Week 35: New Favorites

What's new?

Patee House Museum in St Joseph, MO is AMAZING! I took my 2.5-year old and my Father-in-Law, and all 3 of us gave this place 5/5 stars. It is a 40 minute drive from Fort Leavenworth, and, should you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend you do not wait 1.5 years to visit! We will, most definitely, be returning. My Father-in-Law and I both agreed that this museum is just as well-done as the American History Museum in D.C. Beautiful historical displays, and SO many of them. We could have stayed for hours! 

From the website:

 "Patee House Museum features two full floors of exhibits. Inside Patee House, you can climb aboard an 1860 train and ride the vintage "Wild Thing" carousel. The museum also houses an 1877 railroad depot, stagecoach, cars, trucks, fire trucks, wagons, buggies and carriages, Jeeps, a racecar, horse-drawn hearses and a real gallows, a blacksmith shop, dressmaker's shop, model railroads, antique furniture and toys, a wing with Western art by artist George Warfel, and a wing designed to look like the Streets of Old St. Jo in the 1860s-1880s."

Week 35 brought with it some fantastic newness, in addition to our visit to this historical treasure. You all know how I am a hard sell on new favorites? Well, this week I discovered quite a few! My Father-in-Law has been here visiting for a couple of weeks, so we are in vacation mode, which always helps.

• New favorite hair place: Jabez, located in Leavenworth. Ask for Marley. NO one knows about this place because everyone on Post goes to either Tom and Ann's or Teri's Hair Loft. I strongly recommend you give Jabez a try before they discover how awesome they are and raise their prices!

• The O'Malley sandwich at Weston Brewery in Weston, MO. It is basically the most amazing Reuben you will ever eat. In your life. Even better than my Mom's (never thought I'd say that). Mom, if you are reading this, I am SO sorry I did not take you here when you came to visit. I will get the recipe. All I know is, they use some kind of stone ground, spicy, sweet mustard sauce instead of horseradish or 1000 Island (which is gross and not a real Reuben but that's how everyone makes them). 

• I tried out Harbor Lights Coffeehouse in downtown Leavenworth. I cannot remember the last time I went to a coffeeshop by myself. It was phenomenal (not the coffee, the freedom). Coffee was okay. Menu looked yummy, and the place seemed very family-friendly. I'll go again, just because I can :)

• Henry...What a boy, this one :) He is growing so fast and changing at such an incredible rate these days. We seem to be moving out of a VERY frustrating phase and into another fun one :) The reason is because he is expressing himself and actually conversing. I love picking him up from school and hearing about his day. I love it that he can tell me little things now, like if he is cold or wants to go home or wants more food?! His nighttime prayers have also been very lengthy and detailed, of late. I adore listening to what he is thankful for. It is my new favorite part of the day. God Bless preschool teachers. 

Week 34: Treasures (Ecological, Historical, Psychological)

What's new?

Picture, if you will, a half-groggy, non-caffeinated mom, still in her pajamas, enjoying the quiet of the first of the end-of-summer cool mornings in Kansas. She goes outside to clean up the toys in the yard and drain the kiddie pool. Reaching for the foam alligator toy in the half-dark of morning, she, who also happens to be an amateur bug collector, jumps through her skin with a half-masked yelp as she grabs something very large, spiny, and dark. It ain't right, folks, this early in the morning. Then, she goes to turn on the porch light, heart now racing with excitement (rather than primal fear), as she knows she's found a true treasure...a giant robber fly! WOW!

And that, my friends, is how Week 34 began :)

When I had my brief moment of fame, sorting insects for the Entomology Department at the San Diego Natural History Museum, I got to see a non-giant version of this guy. Seeing this guy, however, is a first, and such a treat! The Genus Promachus, it is said, can deliver quite a painful bite with it's needle-like proboscis and is a great predator of the insect world. However, the larva of these guys might be eating the roots of my grass, among other creatures. Who invented lawns, anyway? What a terrible idea, in any climate.

Other Week 34 Awesome Newness:

• While visiting the Parkville Farmer's Market for the last variety of local peaches, we discovered the jaw-droppingly beautiful little town of Parkville, MO! The Parkville Farmer's Market is tiny, but absolutely every farm had the most beautiful of wares. A 45-minute drive from Fort Leavenworth, just like anywhere, and worth it. English Landing Park, which hosts the market, is a wonderful, large park that overlooks the river, and Parkville has quite the history behind it. If ever there was a ghost story to be written, this place would be some great inspiration.

• Now that I am no longer studying for the Praxis II Middle Grade Science (which, by the way, I PASSED!!), Ted and I decided to go back to our tradition of trying to read a book together during deployment. We picked Why Can't You Read My Mind, by Jefferey Bernstein. Having read a few marriage devotionals or counseling-type books before, we decided to give this one a whirl because we thought it seemed a little more focused on the partnership aspect of ANY relationship and managing thought patterns with one another and less about roles in marriage. I am a Christian woman who also happens to be married, but I grow very tired of book after book where the focus is the woman (and man's) "role" in the marriage. How is continually defining your "role" in any situation EVER helpful to the GROWTH of that institution? If you worked as part of a team of project managers and all you ever did during meetings was dole out roles, how would that inspire members of the team to continue to create, inspire one another, and stay loyal to the business? Duh. How about focusing, instead, on each member as an individual, outside of a box, capable of creative thought and inspiration beyond belief, to one another?

From the Amazon reviews:

"They claim that one of the most significant steps is to focus on yourself rather than your partner by ridding yourself of toxic thoughts, "negative thoughts that have lost their basis in reality and have gotten out of control." Examining nine toxic thought patterns (such as jumping to conclusions, labeling one another and playing the "blame game"), the authors provide well-researched explanations, relevant examples and practical alternatives to transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive and constructive ones." 

When all you have are your thoughts and a prayer because the other part of your team is rarely present in the flesh, the brain God gave you to manage your thoughts and your words becomes a powerful tool, and pretty much, your only one.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Week 33: Holding Hands, Hot Air Balloons, and Baggy Clothes Wearing

What's new?

In Week 33, my sweetest little buddy had his first day of preschool! I wonder if he heard how loudly my heart beat against my chest when I dropped him off that morning? Knowing he was in the best of hands for a few hours, I treated myself to a little visit to Michael's to look at yarn and all of the fall/harvest decor without a little person in tow! A glorious time, my friends. One of my very sweet girlfriends let me drag her along as well, so bonus for some uninterrupted, adult conversation :) I have SO many solo momma plans...trail runs, return to writing fiction, local Victorian mansion/museums, the little kitchen store in town...Maybe some solo birdwatching? It's all dangerous. I'm not even sure where to start.   

Is it weird that I feel fat when I am nervous? When I feel fat, I tend to wear super baggy clothes. So chances are, if you see me wearing super baggy clothes, I am nervous or anxious about something(s). Like test days, doctor visits, hospitals in general, loud crashes in the middle of the night, and taking my son to his first day of preschool :) Also, when I am nervous, I crave hot coffee and hot soup (just since you were dying to know that).

When I picked him up and his teacher brought him to the door, he came out wearing his backpack (I couldn't get him to put it on, so already I was happy that he was learning), carrying his little painting he did and so proud. He even let his teacher HOLD his HAND as he walked out the door. That alone filled me with such hope. Such glee. When he saw me, his little lip quivered and his eyes filled up with tears. I quickly changed the subject and told him I was proud of him and that he was such a big boy. His teacher said he cried a few random times but was really good - followed directions, waited his turn, etc. Then, as SOON as we started walking down the hall, he was telling me all about his day and what they did and was speaking quite excitedly about it all. And as we crossed the street, he let me hold his hand the whole way across without a meltdown. A Christmas miracle, folks.

Preschool, I love you.

What else?

Other Week 33 new stuff:

• New children's fiction: A Little Critter compilation with all different Little Critter stories than we currently have, as well as a couple of Little Golden Books. The Please and Thank You Book is full of cute rhymes having to do with social etiquette and good behavior, but oddly, has nothing about saying "please" or "thank you". Out of the 3, it is my favorite. Henry is Little Critter obsessed, and I am no longer allowed to read it to him (he reads it). 

• New bug! Our first katydid! I have never seen one in real life :) We found this one at the Ernie Miller Nature Center down in Olathe, KS, and we were pretty excited.

• Great Midwest Balloon Festival (Olathe, KS) - We woke up early to drive an hour down South to see the hot air balloons come in and try to make their target. It was really fun, and the weather was beautiful. I always love being surrounded by nerds of whatever the "thing" is. Hot air balloon nerds are awesome. They just follow the balloons around and photograph them, commenting on wind speed and direction and the balloon itself. Huh. Oh, and Henry loved this :)

• New hiking shoes! I had my old Merrells about 8 years; abused and used them, and figured it was about time to replace them. I never like new shoes, but it is important to take care of your feet when you are on them as much as I, or so my Husband always tells me :) Merrells are nice if you have really narrow feet with high arches, and I used them for work many years. Now I just wear them to preschooler-hike and chase after the youngling. 5/5 either way. 

Week 32: Beginnings of a Thunderstorm

What's new?

Week 32 brought with it so much 2.5-year old. This boy! I have never seen such a willfull, stubborn, independent little person in my entire life. It is apparently, time for pre-school. SO much Henry newness...He now says "Bless You" when someone sneezes. He walks by himself into the post office (not in the stroller) and most other public places. He drinks water because I have convinced him "that's what big boys do." He rips child safety mechanisms off of doors. He quotes books. He washes himself. He lets me know which music he likes and wants to know who the artist is...What happened to that baby I just had?! Who is this little man-cub? :) 

One of my girlfriends has a son who is in his early 20's. She was almost in tears the other day as she told me the story about how he broke up with his serious girlfriend (who had been so serious she was in family photos) whom they had all fallen in love with. The reasons he gave his mom, my friend, were not (as a momma) ones that you want to hear from your son, the one you raised to be a stand-up guy. Mom was extremely disappointed in his decision and trying hard to be supportive of him and be the good listener that she is. The fact of the matter was that her son is not ready for a serious, grown-up relationship. Growing pains - do they ever end? :) 

Listen

One morning I awoke to a muffled song

A deep soft sound like the beginnings of a thunderstorm

My feet touched the ground as I followed the voice

It grew louder though was still unclear

I came upon a baby boy, sleeping in his bed.

Touched his cherubim face and held the light upon it

Deafening were his inaudible lyrics –

One day to be discerned as clear as bells

but perhaps just not by me 

this morning

by, Becca @Allbrandnewin52.blogspot.com

Other Week 32 Newness:

• Red Barn Pickled Asparagus. Mom got this for me (I love pickled asparagus!) while she was here and we were visiting our local Red Barn Farms out in Weston, MO. I paired it with Absolut Peppar and a little Mrs. T's and a sprig of celery :) Basically, a delicious little salad.

• Learned how to align my BOB SUS thanks to my amazing neighbors who fixed it for me (it had been pulling very hard to the left). Basically it was like someone wrapped my sprained ankle. Lifesaver. By the way, having smart, kind, intuitive neighbors who recognize that running outside is your sanity is going on my list of deployment musts.

• Cookies fail! Yes - I am publishing a fail. You cannot substitute Sunbutter for peanut butter in cookie recipes, apparently. If anyone out there has successfully done this, please let me know how you did it.

• Sharkbait #3. Yes. Yep. Youbetcha. I think I traumatize my Betas when I go on vacation. This little guy seems pretty feisty, and I am trying him with no tank heater, this time around. I am pulling for ya, Buddy!

• New workout! The 10-minute body-weight workout (August 2013 issue) from Women's Running Magazine, a great, digital publication has been a wonderful supplement to my runs lately. The body-weight exercises include alternating lateral lunges, squat thrusts, the inchworm, and mountain climbers. The exercises are done for 20 seconds with a 20 second rest in between, for 10 minutes. Love this one!

Week 31: An Old Woman Lives in My Bones

What's New?

Most of Week 31 was spent taking a large, deep, relaxing breath, enjoying the presence of family, who played with, cuddled with, read to, built things with, pretended with, ran with, and chased after their 2.5-year old cousin/nephew/grandson. It was GLORIOUS, my friends. While this, in itself is not new, it had been a year since we made the trek up to see everyone; enough time to get homesick as hell. I never thought I would be one of those people who only saw their family once or twice per year, and I have never quite become used to it. One day, I will be back, and until then, there is a whole wide world to explore, scattering pieces of my glow-in-the-dark heart as I go.  

Week 31 newness:

• Pinchknitter Yarn! My family lives in the Camano/Stanwood, WA area, and I just now noticed this sweet little specialty yarn shoppe in Stanwood! I spoke with June for a while about their products, and she explained why bamboo textiles are actually horrible for the environment, while hemp is truly environmentally friendly. They have a TON of alpaca wool and a beautiful assortment of wool in general. I can't wait to visit this place in November when we return!

• Gooseberry Patch Freezer Recipes - I am LOVING this life-changing compilation of the art and science of freezing food. The recipes are quite fattening, I won't lie, but for whatever reason, I lose and maintain my weight MUCH easier when I eat 2-3 hearty "meat-and-potatoes" meals a day rather than snacking all day on low-calorie stuff. Casseroles and hearty stews? There goes 5 lbs. No joke. And eating this way enables me to run to my heart's content without becoming anemic or waking up at night with dumb leg cramps. There is your weight-loss lesson of the day. The bestest part about this little book though are the little tips and explanations about proper freeze/thaw techniques. A deployment MUST.      

• BABY!! SIL #3, Whitney, will soon be poppin' out a brand-new baby bee, and we very much enjoyed spending time with this new-momma-to-be at her shower. She is one hard-working woman, and we love her like crazy.

• New art (here are some photos of the new art mom brought last week). "Housetree" by Swedish artist, Mattias Adolfsson. I love his creatures and sketches as much as Hayao Miyazaki's.  

new art

Specialty yarn shoppes and and freezer recipes, goodness gracious, you'd think an 80-year old woman wrote this post! Well, maybe she did. So, in honor of all of our inner old souls, here is new poem:

An old woman lives in my bones.

She smacks her lips and clinks

her teeth against glass jars of whiskey.

Sipping, slurping, rocking.

Creaky wooden chair of 

cracks and fissures,

Rivers of time,

mapping the loves of her soul.

She clicks her tongue with closed eyes

and listens to 

the treefrog chorus.

By, Becca @Allbrandnewin52.blogspot.ccom