1. tonic, to replicate a most delicious gin and tonic served at the Underground Kitchen
2. soap. I went to a friend's house last week to get a brief tutorial about essential oils (she's an herbologist, or something like that). I am now in possession of 3 lbs of very lovely essential oils (lavender, lemongrass, and atlas cedarwood), and I can't wait to play with different types of soap, including (drum roll) shampoo and laundry detergent!
3. a knitted neck-warmer thing, or a scarf, or something knitted, since I haven't done any knitting in a year. Yeesh. That's bad.
4. granola, inspired by Stephanie
5. love. HAHAHA! Oh, I'm soooo funny.
*************
Three just came up to me and asked for something to eat. I offered him dinner, which is white chicken chili. Sounds good, no? He said, "no! can't I just spend my money and get a hot dog?" Where exactly does he think we live that he can just go out and buy a hotdog? This boy is a misplaced New Yorker through and through.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I haven't posted pictured in FOREVER, so here are some from the last month of so..
Our living room, all decorated up for christmas. That tree was the BEST smelling Christmas tree we've ever had (smelled until we removed it); however, it also dropped the most needles I've ever seen. I guess beauty comes with a price.
I found some of these buckeyes in the freezer yesterday. And yes- they are almost all gone by now. I am sharing with no one.
I kind of want this chair for my living room (am having moments of spurlginess with my new job and all). It's funky and comfy. But what do you think? Too office-y?
Back to the christmas cookies. My favorites from this year. They are a lemon shortbready kind of cookie with a light frosting and a pecan tucked underneath as a surprise. Yummy!
We've been ice skating a bunch already this winter. Here's Two in such beautiful form. He's normally a bit more wobbly than this picture shows, but he's pretty good. And self-taught!
Aunt Aisha and Three bonding at the ice rink...
One and two sledding down the hill (woosh!)...
Three and One prepare for a race.
And, finally, Aunt Aisha and Two enjoying a UW men's b'ball game. They took lots of pictures, some pretty silly, but I think this one is my favorite.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Packers and love
So, yesterday I had a lovely little mom-son moment that I loved, loved, loved. Remember how we started that parent/child date idea last year? One and I were scheduled for a date night in November (he doesn't want me to call it a date - he calls it a "thingy", I call it a date). Anyway, we got behind with our trip out east and the holidays and life, so last week I said, "we're going out on our date next weekend." He replied, "I want to go the The Haze and eat a pulled pork sandwich and watch the Packers with you." I said, "yum! Let's do it!"
(The Haze is a new restaurant/bar downtown that he discovered on a night out with Uncle Mark and Aunt Aisha. I think he was as tickled about going out with them solo as he was about the sandwich and atmosphere and he wanted to relieve it.)
So, after canceling my appearance at bookclub last night (oops), he and I headed out. Turns out The Haze was closed, so we headed down the street to The Great Dane, which is a happening little spot that brews their own beer and makes good food and has lots of tv's tuned to the football game.
We found a spot at the bar, decided we'd wait until halftime to order our food, and got a couple of beers on tap (rootbeer for him, Scotch Ale - yummy - for moi). Shortly after the game started, a woman sat next to One and started talking with us. I could see he was enormously uncomfortable with this stranger talking to him, plus annoyed someone was distracting him from the big game. She appeared to be maybe a little bit crazy and perhaps a little bit drunk too but probably overall harmless. Anyway, after complimenting him on his glasses and noting how much he seemed to understand the game (she had no clue that she was sitting next to the world's biggest 10 year old Packers fan), she asked him his name. "ahhh, ummm, (pause) my name is Mark." (not his name - but the name of his favorite uncle - see 2nd paragraph above) She said, "that's not your name" and looked to me for confirmation. I just smiled and nodded. After a bit, we got up to go to the bathroom and I "accidently" sat in his seat when we returned. She said, "you sat there on purpose because Mark didn't want to sit next to me anymore." For being a bit crazy and drunk, she was very perceptive.
Anyway, she eventually moved to a different spot at the bar and we were able enjoy the game in peace. And enjoy we did! My little One just beamed when the crowd cheered the good moments. We sat at the edge of our seats near the end when the tide almost shifted, and we jumped up and cheered when they won. And I thought, "there is no where else I want to be right now." His sweet little smiley face looked up at me with such joy. I will never forget it.
On the way home, One said, "thanks for driving me to the restaurant, mom. Thanks for buying my food. (pause) Thanks for spending time with me." With a melting heart, I grabbed his hand and kissed it. Of course, my love.
(The Haze is a new restaurant/bar downtown that he discovered on a night out with Uncle Mark and Aunt Aisha. I think he was as tickled about going out with them solo as he was about the sandwich and atmosphere and he wanted to relieve it.)
So, after canceling my appearance at bookclub last night (oops), he and I headed out. Turns out The Haze was closed, so we headed down the street to The Great Dane, which is a happening little spot that brews their own beer and makes good food and has lots of tv's tuned to the football game.
We found a spot at the bar, decided we'd wait until halftime to order our food, and got a couple of beers on tap (rootbeer for him, Scotch Ale - yummy - for moi). Shortly after the game started, a woman sat next to One and started talking with us. I could see he was enormously uncomfortable with this stranger talking to him, plus annoyed someone was distracting him from the big game. She appeared to be maybe a little bit crazy and perhaps a little bit drunk too but probably overall harmless. Anyway, after complimenting him on his glasses and noting how much he seemed to understand the game (she had no clue that she was sitting next to the world's biggest 10 year old Packers fan), she asked him his name. "ahhh, ummm, (pause) my name is Mark." (not his name - but the name of his favorite uncle - see 2nd paragraph above) She said, "that's not your name" and looked to me for confirmation. I just smiled and nodded. After a bit, we got up to go to the bathroom and I "accidently" sat in his seat when we returned. She said, "you sat there on purpose because Mark didn't want to sit next to me anymore." For being a bit crazy and drunk, she was very perceptive.
Anyway, she eventually moved to a different spot at the bar and we were able enjoy the game in peace. And enjoy we did! My little One just beamed when the crowd cheered the good moments. We sat at the edge of our seats near the end when the tide almost shifted, and we jumped up and cheered when they won. And I thought, "there is no where else I want to be right now." His sweet little smiley face looked up at me with such joy. I will never forget it.
On the way home, One said, "thanks for driving me to the restaurant, mom. Thanks for buying my food. (pause) Thanks for spending time with me." With a melting heart, I grabbed his hand and kissed it. Of course, my love.
Monday, January 3, 2011
holiday recap
Hello long lost blogger friends.
I've been busy working and mothering and hosting and relaxing.
But I do miss you.
So, here's a recap of our holidays.
What was great about Christmas/New Years 2010...
1. Hosting our annual Christmas eve party. Such a great group! Lots of laughs and good food and fun times.
2. Spending lots of time with Mark (my bro) and Aisha (my sis-in-law)
3. Relaxing with the kiddos in our warm, cozy house
4. Cleaning the basement and setting up the wii there (which amazingly means the kids are down there more - ahhhh, peace and quiet!)
5. Hosting a couple of sleepovers with some favorite 10 year old buddies
6. Going out to eat with Bob and Mark and Aisha to the new and fabulous Underground Kitchen -- just adults! First time ever!
7. Reading some good books
8. Seeing my kids read some good books
9. Hosting an impromptu and fun New Years Eve party
10. Forgetting about pesky schedules like early bedtimes and regular mealtimes
11. Sledding (twice) and ice skating (once, so far)
12. Watching my kids delight (again) in being with their cousins.
13. Cheering the Packers on to the playoffs
14. Baking some yummy holiday goodies
What was not so great about Christmas/New Years 2010...
1. Saying goodbye to Mark and Aisha, who are soon moving far, far away
2. (still) Missing our beloved Grandma Donna
But like a whip - SNAP! - we are back into our schooltime routine, and that is a good thing too. The kiddos are upstairs right now getting ready for bed, at 7 pm. I will soon follow them up to brush teeth, read books, snuggle and love and tuck in. Life is good.
I've been busy working and mothering and hosting and relaxing.
But I do miss you.
So, here's a recap of our holidays.
What was great about Christmas/New Years 2010...
1. Hosting our annual Christmas eve party. Such a great group! Lots of laughs and good food and fun times.
2. Spending lots of time with Mark (my bro) and Aisha (my sis-in-law)
3. Relaxing with the kiddos in our warm, cozy house
4. Cleaning the basement and setting up the wii there (which amazingly means the kids are down there more - ahhhh, peace and quiet!)
5. Hosting a couple of sleepovers with some favorite 10 year old buddies
6. Going out to eat with Bob and Mark and Aisha to the new and fabulous Underground Kitchen -- just adults! First time ever!
7. Reading some good books
8. Seeing my kids read some good books
9. Hosting an impromptu and fun New Years Eve party
10. Forgetting about pesky schedules like early bedtimes and regular mealtimes
11. Sledding (twice) and ice skating (once, so far)
12. Watching my kids delight (again) in being with their cousins.
13. Cheering the Packers on to the playoffs
14. Baking some yummy holiday goodies
What was not so great about Christmas/New Years 2010...
1. Saying goodbye to Mark and Aisha, who are soon moving far, far away
2. (still) Missing our beloved Grandma Donna
But like a whip - SNAP! - we are back into our schooltime routine, and that is a good thing too. The kiddos are upstairs right now getting ready for bed, at 7 pm. I will soon follow them up to brush teeth, read books, snuggle and love and tuck in. Life is good.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
settling in...
So, the dust is settling - inside my head, more than anywhere. Things are starting to click at my new job. I know where to sit when I first walk in and where the bathroom is. I'm learning who gets there early, who loves to tend to the coffee area, and who smiles and greets me as we pass in the hallway. It's these little pieces of discomfort that has been the hardest for me. Makes me feel for the substitute teachers in the world who never settle in and learn the culture of one worksite.
I am getting more comfortable using the confusing computer system also. I was explaining to Bob last night that I have at least 7 different places I need to log in to the computer each day, and each place requires a slightly different login and password. I have to "load the server onto the desktop", which may be a no-brainer to everyone else but feels like a total accomplish every time I have done it (twice so far!). And I'm fairly comfortable on a computer. Not having good computer skills is a true handicap for those in a modern-day workplace.
I've met with lots of different folks looking for therapy - mom with an anxious 10 year old son (THAT felt familiar!), single women with significant histories of trauma, people with OWI convictions looking for chemical dependency counseling. Some have made me laugh, and some have given me pause at how their matter-of-fact they take the trauma they've suffered.
All in all, it feels so very good to flex this social work muscle again. And so far, the family seems to be taking the transition in stride. The only two changes for the rest of them is that Three is now bussed to and from his speech phenology program and Bob is home Friday afternoons - so he gets to collect them all from their various spots after school. I worked late last Friday night - didn't get home until 5:45 pm, and dinner had already been served and cleaned up. I liked coming in and having a plate of food waiting for me, children happily playing with their bellies full. (To give myself a little bit of credit, the meal that night was something I put together in the slow cooker before I left for work in the morning.) Bob was sitting in the living room, waiting to hear all the details of my long day at work. Oh! And to honor my first full day, he bought a german chocolate cake (my fav!) for us to enjoy.
Thank you for your comments and congrats! I am missing computer time - my computer time to do what I want to do. Heavens - I sure get enough computer time at work! I don't know how this blog will endure this transition...
I'm happy to post this update today, and who knows... Maybe I'll even follow up with a post with pictures.
I am getting more comfortable using the confusing computer system also. I was explaining to Bob last night that I have at least 7 different places I need to log in to the computer each day, and each place requires a slightly different login and password. I have to "load the server onto the desktop", which may be a no-brainer to everyone else but feels like a total accomplish every time I have done it (twice so far!). And I'm fairly comfortable on a computer. Not having good computer skills is a true handicap for those in a modern-day workplace.
I've met with lots of different folks looking for therapy - mom with an anxious 10 year old son (THAT felt familiar!), single women with significant histories of trauma, people with OWI convictions looking for chemical dependency counseling. Some have made me laugh, and some have given me pause at how their matter-of-fact they take the trauma they've suffered.
All in all, it feels so very good to flex this social work muscle again. And so far, the family seems to be taking the transition in stride. The only two changes for the rest of them is that Three is now bussed to and from his speech phenology program and Bob is home Friday afternoons - so he gets to collect them all from their various spots after school. I worked late last Friday night - didn't get home until 5:45 pm, and dinner had already been served and cleaned up. I liked coming in and having a plate of food waiting for me, children happily playing with their bellies full. (To give myself a little bit of credit, the meal that night was something I put together in the slow cooker before I left for work in the morning.) Bob was sitting in the living room, waiting to hear all the details of my long day at work. Oh! And to honor my first full day, he bought a german chocolate cake (my fav!) for us to enjoy.
Thank you for your comments and congrats! I am missing computer time - my computer time to do what I want to do. Heavens - I sure get enough computer time at work! I don't know how this blog will endure this transition...
I'm happy to post this update today, and who knows... Maybe I'll even follow up with a post with pictures.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
still aswirl
Things feel a little unsettled around here. I'm almost totally unpacked after our trip, but that's a chore that has un-centered me. I am fresh off of some family/christmas drama. It's all resolved but it took a bit out of me. And, mostly of all, I did something today that I haven't done since September 1992. I started a new job.
I went in for 3 hours this morning for my part-time, temporary gig as a social worker at a local mental health agency. This agency offers counseling services -- which is different than my former employer (doing child protection for the county) -- but the essence of the duties are similar. Meet with folks in challenging situations. Gather social histories, briefly assess the situation, and send them on their way to the appropriate service within the agency. I'm excited but a bit unnerved and overwhelmed at it all. As I told my friend this morning, I had the realization that I could meet with an individual who may later commit suicide. What if I don't do my job correctly and they don't get the services they need? She kindly reminded me I've worked in challenging and stressful situations before, and I can figure it out. Let's hope so.
But it all went very smoothly this morning - the transition to this new life. Three resumed his speech phenology preschool program this morning (perfect timing), and he was excited about the "school bus" (really, a minivan driven by a middle aged guy) taking him and bringing him home. I got One to the bus, Two off to his school, and Three in his van all with a few minutes to spare before work. Work... Feels strange, but good, to say.
I think I underestimated the dress code. I dressed fine today (khakis and a sweater), but it looked like people tend to dress pretty nice. I'm inclined to do a little shopping. Maybe Santa will bring me a couple of skirts.
Ahh, the perils of starting a new job after being unemployed for (gulp) 10 years.
Brrr, cold and grey the last couple of days. Hasn't really inspired me to do much around the house, but I should. Every room needs about 20 minutes of attention. Know what I mean? It's not a disaster, but it's a drag to have every room look disorganized - especially when that's what I feel on the inside. Aha! That's probably a DSM IV diagnosis I should bone up on!
Our trip to Baltimore and NYC was beyond great, but you'll have to wait for the stories and pictures. In re-reading the above paragraph I have a burst of energy to tackle some of the chaos. So I'm off!
I went in for 3 hours this morning for my part-time, temporary gig as a social worker at a local mental health agency. This agency offers counseling services -- which is different than my former employer (doing child protection for the county) -- but the essence of the duties are similar. Meet with folks in challenging situations. Gather social histories, briefly assess the situation, and send them on their way to the appropriate service within the agency. I'm excited but a bit unnerved and overwhelmed at it all. As I told my friend this morning, I had the realization that I could meet with an individual who may later commit suicide. What if I don't do my job correctly and they don't get the services they need? She kindly reminded me I've worked in challenging and stressful situations before, and I can figure it out. Let's hope so.
But it all went very smoothly this morning - the transition to this new life. Three resumed his speech phenology preschool program this morning (perfect timing), and he was excited about the "school bus" (really, a minivan driven by a middle aged guy) taking him and bringing him home. I got One to the bus, Two off to his school, and Three in his van all with a few minutes to spare before work. Work... Feels strange, but good, to say.
I think I underestimated the dress code. I dressed fine today (khakis and a sweater), but it looked like people tend to dress pretty nice. I'm inclined to do a little shopping. Maybe Santa will bring me a couple of skirts.
Ahh, the perils of starting a new job after being unemployed for (gulp) 10 years.
Brrr, cold and grey the last couple of days. Hasn't really inspired me to do much around the house, but I should. Every room needs about 20 minutes of attention. Know what I mean? It's not a disaster, but it's a drag to have every room look disorganized - especially when that's what I feel on the inside. Aha! That's probably a DSM IV diagnosis I should bone up on!
Our trip to Baltimore and NYC was beyond great, but you'll have to wait for the stories and pictures. In re-reading the above paragraph I have a burst of energy to tackle some of the chaos. So I'm off!
Friday, November 19, 2010
the fog is clearing
It has been a whirlwind past couple of days. Let's review.
Yesterday, I picked up several hundred pounds of beef from the butcher. I had arranged to buy a side of beef from a friend of a friend. This farmer raises cattle humanely and they are pasture fed, and I was happy to stock us up on beef. And we are stocked up! It's a good thing we have two (yes, two) chest freezers, because we are using every last little cubic inch of space in them. Let's hope we don't lose electricity anytime soon.
While loading said beef into the freezer, the phone rang. I figured it was my friend Theresa calling before her visit, but it was a friend (sort of) calling to offer me a job. A very good job -- one in my field (social work), doing something I'm interested in, part time and very nearby my home. At this point it's hourly and temporary -- she needs someone to fill in quickly until they can officially post for the job and get a permanent hire for it. I quickly thought of the cons (where will Three go while I work?????), figured I'd figure it out, and said, "Yes! Thanks!"
And that's where the whirlwind began. Have you ever tried to figure out childcare for your children after never having to figure that out before? I know many (most) parents have, but I had underestimated the confusion and mess - not to mention expense. I'll spare you the details, but I think I have finally figured it out pretty well by now.
If that's not enough, I've been busy readying my family for our roadtrip. We set out tomorrow for the east - first to Canton, OH to the NFL hall of fame (on One's 10th birthday, no less), then to Baltimore for a couple of days to see my bro and sis-in-law, and then to NYC to stay with my cousin's girlfriend for 4 nights (My cousin, unfortunately for us, is in Brazil presently). I've been packing and preparing and getting an I-Pass and Trip Tick and Ipods loaded with games and videos. The boys each have their carry-on bags packed with books and a clipboard and papers and even whiteboards and markers. I picked up a couple of "playaway" books from the library and a book on cd for the radio. 10-day food pellets have been bought for the fish, and the dog is all scheduled for the kennel. I never realized my mom worked so hard before we went on vacation.
In the middle of all of this chaos, I've had a handful of sweet reminders about how blessed I am with the people in my life. Two very generous and kind friends offered to help out with bits of childcare here and there. Another friend called and said, "this just confirms it. Good things DO happen to good people. I'm so glad you got this job!" My parents have totally stepped up and genuinely offered to seriously help with childcare -- something they have never offered before (not that I've had to ask). Not to mention the phone call - a bit out of the blue - from this (sort of) friend offering me this job!
The bags are packed. The beef is all put away. My social security card has been located. The ipods are charging. The childcare plans feel manageable and comfortable.
The fog is lifting.
I have many thanks during this Thanksgiving.
Yesterday, I picked up several hundred pounds of beef from the butcher. I had arranged to buy a side of beef from a friend of a friend. This farmer raises cattle humanely and they are pasture fed, and I was happy to stock us up on beef. And we are stocked up! It's a good thing we have two (yes, two) chest freezers, because we are using every last little cubic inch of space in them. Let's hope we don't lose electricity anytime soon.
While loading said beef into the freezer, the phone rang. I figured it was my friend Theresa calling before her visit, but it was a friend (sort of) calling to offer me a job. A very good job -- one in my field (social work), doing something I'm interested in, part time and very nearby my home. At this point it's hourly and temporary -- she needs someone to fill in quickly until they can officially post for the job and get a permanent hire for it. I quickly thought of the cons (where will Three go while I work?????), figured I'd figure it out, and said, "Yes! Thanks!"
And that's where the whirlwind began. Have you ever tried to figure out childcare for your children after never having to figure that out before? I know many (most) parents have, but I had underestimated the confusion and mess - not to mention expense. I'll spare you the details, but I think I have finally figured it out pretty well by now.
If that's not enough, I've been busy readying my family for our roadtrip. We set out tomorrow for the east - first to Canton, OH to the NFL hall of fame (on One's 10th birthday, no less), then to Baltimore for a couple of days to see my bro and sis-in-law, and then to NYC to stay with my cousin's girlfriend for 4 nights (My cousin, unfortunately for us, is in Brazil presently). I've been packing and preparing and getting an I-Pass and Trip Tick and Ipods loaded with games and videos. The boys each have their carry-on bags packed with books and a clipboard and papers and even whiteboards and markers. I picked up a couple of "playaway" books from the library and a book on cd for the radio. 10-day food pellets have been bought for the fish, and the dog is all scheduled for the kennel. I never realized my mom worked so hard before we went on vacation.
In the middle of all of this chaos, I've had a handful of sweet reminders about how blessed I am with the people in my life. Two very generous and kind friends offered to help out with bits of childcare here and there. Another friend called and said, "this just confirms it. Good things DO happen to good people. I'm so glad you got this job!" My parents have totally stepped up and genuinely offered to seriously help with childcare -- something they have never offered before (not that I've had to ask). Not to mention the phone call - a bit out of the blue - from this (sort of) friend offering me this job!
The bags are packed. The beef is all put away. My social security card has been located. The ipods are charging. The childcare plans feel manageable and comfortable.
The fog is lifting.
I have many thanks during this Thanksgiving.
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