we go for a repeat next Sunday?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Rehobeth Beach
It still feels like winter but the family can wear coats to the beach, right?
We loaded up the kids to take advantage of free room and board at an entirely too nice spot for our posse. Check out Cade and Ruby in their robes toasting a room all to themselves.
Ashton wasn't feeling too bad about his situation -- his room adjoined ours and since he didn't have Cade and Ruby to contend with, he controlled morning cartoons.
Wyatt thought he'd spread in my king size bed. That lasted ten minutes. But look at how he's clapping, he's so excited to be given the chance.
We scootered down to the boardwalk.
Cade built this big sandcastle for two hours, hoping it would withstand the surf.
He didn't count on Wyatt jumping and thrashing it.
Ashton combed the beach looking for things unusual and disgusting -- giant molted crab shells, seaweed that looks like beetles...
And Ruby added to her seashell collection and got so warm in the process she ditched her coat!
Every night we stayed up late, putting the kids down in shifts, and playing games with those who remained. The kids loved it.
Jeremy and I can't believe we have kids big enough to play nertz with...that we've graduated from Candyland. Taking a trip like this reminded me of how fun and funny my kids are. Sometimes it takes leaving the cooking, the mail, the housework, the schedule, the phone, and the computer to discover just who my family is. And I like them. A lot.
We loaded up the kids to take advantage of free room and board at an entirely too nice spot for our posse. Check out Cade and Ruby in their robes toasting a room all to themselves.
Ashton wasn't feeling too bad about his situation -- his room adjoined ours and since he didn't have Cade and Ruby to contend with, he controlled morning cartoons.
Wyatt thought he'd spread in my king size bed. That lasted ten minutes. But look at how he's clapping, he's so excited to be given the chance.
We scootered down to the boardwalk.
Cade built this big sandcastle for two hours, hoping it would withstand the surf.
He didn't count on Wyatt jumping and thrashing it.
Ashton combed the beach looking for things unusual and disgusting -- giant molted crab shells, seaweed that looks like beetles...
And Ruby added to her seashell collection and got so warm in the process she ditched her coat!
Every night we stayed up late, putting the kids down in shifts, and playing games with those who remained. The kids loved it.
Jeremy and I can't believe we have kids big enough to play nertz with...that we've graduated from Candyland. Taking a trip like this reminded me of how fun and funny my kids are. Sometimes it takes leaving the cooking, the mail, the housework, the schedule, the phone, and the computer to discover just who my family is. And I like them. A lot.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Highlights
We made it through the week, or should I say month, of an absentee father.
I don't know how he does it. The first two weeks he was commuting to New York. The following two weeks he was working until four in the morning every night in a row to write some opinion(s) or something. It was crazy. I'd stir in bed sometime around one, two in the morning and find him still not home, start to worry about his drive back, then fall asleep. He's a superstar.
But on Friday the case settled, he picked up the kids from school (SURPRISE), and we're a real family, on our way to the beach to use up some of those exclusive suites the firm reserved for the trial that is no more.
We limped through the last week with the normal excitement:
CADE took second place in the pi number contest. I don't know how; I never saw him practice or memorize a thing, but on Friday he recited 43 of the decimal numbers that follow 3.14.....He came home with a candy bar (that Ashton snuck and ate this morning) and a whole lot of pride.
RUBY worked on her to do list (which I secretly found!)
1. Help mom around the house
2. Play with Wyatt
3. Clean my room
4. Be shy
5. Pretend not to like HIM
Explanation: new boy from school, Ruby thinks "shy" is the way to get his attention (?!?What?!?); room is never clean, ambitious plan to help mom around house.
ASHTON has no money to pay back Cade for eaten candy bar.
He steps in wet paint and denies it. After checking everyone's feet we find paint on the bottom of his cowboy boots, and paint everywhere he has walked including climbing into Jeremy's car. Steals Wyatt's blanket and runs. Freaks out during a family card game because he never gets the Rook card...This is only Saturday. Dare I count backwards and reflect on his week?
WYATT ate a bar of soap and taught himself a lesson. Don't think he'll be doing that again. It's hard to cry with so many bubbles coming out of your mouth.
I don't know how he does it. The first two weeks he was commuting to New York. The following two weeks he was working until four in the morning every night in a row to write some opinion(s) or something. It was crazy. I'd stir in bed sometime around one, two in the morning and find him still not home, start to worry about his drive back, then fall asleep. He's a superstar.
But on Friday the case settled, he picked up the kids from school (SURPRISE), and we're a real family, on our way to the beach to use up some of those exclusive suites the firm reserved for the trial that is no more.
We limped through the last week with the normal excitement:
CADE took second place in the pi number contest. I don't know how; I never saw him practice or memorize a thing, but on Friday he recited 43 of the decimal numbers that follow 3.14.....He came home with a candy bar (that Ashton snuck and ate this morning) and a whole lot of pride.
RUBY worked on her to do list (which I secretly found!)
1. Help mom around the house
2. Play with Wyatt
3. Clean my room
4. Be shy
5. Pretend not to like HIM
Explanation: new boy from school, Ruby thinks "shy" is the way to get his attention (?!?What?!?); room is never clean, ambitious plan to help mom around house.
ASHTON has no money to pay back Cade for eaten candy bar.
He steps in wet paint and denies it. After checking everyone's feet we find paint on the bottom of his cowboy boots, and paint everywhere he has walked including climbing into Jeremy's car. Steals Wyatt's blanket and runs. Freaks out during a family card game because he never gets the Rook card...This is only Saturday. Dare I count backwards and reflect on his week?
WYATT ate a bar of soap and taught himself a lesson. Don't think he'll be doing that again. It's hard to cry with so many bubbles coming out of your mouth.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wow
Jeremy and I watched Ruby in Oliver this past weekend with wonder and amazement.
I could hardly believe that was My little girl up there acting and singing away, comfortable as can be, shaking her head, pounding the table, stomping her feet, licking up imaginary gruel...wow. What an orphan.
Sure, I've seen the drama before.
Like here. Right before we left for the performance. Her quesadilla wasn't hot enough.
Or how about when we were leaving rehearsal last week the asst. director told me she's had the hardest time getting Ruby to stop crossing her legs -- she's so feminine. And she just won't stop smiling. I loved it.
But when we got in the car, Ruby was in tears. "Maybe I just shouldn't be in the show if I can't even act like a boy. I must be no good." blah, blah, blah.
Loving and compassionate mother that I am, "Yeah. I guess you just shouldn't do it, huh?"
So...I had an inkling she had it in her, that she would love the experience, the camraderie of a cast, the growth that comes from an audition and multiple performances, but wow.
And then the second best part of the show was the finale; all the orphans walking out for their bows, all in a line, all staring blankly toward the crowd, EXCEPT for Ruby, smile stretching across her face like it was a beauty pagaent. She just couldn't hold it in anymore.
I could hardly believe that was My little girl up there acting and singing away, comfortable as can be, shaking her head, pounding the table, stomping her feet, licking up imaginary gruel...wow. What an orphan.
Sure, I've seen the drama before.
Like here. Right before we left for the performance. Her quesadilla wasn't hot enough.
Or how about when we were leaving rehearsal last week the asst. director told me she's had the hardest time getting Ruby to stop crossing her legs -- she's so feminine. And she just won't stop smiling. I loved it.
But when we got in the car, Ruby was in tears. "Maybe I just shouldn't be in the show if I can't even act like a boy. I must be no good." blah, blah, blah.
Loving and compassionate mother that I am, "Yeah. I guess you just shouldn't do it, huh?"
So...I had an inkling she had it in her, that she would love the experience, the camraderie of a cast, the growth that comes from an audition and multiple performances, but wow.
And then the second best part of the show was the finale; all the orphans walking out for their bows, all in a line, all staring blankly toward the crowd, EXCEPT for Ruby, smile stretching across her face like it was a beauty pagaent. She just couldn't hold it in anymore.
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