While we were in Phoenix, we took a day trip to Tucson, to check out the town. Matt had an interview there, and we wanted to get a feel for the place. Tucson is a unique place--- it doesn't try to mask its desert landscape (unlike Phoenix, which feels like an annex of California). It's surrounded by mountains, and with the cactus, and the scrubby landscape- it feels like a Neil Young video or something. I really, really liked it.
We started our day by eating at Mia Nidito, a famous, traditional Mexican food joint. It's been open since the 50's, and President Clinton ate there so many times, they have named a special for him (Presidente Especiale- which must have been created before his bypass, because it's something like a tamale, a burrito, a tostada and 2 enchiladas). George W. Bush felt so left out, he finally paid them a visit and insisted on hanging his picture on the wall- with the inscription "You need a few good Republicans hanging on this wall." Despite it being a local institution, and thus having a 45 minute wait at 3pm in the afternoon- we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Driving through the foothills of Tucson, we were struck by the beauty of the desert. Desert is an acquired taste--- some folks either grow to love it- others think it is terribly ugly. We happen to love it. The light is truly different there- everything seems starkly in focus- and sharper and crisper than anywhere else. On our drive back to Phoenix, we had the sun setting on one side of us- and a full moon romancing us on the other. It looks like you are driving through the bottom of the ocean- with all of the water sucked out of it. When I told this to Matt, he told me that at one time, it was the bottom of the ocean- so there.
It did feel good to see palm trees, bouganvilla and Trader Joes again. No matter where I land next year, the Southwest will always feel like home.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Have Yourself A Smelly Little Christmas
Dear Santa,
It was so nice of you to take such good care of my girls this year, but can I clarify a few things for next year? I know my girls only asked for lipgloss (and a remote controlled robot, but whatever). It was awesome of you to run to the corner gas station and clear them out of chapsticks, but next year- can we get PRETEND makeup? It seems my 2 little girls love to take their chapsticks to bed, and this makes for a sticky night time routine.
Also, not to sound ungrateful, but even though my 4 year old was more than ecstatic to find the Barbie perfume in her Christmas stocking---- any chance of making this stuff smell less like a Hannah Montana Whorehouse? The smallest dab reeks of teen angst, and I can't get the scent out of my house. It's giving me a Barbie pink headache.
The girls are in love with their dress up dresses, and their princess high heeled shoes. Scarily enough- my 2 year old walks better in pink plastic stilettos than I do. Please do not bring any pint sized stripper poles next year. We'll stick with the marabou trimmed shoes, for now.
Much Love,
Kristen
It was so nice of you to take such good care of my girls this year, but can I clarify a few things for next year? I know my girls only asked for lipgloss (and a remote controlled robot, but whatever). It was awesome of you to run to the corner gas station and clear them out of chapsticks, but next year- can we get PRETEND makeup? It seems my 2 little girls love to take their chapsticks to bed, and this makes for a sticky night time routine.
Also, not to sound ungrateful, but even though my 4 year old was more than ecstatic to find the Barbie perfume in her Christmas stocking---- any chance of making this stuff smell less like a Hannah Montana Whorehouse? The smallest dab reeks of teen angst, and I can't get the scent out of my house. It's giving me a Barbie pink headache.
The girls are in love with their dress up dresses, and their princess high heeled shoes. Scarily enough- my 2 year old walks better in pink plastic stilettos than I do. Please do not bring any pint sized stripper poles next year. We'll stick with the marabou trimmed shoes, for now.
Much Love,
Kristen
Thursday, December 27, 2007
It's All in the Numbers...
3 suitcases unpacked, waiting to be put away.
1200 Christmas presents, littering the living room- no room to be put away.
2 cookie exchange cookies eaten for breakfast (dried cherry chocolate chip, in fact)
1 toddler, wearing Ariel underwear, pink butterfly socks and Sleeping Beauty high heels- and nothing else.
And so it begins--- the last potty training marathon of my child rearing years.
100 Lysol disinfectant wipes, ready and waiting.
1200 Christmas presents, littering the living room- no room to be put away.
2 cookie exchange cookies eaten for breakfast (dried cherry chocolate chip, in fact)
1 toddler, wearing Ariel underwear, pink butterfly socks and Sleeping Beauty high heels- and nothing else.
And so it begins--- the last potty training marathon of my child rearing years.
100 Lysol disinfectant wipes, ready and waiting.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
From the Mouths of Preschoolers
What a Christmas! We flew back from Phoenix this morning, where we crashed at my older brother's house. Since my little brother is still in Iraq, we thought it best to distract Granny with all four of her grandchildren on Christmas morning. It worked! They were... simply put- hilarious. Only a few power struggles, a couple of time outs and one incident involving Annie, a hammer and some dings in a wall- but hey! That's what Home Depot is for.
Every holiday dinner, since I was a kid- we ring the bell. It's a tradition started by my grandparents, and one we continue today. Usually, we are all wearing our paper crowns on our heads (the ones that came in our Christmas crackers) and it's your moment to stop eating and give a toast. It's ALWAYS my favorite part of Christmas. (after presents, of course). This year, it was so darling to see my 4 year old daughter and my 4 year old nephew give their toasts. (They were born exactly one day apart.)
Here's Annie's toast: (she has a purple crown on her head, worn "ghetto style" with it drooping down over her eyes).
"Merry Christmas! I want to say that I like my family to be nice to me." (someone inserts joke about a hammer here). "I love having dinner with you guys, and I really loved making orange juice with you this morning." (My Dad brought oranges from his trees, and the kids all took turns at the juicer).
Here is Jack's toast. (he is not wearing a crown, has not had a nap and has had people in his house for 4 days):
"Eat your food. Drink your drink. Then go back to your own houses."
And to all, a goodnight!
Every holiday dinner, since I was a kid- we ring the bell. It's a tradition started by my grandparents, and one we continue today. Usually, we are all wearing our paper crowns on our heads (the ones that came in our Christmas crackers) and it's your moment to stop eating and give a toast. It's ALWAYS my favorite part of Christmas. (after presents, of course). This year, it was so darling to see my 4 year old daughter and my 4 year old nephew give their toasts. (They were born exactly one day apart.)
Here's Annie's toast: (she has a purple crown on her head, worn "ghetto style" with it drooping down over her eyes).
"Merry Christmas! I want to say that I like my family to be nice to me." (someone inserts joke about a hammer here). "I love having dinner with you guys, and I really loved making orange juice with you this morning." (My Dad brought oranges from his trees, and the kids all took turns at the juicer).
Here is Jack's toast. (he is not wearing a crown, has not had a nap and has had people in his house for 4 days):
"Eat your food. Drink your drink. Then go back to your own houses."
And to all, a goodnight!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Good... The Bad & The Crazy
Christmas Trees
The Good: Filled with meaningful ornaments, delights kids every morning with "oohs and wows". Fun and festive.
The Bad: I dread having to pack up all of the ornaments, take the tree apart, vacuum up the fake needles and shuffle everything off to the garage.
PMS
The Good: Take monthly opportunity to let loose all of the pent up rage, bitterness and frustration that may be festering about. I feel better, family just thinks I'm crazy.
The Bad: dealing with all of the pent up rage, bitterness and frustration.
Opi Lincoln Park After Dark nail polish
The Good: I bought this to make my footsies look hip and stylish and fun.
The Bad: bottle smashed on tile floor of my bathroom and did not make my bathrobe, or bath mat hip, stylish and fun.
Starbucks
The Good: Decaf iced vanilla latte with nonfat milk so very, very good.
The Bad: When moron barrista gives me iced regular coffee, so very very bad.
The Good: Filled with meaningful ornaments, delights kids every morning with "oohs and wows". Fun and festive.
The Bad: I dread having to pack up all of the ornaments, take the tree apart, vacuum up the fake needles and shuffle everything off to the garage.
PMS
The Good: Take monthly opportunity to let loose all of the pent up rage, bitterness and frustration that may be festering about. I feel better, family just thinks I'm crazy.
The Bad: dealing with all of the pent up rage, bitterness and frustration.
Opi Lincoln Park After Dark nail polish
The Good: I bought this to make my footsies look hip and stylish and fun.
The Bad: bottle smashed on tile floor of my bathroom and did not make my bathrobe, or bath mat hip, stylish and fun.
Starbucks
The Good: Decaf iced vanilla latte with nonfat milk so very, very good.
The Bad: When moron barrista gives me iced regular coffee, so very very bad.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Feels Like Yesterday...
Tomorrow Lucy has her just-over-six-month checkup with her Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon. Last May, Lucy had tubes put in her ears. The six ear infections in six months kind of indicated something was up with her ears, and the tubes helped tremendously. She's only had one infection since then, and it was right after the surgery. However, even knowing that this was an outpatient procedure, and even knowing that my husband is a surgeon and assured me this was no big deal, I sufficiently freaked out the day of her surgery.
We don't have any family in town- and I really wanted Matt to come to the hospital. As luck would have it, the procedure was scheduled for the same day as Annie's Mother's celebration at school. We didn't want her to be the only kid without a parent there, so we all went to the hospital as a family. Matt stayed with Annie in the waiting room, and I went back to the pre-op room with Lucy. There were probably 10 other kids there, with their parents, waiting to have tubes put in, or their adenoids removed. The kids were in heaven- they were playing with tricycles, LIttle Tike cars, wagons and each other. The parents all smiled at one another, and I started to pace the room nervously.
At around 8:00am, the surgical teams started coming in. Texas Children's has a policy that they like the parents to connect with the surgical teams prior to the big event. So, nurses, anesthesiologists and surgeons all mingled into the room, and it started to look like a big, happy medical cocktail party- complete with small talk, sans vodka. All of the other parents looked remarkably composed.... yours truly did not. This is about the time I started to freak.
I smiled at the nurse, made nice with the anesthesiologist, but when her surgeon walked up to me and shook my hand- I started to shake all over. He put his hand on my back, and I started that awful girlie half laugh and half cry- and sputtered to him "Dr. XYZ, You have to promise me you will take good care of her. I'm not sure if you know this, but She's a VERY special girl." I'm sure all of the parents around me were like "Oh yeah, our kids are normal, but that one over there- with the freaky mom, she needs VIP treatment."
Luckily, Lucy's surgeon is not only well versed in removing icky Elmer's- like glue from ears and inserting tubes, he can also dialogue with panicked parents. "Kristen," he assured me, "I will treat her like my own." I walked down the hallway, and passed my baby to the nurse just outside the door of the operating room. Then, I'm embarrassed to admit- I ran like a banshee back to the waiting room so I couldn't hear if she cried or not.
Matt and Annie were playing a video game- and quite oblivious to the drama playing out in my head. Around the time they were supposed to call me back in to the post-op recovery room, Matt decided he had to go to the men's room. I looked at him in disbelief, and my look must have conveyed my wish for the fastest mens room trip possible, because he was back, in like three seconds. Of course, it was 2 seconds too late, as they had paged me the minute the bathroom room door closed.
Shooting him the dirtiest look possible for even having a bladder, I ran down the hallway as fast as I could. There was my baby, swaddled in a blanket, in the arms of a nurse. They passed her to me, and gently ushered me into a rocking chair. I rocked her, and sang to her, as she shrugged off the last of her morphine induced sleep. She looked pale, she looked sleepy, but she looked ok.
Tomorrow, she gets her ears checked. Statistically, one, or two of the tubes will have probably fallen out. (We're pretty sure the right one did). Which means, Dear Reader, that I get to relive all of this loveliness once again. This time, Matt's going to have to hold it.
We don't have any family in town- and I really wanted Matt to come to the hospital. As luck would have it, the procedure was scheduled for the same day as Annie's Mother's celebration at school. We didn't want her to be the only kid without a parent there, so we all went to the hospital as a family. Matt stayed with Annie in the waiting room, and I went back to the pre-op room with Lucy. There were probably 10 other kids there, with their parents, waiting to have tubes put in, or their adenoids removed. The kids were in heaven- they were playing with tricycles, LIttle Tike cars, wagons and each other. The parents all smiled at one another, and I started to pace the room nervously.
At around 8:00am, the surgical teams started coming in. Texas Children's has a policy that they like the parents to connect with the surgical teams prior to the big event. So, nurses, anesthesiologists and surgeons all mingled into the room, and it started to look like a big, happy medical cocktail party- complete with small talk, sans vodka. All of the other parents looked remarkably composed.... yours truly did not. This is about the time I started to freak.
I smiled at the nurse, made nice with the anesthesiologist, but when her surgeon walked up to me and shook my hand- I started to shake all over. He put his hand on my back, and I started that awful girlie half laugh and half cry- and sputtered to him "Dr. XYZ, You have to promise me you will take good care of her. I'm not sure if you know this, but She's a VERY special girl." I'm sure all of the parents around me were like "Oh yeah, our kids are normal, but that one over there- with the freaky mom, she needs VIP treatment."
Luckily, Lucy's surgeon is not only well versed in removing icky Elmer's- like glue from ears and inserting tubes, he can also dialogue with panicked parents. "Kristen," he assured me, "I will treat her like my own." I walked down the hallway, and passed my baby to the nurse just outside the door of the operating room. Then, I'm embarrassed to admit- I ran like a banshee back to the waiting room so I couldn't hear if she cried or not.
Matt and Annie were playing a video game- and quite oblivious to the drama playing out in my head. Around the time they were supposed to call me back in to the post-op recovery room, Matt decided he had to go to the men's room. I looked at him in disbelief, and my look must have conveyed my wish for the fastest mens room trip possible, because he was back, in like three seconds. Of course, it was 2 seconds too late, as they had paged me the minute the bathroom room door closed.
Shooting him the dirtiest look possible for even having a bladder, I ran down the hallway as fast as I could. There was my baby, swaddled in a blanket, in the arms of a nurse. They passed her to me, and gently ushered me into a rocking chair. I rocked her, and sang to her, as she shrugged off the last of her morphine induced sleep. She looked pale, she looked sleepy, but she looked ok.
Tomorrow, she gets her ears checked. Statistically, one, or two of the tubes will have probably fallen out. (We're pretty sure the right one did). Which means, Dear Reader, that I get to relive all of this loveliness once again. This time, Matt's going to have to hold it.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Somebody's Watching Me
A family friend gave us this for Christmas this year. I had my girls open him up last night, and they have named him Sprinkle. I was a little worried he would freak them out a bit, but no worries on that front. The girls are OBSESSED wth Sprinkle. They run in from playing outside, to yell hello at him. They constantly ask me when he will fly back to Santa, and tonight I caught Annie faking being asleep- in hopes of seeing him fly off.
He's quite handy too. Today, after Annie refused to clean up the playroom, I brought Sprinkle in to witness her protests first hand. Before I could even threaten one little threat, she was tossing toys in baskets faster than you can say "Holy cow, thank God for creepy elf dolls."
This is the coolest thing EVER. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest you do- and Santa's little helpers didn't pay me to say that. I've gotta go help Sprinkle "fly" to a new location now...
He's quite handy too. Today, after Annie refused to clean up the playroom, I brought Sprinkle in to witness her protests first hand. Before I could even threaten one little threat, she was tossing toys in baskets faster than you can say "Holy cow, thank God for creepy elf dolls."
This is the coolest thing EVER. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest you do- and Santa's little helpers didn't pay me to say that. I've gotta go help Sprinkle "fly" to a new location now...
Baby Needs A New Pair Of Shoes
Stride Rite is supposedly having a killer sale right now, but I still managed to spend a fortune on each of my kids today. Despite a 2 year age difference, they both insist on wearing the same exact shoes- which is a little "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane", but whatever.
Why is it that every kid thinks new shoes can give them magical powers? Annie was under the impression her hot pink mary janes could make her jump six feet into the air. When that failed, she resorted to running in circles in the cramped shoe store. Hmmm.... I wonder if that would work for me. Maybe I should go buy a new pair of ballet flats- and they would suddenly enable me to lose 30lbs and remember how to do differential equations. I think I may just have to try that.
In other news, the cookies are killing me. I've got to get them out of the house. I unloaded a slew of them on my playgroup, but they literally call to me late at night. I hear those Nanaimo bars, deep in the freezer, saying "Krrriiiisssten..... come and marvel at our chocolatey wonder! Watch us make your ass expand!" I hate them. I love them. I must get them the hell out of here.
Can I send anyone an edible care package?
Why is it that every kid thinks new shoes can give them magical powers? Annie was under the impression her hot pink mary janes could make her jump six feet into the air. When that failed, she resorted to running in circles in the cramped shoe store. Hmmm.... I wonder if that would work for me. Maybe I should go buy a new pair of ballet flats- and they would suddenly enable me to lose 30lbs and remember how to do differential equations. I think I may just have to try that.
In other news, the cookies are killing me. I've got to get them out of the house. I unloaded a slew of them on my playgroup, but they literally call to me late at night. I hear those Nanaimo bars, deep in the freezer, saying "Krrriiiisssten..... come and marvel at our chocolatey wonder! Watch us make your ass expand!" I hate them. I love them. I must get them the hell out of here.
Can I send anyone an edible care package?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Cookie Monster
Cookie exchange a huge hit. I walked away with Mexican wedding cookies, butterscotch haystacks, Nanamo bars, pumpkin chocolate cheesecake bars, cherry chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch goldies, cheerio cranberry treats, elf hat cookies, snickerdoodles and chocolate cinnamon cookies. If anyone wants a recipe, drop me a comment and I'll send it along.
I wound up drinking way too much eggnog laced with Southern comfort and a wine called "Mommy's Time Out." Somehow, I thought it was festive to tell the story of my favorite "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" episode where they make over a guy that loves to go to nudist camps. They help him throw a black tie holiday party, and watch in horror as they all strip out of their formalwear. At one point, Ted Allen shrieks "There's testicles hanging over my hummus!" Ah, yes, good holiday fun.
We hosted playgroup yesterday, and turned it into a Christmas party of sorts. The kids were supposed to decorate cookies- but they all piled into the backyard and pretended to hide from bears. While they were busy, we mixed up a batch of cosmopolitans for the mommies, and had a gift exchange. I wound up with a copy of Jessica Seinfeld's book "Deceptively Delicious." I look forward to sneaking some healthy goodness into my kids' crap foods.
Today we're off to a matinee of the new Chipmunks movie- and plan on eating some cookies.
I wound up drinking way too much eggnog laced with Southern comfort and a wine called "Mommy's Time Out." Somehow, I thought it was festive to tell the story of my favorite "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" episode where they make over a guy that loves to go to nudist camps. They help him throw a black tie holiday party, and watch in horror as they all strip out of their formalwear. At one point, Ted Allen shrieks "There's testicles hanging over my hummus!" Ah, yes, good holiday fun.
We hosted playgroup yesterday, and turned it into a Christmas party of sorts. The kids were supposed to decorate cookies- but they all piled into the backyard and pretended to hide from bears. While they were busy, we mixed up a batch of cosmopolitans for the mommies, and had a gift exchange. I wound up with a copy of Jessica Seinfeld's book "Deceptively Delicious." I look forward to sneaking some healthy goodness into my kids' crap foods.
Today we're off to a matinee of the new Chipmunks movie- and plan on eating some cookies.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
End of An Era
Last night, after I put the girls to bed in the room they share, I snuggled up with my laptop and started to relax. Then I heard Annie- shrieking like a banshee.
"Mommmmmmy! Mommmmy! Come see what Lucy is doing!" she cried.
Then I heard 2 little voices of maniacal laughter.
I hightailed it to their room, only to see my Lucy- my precious, sweet-faced girl- with one leg swung over the crib and a determined look on her face. With visions of pink footie carnage on the bedroom floor, I immediately swung into mother-of-the-year mode. (Well, a mother-of-the-year that sounds like she stars on NYPD Blue).
"HOLY FRIJOLES! PUT YOUR LEG DOWN! DO NOT CLIMB OUT OF THE CRIB. I AM CALLING SANTA RIGHT NOW, DO YOU WANT THAT? SERIOUSLY, PUT THE LEG DOWN."
I did not have to get the big fat man on the phone, but I do feel it is only a matter of time. I will miss you, crib o'mine- container of all that is destructive and purveyor of a few more minutes of sleep. Damn you big girl bed. And couldn't you have waited until after Christmas?
"Mommmmmmy! Mommmmy! Come see what Lucy is doing!" she cried.
Then I heard 2 little voices of maniacal laughter.
I hightailed it to their room, only to see my Lucy- my precious, sweet-faced girl- with one leg swung over the crib and a determined look on her face. With visions of pink footie carnage on the bedroom floor, I immediately swung into mother-of-the-year mode. (Well, a mother-of-the-year that sounds like she stars on NYPD Blue).
"HOLY FRIJOLES! PUT YOUR LEG DOWN! DO NOT CLIMB OUT OF THE CRIB. I AM CALLING SANTA RIGHT NOW, DO YOU WANT THAT? SERIOUSLY, PUT THE LEG DOWN."
I did not have to get the big fat man on the phone, but I do feel it is only a matter of time. I will miss you, crib o'mine- container of all that is destructive and purveyor of a few more minutes of sleep. Damn you big girl bed. And couldn't you have waited until after Christmas?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Half Baked
I'm going to a Christmas cookie exchange this week. You know.... where you bring oodles and oodles of cookies, and so does everybody else, and you swap cookies, and then undo all of the hard work you've done at the gym all year? Sigh.
I'm making these cookies. I actually made them tonight, and they look pretty good. I wanted to make something my husband would enjoy testing for me- for, despite his protests and increasing waist size, there is no better person to cook for. I could serve this guy poopie diaper on a stick, (well, not really) but he's so darned appreciative of each and everything that I make- that sometimes it's a hassle to try and figure out if a recipe is a keeper. I finally got him over this phobia that if he says he doesn't like something I'll never cook for him again, and he still says it diplomatically, but you get the point.
So when I whipped out the pink kitchenaid tonight, Matt started groaning. He started grumbling about fatty foods, and bigger pants and jowls and old age- and I let him sulk on the couch until the first batch came out of the oven. Then he came jigging over, asking how fast the frosting could be made, and how long it was until "his" cookie was ready. Hah. Let's hope he still eats his beloved oatmeal tomorrow, and doesn't mooch my cookie exchange bounty for breakfast.
I'm making these cookies. I actually made them tonight, and they look pretty good. I wanted to make something my husband would enjoy testing for me- for, despite his protests and increasing waist size, there is no better person to cook for. I could serve this guy poopie diaper on a stick, (well, not really) but he's so darned appreciative of each and everything that I make- that sometimes it's a hassle to try and figure out if a recipe is a keeper. I finally got him over this phobia that if he says he doesn't like something I'll never cook for him again, and he still says it diplomatically, but you get the point.
So when I whipped out the pink kitchenaid tonight, Matt started groaning. He started grumbling about fatty foods, and bigger pants and jowls and old age- and I let him sulk on the couch until the first batch came out of the oven. Then he came jigging over, asking how fast the frosting could be made, and how long it was until "his" cookie was ready. Hah. Let's hope he still eats his beloved oatmeal tomorrow, and doesn't mooch my cookie exchange bounty for breakfast.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Stomach Ache
Took kids to Costco. Costco celebrating holiday season with insane amount of samples. Below is a small representation of the samples my kids scarfed down:
Almond butter
Progresso chicken noodle soup
Cajun chicken pasta
Egg nog
teriyaki meatballs
sun dried tomato meatballs
chips and salsa
chocolate muffins
rotisserie chicken
beef stroganoff
lobster bisque
chicken pecan salad
cream puffs
Anybody want to come over and change Lucy's diaper for me today? Pretty please?
Almond butter
Progresso chicken noodle soup
Cajun chicken pasta
Egg nog
teriyaki meatballs
sun dried tomato meatballs
chips and salsa
chocolate muffins
rotisserie chicken
beef stroganoff
lobster bisque
chicken pecan salad
cream puffs
Anybody want to come over and change Lucy's diaper for me today? Pretty please?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday School
Our neighbors have a nativity scene set up in their front yard. This made Annie very curious.
"Mommy? Who is that?" she asks.
I explain that it is Baby Jesus, and that Christmas Day is actually Jesus' birthday.
"Is he having a Pump It Up Party? Am I invited? Will there be cake?" she asks.
Later that day, we pass a local church that has a huge statue of Christ in front.
"Mommy? Who is that?" Annie asks again.
I explain that Baby Jesus grew into a man, and that this statue is of Him.
"Is Jesus a big boy now?" Annie asks.
"Yes." I reply.
"Does Jesus wear big kid underwear like me?" Annie asks.
"Yes." I reply.
"How old is Jesus?" Annie asks.
"He's very, very old." I answer.
"Oh, like Daddy." Annie says.
"Mommy? Who is that?" she asks.
I explain that it is Baby Jesus, and that Christmas Day is actually Jesus' birthday.
"Is he having a Pump It Up Party? Am I invited? Will there be cake?" she asks.
Later that day, we pass a local church that has a huge statue of Christ in front.
"Mommy? Who is that?" Annie asks again.
I explain that Baby Jesus grew into a man, and that this statue is of Him.
"Is Jesus a big boy now?" Annie asks.
"Yes." I reply.
"Does Jesus wear big kid underwear like me?" Annie asks.
"Yes." I reply.
"How old is Jesus?" Annie asks.
"He's very, very old." I answer.
"Oh, like Daddy." Annie says.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Fatbusters & Nutcrackers
My tummy is happy. Just got back from a swanky dinner with my husband. Nice pinot, aged rib eye and chocolate cobbler to harden up the ol' arteries and remind me that I'm now in the mid-smack-dab-middle of my thirties. I wore a Karen Kane black wrap dress with a necklace that my Mom forgot to take home with her over Thanksgiving (score!). As I struggled into my shapewear, my Lucy watched me get dressed.
"Mommy?" she asks, as I wriggled and wriggled into the damn thing. "Whatcha doin?"
"Mommy is encasing her extremities in lycra so that she'll have to go to the ladies room just to take a deep breath." I gasp.
"Mommy, you funny." she says, in disgust, as she toddles away.
Earlier today, I took the girls to a community theatre that was featuring a play based upon The Nutcracker. It was an 11am matinee, and the girls gussied up in their holiday dresses and were on their best behavior. We were a tad late, and entered the theatre as Marie and the Nutcracker started getting serious. Lucy screams, "Mommy? It's too dark in here!"I got nervous, not knowing how the rest of the afternoon was going to go. Little did I know...
Annie spent the entire time waving at the actors, and saying "Hello! Hello over there!' During intermission, they let kids come up on stage and sing Christmas carols. Annie didn't even wait for an invitation. She hopped out of her seat, with her little sister in tow, and waved to the crowd, sang Jingle Bells, and milked it for all its worth. When they were escorted off stage, you could hear Annie bellow "That was fun! Can we go back onstage?" Someone coughed and Annie gently reminded them to "cover your mouth when you cough". I think the ushers were very glad to see us going.
"Mommy?" she asks, as I wriggled and wriggled into the damn thing. "Whatcha doin?"
"Mommy is encasing her extremities in lycra so that she'll have to go to the ladies room just to take a deep breath." I gasp.
"Mommy, you funny." she says, in disgust, as she toddles away.
Earlier today, I took the girls to a community theatre that was featuring a play based upon The Nutcracker. It was an 11am matinee, and the girls gussied up in their holiday dresses and were on their best behavior. We were a tad late, and entered the theatre as Marie and the Nutcracker started getting serious. Lucy screams, "Mommy? It's too dark in here!"I got nervous, not knowing how the rest of the afternoon was going to go. Little did I know...
Annie spent the entire time waving at the actors, and saying "Hello! Hello over there!' During intermission, they let kids come up on stage and sing Christmas carols. Annie didn't even wait for an invitation. She hopped out of her seat, with her little sister in tow, and waved to the crowd, sang Jingle Bells, and milked it for all its worth. When they were escorted off stage, you could hear Annie bellow "That was fun! Can we go back onstage?" Someone coughed and Annie gently reminded them to "cover your mouth when you cough". I think the ushers were very glad to see us going.
Up Late
It's 4am, and yours truly once again has insomnia. It doesn't help that I stumbled across an awesome site and am laughing at a couple of stocking stuffers I was able to buy. I'm bummed I bought my friend's birthday present already, or I would totally get her an "I Love Jake Ryan" t-shirt. She's a huge Sixteen Candles fan.
In other news, my 35th birthday was awesome! It was so wonderful to hear from my friends and family, and the best part is seeing how excited the kids get. I treated myself to a much needed manicure/pedicure, took the girls to playgroup and had some wine with my friends, and then came home and celebrated with Matt. He treated me to some ridiculously expensive parfum (I've never had real parfum before!) and the festivities continue this weekend.
I showed our house to a really nice couple that is moving here for a fellowship next year. The whole moving thing is still pretty surreal- but it freaks me out that we'll be packing up and shifting off to (where?) somewhere in just a few months. One thing at a time... first, I need to go get more sleep.
In other news, my 35th birthday was awesome! It was so wonderful to hear from my friends and family, and the best part is seeing how excited the kids get. I treated myself to a much needed manicure/pedicure, took the girls to playgroup and had some wine with my friends, and then came home and celebrated with Matt. He treated me to some ridiculously expensive parfum (I've never had real parfum before!) and the festivities continue this weekend.
I showed our house to a really nice couple that is moving here for a fellowship next year. The whole moving thing is still pretty surreal- but it freaks me out that we'll be packing up and shifting off to (where?) somewhere in just a few months. One thing at a time... first, I need to go get more sleep.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Happy New Year
So, the year is ending and 2008 is almost upon us. I love how Elizabeth Gilbert refers to the new year as a net that stretches over us- a net filled with a year's worth of births, deaths, laughs, cries etc. It makes me think of this approaching year a bit differently. The older I get, the more I realize a new year can contain upcoming loss as well as joy. Kind of brooding for someone as chipper as myself, but when things are this good- it makes me nervous.
To lighten things up- I realize I've followed through with most of my 2007 resolutions.
I am working out more. I've suffered through pilates, yoga and the treadmill- and while I'm no skinny minnie- I'm thinner than I was, and definitely healthier. I won't say I love exercise, but I do now acknowledge that it makes me feel better. Ironically, my armpits and ankles did not get skinnier until I stopped lifting weights. I still haven't worked up the courage to go back to the class taught by the senior citizen Barbie. She scared the bejeezus out of me.
I shop with purpose. My closet used to be filled with nonsensical pieces that didn't relate to one another. It made getting dressed a huge upheaval, and left me in a crumpled, (naked) mess on my closet floor. No more. Now, when I shop- I do the whole shebang. I buy in outfits- which makes tons more sense. It's also rewarding- to see things through and find just the right shoes and accessories.
Which brings me to another point- I'm wearing more accessories. I discovered the jewelry section at Target, and haven't been the same since. I love their big, chunky necklaces- and when I get the occasional compliment, I love shocking people by gleefully yelling- "I got it at Target for $9.99!" I'm so classy.
I have regularly scheduled date nights with the hubby. We had a dry spell where we didn't go out as a couple for SIX months. And I wondered why I was drooling all over myself and speaking in tongues? It's not fancy- but it gives me a chance to put on some lipstick and pretend to be grown up.
Well 2007- you have been very good to us. You've kept my brother safe, given us a new little niece who is now almost 4 lbs!, kept our family healthy and strong and taught me the importance of accessorizing. Thanks 2007- it's been real. Please do me a favor and tell your buddy 2008 to take it easy on us.
To lighten things up- I realize I've followed through with most of my 2007 resolutions.
I am working out more. I've suffered through pilates, yoga and the treadmill- and while I'm no skinny minnie- I'm thinner than I was, and definitely healthier. I won't say I love exercise, but I do now acknowledge that it makes me feel better. Ironically, my armpits and ankles did not get skinnier until I stopped lifting weights. I still haven't worked up the courage to go back to the class taught by the senior citizen Barbie. She scared the bejeezus out of me.
I shop with purpose. My closet used to be filled with nonsensical pieces that didn't relate to one another. It made getting dressed a huge upheaval, and left me in a crumpled, (naked) mess on my closet floor. No more. Now, when I shop- I do the whole shebang. I buy in outfits- which makes tons more sense. It's also rewarding- to see things through and find just the right shoes and accessories.
Which brings me to another point- I'm wearing more accessories. I discovered the jewelry section at Target, and haven't been the same since. I love their big, chunky necklaces- and when I get the occasional compliment, I love shocking people by gleefully yelling- "I got it at Target for $9.99!" I'm so classy.
I have regularly scheduled date nights with the hubby. We had a dry spell where we didn't go out as a couple for SIX months. And I wondered why I was drooling all over myself and speaking in tongues? It's not fancy- but it gives me a chance to put on some lipstick and pretend to be grown up.
Well 2007- you have been very good to us. You've kept my brother safe, given us a new little niece who is now almost 4 lbs!, kept our family healthy and strong and taught me the importance of accessorizing. Thanks 2007- it's been real. Please do me a favor and tell your buddy 2008 to take it easy on us.
My Ten Minutes
I got interviewed for our local Mom's group. It was so very nice of them to think of me for this, and I hope I didn't ruin things by being a bit more snarkily humorous than sappy. Here's a copy of the interview:
When and why did you join the Mom's group?? I joined in the summer of 2006. We had just moved here from San Diego, and I was knee deep in moving boxes and freaking out over the weather- when I bumped into Lori XXX. She took pity on me and suggested I join - best thing I ever did!
What is most rewarding about your involvement with the Mom's group? There are so many things. First, for a new girl in town- there is no better way to acclimate yourself. I love the forums--- and I’ve gotten great advice on where to go out to eat, where to vacation- a good pediatric dentist- it’s great. On a more personal note, the friends I have made are without a doubt, the absolute best part. My little Friday playgroup and monthly outing to Cooking Club keep me sane.
Where were you born? Where did you grow up? I was born in Clifton, New Jersey. My Dad was a Colonel in the Air Force, so I’ve lived in many different places: Texas, Virginia, Hawaii, Southern California and New York.
How long have you lived in Houston? A little over a year. It took me a bit to adjust, but now I really love living here. The Tree Roaches still freak me out, though.
What is your husband’s name-please feel free to
fill in what you like or find interesting about him
e.g. how long married, where you met, occupation,
quirks etc...
My husband’s name is Matt. He’s completing a fellowship, and he works a ton. Some of my friends think he’s a figment of my imagination- but I promise you! He does exist. We’ve been married 11 years. I met Matt in high school; we’ve been together since I was 16. He taught me how to drive, and don’t tell anyone- but he used to bake me cookies during my finals in college. You guys should see our prom picture- it’s hilarious.
Tell me about your children. My daughter Annie is four. She likes to pretend she is either Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan. She imagines she has her own Food Network show (really!) and makes friends wherever she goes. Lucy turned 2 this October. Lucy is quite fond of the color purple, afraid of pirates, thinks everyday is Tuesday, and thoroughly enjoys preschool. She’s also quite the Cinderella aficionado.
What are some things you like to do as a family? We go out for breakfast every Sunday- usually to Café Brasil or Empire. Afterwards, we hit one of the parks, or go the YMCA pool. I feel very strongly about having the family eat dinner together. Sometimes that can be rough with Matt’s schedule, but we frequently bring dinner in to the hospital and have our family time there. I can’t believe I am admitting this in public, but we also play games together- our current favorite is a Disney DVD Bingo- you guys have to check this out! I’m embarrassed to admit that Matt and I can be quite competitive with our after-dinner family bingo games. It’s all about the blackout, y’all!
How would you describe your parenting style? I think parenting is like that Bill Murray movie, “Groundhog Day.” Every day, you wake up to the same exact thing you did yesterday---- but what worked for you yesterday, doesn’t work today. You’ve got to constantly change up your game. I am blessed with very unique children- so the average parenting book doesn’t really fly in our house. I always struggle with the issue of “when do you let them go and try things for themselves and when do you let them depend on you?” I’ve got one very dependent child, and one very independent one- so it’s not a “one size fits all” parenting method here. I’m always on the lookout for something new.
Do you remind yourself of your mom and how? Yes, when I’m yelling at my kids and call them by their full names. Just kidding! Ok, not really- I think my Mom only gave me a middle name so I could gauge how mad she was when she called me in for dinner. My Mom did an excellent job of being a stay-at-home Mom, but also not comprising her entire identity on being a Mom. I hope I can do the same for my girls. I’m trying- but it’s easy to get obsessed with poopie diapers and eating habits.
What are some of the values that you want your
children to learn? My husband has this incredible quality of being absolutely brilliant, but having this amazing work ethic. I hope this passes down to my girls. I want them to value hard work. I want them to have integrity, and a good sense of who they are and not be manipulated by celebrities that don’t wear underwear or can’t read a map. I want them to have compassion, and a good sense of humor, and find beauty and joy in their every day life. I also want them to take very good care of me when I’m old.
How has having a family changed you? If you had told me four years ago that I would be driving a Honda Odyssey, frequently go out in public in my yoga pants with no makeup and would consider showering every day a major accomplishment I would tell you that you must have been drinking.
What do you enjoy most about being a mother? The snuggles. The belly laughs. The unconditional love. The excuse to eat macaroni and cheese.
What is your most challenging aspect of being a
mother? The power struggles. Raising strong independent women can be fun, but they make for pretty difficult toddlers.
Favorite thing to do in the area. With or without family. There is so much to do in this city. It seems like every day, I get to have an adventure with my girls. It can be something as simple as meeting friends at the YMCA pool, browsing through Central Market, checking out the Natural History Museum, going bowling at Palace Lanes, or hanging out at Café Brasil- but I’ve really grown to truly love Houston. I’m also madly in love with the Hyatt Lost Pines, and think my dinner at the Roundtop Café is in the top five best meals of my life.
How do you take time for yourself? My Lucy just started going to preschool this fall, so I have 3 mornings a week all to myself. At first I had no clue what to do with myself, but I am slowly adjusting.
Hobbies? I read a lot- on average, 3-4 books a week. I also love to cook, and am blessed with a husband and children that like to eat. A little known hobby is I also have a blog- that I’m surprised to say, is gaining in readers every day, but I will not mention it here for fear you will actually read it.
Anything you'd like to add?? Nothing, but thank you so much for asking me to do this- and can I give a little shout out to my playgroup? “Wooohooo! Kirstin/Adrienne/Martha/Stacy/Alisa and Allison!” Oh yes, and if anyone wants to come over for a mean game of Disney Bingo, you are most welcome.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Overheard
Setting the scene: We had family movie night on Saturday. Complete with popcorn and jammies- my kids loved the old school rendition of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." I overheard this yesterday morning:
Annie: Good morning Lucy! I am Rudolph.
Lucy: G' mornin Rudolph.
Annie: Want to be my best friend?
Lucy : Ok!
Annie: You have to be a silly elf, though.
Lucy: Ok!
Annie: Alright then. Let's go play some reindeer games.
Lucy: OK!
Annie: Like bingo and puzzles. That's what reindeers like to play.
I wonder what seeing Frosty is going to do to them.
Annie: Good morning Lucy! I am Rudolph.
Lucy: G' mornin Rudolph.
Annie: Want to be my best friend?
Lucy : Ok!
Annie: You have to be a silly elf, though.
Lucy: Ok!
Annie: Alright then. Let's go play some reindeer games.
Lucy: OK!
Annie: Like bingo and puzzles. That's what reindeers like to play.
I wonder what seeing Frosty is going to do to them.
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