Hit Snooze

The Toddler Room

Ella went back to "cool" (school for those of you not familiar with toddler-speak) on Monday. She graduated to the toddler room led by Miss Stephanie and Miss Alicia. She has reportedly adjusted well and has already made friends with a little girl named Evelyn. According to her caregivers, Ella prefers to stand in her crib and "talk" to her friends during nap. They may have to make other sleeping arrangements for our dear daughter. I can already envision slumber parties with a pre-teen Ella. She'll be the one lying awake, wide-eyed and babbling as the sun comes up. Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree I guess.

Symbols of Adulthood

We're packing. With the first box of linens, I finally let myself exhale and truly believe that we are moving. This move is much different than our last. In 2003 we had more hand-me-downs than the Salvation Army. Our dining room set was a remnant of the Regan era. Our china had a life in our college dorms. We moved in to 832 Home Avenue wondering how we could ever fill so much space...but we did. As I started to go through our kitchen cabinets I notice at some point Jerry and I became full-fledged, card-carrying adults. We have a muddler, a juicer, water goblets and a mandolin. We even have the creme de la creme of all kitchen gadgetry, a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. So much of who we've evolved into being can be found behind our cabinets doors. We are aspiring cooks, campers, photographers, mountain bikers. We fly kites, swim laps, and travel. I look forward to the weeks ahead as we select a new home-base for our family. Wondering what hobbies and dreams our next cabinets and closets will hold. Until then, can you spare any boxes?

Sweat, Ulcers & Home Ownership

I've been hesitating to even write the words, "under contract", although that is what our house has technically been for the last week and a half. Just before we left for Colorado we received an offer, an acceptable offer. In our absence, an inspection was completed. Jerry and I have agreed to most of the repair requests save one. We refuse to build a moat around our home. Really, they want a moat and a firebreathing dragon to keep away the two tablespoons of water we get in our basement once a year. Darn our honesty, darn home disclosures! We hope that the prospective home buyers agree to "eat it" tomorrow as our lawyer plans to draw our line in the proverbial sand.
Feeling optimistic, perhaps foolishly so, Jerry and I decided to see what Oak Park has to offer in our price point. We walked in and out of fifteen homes. Feeling dizzy with foundational issues, budgetary constraints, ideas of demolition and permits we decided to call it quits. Now we sit and crunch numbers, wondering if BFE has any good home on the market. To be continued...

Have you met our daughter?

You don't need to be a mind reader to know what this kid is thinking. Faces like these are a hallmark of every day. Most times only a few seconds have elapsed between Ella happy and Ella not so happy. We love her...both Ellas.

Yep, more pics

My Bro

I can't tell you how good it was to see my brother this weekend. There is a weird pride that I get every time I see him. Not that I had anything to do with how great he is. But maybe all the years of childhood torture made him the patient, loving man he is today. I said man, yikes! On Thursday, Jer, Ella and I packed our bags and headed west. A cottage was rented in Evergreen, Colorado. Hot tub? Check. Gas grill? Check. Plenty of space to crash with Uncle Josh? Check. Bears...ummm, check. Days before our arrival headlines splashed across the news about a woman that was eaten, EATEN by a bear. Luckily our weekend lacked that brand of excitement. A tour of Denver, Coors Brewery, REI, Redrocks and Rockmount Ranchware kept our days busy. Nights were filled with reminiscing, grilling and catching a breath under the Colorado stars. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful brother. Someone that has shared so many of the same experiences that helped build our foundation. He gets me. I get him. Can't wait to see you again Josh!

The Wild West

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...

She got into my underwear drawer this morning and insisted on putting my Wonder Woman undies...on her head.

To end without further explanation may be foolish on my part, huh?

My Wonder Woman underwear is reserved for those days that I know are going to be a challenge; a job interview, court testimony, a get-together with extended family (just kidding!). They make me smile, give me strength.

Not sure what Ella was up against today, but hopefully she found the courage.

Hush

Most recently, Ella has become very conscientious about not disturbing those who are sleeping. She will pucker her lips, put her finger to her mouth and produce a loud "sssss" sound. Her shushing led to chuckles from her heathen parents this weekend. Right before eating lunch, a chubby finger pointed at the artwork hanging above Lolo and Lola's kitchen table. We were promptly shushed for our Savior, Jesus Christ was sleeping. I think we'll save the conversation surrounding crucifixion until the next family supper. Until then, Jerry will say ten Hail Marys and I will "ssss".

Time Machine

I remember days at the pool, the latest Glamour and Cosmo in hand. I remember conversations surrounding my summer tan or lack there of, an upcoming house party and outfit options for said house party. I remember spending one full hour to get ready...one full hour! Lingering over eye shadow, toe nail polish and the ensemble. I get tastes of the old life hear and there. Last night's itinerary: Ja'Grill, gelato and a walk around the old hood. It was a nice reminder of the old days. What the "h" did we do with our time before?

Poolside with Geronas

Sleep Tight

My father was an excellent story teller. At night, with the covers tucked up tight around my chin, I remember listening to him weave tales about a blond-haired little girl in a candy store. Each night the girl would walk into the local candy store filled with shelves of candy that would reach clear up to the ceiling. He would describe in detail the selection of sweets available. Without fail, the little girl would always pick the tutti-frutti-ice cream-bubble candy located on the highest shelf in the store. The owner would need to pull out his ladder to reach the coveted candy. I remember my father drawing out this part, only adding to the suspense. Before being handed the candy, the store owner would ask about where she would like to visit. And upon that first bite, the little girl would be magically transported to the zoo, the toy store, and other places important in a five year old's world. Pictures of these moments with my father do not exist outside of my head. Although they leave an indelible mark on my memories, I did not want to let these moments of Jerry and Ella slip by with out a photo.
Goodnight moon, goodnight stars, goodnight sun...

Biag Three Visit the Jackson Five

It was Saturday. Unseasonably cold and dreary. Our impromptu trip to the beach was nixed and plans took a turn. We decided it would be fun to cross state lines; put some distance between ourselves and the responsibilities at home. What better place to pass the time but Gary, Indiana? Jerry and I were giddy with spontaneity. Certain we were in the midst of creating some inside joke that we could share later. Over an hour later we stood outside of 2300 Jackson Street, the former home of Tito, Jermaine and Michael himself. Surrounded by a tribute piled high with matted stuffed animals, wet with rain and Gary's own atmospheric fairy dust, we paid homage to the legend. Vendors surrounded the home with a variety of MJ accoutrements. I overheard mentions of a reality show, visitors from Japan and caravans of travelers migrating from Gary to Neverland Ranch. For us, it was a strange curiosity that helped us pass the time on a unsummerlike afternoon.

High Fives

High fives are certainly deserved after this weekend's culinary exhibitions. Grilled salmon coupled with grilled nicoise salad? Grilled jerk pork tenderloin with a smoked peach, tomato, onion relish? Can I get a what, what? CRAZY (note caps) good if I do say so myself. Recipes available upon request. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
p.s. Ella opted for a corn dog. Mother's mental note: All things taste better on a stick.