Week 47: For The Kids

What's new?

I have no idea where Week 47 went, nor can I seem to do anything right now ('specially write) that does not include making up new voices for characters like dinosaurs, trolls, ogres, goats, slugs, or lichen. Bet you didn't know lichen had a voice? Bet some of you don't even know what lichen is :)

New children's fiction - Oh yes. Henry's Amma got him 2 very cute reads, Dinosailors (Lund and Pine) and Where Would I Be In An Evergreen Tree (Blomgren and Gabriel). Dinosailors is a fun, sing-songy rhyme with made up words and silly adventure, of which I am a huge fan. Where Would I Be In An Evergreen Tree is get-out-of-town-ridiculous-my-dream-of-writing-something-like-that-one-day, so I am obviously biased. It portrays the ecosystem of an old-growth tree on the coast of Washington/Oregon, is quite species-specific, and the artwork is stunning. I liked it because Blomgren doesn't just describe this ecosystem, she creates a living thing out of it. Henry loves it too, by the way. After all, these are for the kids, folks. Ahem.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff was one I got him a couple of weeks ago and forgot to include somewhere along the way. An age-old story of facing, outsmarting, and overcoming your fears, and in a time where my preschooler is constantly discovering new things to be afraid of, I thought it particularly appropriate. Plus, I do a wicked, mean troll voice, and when he gets pushed into the water, I flail around and splash and die dramatically. Again, for the kids.

What else?

Other Week 47 Newness:

• New glass salmon sculpture from my trip to the PNW. Because not only do I need more salmon art, I need more glass things since we move every 2 years.

• New concealer. Here's one I don't often write about: new makeup. Since my makeup typically consists of lotion, concealer, and blush, there isn't usually a lot to report on in the newness for this category. Neutrogena Skin Clearing concealer is a new product in this line, and since I am a sucker for trying new products and my Proactiv concealer just ran out, I picked this little goodie up. It is AMAZING!! 5/5 for covering up scars on your chin from years of picking your face. 

• New crochet projects. The little trinket above was a throw I finished for my Father-in-Law as a Christmas present using Lion Brand Thick n Chunky yarn. The oversized granny square pattern for a throw is always fun because you can finish it rather quickly.

• Henry randomly started singing Jingle Bells, which I am assuming he learned at preschool? I have also realized, now that I can understand him better, that he knows most song lyrics and cuss words. A listener, this one. 

Week 37: Transplanting a Walnut Grove

What's new?

Do you ever find yourself compiling random lists of memories about a person or a situation in your life that you want to write about? In week 37, I created a character list for and found myself thinking a lot about my Great Grandmother, and how, during those times in life where I think I might have a total and complete meltdown, my simple memories of her and our conversations during my childhood give me comfort and strength.

Years ago, while I was going through a very painful separation and divorce, I got rid of almost everything in my house, including all artwork and photos on the wall. My Mom gave me this pillowcase that Grandma had made, and it was the only thing on my wall for almost an entire year.

As oddly dramatic as this is going to sound, I feel this spun out of control and on the verge of a meltdown EVERY time before we are about to move. And, compared to people who met their spouses early on, I haven't even moved that much! I don't think most people have this kind of emotional root system that they have to rip up every time they move, especially when it is a way of life for them. But this is how I feel about it, for whatever reason - It is very painful. It's just who I am. I put down roots in my environment and suck in the air such that it becomes the essence of my very cells. And so, my poor Husband...a Military man to his core, who, it seems, loves moving, must literally transplant a walnut grove every time. Though, he has turned out to be a pretty good arborist, so far.

Week 37 Newness:

• Found a preschool in Virginia for our Buddy (for a January start)! SO relieved and happy about this very huge answer to our prayers. He was on 5 waitlists, and we are picky. We also have found some great potential places for the 2015/2016 school year (when I plan on heading back to work full-time), which is a load off. 

• New collapsible crochet bag to hold my project yarn! In 20 years of crocheting, I have never owned one of these! It is actually a picnic basket, ha! But it is perfect for what I needed. A joyful little gift to self :)

• Grandma Susie's Backdoor Bakery zucchini coconut bread from the Parkville, MO farmer's market. Might just be the best thing Henry and I have ever eaten. It is very moist and flavorful, and worth the price just to try it at least once!

• Backfire BBQ at Legends! Oh my goodness, this place. We went with some friends who had been there before - Choppers and tattoos everywhere. Delicious barbeque, sweet and family-friendly staff (really, you guys have no idea). AMAZING bar. Though my Husband is not as into choppers and tattoos as his walnut grove wife, he would have loved this place to watch college football every Saturday :)     

Week 36: The Kindness of People, The Mush of My Brain

What's new?

Week 36 was a pretty great week, all around. That said, today was a tough one in a day-in-the-solo-life with my growing, glowing, almost-3-year-old. My brain is mush. I cannot even fake my way through this post with an attempt at some humor or ultra-fake-facebook-sounding BS about how we should all appreciate this time because it goes by so quickly. You know what? Right now, in this moment, I am proud to say that I do not appreciate it, and I can't wait until I no longer have to repeat, "please use your words, mommy can't understand you when you whine," 5,000 times a day. THERE. I said it. GASP. Now go find some sugary little Instagram quote to help you feel better. No wait. I already did that :) Don't worry, it is possible that I will delete this horridly grouchmo post and re-post a new, cheerful one when I wake up in the morning...Namaste, friends.

Week 36 Newness:

• The Sweetest Gift - A friend of a friend, whom we met ONCE, made Henry the most beautiful, random, adorable dinosaur quilt. I was so overwhelmingly blessed by this kind gesture, and Henry loved it so much that he danced on it and rolled around on it for days. Some people are so talented in this world! I love homemade.

• New Restaurants - As I mentioned last week, my Father-in-Law was here visiting. The man loves and appreciates food as much as I do (he did not pass this on to his son or to his grandson, which is probably good, or I would weigh 400 lbs, easy). We ate out a LOT and enjoyed every moment! Two new local places we tried were Osaka Sushi in Leavenworth (just outside of the main gate), and Panchos in Parkville, MO. I am so sad that I waited 1.5 years to try Osaka. See what being a food snob gets you? Nothing. It was delicious, and though I do not recommend eating there (kind of ghetto), the food was amazing, and it will be on the take-out menu often. Panchos was so fun! An old house, situated between a boxcar and a caboose. The food was good-enough-Mexican food. Having lived in San Diego, I am kind of still a Mexican food snob, but it was good! Well worth the trip, and if you have a kid who is obsessed with trains, it is a must. You get to sit inside of a traincar with a view of the real train that runs through Parkville. I heart Parkville.

• Friend Dating - While I am sure they are never going to call us back (today, the horrible, no-good, very bad day of which I spoke earlier, was our date day), I enjoyed spending some time with a very interesting, nice, patient woman and her sweet son from Henry's preschool, today. This woman was a good sport. Sooo kind. That is all.

• New Pet - Remember the little teddy bear hamster that we babysat for 6 weeks back in June/July? Well it turns out the parents of the little girl who owned him were looking to re-home this little critter, and we just fell in love with it. The little girl who previously owned him named him "Leah" and her mom suggested we change his name :) But Henry already knows "Leah" and thinks every animal slightly resembling a rodent is "like Leah", so, "Leah" stays. Him-Her.

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 30: The Sweet and The Sour

What's new?

Good Morning, all! Posting a day early this week, as we are headed up to the great Pacific Northwest, where our hearts are rooted deep in the moss-covered forests and where the smells of smoking salmon and never-quite-dried-out soil permeate your entire identity. A welcome getaway, after Week 30 hit us like a ton of bricks with the Praxis for Middle Grade Science. I am pretty sure I will have to retake that test, having guessed on 70/93 questions that decided to be all graduate-level chemistry and one biology question. Most of the content was not what the study guide eluded to, so really, I have no idea what my plan will be for the retake. I will know my score in 10-30 days, but I really am not being humble when I say that I don't even want to look. You know it is bad when you are praying for physics questions. Just please let there be a physics question. Or an earthquake. Or please let this be just a bad dream that I get to wake up from so I can start over. Yep. So that's that. And guess what? There are no start-overs in big kid world. You just have to keep moving forward. Breathe. Eat jars of salsa. Catch bugs with son. Lay in the grass. Sigh heavily. Watch the sun set. It won't look so bad in the morning, right? :) 

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us."
Henry David Thoreau

Thankfully, aside from that experience, Week 30 brought to Kansas, for the first time ever, my Mom (and Henry's Amma). Henry and I were so happy that she could spend some quality time here, and her presence was such a comfort to me. 

Speaking of comfort, here is a deliciously-sweet comfort food recipe that we tried and loved this week, straight from my Goosberry Patch 101 Homestyle Favorites cookbook. The original recipe was submitted by Sandie Pfeiffer, but I made a couple of slight modifications that made my Mom and I want to eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
1 head of cauliflower
2 small bunches of broccoli
1 cup mayo
2 tbs sherry cooking wine
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup maple-cayenne pecans (my own recipe, but you could use any candied nut)
1/2 cup finely chopped raisins
6 slices crisp bacon, chopped

Mix mayo, sherry, and sugar together. Set aside. Combine everything else into a large bowl. Add dressing mixture; mix well, and chill before serving. The original recipe called for 1/2 cup of chopped red onion and plain pecans (not candied). It also had you use 1/2 the quantity of broccoli/cauliflower and 10 slices of bacon, rather than 6. I love mayonnaise and see absolutely nothing wrong with egg, canola oil, and vinegar, which comprise mayonnaise. You could use Vegannaise instead, or omit, entirely, and this would still be tasty. Also, the original recipe called for red wine vinegar, rather than cooking sherry.   

Other Week 30 newness:

• New children's fiction. Mom brought a new Jane Yolen book for Henry, which he loves. The artist is Kelly Murphy, and her little monsters are adorable and fun! Romping Monsters, Stomping Monsters is a sweet addition to our library.

• New art. Mom also brought some new art, and it is quirky and beautiful; cheery and complicated. It is by a Swedish artist done with a mixture of watercolor and pen and ink. Just what I needed! I am getting it framed right now but will include a photo as soon as I have it back.

• New wine. One of my girlfriends here on Post left a sweet and very thoughtful goodie bag on my doorstep on test day, and inside was a wine I had not previously tried: a Sweet Red (Woodbridge 2011). Has anyone had this? It was extremely sweet! Even more so than a Gewurztraminer. I would classify this as a light dessert wine, for sure. Mom thought it would be good with spicy barbeque or Thai food, and I concur.