oed

inspired

2012-01-22T19:19:00.002-05:00

I've been battling a bit of a cold the last few days, so I haven't been feeling one hundred percent. Brian drove us back home today, so I could kind of settle in and relax on the drive. But the fog rolled in, and I had to get the camera out.

meaningful silences

2012-01-22T19:16:00.003-05:00

Everything changes. Some changes are momentous in the suddenness. The loss of a loved one, a health scare, a move. Some changes are slow and plodding.

This blog continues to change and evolve. I started out as mostly an observer. But I've gained courage. I've delved into the emotional life of my parenting. I've gone through times where I've probably said more than I should. I was eager to spill out all my stored up feelings of the day.

I'm in a different kind of phase now. There are things I deliberately don't hash through in this forum. Sometimes because it involves a friend's life, not mine. Simply my reaction to her life events doesn't seem like a fair claim. Sometimes it's an idea still too tender to be set out and left on her own. And sometimes, I think I stumble into a wise decision to be silent.

The past week has been full, emotionally. Wide fluctuations from joy to sympathy, giddiness, sorrow, with stops in places in between. And mostly I've been only a sideline observer of other people's journeys.

All this to say, the past week was full. But I'm not really going to go into most of it.

On to the pictures.

love these kiddos

2012-01-22T19:16:00.002-05:00

One-year-old Isaiah.

One-year-old Ariana.

Big brother, David.

birthday babies

2012-01-22T19:16:00.001-05:00

These kids are one-year-old?! Impossible to believe.

Isaiah was interested enough to pick up his cake and flip it over onto the table. He licked a few fingers of icing, but he didn't get too into it.

Ariana didn't care much for the feel of her icing, so she left her cake alone. Mommy helped her with it later, though I won't post the photo that proves it. :)

We're so lucky to have these one-year-olds in our family.

book binge

2012-01-14T19:12:00.001-05:00

In the past few days, I was thinking how I needed to take the kids to the Friends of the Public Library warehouse to do a little shopping. We love book shopping, the prices are right, and it supports the library we love. To our happy surprise, this weekend was their big winter sale, so we all went out and spent more time (and maybe money) than we intended. I have trouble saying "no" to a good book at a great price.

Because I'm so proud of our finds, here's the breakdown of what we got. We told each kid he had $5 to pick out what he wanted (only we maybe exerted a little more control so their decision weren't entirely autonomous. Like, no to the Elmo dvd? Maybe?)

Here's what we picked up, as individuals.

Eli

Dogzilla, by Dav Pilkey ($2 -- hardcover)

The High-Rise Private Eyes: The Case of the Climbing Cat, by Cynthia Rylant ($0.50 -- paperback)

Sesame Street: I Want to Be a Pilot, by Teddy Slater ($0.50 -- paperback)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- The Holocron Heist ($0.50 -- paperback)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- Children of the Force ($0.50 -- paperback)

Owen

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling ($2 -- paperback)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling ($2 -- paperback)

road map of Turkey ($0.10) (Owen's always loved a good map. They had a whole cart of them, from all over the world. And ten cents?! What?! He'll pour over that thing for hours.)

Brian

Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings, by Jorge Luis Borges ($2 -- paperback)

Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson ($2 -- paperback)

Let the Great World Spin, by Colum McCann ($1 -- paperback)

Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides ($2 -- paperback)

On Chesil Beach, by Ian McEwan ($2 -- hardcover)

All books I have read and liked.

Then, I picked up a bunch of kids' books. For all of us.

Hardcover

Big Plans, by Bob Shea and Lane Smith ($4)

Guji Guji, by Chih-Yuan Chen ($4) My review!

A Lion Named Shirley Williamson, by Bernard Waber ($2)

Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken, by Kate DiCamillo ($4) My review!

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, by Mordicai Gerstein ($3) My review!

Mole Music, by David McPhail ($4) My review!

Willoughby and the Lion, by Greg Foley ($4)

Paperback

Babar's Mystery, by Laurent de Brunhoff ($1)

The Biggest Bear, by Lynd Ward ($2)

Cowardly Clyde, by Bill Peet ($1) My review!

Higglety Pigglety Pop! (or There Must Be More to Life), by Maurice Sendak ($1)

Jamberry, by Bruce Degen ($0.50)

Little Polar Bear Finds a Friend, by Hans de Beer ($1)

Mirette on the High Wire, by Emily Arnold McCully ($1)

The Story about Ping, by Marjorie Flack ($1)

The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, by Jean de Brunhoff ($1)

Tacky and the Emperor, by Helen Lester ($1)

Christmas

Babar and Father Christmas, by Jean de Brunhoff ($2 -- paperback)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson ($0.50 -- paperback)

The Fourth King: The Story of the Other Wise Man, by Ted Sieger ($4 -- hardcover)

Little Bear's Christmas, by Janice ($1 -- hardcover)

Little Mouse Meets Santa, by Claire Schumacher ($1 -- paperback)

Lyle at Christmas, by Bernard Waber ($2 -- hardcover)

Madeline's Christmas, by Ludwig Bemelmans ($2 -- paperback)

The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet, by Deborah Hautzig ($1 -- paperback)

I have read nearly all of these to the kids. Several are Caldecott winners. I put back the entire stack of Newbery winners I had picked out for myself. And I put back a bunch of others. Really. You wouldn't believe all the stuff I put back.

A couple of them, I couldn't find available on Amazon. I didn't really look too hard in other places.

Maybe you'll find a new one you enjoy!

week dumping

2012-01-13T10:16:00.003-05:00

Lots of pictures, a few words about our week.

Brian opened an old trunk of mine in the storage unit that clearly had not been opened in over seven years. Inside was a trove of crafty stuff. The boys were wild for it. Brian's parents happened to be over on Monday, when it was opened, and the boys and Grandma had a ball sorting through it. Owen used these wreaths as frames for pictures he drew of yoga poses. (He loves his Friday yoga.)

Clockwise, from top left: donkey kick, tree, butterfly, and airplane poses. The boys got their own yoga mats this weekend. Eli isn't old enough yet to actually go to the classes, but if Owen got a mat, Eli had to have one as well. They want to have a family yoga session sometime.

Eli and I talked about staging a photo shoot with his favorite stuffed animals.

From left to right: Cheetah, Blackie, Stripes, Yoda, Greenie.

Tasha, Spots holding Catkins, Triple Marshmallow holding Phantom, Brownie, and Scarf. The names are fluid. They get changed frequently.

It snowed yesterday for about fifteen minutes. Great big giant beautiful flakes.

the morning unfolds

2012-01-09T10:06:00.003-05:00

All of you may tire of seeing these sunrise city shots, but I never do. Without this wide expanse of sky, I imagine our humble abode would feel so much smaller.

confession time

2012-01-08T23:10:00.002-05:00

I think I have a bit of a problem. A friend this morning encouraged me to divulge this secret addiction through this forum. Maybe she was hoping I could find help.

I cannot stop playing Lego games on Wii.

The first instance was about a year ago. Someone gave us Indiana Jones Lego. Who knows why I turned it on, but I got sucked in. Seriously, like over four hours later, I tore myself away and went to bed.

And then, I avoided that game. I hid it behind a bunch of things. I didn't even look at it. Because I knew, once I started, I couldn't stop.

Here and there, I've played Lego Star Wars with the kids, but I've been able to keep myself away from it fairly successfully.

Alas, this Christmas, (at my suggestion) Owen received Harry Potter Lego Years 1-4.

Last night, I put Owen to bed, hurriedly. Then I rushed out to the living room and started my own game of Harry Potter Lego. I started at 7:45 pm.

I went to bed at 1:45 am.

I know. It's not healthy. I might need help.

sunshine

2012-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

What a glorious and perfect day.

Eli and I spent our afternoon at the art museum. We went with the intention of visiting the Something Different event that they are doing on Fridays. From 12-2 every Friday afternoon, there's some kind of performance, music, stories, all kinds of things. It's not officially geared toward kids, but it seemed like a casual enough gathering that I thought a kid wouldn't be unwelcome.

Today's event was a storyteller. Eli loves a story, so I thought we'd give it a try.

We didn't get there right at the beginning. Instead, we leisurely strolled around the museum. We ate our lunch out in the courtyard, in the sunshine. Just the two of us and the blue skies and the lovely building. Then we checked out some of the galleries, Eli in the lead. He was very interested in the art, stopping me to ask who the person was in a piece or what it was supposed to be or what the people were doing. Being free to hang out, just the two of us, was a special treat.

We wandered within earshot of the storyteller, and Eli got hooked. We started off at the top of the steps, then inched our way closer and closer until we were sitting at a table in the group.

Eli was a great listener and the guy was a great storyteller. We both thoroughly enjoyed the hour and a half we got to spend listening to the tales.

Did I mention the weather? January 6th in Ohio and we ate our lunches outside without coats.

Then we had a snack on the swing.

After school today, I went to Owen's yoga class with him and had a good time. I like getting the chances to spend these one-on-one times with the boys.

a two-violin household

2012-01-04T21:07:00.002-05:00

It's true. We have two violin-lesson taking boys.

Eli had been asking us for months about when it would be his turn to take lessons. We purposefully drug our feet a bit, but his interest persisted. So we finally decided to go with it.

Tuesday, we got his violin. He jumped up and down with excitement in the store. His excitement grew when he realized his case had straps that enabled him to wear it on his back like a backpack. And then, at the time of the actual lesson, he was jumping up and down and shouting his excitement.

He did a great job in the lesson. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with him, but he was attentive and agreeable and did a great job. And he's been begging me to practice every day since.

welcome, welcome

2012-01-02T12:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome home to us. It's been a great couple of weeks, filled with family, friends, laughter, naps, gifts, memories, and miles. We are using this last free day, before we get back to our hectic schedule, to recharge. No big plans for the day, just some hard core relaxation.

I didn't do a great job of documenting our holiday days. There are a few photos over on photoedaily that will give a brief snapshot of each day and the love and joy it held.

I had imagined for months what I would write in my "recap of 2011" post. I started the year with some ideas of what would happen and what I'd like to do. I was surprised to look back at my resolutions, to see what I had and had not included. Here's a recap:

I wanted to make significant progress on my Newbery reading list. At least twelve by the end of the year. I didn't make that number, but I did make progress. I did keep busy most of the year reading other things, at the suggestions of friends or as part of book clubs. I increased my list of books I love, which in my mind, makes any year a success.

Second, take a picture every day. And thus, photoedaily was born. I wasn't perfect. I think I missed three days or so, but I love what I've done and the visual record of our lives that I created.

Third, I made it several months without buying clothes. Then I caved. Hard. But I've hopefully been developing a new attitude toward the accumulation of stuff.

Finally, submit something to an art show. I was surprised at how expensive this kind of venture would be. It costs a good bit of money to make a print, frame it, and then submit it. Most shows, I didn't know this, have a fee associated with the submission of art. I submitted to three different shows and had something accepted in each one. And I actually sold a photograph from a show! Amazing.

It's hard to say if this is an endeavor I'm likely to continue, but I do feel like this bit of facing fear has given me the courage to explore my role and identity as an artist more and more. There are a couple of ways I'm contemplating doing this in the upcoming year. We'll see how that goes and if anything actually comes of it.

What I didn't include in that resolution post was anything about this year being one of deliberately facing fears. I thought for sure I had written that. Regardless, I approached the year with that attitude. Trying. Not fearing rejection or failure. And I think it paid off. Both in successes and lessons learned from dealing with the defeats.

This year, I don't have a clear cut set of goals or resolutions. I have one thing for sure I want to try and another one that's a long shot possibility. I'll expound on these things as the year unfolds.

Welcome, January. Welcome, 2012.

christmas day

2011-12-26T10:21:00.002-05:00

Not a gift did we open today. Owen's gift (the presence of cousins) arrived in the early evening.

christmas eve, for real

2011-12-26T10:04:00.003-05:00

It's funny how the actual Christmas eve, December 24, was kind of anti-climactic for us and the boys. I like how the eve of Christmas can be flexible. We can finagle it to match our family's schedule.

We went to the Christmas eve candlelight service with Brian's parents at their church. The boys were enamored with the candles. Eli's angry bird stuffed animals made their presence known.

After the holidays, it's the lights I miss. The bleak mid-winter is still upon us, but the warm lights have left. We are alone in the dark. (Christmas, I love. Winter, not so much.)

merry christmas

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

So much fun behind us already and so much more ahead.

brief and lovely

2011-12-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

I tucked my boys into bed, then laid down between them. I sang them some carols. They joined in on a few and requested a few others. Owen interrupted me to tell me how well I sang.

Merry Christmas.

over the rhine me

2011-12-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, we dropped our kids off at Brian's parents' house for a day of cousin fun. Then Brian and I embarked on our own day of fun. First stop, downtown. We took the Spirit of Christmas tour which wound its way through Over the Rhine and five of its historic churches.

over the rhine me, again

2011-12-18T23:21:00.000-05:00

After our tour, we had a late lunch of Indian food and then went to the Art Museum. It's fun to take the kids, but it's nice, from time to time, to make an adults-only trip as well.

I had forgotten, until we passed by this Andy Warhol, that when I was last here with only Eli, we walked by this same work. It caught Eli's eye and he laughed out loud and said, "Ha, ha! Soup!!!" We went straight home and did our "important artists" flash cards so neither of us would be embarrassed like that again! :)

Because we never miss an opportunity to eat out, we ate a late dinner downtown, then walked to the Taft for our annual date at the Over the Rhine holiday show. I actually smuggled the camera in under my coat. And then used the contraband item to capture these shots.

over the rhine me, one final time

2011-12-18T23:20:00.001-05:00

Nearly every year, when Brian and I go off to the Taft, the boys ask if they, too, can see Over the Rhine. It's a late night, though, so we've never given in. This year, however, we took advantage of the Sunday afternoon "soiree" that the band puts on in Norwood. And we took the boys.

Because we had to take the boys away from Grandma's (where there were cousins), they weren't exactly as enthusiastic as I had thought they'd be. (Had I just thought it through, I could have easily anticipated that reaction.) However, they enjoyed themselves. And they got to go back to Grandma's for a little more cousin time after the show.

Eli held out for over half the show. He got to hear the band perform his personal favorite, "The King Knows How," and then he conked out on my lap and slept through the last third or so of the show. He woke up just after Owen got to meet Linford, which Owen did in his quietly shy kind of way, looking up at Linford only long enough to flip the hair out of his eyes.

And tomorrow is Christmas for our little household! We have cookies (and a pb&j) on the table for Santa. There's a carrot on our balcony. And two lists of Christmas wishes.

ending the semester

2011-12-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

As of yesterday, both of my boys are done with their semesters! Hello, Christmas break!

Wednesday, we went straight from school to LaRosas for dinner. Then on to the Festival of Lights at the zoo.

Owen ran into a friend from school. The two of them played their seven-year-old boy rough games of throw each other down and push each other off of things. Much to the dismay of the other parents.

Eli fell out of bed one night.

The boys fall asleep each night with the glow of the Christmas lights in their room.

They're always sweet when they're sleeping.

I came up with the brilliant (even if only by my own standards) idea of using a paintbrush to seal all my Christmas card envelopes. I'm going to pin it on Pinterest and let everyone there confirm my genius as well. (Don't burst my bubble and tell me you've all been doing this for years while I've been plagued with the envelope taste in my mouth for days after.)

I was lucky enough to get to spend a lot of time in Owen's classroom over Thursday and Friday. I got to help them buy things (that they had made with fake money they had earned) at their class toy shop, I helped them make latkes, I helped them clean up their final copies of stories they'd written, and I got to help with the Christmas party. Eli got to come a lot as well, which made him ecstatic. More than once, he was confused for a student, which also made him ecstatic.

I had a picture or two of his class, but I'm not comfortable with putting it up, just in case some parents don't want random pictures of their kids on the internet. (Which I totally understand.) But I do want to say how fortunate we feel to have had such great experiences with both kindergarten and first grade. These teachers know what they're doing and they are good at it. I love this school.

a seven-year-old with a desk

2011-12-12T23:24:00.003-05:00

This isn't at all what we had planned. Brian was bringing the table home for the space in our bedroom where the rocking chair used to be. But Owen saw it and claimed it straight away. He wanted it as his own desk. He and Brian figured out where it would go and then Owen set it up just the way he wanted it, all ready for him to use.

He's got all the useful elements of a desk, a writing pad, plain paper, tape, markers. And then some of his own touches. Dreidels, Mary and the Wise Men caroling, lightsaber chapstick and a spy kit light, for extra light. Later he added Harry Potter as the conductor for the carolers.

I love that kid.

sunday recap

2011-12-12T22:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was just as busy as Saturday but with far less photographic evidence. We started after lunch. All the photos yesterday stumped the boys. The first stop was the Clifton Cultural Arts Center for ArtReach's production of "The Gift of the Magi." It was a great production, the kids loved it, and there were cookies afterward with friends.

After the play, we headed to the Heritage Village at Sharon Woods for their Holidays in the Village. Each of the restored old buildings had someone to tell us about days gone by and most of them had snacks. The snacks were a big hit. This was our first visit to the village and we had a great time. We will definitely return for some of their other functions. We are especially looking forward to their old-fashioned baseball games in the summer. (Brian's photo, above.)

We stuck around Sharon Woods for the evening. First, the kids played in their inside play area. This was the one activity Owen had been hoping for since the beginning of the gift opening. He kept calling it "that indoor treehouse place" and anytime he thought we might be doing something, he'd ask hopefully if that was it. Finally, all his hopes were realized. It really is a lot of fun, but it's not somewhere we get to very often.

After they boys played hard enough to work up a good sweat, we went out to the car, they changed into their pajamas (they were far more excited about this than I expected. They started cheering when I told them I'd brought their pjs and slippers.) and we drove through the Holiday in Lights display. We let them roll down the windows and sit in the front with us.

Eli was so worn out, he fell asleep on the ride home. I think we are effectively exhausting them with all our holiday cheer.

the day in chunks

2011-12-10T23:59:00.000-05:00

Because as a whole? It's just too much to chew at once.

Beginning of day:

Race day. Owen and Brian participated in the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis today with several other members of Owen's school running club.

My mom and dad came down, just to see Owen's first 5K. And, thanks to me, they pretty much missed it. I got this shot after I jogged, away from my parents who were walking with Eli. My parents didn't get to see Owen until after he crossed the finish line. Sorry, mom and dad. Next time, I'll do better.

Owen was happy to see us!

He crossed the finish line and promptly collapsed onto the ground in dramatic fashion, declaring he had never been so tired in all of his life. Later, he made claims like he was never going to run a race like that again, though before we had finished lunch, he had conceded to maybe doing it again.

I'm not exactly sure what Brian was saying that Owen didn't like.

Apparently, before the race, Owen and Brian had discussed running up this hill near the finish line afterward.

Owen found the energy to make it to the top.

My racers.

At lunch, Eli benefitted from the waitress's mistake and ended up with two chocolate milks. Which he proceeded to drink at the same time. At one point, my dad was congratulating Owen, telling him that he had accomplished something that not everyone could do. Eli replied with, "Drinking with two straws is something not everyone can do, too!"

part two: checking things off the list

2011-12-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

We had to get several of our holiday activities crammed in today, because time is running out, our evenings are fairly full, and during the day, there's work and school.

First stop today: the Krohn Conservatory's holiday show.

They had the largest and most elaborate train display I've ever seen at the holiday show. It was really something and the boys greatly enjoyed checking it out.

On to our next stop.

The Taft Museum.

The kids completed a cute little scavenger hunt, which they enjoyed, and we got to see lots of neat Christmasy antiques. As well as some of the most beautiful paintings in the city. But we were not done yet.

part three: outtakes

2011-12-10T23:57:00.000-05:00

Photos I will not be sending out with our Christmas cards this year.

Exasperated before I've even taken five photos.

I have to admit, I was really tempted to use this one. People who know Eli well would appreciate it.

part four: downtown

2011-12-10T23:56:00.000-05:00

Gift #3: the Holly Jolly Trolley!

We stopped at the Hilton Netherland to see the gingerbread city.

The boys got us all to participate in the game: which one would you eat?

Grandma and Grandpa took off before we went to Fountain Square for the Downtown Dazzle. (Brian's.)

A strange tradition, that of Santa, Rudolph, and an elf rappelling down a building. But one we enjoy nonetheless. (Brian's.)

Brian's.

Eli likes to watch the fireworks that end the show, but he still doesn't want to hear them. (Brian's.)

We're gearing up for round two of cram-in-all-the-holiday-fun-you-can, tomorrow.

random musings

2011-12-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

I wonder how Eli will look back upon these days, home alone with mom. We are definitely less on the go than Owen wished to be at this age. Eli enjoys being home, with his stuffed animals that he loves. I decided yesterday that we need to have a stuffed animal photo shoot. I will want to remember all these important friends and their names in years to come. He busies himself hiding them in the Christmas tree, making them beds, and putting them places where "they look so cute!"

I put the lights up on the balcony...finally. Usually this is done in November. But it's been so wet here. I thought about skipping it this year, even. But I'm glad I did it.

We still have a perfectly good pumpkin on our balcony. I'm not sure what we should do with it. I hate to throw it in the trash. And I'm pretty sure we'd get in trouble if we chucked it from the balcony onto the street, which, to be honest, is what we all really want to do.

I'm beginning to think we'll never get all the Christmas books read before Christmas. We have over twenty here. And I've got probably at least 30 more on hold at the library. With more to come. I think the chapter books aren't going to get read. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Season of Gifts, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. It's not like we even have time for an hours-long weekend read-in. School sometimes cramps my style. (Though it's great and Owen loves it!)

memories

2011-12-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

We've been revisiting old photographs and videos of the kids the past few days. It's incredible how big they've gotten in such a short amount of time. We saw Owen at four months old playing with Roar for the first time. A chubby, bald, baby Eli kissing himself in the mirror and taking a tumble while trying to walk. We saw Eli and August, not even two, getting pillows tossed at them by Owen (then the same age as Eli is now), laughing their adorable toddler laughs.

Hopefully, we're making memories now that we'll look back on fondly in years to come.

Tonight, movie night with hot chocolate. I broke down and bought the Charlie Brown holiday collection dvds and the Christmas Classic collection since we no longer have Directv or DVR. Tonight's selection was "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer."

The thing the kids will probably remember the most is that we moved the couch into the middle of the living room, right in front of the tv.

One other Owen memory from today. Apparently he and three of his male classmates created a game similar to Beyblades (essentially, tops.) Only, they used dreidels. Last dreidel standing was the winner.

field trip

2011-12-07T20:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the first time I got to be an official chaperone on one of Owen's field trips. Younger siblings are not allowed on field trips so I've never really arranged for Eli to do something else while I go along with Owen's class. Brian's been on one. My mom has been on one. Yesterday, I got to go. (Accompanying duck/penguin from the advent calendar.)

My friend and I arranged a little trade-off, since both of our sons were begging us to go along on a trip and both of us have little brothers who have made us ineligible. I got the Children's Theater, she gets the nature preserve coming up in the new year.

The show was Holiday Follies, which we have taken the boys to the past couple of years. I actually thought this year's rendition was the best to date because it was an entirely Cincinnati focused show. (Lots of Macy's references. Luckily, that wasn't the only thing that made it a hometown show.)

Owen and I were literally the last two people in the theater. The show had already begun. There were no available seats. Owen's entire class was lined up behind the very last row of seats in the theater. We stood there for a few minutes before the ushers found places for the class and we got to sit down and enjoy the remainder of the show.

The Taft is such a lovely theater. ("Now, newly renovated!")

The rest of the day was a steady ticking off of tasks: pick up Eli, errands, volunteer in school library, violin. I also had haircut for boys and pick up pizza on my list, but the haircut didn't happen. Therefore the pizza didn't happen. We settled for pancakes for dinner and painting our cinnamon/applesauce and salt dough ornaments.

Owen hand cut an angry bird (top of the picture) and then painted it from memory. I was impressed with how good it looked. The Santa hat is another of his free form cut ornaments. I was telling the boys how these would make great gifts for our friends. Owen said he wasn't giving any of his away. That all of his were going on our tree.

I don't remember for sure the last time we did this activity, but Eli was young enough that he wasn't much interested in the painting process. That was certainly not the case this time. (All of these except for the two "Os" and "Es" are his. I particularly like the toy soldier in the lower left corner.)

i love this book

2011-12-05T22:48:00.001-05:00

I happened upon this one in the library. And I count myself lucky for stumbling upon it. It is hilarious. And smart. And maybe reminds us of someone we know. We might have to put it on our "to purchase" list.

nestled all snug

2011-12-05T22:43:00.001-05:00

Today it rained and rained. And rained. It rained steadily all day. And Eli and I went nowhere.

I got caught up on all I've neglected while occupied with other things. Eli helped when he wanted to. He helped a bit with the laundry, he helped a lot with the pumpkin bread.

Tonight, with Brian gone, the boys and I chose holiday pursuits over academic ones. We made ornaments. Cinnamon-applesauce ones and salt dough ones. Tomorrow night, we'll paint them.

welcome december

2011-12-04T21:01:00.001-05:00

We're all excited.

i'm back

2011-12-04T20:41:00.001-05:00

Whew. It's been a hectic few weeks. Mostly of my own making, but it's over now. Well, aside from all the holiday frenzy that's descending upon us. But that feels like a welcome frenzy.

Craft show is over. It was just ok. I made a bit of a profit, so it was worth it, but it wasn't great.

And today began our holiday tradition. The "doing" of Christmas. (The kids get to unwrap boxes that hold pictures of things we're going to do.)

First gift: the Muppet movie.

It was the first time we went to a movie as an entire family. The kind stranger behind us in line at the concession stand gave us a coupon for a free popcorn. The boys split a jug of fruit punch. And the Muppet movie was fantastic. Hilarious and nostalgic and completely entertaining. We all loved it.

Afterward, we had lunch at Dewey's and then did a bit of Christmas shopping. Mostly, we bought things for ourselves. The boys had some "Grandpa dollars." Eli got a stuffed owl; Owen got some Harry Potter legos. Brian and I got some art.

it's december

2011-12-01T00:02:00.001-05:00

I'm hoping to leave behind the feeling of "I should be..." this month.

what we've been up to: everything else

2011-11-19T21:30:00.001-05:00

A hodgepodge of photos from the last couple of weeks. There are more, some of my favorites, in fact, over at photoedaily.

I don't remember what the reason was behind the headband. He had gone on a field trip that day and gotten a wolf paw print painted on his face. He and Eli, this evening, were working on making masks. It was something Owen thought was an assignment. But then he decided he never needed to take it to school.

A dear friend of mine celebrated a momentous birthday and I got to be a part of a celebration in her honor.

Eli and I had our days livened by the presence of the ever-adorable and sweet Benjamin.

Owen's class had a powwow on Friday. He desperately wanted me to attend, but I couldn't. Brian stepped in and saved the day, though he didn't actually get to hang out with Owen as much as either of them would have liked.

Because of Friday morning's disappointments, we tried to make up for them with an evening of fun. Decorating the Christmas tree, snacks, movie night.

Tonight was Balluminaria. I think the wind got the best of tonight's event, but the boys still had a ball because of the presence of some friends.

what we've been up to: camping

2011-11-19T21:07:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, we went camping. Yes, it was the second weekend in November. But we live in a place where the second weekend in November can contain a sixty-degree Saturday. It's always a lot of work before we go and once we return, but it's always worth it. Brian and I sat in front of a fire all day Saturday while the kids explored, whittled (!), rode bikes, and enjoyed. A lovely, lovely weekend.

Only one of the loops of camping sites was still open at the park, so we had more company than we wanted, though there still wasn't a lot of company. But we had a great site, back in the woods, kind of off by ourselves. Lots of room for exploring.

The boys got to help build the fire. (Owen mastered the matches.) They had to have lots of stern reminders though, about the dangers of swinging a stick with a lit end so close to their brother's head. The only permanent damage was a hole burned in Eli's pants.

Owen spent a lot of time intently whittling.

Should we let this kid use matches?!

us plus

2011-11-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

Grandma couldn't help but be distracted by her grandsons perilously climbing the rocks behind the photographer.

scenery and such

2011-11-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

The Old Man

It looks like we found a severed foot in the water.

For the record, we were not responsible for this carving. I just found it. I did not do it. Nor did anyone in my family. We are opposed to the carving of names in trees. For the record.

the kin

2011-11-09T22:40:00.004-05:00

Saturday afternoon, my brother and sister-in-law drove down to spend some time with us at the cabin. We thought it might be a good opportunity to get a photo of all the grandkids with my mom and dad. I think this would make the perfect Christmas card. Real life.

David

Isaiah

Ariana

Grandma and her only granddaughter.

if i painted

2011-11-09T22:26:00.001-05:00

all these long silences

2011-11-09T20:38:00.002-05:00

It's been a while. I think I probably start every post after a long absence with that sentence. It's like we're just seeing one another again after years apart. Where do we begin? Do we dive right in or should we warm up a bit with "How have you been?" "Your kids are getting so big!" Diving in seems too familiar some days. So I start with the warm up. It's been a while.

I have a few reasonable excuses for my long blogging quiet. I'm crocheting like a mad woman. Which is a good thing. My first sale of stockings! Hooray! I had to make a second batch of items to send to the baby store that's selling my stuff. Another hooray! It's really fun, I just wish I had more time. I'm trying to prep a bunch of stuff for a craft show I'm doing in early December as well. Not much progress being made on that.

We spent some time at Hocking Hills. No internet there. So despite the down time, no blogging was accomplished.

I also have some crappy excuses. I've been sucked into this battle with ESPN. They're ignoring me. A lot. I've had a minor victory here and there, but ESPN is really, really good at ignoring me.

Laziness might be another crappy excuse?

How about I don't much want to document my mothering these days? Or our life. Seven is my age-nemesis. Poor Eli's adorable (most of the time) four-year-old stage isn't adorable enough to put out my end-of-the-day-irritation-and-anger. How many times are mothers implored not to rush the passing days of their children. But, seven? I think I could have done without. I'd honestly take the high anxiety of six over the sassiness and angst of seven. Some days, I'm just hanging on till eight. (Both the age and the hour.)

I'll try to do better. Both with this and with my mothering.

morning colors

2011-11-03T22:01:00.001-04:00

Next week, we'll miss these shows. Hopefully we'll still be sleeping as the sun rises.

Eli and I scrubbed the walls in our bathroom today. Eli loves cleaning. He sprayed and scrubbed and worked like crazy. He just loves to be a helper and do things with me. He also helped with making dinner and setting the table. Such a good kid.

Owen had his first book presentation this week. Each kid has to choose a book on his reading level, create a visual aid of some sort, and present the book to the class. Owen made pictures of the scenes in the book. He got full credit for the project.

His big excitement from today was from phys. ed. They got to create an obstacle course for a kindergarten class to use. Owen built a tunnel out of mats. He was really excited about this activity.

nights are the hardest

2011-11-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

Owen likes school. I like that Owen goes to school. I love his school. What I don't like about this entire arrangement are the evenings.

So many things to get done. So much fun to be stifled (my job.) So much energy spent channeling boy energy into get-these-things-done energy. And I guarantee, I'm not checking off as many things as I should. (Bathing? Who has the energy to fight about that?!)

I'm hoping this is an age thing. A stage. Because this incessant redirecting from fun to tasks-we (and by we I mean he with my prompting)-must-accomplish is wearing me out.

a million pictures worth a million words?

2011-10-31T11:22:00.000-04:00

I'll give it a try. I thought I'd do one a day from the last couple weeks or so, but I had too many. So, lots of pictures, not so many words.

10.31

A lovely evening of trick-or-treat with our friends.

Spiderman did his best to keep up, but he was tired from a long weekend. And his legs are shorter than everyone else's.

10.29

2011-10-29T11:25:00.000-04:00

Saturday night, our friends Matt and Courtney generously hired a babysitter and the four adults went to see Over the Rhine, easily my favorite band. (You can read about our history here.) It was a great show and a great time with friends.

10.28

2011-10-28T11:26:00.000-04:00

A beautiful sunrise. A crazy day. A drive northwest.

A comfortable greeting. A soft bed.

10.27

2011-10-27T11:27:00.000-04:00

A drizzly day. Museum. Errands. Art.

We chose lantern painting over running club today. Eli got paint in his hair. Owen got it all over his pants. But the lanterns were lovely and it was a super fun activity. The boys can't wait to use them!

10.26

2011-10-26T11:32:00.000-04:00

Friends.

10.25

2011-10-25T11:34:00.000-04:00

A busy week of first grade works. Letter writing suitcase. Book presentation. Regular homework and spelling words.

10.24

2011-10-24T11:35:00.000-04:00

Big boys go to see a show. I discover I could have been watching the playoffs all along. Not that there was much I wanted to see.

10.23

2011-10-23T11:38:00.000-04:00

Music in an art gallery. Napping Eli. Artistic encouragement. Friends. Cookies.

The inspiring beginning of the book project.

I helped with this class project and it found a place at home.

Owen's kindergarten art for decoration.

10.22

2011-10-22T11:43:00.000-04:00

A beautiful weekend for camping (that didn't actually happen.) To the market instead.

No Dads.

Brian's.

Brian had the camera at the market. I had the money.

Back to mine. We planted mums at our old house the fall before we moved. I wonder, in the fall, how those mums are doing. I might have to swing by and pay them a visit.

I indulged in one for the balcony.

This pumpkin's life was spared. We didn't have time to carve it.

10.21

2011-10-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

Camping alternative. Picnic dinner, popcorn, microwaved s'mores, The Muppet Show.

In honor of our craziest Uncle. You know who you are.

10.20

2011-10-20T11:47:00.000-04:00

"I love mom a lot." I have to take pictures at moments like these and reference them later when the dialogue has turned to, "Why do you...?"

The first few chilly, drizzly days are welcome. The later ones are not.

It seems like we uncover a hidden gem every time we go.

but what about me?

2011-10-19T20:06:00.002-04:00

I am an eternal klutz. Yesterday, while opening the car door, I hit myself in the nose. With the door. "How is that even possible?" you might ask. Exactly. Klutz.

It hurt a lot. I actually started crying, it hurt so much. The boys were in the backseat. Owen said, "Are you crying?" I told him I was. That I had just hit myself in the face with the car door and that it had hurt. He followed up his initial inquiry with, "Can I have my snack?"

Compassion is one thing my kids have clearly mastered.

fall weekend hike

2011-10-18T23:07:00.001-04:00

We set out on Saturday for a new path. The colors were beautiful. The exploring was a lot of fun. We got out some energy. Successes all around.

All three of my boys are fossil hunters. These were their finds. We left the pile behind, for the delight of another explorer.

This hiker tuckered out about halfway through the trip. We had to distract him a lot on the last leg of our journey. Luckily, he's easily distracted. He and Owen basically snacked their way through to the end.

saturday in skaneatelas

2011-10-15T11:41:00.005-04:00

Last night, it got too late. So I bailed on finishing blogging about the last week. I'll pick it up today. I'll post a bunch, but they'll show up after this one (I'm not even really sure why I'm doing that?) so keep scrolling if you want to see all the action and gratuitous photos from the last week plus.

Saturday in Central New York was gorgeous. We drove to one of Tiff's favorite places. The cute little town of Skaneatelas. (Pronounced skinny-atlas.)

We started our morning sitting in front of the crystal clear lake, sipping warm drinks, eating fresh donuts from the bakery. Perfection.

The weather was as perfect as the town.

Really, I just could not get over the clearness of the water.

The tap water in Tiff's house comes directly from this lake, unfiltered.

The Skaneatelas pier.

And the obligatory guest photo on the end of the pier. I found the girl with the nicest camera, and asked her to take the photo. I figured she could handle our camera. :) Carly, Courtney, Tiff, and me.

Another great NY sign. "Go back now!"

Skaneatelas self-portrait.

There is just charm oozing from every inch of this place. This is back by the public restrooms.

In my future somewhere, I'll have a wall with photos and memories of all the places I've been. This will be my photo from Skaneatelas.

...or this one.

Or maybe this one.

We visited an adorable upscale consignment shop. Honestly, as much as I love fashion, the designer names are not something I know. The great finds in this store were kind of lost on me. But the space was amazing.

Late lunch/early dinner at the Sherwood Inn.

Delicious food, amazing views, charm galore.

My lovely friends, Courtney, Carly, Tiff.

The perfect fall weekend.

friday in syracuse

2011-10-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

After long days on Wednesday and Thursday including lots of driving, I woke up Friday morning, refreshed. Responsible only for myself. It's nice once and a while. But only once and a while. Not for long.

As our lovely host family went about their usual weekday routines, work, school, C and I did what we do best. Shop. We met up with Tiff for lunch and a little more shopping, then we caught up with the R family at home and I got a grand tour of the full-of-adventure-possibilities backyard from Anna.

Seriously, this backyard is a dream-come-true for kids. A playhouse you can only reach by following a staircase into the woods. Lots of places to explore and imagine. It was so much fun!

Anna was a great adventure guide.

Little girls built this path. I imagine their days of hard work. The planning. The autonomy. Their pleasure with what they had made. A good day in the life of a kid.

We had a grown-up girls dinner at Francesca's, Tiff's favorite place in town. It was delicious. And we got to sit on the patio, surrounded by ivy covered walls and strands of lights, sipping and eating deliciousness. We were hoping to retrieve Carly from the airport right after our meal, but her flight was delayed. So we went later, in our jammies, and spent some time back at Tiff's catching up, late into the night.

tuesday birthday

2011-10-15T11:37:00.000-04:00

A week ago Tuesday, it was Elliott's birthday. Elliott is one of Owen's best buddies from school. A bunch of people who love him gathered at the park in the evening for a celebration of Elliott. The other cutie is Elliott's little brother, Benjamin.

One is such a cute age.

Eli had to trade for that sucker. He knows how to negotiate.

We stayed until past dark.

Friends: Eli, Elliott, Owen, and Rory (who knows how to be hilarious.)

And family: Owen and Brian.

ready for a long recap?

2011-10-14T23:28:00.000-04:00

Ready? Here we go. We've got a lot of ground to cover. I'll start with today and work backward. Like, twelve days backward?!

E and I spent most of this gorgeous day outside.

I "heart" fall.

Owen's class took a farm field trip. He got a pumpkin which he had to carve immediately upon returning home. There was a bit of a rough spot on the trip, but Owen made it through and had fully recovered by the time we saw him.

still going back

2011-10-14T23:27:00.000-04:00

Thursday it rained and rained. Eli and I made a pumpkin pie. Wednesday we spent our day at the park with friends.

August, Eli, Emet, Ruby, and Kyla.

Eli would not put that apple down the entire time I was taking pictures.

Nora

back

2011-10-14T23:26:00.000-04:00

I came home from my girls' weekend on Monday morning, exhausted, but refreshed. I kind of stumbled through my Monday and Tuesday in a sleepy haze. Tuesday night, I fell asleep while I was reading to Owen. I slept eleven glorious hours.

sunday

2011-10-14T23:25:00.000-04:00

We set off from our beloved Tiff's house, on our journey home.

We took the long way home. Only an hour longer, but totally worth it. Gorgeous scenery.

I like taking pictures of peoples' houses.

This was a far better route than the NY thruway.

I love NY signs. This one. I saw one that said "Stop means stop." And one more...on its way.

Tiff had told me that the water was clear. But I couldn't imagine how clear.

more favoriter than ever

2011-10-02T21:39:00.001-04:00

The past few nights, our bedtime reading ritual has been even better. Owen and I are working our way, chapter by chapter, through the 4th Harry Potter book. We light a candle, turn off all the lights, I read by flashlight, and we have the stars cast on ceiling, thanks to the boys turtle night light thing. It's cozy and perfect.

a request

2011-10-01T00:51:00.000-04:00

I sent the following email tonight to ESPN, the station manager of 1530 ESPN radio in Cincinnati, and a Clear Channel executive.

I am a mother of two boys, ages seven and four. I grew up with a coach as a father and therefore immersed in the world of sports. I was the only girl attending all-boy baseball camps. I scouted high school football games. As I kept the scorebook for the varsity baseball team, I stole the opposing team's signals. I was a three sport varsity athlete in high school and participated in collegiate athletics. I am still a huge sports fan, avidly following the Reds, the Bengals, and college athletics.

This evening, I turned on my local ESPN radio station, 1530 in Cincinnati, hoping to find the Rays/Rangers game. But it wasn't on. I went to the station's website http://www.espn1530.com to see if I could find the upcoming schedule for the MLB playoffs. I don't have cable and so am relying on radio to keep up with the progress of the postseason.

Before I could navigate the page far enough to find the baseball broadcast information I was seeking, I instead found, under "Featured" listed first "Babes" accompanied by a picture of a woman who was clearly topless. The subtitles under "Babes" included "Hand Bras," "Blondes vs. Brunettes," "Spread 'Em," and "Let Me See That Thong." Also on the front page of this ESPN station's website was "Babe of the Day" and a "Check This Out" photo link with a picture of Holly Madison in a bikini.

I am not ignorant of the relationship of sex and sports (NFL cheerleaders, NBA dance squads, commercials/advertisements, etc.) But I do expect, especially from ESPN, a higher standard. I expect to be able to navigate my local ESPN radio station's website without feeling like a clearly unwelcome visitor. I am honestly surprised that ESPN would allow such content on something that so clearly bears their name.

I researched a bit and discovered that ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati is a Clear Channel station as well. I went to the Clear Channel website and read their Creed. http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1165&p=hidden

A few of the things included in that creed jumped out at me, as they related to the content I found on the ESPN 1530 website.

The creed states the following:

We believe we have an obligation for the well-being of the communities in which we live. We further believe the future success of our communities and the industries where we do business is dependent upon the responsibility we feel, the high standards we set and the positive impact our actions have.

We believe excellence is the standard and we seek to achieve excellence by encouraging and nourishing these core values:

Respect for the individual

We believe success is measured by:

Maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in every action we take and in everything we do.

This Clear Channel Creed was written 30 years ago by Clear Channel's Founder Lowry Mays. This Creed exhibits the operational vision for the company. It has, surprisingly, stood the test of time and remains the guiding light for our employees even during a time of growth and change. The Clear Channel Family is very proud of this Creed.

I honestly cannot reconcile the ideas held in this creed and the inclusion of "Babes" as a prominent feature on the website of ESPN 1530, a Clear Channel station.

As a parent, I feel like I have learned another valuable lesson tonight. As they get old enough to have independent computer time, my kids will not be allowed to browse ESPN or our local radio websites. It is not acceptable in my mind for my children to come across these images while trying to find the stats from last night's game.

I've noticed there are plenty of examples of sports websites where this is not the norm. The Reds website is completely devoid of any references to "Babes" or "Spread 'Em." The main ESPN website is free of them. MLB.com is not sporting a "Babe of the Week." I don't understand why it is OK for my local ESPN station to include these things.

As a sports fan, a woman, and a mother, I sincerely hope that this is something that can be changed immediately.

list

2011-09-29T22:31:00.002-04:00

Today I...

*got my kid to school on time

*watched grown men wonder at the wisdom of my first grader up in a tree

*helped Eli swing from a tree on a rope

*moved a stump

*mailed things

*deposited things

*returned things

*got inspired at the grocery store

*bought flowers

*initiated

*showed restraint

*relaxed

*waved to my field-tripping kid

*read

*made a good dinner

*made a better dessert

*lit a candle

*tried to be funny

*taught something

*sold something

*shared

*laughed

*shut the windows from the rain

Tomorrow will be full again.

this date in history

2011-09-28T23:49:00.003-04:00

I was killing time tonight. I should have just gone to bed. Eli (a.k.a. The Phantom) is sure to sneak into our room in the middle of the night, climb into bed without waking me up, and make himself at home. I won't realize it until it's too late. Hours have passed and I have a weird cramp in my shoulder from sleeping with an extra person in the bed.

I digress.

I've been reading posts off the blog from September 28s through the years. Here's a brief recap. You can visit the original posts if you want all the details.

2006: I was in the early stages of my second pregnancy and sick, though not pregnancy sick. I let Owen watch TV and he told on me. We pretended we were at the park.

2007 (post 1, post 2, post 3): Owen was at my parents' for the weekend and Eli was enrolled in Baby boot camp. I was trying to get Eli to fall asleep by himself and sleep through the night. It had been a rough night.

2008: Owen's wearing crazy outfits. Eli has some crazy chubby cheeks.

2009: FOUR (?!) posts in one day. I was on a roll.

Post 1: Why I hadn't been blogging. And a mention of the dinosaur bandit. I had totally forgotten about that game.

Post 2: Owen, left behind by all the other five-year-olds going to school (summer birthday -- we waited until he was six and didn't do preschool), had to hang out with just me and Eli, at the zoo.

Post 3: Owen says funny things.

Post 4: Eli and Owen are both funny.

2010: I am excited about becoming a school library volunteer.

Those five years just went way too fast...again.

my new favorite books

2011-09-28T21:21:00.002-04:00

At some other point in the lives of my children, I have tried reading them these Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems. It didn't go well. They didn't get them. I didn't enjoy reading them. It was just one of those duds for us.

All that has changed. Now, my boys cannot get enough of them. They can interpret the facial expressions of the characters. They get the physical comedy of the situations. And, Owen can read them.

The past two nights, the three of us have curled up on my bed. Owen reads to us from several Elephant and Piggie books. And we all laugh until we cry. Bedtime stories have always been my favorite part of the day. Listening to my oldest read to me and his brother has just made that even more true.

The ones we're most enjoying right now include the one pictured above, I Am Invited to a Party, Piggies Make Me Sneeze, I Will Surprise My Friend, and I Am Going. Luckily there are many, many more.

it's ok to say "i don't know"

2011-09-28T21:08:00.001-04:00

That's how I wish weather forecasts would go. "We're not really sure, but it looks like it might rain today. Then again, the sun could come out and it could stay perfectly lovely! Make it a great day!" Because, honestly, their certainty is screwing up my days.

This morning, after depositing Owen safely inside the doors of his school, the remaining three of us went to the Y. Grownups for exercising, Eli for play. As I spent my time on the elliptical, I saw that today's forecast did indeed include rain, but not until after 5. 11am, sunny, temperature of 65. 2pm, sunny, temperature of 67. 5pm, rain, who cares what the temperature is supposed to be because you're not going to plan on being outside then anyway.

We had park plans. I was ready to bail because I knew (from checking the forecast last night) that there was a good chance of rain today. However, the forecast I saw this morning convinced me maybe I was wimping out. How mad would I be if we spent a perfectly lovely day inside! It's not going to rain until 5! Get out! Enjoy the sun!

So, after a lot of scurrying, emailing, phone calls (I wasn't the only one with these park plans,) we went. And we got wet. The kids got really wet. The adults who didn't go down the slides stayed dryer, but we still got damp.

But we were undaunted. The kids played on the playground. They slid down the sopping slides on reusable grocery bags (not that it entirely prevented the soaking of their rears.) We hiked in the woods. In the rain. I need days like this to boost my motherly self-esteem. "What did you do today?" "Well, hiked in the woods. In the rain. Don't I rock as a mother?" (It takes so little to make me feel good about myself. It takes just as little for the opposite to happen too!)

Eventually, the rain did stop. We even had about fifteen minutes of sunshine and blue skies. But the kids had a ball. And we were all super-star moms. (Maybe I should give the weather people a break. The day wasn't really screwed up after all!)

a new park

2011-09-28T21:08:00.000-04:00

Today we traveled further down a road than we ever had before. At the end, we found a new (to us) and wonderful park.

Eli was greeted by a screaming mob of friends. (Not all of which are pictured here. I know it takes more than two to make a mob.)

These two have been friends since way back when. Here's proof. And here's one more.

We hiked back through the woods. It looks like fall's progressed a little more quickly back there. Maybe it was just easier to spot without all the distractions.

We were glad we had braved the day.

new men in my life

2011-09-27T23:48:00.001-04:00

The last two days have introduced me to two new men. Both of them had been acquaintances before, but I think we've kind of taken the relationship to the next level, if you will.

Man #1: Elvis Costello. My friend S introduced me and Brian to him a month or so ago...with a mixed tape of over 900 of his songs, a couple of interviews, and some other people singing his songs. Brian and I have been listening to it, enjoying them. Last night, we got to see him live in Indianapolis, thanks to the kind invitation of S and her husband. (And their kind driving.) It was a great show. And Mr. Costello is quite the stylish guy.

Man #2: Bill Cunningham. Not the Cincinnati one. The NYC one. I, being a follower of fashion, knew who he was, but not a lot more. Tonight we watched a documentary about him. Brian, knowing me so well, picked it out with me in mind. It was great. And this guy is amazing. I'm a new big fan.

Maybe my first paragraph joke was in poor taste? I know my husband will think it's funny, though, so I guess I'm OK.

Oh, and the kids are fine. They almost weren't after their constant car fighting today, but I breathed in through my nose, out through my mouth, turned on some classical music, (really -- no idea why I did that) and we all made it home. I was the only one who didn't scream at some point during the journey. I wanted to, but I didn't. I'm giving myself points for that.

inspired

2011-09-26T08:45:00.003-04:00

Yesterday at church, we sang a song written by a guy in our church. I felt like crying when I thought about what an experience that must be for him. To have risked by putting forth this thing that he had created. Not knowing if people would reject it or embrace it. And then to be surrounded by a hundred people, singing the words he wrote to the tune he composed. It was courageous. And beautiful.

My friend's middle school daughter has started her own blog. She's recording her days. Exhibiting her photography. Offering up her creative words of stories and poems. I imagine there exists in her some trepidation. She is setting out a piece of her soul. And what will people do with it? She's surrounded by people who love her, so I know this tender, young artist will be encouraged and tended carefully as she grows.

My friend is writing. Her words speak of her experience. But they also speak of mine and so many others'. Every time I read one of her stories, I want to cry. What she weaves together is so real and lovely and poignant. But she is risking by sharing.

We are all artists. What I'm learning is that we are not all exhibited in a museum or at the top of the New York Times best seller list or earning platinum records. But that's not the point. The point is that we create. And we accept our title of artist.

eli, eli

2011-09-25T08:28:00.004-04:00

My sweet, sweet kid. Who is entirely unpredictable.

Friday afternoon, as we were driving toward a friend's, he sighed exasperatedly and said, "Well, before long, Owen and I will have to be picking girls, I guess." He was talking about getting married! When I asked him about it a little, he said, "Never mind. Never mind." I was able to convince him that it wasn't something he'd need to think about for at least another twenty years or so. He thought twenty-one.

He's the first to congratulate someone on a good job, always saying things like, "Mom, you made a great apple! Thanks!" (He pretty much exclusively compliments me on things I haven't actually made.) "Owen, great job!" And he's always thinking about things that other people would like. So far, number one on his Christmas list is a rifle for Daddy so they can play The Lone Ranger together.

He's not, however, a confessor. Yesterday, he threw a ball in the living room that I had asked him not to throw. Brian, from the kitchen, said, "Who threw that ball?" Eli said, "Not me!" Only, I was sitting on the couch three feet from him, so there was no denying it. It makes it tough sometimes. I'm not a fan of accusing my kid of lying, but with Eli, he's not afraid to dodge the truth.

We discovered, though, that his less-than-truthful ways are motivated by a real desire not to get in trouble. When he's getting a consequence, he'll always check, "You're not mad at me, right?" The kid really breaks my heart sometimes.

Last night before bed, Eli picked out Curious George's Dinosaur Discovery. When we got to the point where George began his mischievousness, Eli said, "Skip that page." The next page, more of George doing stuff he shouldn't. "That page too, I don't want to read that," while he hid his face behind his blanket. I figured out, and he confirmed, that it made him uncomfortable to see George doing things he shouldn't.

What a kid.

overdue

2011-09-25T07:44:00.000-04:00

A photo from the night of the opening. My friend made me do this. :) But I'm glad she did. I liked this one in particular because, as I was standing next to my photos, the guy whose hand you see was saying nice things about my photo. That's always fun.

I spent the night trying to cover up my name tag, which read "Artist" under my name, with either my hair or my scarf. I felt like a phony. There was some pretty amazing stuff there. But I kept telling myself, the same people that picked those works picked mine too.

S, thanks for the photos! And again, thanks so much, everyone, for your support. And thanks to whoever bought my photo!!

tiger mom, anybody?

2011-09-23T22:49:00.000-04:00

I'm afraid of what my parenting resume might look like on paper.

I have a seven-year-old. Four out of five school days, he's involved in extra-curricular activities. Two days of running club. One day, private violin lessons. And a Friday yoga class. Over an hour of foreign language instruction five days a week. His nights include homework and violin practice. Don't forget that we waited in line over sixty hours to get him into his elementary school.

If you read an article about me in The Atlantic, I can imagine what you'd think of me. What I'd think of me.

I promise it's not as bad as it might be perceived.

quick recap

2011-09-22T23:07:00.000-04:00

...of the last week?! Who knew it had been that long?! (I can think of a few, maybe?)

Friday: Owen went to an after-school yoga class in the gym. He loved it. We stood outside and talked with friends in the afternoon light. Then we booked it north (as fast as that northbound traffic would let us book) for the induction of the first class into my high school's athletic hall of fame. My dad was one of the two honored!

Fifty years ago, my dad was the first student inside the doors of the newly opened high school in the brand new district. After he went away and finished his degree, he came back and taught in that district for well over thirty years. He met my mom when they were both teaching in the same elementary school. They sent two kids through and they're both still working for the district. Now my brother and sister-in-law's kids are in line to be the third generation of our family in the schools.

We missed most of the ceremony. I took this as I was chasing my kids through the bleachers. (My kids may not be attending these schools, but they think they're as much of a Bulldog as anyone!)

We stayed the weekend with my parents and the rest of the family. The cousins had a ball.

Grandma made cookies and let the kids decorate them. The green one is Eli's (Yoda cookie) and the one covered in candy hearts, he made for me.

Eli and David are best buddies.

I was lazy during the nice, sunny days, so I didn't get many pictures of these growing babies! I had to finagle this one while I held Ariana on the porch. She's so sweet all bundled up in her pink!

Isaiah is a little less mobile than Ariana, so he was easier to catch inside. I had my camera really close to his face, poor kid.

Also, a quick update. I had a meeting with a person and my hats are now being sold in a store!! If you're in central Ohio, stop by Tickleberry Moon and see if you can spot my stuff! (They'll also eventually be available on their website.) I'm at the same time excited and freaked out by the entire thing. On the humbling side of that coin, I did not get accepted to be a vendor in the craft show I'd applied to. It's a good thing I'm not just experiencing overwhelming success. Imagine how insufferable I'd be.

deep breaths

2011-09-22T20:52:00.002-04:00

So, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. By the pace of our lives. By the days it's been between posts. By the number of photos backed up on my camera. By the things I've gotten myself in to. By the accumulation of things on my Google reader. By my library account. (I don't think I have any idea where all those items are.) By the phone calls I haven't made. The emails I haven't replied to.

I guess I just have to put things in order one at a time. Slowly but surely. Except, things keep getting added to the pile. And I don't really have any good excuses. Like a job, maybe? And people might not understand -- "Hey...sorry it's been a couple months. Whew! Having a kid in school is really hard on my calendar!"

I'll sort it out. Eventually? Maybe?

I'll be back soon with less philosophizing (whining?) and more recording of daily life. Which is busy. (Have I mentioned that?)

eli time

2011-09-15T22:30:00.003-04:00

Today was all about Eli. It's hard to tell if the benefits of being a second child outweigh the drawbacks. Today, I worked really, really hard to make sure he had fun. And didn't have too much screen time. (NONE! What?! Good job, me!)

We built a hideout. We played card games. We made pancake mix and hot chocolate mix. We built a tunnel and another hideout. We listened to Frances books on cd at least three times. We ate together. We snacked.

It was a good day.

i do love my job

2011-09-14T22:56:00.001-04:00

Being a mom can be a frustrating task. Being a mom can also be the brightest spot of a day.

This afternoon, Owen was playing gaga after school. He ran down the hill to me, smiling broadly. "Mom! There was a painful but non-fatal injury in the gaga pit!" I thought he was referring to someone else, but then he showed me a cut on his knee. A painful but non-fatal cut.

the other side of the pendulum

2011-09-13T20:59:00.002-04:00

Eli is a kid that spends a lot of his day thinking about things that will please those he loves. For a couple of weeks now, he's been talking about the toy rifle he wants to get Brian for Christmas. Today, at the library, he found both the next installment of the Harry Potter series and an audio version of the book we just finished. He couldn't wait to surprise Owen with them. He kept saying, "Owen is going to be so excited!" Moments like these help me forget about his screaming fits.

identity crisis

2011-09-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

I think I used to be a much better mom.

Parenting, I've found, is never easy. It's not easy to wake up multiple times a night. It's not easy to be tied to a feeding schedule. It's not easy to prepare for poop explosions. It's not easy to return a toddler to bed over and over again. Parenting babies and toddlers is exhausting. Physically demanding and exhausting.

But I think I was far better at that than I am at this. This parenting of school-aged and preschoolers.

This stuff is hard, too. Different hard, (I get to sleep through the night most of the time) but still hard. These kids can be mean. They either don't want to do anything for themselves or want to do it all by themselves (always opposite of how I think it needs to be done. Carrying something? You can do that. Cooking? Maybe you need some help.) They think I am out to ruin their lives. Always saying no to fun and freedom. They think I am responsible for all negative consequences. Yesterday, Eli screamed, "I am so mad at you!" at me for over twenty minutes because I accidentally opened his granola bar instead of mine. Today it was because I refused to pull up his underwear and shorts for him after he went to the bathroom.

What was once physically exhausting is now emotionally exhausting. But they do know how to turn the TV on in the morning, letting me sleep in a bit. So there's that.

thank goodness for a new day

2011-09-12T22:54:00.001-04:00

Several years ago, I read a book called The Parents We Mean to Be: How Well-Intentioned Adults Undermine Children's Moral and Emotional Development by Richard Weissbourd. (A good read, if you're interested.) Two of the main things that stuck with me from that book were, 1) Kids don't need taught right from wrong. They already know that. They need to know why they should choose right over wrong. And 2) We, as adults and parents, are not morally static. It's not like, because we're adults, we're off the hook and don't have to think about choosing right over wrong.

I've been trying to do more than I can pull off. Things that should be priorities have suffered. I've felt it, but rationalized. I've been slipping down the slope. But now I know. Things have to change.

the opening

2011-09-09T23:11:00.000-04:00

Tonight was just lovely. I felt honored and loved and proud. I was glad I had submitted without having been to the show last year because I probably would have been too intimidated to submit. But I'm glad I submitted. And I sold my first piece ever! I had such a nice evening. And I'm thankful. For being included. For my friends. For courage.

the shrinking of days

2011-09-08T22:10:00.002-04:00

These days that seemed so empty the first week of school are taking shape. We're settling into routines and patterns and predictable actions.

We're spending time with friends...

...working on our hobbies. (Or hijacking other people's hobbies.)

don't say i didn't tell you

2011-09-05T23:08:00.004-04:00

This is an invitation, not an expectation.

Friday, from 6-9, at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, there's an opening for a new show. Two of my photographs are in it. (These two, in case you're curious.)

You are welcome. But not expected. (That really is polite, not self-deprecating.)

Disclaimer: I probably won't stay for the entire thing. My kids will be with me.

everyone's happy

2011-09-04T23:16:00.000-04:00

The Labor Day fireworks in this city are the fireworks event of the year. To me, it is madness. Madness I do not wish to enter. But, Brian, the kids, and his parents are better sports than I am. So they all went downtown and I stayed on the hill. In fact, Brian was so committed to this venture, he went down at 5am Saturday morning and sprinted, in bare feet, to tape a tarp onto the Serpentine Wall.

The forecast was an 80% chance of rain over the entire day. The rain held off, until 8pm. When it poured and apparently they all got soaked. But they all assured me that it was worth the wait and the rain.

I enjoyed listening to the Reds on the radio, staying dry, watching TV shows, crocheting, napping, and fiddling around with my camera.

Eli had been a tough sell. He was ready to stay home with me and avoid the inevitable noise that accompanies fireworks. But Brian promised him earplugs covered up by sound dampening headphones. Apparently he got pretty nervous right before the show started, but managed a few smiles during the fireworks and gave rave reviews afterward.

Just for cute factor, here's the last time the kids went to these fireworks.

I enjoyed the peace. They enjoyed the mayhem. It was a win-win.

friday

2011-09-03T10:44:00.002-04:00

What is up with this heat? Honestly, I told Brian last night, if I lived in the South, he would just find me one day, outside, lying on the ground, melted. After school, the boys were playing happily and I snapped. The sweat was rolling off every part of me. While I was standing in the shade! All of a sudden I said to the boys, "We have got to go. I can't take it anymore!"

Luckily, we spent all of our day in the museum where you can wear a sweater. And luckily Owen's school is air-conditioned.

Fall, please come quickly.

thursday

2011-09-03T10:42:00.001-04:00

Thursday, we were bad parents. We took Owen out of school early and went to the Reds game.

We had amazing seats. Several rows behind the Phillies dugout.

I could get used to this kind of vantage point. Of course, I forgot my zoom lens, so the amazing photos I could have gotten of the Reds, I didn't get. But we enjoyed the game. Despite the blazing heat.

Some of our party of game-goers got an upgrade to the Champions Club. I warned an unsuspecting parker about the danger of parking in the fire lane on the public landing. To thank me, they gave us four tickets they weren't using for the Champions Club. Unlimited free food. Air conditioning. Shaded seats. The fact that these were available made a super hot day endurable for the kids. Brian and I stayed in the behind-the-dugout seats and enjoyed the quiet.

Reds talk. Just wanted to give fair warning.

I am a big Ryan Haningan fan. From what I understand of his story, he was undrafted. He went to a tryout camp for the Reds and got signed there. Also from what I understand, this doesn't happen. People don't get discovered at those things. He recently earned a multi-year contract. His at-bat song talks about coming up from nothing and living a dream. I think it fitting. And I root for him and his story.

wednesday

2011-09-03T10:26:00.001-04:00

We've been going to the Y three times a week to work out. I never, ever want to go. I always can find an excuse not to. Brian is patient and encouraging. Afterward, I'm glad we went. But I won't remember that the next time we go.

Errands filled the afternoon.

The evening consisted of a trip to the game with friends.

This time, the tickets were in right field, so we got up close and personal with Jay Bruce.

tuesday

2011-09-03T10:23:00.000-04:00

All summer, we've been missing our friends. Tuesday, we tried to make up for the time we missed. We spent the day hanging out with Kim, August, and Emet. Kim and I snuck into her studio while the kids played. She made things from clay. I took pictures.

two is better than one

2011-08-29T22:17:00.000-04:00

Eli had a friend over today. The two of them played delightfully together while I folded laundry, cleaned up the kitchen, puttered around.

If someone asked me, before I was a mom, "Would you rather have two four-year-olds or one?" My answer would have been, "One is plenty, thanks!" But what I've learned is, if one of those four-year-olds or seven-year-olds or whatever-year-olds isn't actually yours, two can be so much better than one.

It's true for me, too. Relationships are work. Hard work sometimes. They can be messy. I get hurt and I hurt. But in the end, the scales always tip for the two over the one.

I'm lucky to have so many twos.

spoiler

2011-08-28T21:57:00.000-04:00

Best part first even though it was chronologically last: Joey Votto hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 14th inning! And Brian got the ball!! He had to jump over seats, toss a few elbows, rough some people up, but he got the ball and that's what counts. (Really though, no fans were harmed in the securing of the ball.) When he came up with it, he turned to me (he had moved over a section with Eli a couple of innings before), held it over his head, and we both jumped up and down! It was so exciting!

You can see a video of the home run here. And, you can see Brian. He starts out in the front row but then jumps a couple of rows back to get to the ball.

OK, back to the beginning. We had a Reds game today!

Grandpa wanted a picture of him and the boys in their matching shirts.

This 13-game package that my dad buys is considered a season ticket package. Which means that we get to go into the ballpark 30 minutes before the general public. Today was the first time we had actually gotten there in time to take advantage of the benefit. We had planned on catching all of BP for both teams. Oh, but, the Reds don't usually take BP on Sundays and today, the Nationals didn't either. So we just wandered around and did things that are usually crowded. My kids were the only ones on the playground! That never happens.

It was like we were VIPs or something, having free run of the place. No wait in the line for the $1 hot dogs!

Where's Owen?

Another surprise: even though we were allowed in the stadium early, we weren't allowed to go around to our section. So we hung out behind home plate for a while. Not watching BP.

The day was beautiful. It was warm in the sun (and we all got sunburned because someone didn't think we'd need sunscreen when it was only a high of 84. Someone maybe shouldn't be allowed to be in charge of kids.)

Yesterday, Owen used his "dollars" from Grandpa to buy a little set of Harry Potter Legos. He found a little red baseball cap in his Lego set, put it on Harry, and brought him to the game as a Reds fan. Harry kindly stood and removed his hat for the National Anthem.

This girl was so full of dance. She popped up and danced her little heart out at every song. She made me and Brian smile a lot.

The shadows just kept getting longer and longer. The game lasted five hours and fifteen minutes, the longest game I've ever been to.

The guy on the right was a heckler. There were actually a bunch of them in our section all giving the Nationals' left fielder a hard time. Seriously. Hecklers? Cut it out. You're just embarrassing your kids. Or girlfriend. Or self.

I didn't take my zoom lens today, but would have loved to have a close up of Dusty's face as he argued a call. (Drew Stubbs called out stealing.)

This is when Dusty got tossed.

And this is when Dusty went back for more after his ejection. He took his hat off during the argument epilogue. You know he's serious then.

We were all in rally mode for five innings!

I didn't catch any of the action, but in his hands, Brian has the Votto home run ball.

I'm going to hang this photo on my fridge from November until March and call it, "The Light at the End of the Tunnel."

owen

2011-08-28T10:09:00.001-04:00

Brian took the boys to the zoo yesterday afternoon while I did my best to accomplish as much as possible in their absence. He got some great shots of the kids. All of these photos and the ones of Eli in the next post are Brian's.

eli

2011-08-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

kids at play

2011-08-28T09:54:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the boys play so nicely together. Before school one day this week, they were all about the costume box and came up with some great combinations.

Seven years of parenting without a pair of light-up shoes. That ended this week. Eli's cousin David is to blame, in my mind. But he's only two. So maybe that's not very adult of me. Still. Thanks a lot, David.

Eli and I came home from the school drop-off one morning to find guys climbing up trees with chainsaws. They kept us entertained for a half hour or so. Seriously? Up a tree with a running chainsaw hanging from your belt?! Crazy.

A dream of the young Eli was realized yesterday. We found guns with holsters and a belt. Thanks to "dollars" from Grandpa, Eli is now equipped with all he needs to fully assume the role of the Lone Ranger.

My cabinets. That's all.

Friday was a late night. We started off at a park after school. Then we went to Zips for dinner. And we finished by going to our first Final Friday downtown.

Another good week in the life of our family.

another week

2011-08-28T09:42:00.000-04:00

School starts and the weeks just start rolling by. It's hard to keep the days straight and to remember what we do during them. Many of them look the same.

Owen had his seven-year check up on Monday. The kid grew three inches over the last year. It's no wonder he looks like a giant. He only gained four pounds, which apparently is half of what kids usually gain. But, the doctor said, his genetics make it look like he'll be tall and skinny, so she wasn't worried.

The rest of the week was filled with homework, violin, friends, sweaty play after school, and me and Eli hanging out together. A good week. But the days go so quickly.

I got some exciting news this week. Two of my photographs have been accepted to a show at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center. It was especially exciting for a couple of reasons. Over 250 pieces were submitted and only 77 were chosen. And two of them were mine! And, the show is a juried show. Cash prizes. And the jurors were/are the directors of the Art Museum, the Contemporary Art Center, and the Weston Art Gallery. The opening is September 9 and the prizes will be handed out then. Grand prize is $500 and a show at the CCAC. It would be dreamy to win that! But a long shot. We'll see.

I've got some other exciting things in the works as well. I applied to be a vendor at the Crafty Supermarket, a big indie craft show in Clifton in November, I'm in the process of setting up a meeting with an independent baby store to sell some of my stuff, and I might have an outside blogging gig (non-paying.) All this stuff is fun to think about. If I don't think about the work that might be involved in doing them. I'll keep you posted on the progress of these endeavors. So far, my year of doing things that scare me seems to be working out OK.

clever boys

2011-08-27T23:35:00.000-04:00

Eli, as he was trying, yet again, to keep up with the people who have longer legs than him: "I wish there was a speed limit for people!"

Owen, when I pointed out some lovely mums for sale: "Are you a fall flower? Because you're a mum?"

he's on a roll

2011-08-26T07:12:00.000-04:00

Two more hilarious Eli quotes in the last twelve hours.

"Can I give you a favor? Will you get me the tinker toy box? Is that a good favor?"

Last night, I asked him which book he wanted to read. "Worm Diarrhea," was his reply. What he meant was Diary of a Worm.

Four is a nice age.

second place is the first...

2011-08-24T07:44:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to teach Eli about the Caldecott medal and that, when we see books with that gold or silver circle on it, that means they were picked as some of the best illustrations of their year. Eli is kind of getting it. He handed me a book last night with a silver circle and said, "Caldecott loser."