A Day in the Life

Nora is four!

2010-01-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to keep up with the blog I find it neccesary to add these pics of a very important event. Nora turned four. We are officially out of the baby stages and we can feel it, life is getting easier and we are enjoying Nora's ever emerging charasmatic personallity!

The Overscheduled Child

2009-12-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

Mine? Not yet. But I have to admit as the kids get older, I am noticing that more and more of their classmates and friends are becoming skilled at something. Whether it be piano, gymnastics or karate, I am starting to feel the pressure.

In my perfect scenario, my kids would play happily for hours, outside and inside with their educationally stimulating and non-toxic toys. We would bake, sing, read and sew together all the while completely enjoying each other's company. And of course we would live in that idyllic house in the country, with good neighbors not too far away.

And we do actually do a lot of this, just yesterday we made play dough and then constructed pirate ships for over an hour. Today, we told Christmas stories and made pipe cleaner candy canes. Pumpkin muffins are in our near future.

Something else I did today was to sign Drew up for soccer and Nora for gymnastics. The fact of the matter is, Drew is so ready to be a star, he is competitive and athletic and has an enormous appetite for all things sports related. He is his Daddy's son. Nora is a gymnast in the waiting. She hangs and climbs on everything and also has a large amount of grace. (Again, Daddy's genes.)

So as we head in to the "school years", I am dragging my the mud. I don't want to give away our family life to extras. And I have heard one too many times about the excessive homework.

How do I protect my kids and family from the rat race this early in life? How do I ensure that they have plenty of free time, outdoor time, and cozy family time? I am not sure, I think being aware of how quickly it can all spin out of control is the first step. I also think finding the division between my needs and my children's needs is key.

Because although I am dragging mine, their feet are ready for running and kicking and jumping and leaping, and becoming confident in the world around them. This crazy new world that is waiting for them.

Quote of the Day

2009-09-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Drew after a nice breakfast on Sunday,

"I feel like we are in a chapter book." He thinks, "You know, I always feel like that."

Not quite sure what this means but the sincerity is palpable!

To be or not to be...

2009-09-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Nora at our garage sale, we sold the baby stuff! So much work but it paid well. We have since cleaned and organized pretty much the entire house and painted the bathroom and kitchen, painted all the hardware, new curtains and decorations. All we have left to do is put in new light fixtures and the bathroom floor. That is unless we decide to paint all the wood white (which we both agree would be nice). But this has taken many weekends and we are definitely needing one off!

Tomorrow is Nora's first day of preschool and Drew will be in kindergarten until two. What does that mean for me? Two hours of my own time! Well, really and hour and a half but who's counting. I can't believe I am the mom saying that I will relish the fact that my kids are gone but heck, I have broken all expectations of being a perfect mother so far, why stop now. (It helps that the kids love school and I love our school too, it is a cooperative and a chance for me to meet some surprisingly hip mamas.) Here is what I have planned to do in my short time, eye doctor, garden (the eggplants and peppers are still coming in), make dinner (lentil loaf), read (Peace is Every Step- Thich Nhat Hahn and A Shooting Star- Stegner), walk Jake, pick up the house, go through my science stuff and clean up the heap that landed in the basement after cleaning out almost every closet/room in the house. What I really will do? Probably eye doctor, dinner and water the garden. Ahhh.

While having decluttered and painted the kitchen does feel great I am trying to remember that this order is only temporary. That our life is not very orderly and all I have is the present, a time to be with my 3 and 6 year old. Why do I have to work at that so much? After talking to many stay-at-homers through the years, I think it comes with the territory. Here we are, well educated, life-loving women who basically labor in repetitive tasks day in and out. And sometimes just want to sit down in a nice clean space! So much time to think, no time whatsoever to act on it. Think I'm whining? You try it.

So as my kids slowly break away from our nest, I am really relishing these years, and trying to be at peace with the clutter and the paycheck that never comes.

More Tride Pics

2009-08-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

These are the last of the pictures including Drew's big camp out with Val. Drew went to camp for two weeks, a highlight was rockclimbing. When asked what he thought he could do after climbing so high, he said, "eat salad". There are also a few of my camp, BOOM! I had a great time doing all kinds of exploding science experiments with the kids and their instuctors, Jeremy and Emily Scott.(Not to be confussed with my sister)....

Around Town...

2009-08-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Trip to Telluride

2009-08-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

This one was taken by Nora.

Party in the hotey! Happy Sixth Birthday Drew!

Drew's perfect dinner, pizza and a large chocolate chip cookie.

My little Diva, she really isn't flipping me off- yet.

Ready to roll.

He brings home the bacon then fries it up in a pan.

2009-07-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

So many mama bloggers post (brag) about their husbands and I thought it was high time I did so here. Here is why I am entering Val into the best husband and father of all time competition.

If I am in bed, he will bring me a glass of water or tea without hesitation.

He is so trusting of people. He is always so transparent and non -judgemental and although that can get him into trouble with manipulative people, it is still a beautiful way to be.

He can let things go, and helps me to let things go all the time.

He does the laundry, all of it.

He pays the bills.

He plays baseball with Drew all of the time and tenderly tucks his hair under his cap when needed.

He monitors the kids "ouchies" with a doctors eye and a nurse's touch.

He encourages me to make new friends, spend time away and pursue my own interests.

He cuddles up with Nora and takes long naps with her on the weekends.

He tells Nora she is beautiful, just like her mama.

He fixes Nora's hair and gets her dressed even in the face of doing it all wrong.

He makes very good pancakes on Saturday mornings.

He has amazing friends and shares them all with me.

He helps me see the humor in our chaotic life.

He moved across the country for me.

He reads endless amounts of chapters with Drew even if he is completely exhausted.

He is passionate about sports, he makes them fun for even non-sports people.

My favorite thing is to hear DADDY! at the end of a long day because I know it his favorite thing to hear too.

He is loyal.

He loves music and starts dance parties at our house all the time.

He is coming home during his lunch break so I can get some work done.

I could go on and on but I just wanted to let you know val/daddy, we love you and are completely blessed to have you in our lives.

June 2009

2009-07-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Strawberry picking with our friends Natalie and Beatrice

Summer is in full swing. Val and I were lucky enough to get away to see Phish for a weekend with lots of old friends, such a great time and great way to recharge the batteries from the daily grind. Now we are gearing up to drive to Telluride. Drew will be turning six in the car and hotel (with pool we hope!). I will be teaching science at Emily's camp (Telluride Acadamy) and Val will be the stay at home parent for two weeks! I look forward to the car trip even though I think we may be crazy, even with the kids this young, we don't get as much family time as I would like. Here are some pics from June...

The Good Life

2009-06-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Well, these pictures are not the best but I wanted to get something up on the blog. It has been a really hectic time of late but now that it is summer I am hoping things will slow down. (After I plan Science Camp for Telluride Acadamy and packing us all up for a two week trip!)

I have taken on a lot latley, Mad Science, Forest Boys, a Master Naturalist Class, a summer camp and a garden. And while I do enjoy all of these things (and the paycheck that comes with a few), it is a good reminder for me of what is really important here. Which of course is Drew and Nora. It is really easy to loose sight of this as the kids get older and I start thinking I can do more, but I miss the rythem we used to have, and the time I used to spend with them (not just planning, running, cooking, cleaning, but playing, crafting, reading, baking, ect.).

As I look at our busy summer (my busy summer), I am trying to remember that everyday counts, every moment counts. Tommorow we plan to make chef masks and pretzels. Ah, the good life.

Easter 2009

2009-04-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Drew and Nora after finding their baskets.

Jen and the kids post easter egg hunt.

Nora, Mona and Drew

Mmmm. Candy, Nora was stealing it from Willow's basket. So proud:).

American Idol's Blake Lewis version of Bon Jovi

2009-03-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Nora in the kitchen

2009-02-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

Nora has really become quite handy in the kitchen and likes to experiment with new food combinations like mashed sweet potatoes mixed with popcorn and green beans on pizza. She has talent I tell you. The hot pink sprinkles on this very chocolate Valentine's Day cake were all her idea and I thought it looked great.

She actually dredged all the eggplant for Eggplant Parmesan, and then enjoyed a huge piece of it. I am so glad she has this love, I really enjoy her company while preparing relaxed, weekend meals.

The Kids

2009-02-19T19:01:00.001-08:00

This outfit has become very familiar this year.

Fun in the 10 inches!

Dragon Masks

Sue at the Chicago Science and Industry Museum

Val and Nora have the beat.

Spiderpig, spiderpig, does whatever a spider pig does.

The reason the blog is neglected...

2009-02-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

I recently started working at Mad Science and Waldkindergaten Inc. Mad Science is a fun job, easy and pays well enough. I am really excited about Waldkindergarten Inc. It is an outdoor (all outdoor) preschool program started by my friend Amy Farmer. We meet in Arcadia, IN on the Goss Family Farm. They are organic farmers and also friends and it is great that they share there healthy land with us. They have a big garden and raise sheep and chickens. Our Waldkindergarten is modeled after the movement in Germany and other parts of Europe that is slowly springing up in our country. It's all about connecting, with nature, all of the senses, each other and individually. The boys hike, engage in pretend play (which is so fun to watch), picnic, have journal/circle time, explore natural phenomena, help take care of farm animals, and do extreme sports such as huge log pile climbing and icy creek bank sliding. As the group of boys gets older, (they are almost all five or half way to six), we are able to read books together and plan outdoor based projects (shelter building and gardening for example). The boys have grown so much in the last couple years, and it is evident that Forest Boys(the boys group name) has had a great influence on them(a lamb was born last night and Drew said "it's all starting again mom!" remembering the lamb we witnessed being born last spring). Amy is now leading group of younger kids(girls and boys) and it is really neat to get that 3 year old age group out there because they are still so in awe of it all. Nora has been once and I will enroll her is spring. This winter has been brutal! Our blog (and website)is linked on this blog under check me out:).

Indiana State Museum

2009-01-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Drew, Nora, Lily and I attended the Indiana State Museum. We actually had a lot of fun after we ran into the building nearly escaping frostbite and waited in an hour line to ride on a tiny train. (The kids didn't seem disappointed in the train at all so I hid mine- I think)

Preschool

2008-12-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have posted yet about Drew's school. He goes to Meridian Hills coop and loves it. It was a rough start, he didn't want me to leave him. It was also an incredibly hard decision, never would I have imagined something like preschool would have been so hard before the kids came along. Nevertheless, we made the right decision because now he is so confident at school and has lots of friends. In fact, he is pretty popular(this is what im told!), and is very into the school parts of the day (circle, music). This is a play based preschool, so while it is low on academics(which lines up with my education philosophy for this age), it is so great for social interaction. His teacher, Mrs. Shipley is wonderful and that makes all the difference. They have gone to plays, raspberry picking, the fire station and more. They play out side for at lease 30 min everyday and always have new things on the science table and sensory table. She allows the boys to wrestle, ride scooters down the hall and play balloon volleyball. They also do creative crafts (not the cookie cutter variety) and she does not push my non crafting son to do art if he doesn't want to...he did make a great gingerbread house! I also love that it is a coop because there are always parents and siblings there and it makes for a real community.

Nora and I went to school last wed for a cookie exchange with the parents but she ended up staying all day in the classrooms while I drank coffee and chatted down the hall. She was so on task that she wasn't a problem at all and when I would come in the room, she wanted me to leave. This may have hurt my feelings if I hadn't already dealt with clingy mcclinger (drew). But now it is refreshing. Once again, they prove how different they are!!

Nora and the big girls at snack.

Drew and his boys

Nora playing "Doggie, Doggie where's your Bone"(flawlessly i might add)

Making pizza (with a meticulous touch)

Front and center for story time

Go Colts

2008-12-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Val has been going to Colts games with Pop and the other family colts fans since we have lived in Indy. A couple of weeks ago, Drew got to take his place. Drew is a bonafide sports fan (must be genetic) and was ecstatic at the opportunity to go...

Ryan, Uncle Dave, Grandpa and Drew

Grandpa and Drew

Uncle Bob and Drew with his serious football face.

Wolf Park

2008-12-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

About an hour north of Indy there is a wolf rescue center called "Wolf Park". The have wolf howl night and a couple of weekends ago Drew, Val and I attended. It was more fun than I expected. It is hard to tell from the picture but the wolves live on acres of property and have something like 25 total. The handlers actually go in the fence with them and put on quite a talk. We got to howl as an audience, wait a few seconds and hear wolves from acres away howling back. My favorite part was when the extremely knowledgeable wolf handler stated, "now thats a coyote from somewhere else, not ours" just so impressed with her ability to differentiate the canine vocals. We went for Drew's sake because he is fascinated by animals, especially the predators but I would recommend it to anyone. We are going back in May for the wolf-bison demonstration (they have bison too!)- As an animal lover and vegetarian, it is sometimes hard to be accepting of Drew's fascination with the predator-prey relationship but as he puts it, "mommy, they have to feed their young somehow!" As a science lover, I am impressed with his level at which he understands interdependency in different habitats...

Drew mid howl

this pic of the wolf makes it look zooish but it wasn't at all

Nora is Three!

2008-12-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Nora's third birthday with a pink tea party(the pink was her idea of course). It was great! Hard to believe my baby is three. She is so conflicted right now, she wants to be a baby one moment and a big girl the next....I can only imagine what 13 will be like! I hope she lets me baby her for a little while longer-

Nora's pink cupcakes baked by my personal cupcake baker (Joanne)

We played "Pin the Teabag on the Teapot" The kids loved it...

Even baby was pretty in pink.

Beatrice and Autumn

Willow and Lily

Jumping in Leaves

2008-11-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

Halloween '08

2008-11-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Halloween was great this year, in part because of beautiful weather, part the kids excitement, and part the good company. Drew had a parade at school and then we had a little party that evening. I think my favorite part was trick or treating because Lily and Drew were SO EXCITED! These pics aren't the best but ah well...

Walla's Wedding Weekend

2008-10-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

Val and I have a close group of friends from IU that we absolutely love. Many of them actually went to high school with Val which is how I got to know them. Others are from the east coast but now almost all of them live out west. The incredible thing about our relationship with these friends is that it just keeps getting stronger. Every wedding, or get together is amazing and now the group is growing with children. They are like family.

George and Cory

The beautiful bride and groom.

Me and Sue
Mitch playing at the ceremony.
Val and Baby Jade

Eric and Mike

Sarah and Sue

sweet little Luke

Walla giving some love to Jade

Bill, Val, Don and Eric looking good!

This past weekend Val and I got to slip away to Rochester to celebrate the marriage of Matt to his awesome new wife Liz. This was our first trip away, together, with out the kids and it was just what the dr ordered. We actually camped thurs night, it was freezing but so great. The stars were amazing and that made the cold worth it. The next day we headed to Pittsford to the Del Monte where we parked it for two nights and three days. From the minute we got there to the minute we got home we were laughing, talking, partying and enjoying every minute of this weekend.

The wedding was sweet and beautiful and in an instant I could tell Matt and Liz are perfectly in love and perfect for each other. Sue actually officiated while Don was the best man. They both did a great job, Sue so professional even in the face of a snotty baby and little sleep, and Don's speech at the reception was perfect. Mitch played piano and Val did a great job on baby duty during the wedding. Eric and I both had very important roles in the wedding.

Got to meet little Luke, Sarah and Mitch's baby boy. He is so full of life, a sparkle in his eye that reminds me so much of baby Drew. We also met George's really cool new girlfriend Corey, hung out with Bill and had a great time with Valenti, one of our best friends from Portland (and IU). Andy, little Oscar, MB, Sacco, Isadora, Karen and Sam were missed but of course were there in spirit. And as always when we see this group, I think of Joe a lot...our buddy who passed away in college.

Cheers to all my friends, I am already wondering when we will see you all again!

Drewism

2008-10-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

"MMMM this is a good chocolate magnolia bar!"

Turns out the bar was granola, but we do have two beautiful magnolia trees.

Claire and Drew's first MLB game(Cubbies of course)

2008-10-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

me

Drew

Drew and Puckett conversing(not sure what about but my guess would be baseball)

Puckett, Joanne, Drew and Val

Whatever you say about the season and first round sweep, I gotta admit I really enjoyed watching and (haphazardly) following the Cubbies this year. It was the day Drew was saying "YES!" about runs scored all by himself in the family room while Nora sang the family anthem, 'Go, Cubs, Go' in the kitchen that I knew this team and sport was officially a commonplace in their childhood. It definitely is our past time come spring...

ANYWAY, I have been meaning to post these pictures for a while now, they are from before we won the pennant(the day before) and before we forgot to show up in the playoffs. Val, Drew and I got to go to the game with Ryan and Joanne and to be honest it was a little on the scoreless side, but with a late rally I could imagine how Wrigley could be rocking with a lead in a big game. Drew, luckily has not become cynical and thoroughly enjoyed it all. That night, we stayed at a lovely hotel in the heart of the city, had two fabulous meals, swam and hot tubbed - thanks puckett and joanne for a wonderful night away!

I know you hate to hear this Cubs Fans but maybe we really will go past the first round(or whatever you call it) next year. I certainly plan to be at one of the winning games!

Jade

2008-09-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Sue and little baby Jade visit us...Jade is so perfect and sweet. Nora and Drew LOVED her and we can't wait to watch her grow!

2008-09-10T16:53:00.001-07:00

One more!

Good Times, Great Lakes

2008-09-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

We went up to Leland, MI again this summer for a week of relaxation. Leland is in the pinky of Michigan, really the Lelanau Peninsula, surrounded by lake Michigan and a huge bay. It is absolutely beautiful and the backwoods, small town living is such a good change of pace.

Here is Pop on a hike, pointing to Pyramid Point, a huge dune that juts out into the water, Emily, Pop and Drew climbed it the day before.

Val and Drew swimming at South Manitou Island. Pop, Emily, Val Drew and I took a boat over to the ghost island for a day.

The middle of the peninsula is filled with rolling hills, farms and winerys. From the top, you can see all the way to the water. This is peaches. She was born on one of these farms.

Nora loved the beach.

Nora on the way home (these pictures are really out of order!) She had a tough time of it with the sleep thing on vacation so this was a much needed crash.

Nora with her favorite person ever, Grandma

This is a shot of a dune south of Leland. Pop convinced us to climb down (bounce would be a better word), and then we ended up walking the beach back to town. I'm glad we did, it was great!

Aunt Emmy playing with the kids, and giving me a break all at the same time:)

We climbed up this light house, very cool.

on the boat

Me and Aunt Emmy (aka Emily)

Benzine update

2008-09-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

OK, so I think we have done as much with this toxin as we can....

1. The water test that included benzine was about $500. Needless to say, that won't happen. (there is a much cheaper test that tests for a few things that I will do when I get to those toxins:) )

2. We have phased out all unnatural cleaning products. I did a little research on Johnson's baby shampoo and turns out it is full of Benzine...Didn't find much on Tide but commercial laundry soap in general contains benzine, so we have switched to an all natural product. (if it is biodegradable, it is a safe bet)

3. We do intend to paint a few rooms soon so I will have to do some more research in the paint department but know that it at least must be water based.

4. Got rid of the elmer's glue (has yucky animal products in it anyway) and now make our own paste- here is the recipe:

White Flour and Water Paste

In a saucepan, mix one part white flour with two parts water. Slowly bring to a boil over low heat. Mix until thick and shiny. Let cool, store in airtight container. Use paint brush to apply. This is cheap and a great way to use up white flour!

5. I have eliminated swifter juice, instead I use a mop and vinegar water on the tile. I add a little pure castile soap to the vinegar water for the hard wood floors. Besides from the house smelling like salad, it works great (and i really kind of like the vinegar smell).... If it smells "clean" it is probably toxic. I already use T.J.'s all purpose cleaner, vinegar, baking soda and castile soap to clean just about everything else. Mineral oil is a good substitute for furniture polish, just rub a little into the wood, i would do a spot test first though. (castile soap and a wet rag works well on the wood/laminate kitchen table).

6. I am trying to fill up at the gas station with out the kids which proves difficult on road trips.

Ok, i think that is it...off to wash the floors with my new mop (it's the little things these days:)...)

Next toxin: Lead (yikes)

Noraism

2008-09-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have so much to blog about, our trip to Michigan(with aunt Emmy) and Drew going to school. But for now I wanted to record what Nora has said now on both days that I have dropped Drew off at school...

So after me returning home from drop off, after about oh, 20 minutes, she states "Mom, you left Drew in the car!"

For some reason, this is so cute!

State Fair

2008-08-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

New toxin series - Benzine

2008-08-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

After having children, chemicals become a huge issue in our lives. Currently, I am listening to the Diane Rehm show. The authors of the book, "Poinsoned Profits" are now on and are explaining the complications of monitoring toxins in our lives. Personally, I find keeping the toxins out of our home is REALLY HARD. Because I have no faith in the government coming in to save the day anytime soon (new chemicals do not even have to be regulated by the EPA), I am going to try to take it one chemical at a time in an effort to get rid of these things in our lives. I know there are more natural minded parents out there who have been doing a better job of this from day one and would appreciate any advice and information. There are no ingredient lists, so a lot of research has to be done on each toxin to find out exactly where it is in the home. I am going to attempt to do this. Canada and Europe are good places to look to see what has been banned there. It is never too late to work on expelling toxins because with most of the chemicals, the lifetime of chemical build up in our bodies is what will trigger disease. Also, if you are a nursing mother or will be someday, it is REALLY important to think about what is in your body now. Our first nursling's get a double whammy of toxins from their mamas because many chemicals are soluble in fat (making the toxins 'active' in those tiny little bodies). By the second child, many of these toxins have been expelled from the mother and into (sigh) the first born's body. But alas, not all is doomsday because if we can keep those levels down post nursing, we have a fighting chance.

The chemical of the day is Benzine. This is a know carcinogen that can cause many types of blood diseases including leukemia. The main sources of exposure are cigarette smoke and gasoline. It can also be found in water and could be harmful to drink or bathe in. It also is found in some detergents and rubber.

My recommendations: don't smoke, try to avoid gas stations with the kids, do a test of your home water, use a water filter for drinking water, use natural laundry detergent, avoid pesticides, use water based paints and glues, avoid furniture wax, try to get rid of pliable plastics and rubber toys...(this will also be a huge recommendation when talking about phalates).

Ok, as soon as I make sure we are under control with Benzine, we will move on.

Old friends/New Friends

2008-08-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Me, Jamie and Jack

Drew in full beach action

Same for Jack...

Sand Castle time

Ava and Nora, so cute

Jamie and Gabby

Last weekend we made a trip up to Grand Haven, Michigan to spend the weekend with my high school best friend and her family. Jamie and John were high school sweethearts and now have three adorable children. Their youngest are each a year older than Drew and Nora and the kids got along famously. Seriously, Jamie and I were prepared for Nora and Ava to struggle a bit (they share strong willed personalities) but not one problem. They walked around all day talking about things only they understood. Jack and Drew were inseparable, Jack is a really neat kid and Drew got a lot out of hanging out with him. Gabby (who is nine) was such a good little hostess and did not complain once about all the little ones scampering about. Val and John are both awesome dads and enjoyed each others company. Jamie and I even spent some time alone on the beach while the guys took the kids back to the house, complete with a wonderful meal complements of John. Of course it was great to hang out with Jamie, she is one of my oldest and dearest friends. All in all, a great weekend, hopefully John's parents will share their beach home again next year!

A visit from Zeljko

2008-08-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

Val's cousin Zeljko (i can't begin to spell it phonetically) is traveling the country with people from all over the world. It is a program through the state department about peace and civil rights, and yes it did come up that America is not necessarily the leader in these issues right now. Anyway, we went to Cincinnati to visit him, he is so nice and smart and I look forward to someday going to Sarajevo to meet the rest of the family. Val was sad to say goodbye and I understand why.

Drew, Val and Zeljko (ok it kind of sounds like Jeko if you say it with a sexy foreign accent)

The kids loved him, he was an instant hit.

We spent one of the very hot days at "The Beach"

Wouldn't you know it, we stayed two blocks away from the Cincinnati Fire Museum which was very well done, needles to say, the kids loved it.

Drew is Five

2008-08-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little man is now five. I have read that many cultures have celebrated five years with a coming of age ceremony and I can see why! Drew has changed so much in the last few months it is incredible. His insecurities have become opportunities to be brave, his sense of humor has deepened and he can truly crack us up. He is really into Cubs baseball and now will watch and follow even when Val is not. He is so empathetic and although this has not changed, it is so enduring coming from his five year old self. He is inquiring about words and numbers and letters and emotions and plans and cooking and politics and current events more than ever and it is a pleasure to talk with him on these subjects. He is a baby lover and has such a calm and wonderful persona with the little ones. We are really having fun reading chapter books and lots of non-fiction(preferably about predator/prey relationships). He is a nature lover and just this morning ran into the house excited with the news that the calendula was blooming. He teaches Nora so many things and she is his biggest fan. I am so proud of him. The man that he will be is evident even now and I know he will be an asset to our world.

He even puts his socks on by himself!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW!!!!

John, MB and Izzy come to visit

2008-07-26T19:27:00.001-07:00

Drew and Izzy are kindred spirits

Baby Ezra

Lucas really liked getting wet!

Jacob who is ten, is so sweet and protective of his baby brother.

Nora and Isadora are only two weeks apart and are so similar and different at the same time.

Our friend Carey came up with all of her boys, Jacob, Lucas and Baby Ezra. Mike was able to join us that night for a fine dinner (thanks to our house guests!)

MB and Sacco at the water park. We are so glad that they came and can't wait to see them again in October!

Up and Running

2008-07-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

We had a very uneventful yet sweet fourth of July, sometimes dressing up and making ice cream sodas is all we need for a great day.

We went to PBS kids in the park again this year, Drew really enjoyed the puppet shows while Nora and I rested in the shade.

Tiger Attack, A Story by Drew

2008-07-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Roar! The animals in the forest were very scared. With that roar, in meant that a tiger was in the forest. The tiger was creeping around, he took one step at a time. ROAR! He jumped! He ran after the animals then he kills a deer. And eats it. But uh-oh, another tiger is in the forest smelling blood. RRRoar, he tries to get it but he can't. Scientists used the blades in the rocks to find out how the tigers died.

The End

When it rains it pours

2008-07-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week we have ahead of us! On wed, I start my Chemical Magic classes. I am starting up a science outreach business, slowly but surely. I love planning it but finding the time and privacy to do so is tricky. Of course I never feel like doing it at night when the kids are in bed but I really need to learn to take advantage of that time (bye Val, see you in a few years!). So that is Wed. Then thursday morning our friends from the Bay, John, MB and Isadora will be arriving. We only get to see them about once a year (twice this year!) so of course we can't wait. Friday the Beams from Bloomington will be joining us. Although our time will be short, I'm sure we will pack in some good conversation. Then Sat is Drew's Birthday bash! We somehow invited over 30 people and rented a moon bounce. Puckett has been practicing his guitar, Joanne has the cupcakes under control, Grandma and Baba are both bringing food. Hope the weather holds out.

Needless to say, our fourth of July weekend was spent doing chores. But we got so much done with the yard and house and my class that I feel ready for our fun week.

Hmmm...maybe blogging this Monday morning is not the best use of our time. Oh, yeah, I also have to get my gall bladder out. Seriously. Hope it can hold for another week or so!

Pictures are still on delay...

Surprise!

2008-06-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

We threw a surprise party for my parent's 40th wedding anniversary two weeks ago Sunday. It went off without a hitch! Mom and Pop got married at the courthouse so this was there first wedding. We did it at Deer Park Manner in Bloomington and getting mom and pop to agree to go down there was no small feat. When it finally happened, mom was in tears. Pop was stunned as he had to go to the bathroom and walked in on the party waiting for the couple to come around the side. Anyway, it was lovely with great food, a wedding cake, pianist and violinist, drinks and most importantly good friends and family. Our old great neighbors from Michigan came down to celebrate, Sue is a minister and renewed the vows. It was very sweet, Mom and Pop were really into it. Roger, her husband and Mike their son (and our good friend) also were there. Val and I got to hang out with Mike that evening which was cool.

It was definitely worth the work and surprise, my parents loved it. Emily and I agree that we are now officially done with Anniversary's, Pop thinks we've started a new trend, only time will tell.

On a side note, I have lost my camera which is why pictures are not being updated. Yes, I am a loser. I also lost a stroller recently (seriously). Pop has bravely lent me his digital and the pictures should be up and running in no time.

Best Mother's Day Ever

2008-05-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

I just spent a wonderful long weekend with my dear friend Sue. I flew in Friday and we had a Mother Blessing Friday night. Don and Sue are due with their first in July and I was so honored to share in a small part of her pregnancy. At the blessing, I met all of her cool friends, and we shared a lovely time sitting in the desert reflecting on Motherhood. That night we met up with Don and another friend and hit a few Scottsdale bars. It was great to hang out for our short night.

The next day we drove to Tuscon with plans to go all the way to Bisby. Once we got to Tuscon plans changed. We stayed in a nice hotel with a pool and that evening went out for dinner. Fourth Avenue in Tuscon is awesome, cute and lots of good restaurants. It has a way chill vibe and we ended up having tea at our favorite Vegie restaurant, The Casbah Tea House. Sue said it was reminiscent of a coffee house in Amsterdam. They have a back area complete with tapestry's and Buddhas. They also compost all of their food scraps and grow veggies for the restaurant. We were in heaven. (I'm a little lacking on vegetarian restaurants here in Indy)

The next day (mothers day)we went for a great two hour hike in the desert complete with huge burrs and my prego friend sliding into a sit. A very graceful fall. After this we hit the pool, showered and then found a great little breakfast place called the Blue Willow. We enjoyed conversation over eggs benedict and an omelet. There were lots of families there but it really didn't make me sad, in fact I was not sad at all and this was the first trip away that I didn't feel nervous about leaving the kids. Thats what having no more babies(and very trustworthy babysitters) will do for you!

After more shopping in a cool bookstore and a drive out to beautiful mountains, we met Sue's friend Kelly back at our veggie restaurant (we were there three times) for dinner before seeing Brett Dennen. We went to a really cool theater downtown and it was a great show. Sue and I shared a great afternoon watching him sing at High Sierra with MB and Andy last summer so this was the next show on our tour I suppose.

If you've not heard him, I suggest you look it up. He has an AMAZING voice and great music. It is completely refreshing.

Obviously, I had a great time. Sue and I got to spend some QT like never before (usually we have Don and Val and friends and kids around which of course is great also). I continue to feel blessed by the ladies in my life. They couldn't get much cooler.

Next mothers day, Mexico?

2008-04-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some spring pics of our yard (and kids of course)

Spring is here, now it's spring!

2008-04-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Nora looked so cute with her hat and shades on.

One of our beautiful littering Magnolias

Hey look, giraffes!

On the zoo train (ooohh, look that's where they keep the garbage...my rating, lame)

So maybe the winter is worth it....well almost. Lady spring has arrived and she is packing beautiful flowers and bright green buds. We couldn't be happier. We are now spending more time outside than in, so good for the soul.

We made our biannual trip to the zoo. I really don't like going but Drew is so into animals that it would be crazy not to take him. We had a great day because it was perfect weather, that seems to be the trick to going. I put my worries about the animals aside for the day (it's tough being a stay at home mom :) ).

We have been taking Jake to the parks and wild areas around here and Bloomington and playing a lot in the yard. Soon, we will go camping because as soon as June hits it will be bug city. So this is it! The best time of the year in good ole' Indiana. It really is perty...

Swingset

2008-03-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

It was so heavy, I can't believe they got it in...this is Puckett and Corbin (also know as Ryan and Brent)

The other day Val, Puckett, Corbin and a hired man hauled a new swing set into our backyard. They moved it from a house in Carmel, my mom found the ad and it was a very good deal. Thanks to mom and pop and the guys for this new park right in our back yard. (Nora says "lets play on the park", Drew has named it "Drew and Nora's Wild Ride") As I told my neighbor, it's more for me than the kids, frees me up for yard work and porch lounge time.

Ain't No Place I'd Rather Be

2008-03-26T15:41:00.001-07:00

Jennifer and I did meet up for one crazy weekend in Tennessee. First and foremost, it was SO GOOD to see jen and the girls, I love seeing friend after a while and not missing a beat. So it WAS worth it, but barley. We did encounter some mishaps on our trip. Number one, it was raining, a lot, constantly. We did get to enjoy some time in the beautiful Smokey mountains, but in the rain. We hiked with the kids (who thought the rain added another element of fun) out to an old homestead building. It was really cool. We also saw dozens of deer in a field, it was almost zoo like, there were so many animals. That night I convinced Jen to go to Gatlinburg, I should have trusted her hesitation but I just have to see a new place when I can. I have NEVER seen anything quite like it. Imagine Disney World with a lot more airbrushed tee shirt stores. It was incredible. Hard to imagine that one might plan a trip here, I suppose if you are into Ripley's it would be worth it. The kids were running down the very narrow packed sidewalk while cars zoomed by...kind of nerve racking. But hey, I've been to Gatlinburg!!

The next day was not quite as relaxing. I went to get Nora's shoes out of the car bright and early to realize my battery was dead. Jen and I got out the jumper cables and the manual and set out to give my car a jump. The minute we got all four cables connected, my car alarm alarmingly went off. We immediately took of the cables and threw them in the bushes. The rain set in and we were starting to realize our day was going to be consumed by this. Jenifer luckily (and smartly) has a sort of AAA protection with her car insurance and in no time Big Daddy (this was his name on his coat) was out to boost us. Luckily, my dad and mom came down with us to hang out in Knoxville. They were touring a nearby plantation home when the distress call came. My parents drove out to the cabin (after getting lost and exploring the country) and Pop followed me back into Maryville to get the battery changed while mom stayed to help child sit. Keep in mind, my alarm keeps going off and we seem to have tried everything. Anyway, the boys at the Autozone might as well have had halos hovering because quickly they solved the battery problem(loose connection) and alarm problem (hit the unluck button on keys twice).

Jennifer was a little frustrated that we sort of "choked" but I think the torrential rain (this was some serious weather that caused major flooding) and four kids under six running around validated our panic.

We did get to hang out with our wine and luke warm dirty hot tub (perfectly fitting) that evening. Then, get this, as I go to bed, Drew wakes up to vomiting and well, loose stools, for the rest of the night. He has never been so sick and I was up ALL night. I think Jennifer was up most of it too... thank goodness my parents had taken Nora to the out-of-place posh and high tech cabin up Rudd Hollow Road where they bunked for the night.

I'm not sure where the lesson is. Had it not been for the rain, car trouble and sicky kid it would have been perfect. It was still great but next time we may just make the trip all the way to Columbia SC, to the comfort of Jen and Daniel's home...

Pictures to come, hopefully

Spice of Life

2008-03-07T22:22:00.000-08:00

Nora now wears the sweater Arianna (who's holding her) had on. Nora was 2 weeks here.

Drew, Arianna and Ellen Halloween '04

Drew, Arianna and Ellen last time we saw them.

I'm not sure why cliche's have a bad reputation. In high school, English teachers swipe them out swiftly with red ink, leaving suggestions in the margins. Friends are the spice of life is one that I am thinking of now.

Next week Nora, Drew and I get to travel to Gatlinburg, TN to meet up with our friends Jennifer, Ellen and Arianna. We are renting a cabin outside the Smokey Mountain National Forest. I expect lots of play, talk, coffee, juice, wine and good food. If we get lucky, some decent weather and outdoor adventure.

I can't wait to see Jen and am blessed by every single friend I have. I know Val would agree (but paraphrase greatly)...Friends truly are the spice of life.

Drew and Nora's love for friends is eloquent. Evident in every movement, expression and exultation. They love their friends and more importantly, they love to PLAY with their friends. May be the best lesson we ever teach them.

Hangin' Around

2008-02-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

As February comes to a close (isn't it over yet?) we are still pretty much home bound. Drew has had a cold bad enough to cancel the week's activities and Val is still on the job hunt. Needless to say, we have had a lot of family time and it has been good. Just hanging around...eating, playing games, reading and of-course watching T.V. (Drew has been doing workout and yoga tapes with me, he is very serious about his exercise). Although I am terribly anxious for the first signs of spring, I am thankful for this quiet time we can spend together.

I don't want a goldfish!

2008-02-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Joanne, Drew and I went to the puppy bowl. It was an event sponsored by a local shelter. I wasn't sure if we would bring home a dog, but sure enough, this little guy caught my eye.

His name is apparently Jake. We have tried others out but according to Drew, that's his name and he's sticking with it.

He is part Australian cattle dog, other part, I think yellow lab, Val is leaning toward golden retriever. But really it's anyone's guess. He is very sweet, a cuddle puppy and so far, pretty good all around. Drew still misses Kizzy and is hopeful that Jake will never die:). It is hard to imagine that when Jake is old, Drew will be ready to fly the coop.

We are happy to have a new little one in our lives!

2008-01-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

Some December highlights, what else, my birthday, Christmas and A New Year! I should also mention the solstice, I am glad to be tipping the scales back toward light. I had a very nice birthday, Val surprised me with tickets to the Yule Tide Celebration. It is this big, somewhat cheezy Christmas production complete with tap-dancing santas that really got us into the spirit. Drew was my date and he was on the edge of his seat for most of the show.

Santa was good to us this year...The new toys are a welcomed distraction as cabin fever sets in. Val and I got to celebrate the season with good friends, an even better distraction! Overnights at Grandma and Grandpa's house are fun for everyone.

I look forward to 2008. Hopefully yours-

Tickets for the show.

Nora LOVES Happy Cake!

Let it Snow!

2007-12-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

Telluride Trip

2007-11-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Val and the kids on mainstreet in Uray
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The Youngs

Girls and kids

It snowed on our last day! Emily and Drew

The trout pond on the mesa

Drew took this one of me.

For us, a trip to Telluride is like many vacations wrapped into one. We are visiting family, coming back to a beloved place and picture-taking tourists all at once(we also re minis about being college spring breakers). We just got back from a week long trip and had a great time. Thanks to the exceptional nannying skills of our sister Emily, Val and I got away many times by ourselves. Two fat hikes, a nice dinner, a night out and an afternoon beer. That may be the most time away we have had in a year! The kids got to spend lots of quality time with their aunt. Drew rode the Galloping Goose (the local bus) all over town and Nora walked town at least twice. We also rode the gondola twice just for the views and a peaceful cup of coffee. Drew and I played at a beautiful river all afternoon one day (well, Drew played,I sunbathed), while Nora and Val shopped in town. (if you know Nora and Val, this is a funny thought, the two of them shopping).

We spent an afternoon at the house on the mesa complete with a stocked trout pond and hot tub with the best views on earth (at least in colorado) In a word, amazing.

We ended the week with a lovely Thanksgiving day. We had Emily's friends over at the big house in town (she is a caretaker for some very wealthy east coasters). We have known Chad, Heather and Mike since college so it was great to hang out with them and the new additions, Tate and Wesley.

All and all, it was a great trip. Now we are back to life, back to reality. Sure is hard to leave Emily and the mountains!
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Val and I up on Tom Boy Road

Emily and Nora "cooking" in her cozy alley house.

Drew looks right at home up at this multi million dollar mesa house.

Zoo Boo

2007-10-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple shots of the zoo. We went with our friends Matt, Jen, Willow and Autumn. Despite the rain, we had a good time!

Little Autumn Witch

Hey all four backs is better than nothing!

Sir Tigger and Madame Witch

Introducing Boaz David Dresslar

2007-10-31T17:50:00.001-07:00

My new nephew Bo was born September 21. We were finally able to meet him last weekend. Drew and I went up for a quick night to Ann Arbor to meet Bo. He is so sweet and Toby is doing great with him. Drew and Toby had a great time. They are like brothers too.

Sweet Bo

The happy family, Toby, Emily,Bo and Peter

I didn't get to hold Bo much, wonder why?

One more from the patch

2007-10-23T15:15:00.001-07:00

This is about 2:30. Nora is so tired she can hardly keep her eyes open. Still, I like the picture.

Home Schooling

2007-10-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the pumpkin patch. We went with our home school group called Roots and Wings. We has a great day and Drew is really starting to get to know the kids. The great thing about the group is we get to know the whole family and many of the families share similar values. We have made the big decision to home school next year and I couldn't be happier. Val and I are completely on the same page about this which makes it seem like a simple decision. We seem to really agree when it comes to the important stuff...(don't get me started on how high to turn up the heat in the winter).

We will take the schooling thing year by year, and of course if we are in a different place that will impact our decision. I just look forward to spending time with the kids as they get a bit older and continuing on the learning path with them. As a teacher, it just makes no sense to me to go and work with other children when I can teach my own. There are a lot of opportunities right here in Indy such as museums and farms, and as they get older we can do some more day trips. They also will be able to participate in things like sports and music with out our schedules getting too crazy. In short, I believe homeschooling will allow us to slow down and enable Drew and Nora to relish their time as children. Kind of like the slow food movement, only kids:)

In the corn maze

Drew loved feeding the goats, he was running with them and hugging them, I surprised he didn't get kicked.

Nora right in there with the big girls.

Remission! What a beautiful word.

2007-10-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

So Pop got his test results back after completing his final round of chemo. He is in remission, and it seems to be a full remission. You may have heard the collective sigh of relief, it stretches from the mid west to the Rocky Mountains! He still is having trouble with his lung filling up and will have to undergo a intensive surgery for that. His blood counts are also low and we hope to see those go up quickly. There are still a lot of unknowns but what we know for today is that there is no cancer present in Pop's body. I think we are all getting more sleep.

Nora has the chicken pox now, this has been a long affair. But at least we are getting it over with. It will be another week or so and then we will be back to normal. She is not nearly as sick as Drew was but is COVERED with the pox...poor thing has them from head to knee. The first night of itching kept her up all night, from 11-3:30 I think it was. It solidified our thoughts on a third baby, not now!! (that is about as definite as we get)

Fall is here and the Drew is so excited for Halloween. We have been busy making ghosts and pumkins and plan to make some cookies for a party Sat night. (Val will have to stay home with pox girl) Drew has a tigger costume ready to go, Nora wants to be Pooh (at Drew's urgings) and I really need to figure that one out. Maybe Drew's old monkey costume with a pot of huny? Stay tunned....

Smile of the Day

2007-10-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Pox update

2007-09-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Drew is feeling much better today and actually would pose for a few pictures. We are starting to get used to him looking this way. We are well on our way to recovery and am really hoping Nora gets them when she is a bit older. I know that is wishful thinking.

Chicken Pox!

2007-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Drew woke up with a little blister Wednesday morning. I thought nothing of it and headed off to home school group where we fraternized with lots of our friends for many hours. That night, Val felt something on his head and then another, that is we we figured it was chicken pox. He only had a few the next day and a high fever. So we went to consult with Dr. Park who assured us this is a classic case of the bawk- bawk pox. I don't mess with rash and high fever...poor Drew is my little guinea pig. So now he's got the pox. His leg is hurting a lot so I actually took him to the hospital today. I started reading on line and felt that this was an abnormal symptom. He's really limping and we are carrying him everywhere. But the Dr. assured me it was normal and that maybe I should have vaccinated him, hrrumph.

Anyway, he is doing fine and is quite the trooper. He feels lousy and has watched more tv than ever but is still trying hard not to scratch and being sweet. He is a model patient.

Now we are just watching Nora, although it would be nice to get it out of the way, it really will be hard because she is so little, warm baths and Sesame Street won't quite cut it.

We have decided to not take pictures right now, he really feels punky.

Fall is here? Wait it's 90 degrees today!

2007-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Nora on her first pony, she didn't last long but enjoyed it all the same.

The Copelands are my dad's cousins. They used to own a working farm complete with corn and cows. Now, it is a smaller scale (just like all family farms these days) with vegetables. They have a farm stand and Pop and the kids and I enjoying picking out green beans, peppers, apples, mums and other treats. We also enjoyed seeing Elane(pictured) and Donna.

Fall is here, and baseball is heating up.

This is a picture of our homeschool group. Lots of nice people and fun.

At the stables...

Trying to get just one

2007-08-14T18:43:00.001-07:00

Uncle Peter and Aunt Emily's new digs

2007-08-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago, we went to visit my bother, Peter and Emily and Toby in Ann Arbor. They live in a new home, a co-housing develpment which is really pretty cool. There is a main building that houses a kitchen, dining room, play room, tv room, reading room and a guest bedroom (where Val and Drew slept.) Emily usually has meals here on busy weeknights (someone cooks four nights a week) and says they have been wonderful (lots of ethnicities). The people were all very nice, Val played basketball with a few while Drew and Nora played with kids (but mainly their favorite kid, Toby) There was even a concert one night that the kids loved. We spent a lot of time here, there is a play structure, kids toys everywhere and trails that lead through wildflowers to ponds. Perfect for young ones. I think they made a great decision to move there, Emily is already very involved and Peter, well, he deals well (he is very busy starting a new tech business).

You can see the condo's in the background. They are environ friendly.

Peter gave us a tour of the Ann Arbor campus. This was Drew on the stairs of the library, funny huh?

Toby being silly.

Lake Lemon

2007-08-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

I think Val and I spent almost every day one summer at Lake Lemon near Bloomingtion. We went down a couple weeks ago and nothing had changed, besides the company which made it even more fun. We went on one of the prettiest days of the summer and found our old secret spot undisturbed. We had the place to ourselves.

Yes, Nora is on a big girl swing at 20 months. She had the coordination and determination of a three year old!

Drew and I jumped in and swam way out. The bottom was full of slimy plants and a dead fish floated by. Now that is real swimming.

Don and Sue's High Sierra Pics

2007-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am really pushing the envelop on my technical skills here. These are some of Don and Sues pics and they were great but probably too hard to see.

More High Sierra

2007-08-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Drew opening on of his presents at his birthday party (more pics of his party to come)

The 'ora' girls.

Don, Mitch, Emoney and Sarah, chillin' main stage waiting for Paige (of Phish)

Kids and I doing the same

Mitch after his late night performance.

the dragon in one of the parade, there is an elaborate parade everyday at High Sierra

girls taking the parade in

Drew was part of a drum circle one morning in the kid zone.

Sue and Stephanie in the swimming hole.

Drew took long, three hour naps in wagons and pool side.

High Sierra, take two

2007-08-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sue and Nora are good buddies now.

So, about a month has gone by and I'm going to try again. We are still riding the High Sierra wave, as my friend Sacco said, "the feeling lingers". We had the best time reconnecting with some of our best friends in the world. Dancing, camping and just hanging out with our buddies was theraputic. It was hard with the kids but worth it. Watching Nora sit in Sue's lap or Drew rough house with Eric confirmed this. The days were long, hot and dirty and the nights were long, cool and music filled. Highlights included swimming at the pool, going to the watering hole and hanging out with Val and everyone else late night, while the kids slept back at camp under Eric and Sarah's watchful eyes. Watching our buddy Mitch play both at the Shady Grove stage and late night was awesome, he just keeps getting better(and maintains a very humble attitude). Nora and Isadora (MB and Sacco's daughter) are not even two weeks apart and are ADORABLE together although they already were acting like sisters, grabbing for the same stuff...Drew and Izzy also loved being with each other, they made quite the connection. The High Sierra web site described the festival as being "a great family vacation" I couldn't agree more.

Drew dancing to "Drive by Truckers"

One of many wagon rides around the festival.

We spent an afternoon at the watering hole, beautiful and refreshing!

Drew and Josh

The girls on the rocky hot beach in Tahoe

Marybeth and Isadora

Look at Drew peeking out from the boat...he loved the ride.

Izzy looking good.

Andy, MB and Sue, Izzy and I shared a lovely part of one afternoon dancing.

Quote of the day

2007-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Drew: "i only kill big ants , I don't kill the little ones anymore"
Me: "Drew! don't kill anything"
Drew:"why?"
Me: "because it hurts them."
Drew: "oh mother earth's gonna be mad at me.."

Sweetie

2007-06-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Our daughter. Nora is nineteen months old and amazes, shocks and interests me on a daily basis. First off , she is a Scorpio and can throw a mean temper tantrum. Just the other day we were at the park and she DID NOT want to get back in the bike trailer. For anything. She screamed and flexed and by the time I got her in, the local camp kids were gathered round. I was sweating. Just can't quite shake that biological panic reaction when she is screaming. She continued to scream the entire way home. Fifteen minutes in the bike trailer. Who knows what people were thinking. When I looked back, I saw quite a picture. Nora was sprawled out horizontally across the trailer in Drew's lap (don't ask me how she did this strapped in). She was crying and screaming and sweating while her brother, pressed to the side meshing of the trailer, was calmly eating every last cat cookie in the baggie. Turns out she was just tired.

They make such a wonderful pair. Their yin and yang personalities really compliment each other.

But Nora is so much more than a screamer. She is also sweet and smart and full of life. She gets it, everything. When it is time to go, she gathers the family shoes and puts them on the rug. When it is time to eat, she gets plates and bowls and cups out of the cabinet, enough for a crowd. And she takes care of her babies by diapering, swaddling and feeding them. She says,"go, no, drew, Daddy, Mommy book doggy, spoon...and really lots of things...she is starting to bust out three word sentences and we have a feeling once she starts talking she won't stop.

My little Nora belle. Growing up too quickly in my opinion. She belongs to the world.

Time to sit back and unwind....

2007-06-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Although we have had a rough couple of months, we still are enjoying summer and the kids! We have had lovely weather and Drew and Nora have been backyard warriors, playing in water, sand and the grass and trees...
Ahhh, summertime.

These are pictures from the lavender festival. Val, Mom, the kids and I took a little day trip to Morseville to this lavender farm. It was a lovely little spot with lavender fields and a really cool house and barn with woods and a stream running out back. They had some musicians playing the flute and sitar which really set the relaxed mood. After the festival we went to a famous Indiana style cafeteria for some good down home cooking. It really was great!

Happy Summer Solstice! Gretchen, Jen and the kids all came over for a sweet little celebration. We sang, did yoga, read about the solstice and made painted suns and ribbon wrapped grape vine wreaths. It was great and I loved celebrating the longest day.

Willow and Joe enjoying a rinse.

Paint the paper Drew and Gabrielle!

This is a picture of Val and Drew at my parents neighborhood pool. We love to swim there and often have the place to ourselves!

RIP Kismet

2007-06-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Kizzy last week.

Kizzy, six years old (2001)

Paw prints in the car, heart worm meds sticker on the calender, blanket in the family room are all reminders that Kizzy is gone. But the hardest part is when we leave or come home...she is just not there.

Kizzy was diagnosed and died so quickly that I am still reeling from it. Yes, she was old, but not 16 like val's coworkers dog. Suffering belongs to everyone, but lately we seem to be holding more than enough.

We are so sad to be without our dog and by the calls and emails pouring in, we know that she was special. Not just to us.

She was my girl. She slept in between my legs for a good portion of her life. She was our family and we miss her.

Aunt Emily's Pics

2007-06-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Ending

2007-05-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Val found a turtle today. He called me earlier this afternoon to tell me he was bringing a turtle home. I was at the pool with Nora screaming her head off so I said, "uh ok" and hung up.

When we got home Val came straight out of the back yard with a smile on his face. He found the little beast in his office parking lot. With no nature in sight Val was thinking it was a gonner. So he grabbed a box and brought it home. At this point Drew and Nora were anxious to see this turtle and there he was in a box in the back yard. He or she was big! Val had some leaves in there and also some flour. Val's mom told him to feed the turtle flour and he did like it. Drew named the turtle Simon (also the name of Toby's baby in his belly).

We walked Simon across the road to the Quaker church's meditation garden. Picture me pushing Nora, holding onto old Kizzy's leash, Val with a big box and Drew running along(very excited). After surveying our spot we decided it wasn't the best place to leave Simon. The dog behind the fence, the bunnies everywhere, the man made water feature and the busy road all led us to this conclusion.

So Drew and Val and Simon piled in the minivan and headed to the duck pond at Ft ben state park. They let simon out about ten feet from the pond. He stood there for a while (as turtles do) and then made a break for the water! He bellied right in... swam around and then popped up his head as if to say, "ahhh paridise!"

Some little kid ran up to Val and indignantly said, "you are just going to let him go?!" Val didn't want to get into the whole captive wild animal thing, after all the kid was fishing.

But Drew sure was happy to see that turtle go. He acted the whole thing out for me, belly on the garage floor. ("he didn't jump in mom, he did this, watch...")

Val, you are my turtle saving hero...

Not so good times

2007-05-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog I intended it to be a good place to post pics of the kids so everyone could see them growing day to day. Of course, it became a little more than that. I have written a bit about being a mom and other topics that don't include the kids at all. Now I wish I would have been more specific on my subject because now I'm not quite sure what to include.

My point being that life is really different now. As all three of you who read this know, Pop has lymphoma. There, I wrote it. That is where my confusion lies. Should I keep blogging on with no mention of this obvious life changing event? Should I run home and spill out every little detail? Should I shut down this blog and start one that just posts kids pics? Or should I just be brave and record what is actually happening. Guess that is what I just did. He was diagnosed a few months ago and is going through rounds of chemo now. We are all holding our breath for september, when he has his last round and will go into remission. We are also looking forward to September because our little nephew will be born...pop chemo/emily prego.

So it has been a hell of a year. And the hits keep on coming. Now Kizzy is at the end of her life, she too has cancer, or at least that is the vets best guess. This has happened very quickly and we are in the struggle right now. Is she suffering? Is she ok? Should we end this life? Should we let it go on? God, its so much harder than I ever guessed it would be. All of it, this life right now. It's hard to tell people about cancer too, partly because it is so "en vogue", everyone knows someone...that makes it no easier. It doesn't change the fact that my dad has it.

But of course this is the reason I did not want to write about this on my blog. It is too much, this is the stuff that is meant for journals or late night talks. Not in a written, public, lasting forum.

But I wanted all three of you to know where I'm at right now. I'm not depressed, not crazy, just changing. Trying to navigate through this simple twist of fate.

and here come the mosquitoes....(somebody cue the violin)

Bathtime giggles

2007-05-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Nora is eighteen months, Drew is three going on four. Great ages!

Broad Ripple Art Fair

2007-05-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Mom and Pop are an art vendor's dream!

Drew in Wonderland

"whoa" Nora pulling yet another trick.

The boys enjoying some guitar in the kids tent.

Nora also loved the music.

Hey look, there's Willow!

Drew and Nora almost looking at the camera!

Aunt Emmy just left after spending a long weekend in Indy. We celebrated Pop's birthday by going to the Broadripple Art Fair and a fiesta back at Mom and Pop's. The plain white cake Drew picked out was a hit. We had a lovely day, the weather has been beautiful. May is when Indiana's weather shines (pun intended). Drew had a hard time saying goodbye to Aunt Emmy, he is already talking about skiing on the big mountain next winter. Look out.

The wild cardinals of Dearborn Street

2007-05-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

The hungry chicks waiting for mama.

Last winter we kept up with feeding the birds and it has really paid off. All winter long we watched "Mr and Mrs Cardinal" feed outside our window. Mr's bright red feathers and Mrs's red crown and yellow beak were welcomed sights as the bare and white winter dragged on. And I got to keep a promise to Drew. I kept telling him that when spring arrived they would surely build a nest in our yard to lay baby cardinal eggs. And by golly they did.

I first noticed the nest when I saw Mrs (now Mama) dart into the bushes right on our back porch. I peeked in and sure enough she was sitting somewhat precariously on her eggs. Papa has proved to be loyal, trading shifts with her and coming back whenever she calls. She usually uses a high pitched peep to call him when we go out back. He comes flying in and tries to scare us with squawks from the crabapple tree.

After a few minutes they realize we are no threat and tend to the newly hatched chicks.
We check on them at least once a day and because we are out there so much I'm hopeful we will get to see their first flight.

Never thought I would be into birds but these co-habitating cardinals have captured our hearts!

To all the girls I've loved before...

2007-05-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

Lily and Drew

Our good friends have moved. Shael, Lily, Tom and Cole packed it up and headed south to Greenville SC for a great job opportunity. This seems to be a recurring theme in my life. Meet a great friend, as soon as we become close, she moves. If it seems like I am feeling sorry for myself it is because I am. I'm trying to take the high road. Understand that there is a lesson in this but right now a pity party seems easier.

I will always have these wonderful friends, and for that I feel blessed. There, is that better?

Quote of the Day

2007-05-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

Me: "Honey the plant is not a drum."
Drew (wielding drum sticks): "I know mom, it's a cymbal."

The Cave

2007-04-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

A shot of the cave. Mammoth Cave really is amazing, it is huge and beautiful in its own dark and creepy way.

The bus ride to the cave was just as good as the tour for the kids...

Cave cricket

Mammoth Cave Trip

2007-04-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Shael, we got to spend a lovely week in good ole' Kentucky. We were right next to Mammoth Cave National Park in a condo that her mother-in-law let us use for a week. We covered the area, going to the park, the caves, horseback riding and even Dinosaur World (could there be a more perfect place for a three year old boy?). The region felt old, as if its heyday was the 1920's , there were a few attractions here and there but things like the huge gorilla outside of one motel made us think this was a swinging place to be in the time of prohibition. But the national park and surrounding country were very nice and it was SO good to be out in the middle of nowhere, our after dinner activity was baseball by the pond in the park. The best part, of course, was having each other to ourselves for a week. We really got into a groove, Val and Drew were buddies, going horseback riding and to the game room, Nora and I got a few nice walks in, Drew and Nora loved playing on the beds and back deck together(they were fascinated by the caterpillars which were everywhere), and Val and I got some quality time hanging on the front deck under the stars. Can't beat the family vacation!

Drew at the horse barn. Giddy up Shadow!

This was the mailbox of our neighbors, they run a motorcycle accessory shop called Chrome Crazy.

Drew and Nora playing with a caterpillar.

I love this picture, Drew is in mid story about the croccidiles that live in the pond that we were walking around (they were mean to the alligators)

We are sitting on the foot of the huge dinosaur you can see from I-65.

Emily's pics

2007-04-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here comes the party!

mmmm fingers

Toby and Drew were reading all by themselves, so sweet!

Grandma and Grandpa

Toby's people

Drew, Toby and Nora in one spot, amazing!

My sister-in-law, Emily, is a wonderful photographer. We have so many great pics of the kids from her and I finally figured out how to get them posted. Yeah!

Toby!

2007-04-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

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Our best cousin Toby was here last week and it was so nice to have him here for so long. He also brought along his mama Emily and we loved having her here too. We didn't get out to do too much because of course Drew and Nora got the "we are so excited to see Toby cold" so we stayed away for a few days. Then of course there was a funeral to attend too. Emily stayed busy making lots of food for the family. We are still enjoying the fruits (or enchiladas) of her labor.

We did spend a lovely day at the childrens museum. It is so fun to watch Toby and Drew and Nora together. We look forward to the new baby cousin due to arrive early September.

Toby and Drew were very attentive three year olds for a glass blowing presentation. They learned all the ins and outs of making a BEAUTIFUL glass drum.

Nora in her Toddler and Me class

2007-04-18T06:15:00.001-07:00

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2539357930471530577

RIP

2007-04-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother passed away on the 10th of April. Below is something I wrote that was read at her funeral.

I believe I can speak for all five grandchildren when I say that Grandma Dresslar was a special grandmother. She was an important part of our lives and her love for us was evident every moment that we spent with her.

As children, we would often spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa Dresslar’s house. We affectionately referred to Grandma as “Gramcraker” and our “Frisky Grandma”. A typical day at their house would start out with an endless stack of French toast. We would then take a walk to the woods to go wading in the creek or maybe to the duck pond to throw bread to the birds. We would then perhaps watch grandma sew “designer” doll clothes or help her make loaves of banana bread. One for each of us. Grandma and Grandpa would almost always take us out to dinner and we always could order dessert! The day would come to end with a warm and ticklish bubble bath followed by stories of Donald Duck and Huey, Dewy and Louie.

These wonderful, child centered days punctuated Grandma’s love for life, fun and her grandchildren. She carried that same love for children until her last days. Grandma’s eyes would light up when my baby girl Nora and I would visit.

I learned so much from Grandma Dresslar. She is a great part of who I am today. She filled me with a love of nature, a playful spirit and a kind heart. We are so lucky to have grown up with Grandma and Grandpa. As I watch my parents and my own children, I see their love live on.

This one's for Jennifer

2007-04-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Drew and Nora love their Aunt Emmy

These are just a few random pics, its been a while, so here are some updated kid photos. Nora wants to do EVERYTHING herself these days, while Drew has really settled into being three. He told me today to watch Nora because he was leaving the room...it is so fun to watch them together. They enjoy each other so much and have their own thing going on...such as hiding from me and giggling when I find them.

Having technical trouble, all my pics come up as text in the box, blogger help would be much appreciated.

ZZZzzzzzzz

2007-03-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sweet five month old Nora, sleeping in bed with me.

One night, when Drew was about three months old, I pulled him into bed to nurse. We continued that sleeping arrangement until he was about 20 months old. When he started sleeping with us it was not because of any decision to raise him one way or another, it was just easier. Of course now I know that co sleeping and nursing on demand are two definers of what it means to be an Attached Parent. At one point I found myself involved with web groups on the subject. I needed the support then but found some to be way too dogmatic when it came to AP parenting.
I've really never liked to label my lifestyle choices and usually seem to fall somewhere in the middle.

One of the hardest parts of AP parenting is lack of sleep. Night nursers don't sleep through the night, rather they wake up and nurse every two to four hours on average. This relationship is wonderful. With both children a night rhythm was established. I would often wake up right before they did, ready to snuggle with them and spend a few sweet waking minutes together. Of course, all good things must come to an end.

As these attached babies turn in to toddlers, they begin to nurse more frequently. Or perhaps mom and dad just get more tired after at least a year of waking. Whatever the reasons, it is good to recognize when it is time to change the routine for the sake of the entire family. At some point it is time to sleep.

Obviously, this is where we were with Nora. Honestly, she has been ready for this new sleep plan for a few months. But this is a partnership, and all involved needed to be on board. Thanks to lots of support from Val, Jen and Shael, I was finally ready to take the plunge Friday night. The dreaded Cry It Out. Perhaps I read way too much in the beginning, CIO was dogged as a practice all over the AP internet. I must say I did find an encouraging plan on Dr. Jay Gordon's web sight.

Turns out it is not so scary, and at last we reach the point of this story. Nora has cried it out for three nights in a row and it is WORKING! My little sleeper was a quick study and while I read next to her crib she screamed at me. The first night she cried for forty minutes then dropped to her pillow snoring away. Then only about only about five the next two!! We are slowly taking away night nursing sessions and again, she is adapting so well. Instead of nursing I hug her over the crib rails, rubbing her back and reassuring her that she is a big girl and is doing great! This morning she woke up cheerful and we had a delightful chat about my bed and her bed.(I have moved into her room temporarily.)

This feels like a milestone in our mother/daughter relationship. She needed the push to learn that she can sleep with out me and I needed to buck up and accept that she can sleep with out me. Just another stop on the long journey of letting go.

I'm so proud of her. Goodnight.

2007-03-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

Nora and Drew enjoying the sandbox

Random Samplings

2007-03-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

These random pictures include Nora's first pigtails, Drew and Willow and Jen and Autumn at the zoo, the new mini-van, and the blizzard of 2007.

Botanical Garden

2007-03-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

We visited the Garfield Park Botanical Gardens today. It was suggested by a friend and was a great way to spend another cold day. We pretended we were in the tropics and the kids were cracking me up throughout our "tour".

Drew repeatedly said, "ooh , I love it in the....what's that big thing called?...Oh yeah the tropics." Nora was immediately attracted to the water. She knelt down in her tights (bad outfit choice) and kept splashing in it. Then she began lifting her leg over the side as if to jump in. Drew and I would both reach for her at the same time. I reassured Drew that I would take care of her and he responded, "Oh, I'm going to take care of her too Mom." Very reminiscent of Sacco (very matter of fact like). Drew also showed some grandmotherly types where they could find the gold fish. They were all cooing over my sweet little ones. We are beginning to get to the ages where both kids can enjoy outings like these and that makes me one happy mama!

Chapstick

2007-02-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Bicuspids, Incisors and Molars Oh My!

2007-02-22T16:24:00.000-08:00

Nora has been teething. Of course, the babies, they are technically always teething. But when I say Nora is cutting some teeth, most parents know exactly what I speak of. It means first and foremost that she is in pain. This leads to sleepless nights, messy diapers, an unhappy baby that needs her mama to carry her ALL day long and a depressed appetite that causes alarming hunger pains. SO life is kind of on hold while those pesky molars and incisors decide to make their grand entrance. Val and I are doing our best to keep things normal but I'm afraid our blog has suffered. I do have some pictures that I intend to post, especially of our newest member of the family, our Honda Oddessy (yes its a mini -van and I am loving it!!!). But for now, I'm loading up on Mothers Milk tea...did I mention the frequent nursing?

And to think, they all fall out....

Cabin Fever

2007-02-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Nora climbed up and in.

Our little ones continue to grow. Drew says the funniest things all the time. One of my favorites is "I'm boring" (instead of I'm bored). Nora is still using her own baby language but that does not stop her from expressing herself. Right now she is really into dropping things in the toilet and standing on tables. She also love to take thing out and put them back in. After she does this she says "der" for there and is very satisfied. She also likes to run into things and say bump. That one is clear. She already can kick the soccer ball and they both seem to inherited Val's coordination(lucky for them!)

Wind Chill Zero

2007-01-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

Drew and Nora were so cute this morning, quietly playing together.

Nora makes truck noises, "Vrooom". Wonder where she picked that up.
s
Winter has finally reared its ugly, blistery head so we have been house bound. The yoga video is a everyday activity.

Let's hope Drew keeps that posture!

Nora Dances

2007-01-19T13:08:00.001-08:00


Nora boogies to anything!

High Water

2007-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

We came home from Merrillville to a basement full of water. As I looked down into the basement I could see toys floating by. Val's first reaction was to run down all the way into the laundry room to figure out what the buzzing noise was. Yes, that's right, he ran through about five inches of water to stop a buzzing noise. So the first night I was just glad I still has a husband. We were so worn out by Christmas that I didn't even realize the impact until the next day.

What happened was a simple sump pump malfunction. So we were able to fix the stuck arm and the pump did its job clearing the water back out. But we were left with drenched carpet and wet walls. A real homeowner's nightmare.

Val worked like crazy (and put me to work) every day. We rented industrial fans and dehumidifiers (they call em dehums in the flood business) and tried to simply dry it out. This plan was based on some advice from two different flood companies. This advice was not good.
The carpet guy we consulted adviced us to get the carpet out as quickly as possible.
This is when the real fun began. We cut out carpet and Val heaved the soaking pad up the stairs and out the back door with strength I did not know he had. We worked well into the night and I ended up shop-vacing while sitting on a chair half asleep.

The whole clean up process lasted about a week and took place at night after the kids were in bed. Special thanks to Matt Lamkin for coming over and helping Val move the heavy Foos ball table and get the rest of the carpet out. I've moved that table once and will never again.

We now are all dried out and just waiting to get new carpet. All four of us miss the basement so much. It is an important space for all of us. The first night, when I called Mom, she was so sorry and I didn't realize at the time why she felt so bad. But now I do. It's kind of one of those times when you pull together and thank your lucky stars for all the blessings in your life. This was by no means a tragedy, rather a large inconvenience. Still, I understand a little better the real tragedy of a flood. Our losses were few, the mattress that Drew loved to jump on is molding in the garage and a group picture from our wedding that I loved is ruined( anyone have a copy?) oh yeah, and the laundry dryer.

I must say that Val rocked the house (or basement) working so hard to get it dry. He worked hard without any complaints and still had energy left over to get up with Drew in the middle of the night (potty or nightmares). He gets the job done and that is just one of the many reasons I love him so much. Drew had a dream the first night that he sucked up all the water from the mattress with a firetruck hose (what else). Aww poor guy, he really spent hours jumping on that thing, an end of an era...Nora continues to bang on the basement door and can't understand why we have abandoned the playroom.

Shew! What a week after quite a crazy month. So looking forward to a lazy weekend. Go Colts!

We grew attached to these shop vacs

Is it really two am?

The culprit

Mmmm. soggy carpet pad

Christmas time all over again

2007-01-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

We spent last weekend up in the region. Val's family celebrates Christmas according to the Orthodox calender so our holiday lasts well into the new year (Happy New Year!). Highlights included a visit to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and opening more presents!

Val and Baba

Nora feeding her new doll.

Drew checking out the "fish planes" swimming overhead.

Deda and Nora enjoying the dolphin show.

Val with his parents and kids. (The Sears tower and Chicago skyline)
af
Three generations hand in hand.

Christmas Pictures

2007-01-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

New Tent

Val and Generation Four

Norabelle on Christmas Eve

Me, Kathy, Nora and Baby Jackson

Christmas is a Rockin' Time

2007-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

The best part of Christmas are the visitors that come into town. Ours started with Aunt Emmy flying in from Telluride. She and the kids are tight so it is really fun and a nice break for us (i've taken to calling her Aunt Nanny). We were then lucky enough to have Valenti and George V. visit for an evening. Val had a great time and it was so good to see them. The best part of great friends is that no matter how much time passes, nothing seems to change. Wade stopped by with his new and very sweet wife Joletta, it was great to meet her finally!

We always celebrate Christmas Eve with my mom's side. The family keeps growing so it is a loud, fun party complete with enchiladas (our traditional meal). Christmas morning was not quite what i expected because Drew was so worn out. Nora, however, loved it and has mastered the fine art of tearing into gifts.

My brother Peter and his family, Emily and Toby came to visit too. Drew and Toby are best cousins. They love each other so much and have lots of fun running, screaming and destroying...
look out Grandma.

All in all it was a nice time, but I do want to find a way to come up with a little more meaning and a little less materialism next year. Maybe if I start planning in July...

The Kiss

2006-12-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

More pics from Jen and Daniel's visit.

2006-12-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

Fun time in the basement.

Drew and Arianna are kindred spirits, they really do love each other. It will be so cool to have Jen and Daniel for in-laws.
Rare sighting of Daniel on a break from working.
Drew and Baby Cole
Jennifer and Shael trying to get a group picture. (we never did get a mom shot, hmmm.)