Full Catastrophe Living

Camping, NH, Aug 2009 (64 photos), by Jennifer Long

2009-09-14T14:09:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Monhegan Island, Sept 2009 (51 photos), by Jennifer Long

2009-09-14T13:56:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Autism in Action

2009-07-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is another video worth posting (link to youtube is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmi3Z9Kt1II )......my 18-year old, autistic son performing at Frieda's Installation Ceremony (June 7 in Danvers). This is a kid who was not supposed to be able to learn to talk, according to the neurologist when he was three. He now drives, has passed the MCAS, works part time at Stop and Shop, plays the piano (obviously!) by ear and by reading music, is active in youth group, and is doing well in school. He is an all-around great kid!

The lyrics are posted below -- Mary Chapin Carpenter song called "Why Shouldn't We":

We believe in things that we cannot see
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

Hands that heal can set a chained man free
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

We believe in peace within every heart
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

Burning brightly, brightly in the dark
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

So come on darling feel your spirits rise
Come on children open up your eyes
God is all around Buddha's at the gate
Allah hears your prayers
It's not too late

And we believe in things that will give us hope
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

Let your voice be heard, celebrate your vote
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

We believe in things that make us all the same
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

Love belongs to all in deed and name
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

And we believe in things that can't be done
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

Lift up your heart, put down your gun
Why shouldn't we, why shouldn't we

We believe in things We're told that we cannot change
Why shouldn't we

We had heroes once, and we will again
Why shouldn't we

So come on darling
Come on children
God is all around,
Buddha's at the gate
Allah hears our prayers
It's not too late
Why shouldn't we

Again, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmi3Z9Kt1II

A great race for Tim!

2009-06-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Tim had a terrific meet this weekend at UConn. He had a bunch of best times, and won several of his heats. Mostly, he just felt great about how he was swimming. This has been a wonderful year for him, swimming-wise. He is getting better and enjoying it so much.

This was his most spectacular race of the weekend -- a 200 meter Individual Medley. Tim is in Lane 3, the third from the top of the screen, wearing a red cap. Notice that he falls behind in the backstroke, but watch his recovery in the breaststroke and freestyle lengths!

I am very proud of all the effort and dedication he is putting in to his swimming --a very good kid all around.

Julia's Research Fair

2009-06-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Everything in Spanish! Wow!

Bailey and Julia discussing observations

Bailey and Julia with their project

So today was the Third Grade Research fair. Each class had a project, and different teams of students studied different aspects of the project. For example, Julia's class studied the pond ecosystem. They went across the street and gathered pond life (water, weeds, rocks, tadpoles, snails, insects, etc.) and created four aquariums. One aquarium they left alone (intact); in one, they removed all of the living things that are "decomposers" (clean up the dead stuff); in one, they removed all the rocks, sticks, and non-food items; in the fourth, they removed all of the pond plant life and replaced it with plant life from the forest (dirt, oak and maple leaves, grass, twigs, etc.) Each group came up with an hypothesis about what would happen to their assigned tank (Julia had the tank with the forest plants), and then they made daily observations and journaled about what they saw. Simultaneously, each student was assigned one animal or plant to research (Julia had damsel flies --- other kids had tadpoles, duck weed, snails, etc.). And they created wonderful displays of everything they learned. The kicker??? EVERYTHING IS IN SPANISH.....all the research, all the journals, all the displays.....and today, when the kids made their presentations and answered questions? ALL IN SPANISH. WOW!!!

So Julia tells me about this fair at 8:00 PM last night. I was surprised -- and have to work the next day. I tell her there is no way I can go on such short notice. She is disappointed, tells me how important this is to her, and offers to call my boss (!!) to ask him if I can go (she said -- "Your boss likes me -- he'll say yes if I ask!"). SO I went ahead and emailed the team to let them know I would be an hour late to work.........it was an hour very well spent! I am so impressed with these third graders!

Ben and Friends Singing "Hey Jude!"

2009-05-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Big Weekend - Ben's Party

2009-05-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Big Weekend!

2009-05-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Tim playing the guitar on Sat night

Julia up in the balcony

Tim playing the guitar with Julie Porter, DRE looking on

View of the back of the church (First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Framingham --- http://www.firstparishframingham.com/)

8th graders walking the labyrinth

We had a very fun, and very busy weekend! It was Tim's "Coming of Age" weekend at church, where the 8th graders are recognized for their accomplishments in the Religious Ed program and "graduated" to attending services with the adults. As part of the celebration, there was a worship service on Saturday night done by the kids --- a walk in the labyrinth during which the kids received letters written to them by their parents (in Tim's case, he got 5 letters!), a potluck dinner, and then e service in the church. Each of the kids writes a statement of what they believe about religion at this point in their life, and shares it with the group. They are quite remarkable and different -- from traditional monotheistic views of God, to agnosticism, atheism, and even anti-religion in general. On Sunday, the kids are recognized in front of the entire congregation, and again read their statements for everyone. It was a big deal! Tim even played his guitar for the Saturday evening service.......

On Sunday, we had a big party to celebrate Ben's 18th birthday! Karaoke on the porch, open hot tub, and lots of BBQ! There were probably 30+ people there --- mostly kids and teenagers. A lot of the kids came from the Senior Youth Group at church -- what a great group of kids! We also had quite a few friends and family members come by. It was our first big party in the house, and I think everyone had a terrific time!

I can't, I can't, I can't!!

2009-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Julia LOVES horseback riding....... but she has had a couple of falls in recent weeks, and is something of a drama queen these days. On the day of a recent horseback riding lesson, she had twisted her pinky finger playing with Tim (no sympathy from me - they were playing with Tim's toy handcuffs and I WARNED them...) Anyway, Julia complained and complained to her riding instructor about how much her finger hurt. I think she was hoping for sympathy or an easier lesson. Instead, her instructor said -- "Okay then - we'll work on balance and leg strength. No reins for this lesson, but you will still need to trot, post, work on diagonals, and your half seat". Julia protested bitterly -- "I can't, I can't! I'll fall! This is impossible..." And yet, in just seconds, you can see in the video what happened!

Here she is trotting, posting, changing diagonals.....and getting comfortable with "no hands"!

AND MORE COLD!

2009-01-16T10:07:00.001-08:00

Our resident turkeys

Neighborhood turkeys in their full glory

Toby and Annie in the field

Toby on the trail

Annie and Me in the snow

COLD, COLD, COLD.......

2009-01-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, is it ever cold this week!!!!! This morning (1/16) the thermometer in my car told me that it was minus-9 degrees (that is -9!!) at 7:30 AM. My hair froze solid as I took three minutes to take a few pictures (featured here!). The ones of the waterfall and pond are interesting....I know the water must be just over freezing (it is fast moving water). But in these sub-zero times, even FREEZING is enough heat to generate steam. Stay indoors, people! (Or at least DRY YOUR HAIR before venturing out.......)

Home for Christmas.....

2008-12-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

I love being home for the holidays.........

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.......

2008-12-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

SNOW and SNOW and SNOW......all weekend. We have about 18 inches on the ground. These are pics from yesterday (Sunday) and early this morning. I love snow for Christmas. I am not sure how our neighborhood turkeys feel about it. They look pretty miserable.

So Many Leaves in late Fall!

2008-11-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

The oak trees drop their leaves last.....and we have many of them in our yard. Sunday was a lovely, late fall day --- warm for this time of year. Here is J*lia out playing in the leaves in the front yard......

Halloween

2008-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

J * E at a house where the adults handing out candy were dressed up too!

Scary girls!!!

J went out dressed as "a shadow"

Me working on J's makeup

Only J*lia went out trick-or-treating this year. It was a rite of passage year for the boys! B*n had to work on Friday night, and T*m -- with his commitment to swimming and health -- decided he really didn't need the candy (and besides, he said, 14 is a little old for such childish things). J*lia went out with her friend Emily (F & I came along), and T*m stayed home to hand out the candy. It is a little sad to see the trick-or-treating come to and end.........but only a little! (and we have a few more years with Julia!)

Swimming

2008-11-10T11:35:00.001-08:00

Tim has made a renewed commitment to swimming this year, after a couple of years of being pretty ambivalent. He has made it to all but two practices this fall (beginning in August), and has been working hard. In the last two meets, he took LOTS of time off his events --- like 15 seconds off his 200 IM (Individual Medley) time, and 36 seconds off his 500 Free. He is VERY happy ......... got out of the pool at one meet and said to his coach, in all seriousness, "Who would have thought that going to practice would make such a big difference?!?!" Lucky for him his coach has a sense of humor........

Beautiful Days

2008-10-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just love living here! These are pics I took while walking around this past weekend.....some are of our church fair ("Pies on the Common"), and the rest are just neighborhood shots!

Fall in New England

2008-10-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Wingaersheek Beach
Me, Toby, and Annie!
Toby loves the pond
Frieda and Connie

Pics of Frieda and her friend Connie (visited from Texas last weekend), and me and the dogs. We had lovely walks on Wingaersheek Beach, and in the state park near our house. Fall in New England is the BEST!

And More Birthday Girl!

2008-10-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

The family party was on Sunday --- the REAL birthday. J*lia picked the menu --- barbecue! So we had ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, corn, black beans.....YUMM! Phil Walcutt joined us, as well as Connie -- a friend of Frieda's from Dallas who was visiting for the weekend. (And of course, me, Phil, and the boys!)

The food was one major highlight of the party........favorite gifts were a microscope (from Dad), a magic kit (from Uncle Phil), the book "Brisingr" (from Mom), and a gift card to Claire's with the promise of a shopping trip (from Frieda).

Don't mind the dyed hair! :-) They tell me it is a phase.......

Birthday Girl!

2008-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Miss J turned 9 on Oct 12. Lots and lots of fun! (October is a big birthday month in our house --- Auntie Gretchen has a birthday on the 20th too!)

Friday night was the kids party at Fun & Games --- laser tag, video games, dancing, and a great Uno's dinner (courtesy of Auntie Gretchen). These are pics from that gathering.

Birthday Boy!! 14 years old

2008-10-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Tim laughs at a joke card
Julia joins in the laughter
Just what he asked for!!
Opening gifts
Uncle Phil!

Tim was 14 yesterday, and we had our traditional family party. The birthday person gets to choose the food (Tim chose Indian food!), and we all gather round for dinner, cake, ice cream, presents, and usually a lot of laughs. Last night was no exception! In addition to all three kids, me, Frieda, and Phil, we also had the pleasure of a visit from Uncle Phil who has not been able to make it to the last few parties (a long drive from Maine!) Notice that Tim is now taller than Uncle Phil!!

Tim wanted an electric guitar more than anything. I think I had pretty much convinced him that he was not getting one --- too expensive, too noisy, he doesn't practice enough, etc. But Phil and I collaborated and bought him a beautiful bright red Fender --- he is THRILLED. Now he has to save up for an amplifier -- let's hope it takes a while! :-)

Playtime

2008-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that my kids are still at an age where they can spend time just playing! This is Julia (almost 9) and her friend Joa (10) last weekend. They were at Joa's house and found an old box of dress-up clothes, which led to hours of outdoor imaginary play. FUN!!

Canada

2008-09-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

I watched some of the Republican National Convention last night. I saw part of Rudy Giuliani's rant, and then most of Sarah Palin. I think I was so horrified by her that I fell asleep. Not that she is a bad person. I am sure she is not. She is pretty and smart and accomplished and ambitious. She is probably a good mom (although I think her children are being exploited in this race). I admire her positive qualities, even though I disagree with her on just about every political issue. I might even enjoy having a conversation over a cup of coffee --- working mom to working mom, parent of disabled child to another parent of a disabled child.

I just can't believe she could end up being the next Vice President! No, no, no!! It's horrifying. And it is insulting to all of us that the Republican party thinks any old woman will attract the Hilary supporters. Oh, my. Do they think we will overlook the fact that she supports far-right, evangelical Christian, "anti family" values???? That she doesn't believe humans have anything to do with global warming? That she is alarmingly blase about environmental issues? That she is a member of the NRA? Oh, dear.

Well, there is good news here. I learned today that it would not be all that hard for me to move to Canada. I will qualify for "Skilled Worker" status and could move my family and get permanent resident status. I have always liked the Toronto area, and I hear Vancouver is nice as well.

Let's just see how this election goes..........

Skunked!! (But I am not complaining....)

2008-09-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Annie --- look at all the fur!
But we love her....even when she gets skunked!

OK -- remember that last post? Just yesterday morning? About how lucky I am and how I won't be complaining any more......?

Fast forward to last night. Long day at work --- client meeting --- then delivered a chair to BU college student (he bought it from me on CraigsList and had no transportation.....) By the time I got on the Pike headed towards home it was 7:45. Cell phone rings and it is Timmy, who tells me he needs to go to ACMoore to get posterboard for a project -- due tomorrow. Grrr. "And - oh, by the way, Annie got sprayed by a skunk. Ha ha ha. Isn't that funny?"

Hilarious to a 13-year old. Not so funny to me.

Bless Frieda -- she took Tim out to ACMoore and went to PetCo in search of something to wash away skunk smell. No luck -- PetCo and PetSmart are both sold out. We are stuck with baby shampoo and tomato juice. One woman at the pet store tells Frieda that she had good luck with three baths --- shampoo, tomato juice (leave it on for several minutes), then shampoo again.

We will try this (while the kids finish their homework and peek through the windows...) Frieda and I on the porch with a very very smelly (nauseating), large (80 lb), long haired (beautiful double coated sheperd mix.....lots of hair...) dog who does NOT want to be washed. Annie is NOT happy.

Water (cold from a hose).....shampoo.......!!SHAKE!!! .....more scrubbing........!!!SHAKE!!! ....more water (cold!) and scrubbing.......!!SHAKE!!.......tomato juice -- pour and scrub .........(looks like blood running all over the deck.....)......wait and wait and wait.....!!SHAKE!!.......(now I am covered in tomato juice).....rinse.......shampoo.........scrub....!!SHAKE!!.....and rinse, rinse, rinse....... !!SHAKE! ! Finally dry off with towels.....

Annie still smells, but it is much better. We can let her into the house to sleep. Frieda and I are covered in tomato juice, soapsuds, and water.........oh, and some skunk oil. My hands smell.

I hear it takes about two weeks for the smell to dissipate.

But I am still not complaining. LOL

Lucky

2008-09-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning feeling a little sorry for myself.

Bummer -- have to go back to work after a (great) long weekend.
Bummer -- have to wear "big girl clothes" (aka a suit and heels) because I have a client meeting.
Bummer -- have to go to the medical office building and have bloodwork done before starting graduate school next week.
Bummer -- running late -- have to rush Julia out the door; barely shouted a "goodbye" to Ben & Frieda.
Bummer -- have to work for a living and figure out a budget so I can afford graduate school.

Nothing really wrong. These are inconveniences and luxury problems. But they didn't feel that way until I got to the MetroW*st Medical Center.

I had to go up to the doc's office and pick up a lab slip. Then down to the lab for a blood draw (making sure I had all my childhood immunizations before I can show my face on campus); then back to the doc's office where I got a tetanus booster and a TB test (I get to go back on Thursday to have it read -- yippee).

I was struck by all the people at the Medical Office Building who had real problems. The people in the waiting room at the pediatric oncologist's office; the elderly man who could barely stand - he was bent at the waist (arthritis?), but still held the door for me; the sleep disorders clinic; the hugely pregnant, very tired looking woman with two toddlers and an infant.......

I have no problems. It is a beautiful, sunny late summer day in New England. I am healthy, happy, have a beautiful family, a wonderful partner, great friends, work I can do that pays pretty well, coworkers I like, and a new and fun challenge on the horizon. It's all a great adventure.

I am not going to complain any more. At least for the rest of the day.

Goodbye to Summer.....

2008-08-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yup --- school is back in session today! I can hardly believe it. T started 8th grade, and J started 3d. B has another two weeks off, since he was in summer session all summer.

I put the younger two on the bus this morning. T wouldn't let me take pictures at the bus stop (he told me he was too old, and I should just be thankful for the first-day-of-school pictures I have up through 7th grade....) Got a picture of him in the house before he left, though ---- and some cute ones of J and her friend M as they waited for the bus.....

Last Gasp of Summer -- Canobie Lake

2008-08-27T08:04:00.001-07:00

I had been promising this trip for a year. We finally made it to Can*bie Lake this week. Ben and Julia came --- Tim opted out because he doesn't really like the rides (he wanted to go to Wa*er Coun*ry instead...) It was CROWDED -- more crowded than I have ever seen -- but we had fun anyway. The last big event of the summer!

Happy Birthday Bupka!

2008-08-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Notice the unusual "melon cake"..........
Julia was helping to blow out the candles --- very thoughtful........
Julia and Bupka don't look anything alike, do they? LOL

We made the trip down to RI to celebrate my mother's (aka "Bupka") birthday on Monday. It was a long trip for a work day, but we had a good time. The cakes were interesting --- regular cake for most of us, and a very creative "melon" cake for my mom and her friend Sarah, who are on a special diet.

Growing Up

2008-08-06T10:11:00.001-07:00

Ben Boarding the Plane for Atlanta
Dinner on the Way Home from Atlanta -- sushi-- yum!!!
Ben with his brand new friend at campe
Saying goodbye to mom (at music camp)
With his buddy at music camp on the very first day!

It seems like yesterday that Ben was in preschool and we were worrying about things like temper tantrum and potty training and would-he-ever-talk...... Now he is becoming quite the independent young man! This summer he has gotten his drivers' license, flown to Atlanta BY HIMSELF (!), driven home with Frieda, and gone away for a week to Berk*shire Hills M*usic Academy to study piano and voice. Big steps for a kid who was never supposed to be able to speak!!! I am very proud of all he has accomplished.

More Beach Pics!

2008-07-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Good Harbor Beach -- a great afternoon!

2008-07-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester/Rockport, MA this past Saturday afternoon. We arrived at about 4:00, after the big crowds had left. What a beautiful beach!! And great waves!! My two younger kids are part fish, I think, and we had a fantastic time in the surf. It was a little cold for Ben, so he came in for just a little while. Frieda took the pictures, so I am even in a couple of them. Our friend Andey joined us for a while too, and it was her first time swimming in the Atlantic (even though she has lived here for 14 years!) A very fun afternoon!

92 Years Old!

2008-07-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

My grandmother turned 92 last weekend. Amazing! She still lives by herself, drives (!), plays cards with her "girlfriends" every week, volunteers at the thrift shop at her church, and likes to help "the old people" there (many of whom are in their 70s!). She has slowed down, and has some Parkinson's, but she is pretty gosh-darn sharp! I hope I have some of her genes for health and longevity.

Here she is with four of her five great-grandchildren --- Ben is the one missing.

Camping Pictures!

2008-07-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Kids' tent
Toby in a mud puddle
Ben and Julia on the LONG hike...
Tim and the tame ducks
Tim and Julia

Julia and Annie
Julia and Annie....
Toby -- too tired to lift his head....
Making Ice Cream!
Dirty Feet Contest!

We went camping last weekend in New Hampshire at Pillsbury State Park. Wilderness camping of sorts --- no fluch toilets, no showers, "hike in" to our campsite, and 15 minute hike for water. It was pretty funny to see us hiking in to our site with fully inflated air mattresses balanced on our heads (no need to be uncomfortable just because you are in the woods!)

I think the dogs had the best time. Toby discovered he loves napping in mud, which was okay because the dogs slept in the tent with the kids......

Highlights of the trip included Frieda's breakfast burritos every morning, making ice cream with the crazy "ice cream making ball", taking what we thought was a 3-mile hike (turned out to be closer to 6 miles!), catching frogs at the pond, a "dirty feet contest" (Julia won), tame ducks at Lake Sunapee, and meeting some other really nice kids to play with............

We are looking forward to camping again soon. Next trip is in August and we are going to Beartown State Park in Western Massachusetts. Hooray!

Organic Farm Days

2008-06-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

We joined Stearns Farm --- an organic community farm in Framingham. As members, we have to work a minimum of 12 hours during the season, and in return we get to pick up whatever is being harvested each week. This was our first pickup day -- last Friday. Pics are of Julia picking (and eating) strawberries, and playing on the swings at the farm........

Long Time, No Blog

2008-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

It isn't really that I don't have anything to report. Life is busy. Life is actually MORE than busy. It is very full. Mostly good. Some annoying. Some anxiety producing.

The summer is upon us. Kids are out of school next week. I can't believe it! I always feel like I should have the summer off too, no matter how many years I have been in the workforce. There is something about the academic schedule that just works!

Ben got his drivers license a few weeks ago. Yikes! He is eager for any chance to drive alone. Doesn't even mind running errands or going to pick up his siblings! Next week (June 21) he will fly to Atlanta BY HIMSELF and drive back to Boston with Frieda. She will enjoy the company, and some respite from the driving. And he is beyond excited.

Tim is busy with end-of-school projects and swimming. He is back on the Town Team and loving it. He really likes the cameraderie and competition with other towns. He is very much hoping for high honors this term --- stay tuned. Mostly he does have all A's, but his Language Arts grade was a bit tenuous.

Julia is in her full 8 1/2 year old glory! She is playing soccer, swimming, playing the violin, and doing a lot of just PLAYING.

As a family, I am looking for ways to continue to simplify our lives. Fewer activities, more down time, more outdoors time, less "stuff".........less money spent. I can be doing better! I have asked the kids to think about what they really LOVE to do, and pick only 1-2 things. We will do those. I think violin lessons will be out for Julia; probably guitar and voice for Tim -- maybe Shawmut. Ben only does piano and tae kwon do, but one of them might go as well. Simple, simple, simple. Less stuff, less money, more time.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Quiet Thanksgiving Day at home. We cooked --- Phil worked with the kids on the turkey and stuffing and several pies (here is Julia working on mincemeat!). I made a pumpkin pie with Tim, and Tim made Indian rice pudding called Kheer. Frieda handled the veggies -- mashed potatoes, turnips, and green beans. It was a lovely and relaxing day. We even managed to get in a long hike withe dogs!

This pic of me with Annie and Toby is a classic. We didn't notice Toby in the background until we looked closely at the picture later.

Birthday Parties

2007-10-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Two birthday parties in two weeks! Wow!

Tim turned 13 on October 5th. We celebrated with usual family celebration at home. Tim chose to have Indian food for his party, and the cake was homemade by Phil and Tim. Yummy!

His "kid party" was on Sunday at the Davis Mega- Maze. What a great time!! We had 12 boys for the party --- had barbecue, cake, a pinata, time to navigate the MegaMaze (can take hours!!!), and finally a water balloon fight using very cool catapults. We lucked out on the weather -- was rainy in the AM, but cleared up just in time for the party.

The most interesting part of the party from my perspective was the ride there and back with 7 12 year old boys. As an adult female, I am completely invisible and irrelevant to them, so I get to listen to all the conversation. Hmmm. I was relieved to find out that all of them still think Wierd Al Yankovic is better music than Em in em. I was glad when the ride was over --- it was LOUD! Tim said it was the "best party ever"!! (he says that every year.....)

Julia had her birthday the following week. She turned 8 on October 12. We had the family party on her birthday ---- Bupka (my mom) drove up for both parties! Julia wanted ribs for her party, so we had a huge spread from Tennessee BBQ --- ribs, pulled pork, bbq chicken, coleslaw, bakes beans, mashed potatoes, corn bread........ And her cake was store bought -- marble cake with yellow flowers....

HER "kid party" was on Saturday,m and was an indoor gym party at The Longfellow Childrens Center. 18 kids --- all ages 6-9. 16 girls and two very brave boys! They had an absolute blast! Lots of time for free play, some organized games and play with a parachute, pizza, cake, and more free play. We had 18 very happy, very tired and sweaty kids at the end of two hours.

I had a wonderful time at all four parties, and I am VERY GLAD they are over. It made for quite a hectic couple of weeks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM & JULIA!!! It is wonderful to be 13 and 8!

Fashion Statement

2007-10-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

As a mom, you sometimes (always?) have to pick and choose what battles you want to fight. Usually, it is important to me that my children leave the house looking somewhat reasonable, and not too much like severly neglected street urchins. Today, that was not the battle I chose to fight.

Julia, age 8, woke up cranky. She had a little sore throat, and a tiny cough --- not enough to stay home sick from school, but enough to be a little miserable. It was one of those mornings when I wasn't sure I could get her dressed, put together (school bag, homework), and on her way without completely losing my temper. She was cold.....she didn't want syrup on her waffles.....she couldn't find her homework, then realized she had forgotten to do some of it.....she couldn't find her library book, and it was overdue....... EVERYTHING was a catastrophe resulting in tears.

I sent her to get dressed while I took a shower. When I emerged, already more than 10 minutes behind schedule, Julia was, in fact, dressed. Amazing! It was a pivotal decision moment though --- this is what she was wearing:

1. Silver fleece sweatpants (she had slept in these), about 2 inches too short
2. A hot pink suede belt (with sweatpants, no less!)
3. A blue and white striped T-shirt (also a little small -- some tummy exposed, so you can see the belt really well!)
4. Black patent leather dress shoes with white athletic socks (also clearly visible, because the pants are so short)
5. A long, V-neck magenta sweater with a hood
6. Purple fleece gloves

She looked like a rather well-fed street urchin. BUT, she was dressed, and we were both running late, and i KNEW even one critical word would result in another bout of tears.

So I made an executive decision and sent her off to school as she was. At least it was appropriate for the temperature outside.

Sometimes I wonder what her teachers think. Do they think she is neglected at home? Or just a creative kid given a lot of choices? Goodness, I hope it is the latter!!!

I wish I had a picture. But by the time we were finally ready to leave the house, we were both late and neither of us was in the mood to capture the moment.

Rats Loose in the House

2007-10-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday.
Happy Birthday to Julia --- 8 years old today.
Two rats loose in my house.
The day didn’t start out exactly as I had hoped this morning. It is 6:30 AM at the moment, and I am compelled to tell my story right away to those of you who might appreciate it.
Since it is only 6:30 AM, a lot has already happened in my day.

Frieda and I have been talking about blogging. Yesterday (I think) I told her that I really couldn’t do a blog because my life is pretty routine. Nothing much happens. What would I ever write about?
I may have to rethink that today.

I was awakened from a somewhat fitful sleep at 5:20 this morning. I heard Tim’s door open, and then the dogs (who had been sleeping with him) came flying out and jumped on my bed, very excited. They were almost immediately followed by Tim, yelling “Get up! Get up! It’s an emergency!” An emergency? Seemed like a perfectly quiet rainy Friday morning. But who knows what constitutes “an emergency” to a 13 year old boy. So I opened my eyes, fought the dogs off me (they are now excited and both trying to lick my face), and sat up. What could it be?

“The cage fell over in my room, and the rats aren’t in the cage!”

Oh, no.

I realize, suddenly, that Tim’s pet rats --- Cleopatra and Hepsepshute – are loose in the house. Or worse (worse?) they have been captured and killed by either the dogs or the four cats. This house is a treacherous place for rodents.

I can’t even describe how motivated I was to get out of bed at that moment. Nothing like knowing there are rats in your house (or an awful mess to clean up) to get you out of bed.

Tim’s rats have an enormous cage. It can hold A LOT of shavings. A lot. They were all over Tim’s room, and tracked into the hall. No sign of the rats. No sign that the rats had been captured either. No blood. No dismembered tails. Just lots of shavings everywhere.

Tim and Julia and I grab flashlights and get down on our hands and knees. Under the bed….behind the desk….under the heating vent --- no sign of rats. (Keep in mind, Tim’s room – as is probably typical of most 13 year old boys) has a lot of STUFF in it. Lots of potential hiding places. No sign of rats.

Tim goes to the kitchen and gets a box of crackers. He starts putting crackers out around his room. “Maybe we can lure them out,” he says, “or at least they won’t starve if we don’t catch them.” He seems surprised when I vehemently object to FEEDING the rats that are apparently still alive and running around in the house.

Finally, Tim says, “Maybe they’re behind the bookcase. They always try to get back there.” I look. The bookcase is heavy, heavy wood. Packed with books, trophies, rock collections, toys, batteries, bits of whatever it is boys collect. It doesn’t look like there is any room behind the bookshelf – it is pretty snug against the wall. Can rats fit into a space less than ½ inch wide? I remember a hamster loose in my childhood home ….. we found him after several days. He seemed to be able to squeeze into any space. So maybe…? Is it possible I hear some scratching from behind the shelves..? But first we will have to take everything off the shelves……

We start hauling stuff off the shelves. “This is good,” I think. “I’ve been meaning to help Tim clear out some of this stuff.” In 5 minutes, every surface of Tim’s room is covered in stuff from the shelves. Well, except the rather large sections of the floor that are covered in soiled aspen shavings.

The shelves are heavy, but I manage to wiggle them forward about 2 inches. Sure enough – success! Both rats are there ---- but not for long. There is a little bit if scuffling and a few slapstick moments as the three of us (Ben is still sleeping) chase the rats around this now-extremely-cluttered room. But we catch them, they are safe, and they are no longer loose in the house.

Tim has a big mess to clean up. There are shaving everywhere, and they don’t vacuum well. He will have to pick most of them up by hand, and then vacuum the rest.
He objects to this, “It wasn’t MY fault the cage tipped over,” he protests.

We have a lovely discussion about the difference between “fault” and “responsibility”, and the fact that if something is your responsibility, then “fault” is irrelevant. I am not sure he gets it at all, but he is still cleaning up shavings, grumbling.

The bus comes in 10 minutes, so I think he will be buying lunch today --- even though it is junk food.

It is now after 7:00, and I need to get moving myself.

Maybe I should start a blog. I might find something to write about.