March 31: The End

I made it to the end of the month. There were a few days where I posted the next morning, but I am going to declare my experiment a success. And probably never do it again. Because I've learned something: As much as I adore my kids, as funny as they are, as seemingly unlimited my thoughts may be, some days, I just don't have anything worth saying. Today appears to be one of those days, but I'll give a try with some random stuff from today.

I am tired today. Last night I had a really, really bad dream involving one of the kids, and I am having a hard time shaking it. I didn't get much sleep after it, and I have been thinking about it all day. The kids have been looking at me like I'm crazy because I keep grabbing them for extra hugs. Hopefully, this isn't going to start one of the month- long arcs of bad dreams that I tend toward.

We got the piano tuned today. The guy was really nice, and when he was done, he said very seriously, "It's best to tune a piano every six months, and yours has gone a bit longer than that. The last initials on the tuning log were from .....1986. " As in when I was 11. As in 23 years ago. Nice.

James had a soccer game tonight, and it has permanently cemented my belief that the soccer field has its own weather pattern. It was COLD. But at our house, before and after, it wasn't bad. Hmmmm. It was not his best game-he was sluggish and didn't do much. When we went for Chinese food, he didn't eat much and just kind of sat there. So, it wasn't much of a shock when he began complaining of not feeling well at bedtime. He is asleep now after, ahem, emptying his intestines, so I am hoping that it was just a one time thing!

Josh had a field trip into downtown Portland today. They took all the third graders for a play, a visit to Pioneer Square, and a trip to the waterfront. He had a good time, and I am pretty amazed by the teachers taking all of them to do it!

And a cute Abby story to finish out this last March post: This morning, at about 8:45, Abby disappeared into her room. She came out in a sundress and little tennis shoes with no socks and her sunglasses on. She went over to the front door and opened it. When I asked her what she was doing, she told me she was "feeling the nice warm air." Talk about the power of positive thinking--it was cloudy, dark and 45 degrees.

March 30: Hooray for mopping!

As I mentioned, Abby chose a play mop when given the freedom to choose ANYthing in the toy store with Aunt Lori. She loves it. Like more than she loves candy. And that is A LOT. She mopped Lori's house repeatedly. (And just to show that boys and girls really are different, every time the boys touch it, it becomes a sword or simply a stick to hit your brother with.) She was dying to try mopping with water, but I was a little worried about the results of that one. So, I made up some weak lie about Aunt Lori's floors not being made to be cleaned with water and hoped it would all go away. It didn't. Finally, I appeased her with a promise to mop OUR floors with water.

I thought she had forgotten. She hadn't. So, this afternoon, I gave her a bowl with water and let her mop to her heart's content. When I finally gave in, she shouted, "Hooray! Mopping with water! Hooray for mopping!" What a weird kid.

Now, Abby has been mopping, disaster-free, for twenty minutes. James is even getting in on the action--while Abby dries the wet floor (with just about an entire roll of paper towels, by the way) James takes his turn with the mop. And guess what? He actually mopped with it. Go figure.


The wishy-washy-washer-woman:

She needs to work on her technique a little, but I think I see a fun new reward in our future. It will go something like this: "Abby, if you clean your room, I'll let you mop. Because I'm nice like that."

March 29: Boo-hoo

We spent the day today getting stuff done--school stuff, clean sheets on the beds, groceries, etc. It was boring and a little depressing, but I guess I'll be glad it all got done as we head back into the craziness of real life. I guess. The upcoming week isn't too bad-just a little soccer, dance and piano. And an appointment to get the piano tuned (for the first time in 20+ years, I think) and a dentist appointment for me, where I will be told for the gazillionth time that all my flossing and brushing are still not good enough. I know, right now, you are wishing you were me. BUT in a mere 25 days, you really will--Disneyland, here we come!!

March 28: Heading home

(Edited to add: the weather has finally cleared. We should be safely home soon.)
We are in the car heading home, and I am braving car sickness to avoid looking out at the scary road conditions! So, I figured if I am already going to be nauseous, why not post? It is raining soooooo hard-I am so glad that I am not the one driving.....

Obviously, it is back to the real world for the kids. Sad for them! We had a great time, and we must have said to each other a million times: "Can you believe how easy this trip has been?" We only had to bring blankets, coats and two small suitcases. No one cried in the car. There were no diapers, wipes, or playpens. All three kids are past the destructo stage and all were easily entertained. They can all eat regular food in a regular chair. It was just easy and fun. (Until the drive home, during which I was sure that I was writing my last words more than a few times. Hello, melodrama.) I guess we are entering the short period in our life as a family when we have no difficult, whining toddlers and no difficult, whining teenagers. It kind of makes me want to go on a whole bunch of trips before it is too late!

Wondering about the picture? We stopped at Cabela's (and I will be able to tell a lot about how you grew up if you know what I am talking about here.) In case you don't know, this is a huge sporting goods store of the dead and taxidermied animal variety. They literally have an entire section called "camo." They also have a gun library. Hmmm. But, they also have about two hundred varieties of tents, twenty of which are standing and ready to be played in. Then there are the taxidermied animal displays, which are creepy to me but delightful to my children, who think they are pretend. This one even has an aquarium (with live fish) inside the famous mountain of (dead) animals that you see in the picture. We rode the glass elevator, skipped the ostrich sandwiches (no I am so not kidding) in favor of some gummy bears, and spent a lot of time in the camping gear section. It was like entering a different universe-one I know I don't want to live in and I'm pretty sure it wasn't the dream of those animals either-but a pretty decent way to pass some time on a car trip! We'll be happy to get home!

Artwork

Here are some (yep, you read right, this is only some of them!) of our works of art. From top left: my abstract acrylic that turned out a little more bad art school floral still life than funky cool acrylic; Abby's genuine abstract acrylic which is, oddly enough, supposed to be a flower; John's really cool, definitely arty multi-layer media; James's acrylic, which was, in his words, "a picture of the sky"; Abby's watercolor; and my try at a multi-layer media. Josh didn't have his out, but, as I'm sure you guess, had decidedly non-abstract pieces-pictures of things!

A funny picture

The quality is terrible, but click on it to make it bigger (if you can??) And check out James.
Me: James-don't make a weird face this time.
James: OK
Click!
Me: (laughing) What were you doing? I said no weird faces!
James: I wasn't making a weird face. I was making a pirate face.

Obviously.

March 27: Aunt Lori's Day 3

Whew! Another busy day. After breakfast (chocolate chip pancakes and strawberries, straight off my kids' dream world menu) we decided to go see Monsters vs. Aliens. It was really funny, and besides the fact that it cost 45 dollars (permanently cementing John's opposition to going to the theater--I am pretty sure that heard some mumbling about 1 dollar RedBox movies) I would really recommend it. A couple of scary parts, but plenty of laughs for the adults and great moral messages about liking yourself. Movies are hard for Abby, what with her complete and utter inability to a) sit still and b) produce anything close to a whisper, but she did pretty well. I think the large popcorn helped a bit.
Next, it was off to another park to play a bit (and to make a random friend named Libby for Abby) and then back to the house for a mix and match lunch--the best kind! By this point Nevin was home from work, and we embarked on the next piece of the master plan. John and I were both a little nervous about this one: the art museum. Josh would do great and even James can be counted on to handle quiet places, but Abby? Abby, the megaphone head (as her father affectionately calls her)? Oh, boy.

I shouldn't have worried. Abby and James were whisked off to the "Open Art Studio" pretty much as soon as we walked in by Lori and Nevin, long before Abby could embarrass us with her loud commentary. John, Josh and I toured the galleries, mostly all alone since we were practically the only ones there. Then, we too headed for the studio, sure that we would be leaving immediately because even an auntie's love only goes so far. But we walked into one of the coolest places I've been in a looooong time, and we didn't leave until the museum closed!

It is a classroom-sized room with a wall of windows. In suitcases and containers all over the room are kits to let you try different kinds of art. All are based on a real piece of art and all use real true art supplies. It was like preschool for everyone. I tried my hand at acrylic painting, multi-media art (my favorite!), and making flowers from paper. The kids did that and more--decoupage, jewelry making, drawing, watercolors. It was so fun. Josh got a little stressed about doing it "right" but we all kept encouraging him to try and he settled down. James and Abby just went for it! At closing time, the very nice museum people sweetly but firmly kicked us out or I think we'd still be there!! We quickly took the picture and headed out with all our creations. If you are ever in Tacoma, the art museum is a must do!

Now we are back home, and while Lori creates a taco party (I will be now naming every meal a party so that the kids will cheer and declare the food the best they have ever eaten, by the way) Abby is relaxing her little no-nap-today self in front of The Little Mermaid while the boys (big and little) play some poker. We will probably take a walk again, and I heard that we have those little ice cream Dibs for dessert. It is going to be tough to convince the kids to get in the van to go home tomorrow!

March 26:Aunt Lori's Day 2

Today, we started off with a huuuuge breakfast. Seriously, I may have gained five pounds in one sitting. Then we headed off for the traditional game of putt-putt golf, which Abby got to join in on for the first time. She did well for the first nine holes. For the second nine holes, she flitted from water feature to water feature asking if she could "dip her stick in.". Which was a) vaguely gross sounding and b) a little annoying. But. Still. She was happy. (The picture is of the second nine holes!) Then we went to the go-kart track where the boys of the over 35 variety raced. The rest of us supported them by playing Pop a Shot, pool and pinball. Lunch at a midwest transport chicken place caused me to gain another five pounds comprised of mac and cheese and BBQ chicken sandwich. After a rest time of movies and some sleep (mostly on the part of the adults), it was time for a pizza party. Because Josh mentioned that he missed the pizza place that Lori and Nevin used to own. So, poof, a pizza party complete with hundreds of toppings and homemade dough. Of course. A walk to the park to work off some calories followed, with cake (!!)after that. We are all in another food coma now and preparing to watch some TV before bed.

March 25: Part 2

Soon, we headed out for adventure number one: a GIANT toy store, where each kid was given 30 dollars to spend. The toy store was amazing--think two stories of Hopscotch or Finnegans. They had every possible high quality toy in the world. So after an hour, we left with some playmobil, some Legos, some jewelry, some art stuff and a mop (for my weird, weird daughter) plus some happy kids. Then, we headed into downtown Tacoma for....CUPCAKES at one of those cool stores that sell only heavy, wonderful, butter cream frosted cupcakes. We all got a different flavor, but James in true James fashion declined. We vetoed his veto and picked him a flavor that no one else had. The idea was that we would all share bites, but Mr. James quickly changed his tune and crammed his in before anyone could share!!!

March 25: Last installment

After the walk, we went to the library for movies and books, got chicken, steak, ribs, baked potatoes and pub salads to go and are now playing games, drinking Cosmos and relaxing. Here is Josh (sans Cosmo but in a nice sugar coma from all the treats Aunt Lori bought)....

March 25 Part 3

After cupcakes, we took a long walk in downtown Tacoma, across the glass works bridge, on the waterfront, and worked off a bit of the buttercream. I took a bunch of pics, but here is one random pic from a cold and lovely walk....

March 25: Part One

So, there is a drawback to blogging from my phone: I can only do small messages and a few pictures at once! If you haven't noticed, short is not really my thing. Today was busy, so it may take a few posts to cover it!

John's sister is super fun and with only furry children of her own, she is more than willing to spoil the kids. We arrived (after a near miss on car sickness from Abby) in the early afternoon. The kids, who know from experience that at Lori's anything goes, settled right in.

James and Abby playing some sort of loud game:

Testing 1...2...3

Since we will be out of town, I thought this would be a good time to test out Mobile Blogger. Here is Abby "happily" helping me try posting picture.

March 24ish: On the Road

We are heading up north to John's sisters house (that makes it sound like we are going to the Yukon Territory or something--just Tacoma.) I'll be posting from my Blackberry!

March 23: I'm bored

This morning, we had the girls over. By 11am, the six kids had played Wii, played house, played school, done art projects, played out front, eaten breakfast, eaten snack, played pirates, played board games and gotten out the following items: all babies and baby paraphenilia; all ten thousand Playskool pirate pieces; all the Wii remotes, sports equipment and Rock Band instruments; 27,000 stuffed animals; cars; light sabers; every bit of art stuff from the art drawer; and various blankets and pillows to "make beds." All of this is both normal and totally fine. But right about 11, I started hearing "I'm bored." So I suggested that they help me clean up if they were bored. And you know what? Everyone quickly found something to be fascinated with.

For fun, here are couple pictures of what it looked like just before they all left to head to Teresa's. I skipped the kitchen. If you've ever seen my kitchen on a typical day, you know why.

So not even close to as bad as Abby's room can get. I can still see carpet.

Clean up before you start something new? What? That's crazy talk.

I couldn't get the floor to really show up in the picture. It had just as many art supplies, if not more. Including the rest of that bag of beads. Except they weren't in a bag anymore.

But, BUT, then I had the afternoon to clean and organize to my heart's content. And maybe watch a little TLC while I cleaned. Possibly.

March 22: Peas and Carrots

As in, Abby and preschool go together like. . . . peas and carrots. (Forrest Gump reference, anyone?) As I've mentioned, I signed Miss Abby up for a parent/child Intro to Preschool class. Now, I was under no illusions that Abby needed an introduction to preschool, but I did think that it would be fun for her to have somewhere to go in the mornings without me having to let her go just yet. The class is for ages 18 months to age 3.5. Abby just squeaked in under the wire, going above 3.5 years within the first few weeks. BUT, it did give us access to the way cool preschool room, where the philosophy is "the messier, the better." And it did allow her to be around other kids, albeit much younger kids in some cases. Luckily, Abby is friendly and A-OK with playing with kids of any age. Plus, Carter!! was there. And she did meet a little girl with five older brothers (which made her seem much older than her age--a full year younger than Abby.)

Abby loved, loved, LOVED school. She was thrilled to go each day, and it was clear that me being there was cramping her style. When she goes to preschool in the fall, I know without a doubt that there will be no separation anxiety, no tears, not even a concern. Sadly for her, this little session is over, so on the last day, I took the camera to take pics of her doing her favorite things. I have grand plans of making her a book about "her" school. We all know that is not really going to happen. Ever. But, BUT, here are some pictures of her favorite school activities:

Miss Amanda helping with the paint.

Abby and Carter with their green and orange paint. Typically, there is only one color of paint and then white so that they end up with all diferent versions of the same color. But, Carter wanted orange, and at this school, if you want orange and green, you get orange and green. Even if what you end up with is. . . . .

Brown. As Sarri said, "I'm just glad that I know that it's paint." (See bottom right corner of Abby's picture.) PS This picture makes me giggle because once in ninth grade, I had a boyfriend who was several inches shorter than me, so for weeks, I took every opportunity to slouch down, lean, kneel(like Abby is in this pic!) or sit to make it less obvious. Since she is apparently going to be tall, Abby better either get used to this strategy or date self confident boys.

Favorite activity #2: Climb up in the treehouse/hospital/fire truck. Add every block/toy/car that can fit. Giggle. Repeat.

My favorite activity. It made these really cool gyroscope type pictures when you turned on the old record player. And just to give you an idea of the wide range of parents in the class, one younger dad said, "Hey, I remember seeing one of these once" and another more "mature" dad said,"That one is the exact same one that we had in my elementary school classroom."

Next up: Playdough. Homemade and all-organic, of course. Some days, it had corn meal or oatmeal in it. That did not impress Abby, who dubbed it "dross".

Playing animals with her friend Mary. They really liked each other and I'll be setting up a playdate soon!

She asks me every day when she gets to go to school again. It won't be until next fall, unfortunately for my sanity. But at least I know that she is ready.

March 21: Tired

This has been a long few weeks. Between Battle of the Books, swimming, soccer, homework, work, preschool and volunteering, I have barely even sat down. Tonight, I am tired. Today was relaxing, and now, I plan to watch mindless TV until a late hour. Back tomorrow!

March 20: Existential Boy

Scene: James and I working on some homework. The line on the paper: 3 fishes in the sea. (It really said fishes, but I'm not sure that "fishes" is really a word?)

James: Three ffffffff.... um ffffffffff......
Me: Skip it and we'll come back and figure that one out.
James: OK. Three ..... in the sea.
Me: What starts with "f" and lives in the sea?
James: fffffff...... Moon!! (Despite the fact that reading is coming along, sounding out is clearly kind of hit and miss with him. I hear that some kids are like that??)
Me: The moon doesn't start with ffff. And the moon doesn't live in the sea.
James: (in that oh-so-charming "you are such a fool" tone of voice he has) Um, yes it does.
Me: No, it really doesn't.
James: Well, then where does it sleep during the day, huh? Huh? (Picture a kind of Robert DiNiro/Jersey boy voice here. Kind funny coming out of a five-year old.)
Me: It stays in the sky.
James: No, it doesn't. If it stays in the sky, why can't I see it now? Huh, huh? (It's kind of funny the first time. The second or fifty second time, it loses it's charm.)
Me: (gesturing) Well, the world is round like this. And the moon moves around it. So when we can't see it, someone else in the world can. (I'll be honest here. My own understanding of astronomy is shaky at best, so I was feeling a little uncomfortable by this point.)
James: Noooo way. Are you teasing me?
Me: No, that's really true.
James: Like who can see it? Who? God? Can God see it?
Me: Ummmmm, yeah. Let's go with that. . . . .

March 19: Curly hair is for girls!

James decided several months ago that he wanted to grow his hair out. And after a loooooong awkward period, I like how it looks. It takes a lot longer than I'd like in the mornings, but it is taking on a cool, shaggy, skater boy look that suits him. When he was a baby, he had beautiful blond curls that I literally cried over cutting, and now that it is longer, there is a definite wave to his hair that I just love.

In the morning, it MUST be wetted down and combed to make it lay down. We do this right before school, so when James sees it, it is plastered down to his head. And then, because he is a boy, he never looks in a mirror again all day. But on Saturday after a very rainy soccer game, his sweet little waves were out in full force. He caught a glimpse of himself and said, and this is a direct quote, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH. GET ME A HAIRCUT! I HAVE CURLY HAIR. CURLY HAIR IS FOR GIRLS!!!!" And then more quietly, "Mom, seriously. Get me a haircut."





We have yet to do it because his hair is so cute, but just in case we do, here is a picture of the curls (which are more like cute wavy flips than curls) for posterity:

If he is going for no curls, I think that haircut better come sooner than later!

March 19: Happy Birthday Girls!

Just about exactly seven years ago, the phone rang. I had been waiting anxiously for the call for hours. I said hello, and Beth told me the good news: Mary and Laura had arrived. They were tiny and healthy and everyone was well. I was desparately hoping for a second baby of my own, and I knew that Teresa's new little girls would give me babies to snuggle while I waited. (And did they ever! It would be another fifteen months before James made his appearance, but I never lacked for a baby--or two-- to fill my arms each weekday morning.)

I loved them as soon as I saw them in the hospital. And I have watched these two sweeties grow up, and I am so amazed to see them now. They are so different but so close and such fun girls. I can't believe that seven years have passed!

Since I wrote a message to each of my kids on their birthdays, it seems only fitting that my "other daughters" get messages on their birthdays too.

Laura, I love that you are a nurturer. You have been that way since you couldn't even talk, and you are always the one to think of other people. You are also serious and down-to-earth, yet you can giggle with the best of them. In many ways, you are more like me than your sisters, so I hope that as you get older, I can be someone you can turn to. I love the person you are growing up to be! Happy, happy birthday Lovely Laura!

Mary, I love that you are a dreamer. You are creative and whimsical (and because you are you, you will probably know that word even though you just turned seven) and have so many ideas in your head. You and I share something really important--we both love to talk. It is a great personality trait, if I do say so myself. If you ever get in trouble for talking at school, you'll know that I will understand! I love the person you are growing up to be, too! Happy, happy birthday Magnificent Mary!

March 18: A Cute Idea

There are about ten million versions of this floating around on blogs and facebook, but I picked one that I had seen and then added my own question at the end. The idea is that you ask your kids questions about yourself and then type their answers just how they say them. Really, you are supposed to do it individually, but I did ask them all together. Their answers are cute (and sometimes a little offensive!) so enjoy. PS If you note how many times my kids say something about cleaning, you'd think that my house would be the cleanest in the world!

1. What is something Mom always says to you?
Josh: Just do it and stop whining.
James: Get your work done.
Abby: Clean up!
(OK, now I feel guilty.)

2. What makes Mom happy?
Josh: When you are a good kid.
James: When the house is clean.
Abby: When we be nice to each other.
(That's a little better.)

3. What makes Mom sad?
Josh: When we destroy the house.
James: When people are mean.
Abby: When you don't be happy.

4. How does Mom make you laugh?
Josh: With unfunny jokes.
James: Being silly.
Abby: When us be silly.

5. What was Mom like when she was a child?
Josh: Just like me.
James: Liked baby dolls.
Abby: You played with baby dolls.

6. How old is your mom?
Josh: 35 (Hey!)
James: 36 (What?!)
Abby: 10 (That's why she is my favorite. Smirk.)

7. How tall is your mom?
Josh: Five foot nine (um, no)
James: 40 inches
Abby: (standing on her tiptoes) This tall. Too tall so you can make dinner.

8. What is mom's favorite thing to do?
Josh: Go to the beach
James: Have a party
Abby: Go to Target (too true)

9. What does mom do when you are not around?
Josh: Clean
James: Have a little party (really?)
Abby: Put on your jammies. (This girl has me all figured out!)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Josh: Ummmmmm, best teacher award?
James: Cause you went around the whole world and said hello to everybody.
Abby: Making a candy (she wishes)

11. What is your mom really good at?
Josh: Being a good mom
James: Games
Abby: Candyland

12. What is mom not really good at?
Josh: Geometry (true story)
James: Bending over (I have no idea, but I will not let John see this--he would be too amused.)
Abby: Poker

13. What does mom do for her job?
Josh: Teacher
James: School
Abby: Clean up

14. What is mom's favorite food?
Josh: Chocolate! Hey can we change our answer? Then, peaches.
James: I know it's not broccoli. Um, vanilla.
Abby: Green beans and carrots and strawberries. (I am proud that she thinks this.)

15. What you makes you proud of mom?
Josh: When you made that speech to the school board
James: To make our beds.
Abby: Cleaning up and getting candy

16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be?
Josh: Does it have to be a cartoon? Then Carly from iCarly. (I love her!)
James: Dora (must be my accent and dark hair?)
Abby: A pizza girl, I mean a Wendy girl.

17. What does mom love the best about you?
Josh: My good soul (true, but what an answer!)
James: Happy heart (last kid I thought would say this one!)
Abby: You love me because you read me books.

March 17: Piano Lessons

When I was a kid, I took piano lessons. My piano teacher was kind of kooky, a hippie ex-teacher who lived up in the country, but she was nice. I will not lie and say that I was the best practicer or that I am at all talented at the piano, but I have always been glad that I learned to play a musical instrument.

I got my Master's right before Josh was born, and my parents gave me their piano as a gift. (I am aware that since no one else plays, it was really just taking up space at their house, but it was really nice all the same.) The piano has mostly just sat in the front room, unused. It is hopelessly out of tune, and in our tiny house, either the kids are up and bothering me too much to actually play or the kids are down and my playing would bother them.

Since Josh was a tiny little guy who loved to bang on the keys, I have had this image in my mind of him playing like Beethoven. Unfortunately, unless you actually are Beethoven, you are not going to just start playing beautifully. So, for the past four years or so, I have intended to call and find him a piano teacher. I have even gone so far as to ask some musically inclined people for suggestions. But actually setting up lessons? Not so much. Luckily for Josh, Teresa is more of a "take action" person. She not only asked for teacher recommendations, she actually CALLED someone. And signed Diana up. They liked the teacher, and so finally, months later, I signed Josh up too.

He has been surprisingly excited. He is a little mad that I am making him learn piano before learning something more cool and exciting like the guitar or drums. But my theory is that you need to learn the instrument you own first, so piano it is. He has been talking about all week, and after his first lesson, he was all smiles and told me that it was really fun.

As soon as we got home, he got right to practicing. (As a side note, if he practices every day for six weeks, he gets five dollars. I probably would have practiced more if I got paid for it!) He can already play a few little songs, and he is really proud of himself. He just told me as he left the piano (after 20 minutes) that he thought it was going to be boring, but it isn't. AT ALL. (Emphasis all his.) I'm sure the honeymoon will end soon, but it's nice to see him excited about it.

Beethoven at work:

Beethoven, annoyed that his mom is taking pictures, but smiling anyway:

Beethoven 2.0 (and if you look carefully, Beethoven 3.0):

March 16: Where are all the pictures?

My mom is a great photographer. She is also a, shall we say, prolific photographer, one who hears sighs and grumbles when she gets the camera out. Which is all the time. Luckily, she has always ignored the complaining because I have a life well-documented in photos. Every birthday, every dance, every event, everyday life. It's all there, in color, ready to trigger memories.

I did not inherit her love of the camera. I don't take great pictures and am lucky to even get the occasional passable photo. I find it cumbersome and annoying to have a camera with me all the time, and I feel like I am missing things when I am always looking through the lens. Although I love the pictures later, my subconscious must take over because I am always forgettting the camera. Blogging has really made me notice my picture-taking deficiency because I am always thinking "I wish I had a picture of that!" as I write.

This month, I have posted 15 blog posts. Exactly 2 have contained pictures. I'm surprised that people even keep reading (sorry, Anna!) For the sake of all of those who only like pictures, here are some pics my mom took last weekend. . .

Josh in all his awkward, adorable third grade glory. Third graders are awesome because they almost have it pulled together, but there is always hair sticking out or snaggleteeth (or both) to remind you that they are still little kids.

James. Mr. Mishievous. You can tell he is plotting his next adventure even as he sits there with his charming (and slightly mocking) smile.

Abby, the happiest girl on earth. Wild and crazy and loveable. You can tell that she would barely sit still long enough to get photographed.

And really, don't they all have the prettiest eyes? Who knew there were so many shades of light eyes?

March 15: Oops!

Let's pretend that today is really yesterday. Because I forgot to post last night--this every day thing is harder than I thought it would be.

At least "today," gave me a blog topic. . .

Today was Mary and Laura's 7th birthday party. Somehow, the little baby twins that I have babysat all these years have turned into big, grown-up 7 year olds. With grown-up teeth and soccer uniforms and chapter books that they can read on their own. Their official birthday is not until Thursday, but at our house, they are now seven. (Hey, you try explaining the difference between a birthday and a birthday party to a three year old!) The party was at a "Family Fun Center," which should really be re-named "Children's Fun Center; Adult Get-Through-The-Experience-For-The-Sake-Of-The-Children Center. Unless you are John or Steve--they seem to genuinely love that place.

The kids got pizza and pop and ice cream sundaes and tokens and wrist bands to go on the Frog Hopper and into the playland as much as they wanted. You know, all the things that make a seven year old's birthday party just about perfect. There were a lot of lights flashing, noises blaring and kids running in circles. My kids LOVED it! Josh and Diana got to go off on their own because, of course, they are sooo grown-up now. James got to be included in a party with older kids, and Abby got to spend the day following the closest people she will ever have to sisters. We had a great day! Happy Birthday, Mary and Laura!

March 14: Today was....

Very long. I got up at 6:30 (which should be banned for all Saturdays) to get myself ready, make breakfast and pack all the things necessary for two rainy soccer games, Battle of the Books and keeping all the children happy during those activities.

We started at Battle of the Books. It was regionals today, the end of this great experience for the Lightning Readers. The kids did well, coming in tenth place. Unfortunately (or luckily, depending on just how tired a person might be of hearing "In which book....") only the top eight teams progressed to the next round. The kids were
disappointed, there were some tears, but we all headed out feeling fine (eventually.) I'm proud of them for getting as far as they did, and we are looking forward to next year.

We rushed off to Josh's game next. He changed into his gear in the car, and off we went, into the rain. Josh had a good game, but the weather was so miserable. I kept thinking that James's game couldn't get worse.

After a warm and cheesy lunch (cheesy Mexican food is on all diets as long as it is consumed when a person is FREEZING! Ask anyone) we discovered that I was wrong. It was even worse than miserable. James scored two goals and it is always fun to see him in his element, but sooooo not fun weather.

After the game, we headed home to thaw out. The boys got into a warm tub, and I climbed into my warm bed, where I took a nap. We spent the rest of the day hanging out and doing nothing. It was awesome and the perfect ending to a crazy week!

March 13:Diet Disaster

As I have mentioned before, I started the new year with a resolution to make better food choices. Things went well in January-I lost seven pounds and was eating lots of fruits and veggies.I was even exercising. The first two weeks of February were pretty good, with some slip ups and some missed exercise. BUT, I still lost two pounds and managed to cut all diet pop out my diet.

So on Valentine's Day, I had lost nine pounds and was exercising four times a WEEK (edited from four times a day--thanks Judy!) Pretty good, huh?

Sadly, as of today, I have lost.... nine pounds. Hmmm. Also, this week? Not even one minute of exercise. And tonight at dinner? I drank Root Beer--the kind full of high fructose corn syrup or mercury or something. I could blame it on our crazy schedule or stress or whatever. But the truth is that I like to eat. Ice cream and Mexican food, specifically. Plus, exercise? Not my favorite pasttime.

So the last month has been a bust. But next week, things start anew. And you can believe it's true because I just ate giant bowl of ice cream-the universal sign for "my diet, I mean my lifestyle change, starts in the morning."

March 12: Water Baby

Abby has a face that doesn't lie. Her emotions show through in her face and her posture so much that I can tell from across the room what she is feeling. Although it is one of my favorite things about her, it will probably be her biggest curse. Her emotions are big, good or bad, and it really is one of my favorite things about her.

Tonight, at swimming, my friend CB said, "I like how Abby never stops smiling." And when I really looked at her, I could see that it was true. She smiles as she plays, floats, "swims," and both as she goes in and comes out of the water. You can see how much she loves it. Abby feels and shares her pure joy when she feels it. It is sweet and makes me smile. And it is the reason why at the end of this crazy week (a week when we have eaten dinner after seven most nights because that has been the first time we've been home) I just about stopped at the counter at the pool to register her for more classes. I didn't. But I can't promise that I won't before we are done with lessons next Thursday!

March 11: Go Cougars!

I am so proud of the Lightning Readers. They battled their little hearts out tonight. Josh was so nervous, and when we walked into the auditorium to see that the teams would be seated up on the stage, I heard a sharp intake of breath and an "Oh, my gosh" very quietly at my side. As team captain, he had to say the answers into a microphone too.I would have died if it were me. Luckily, he has more composure than his mother! The nerves showed in both teams with a very low scoring round, which the Lightning Readers did win. They turned things around in their second battle, and scored enough points to come in third place! Josh was really proud of himself-as we left, he said, "Wow! We are the third best out of our whole entire town!" Sweet boy.

Now, we have a few days off and then it's on to regionals on Saturday!!

March 10: A cheater. A whining cheater.

I am cheating just a little. It's really March 9, but I am going to write this and then post it tomorrow. Clever, huh?

Today, Abby had dance and she got her "costume." Now, this costume cost $55 dollars, which is ridiculous, but expected. (The people who own costume companies are probably the only people who are NOT suffering in this economy, what with their 3000% mark-up and all. ) I remember costume day when I danced. It was soooo exciting. So, when I saw the plastic bags with something on a hanger, I was more than thrilled! Abby handed hers to me. It was a plain, tank style pink leotard. There was no lace, no ribbons, no sequins, no sparkle. Nothing at all to make a three year old giddy with excitement. What?? I was assured that it has a big fluffy long tutu coming, but I was NOT impressed. If I pay $55 dollars, I want to see some a little girls dream, not some plain pink leotard. Not cool.

Josh had a soccer game tonight. Since we had snow off and on all day, I wondered if it might get cancelled. Nope. This is spring soccer, after all. Cancelled games are for sissies. Sissies who actually don't want their fingers to fall off from frostbite. Not for true soccer people like us! The game was a bit rough. Rough in the a-team-who-we-should-have-slaughtered-beat-us sense. But Josh did well--he scored the only goal and had quite a few shots on goal. As we were leaving, the coach informed us that although Wednesday night practice had originally been cancelled (due to the fact that the team had games on Saturday, Monday, Thursday, Saturday this week,) there would, in fact, be practice. The team needed "work." That is just ridiculous. Eight and nine year olds should not have soccer five days in a week. Last time I checked, they are not on a MLS team. (Which would be obvious to anyone who watched the game tonight. Hee-hee.) Josh has Battle of the Books, but because he's Josh, he is currently trying to figure out how he can do both. Blech.

I had a grumpy day (can you tell?) Tuesday is going to be crazy too, but I am working my way up to an attitude adjustment. Tune in tomorrow to see if it worked.

March 9: Um, Mommy?

(I know that James is getting too old for me to tell stories like this, but it was pretty funny. . .)

About 4 this morning, James can into my room. Pretty unusual for him--I can't remember the last time he came in for anything. He is more the "sit in his bed yelling for me" kind of kid, and even that doesn't happen very often.

But this morning, here he came. . .

James: (in an all too chipper voice) Um, Mommy?
Me: (in a completely NOT chipper voice) What?
James: For some reason, my bed is all wet.
Me: Did you wet the bed?
James: No. My underwear aren't wet.
Me: (checking said underwear) Hmmm. Well, maybe you are just sweaty. Go back to bed.
James: OK, Mommy.
Me: zzzzzzz.

Two minutes later:

James: Um, Mommy?
Me: WHAT?
James: It's really wet. I think Abby spilled water in it.
(obviously that is the best explanation)
Me: I don't think Abby spilled water in your bed while you were sleeping. Did YOU spill water in your bed?
James: Maybe?

Finally realizing that discussing this at 4 am isn't the most efficient way of getting back to sleep for either us, I headed out to his room.

Me: (smelling the unmistakable smell of urine) James, I think you did wet your bed.
James: But my underwear is dry.
Me: (now feeling for the wet spot--and finding a soaking-wet, yucky spot) I don't know how that happened, but you definitely did wet the bed. Ahhhhhh! Yuck! What am I standing on?
James: Oh, my other underwear.
Me: I thought you said your underwear wasn't wet.
James: They aren't. See? Feel them!
Me: Are those new underwear?
James: (with pride) Yep. I changed when I felt the spiderman ones were wet.

At the time, I was not amused. Now, I think it's pretty funny. And because I am such a fantastic mother, I went and got a towel and a fleece blanket to put over the pee. And then I had him lie right back down on top. We both went back to sleep, and it wasn't until this morning that I realized that many months ago, I had taken the plastic cover off his bed because he never has night time accidents. (This is true. He potty trained himself at age two and has only wet the bed maybe six times in his whole life.) A pee soaked mattress is not so funny. Not funny at all.

March 8: Time Change

Right this minute, I have two boys running around, yelling and wrestling, which is a) against the rules for inside the house and b) a sure sign that they are overly tired. I also have one girl reclined on the couch whining and moaning, "Moooooooommmmmmmy." She is even managing to conjure up a pathetic tear here and there.

Although it is bedtime, since we sprung forward today, their little internal clocks should be reading 7 o'clock. Unfortunately, their little internal clocks did not get the memo. I hate the time change. Is there a petition I can sign somewhere that would convince someone, somewhere to get rid of it? Could I video the fun times at my house right now and send it to Congress or something? Or how about you, Obama? I know you read my blog, so listen up. You may not be able to fix the economy or end the war or feed the hungry or get health care to everyone in any kind of timely manner, but you could make the parents of young children all over the United States happy so easily. Like tomorrow. Or since everyone seems to expect miracles from you, how about you invent a time machine, go back in time to March 7 and get rid of today's time change? That seems reasonable to me.

Off to quiet the beasts.

March 7: Um, thanks?

Abby likes to talk. This is the understatement of the century. She has lots to say, and even when she runs out, she'll make something up or ask a random question or repeat something that she has already said. (I have no idea where she may have gotten this tendency toward excessive talking. Really, NO idea.)

This is a typical conversation:

Abby: Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?
Me: What Abby?
Abby: (for at least five solid minutes) I love unicorns. They are pretty and white and have a sparkly horn and Barbie has one and did I mention I love unicorns? And glitter? Oh, I could go on for hours about my love of glitter. Hey, I think Iwill go on for hours. (you may think this is exaggerated. It's not.)
Me: Huh.
Abby: Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?
Me: What Abby?
Abby: (having run out of glitter and unicorns and cats and blue sky to discuss) I like you Mommy.
Me: I like you too Abby.

Repeat at least four hundred times a day, except replace unicorns and glitter with other topics. Or don't.

Yesterday, the kids were with me at school. Sometimes Abby is forced into quiet at my school, what with the big middle schoolers who look at her and the grown-ups asking about her hair and the middle school teachers making jokes she doesn't quite get. Today, she went nearly a minute in silence after a SCARY sixth grader asked her what her name was. Soon, however, the silence got to be too much for her.

Abby: Mommy? Mommy? Hey, Mommy? (seriously, she never pauses to let me respond which drives me C-R-A-Z-Y.)
Me: What Abby?
Abby: I love you so much Mommy.
Me: (feeling guilty for getting frustrated with her now) That's nice of you say, sweetie. I love you so much, too.
Abby: Mommy? (Because, you know, I could have stopped listening in the nannosecond since I had responded.)
Me: WHAT Abby?
Abby: I love you so much even though you are annoying.
Me: What??
Abby: You are annoying, but I love you so much!
Me: Huh.

I'm annoying??!!??

March 6: Proud Mama

If you already know what Battle of the Books is, skip to paragraph two. In Oregon (and probably other states, but I don't know for sure) there is a reading competition called Battle of the Books. There is a list of 16 books (most related to Oregon or written by an Oregon author) and kids who read the books get into teams of four. Then there are competitions where different teams compete against each other (hence the "Battle") to see who can get the most knowledge questions about the books correct. There are two age brackets: third to fifth grade and sixth to eighth grade. The teams battle in their own school, then at the district level, then regional, and then finally state. It is a big deal in many Oregon schools--in Josh's school alone, there were around 30 teams of four.

Josh and three friends decided they wanted to give Battle of the Books a try. So, we started reading the books. Some he read on his own, some I read to him and some we read together. Several, he read multiple times. Some of the books were long, so it was quite an undertaking. But, by the time the battle started, he had read 14 of the 16 on the list at least once. So had the other kids on his team. Between the four of them, they had all the books covered well.

The battles began in January and once a week or so, Josh's team would battle at lunch. I had prepared him carefully that this was a "learning year," that he should just have fun and not worry about winning. They were only third graders after all. But then they started winning. And then winning some more. By this past week, they were in the top four! Wednesday was the semi-final. Whichever team won that battle would go on to the finals. It was the first time I had watched a battle, and it was amazing. They were so calm and composed and man, did they ever know those books!! They won, beating the team of fifth graders fairly easily.

Today brought the finals. Whoever won today's battle would go on to districts (and, in Josh's favorite part, would get their name on the Battle of the Books plaque.) The other team had not lost even one battle. They were fourth graders, and really smart ones at that. To be honest, I didn't really know if Josh's team had a chance. Each team answered question after question correctly. At the end of round one, the teams were tied. The second round is much harder, asking questions that focus on a very specific details from the books. Josh's team stayed cool. They were focused and calm, although by this point, Josh's cheeks were bright red and I was pretty sure that I could see a film of sweat on his forehead from the audience. On the second to the last question, the other team answered incorrectly. That threw the question to Josh's team. Although they also got it wrong, that meant that neither team got the points and Josh's team still had their last question left in the round. If they answered it correctly, they would win. If they answered it incorrectly, the other team would have a chance to answer it, putting them in position to win. The librarian read the question, and as soon as I heard it, I knew they would get it. And they did. Lewis and Clark needed a guide who spoke which language? Shoshone, of course. The look on Josh's face when he realized they had won was priceless. It takes so much to get him excited, but when he does, it is the best thing ever. A big smile and a quick bounce in his seat later, he received a medal (!!) and congratulated the other team on a hard fought battle. I just about cried. I probably would have if I hadn't been so intent on slowing down my heart rate before I had a stroke.

I am so proud of these four kids. They battled with composure and good sportsmanship and amazing memories. They are off to the district battle this Wednesday where they will battle the five other top teams in our town. And who knows? They just might win. If they don't, they will have had the best experience and gotten really, really excited about books and reading and the spirit of competition. And (to be really cheesy) that is the best prize of all.

PS I, of course, did not have my camera. But check out Teresa's blog for a picture of the Lightning Readers with their winning medals! While you are there, you can appreciate that some people don't have to write a novel to get their point across. You know, the kind of people who actually bring their cameras to important events in their children's lives.

March 5: A Decade.

I don't even know what made me realize this, but ten years ago this week, I nervously headed up the elevator to see an OB/GYN for the OB part of their speciality for the very first time. I left the appointment with a due date, a diaper bag (I never have been able to figure this one out--here's a gift that you can use in 259 days. Enjoy!) some formula (see last set of parentheses) and a fresh, never been opened copy of What to Expect. Although I don't remember the appointment at all, I remember leaving. John was with me, and we were pretty quiet on the way back down. October 26. The day we would become a family of three. The day everything would change. I was nervous and excited and more than a little nauseous and positive I'd be bringing home a Scorpio daughter. (Some of that was true. Josh is a Libra. And a boy. But he did make us a family, and everything certainly changed.)

That was a DECADE ago. As in a time period long enough to earn itself a name. I can't seem to wrap my mind around that. Ten years is a long time. This makes me feel old. Really, really old.

March 4: Funny boy

James and I have been working on gratitude. Every day, I ask him to tell me one thing that happened that day that made him happy. Then I say something like "Aren't you a lucky boy that you got to play with your friends at recess?" or something equally cheesy, while he ooks at me with slight annoyance. Sorry, buddy, I just want you to see the good in life no matter how irritating the process may be.

Tonight, the kids had swimming. Every one had been happy and cooperative all evening. No one cried or forgot their shampoo or yelled at a sibling. So, leaving the parking lot, I turned in the direction of Starbucks instead of the direction of home, thinking a warm drink sounded like a perfect antidote to a damp, cold March night. In keeping with the happy spirit of the evening, no one even complained that I was getting them kid sized drinks. They all agreed it was a fun surprise, making it ever so much fun to surprise them!

James ordered a peppermint hot chocolate (Josh and Abby got Vanilla Cremes.) I heard lots of yums, and thanks mommys from the mouths of Josh and Abby. James was quiet until suddenly, he said:

"Oooooh, Mommy. This is just like heaven! I think they gave me double peppermint. Hey, that's another something that made me happy today! I think that I am really lucky."

Josh and I both laughed, which immediately offended James, causing him to back peddle like crazy, pretending that he had NOT spontaneously been grateful for something. I assured him that we laughed because he was so cute and sweet and funny (just like heaven? Is he 94?) At that point, he repeated "This is just like heaven!" all the way home. To reward him for his great attitude, Josh and I laughed every time, even though it really wasn't funny. It was the least we could do.

March 3: 2 Social Butterflies and a mini-me

A fact about me, which no one who knows me will believe: I hate to talk to people I don't know. I get uncomfortable when the gas station attendant starts a conversation. It is hard for me to respond to other moms in a store when they start to talk to me. I don't even love ordering in restaurants. Although I work on this and feel like it has gotten better, it all just feels awkward, and I am instantly transported back in time to seventh grade. I have great friends, and once I do start talking, I never (NEVER) stop, but those first few conversations kill me. And you will always find me asking someone, anyone, to talk to strangers for me.

Josh has always been like me. At the playground, you never see him go up and approach another kid, and even when other kids initiate the conversation, he is reserved and relieved when it's over. I totally get him. He has friends and loves to talk with them, but he will be happy with the good friends he has and never feel the need to branch out very far.

The other two? They definitely take after their dad. (John can and will talk to anyone about anything. The funny thing? He is very quiet around people he knows and likes. We just couldn't be more opposite in this area (and others.)) In a social situation, I watch my two youngest with awe, and in moments of solidarity, sometimes Josh will catch my eye and shake his head a little as if to say "Can you believe this!??" as we watch them together.

James is a "buddy" guy. He will find the child on the playground closest to his age and most likely to want to play Star Wars and simply stand near him or her. Then suddenly that child is dying to play with him, and Mr. Cool will casually agree. Everyone wants to be with him. Why? My theory is that his happiness and satisfaction is not at all dependent on whether or not someone actually plays with him. There is just something about aloofness and self-confidence that draws other people in, I guess. He'll probably be class president someday with the campaign slogan of "Vote for me, if you want. I don't really care." It will be a landslide victory.

Abby, on the other hand, is a "best friend" kind of girl. She zeroes in on a little girl (it's almost always a girl) no matter where we are. School. Dance class. A classroom at her brothers's school. The park. Swimming. The line at Starbucks. Anywhere. She will find a best friend and within minutes, she will have learned her friend's names, hobbies, background, and probably already began to be, ahem, a leader in the friendship. (Sounds nicer than bossy, huh?) Then, she will talk about her new friend for seven solid days, filling me in on all the juicy details. If she ever sees that child again, the friendship is instantly renewed as she happily chatters on and on. Her face lights up when she sees any of her friends--her friends from birth all the way to her "friend" from that one time at Starbucks. She will always have friends because her happy spirit is irresistible.

When I was pregnant with Josh, I worried a lot about whether he and my future children would have friends. I didn't know people with babies. And I was so terrible at meeting new people--wouldn't my kids be the loneliest kids in the world? I couldn't have been more wrong. I'm so happy that within their own comfort zones, each of my kids have made and maintained some of the sweetest friendships in the world.

March 2: A Fish!

Sometimes, John takes Josh out to "the pond" to fish. (I'm pretty sure "the pond" is the one by the state prison, which I think is weird, but John assures me that it's not.) Josh has the patience to fish, and he loves to get to go somewhere with just Dad. (James wouldn't go out to the pond in winter if you paid him. He actually doesn't really love fishing ever, but certainly not when you have to layer up to stay warm. I think he gets that from me. . .)

Josh is always begging for a new pole, and unbeknownst to me, "we" had a deal that if he caught a fish longer than 12", he gets a new fishing pole.

Josh and his rainbow trout. And a random stranger. I guess "we"owe him a new pole!

March 1: Poker Face

I can't believe it's March already! How can two months of 2009 be gone already? Ever since Sarri posted her first of 28 "Things I Love" post at the beginning of February, I have been trying to think of some clever way to shamelessly copy her, but have it be related to March. Because a "Things I Love" post each day of Valentine's month is really cute. But March? March is boring. I thought of several cheesy things that have to do with St. Patrick's Day, but they are too dorky to mention. I tried to think of things related to spring, but I've got nothing. So, with no clever, holiday themed plan, I'm going to attempt to post something each day in March. I'm not going to lie--there may be some post-dated postings happening. But hopefully, only those readers who have Google Reader (or are my mom, who checks each day) will catch me at that.

Today's installment of, um, posts named oh-s0-coolly for the date they were posted:

We had game night on Saturday night. The kids choices of games? Candyland and poker. Hmmm. Interesting combo. (And I'll thank you to keep your judgy and your "gambling is bad, blah, blah, blah" to yourself--it's fun, plus there are peole who make a perfectly decent living playing poker. Just because my kids know what "ante up" does not mean we are bad parents. Really. It doesn't.) James had made some, ahem, poor choices earlier in the day and had managed to lose twenty minutes of game time. (All of which he spent on his bed announcing that it wasn't fair, and he hadn't really done anything wrong, and who ever heard of losing privileges for complaining, and hmpph!!!) When the beeper finally beeped, he rushed out to join the poker game. I had yet to play poker with him, but I had heard that he is quite the player. He's all: I'm all in. And then he's all: Three A's and two K's is good right? All the while, he is completely sweeping the table. The only thing he needs to work on is his poker face. I managed to snap his picture right as he glanced at a particularly good hand. . . .

Uh, I fold, Mr. Sweet-and-Sour-Chicken-all-over-your-shirt. I am sooo out.