You're Never Too Old for a Swing Set

Grandma and Grandpa S. came out for a visit.  We decided to go to Elk Neck State Park and Fort Delaware.  I still can't believe that I agreed to it, but we stayed in the "rustic cabins".  Let's just say that the first 5 minutes were sooooo bad that it could only get better.  I got dive bombed by numerous bugs when we went in the door and the spider the size of Peter's head HAD TO DIE. 

Here are some highlights of the trip:

Notice that I'm not on the swings.  Those things are torture for my hips.  I brushed a female deer tick off of Peter when he got off the swing.  I think it's sad that I know the difference between male and female deer ticks.

Peter kept knocking on the cabin windows.  The real fun came when he found one open and tried to put his head through it.

Aaron and I had to wait for the slow pokes to catch up on the hike we took.  I was wishing I'd worn running shoes.  Aaron is fast on the trails.

See?  I wasn't lying.  It's, I should say was, the size of Peter's head.

Six Pack

My FIVE YEAR OLD has a SIX PACK. 

I was watching him play in the pool from the kitchen window.  I cannot believe he is so well cut.  I think I'm going to have my hands full with the girls. 

I've never in my life had a six pack, have you?

Feed Me! FEED ME NOW!

Do you ever feel like your kids are just screeeeeching to be fed?

I've never felt like sticking my head down their throats but I have shoved cookies in their mouths to stop the noise.

Moms have a tough job no matter what the species.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Last week I did a family photo shoot for a friend. She also wanted some pics with her sons. It was pretty hilarious. Ian kept getting texts while I was trying to get his picture; the man has fast fingers. So, I just kept shooting and got the below picture. All too true for the American Mother today, don't you think? This will be me all too soon...

This is my favorite family shot. I know it won't be her favorite since she is looking for a closer crop but I think she looks gorgeous and the men around her look good so I'm posting it. My camera, my rules. :-)

How to Cope with a Migraine

I get asked frequently how I cope with being a Mom and having migraines. Here is an example of one way I make it to bedtime.

Sit yourself down in a comfy chair. In my case Grandma Helen's big velvet deep armchair. Grab your camera and tell the kids that you're going to play a game. Whoever can get back into the bedroom before the flash goes off wins. Just aim the camera in the general direction and take a picture in between stabs of pain. When that gets old tell them that you're now going to see how fast they can run. Change the setting on the camera so it blurs the picture and tell them, 'Wow! look how fast you run'! This is good for at least an hour.

Peter's Revenge

He's little but he's scrappy. He has his big Brother running from him more then you'd think.

Don't Ever Tell Roland a Knock Knock Joke

I've a darling niece that writes me letters. Who doesn't like getting good mail? I sure do. In her last letter she recounted a conversation that happened over 6 years ago, which is about half her lifetime. Wow, what a memory.

The following conversation occurred between Roland and her Brother:

S - Knock, knock
Roland - Come in!
S - No, you're supposed to say 'who's there'!
Roland - Who's there?
S - Boo!
Roland - Hi, Boo!
S - No, you're supposed to say 'Boo who'!
Roland - Well, you don't have to cry about it!

Seriously, the man has a quick mind. Engage in conversation at your own risk.

Latest Creation

Here is the Rose Quartz Ring I told you about earlier. I also used Swarovski pearls and crystals.

Thanks to Aaron for being the hand model.

If You're Going to be a Bully Don't Document It!

Didn't know what to say when I found this picture on the memory card and I still don't. I'm torn between scolding and laughing. And kids wonder how their Moms know things. Chocolate smeared across faces, chairs pulled up to counters, images on digital cameras. We ain't dumb! We're pretty good at connecting the dots. It's a trait we build on for the teenage years.

**No Peters were harmed durning this photo shoot - that we know of. A lot may be revealed when he decides to talk....

A Sad Goodbye

The sad day of saying goodbye to Old Blue came on Saturday. After the last hit Roland took him in to get fixed and the mechanic took his bumper off. Didn't ask him to, wish he wouldn't have, but he did. There was not another bumper to be found and Roland decided that another summer without A/C wasn't on his top 10 things to do this year. So we sold him on Craigs List for $300.00. The insurance company totalled him for the THIRD time so we also got a pay out of $900.00. This little car just keeps on giving. We've fared (I had to look that word up. I thought it was spelled faired. Huh, learned something new.) pretty well with our $79.95 investment, don't you think?

Here is a copy of the ad Roland posted: This is your chance to own a little piece of folklore. Old Blue has been through a lot, but he still keeps going. 1989 Dodge Colt, about 130,000 miles. Runs amazingly well, engine smokes a little (but never in the house), back bumper is missing. No a/c, manual everything. Fun to drive and a great topic of party conversations.

We're now a Honda family. Roland found a little civic that's only 11 years old. He says he feels like the bees knees driving it. Guess that comes from driving a 20 year old car for 2 years. Most anything is a step up. If you ever need an attitude adjustment go without something you think you need for 2 years, like a/c or power steering, you realize it's not so bad not having a new car.

Here are some pics of our little Old Blue:

The last time he was inspected his defroster wasn't working so our trusty mechanic fixed it. Then the inspector people broke it again. So our mechanic fixed it again and attached a note that said, "Move levers SLOWLY", and advised Roland to not move them if he could avoid it. The post it is faded but Roland kept it on anyway.

One day Roland was getting in the car and he hit the door handle with his briefcase. Did you know old plastic is rather brittle?

Aaron playing Old Blue's "radio". Since the radio didn't work Aaron offered to keep his keyboard in Old Blue, much to my relief, so he could play it for his Dad when he wanted music.

Old Blue sat in our driveway for a month or two. He needed a little kick and some time with his pal Bessie. The little red car in the back ground is what our neighbors moved up to when they sold us Old Blue.

All the friends together.

The boys playing in Old Blue one last time. They loved him. Sniffle, sniffle. That car had heart. And character. Bet your car doesn't flash the dome light when you hit a bump or give you big muscles just from steering. Or survive being hit by a tree and being a target for big SUV's. Old Blue was always being underestimated. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

Joke of the Day

A wealthy man died and when he got to the pearly gates he was distressed that he couldn't bring any of his wealth with him.

He negotiated and negotiated until St. Peter agreed that he could bring ONE piece of luggage with him. He returned home, changed his money into gold and packed it into a bag. When he returned one of the angels asked St. Peter what he had brought in his suitcase. St. Peter replied, "Pavement!"

Quick Update

It's been too long since I last posted so I thought I'd give you a short run down on what's been happening.

My brother and his wife, Heidi, came for a visit. Great fun. I'll post pics soon. Aaron went back in for his follow up blood test to check if the tick infected him. Not so fun. Haven't heard the results so I'm assuming he's fine. Peter has been in to see a speech therapist and for a hearing test. They tell me all is well except that he isn't talking. Oh, really? Thanks, I didn't know that!

My Mom came out just in time for Aaron and I to catch a stomach flu that is going around. Yuck! Hoping she doesn't go home with it.

Roland is heading to his 20 year reunion at MIT. Can he really be old enough to do that? After he gets home his parents come for a week. If anyone else is planning on coming please speak up now.

I have a migraine. So I'm going to go take some serious meds. Wish I had a Dr. Pepper to chase them with. Oh, well. You can't have it all, can you?

Quote of the Day

"Hola! Como a pasta?"

Looks like Aaron's spanish class is paying off!

Peter, Where Are You?

Don't you just love when little kids hide and giggle so hard because they think there is NO way you can see them? Such tricksters!

Peter's Turned 2!

Happy Birthday my little Pumpkin Pie!

Peter loved trying to blow out his candles. He enjoyed smearing cake all over his face and he loved his new truck!

Boys and Water

What is it with boys and water? They just can't seem to help themselves. It doesn't matter that they're fully dressed. Or, that I told them NOT to turn on the water. It certainly didn't help when Dad joined in. They can't help it. The water must be turned on. Peter felt like the King since he had control of the hose which doesn't happen very often!

Going, Going, Gone!

Going,

going,
gone!

An Experience I Hope to Never Repeat

Aaron has been asking and asking to go bowling. This morning we decided to go. I made sure that even though the kids were wearing sandals they had socks so I wouldn't be grossed out by putting their feet into rental shoes.

We made it to the alley with socks and I was rather proud of myself until I looked down at my feet in sandals. I asked if I could just go barefoot since I wasn't planning on bowling and nope, not an option. The lady behind the counter seemed offended by my reluctance to put my bare feet into bowling shoes. She told me twice that the shoes are sprayed. Isn't that kind of the gross point? Shoes that need to be sprayed are gross. It seemed as if my needing to go sock-less was a common occurrence. Ugh! Really? This is a common thing? My grossed outness was growing by the second.

Then, I looked down at the happy faces of my children so ready to hit the lanes and roll the ball. Oh, the things mothers will do for their children.

What have you done that you hope never to repeat?

New Creation - Gift for New Moms

While reading a friends post about "push presents" I realized how easily I could make this necklace as a gift for new moms. It's on a 36' chain and the locket is attached with a lobster claw so the person wearing it has the option of making it shorter or keeping it long. I've attached a little H representing the baby's name. (T, act surprised when you open this gift).

At first I liked this as a gift for the first time Mom. But, it wouldn't be that hard to make it work with multiple kids. What do you think?

Melt My Heart

Once Aaron learned that my favorite color is yellow he started picking all the dandilions he could find for me. One day he brought me close to 30. He even smells them which leaves a cute yellow smudge on his face. He also points out every yellow sign when we're driving. There are a lot of yellow signs out there!

The Ghost of Aaron

Don't ask, 'cause I don't know.

This Kid Makes Me Happy!

Every time this little man comes to play he makes me happy. I couldn't resist taking a picture of him in his goggles with his eyes all skeewompuss. (How do you spell that)? He kept them on for a long time. I would have thought it'd get uncomfortable, but he didn't seem to mind.

I'm About to Ban Being Outdoors!

I wrote the below post back on the 14th but pulled it when I got freaked out after talking to Roland about the tick that had embedded himself into Aaron's shoulder. I'm not so freaked out anymore so I'll put it back.

Basically, I called the Dr. and he immediately put Aaron on a run of antibiotics for a MONTH. The nurse also had to dig around in Aaron's shoulder to get a small piece of the Bug That I Curse out of it. Aaron just sat there calmly while she did it. I couldn't believe how controlled he was. She hadn't used any local on him so he was feeling it all.

Luckily, Aaron isn't showing any symptoms of Lyme's, although he has to go back in for a follow up blood test in 3 weeks to be sure.

I've always loved living on the edge of our forest. Now, not so much.

POST FROM 4/14/2010

I'm usually a big fan of getting the kids outside. Helps them sleep and makes the night easier. But, after the week I've just had I'm thinking of banning the outdoors.

First, Roland took Aaron and Peter to a community cleanup. That night while changing Aaron into his jammies I told Roland I thought he had poison ivy. Roland said he didn't and since Roland is the outdoors man I believed him. Sunday Aaron gets dressed by himself. Monday I dress him and freak out with the rash all over his body. I look at Peter and yup, he's got a few red spots too. So, I call the Dr. and make an appointment. From the doorway the Dr. says, "Looks like they got into some poison ivy." I was having a really big TOLD YOU SO moment right then.

A few days later I'm slathering lotion all over Aaron and what do I find? I deer tick really enjoying a meal on Aaron's shoulder. I have to say, I'm not a big fan of pulling a tick out of my kids flesh. Ugh. Roland really needed to be at home at that moment. I check Peter and he's not sporting any new appendages but his rash is getting worse, but different. Great. Looks like another trip to the doctor.

Yeah, not so pleased with the out of doors right now.

Be Prepared to Cry

I've spent some time this afternoon reading friend's blogs. A friend who now lives in East Timor had a post that linked to the following blog. Grab a tissue, then grab your children for hugs until they can't stand it any more.

http://www.natalienortonphoto.com/2010/01/prayers-of-faith.html

My Latest Favorite Creation

75. That's how many attachments are in this set. Each attachment had at least three beads. That's over 200 beads by the time I was done. But, when you take in to account that I had to make it twice that's a lot of beads and attaching for my little eyes. I originally made it about the time I made my yellow bracelet. But, the chain I used kept breaking so I took it apart and remade it with stronger, thicker chain. So what's that? 150 attachments? Whew!

My lovely model, and owner of the new set, also has matching earrings that aren't pictured.

Next is a ring of rose quartz for a friend in Utah. I'll post some pics when I have it done.

The Fun We Can Have with Language Barriers

I just got an email forwarded from Roland's sister that her son wrote from his mission. It contained a funny story that made me think of other mishaps that have happened because one of the people in a conversation didn't speak the native language.

My Uncle and his wife served a mission in Russia. They were talking to a group and said, "Let us tell you a little about the Burtons." They then told the audience about all their children. (Total of 6). The person translating translated it to "Let us tell you a little about our burdens". When they couldn't understand all the weird looks they were getting they stopped and figured out what had happened.

When we lived in Ithaca we had a great woman in the ward, Berta, from Mexico. She would sometimes translate for another Spanish speaking member. One fast Sunday Berta was helping the woman bear her testimony. The woman started out in English so Berta kindly translated it all into Spanish for us.

And now to the funny story from Alex, the missionary, serving in the French West Indies. His companion was having some health problems. Lost feeling in his toes. He came away from the Dr's office with a prescription. (Keep in mind this is a 19 year old boy). Let's just say he didn't leave the apartment for a few hours once they figured out he'd just taken Viagra.

Do you have any funny stories?

A Day at the Park

We were so happy to finally have some good weather so we could ride our bikes to the park. Luckily the mean 9 year old didn't show up until a few days later. Next time I hope the kid's Mom comes with him so I can beat her up. Sounds fair, doesn't it, since the renegade was trying to beat up the rest of us. Just kidding. I don't think I could take her.

What a good big brother!

I love Peter's little hand is his pocket as he surveys the scene.

Should I do it? Should I do it?

Nah!

Aaron loves to swerve around the trail. Pretty good shot for taking it while I was on the bike, huh?

My first attempt to get a shot of Peter on the back of my bike. It was an over the shoulder shot. Not so good.

Getting closer....

Got him! I almost crashed and I whacked the camera on the handlebars, but I got a slobbery shot. That's worth almost crashing isn't it?

What Does that Say About Me?

I was cleaning up the evening dishes and realized that once again the top half of the dishwasher is stuffed, while the lower half is a quarter full.

I have waaaaay too much plastic in my life.

Indy 500 Here We Come!

Driving gloves? Check! Driving goggles? Check! Seat belt? Check! Buttons for turbo boost? Check! Pit Crew? Check! Serious driving face? Check!

All set!

Quote of the Day

Aaron was telling me what he wanted for his birthday. For the life of me I couldn't understand what he was saying. So, after the second time of me asking him to repeat himself he said in his most condescending voice, "Say it with me Mom, Air Hog Sharp Shooter."

At least he enunciated that time. Still don't know what an Air Hog Sharp Shooter is...

To Comment or Not to Comment, That is the Question!

I had a conversation yesterday with a friend about blogging. She doesn't have one at the moment and is contemplating the idea. She was a guest blogger on our church blog, and may I say she did a mighty fine job. The comment section on the church blog is turned off so she won't get much feedback about her post.

We talked about how it was to put effort into writing something, putting it out there, and then... nothing. It can be a let down after working hard to get your words right, try to be funny but not offend, don't give too much info so you keep your family safe, make sure your tenses and punctuation are correct (which I'm bad at), etc..

I think if I took the time to read a post that someone took the time to write I should let them know I was there. I try to comment when I have time, which sometimes doesn't work when a 2 year old needs attention. Often, it just one sentence but still the writer knows SOMEONE read it. I'm often told in person that someone is reading my blog which is also nice. I've even been told I've been blog stalked. Good thing she's not a scary stalker!

So, Dear 6 readers, what is your take on comments?

National Marathon

The National Marathon is next weekend. I signed up with two friends as a relay team. I started running back in January so I could make it in the time allotted. A week and a half into running my ankle started hurting so I stopped running. It took 2 weeks of no running just to get it to stop hurting when I walked! Great! How am I supposed to get into shape if I can't run?

I start thinking of ways to support my ankle. I think, a brace? Maybe wrap it? I remember that I have some braces and ace bandages from when I was the Ice Skating Director for the Special Olympics. I had to wear braces and double wrap my ankles so I could stand in ice skates for a few hours. I'm thinking, "I bet I can dig those out of somewhere". Then I think, "Am I insane? I had trouble just STANDING, not skating around the rink, just standing!"

I think about it some more and decide that even though I think running past the memorials would be exhilarating it's not worth the doctors bills. I'm out. Sorry team!

No Future in Baseball

I always knew I wasn't so hot at baseball. In the youth games I played in they put me in as catcher but even that was a mistake. I was terrified of being hit by the bat. Who wouldn't be with 12 year old girls hitting the ball then throwing the bat so they could run to first base. One hit in the head was enough for me.

Yesterday I took our car into the local mechanic for a seat belt repair. I was walking home and passed a neighbors house. Their paper was on the sidewalk so I thought I'd just walk it up to their front door. They're good people. Help us out, so I thought I'd try to do something nice for them.

I'm standing at their front steps a mere 8 feet from their door, throw the paper, and wouldn't you know it, I chuck it into their bushes three feet to the right of me. What? Seriously? I can't throw a paper more then 3 feet? AND, and can't hit a large flat target 8 feet away?

Well, I managed to huck the paper to the BACK of the bushes. I stand there in total disbelief that I am that bad at throwing a large object. Then I burst into laughter, hoping, that no one else has witnessed my ineptness.

A minute passes while I debate my dilemma. How do I get the paper? Could this situation be any more ridiculous? Are they inside wondering what on earth I'm doing standing at the base of their stairs at 7 am? Are they wondering why they hear someone laughing?

I decide to stifle the laughter and grab a big stick. I get the paper out and take better aim. I manage to get the paper on the porch and then I run away, embarrassed but still laughing.