Farmer's Market Donuts

Serious Business

99 Days of Summer

Day 1 was spent at Brown Cow for ice cream. Viv approves! Blueberry Soy Cream in case you're wondering.

35 Years, 3 days

So this post is three days late. Your actual birthday was occupied by countless conference calls that carried on late into the night, an epic tantrum and a to-do list that just won't quit. Guess that is what happens when you have two small children, one parent running their own business and the other one climbing the corporate ladder at one of the world's largest companies. Shit, what are we doing? I regress. But I guess no-one got the memo that this day was supposed to be filled with hugs, kisses, cupcakes and the like. So we sat on the couch at 9:30 at night watching some mind-numbing television and eating Indian take-out. For the moment this was as close as we could get to birthday perfection.
Last night, though, I think all was redeemed. With the kids at your parents (seriously, we have to do something amazing for grandparent's day) we had the opportunity to make up for that clusterf@*k of a birthday. As I sat across the table at the Publican last night, I remembered why it is that we get along so well. We marveled at head-cheese and discussed exotic beers. We talked about our summer, our plans for next summer, we laughed, we listened. I didn't know you were all this when we started dating. I knew you were cute and funny, were an all-around good guy. But a guy that is adventurous, open-minded and appreciates European fashion? What is not to love? I always knew you had fun, but you go into situations expecting fun...no matter what...and that is a gift.
So I guess, in essence, I know it was your birthday and all, but I'm the one leaving with the best present.
Thanks Jer. Looking forward to our thirty-fifth year!

She's the youngest in the class and the smallest, by a landslide. I hear from her teacher's that she makes up for her size in other ways. Namely, putting her foot down literally and figuratively with most everyone in the classroom. She apparently does not discriminate based on age or education either. Teachers have also been targeted. With initial concern, I regale them with assurances that we will not allow back-talk to continue. I use all of the therapy buzz-words that I can muster to signal to them that we do not intend to raise a heathen. But after some careful thought, my initial worry has morphed into something I hope the teachers can't see...a small flicker of pride. I never wanted to raise a "yes girl". Perhaps we need to work on her approach a bit more but I'm glad she possesses this type of confidence. Confidence I don't ever remember having.
So on Thursday, when she reached for her certificate, having completed her first year of preschool, a shadow of exasperation fogging the teacher's expression, I stood in the back of the classroom clapping, hoping my smirk wasn't too obvious. Hoping my pint-sized spit-fire will get it all figured out before adolescents. Hoping her teacher won't have the last laugh.

Ella is exuberant! We love the new stove Dad!

Garage Sale Season Is Upon Us

We hit the mother-load!
Wooden Antique Cradle - $1
Chalkboard - $1
Ginormous Wooden Block Set - $1
Wood Oven (to be re-done by our resident DIYer...stay tuned) - $1
Two Kiddo Sled - $1 (Had to go Johnny Hardcore on a woman that was twice my age for this one...embarrassing but necessary).

Drooly Julie

May 22, 2011

It's May 22, 2011 and we're alive to write about it! The closest thing to rapture we experienced this weekend was a ferris wheel ride at the Taste of Glen Ellyn and a night out sans kids. Wonder what we'll be doing to celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar. Any thoughts?

35 Years Ago

Today, after I blew out my candles, and listened to the last of the heart-felt voice mails, sweet renditions of "Happy Birthday", I wanted to take some time to write about the woman who brought me into this world. Birthdays are usually a pretty self-absorbed kind of affair. All of today's meals were specifically planned to my liking, same with this weekend's activities. But in reality, my mom is the one who deserves a little "shout out" on this special day. And not just for the nineteen hours of labor she endured, or the tumultuous teen years, although I'm sure that was fun. But for the tireless love and support she provides day in and day out.

As a mother myself, I know I already enjoy taking a moment to sit on the sidelines of my daughter's birthday, quietly taking note of the year prior. Amazed at how quickly the time goes by and how much my little ones change. No doubt, my mom does the same.

I received a card from her.
"Go ahead daughter...wish...you'll make it happen. You are strength and courage and a thousand miracles a day. You are endlessly amazing and unbelievably loved".

Hey mom, I learn from the best. Thanks so much for bringing me into this world, for your unending supply of patience and care. It was 35 years ago today that you became "Mom". No doubt it was trial by fire. Although you never remember the "bad stuff", legend has it that I was a tenacious kid, single minded and vocal. A far cry from the docile, demure woman I am today. :)
Thanks for all you do. It's been a real good year.

Personalize a free slideshow

The best mother's day gift? Having moms like these. Although, eating lunch without any kids on my lap also ranks up there. Thanks Jerry and Tatang!

Me Time

Ella and I often play "beauty salon" in the bathtub. As I rinse out the shampoo, I always ask what color she would like for her hair. Today it was purple. Out of curiously I asked her what color she thought my hair was. "Grey", she replies, "just like your teeth". Awesome. Not feeling a damn bit guilty about the little bit of me time I scheduled for myself this weekend at the spa. I apparently need it.

Mom Genes

Viv, you weighed 15.7 pounds at your nine month check up. The reason I write this is because I am horrible with documenting developmental milestones, weights, heights, etc. Don't feel bad, I didn't do this with your sister either.
15.7 is darn small. In fact, 97% of the population is bigger than you. Ella joins you in these ranks as well. The thing is, you eat virtually everything we put in front of you...and lots of stuff that we don't. Every time I change your diaper I wonder if our spare key is going to show up or that striped sock that's been missing for a few months. After asking the requisite questions of the pediatrician (i.e. Do you recommend a strict diet of butter or margarine? Can we get an IV started with bacon drippings?), I called your Mimi as I knew she would have some answers. Within minutes she had my baby book out in front of her. Thank goodness for her diligent archiving. It turns out that I weighed three ounces less than mon petit chou. So I write this so that if/when you guys decide to have children one day, hopefully weight will be one less thing you have to worry about.
Love,
Mom

I'm a Proud God-Mama