Scenes from Daily Life: Photos from my Phone

I realized today that I have over 300 photos on my cell phone.  Granted, I've sent myself copies of most of the photos, but I found it was such a great snapshot of what is happening in daily life that I just wanted to capture a few of the recent moments.

We went to our Garden Plot today to do a little weeding.  Correction, I went to weed.  Mr C and Miss A walked around comparing our plot and "produce" to other's and trying to figure out what everyone else had planted.  A fellow gardener had offered us some of his Spinach and we took full advantage. In fact, the kids ate some right in the garden.

Mr C has decided he's going to purchase his own plot next year and just plant "salad" fixings.  He wishes there was a way to plant all you need for a BLT, but realizes you can't really plant a pig!  We are farmers, can't you tell.

It will be a few more weeks before we are picking produce from our garden as Miss M likes to call it.

It's been a crazy weather week around these parts. In addition to the flooding that's happening all around us, we had a bad storm on Monday night that caused some damage to our neighborhood.  We were thankfully spared, but our neighbors lost a tree.  A few blocks away, a tree fell on a house.  Thankfully, there weren't any injuries.  The girls and I were home alone and enjoyed a peaceful night in the basement by candlelight as we lost power for a few hours.  I knitted by candlelight, while the girls watched Annie on my laptop.

The scariest part of the whole evening was knowing that Mr C was at the baseball fields umpiring while my husband was at the Boy Scout meeting talking up Mr. C's Eagle Scout project.  The nervous mother in me was not thrilled that C was all alone (all the parents left the field once the sirens went off and it was just C and the Snack Shack manager.) But I knew God had it under control and the girls and I were praying for P to make it fast to the fields. 

We were thankfully spared any damage beyond the electricity and by 11 p.m. that night, the lights were back on.  The funniest part was the next morning when Miss A came downstairs and asked me if we had power yet.  Sadly, I was watching Good Morning America at the time and she didn't see the irony of the question.

Yesterday and today is was so cold that we needed blankets to keep us warm at Miss M's softball game and while Miss A loves to hang out with her friends, I think she was even a little chilly. It was too cold yesterday to go to the pool so we headed to the Library to stock up on some more reading. 

I love this photo of Mr. C with War and Peace.  The story goes that my husband and the admission director for C's high school had Mr. C going for a few weeks that he would need to read War and Peace along with Crime and Punishment over the summer in preparation for the Fall.  Let's just say that Mr. C did not inherit my reading genes and was dying inside over the thought of that much reading.  I think this photo is the closet Mr C will ever come to this deep and big book, unless he's under duress.

Here's a photo of my Knitting Spot on Sunday afternoon.  Notice the adorable knitting bag and how I'm almost done with my latest project.  I love the pattern and can hardly wait to give this to little Mikey.  I think I'll be making another ones of these soon, but first I have to finish my Basket weave Blanket I'm making for myself.

I promise to post photos of the completed blanket when it's all done.  Soon, I hope.

This final picture needs a little explanation unless you've been a passenger in our car lately.  My kids and my husband are obsessed with the game "Yellow." This is where you scream "yellow" whenever you see a yellow car or bus.and then you get to punch the person sitting next to you. Very similar to the slug bug game of childhood.

Let's just say the mother does not love this game.  I don't love that we punch each other ( you can never punch the driver or the mother regardless of where she is in the car) and I'm tired of hearing "red one, green one, yellow" in the car at all times.  Often, I'll be in the midst of talking about a life lesson, or just telling an important story and out of the blue they will yell "red one!" Yikes.  OK, I might be exaggerating the life lessons, but remember I'm the mother and everything I say is monumental.  At least in my mind.

But I had to laugh when Miss A screamed "Yellow One" when she saw this little motorcycle man the other day.  I think that's taking the game a little over the top.  He's only wearing yellow.  The motorized vehicle he's on is not yellow. No fair!

Guess you could say that as crazy as our life is, it's full of laughs too!

Our Type of Camping

We spent the night at the Lake on Saturday and it was the perfect way to end a hectic week.  Relaxation.  No computer or phone to interrupt our peace and quiet and mom even left all her VBS registration materials at home. We needed this time away as it had been a week filled with dance rectal rehearsal and performance, a great aunt's funeral and VBS preparation.  It was a week, according to my husband, in which you could tell I was otherwise occupied.  The laundry and the dust piled up!!

At least I told my husband, you could tell that I wasn't on top of my "home" game.  That at least implies that normally I am on my game.  Yeah me.

Thus, by the time we arrived at the lake on Saturday after A's last soccer game, M's softball game and the end of season soccer party, we were ready for downtime.  I'm not even convinced it took ten minutes for us to leave our burdens at the door and just enjoy freedom and family time.

Mr. C fresh off his Boater Safety Course was itching to drive the boat, Miss M and Miss A were anxious to catch waves at Sand Mountain and the parents were looking forward to just relaxing.  When we came upon the new Sandy Bottoms, a little cove that was recently excavated at the lake with sand volleyball and perfect sandy beaches, it was waiting for us to grace it's shores.

This is what we love about the lake so much, it's as if on that thirty minute journey we leave behind all that has weighed us down.  By the time we get the boat out of the dock and headed to the Marina for both gas and snacks, we've taken on our Lake Persona: No Worries, No Cares, Just Fun.

I tried to explain this phenomenon to my husband on Saturday night over our first s'mores of the season; it's like our way of camping.  We are roughing it for the weekend and just enjoying the simple things of life.   To which P said it was hard to call it camping when you go around the lake on a power boat, enjoy all the comforts of home, queen sized beds, indoor plumbing, and, of course, air conditioning. 

Some might call that living the high life, I call that camping for our family!

It's Offically Summer Now

According to Miss A, it's officially summer now. We've gone swimming both at the lake and at our pool. Now if she could just wear shorts and a tank top everyday, her summer wishes could be fulfilled.

We had a "work day" at the Lake yesterday and even though there was actual work involved and the wind was whipping around the water, all three kids managed to get in the water. Let's just say there was no way I was even dipping my feet in that bitter cold water. It won't be warm enough for me until the Fourth of July.

Miss A was the first to leap in, with her sister tentatively following once she realized Miss A did not become an ice cube. Mr. C was not so easily talked into making the plunge and even though he was at first trying to talk P into throwing the football off the dock, he reneged once he realized how cold it was. Mr. P told him that was wise as the wind was so strong that he wasn't sure he'd be very accurate in his throwing.

I'm thinking the fact that there would be splashing involved for both Mr. C and Mr. P had a little to do with postponing the football tradition. Too cold.

Today, to finalize the summer kickoff, we went swimming at our new "pool" near our home. At the end of last summer, they tore down the private pool we've been going to for the past few years. We cried real tears. All winter we debated our options until we finally came upon the perfect solution that allows us to combine our "health club/workout facility" with our "pool." Now, we can all go together and swim, play tennis or basketball and workout in a fabulous gym.

What we first thought of as disappointment and problem has become a blessing and a fun way to be fit as a family. Miss M said today after swimming that she thinks this might be favorite pool ever and that she thinks we are going to have a fabulous summer swimming.

Welcome summer afternoons at the pool, weeknights on the tennis court, and weekends spent jumping off the dock and making memories at the Lake. Summer we love you.

We call it Happy Friday

I know in some circles they call the day after Thanksgiving "Black Friday," but around our home its often refereed to as Fun Friday. In fact, the entire holiday weekend is filled with fun and traditions that we hold dear.

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There is the annual trek to the Scandinavian Store for Christmas treats, lunch out at a favorite BBQ joint with the grands, normally a football game or two to watch while we knit, play checkers and giggle over silly stories from Daddy's Childhood. Then to top it off, we head to the largest Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and gaze in awe at how beautiful it looks. Miss A commented that she liked the tree best with her eyes half closed it was almost like it was rocket ship and firecrackers.

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Maybe we should start a movement to change it's name to Fun Friday. Think of what that could do for the retailers too, happy and fun loving costumers are better spenders!!
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Thursday, as we looked over the ads in the paper and "planned" our strategy for Friday morning, P started putting them in piles by opening time. He talked of splitting up, making a map of the city, the girls leaving at 2:00 a.m to get in line at Best Buy the boys leaving at three for Target. Miss A was getting all excited, "I've never been up at 2:00 a.m before!" Mr C heard that we'd meet for snacks.

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My husband was loving it. Talking the big game. I hated to burst the kids bubble and tell them that we weren't really going. Dad wasn't really planning a strategy, he was just playing a game.

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There would be no early rising, no snacks.

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Not because we aren't buying Christmas presents this year or we don't love to save money. But rather we are both not willing to wait in line that long. We don't like crowds. It was gonna be cold and who needs to freeze to save $10. None of the stores were selling us the world so we didn't need to go.

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They were disappointed at first until they realized that if they got up at 2:00 or 3:00 they would have been too exhausted to enjoy our real "Fun Friday" plans. I think they got the better "deal" in the end.

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I know I did. I love the childhood wonder and awe at Christmas and Fun Friday just was the beginning!

Dear Chick-fil-A - Please Open A Restaurant in My Hometown

Today, we visited Nirvana and now there is no going back. We went to a new Farmer's Market in town and, as an incentive, you could have a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich with each purchase.

We've now been exposed to those Yummy Chicken Fillets that I read about so much from my Southern Neighbors. Everything else is just flat. We need our own franchise to open here in town. The only Chick-fil-A in our town is located within a corporate campus and not open to the public. Does that sound American to you?

I'm starting a Campaign to bring Chick-fil-A to our neck of the woods. Living in the Midwest, we have a steakhouse on every corner. You can get your fill of Beef and more Beef whenever and whenever you want it. Let's give the Cows a break. Let's "Eat Mor Chickin."

What is it gonna take. I'll convert to Sweet Tea. I'll wear a Cow Costume. I'll be a walking billboard for a weekend.

Everyone loved the Sandwich. The line to get one was long, but we were determined. It was free (except for the water bottles and cranberry cookie we bought to get the coupon), but more than anything it was Hot, Fresh, Yummy and something other than a Burger.

As proof that I'm not alone in my "Love" of Chick-fil-A check out this You Tube Video. Tim Hawkins is not only hilarious, his words have never been more true and accurate!

God Bless You Chick-fil-A !!

Tuesday Unwrapped:Children's Museum Memories

This is my first time to participate in Tuesday's Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky, encouraging you to celebrate the moment. Today I'm celebrating the Children's Museum in our lives.

Miss A and Emily Elizabeth at the Children's Museum

It looks like after almost 13 years of going to the Children's Museum, we are beginning to "age out" of the place. No longer do I see our family spending cold winter afternoons hanging out making crafts with Popsicle sticks and yogurt containers, painting our faces with unknown designs or running through the grocery store and farm.

Miss M and Miss A in the Craft Area

Don't get me wrong. I love our hometown Children's Museum, but I think we are getting a little to old to expect it to entertain "everyone" much longer. I don't think my wallet will have the colorful plastic membership card in it next year at this time. With our youngest child about to enter kindergarten and a tween and teenager in our midst, it's time to move on.

Playing the Drums at the Clifford Exhibit today

Sure Miss A and I will probably go a few more times this summer/fall before our membership runs out, but we'll be taking friends along instead of siblings. Miss A loved the new Clifford Exhibit and was thrilled to bring home a craft of wallpaper samples. The other kids; well not so much. They were great sports and, as promised, I will not be showing any pictures of Mr. C at the Museum, but it's time to say goodbye to this as a family outing.

Before we pack away all the memories, however, here are just a few of CM moments in time.

• Mr. C was just about 18 months old when he and I went for our first visit to the Museum with a friend and his mom. We arrived about opening time ready for adventure. I remember how he skirted back and forth between the corn rows at Farmland and the cash register at the Grocery Store. He was thrilled to push the cart and load it up with everything from plastic bread to cereal boxes. After a few hours, we left for lunch out a cute Diner with a 50's theme and then home for a nap. He was worn out.
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• Just a few years later, when Miss M joined the family, we would go to the Museum on "non-preschool" days to burn off energy in the winter months and get over our stir craziness. Miss M loved the Museum, too. She played with different things than her brother as the kitchen and the balls were among her favorites. Soon she was painting her face all by herself and trying on costumes in the stage area.
  

We soon figured out that a Museum for kids about 1 hour away was even better than our hometown variety. It had a real hot air balloon, a water table extraordinaire and a fun rocket ship and airplane area. Perfect for our budding scientist and his little sister.

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We joined that Museum and, for years, would make regular trips for a day of fun, including naps on the car ride home from sheer exhaustion. Our membership to the museum also gained us access to other Children's Science/Museums around the country and we took full advantage. We made visits to Children's Museums on vacations all over the country; Palm Spring CA, Minneapolis MN, Houston TX, Oklahoma City OK, Wichita KS, Chicago IL, Indianapolis IN, and Kansas City KS, among others. We loved them all.

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When Miss A came around, we were still Museum regulars as we now had two sisters that enjoyed an outing with Mr. C in school all day. Lunch dates with friends often included a morning at the Museum. There were also Birthday parties we'd attend of little preschool and kindergarten friends.

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Miss M had her first New Year's Eve Date at the Children's Museum with her Daddy. Including a ball drop at 8:00 pm sharp and dancing to a DJ with balloons all over the dance floor. For months, M talked about this magical night with her dad.

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In the last few years, Mom and Miss A have enjoyed many a morning at the Museum with new friends. It's been the perfect place to go for an outing with friends our age or younger. Miss A has had the opportunity to be the big kid with her friend Mr. B (who is a few years younger than her) at the Museum and loved every minute.
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But in my heart, I know these "Children Museum Years" are fading away. It's another phase of parenting that is changing. Today, I'm trying to remember the blessings those days at the Museum have been and the memories we've made as a family playing together. Great moments in time. Great laughs. A great way to connect with our kids at their level and a great way to pass on the love of trying new things, experimenting with toys, crafts and balls. We've enjoyed watching them just being a kid.
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Treasuring these moments and looking forward to the "next" thing are what parenting is all about. I wouldn't trade these CM years for anything, and yet I know that whatever is on the horizon will be just a memorable and another part of our family story.

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Check out Chatting at the Sky for other Tuesday's Unwrapped.

Granparents Visit and Fun is Had By All

Spring Break was capped off by a visit from the Grandparents. After a very long winter...very long and cold and snowy winter...it was nice to see their friendly faces again.

We had our traditional Norwegian Meatballs the first night for dinner, but we "spiced" things up a bit with lunch the next day at a family owned Mexican Restaurant followed by shopping for Mexican Pottery. Lets just say Miss A and I will be going back to the Hispanic Neighborhood soon with an empty trunk so we can bring some some great new outdoor pots for our **flourishing gardens**. (Remember I'm still taking suggestions on what to plant-feel free to jump in)

There was also plenty of time for knitting lessons with Bestemor, playing Guess Who with Bestefar, and swimming at the hotel pool. Mr C. got to celebrate his birthday one more time because once or twice is never enough when you are 13. We had time for afternoon coffee/hot chocolate and loved giving Bestemor her new Garden Scooter. We expect her to become very hip around her neighborhood. (while resting her hips)

Miss M working on her Knitting while Bestemor looks on; Miss A wearing Bestemor's Scarf-amazingly it made it back in the suitcase for her trip home; Mr C. with his new Crank Flashlight from LL Bean-no batteries needed. He thinks it will be perfect as a nightlight this summer at Boy Scout Camp- it will stay on until it runs out of juice.

Miss A finally gets to be in the water for real, no fear of water in the ear anymore. Swimming lessons aren't far behind us now!!

Bestemor even helped Mom with some curtain ideas for the "new" family room and kitchen. Now we just need to pick out the paint! Hint Hint Honey. Love to have a fresh set of eyes to look at our project in process.

Mr. C then had a weekend trip planned to Church Camp. He loved it. It was hilarious to hear him comment on the difference between Church Camp and camping with the Boy Scouts. I think he believes that Christians are use to amenities and, as he said, "luxury accommodations." He had a great time and, while he was sad to miss out on the grands visit, it was a great weekend for him and his faith journey.

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I think Christians are a alot like Girl Scout Leaders!! At least this GS leader. Bring on the inside toilets and cabins with bunk beds and AC.

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It was a great final weekend of March and a perfect end to Spring Break Round #1.

Zoo Trips, Freezing Time and Facing Fears: Spring Break Begins

The big kids had Spring Break last week. Of course, we still had Preschool which resulted in a few "late" drop offs. Guess it's easier for me to have a packed morning and get people places on time then to have nothing until after 9 a.m.

All this extra time also meant that I forgot Snack Day last week at Preschool which put me on the "bad mother" list. Let's just say Miss A is so forgiving. She didn't even tell me of my indiscretion until bedtime. I, of course, could barely sleep that night. To ease my guilty conscience, we'll be trading with an April snack person to make it up and replenishing the "snack closet" in the director's office.
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Besides my Preschool failings, we did have a wonderful break from the normal routine. The weather was less than stellar, but there were enough glimpses of spring to give us hope. We even make a trek to the Zoo for the day. For the first time in ages, we "bravely" entered the Nighttime Exhibit where it's dark and scary. If you don't believe me, just ask the kids.




Inside the "Bat Cave" in the Nocturnal Dessert Exhibit. I'm not too keen on Bats, but they are behind thick pieces of glass, and for the most part are all asleep. Let's just say I keep my eyes closed at these moments

I think this is the first time in 4 years that we've even attempted this on a Zoo Trip. Before there were always crying and gnashing of teeth about the "huge alligators" that could kill you, the "big scary bats" that are poised and ready to take a bite out our neck, and the fact that it's as "dark as black" (whatever that means.)
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Brave we are not! But we faced our fears and except for the running in the "swamp" to escape those ferocious alligators, we had fun. Lesson of the day, it's not nearly as dark and scary as you think, and if a five year old is willing to go, it's hard for anyone to object.


Looking down the waterfall at the Floor of the Jungle, which is a close as we got!
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However, it was the mother who was most nervous about one part of the trip. I'm not a fan of our indoor jungle. Oh sure, I love that it's 75 degrees there every day of the year, but could do without all the "humidity." However, it's the floor level of the jungle that I refuse to enter. In fact, I'll do anything to avoid it. I'll wander the top floor with steamed glasses and ooh and aah over the birds, monkeys, and foliage, but you can't convince me to go below.

Fifteen years ago, my husband and I went to the Jungle for a special evening event with our niece. She was all of two maybe and we were walking about without fear. We were clueless that hundreds of B A T S live in the jungle. Within moments they were flying about everywhere. Big Black B A T S. We quickly escaped without little L having any idea that we were scared spitless. As we fled, we warned other groups about the B A T S's. The spelling was designed to keep the little one calm. Once to "safety," we had a good laugh.

Since then, I've not gone back to the floor of the jungle willingly. I avoid it all cost. BATS are the scariest animal in my book.


Next, the five year old is trying to convince the big kids that this summer we should go on the "sky lift" over the zoo and see what the animals look like from "way up high." Of course, Mr C. being the ever conservative thinker and safety expert said that probably won't be a good idea as he might loose his lunch over the bears. Miss M, much more concerned with fashion and style, said to remind her not to wear flip flops on that day as she'd hate to lose a shoe over the giraffes.


The most memorable moment of our Zoo Trip however occurred at the Penguin Exhibit. I was watching the Zoo Keepers throw snow around the exhibit and saw a penguin slide down a "hill" when the snow got under him. Poor guy looked shocked to be in a downward spiral to the bottom of the snow mountain. I couldn't help myself and I laugh out loud.


Miss A who was sitting next to me, resting up from all the walking heard my laugh and asked "what is so funny?" I relayed the story about the snow and the free fall.


Miss A's response: "Could you Fast Back I missed that."


Yes, she wanted me to rewind real life. To go back in time so she could watch real life again. She asked me again to "fast back" time so she could see the "funny thing that happened."

I have but one thing to say, "This Girl is too used to the DVR!!"


Sorry honey, but real life doesn't have a rewind button. Oh but if it did!!

Snow Day in Pictures

As we prepare for Day Two of the Blizzard of 09... here are some photos from our afternoon in the snow.

M and A on the new sled; making a path down our front yard. In their words the sled was "super fast and awesome."



C helped me shovel the snow, but wanted it all piled on one side of the driveway for fort making. Today the wind took care of making it's own "drifts."




Inside the snow fort, plenty of room for all. Look at those huge flakes.






M took an inside the fort picture so we could have a look at how perfectly formed and packed the snow was. I'm thinking C has a future in igloo building!


School is out again today, but with a windchill in the -20's I'm thinking this will be an "inside" day with movies and crafts to keep the natives entertained. Dad gets shoveling duty this morning, since I shoveled three times yesterday before 1:00 when he hubs called it a day and worked from home!


Guess we complained too much about the lack of snow earlier this fall/winter. I'm keeping my mouth shut from now until March about the weather and just taking what God gives us!

We Are City People

We are raising city kids. When I say that, I mean my kids do not have any knowledge of country life, living on the land, or what it means to have real chores early in the morning.

I realize that my husband and I are city kids, too. My husband has often said if you looked up "city boy" in the dictonary, there would be his picture staring back at you. He grew up on the East Coast and Houston so his big city roots are deeper than mine. However, I grew up in a midwestern city that is surrounded by small towns, corn fields, cows, and all rural life that you can imagine. You would think that would qualify me to be a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll!

I should know something about country life. I should be able to gaze upon a field in the midst of harvest and know the crop that is planted there. To be honest if it's not corn I have no idea. Soybeans, wheat, alfala they all look the same to me. Cows they all look alike too. Yes I know some are black, brown and spotted but I don't know what is a hefer, agnus or milk cow.

In college, I had dreams of marrying some big rancher, living in the western part of my state where cows outnumber people, and becoming a famous author. I romanticized how much fun it would be to have a big farmhouse miles from neighbors and raise a huge amount of children. We'd drive to the "big city" for necessities once a month and then stock up for the long winters.

Reality is that I married a Texan who owns a pair of Justin Boots, but never wears them except for "dress up " and works in an office building driving results around instead of cattle.

While I wouldn't trade my life and family for anything, I occaisonally wonder if I'm missing something. Shouldn't I have some knowledge of farm and ranch life? Maybe it's time our family took a little tour of a farm, took a trip to a dude ranch, or took off for a jaunt through the woods on horseback instead of leather seats in a minivan so we could see a different lifestyle upclose and personal. OK, maybe the dude ranch is a stretch, but you know what I am saying. I wouldn't have to get the "spa" package!

Never has the knowledge that I am raising "city kids" been more obvious to me than this past Saturday when we went to see the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football game (should I say NU crush OU) . Before the game, we let the big kids hang out at Husker Nation tossing footballs, practicing their kick offs and just enjoying the "big game experience" before the actual game. It was there on that little field that I saw my son, C, try to rope a calf.

Hello City Life! He was so out of his element. The younger rancher-college student tried his best to show C how to hold the rope, how to use his wrist and arm to gather the rope, and swing it around. It was like showing an eskimo how to water ski.

Let's just say that it's a good thing C is planning a career in the areospace/engineering industry and doesn't have big dreams of owning a ranch ....