Well, I am sorry not to have posted in a while. We have been busy at times, climbing the walls at others. I took the kids to Arkansas and we had a great trip. Cristy summarized it well on her blog - http://thefarleyfamily.blogspot.com/2007/07/castleman-time-last-tuesday-one-of-anna.html - so you can check hers out - she even got pictures posted. The drive was long but manageable. We only stopped 3 times in the 11 hours going there, if you count the FOUR service stations I went into at the same exit in Atlanta, trying to find a bathroom that wasn't out of order, as one stop. After the first 3 hours, which were the longest, I think the kids resigned themselves to getting old and grey in their seats and quit whining, so the last 8 hours were fine.
I think this was the hardest trip to Searcy that I've taken, not because I did it solo. It is just that the 3 years we have been gone have gone by fast for me, so it doesn't feel like that long. But 3 years is really a long time and although we invested 12 years of our lives there, we are officially now "someone who used to live here", as in "Meet my friend Teresa - she used to live here."
That makes me want to scream. Of course, it is technically correct. We did use to live there and we did move away. But we also left our blood, sweat and tears in that town, and especially at Downtown Church, so it is hard to feel thrown into the same category as everyone else that has passed through Searcy at one point or another. I guess that, because of our investment into the town, part of us still lives there anyway. I know it's just words but for whatever reason, they just bit me a little hard on this trip.
The other hard part was on Sunday. There was a baby dedication at church and Katie asked what was going on. I told her that the elders were praying for the new baby and it's family and I told her that they had prayed for her in just the same way when she was born. She said, "They prayed for me at THIS church?" I told her yes, that we used to go to this church and that dad was the worship minister here. She didn't believe me because she doesn't remember it at all.
Sob.
But this Thursday officially marks our 3 year anniversary here and she was nearly 3 when we moved so I guess she has now lived in SC longer than she lived in AR. Wow.
The trip overall was great - don't mean to dwell on the negative. We are looking forward to all 4 of us going back in September for a reunion concert with the guys Rick sang with.
And we celebrate the 3 years we have been here - they have been good years and we feel so blessed that "The boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places." (Psalm 16)
If I can get my act together, I'll post some pics that I took on our trip.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Just a few pictures from this week. It has been so hot here that we decided to bring the scooters and riding things in and we moved the furntiture to accomodate a riding area on the wood floor. It was fun and hopefully didn't do too much damage to the floor! There were only a few minor wrecks and we only saw blood once!
The sailor outfit on Micah was a fun hand-me-down. Rick wasn't too hip on it until he saw everyone loving it at church. I think I sold him on it a little. The hat was hilarious and Micah kept it on all morning!
Funny kids. Good times!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Brains
You know, one of my mantra's as a parent is that you don't have to be really smart, just a little smarter than your kids. It's getting to where it's touch and go, here at our house. Today, Katie told me that the words in the book she was "reading" to Micah were spelled wrong. (Under the pink hat was the word `pink' - she thought they spelled `hat' wrong.) Makes sense I guess. (This was the time to interject the "Your happiness in life is all about expectations..." speech, but I refrained.) I did get a little more worried when Micah brought me a wet diaper. I assumed he had busted into a trash can somewhere in the house til I noticed that he was looking a little skinny inside his overalls. Sure enough, somehow he managed to get his diaper off while remaining fully dressed in shorts overalls. I'm a little worried about the ramifications of this new trick.
I think I might need to go back to school.
I do feel a little better, though, that Katie mistook some of Micah's slobber, that had dripped onto the floor, for bug pee. Oh, and the other day, she watched a news clip about 2 dead bodies that were found on the road in downtown Columbia, naked. She reported to all, "The police found a male and a thee-male and they were unclothed in the road." We cracked up a little at that! The reporter said it was an accident and that no foul-play was involved. Sorry, but Katie and I agreed that if you are found naked in the road, it is no accident! (We skipped lightly over the dead part with her.)
I guess that's all I have for today!
I think I might need to go back to school.
I do feel a little better, though, that Katie mistook some of Micah's slobber, that had dripped onto the floor, for bug pee. Oh, and the other day, she watched a news clip about 2 dead bodies that were found on the road in downtown Columbia, naked. She reported to all, "The police found a male and a thee-male and they were unclothed in the road." We cracked up a little at that! The reporter said it was an accident and that no foul-play was involved. Sorry, but Katie and I agreed that if you are found naked in the road, it is no accident! (We skipped lightly over the dead part with her.)
I guess that's all I have for today!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Reflections on the beach...
Katie and cousin Zachary, bearing live crabs! At least, they were alive at some point before this trip down the dunes!
Beware, floating things! She has a net!
Micah, fearlessly taking on the waves! If we'd let go, he'd be in Africa by now.
While not yet an expert, I am beginning to consider myself at least fairly educated about South Carolina Beaches. I have now visited 5 of them (if you count Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle, Surfside and Springmaid as one, which I will for this thought). I have been to 4 different ones this year alone. So, just in case you plan to visit Souh Carolina any time soon, here are my thoughts...
My number one pick is Seabrook Island. It is all privately owned and the entire island is gated, so you have to rent a house there to enjoy the island, but it is worth the time and money. Included in your rental is access to all of the resort amenities, like the pools, golfing, etc. While the sand is whiter and fluffier in more touristy areas, like Myrtle Beach, the island beaches are quiet and natural. At Seabrook, there is a lot of attention paid to preservation and protecting the natural wildlife, especially the sea turtles. There aren't any hotels on the island - only privately owned homes and condos - and no buildings actually on the beaches. Another cool thing about the island is that there are beaches on both the Atlantic side, which have waves, and on the backwater side, which makes for calm water and excellent playground for dolphins, which we saw continually on that beach. The island pace is slow - lots of folks on bikes and golf carts - and there is no commercialization at all - just palms and live oaks trees as far as you can see! When you need anything, it is a short jaunt off the island to a cool little shopping area between Seabrook and Kiawah Islands. Charleston is about 30 minutes down the road. Perfect for a quiet week in the sun! (The first 2 pics are of the Seabrook Island beach on the Atlantic side)
Edisto Island is similar in ecology and pace. You can camp at the state park there, which my parents try to do any time they head down here. Where Seabrook Island is well laid out and the homes are all well kept and "nice", there is more variety in Edisto, so you have to be a little more picky if you rent a house, and it isn't a resort town, so you don't have the club amenities. But it is natural and quiet and there are a lot of shells on the beaches. It is also further from Charleston and "activities".
Isle of Palms is nice if you have the money to rent a big house right on the beach! We have our women's retreat there every year and rent a house that sleeps about 30 people! There are a lot of those type of properties there. I would recommend that for the off season. It is closer to Charleston, on the north side, so it is good if you plan to run in and out of town. The beaches are nice but less preserved than you get further down the coast.
Folly Beach is a lot like Isle of Palms to me but the sand is a little more groomed. It is pretty tight to get around on but it has pretty good waves, especially in the area that Hurricane Hugo washed out a few years ago!
And then, of course, there is the Grand Strand - Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle, Surfside, Springmaid, etc. All of these are about 3 hours from us, which is further than Charleston beaches, which is one strike against them! On the positive side, there are more options for accommodations in Myrtle Beach - hotels, condos, houses, etc. - and you can find places that rent for shorter periods than the standard week long rentals in Charleston. There is plenty of shopping and eating places, as well as mini golfing, water parks, etc. Standard tourist fare. The beaches are groomed daily, so there is lots of fluffy white sand, and you can stay right on the beach, so it's a quick in and out of the ocean. And you only have to go about 2 minutes in any direction to buy a $5 t-shirt or a $3 boogie board. (That's a joke.) But the obvious negative is the crowds. If you want to visit this area, all I can say is "off-season". September is the best time to go, in my opinion. The water is still warm, the shops and restaurants are still open and there are about 60% fewer people there than you find in June - August. Also, we like North Myrtle Beach as opposed to the others. It is a little quieter up there and you are only minutes from some pretty spots up in North Carolina. (The third picture is North Myrtle Beach.)
Anyway, those are my thoughts. We'd love to show you around, so if you crave the beach, come see us!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
A Couple Random Thoughts...
I was living on the edge today. I went to the mall with both kids and only 2 wipes, one of which I had to use to sanitize the table before we could eat. Amazingly, my germophobia beats out the anxiety of wondering if Micah would have a blow-out when I had only one wipe remaining! Talk about risky!
No blowout. All was well.
I saw a really red neck thing. This guy was at the mall with his 2 kids and we were eating in the food court when I saw him. He had his kids in a Sears shopping cart. Some would argue that Sears itself is redneck. My issue was that we were at least half way down the mall from Sears. What in the heck was he doing with his kids in a Sears shopping cart? In the middle of the mall? Rent a stroller already!
That probably shouldn't have bothered me!
Good thing, though. I really love Grandma Miriam. She loves my kids and babysits them even when they are whiny.
Good night!
No blowout. All was well.
I saw a really red neck thing. This guy was at the mall with his 2 kids and we were eating in the food court when I saw him. He had his kids in a Sears shopping cart. Some would argue that Sears itself is redneck. My issue was that we were at least half way down the mall from Sears. What in the heck was he doing with his kids in a Sears shopping cart? In the middle of the mall? Rent a stroller already!
That probably shouldn't have bothered me!
Good thing, though. I really love Grandma Miriam. She loves my kids and babysits them even when they are whiny.
Good night!
The Post-Mike Era
This week, we spent a few days at the beach with my oldest brother and his wife and my nephew. After being there a day or 2, my sister-in-law said that if she had a kid like Micah, she'd have to be medicated! I laughed! I probably do need to be medicated! But it's like I told my friend HJ when she had twins - it's not like you have an option to put up with or not put up with your kids. Besides, you get used to the insanity and it becomes a good friend!
So I was thinking of all the changes to our life since Mike came along, or more specifically since he started moving around. Here is the condensed list.
1. If you happen to fall asleep on the couch during waking hours, you would be well advised to lay with one arm over your face and the other over anything else you want protected, since you will probably awaken to the feeling of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" book (which is surprisingly hard) being slammed on you and Micah saying "Gin" (which does not mean the adult beverage you will be tempted to partake of in large quantities following this awakening, but rather it means "please, dear friend, could you kindly sing the spider song again, for the 4,758th time today, for my enjoyment".)
2. We currently suffer from air circulation problems in our house, where Katie's room is about 50 degrees and the kitchen is about 90 degrees, due to the fact that all of the doors are shut in the house in an effort to minimize the damage that Mike is able to inflict on our belongings. It is also noticable on some of the doors a dent or 2 at the precise level of Micah's head, which he frequently uses to open things, the way that some people use their hands.
3. There is much enthusiastic love to be shared, especially with dad. But there are also many black eyes and bloody noses on the part of those receiving Micah's love. Yes indeed, sometimes love hurts.
4. Our furniture is arranged in an extremely strange way, to the untrained eye. There is a small cabinet in front of the entertainment center (to keep him from sticking things in the VCR and to keep the TV from being reprogrammed in Spanish, which is surprisingly hard to fix if you DON'T SPEAK SPANISH!) ; there is nothing on most of the shelves - I believe in other cultures, those areas are for books. What a strange idea! Similarly, you might assume from our furniture that we bought it from "L-bracket Wonderland" because there is a metal "L" shaped piece attached to everything which is in turn attached to a wall stud. These were added by the master of baby-proofing to each piece as Micah learned to pull each piece over.
5. We have come to wish that the Wiggles had made more videos, not because we like the Wiggles even slightly, but because listening to a variety of annoying videos is preferable to listening to the same annoying video over and over. (Can any of you veteran parents recognize this request? "uhhMEE uhhhMEEE")
6. We have stopped rolling our eyes when we see kids throwing a fit in stores or running wild in a restauarant and we have stocked up on suckers and other tools of bribery.
7. We have come to understand how you can so powerfully love someone that so powerfully frustrates you as he so pwerfully makes you laugh and then so powerfully gives you a bloody lip with a very well intentioned kiss that you wouldn't trade for anything!
Those are my thoughts for the day. Gotta go - it's time to restart the video!
So I was thinking of all the changes to our life since Mike came along, or more specifically since he started moving around. Here is the condensed list.
1. If you happen to fall asleep on the couch during waking hours, you would be well advised to lay with one arm over your face and the other over anything else you want protected, since you will probably awaken to the feeling of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" book (which is surprisingly hard) being slammed on you and Micah saying "Gin" (which does not mean the adult beverage you will be tempted to partake of in large quantities following this awakening, but rather it means "please, dear friend, could you kindly sing the spider song again, for the 4,758th time today, for my enjoyment".)
2. We currently suffer from air circulation problems in our house, where Katie's room is about 50 degrees and the kitchen is about 90 degrees, due to the fact that all of the doors are shut in the house in an effort to minimize the damage that Mike is able to inflict on our belongings. It is also noticable on some of the doors a dent or 2 at the precise level of Micah's head, which he frequently uses to open things, the way that some people use their hands.
3. There is much enthusiastic love to be shared, especially with dad. But there are also many black eyes and bloody noses on the part of those receiving Micah's love. Yes indeed, sometimes love hurts.
4. Our furniture is arranged in an extremely strange way, to the untrained eye. There is a small cabinet in front of the entertainment center (to keep him from sticking things in the VCR and to keep the TV from being reprogrammed in Spanish, which is surprisingly hard to fix if you DON'T SPEAK SPANISH!) ; there is nothing on most of the shelves - I believe in other cultures, those areas are for books. What a strange idea! Similarly, you might assume from our furniture that we bought it from "L-bracket Wonderland" because there is a metal "L" shaped piece attached to everything which is in turn attached to a wall stud. These were added by the master of baby-proofing to each piece as Micah learned to pull each piece over.
5. We have come to wish that the Wiggles had made more videos, not because we like the Wiggles even slightly, but because listening to a variety of annoying videos is preferable to listening to the same annoying video over and over. (Can any of you veteran parents recognize this request? "uhhMEE uhhhMEEE")
6. We have stopped rolling our eyes when we see kids throwing a fit in stores or running wild in a restauarant and we have stocked up on suckers and other tools of bribery.
7. We have come to understand how you can so powerfully love someone that so powerfully frustrates you as he so pwerfully makes you laugh and then so powerfully gives you a bloody lip with a very well intentioned kiss that you wouldn't trade for anything!
Those are my thoughts for the day. Gotta go - it's time to restart the video!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Oh Where, Oh where are the large orange barrels?
They are gone! I can hardly believe it! I got lost on the way home today. After 3 years of dodging striped orange barrels, I am now driving straight down Hwy 6 and there are people driving on all sides of me. It is crazy! For my non-South Carolina friends, the construction on the Hwy outside our neighborhood began just before we moved here and finally finished TODAY! I am overwhelmed with lane driving options, yet it is less exciting, not having to avoid certain death by wayward back hoe or asphalt truck! I will miss our friendly construction crew with their lovely orange vests and constant cigarettes (which Katie comments on daily. "Mom - look at that man making a bad decision.")
So, Philip and Jaime, you can move back now but don't freak out if you can't find us. We live just down the nice black road with fresh lines and once again have a sign outside our neighborhood! I'll throw a barrel out there to guide you if you need it!
Does barrel have one "L" or 2?
So, Philip and Jaime, you can move back now but don't freak out if you can't find us. We live just down the nice black road with fresh lines and once again have a sign outside our neighborhood! I'll throw a barrel out there to guide you if you need it!
Does barrel have one "L" or 2?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Good Decisions
We have been trying to emphasize making good decisions with Katie the last couple years. The thought is that if we always tell her what to do, she will be ill-equipped to make good choices when we aren't around all the time, namely when she starts school this fall. The funny part about this is that she feels compelled to let everyone else know when they are making bad choices! One of my brothers is a casual pipe-smoker. We had talked to Katie about how smoking is a bad choice. When she saw my brother smoking his pipe, she told him, "Uncle Darrell, I think you are making a bad decision!" It was funny!
Tonight I was trying to use the same strategy to get her to brush her teeth. Occasionally she is too sleepy or lazy to want to brush, so tonight I didn't argue with her. I just told her she could go on to bed. I found this picture online and called her back in to look at it. I told her that this person didn't brush their teeth! She decided that she wanted to brush!
It was sweet later, though, because at bedtime, she prayed, "Dear God, please help that person who didn't brush their teeth and help their cavities not hurt!"
So, person pictured above, whoever you are, Katie hopes your teeth aren't hurting too badly! And thanks for posting the pic on yahoo images for my object lesson! Because of you, one little 5 year old brushed her teeth with no fight tonight! :)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
I had a different kind of evening yesterday. My friend Holly (yes, the same one who suggested the Mud-fest – I must be slow for still going with her suggestions!) answered an ad in the paper for us to participate in a survey for folks who listen to country music. We sat in a conference room for 2 hours and listened to clips of 600 country songs and rated them on a scale of never heard the song, hate the song, am tired of the song, have no opinion, like the song and it’s a favorite song. Not a bad way to earn $75! It struck me, as I was filling in very few #6’s (favorite song) that I am a music snob. I had quite a lot of #3’s (tired of the song) and way more #1’s (never heard it) than the guy next to me. (I wasn’t cheating, just doing a little survey of my own!) And amazingly, after 600 songs I was still able to think of a bunch that they didn’t play. That led me to consider what some of my favorite, “even-if-you-don’t-like-country-music-you’ll-like-this-song”, songs are and I compiled this short list. If you haven’t heard these songs, you haven’t really lived. You oughta give just one of them a listen on i-tunes. (If I was as smart as Shane, I’d make you a playlist.)
1. Good Directions – Billy Currington
2. The Good Stuff – Kenny Chesney
3. Red Neck Yacht Club – Craig Morgan
4. Mayberry – Rascal Flatts
5. Somebody’s Hero – Jamie O’Neal
6. My Front Porch Looking In - Lonestar
So that’s my thought for the day. Anyone got one to add to the list?
1. Good Directions – Billy Currington
2. The Good Stuff – Kenny Chesney
3. Red Neck Yacht Club – Craig Morgan
4. Mayberry – Rascal Flatts
5. Somebody’s Hero – Jamie O’Neal
6. My Front Porch Looking In - Lonestar
So that’s my thought for the day. Anyone got one to add to the list?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Case of the Reappearing Snickerdoodle
I could really use a Hardy Boy today.
Back in March, our friends parents came to visit from OK. On a previous visit, their mom had made some snickerdoodles and given some to us. They were only the finest snickerdoodles ever and, snickerdoodles being my favorite cookie, I went crazy. So this most recent visit, she made some more for us. I thought we had eaten them all, but a couple weeks later, Micah is playing in the living room and I come into the room and see him crunching on a snickerdoodle. I have no idea where he got it - it was somewhere in the living room. It was pretty hard by then. Of course, I took it away, he screamed, and life continued. A couple more weeks pass and again, I see him crunching on another snickerdoodle. Again - no idea where he got it. This time, I conciously remember putting it in the trash. That cookie never saw the light of day again.
By now, it has been 2 or 3 months since we last had snickdoodles. And wouldn't you know it, I found Micah trying to eat another one TODAY! It was extremely hard and he didn't get more than a few crumbs off it. But I still have no idea where his stash is! I don't keep the most tidy house ever but I know I've cleaned everywhere at least once or twice in the last 3 months, yet I have not uncovered the source of the snickerdoodles. Fortunately, there are no bugs in the house. Or maybe that is unfortunate, since they would inevitably lead me to the cookies! I am a little baffled as to what to do. Micah is pretty smart - he waits until I am not in the room to visit his stash! I wonder what else he has hidden!
Back in March, our friends parents came to visit from OK. On a previous visit, their mom had made some snickerdoodles and given some to us. They were only the finest snickerdoodles ever and, snickerdoodles being my favorite cookie, I went crazy. So this most recent visit, she made some more for us. I thought we had eaten them all, but a couple weeks later, Micah is playing in the living room and I come into the room and see him crunching on a snickerdoodle. I have no idea where he got it - it was somewhere in the living room. It was pretty hard by then. Of course, I took it away, he screamed, and life continued. A couple more weeks pass and again, I see him crunching on another snickerdoodle. Again - no idea where he got it. This time, I conciously remember putting it in the trash. That cookie never saw the light of day again.
By now, it has been 2 or 3 months since we last had snickdoodles. And wouldn't you know it, I found Micah trying to eat another one TODAY! It was extremely hard and he didn't get more than a few crumbs off it. But I still have no idea where his stash is! I don't keep the most tidy house ever but I know I've cleaned everywhere at least once or twice in the last 3 months, yet I have not uncovered the source of the snickerdoodles. Fortunately, there are no bugs in the house. Or maybe that is unfortunate, since they would inevitably lead me to the cookies! I am a little baffled as to what to do. Micah is pretty smart - he waits until I am not in the room to visit his stash! I wonder what else he has hidden!
Mud Mania 2007
I don't feel like these pictures need any explanation. They are fairly self explanatory. Kids in mud. I do feel the need to explain what in the world I was doing there, though. It's all Holly's fault. "It's a great, free community event. The kids will love it. There are places to clean them up - just bring some soap and a towel. It'll be fun." blah blah blah
Uhhh... Fun for who? Truly, during the actual mud slinging, Katie had a great time and so did Micah, once he got used to the idea that he was supposed to get dirty (he would have been more comfortable with the idea if he had been in a nice outfit, just before he was supposed to get his picture made!) He walked on tip toes to avoid the mud for the first 15 minutes, but lucky for him, he has a big sister to show him how to have real fun! Unfortunately, it was about 75 degrees and breezy, so it got pretty chilly during the hose off. But 3 baths later, they are only slightly mud-stained.
Note to self - be more suspicious when Holly suggests great, free community events! Just kidding, Holly!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Uckkk is just not the same...
Earlier this week, Rick sold his truck. Actually, it felt like he just left his truck at Carmax and stole some money while he was there! We have loved and appreciated the ole' "uckk", as Micah calls it, but it was dying a slow and expensive death, so we were also happy to let it go!
The saddest part was listing to Micah cry the whole way home from selling it. "Uckk, uckk, uckk.." Katie was so sweet to try to explain that we would get another uckkk! We finally had to drop the whole uckk discussion. (And no wonder the kid can't talk right!)
Anyway, today we replaced old uckk. Unfortunately, this new (to us) one is a 4 door (one of the reasons we needed another truck) and he is sitting in the back again. No more sitting by dad with the wind blowing through his hair - this one actually has a/c! (I propose a toast for the first time that both of our vehicles have a/c at the same time.) Micah is not thrilled with the new arrangements. He sat in the back during the test drive and pointed at me in the front passenger seat, accusingly, since I was apparently in his seat! He was not happy. But then I gave him a sucker and he forgave me! (Too bad that doesn't work for everyone, but that's another blog!)
But that's the new order around here. I posted a pic of a similar truck that I found online. Rick's version doesn't have the running boards or a bed cover, nor is it parked by such a nice green lawn! But hopefully now you will recognize us if we honk when we see you on the road!
The saddest part was listing to Micah cry the whole way home from selling it. "Uckk, uckk, uckk.." Katie was so sweet to try to explain that we would get another uckkk! We finally had to drop the whole uckk discussion. (And no wonder the kid can't talk right!)
Anyway, today we replaced old uckk. Unfortunately, this new (to us) one is a 4 door (one of the reasons we needed another truck) and he is sitting in the back again. No more sitting by dad with the wind blowing through his hair - this one actually has a/c! (I propose a toast for the first time that both of our vehicles have a/c at the same time.) Micah is not thrilled with the new arrangements. He sat in the back during the test drive and pointed at me in the front passenger seat, accusingly, since I was apparently in his seat! He was not happy. But then I gave him a sucker and he forgave me! (Too bad that doesn't work for everyone, but that's another blog!)
But that's the new order around here. I posted a pic of a similar truck that I found online. Rick's version doesn't have the running boards or a bed cover, nor is it parked by such a nice green lawn! But hopefully now you will recognize us if we honk when we see you on the road!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
It's official...
...My kids are southerners. Last night, Katie was talking to my mom on the phone. Katie was telling her about some pets she had seen in the pet store. I didn't hear my moms side of the conversation, but then I think she proceeded to tell Katie about some of the wildlife that they have living up where they are. All I heard before I fell out laughing was Katie say,
"You saw a deer? Cool! Did you shoot it?"
"You saw a deer? Cool! Did you shoot it?"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Children's Museum
I wanted to post these pictures from the Columbia children's museum. It was really cool. Micah liked the fact that he could maul and climb on everything. Katie liked dressing up in each exhibit, like a fireman, farmer, construction worker, dentist, etc. Next time you come visit, we'll have to go!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
You don't have to be very smart to be a mom...
...just a little smarter than the kids. This is my new mantra. For example, I have had a real problem since Micah (who Katie is calling "Tyler" today) learned to move around - I can't work in the front yard while he is awake, which would explain why our house frequently looks abandoned, because he loves to run into the street or try to eat the things in the garage. Neither is a good scenario. But today, I solved that problem, at least temporarily. I used a long rope...no, I did not tie him to a concrete block, dad! That was your idea, and a good one. I figure that as strong as he is, that would only buy me a few minutes! Actually, I strung it back and forth between the pillars on the porch to make a fence. Lucky for me, Micah quickly made a broad assumption that it was impassable and contently played on the porch while I got yard work done. I'm sure it won't work for long, but the yard looks okay for now!
The best part was listening to Katie (who is going by the name "Sabrina" today) "read" Micah, I mean Tyler, a story. He had brought an atlas out on the porch with him and she got him to sit by him on the bench and "read him this story out of the atlas. (I think she was on the Asia map page for whatever that is worth.) I actually jotted this story down so that I could remember the details.
"There once was a land called South Carolina where there lived 2 kids and a woman. The woman was not their mother. Their mother had moved to Houston, Texas and left them as orphans. She didn't abandon them - they were just in the bathroom and didn't know she was leaving so she left them on accident..."
She told Micah, I mean Tyler, that she would tell him the rest of the story tomorrow! I can't wait to hear it!
By the way, I've never left the kids because they were in the bathroom, but it might happen! It's happened to folks far greater than me! Stay tuned for the next chapter!
The best part was listening to Katie (who is going by the name "Sabrina" today) "read" Micah, I mean Tyler, a story. He had brought an atlas out on the porch with him and she got him to sit by him on the bench and "read him this story out of the atlas. (I think she was on the Asia map page for whatever that is worth.) I actually jotted this story down so that I could remember the details.
"There once was a land called South Carolina where there lived 2 kids and a woman. The woman was not their mother. Their mother had moved to Houston, Texas and left them as orphans. She didn't abandon them - they were just in the bathroom and didn't know she was leaving so she left them on accident..."
She told Micah, I mean Tyler, that she would tell him the rest of the story tomorrow! I can't wait to hear it!
By the way, I've never left the kids because they were in the bathroom, but it might happen! It's happened to folks far greater than me! Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I hate making lunch...
I know that sounds petty and more than a little short-sighted. I am thankful that I have food to make lunch and recognize that many folks don't.
I just never know what to make. If I could afford it (financially and calorically - is that a word? It is now.) I would go out for lunch every day, just to save myself the trouble of figuring out what I want to eat.
Anyway, that said, here are my latest 2 interesting lunch ideas, and I would love it if any of my 3 faithful readers wanted to share what they have for lunch.
Vegetarian Sandwiches - thanks to my friend Brenda for this. She is the best kind of vegetarian. She has no issue with anyone else eating meat - she just doesn't like it. Never has. For this you use fancy, crusty bread, like marble rye or sliced italian bread from the bakery. You spray that squirty kind of dressing, balsamic vinegrette, on each slice and put on it some sliced plum tomatoes, fresh sliced fresh mozzerella (the kind that you buy in a block - slice it thick) and some fresh basil leaves (which taste to me like the way a Christmas tree smells.) Deeelish. Cool on a hot day.
Black bean salsa - I like this on tortilla chips (the scoop kind work good) or on salad with a little ranch. For this you cook some black beans (I'm starting to use the dry kind that you have to soak and rinse and cook - they are more trouble but they taste better and are SO cheap. You can use the canned kind but you have to rinse them good.) and then let them cool. Also, cook some frozen corn and let it cool. Chop up a bunch of fresh cilantro (I would bathe in cilantro, I love it so much.) and mix it with the beans and corn. Then stir in some taco sauce (not salsa, though you can use that if you want. Taco sauce is thin and not chunky. I like it better.), just enough so that it sticks it all together. Salt and pepper and BAM. It tastes best cold.
So there you have my lunches for the week. I would love to know what you like for lunch, besides turkey sandwiches and pb and j! I got tired of those many years ago!
I just never know what to make. If I could afford it (financially and calorically - is that a word? It is now.) I would go out for lunch every day, just to save myself the trouble of figuring out what I want to eat.
Anyway, that said, here are my latest 2 interesting lunch ideas, and I would love it if any of my 3 faithful readers wanted to share what they have for lunch.
Vegetarian Sandwiches - thanks to my friend Brenda for this. She is the best kind of vegetarian. She has no issue with anyone else eating meat - she just doesn't like it. Never has. For this you use fancy, crusty bread, like marble rye or sliced italian bread from the bakery. You spray that squirty kind of dressing, balsamic vinegrette, on each slice and put on it some sliced plum tomatoes, fresh sliced fresh mozzerella (the kind that you buy in a block - slice it thick) and some fresh basil leaves (which taste to me like the way a Christmas tree smells.) Deeelish. Cool on a hot day.
Black bean salsa - I like this on tortilla chips (the scoop kind work good) or on salad with a little ranch. For this you cook some black beans (I'm starting to use the dry kind that you have to soak and rinse and cook - they are more trouble but they taste better and are SO cheap. You can use the canned kind but you have to rinse them good.) and then let them cool. Also, cook some frozen corn and let it cool. Chop up a bunch of fresh cilantro (I would bathe in cilantro, I love it so much.) and mix it with the beans and corn. Then stir in some taco sauce (not salsa, though you can use that if you want. Taco sauce is thin and not chunky. I like it better.), just enough so that it sticks it all together. Salt and pepper and BAM. It tastes best cold.
So there you have my lunches for the week. I would love to know what you like for lunch, besides turkey sandwiches and pb and j! I got tired of those many years ago!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Just Another Day in Paradise
For some strange reason, I am feeling a little pressured to blog. A fellow blogging friend of mine who has not updated her own blog since it last snowed here in SC was giving me some flack. Snow in SC, you ask? Yes, there were 137 flakes that fell about 3 MONTHS ago.
But there were a couple funny things that happened yesterday that I thought I would share. Unfortunately I didn't catch either on film for you so you will just have to take my word for them. In the afternoon, katie was coloring in our room while I worked on the computer. It got quiet for a minute, which means that she is either asleep or no longer in the room because Katie is rarely ever quiet. I called out to her and she wanders in from the bathroom, lips first. At least that's what it looked like because she colored on her lips with a very red marker. I couldn't hold back the laughs. After I recovered, I told her to wash it off because marker can hurt your skin/lips. "But it looks good mom", she said. "I don't care if my lips hurt. I like it!" That about sums up my daughter. I think that similar logic explains why some women like wearing extremely high heels, which she is also fond of!
Later that night, a very Micah thing happened. For those of you that haven't seen him lately, he has become an expert at harrassing his sister. He pinches and grabs and pulls and all those great things. He was sitting in his high chair eating a bedtime snack as Katie strolled by with a stick of string cheese, his favorite. He grabbed that cheese and shoved the whole thing in his mouth so fast that she didn't even see it happen. I think she even tried to take another bite before she realized it was gone! Micah, mouth packed to the lips with cheese, had the most satisfied smile on his face! Katie reacted in her own fast (which is not fast at all) way and tried to pry his mouth open to regain her cheese stick (probably because it was the last one in the bag). That boy has jaws of steel. He smiled so big and gritted his teeth so tight, we couldn't contain the guffaws. She eventually gave up and settled for eating some square cheese, in the other room! We figure that she tortured him for over a year - we'll give him at least a year to get her back!
I know - this is nothing that hasn't happened to everyone else but it was new to us! Just another day in paradise!
But there were a couple funny things that happened yesterday that I thought I would share. Unfortunately I didn't catch either on film for you so you will just have to take my word for them. In the afternoon, katie was coloring in our room while I worked on the computer. It got quiet for a minute, which means that she is either asleep or no longer in the room because Katie is rarely ever quiet. I called out to her and she wanders in from the bathroom, lips first. At least that's what it looked like because she colored on her lips with a very red marker. I couldn't hold back the laughs. After I recovered, I told her to wash it off because marker can hurt your skin/lips. "But it looks good mom", she said. "I don't care if my lips hurt. I like it!" That about sums up my daughter. I think that similar logic explains why some women like wearing extremely high heels, which she is also fond of!
Later that night, a very Micah thing happened. For those of you that haven't seen him lately, he has become an expert at harrassing his sister. He pinches and grabs and pulls and all those great things. He was sitting in his high chair eating a bedtime snack as Katie strolled by with a stick of string cheese, his favorite. He grabbed that cheese and shoved the whole thing in his mouth so fast that she didn't even see it happen. I think she even tried to take another bite before she realized it was gone! Micah, mouth packed to the lips with cheese, had the most satisfied smile on his face! Katie reacted in her own fast (which is not fast at all) way and tried to pry his mouth open to regain her cheese stick (probably because it was the last one in the bag). That boy has jaws of steel. He smiled so big and gritted his teeth so tight, we couldn't contain the guffaws. She eventually gave up and settled for eating some square cheese, in the other room! We figure that she tortured him for over a year - we'll give him at least a year to get her back!
I know - this is nothing that hasn't happened to everyone else but it was new to us! Just another day in paradise!
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