Trains and Peacemakers

Phoenix has been the 5th largest city in the nation for some time now. And that is just Phoenix proper. It does not include all the surrounding cities like Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale or even our very own fine township for that matter. Despite it’s size, Phoenix has been a little slow in the area of mass transportation. All due respect, they’ve done a fantastic job with other aspects of the infrastructure, but mass transportation has been lacking. And it’s not entirely the fault of the officials. It’s a tough metropolitan area in that it is so spread out. We’ve got a few city centrals. There is the “official” downtown Phoenix area, downtown Scottsdale, and Camelback corridor. Then the high tech area is more central to Tempe/Chandler. And when they moved the football stadium out to the West side…well that really distributed the metro area even more.

But alas, a light rail system is finally opening in the Phoenix Metro area. It is in no way convenient to the Desert Doer’s way of life, but I’m sure some lucky folks will get to partake in the tax payer's dollar. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure we’ll be able to use the service for an occasional baseball game or Tempe event, but it does not help us in our weekday commute.

Regardless, we did take part in the grand festivities that were held in downtown Tempe. There were a lot of activites for the kids, free rail rides and exhibits. But the big draw for us was one of our favorite local bands, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. Roger fronted another local band, The Refreshments. He and the boys played an hour and a half set complete with all of our favorites. This marked Megan’s first concert, since Emily has already attended a concert a couple years ago. The festivities were capped off with fireworks.


We then went out for a great Italian dinner with friends that met us for the show, Clint and Debbie. It was a perfect afternoon and evening.

A little post-Christmas R&R

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We certainly did. The thing about Christmas though...all that preparation and planning and then it seems like it's over in a flash. I'm at a loss for what to do. No cards to send out, presents to wrap, shopping to do, meals to prepare? Seriously, what is a mom to do? Put a load of laundry in and then recline on the couch, reading a book while enjoying a cup of coffee? Sounds delightful.

GMa has arrived!

Let the festivities begin.

A season steeped in tradition...

We had a busy but very fun weekend. On Saturday Emily attended her friend Morgan's 5th annual cookie party. Morgan is a friend from preschool, so one of Em's oldest friends. They don't attend the same elementary school, but I'm delighted that the girls have remained friends and we are friends with their entire family. The annual cookie party is one of Em's favorite traditions of the season. I copied this photo right off there website...so hopefully I'll be pardoned for any copyright infringement...thanks Michelle and Woody!


Today we took part in one of my favorite traditions of the season. The annual Christmas pageant at St. Matthew's. The children act out the nativity story while the church sings carols. We've been attending St Matthew's for over 10 years and I have volunteered with the children's ministry for over 5. One of the many rewards of that work is watching the children grow up. The pageant is just one of the events that spotlights that process. Emily was an angel again this year. Next year she'll be old enough to volunteer for a speaking part. She's already talking about it. Megan will be old enough to be a sheep, although she told us today she'd like to go directly to angel. You know what they say...you've got to earn those wings.


I wrapped up the weekend by helping out again at church in preparing and serving the holiday dinner for the Youth Group. We had a fun time in the kitchen with much laughing and singing. Thanks to all the ladies in the kitchen that made it so much fun. Who knows, this may just become another holiday tradition.

Dear Santa...

The lists to Santa were ready to go soon after the Toys R Us catalog came in the mail in November. Emily wrote hers up and helped Megan cut and paste hers together. It was pretty reasonable. She even had a couple items for the family on her own list (like a Wii Fit and Wii Rock Band...since you'd need the entire family to be in the band of course). A couple weeks ago she asked if I'd mailed the list because she wanted to add to it. An "addendum" if you will. The extra letter went like this...

Dear Santa, Hi! As you can see in this package my letter (list) is in here, but if you got anything else you think I'll like then you can give it to me and my sister. P.S. Hope your doing good at the North Pole. Love, Emily

I can't make this stuff up folks.

Another girls night out

I'm feeling neglectful to my loyal blog followers...all 6 of you. Even though a week isn't really that long is it? Well, my apologies. It has just been real busy at work and I have not been feeling very eloquent by days end. The good news is that it will be quieting down soon.

In the meantime, here's some pictures from Emily's recent Brownie troop meeting. We had a Investiture ceremony for the first year girls. Each girl did a great job reading a portion of the Girl Scout law. Then Emily and Madison, second year Brownies, pinned their friends.

And I always have to get one silly shot...

A fondness for routine

We decorated the Xmas tree last night. The girls were excellent helpers this year, although we did have to rearrange a few ornaments in one sector of the tree that was getting a little crowded. Meg seemed to especially have a fondness for this particular branch.


That's right. Four ornaments all on one branch. It cracked us up so much we had to capture it on film. And we'll leave it like that for the season...just for the continuous giggle.

Silly Is As Silly Does

We had an impromtu silly photo shoot this afternoon. Here are a few of my favorites...

(Megan has the look of a serious musician, don't you think?)

Thankful

I realize now that as a child I didn’t really get the meaning of Thanksgiving. I thought of it as the anniversary of the great feast of our forefathers. You know…pilgrims and Native Americans feasting together on their new found abundances. I’m sure my lack of appreciation had a lot to do with the fact that I was fortunate enough to grow up not knowing the real meaning of wanting. In my naivety, I took for granted all that I was surrounded by.

As an adult, I have gained a mature appreciation for today’s holiday. As I approach the fortieth anniversary of my life, I have been exposed to more people and the hardships many others face in this world. I can recognize all that I have been blessed with and can better appreciate the meaning of a holiday dedicated to celebrating all that I have to be thankful for.

Following is a much abbreviated list of just a few of those things:

A loving, supportive and smoking hot husband that makes me laugh every day and has been a partner in creating this amazing life we share.

For two lovely daughters that have helped me to prioritize what truly matters in life and enrich my life as I never even imagined two people could.

For parents that love me and were committed to providing me with the means to succeed in everything I’ve endeavored to do.

For in-laws that have generously shared their son and brother with me and embraced me as a part of their family whole-heartidly.

For friendships that have endured over the many tests of time and in some cases great distances.

For a career that compensates me generously, allows me the freedom to be available to my family, and surrounds me with people I, for the most part, enjoy spending time with every day.

For modern day conveniences, especially on a day like today (I’m especially thanking the inventors of dishwashers, food processors and electricity a whole lot).

For living in a country that allows me the freedom to elect my leaders and to speak openly when they’ve disappointed me.

For a God that has blessed me with all of these people and the ability to surround myself with so many things to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Facebook Freak

Since I’ve been blogging, I’ve been introduced to a number of other hip internet channels. Like Twitter. Twitter seems like fun. A public forum for all my trivial random thoughts? Perfect! But I’ve resisted because I knew I’d become obsessed with it.

Recently my dear friend Kristin sends me an email suggesting I join Facebook. I respectfully ignored it for the same reason I have resisted Twitter. And because I remember losing hours of my life on classmates.com before my high school reunion. Kristin’s email has sat in my inbox…tempting me. Then we had dinner with a friend and she is on Facebook. It helps her keep in touch with both family and friends. Then I spent the weekend with an amazing group of women and at least half of them are on Facebook. They love it…and you can monitor who can see what…and there’s groups and networks…blah, blah, blah. That was the straw that broke this camel's back.

The last two days I’ve been crazy obsessed with it. Searching out and finding old, and current, friends. Reading and posting on walls. Adding photos. Lucky for me…and my productivity…my employer blocks the site on the office network. Otherwise I’d be on it even more than I am now. Steve came home the other night while I was on it. He casually informs me he is signed up on it for networking, but never goes on it. My reaction, “What?! You are?! You have to be my friend!” Did I mention crazy obsessed? But it really is fun getting reacquainted with old friends. I just found an old friend from Schenectady. That seems like a lifetime ago...oh wait...it's actually two-thirds of a lifetime ago. So I’m thinking that once this initial finding old friends part slows down, the novelty will wear off? Maybe??

In the meantime, if you know me…you can find me there. I’d just love to be your friend. ;-)

extraordinary

Last month I came across a story in the Living section of The Arizona Republic. It talked about a local couple that was critically injured in a small plane crash this past August. The husband has severe burns over 35% of this body and the wife 85%. While the couple has been recovering, their four children have been in the care of the wife's sisters. One of the sisters, Courtney, keeps a blog. The article took a blurb from one of Courtney's entries and I was immediately hooked. I love Courtney's prose, but what keeps me coming back is how amazing this family is. They are a true example of what extraordinary is. Both as a family and in their faith. They make me want to be a better person..as a mother, a wife, and a friend. If you have some time to catch up on the last four months, it is an amazing story. And I hope you find it as inspirational as I have.

Weekend Update

This weekend was one of those delightful weekends that we accomplished a lot, had a great time doing it and surprisingly it didn’t leave us with that overwhelmed feeling that requires an additional two days to recover from.

Friday evening we kicked off the weekend with Michelle, Woody, their three girls and a sushi dinner. The young ladies enjoyed a little independence at their end of the sushi belt while we enjoyed some adult conversation down at our end. A great time was had by all and we look forward to our next outing.

Saturday we got a lot of chores done around the house, including draining the pool for a fresh start refill. Here’s a picture of the girls playing around in the empty pool.


Saturday evening Steve and I enjoyed a dinner and a movie double date with Jim and Jill. Great dinner conversation with a few of my favorite people followed by 100 minutes of Daniel Craig as 007 on the big screen. What more could a girl ask for?

Emily spent Sunday playing with a few neighbors, Steve got to enjoy the Cardinals win over the Seahawks while Megan and I attended the birthday party of one of her "bestest" friends. Tonight we’re all relaxing with some early baths, more football, reading and blogging. Bliss.

Little People

This afternoon was spent overhauling the playroom. Cleaning, reorganizing, purging. It is one of those projects that provide a feeling of accomplishment when you are all done. Although I have to admit to it being a little bittersweet. You see Megan declared that these guys right here…





…are for babies. I’m happy to clear some of the space out of the closet. We have the Fisher-Price Little People farm, zoo, airport, school bus and all the people and animals that go with them. So packing them up opened up a lot of space. But I have to admit to being a little sad because these are my favorite toddler toys. You probably remember their predecessors from when we were young. The people were made out of wood back then and fit into the holes made just for them. Now they are plastic and probably drenched in lead paint. But the detail is darling. The furry beard on the goat. The flower lei and flip-flops on the airport’s tourist. The burp cloth over the mom’s shoulder. Too cute. Emily got the farm for her first birthday and we added on from there. I don’t remember Megan being as enamored with them as Emily, or me for that matter, but we’ve kept them around all this time.

I’m not sure I’m ready to part with these just yet. May be I can pack them up and hide them away somewhere so that I can play with them when a toddler happens to visit us again.

Hope

So today I find myself in a strange place. It has been difficult for me to find the appropriate words to express the feelings I’ve had over the last 24 hours. As the poll results came in from PA & OH last night, I admit to feeling disappointment. But then I began to feel elation. You see, although I do not agree with all of his political positions, I do admire his accomplishments as a human being. This man – a grandson, a son, a husband and a father to two young girls – has defied the odds. This man has broken down a barrier that sadly has remained in many corners of this country far too long. And for that I commend him. And that feeling…the one that I feel for him as a human being and for what he will represent forever in our history books…perhaps that is a feeling of hope.

No tricks but buckets of treats

Halloween was a relative success. Our very own Hannah Montana and Princess Belle joined the neighbors for Trick or Treating. We didn't cover as much ground as Em had planned. Her original aspiration of covering the entire neighborhood in four hours turned into one fifth of the neighborhood in an hour and a half (I'd be lying if I said I wish we had 5 times as much candy in the house). But the kids had a great time none the less and we enjoyed hanging out with the neighbors. My one regret...in the craziness of preparing for the big night I failed to get any pictures of the girls posing in their costumes. So this is what you get.

The 42nd President

When I picked Emily up from school today she excitedly told me that her class is doing reports on the U.S. presidents. This could be fun as I mentally scan through a few...Lincoln, one of the Roosevelts, Kennedy, Eisenhower perhaps? Her choice was between Gerald Ford and William Clinton. She picked Clinton because "he was president more recently." Alrighty then. When I told Steve that she will need to share what his major contributions were during his term, we shared a knowing look across the dinner table. And we made a committment to keep the report appropriate for a second grade class. We promise there will be no mention of a dress.

A monster mash

Yesterday was our 2nd Annual Halloween costume party for the kids. We had 15 kids attend ranging in age from four to eight. That number was down from the 20 that originally RSVP's. We kept the kids busy with a pinata, cookie decorating, a craft and various games. We even had an impromptu parade down the street and back. A great time was had by all. A telling sign was that most of our household was in bed by eight.

A very big thanks to the adult friends and family that were on hand to help with crowd control. We couldn't have done it without you!

Proud Mary

I just got home from the Tina Turner concert. Talk about an inspiration. This woman will be sixty-nine years old next month and she was amazing. Yes...that's right. Sixty-Nine! She's still wearing her high heels and marvelous legs. She was even doing a good job of keeping up with the dancers that are likely a third her age.

Here's what she sang...Steamy Windows / Typical Male / River Deep, Mountain High / What You Get Is What You See / Better Be Good to Me / Acid Queen / What’s Love Got to Do With It / Private Dancer / We Don’t Need Another Hero (intermission) Help / Undercover Agent for the Blues / Let’s Stay Together / I Can’t Stand the Rain / Rolling Stones Medley (Jumping Jack Flash and It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll) / Goldeneye / Addicted to Love / The Best / Proud Mary

Encore: Nutbush City Limits / Be Tender With Me, Baby

Look who's all like cool and stuff

We got her this bike when she turned 6 and she has had no interest to learn to ride it without training wheels. Zip. Zero. Nada.

I recently made an announcement that no one should turn 8 without knowing how to ride a bike. So Steve took her out twice earlier in the week and she was showing both enthusiasm and confidence. This afternoon I took her to the high school to ride around without worrisome cars and driveways. I was prepared for running and getting extremely out of breath. Thankfully Steve got that part of the deal because today she just got out there and road it like an all-pro. (The stop at the end was painless.)

We're so very proud of you EmmySue!

Construction zone

I was overdue for a change. The swimming pool season is drawing to an end and we busted out the halloween decorations weeks ago. The colors are definitely a work in process. Since I've been staring at the screen for awhile trying to remember how to make a stinkin' masthead in Photoshop...my eyes are too tired to tell if this is obnoxious or not (they all look obnoxious). So I'm walking away and will look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow. In the meantime, feel free to weigh in whether it gives you a migrane or not. xoxo

A collection of books

This collection of books on the girls bookshelf has tracked many miles. They are a Beginner Books collection that my parents ordered for me over 35 years ago. They include Dr. Seuss, Berenstain Bears as well as other favorites like P.D. Eastman's, Are You My Mother and Sam and the Firefly. My mom tells the story of how when the books arrived I'd sit in the middle of the kitchen floor in our Schenectady, NY home reading them aloud to her as she would cook a meal. These books traveled across country with us to San Jose, CA. They never saw the light of day there. I was twelve when we moved to California and my reading interests had moved on to the likes of Judy Blume novels. So they remained in a box in the attic or garage I presume. Fifteen years later the box moved across the country again with my folks to Florida. My father likely said a few curse words about that box but my mom had big plans for its contents. A couple years ago it made the trip to Arizona and the books were passed on to a new generation of readers. I've enjoyed reading them aloud to the girls. Emily read them as a beginner reader and will still read them aloud to her sister on occasion. And I know that Megan will enjoy them as well when she begins reading in the next year. And if the bindings hold up perhaps they will be enjoyed by another generation of readers in another thirty years or so. Just as my mother intended.

The Cowboys are goin' down!

Our good friend, James, visited this past weekend. It's a tradition that he comes into town whenever his beloved Cowboys play the Cardinals (uck...typing beloved and Cowboys together in the same sentence actually made me gag a little). It was great to have him here for a visit and the Cardinal's crushing victory over the Cowgirls made it even better. Meg especially liked doing his hair. Thanks for being such a great sport, Uncle James (that applies to both the football game and the hair)!

MegPie in the Sky

The other day I got a call from Steve after he had dropped Megs off at preschool. He wanted to tell me that he had seen her school pictures and they were her best ever. My husband does not get very excited about formal portrait photos...so the fact that he called to tell me about them meant they had to be something special. Seldom are school pictures worth writing home about but you tell me, is she cute or what?!

Don't worry Grandmas and Aunt...your picture will be on its way soon.

Birthday surprise was a success!

The birthday surprise was a smashing success. I did tell the girls we had to go pick Dad up at the airport. Passing by the airport Em saw a plane overhead and announced to Meg, “There is a plane, Meg, we’re almost there.” Then about 15 minutes later the ever astute Em asks, “Mom, what is going on? This is taking much longer than normal.” I responded with, “Oh, I forgot to mention that we’re picking up Daddy at the airport in California.” A few minutes of conversation ensued changing from confusion (why couldn’t he just fly home since he’s already there), disappointment (CA means a long trip in the car) and then finally back to curiosity. Since my girls do not associate CA with Disneyland (it is for trips to GMa and family friends…Florida is for Disney) they did not automatically make the connection. So the drive to CA involved endless questions. The rule was I would answer any questions about where we were going as long as they weren’t directly asking where we were going. So with some stumpers like, “we’re going to see people we know but they don’t know us” the surprise continued. We picked Steve up at the airport and got to the hotel still with the riddles unanswered. It was when Steve asked the woman at the front desk, “Are there any amusement parks near by?” and she answered with a quizzical look, “You mean besides Disneyland???” that the gig was up. What fun! It was better than a visit from Santa Claus.

As you can imagine the anticipation from that point on was hardly containable. We even had a "family suite" which included the added adventure of bunk beds.

Since it was Megan's birthday she had a special birthday button with her name on it. All of the Disney cast members would wish her a happy birthday. But the one she talked about later was when Snow White greeted her as she passed by. Really what could be better for a four year old girl than to have a princess wish you a happy birthday?! Em's favorite ride was Mr Toad's Wild Ride. And Meg's was Nemo's submarine voyage.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Off to the Happiest Place on Earth

Steve is in Northern California to help celebrate his brother's 40th birthday (A shout out to my much older brother, Happy Birthday Mike!). Tomorrow morning I'm driving with the girls out to Southern California to meet up with Steve in Anaheim. They have no idea about the trip or that we're going to Disneyland on Monday for Megan's 4th birthday. I think I'll tell them we're on our way to pick up Steve at the airport and see how long it takes Emily to figure out it's not our airport. Happy happy! Joy joy!

Project Landscape Complete

Here is the finished product. We are really pleased with how it turned out. It just needs some big pots, some comfy chairs and a table for the patio and we're all set. Here's a picture of it both during the daytime and at night.

More from the Great Outdoors

We had what may have been our best camping trip yet last weekend. We went with three other families to Christopher Creek, AZ. We got some rain on Saturday...but not enough to ruin the trip...just enough to make it more of an adventure. All the kids played together splendidly....which gave the adults an opportunity to relax and visit splendidly.

Here's all but two of us on the final morning.

Here are some of the kids hunting for crawfish. The critters seem to like chicken even more than hot dogs (Megan still likes hot dogs best).

The exact definition of poetic justice

Thirteen years to the day of being acquitted for murdering his ex-wife he finally gets his due. Prison is down a long and pathetic road from rental car commercials and Naked Gun movies.

Perhaps we can send a letter to the President?

This morning's dialogue with the seven year old that has been counting down the days until October.

Me: "Since it's October 1st, would you like to wear a Halloween t-shirt to school today?"

Em: [In a dejected tone], "Fine."

Me: "What's the matter?"

Em: "I just wish Halloween wasn't still 30 days away. I mean, it's great that it's on a Friday and all, but why couldn't they have it on the 24th?"

Happy Dance

I passed!! After a 10 year hiatus, I've started working on my professional Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation again. Sounds fascinating to you non-industry types, eh? Yeah, well it's not that fascinating for us industry types either...but it is respected enough in my line of work that I trudge on. It requires you pass eight tests on fascinating subject matter like retirment plans and health economics and compensation. (It required ten tests when I started 10 years ago...so lucky for me I waited). After three tests you get the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation, so I have my sights on that one first.

I have been studying and fretting over this test for weeks. Did I mention that it has been 10 years since I took my last (and only) test. That was two kids and a wedding ago. The study habits are a little bit rusty. I was certain I would fail. Even halfway through taking the test I thought, "Why am I still doing this, I've totally messed it up and should just leave." But then, by the grace of God, I passed! Two down, six (or one) to go. But now I'm totally motivated to get 'er done! Well...may be after the holidays. ;-)

Time to buy a lottery ticket

You know those annoying people that say, "I never win anything" after they've just won something? Well, I rarely ever win anything until recently. We played bingo at church last week (complete with Napolean Dynamite background music) and I won both bingo and the raffles several times. Go figure. And then I get an email from Mrs Fit saying I won their website giveaway from a couple weeks ago. I'm enjoying the Snacktrition fruit & nut mix right now. Mrs Fit wasn't kidding, it's yummy. Even the dried cranberries and blueberries are tasty. Perhaps I should give raisins another chance. Or not.

Project Landscape Continued

Project Landscape progressing slowly but we're pleased with what they have done so far. I will admit that the piles of dirt in the driveway, the dead grass and the incompleteness of it has given me a nervous twitch...but I'm managing that appropriately.

No more three for me.

My baby is turning four in just over a week and she's taking being four very seriously. She is insisting on doing everything for herself and everything she does is because she is, "a big girl now." There is something very liberating to us as parents that our youngest is almost four and is growing more independent. And we do look forward to the convenience that will come when Meg is five and attending the same school as Emily. At the same time I am very sentimental over my babies growing up so fast. So today I'll share this picture of baby Meg that hangs on the bulletin board above our desk. It was a Father's Day gift for Steve that was taken at preschool and framed in a Popsicle stick frame that reads, "Love You Daddy" and it makes me smile every time I see it. It captures her personality so well.

Never forget

In my September 11th post I used a picture from our local newspaper. The picture was from the Tempe Beach Park Healing Field Memorial. On our way to a company picnic in downtown today, we stopped at the Memorial for an in person visit.


The Memorial display, there for September 11th over the past several years, is made up of rows of flags. One flag for every life that was lost in the attack on the United States. 2,996 flags. Each flag has a yellow ribbon and a laminated card that displays the name, home town, place of work or profession, where they lost their life that day and in most cases, a photo. Some have stuffed animals at their base. Those represent the children. I anticipated that it would be an emotional sight. I’ve heard that the number of flags is sobering and it was. And the fact that planes fly low overhead in the flight path to Sky Harbor made it almost eery. But as I began to look at the cards -- reading the names and seeing the photos – I was overwhelmed with a feeling that I needed to look at them all. I didn’t want to walk by a flag without looking at the photo and reading the name. It was the least I could do to honor them. To pay them and their families respect for their needless loss. Not to think about what I was doing or where I was when I first saw the news, but to think about what it must have been like for them in those last moments on what began as a typical Tuesday morning.

Unfortunately we didn’t have the time today. But I will go back. Perhaps each year. And I will read the names and look at the photos and remember.

Turning the Corner

Relief is within our reach at last. This morning was cool enough to open the doors and windows for some fresh air. Glorious, unconditioned, cool air. The highs for the days ahead are still at 100...but after three month of stifling heat, we'll take what we can get.

Project Landscape

We’re redoing our front yard as a xeriscape. This involves taking out the grass and planting more arid friendly plants that will conserve both water and Steve’s time. I’d be lying if I said I won’t miss the grass a little. Doesn’t it have a certain amount of curb appeal?



But all sentimentality aside, I am not the one that has to mow and edge it every other week. Not to mention the reseeding process. In Arizona we have two types of grass. The summer grass goes dormant in the winter so it requires it to be cut down to the dirt, seeded with winter rye, covered with fertilizer and then watered…a lot. That responsibility falls on Steve. Then there is the overzealous HOA monitor. In the dead of summer we actually got a letter saying we had to do something with our annual flower bed. The uncovered dirt was unacceptable. Has she tried to keep annuals looking perky and fresh through the hottest month of the year? (insert eyeroll here). So it was agreed that we would replace it with a more desert-friendly landscape. We’ll still have the grass in back for the girls to enjoy and fortunately they don’t send out nasty letters if it gets a little shaggy.

“Demo” work began this morning. Here’s a peek at what we came home to this evening. I’ll be sure to share the finished product in the next couple weeks.

In remembrance...

During this politically charged time, my wish for today is that both parties can refrain from the insults and take a moment to remember what united us seven years ago today and the weeks that followed.


Photo credit: Mark Henle/Arizona Republic, Tempe Beach Park Healing Field Memorial

Three Generations

After developing the disposable cameras from my parents' anniversary dinner and scanning through our own digital photos, I came to the realization that, although we had a number of wonderful photos to commemorate the event, we didn't have any decent ones of my folks together. Fortunately we had several other avid family photographers at the party. I am grateful to my cousin Amy for sharing this one of my folks and the four of us. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Meg faced the camera...but instead it showcases her gorgeous curls. Thanks for sharing, Amy!

Women's Lingo

A client sent me this list today. How many do you use on a regular basis? I admit to lots of 'fines' and 'nothings'. I'm sure I've thrown in a hand full of 'go aheads' and 'that's okay's' too.

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to stop talking.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. 'Five minutes' is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'nothing' usually end in 'fine'.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission.

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about 'nothing'. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of 'nothing'.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. 'That's okay' means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' .. that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying 'screw you'!

(9) Don't worry about it, I've got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Extreme Office Makeover

We recently took on the project of revamping our home office/den. We’ve lived in this house for six years now and making the room a cozy, bright place that was conducive to reading a book, doing homework, cruising the Internet, crafting, etc. has been part of the master plan for those six years but other projects always took precedence. Although we do a lot of those things in the room…it is more cluttered than cozy and the original off-white walls screaming for a coat of paint often distracts me from a good book. The room is immediately to the left of the front door so whenever guests are coming, unexpected or not, we close the double doors to the office. Out of sight, out of mind.

After a fresh coat of cheery paint, filling the recycle bin with loads of paper and a lot of furniture assembly (those of you that have done IKEA furniture...you understand that we have enough hex keys to inventory a hardware store), it is finally done and we love it!

The “before” pictures look like we exaggerated them. Yes, the room was especially messy that particular day…but the piles of paper and disarray were typical. Go ahead...have a good laugh. But just look how grown up the “after” pictures look.

The corner that held the 15 year old computer desk...



Now holds the bookshelves...


And where the old bracket bookshelves were...



Now holds the spacious desk top (cute husband sold separately)...



And here's the cozy corner you can read a book in both before and after...




So stop on by and we'll be sure to have the office doors open proudly.

There is no crying in baseball

Last night my company sponsored a family night at the Diamondbacks game. I originally asked for two tickets, figuring we'd either get a babysitter for a night out or I'd take Emily out for the night. But then when I remembered that Steve was going to be in Utah visiting his sister, did I cancel? No. Did I decide to get a sitter and go solo? No. I asked for another ticket and took both girls with me. Some people, including my husband, may consider taking a 7 and 3.83 year old to a MLB game by myself crazy insane, but I laugh in the face of insanity....kind of like a crazy person might.

We had a great time. Randy Johnson was pitching....the seats were in the picnic area...we ate lots of delicious baseball fare (hot dogs...right up Meg's alley)...and Jill and Jim were there so that I could leave one when the other had to go to the bathroom (just what the J's wanted when they went the babysitter/night out route...thanks guys!). The only things that might have made it better would have been a win for Randy, if I didn't trip and fall in front of my peers (sheesh...can't take me anywhere) and if Steve could have been there for Megs' first game (not necessarily in that order, Dear).

Here are the girls clowning around in Baxter the Bobcat's den.

B.F.F.

During this evening’s dinner, Megan proclaimed, “Emily, you are my best friend.” Emily responded with a coy smile, “You’re my best friend too, Megan.” This isn’t the first time Megan has made this announcement. And if tonight is like any other night, then at some point Meg is likely to declare, “Emily, I am not your friend anymore.” It’s the typical cycle.

From personal experience, I recognize that both girls will have different “best friends” through their youth. It will depend on their classmates in school, who moves in or out of the neighborhood and the mood at that particular adolescent moment. And even though I don’t have experience with being a sister, I recognize that our daughters will also change their labels for each other. Whether it be best friend, annoying little sister, bossy big sister, etc. However, tonight’s display of unconditional love reminds me of a wish I have for them both. I hope their friendship endures throughout their adulthood.

As an only child I’ve always been envious of close adult sibling relationships. I’ve been very fortunate to have made lasting and amazing friendships through the years that have filled the void of a sister. My heart aches when I hear people say that they have a sibling that they haven’t spoken to in years. Even the thought of months without contact pains me. I can’t help but wonder what would cause that kind of animosity. Is it a product of the environment they were raised in?

I certainly hope that we are raising our daughters in an environment that creates the foundation for appreciation and trust in one another. I hope that when they meet the man of their dreams, they confide in each other. I hope that they choose each other as their maid-of-honor in their weddings, not because they feel an obligation to, but because they want to. I hope that when I’m driving one of them crazy with my incessant mothering, they can laugh about it with one another. I hope that when they get that big promotion they’ve been working for, they want to celebrate together. I hope that when they decide to start a family, the other is one of the first people they call to share the good news when the test finally shows positive.

But for tonight, I’ll just appreciate that they are getting along peacefully and we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing so far.

Birds of a feather

You saw the picture from Emily's first day of school back here. So this week Jill brought in some pictures of her middlest's first day of school. Jeri happens to be Emily's bestest and oldest friend but in different districts. Did you notice what we noticed immediately?



That's right! The same shirt! Total coincidence. No one else might think anything about it. But Jill and I think it's darling...and we're the moms so what we think is really all that matters, right?

Cheering on the U.S. of A.

Leading up to this past weekend there was a lot of discussion about how fewer people watch the Olympics now. I just read something that says the first two nights were up 22% from the Athen's Olympics in 2004. The Desert Doers are part of that total viewership and we're enjoying it as a family. If you aren't part of those statistics and have the time, then I recommend you give it a try. Last night's 4x 100m men's swim relay was just an example of what makes it really good TV.

First day of School Part Deux

Emily will be doing her own review of today's first day of school...

So today is the first day of school and my teacher is Miss "M." She is very nice. I also have a friend named Alexis, she has been with me for 3 years! I love school! My favorite thing in class is homework. I was so excited this morning that I couldn't wait. I also go to an after school club! We do a lot of activites. My favorite is computers.

And so there you have it. All is right in her universe again.

First day of school, first day of school!

The pencils are sharpened, the backpack is stuffed with new school supplies and Emily is ready for her first day of second grade. More details on the day later.