a day at the fair

I love going to fairs. County Fairs or State Fairs, I am not biased. The boys and I went to the Indiana State Fair last week. It was good to expose them to things that they as 'city boys', are not around.

It made me a little bit sad to point out (in the Pioneer Village), look boys, that is a clothes line. It made me long for a house with a yard, preferably in the country, to immerse my misters in country living. I'll have to do my best to make them 'think country'. In the mean time, we will continue to visit fairs and let the misters play with straw, the animals, and the corn cobs.

Florida Hotel

Here are a few pictures form our hotel room. There are lots of buildings throughout the grounds, similar to the one in the picture. We are close to the main building and the convention center, so a great location.

We've had a busy, fun-filled trip so far. MONDAY we left Richmond at 4:20 a.m. and drove 15 hours in the car. We made 4 brief stops, and arrived in Orlando around 7:00. We toured around for a bit and ate a late supper at the Cheesecake Factory. TUESDAY we got up early and went to hear a timeshare presentation. Our hotel bribed us to go when checked in yesterday, telling us we would get a free Disney ticket if we listened to the presentation. About a $65 savings! So we went and listened to the shpeal. Well, it ended up being a pretty easy sell, because we like to travel and the resort was BEAUTIFUL. The main timeshare condo is at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, ON the Disney World property. I'm still figuring out all the details, but there are thousands of other places we can stay through this program. Lots to learn.

Blake just headed out to his first convention meeting. I'm meeting him and the other governors and wives for a supper tonight. I'm headed out to explore the hotel grounds and enjoy 1 of the 3 pools, which are open 24-hours!

A mister's update: I think Aunt Jenn is a bit worn out, but having a good time with them. Jack had a rough day Monday missing us and dealing with his first splinter in his foot. Norman played and didn't notice us being gone yesterday. Today, Jack seemed to be doing better and Norman was having a rough day. No rest for the weary Aunt Jenn. I just got off the phone with her and Jack was struggling with a nap. Hopefully they are enjoying themselves. I know I am LOVING the R & R!

fall at cracker barrel

We had lunch at Cracker Barrel today after church. There's something about that country store/restaurant that makes me think of fall. Maybe it's the smells, maybe it's the fallish colors. I am, as always, really looking forward to fall. I love cool weather. There's just something magical about cool, crisp mornings.

Meanwhile, back to reality. It has been so hot lately. Saturday we spent the day in Richmond for a late father's day. After napping, the boys hopped into their trunks and played in the hose, sprinkler, and wash bucket Aunt Jen had on the deck. It was so much fun watching them have fun.

the home

Jennifer and I attended the Wayne County Extension Homemakers Achievement Program a couple weeks ago. I'm looking into joining a club, but there are not too many clubs in Marion county.

In past years the Extension homemaker's Creed has stuck in my mind as it has this year:

We believe in the present and its opportunities, in the future and its promises, in everything that makes life large and lovely, in the divine joy of living and helping others.

And so we endeavor to pass on to others that which has benefited us, striving to go onward and upward, reaching the pinnacle of economic perfection in improving, enlarging and endearing the greatest institution in the world: THE HOME. (By Mrs. C.W. Horne, Hendricks County, Indiana)

These words ring true in what my mom was and what this group is that she was part of. I strive to be like her in the ways of being a mom and a homemaker.

grief

Grief is a curious thing. I think I'm doing really well, then, bam, it shows up unexpectedly and unwanted. I think unwanted; though it makes me focus on mom, and memories of her are a blessing.

We celebrated with Nancy Friday night along with Blake's siblings and their spouses. Near the end of the evening, Kelsey was talking about how nice it would be to have someone feed you (as she was feeding nearly 9-month old Gryphon). My thoughts drifted to a few weeks before mom's death. She wasn't able to really feed herself, and she didn't have much appetite. After suggesting many food options, she said pineapple sounded good. WONDERFUL! I rushed to her kitchen got some crushed pineapple and brought it to her. I had gotten fairly profiecient at feeding another; Jack was 11 months old at the time. I took the spoon and fed mom tiny bites of pineapple. She only took a bite, maybe two. She wasn't able to really chew or swallow. How strange it was to have to feed my mother. How glad I was to be able to be there with her, to care for her.

As Mother's Day approached, it's only natural for my thoughts to drift in her direction. I asked Dad if anyone had visited the cemetary yesterday. No one had. I normally don't feel a 'connection' when I visit the cemetary and don't go real often. However, as it was a day to honor our mothers, it somehow felt strange that no one had been there ON Mother's Day. As Meg Ryan talks about missing her character's mother in You've Got Mail, my thoughts are similar: I miss my mom so much I can barely breathe. I know too that not every moment is so overpowering with this missing, this grief. I love her so much and want to share so much with her and just so much want to be able to tell her, Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

a guy thing

Jack was so funny tonight. After I got home from bookclub, he was playing with a bouncy ball. We were getting ready to head up for the night, turning off lights downstairs, etc. He sat on the steps blowing on the ball. He then announced, quite proudly, 'my ball sounds like toots!'. Wow, that was such a boy statement, huh? I am pretty sure the older he gets, the grosser things will become and the grosser the things are he will come up with, but he always happens to make me laugh! What a wonderful gift.

too big

As Jack runs across his 'old clothes'-clothes that now fit Norman. I have to remind him that those clothes are too small for him now, and that they fit Norman. Tonight as I put on his pants (we are heading out to a calling for a man from church) he said those are big, I told him they were his pants, but he insisted, no, they're too big; they're for mommy. Wow, I don't think I could quiet fit into pants for a Jack.

During the getting dressed process, Jack also told me that Norman is soft. I asked him if he thought his hair was soft. He told me that Norman's hair is soft, but his jacket was soft too. I sure love my boys, they say some special things sometimes!

nothing special

Today was nothing special, but it was a pleasant day. We met Gryphon, Kelsey, and Rob at the CM. It was fun walking around, and Jack found the digger in Science Works. I made a mental note to go back to that one with him, because I think he was having fun. The last time we were there, Norman was not walking. This is going to take some getting used to: he has found his legs but not his ears i.e. he does not like to stop if you tell him to come back.

After napping we went to the gym, then to the park for a picnic supper and some 'wee up up up' time. I discovered that Broad Ripple park has an exercise trail with different 'stations' to do exercise along the path. Another thing I made a mental note of for a future trip......

After our park time we headed to Value World. It's fun to browse and I usually find something neat, though usually nothing I NEED. I did find some booster chairs the other day which will be nice when we have Gryphon or other babies over that need a booster. Plus Norman will eventually be too big for the red clip on seat; that day seems SO far away.

A long day, but nothing out of the ordinary. Blake's home from Terre Haute Saturday night, so that will be good. I am going to go enjoy a tall glass of apple juice with LOTS of ice. Mmmmmm.

my castle

Blake and Jack have been reading through a castle picture book (with other large structures) before bed. This morning as I was getting ready, I heard Jack say to Norman, look the Opera house. I thought that was pretty cool. Then before naptime, he told me that our house is our castle. As much time as I spend looking at houses and dreaming of a larger place with a yard, I suppose I should spend some of that time being content with my 'castle'. Jack thinks it is pretty special, and it IS our home, so it should be our castle.

IMA

Tuesday night we went over to the art museum grounds to play. It was great running around and the boys really enjoyed themselves. Here are some photos from the evening.

poop in my underwear?

The boys and I were leaving the gym this morning to head to the Broad Ripple Park. After buckling them in their carseats, I slid in behind the wheel and sighed, 'I'm pooped'. Jack paused for a second and asked me, 'Mommy, you pooped in your underwear?' I went on to explain that I didn't poop, that that was just a silly way to say I was worn out. Ha! He is so funny.

We went on to the park and played. There was a mom with her 2 boys there. They were playing hard and then turned to throwing leaves and playing in the dirt. Part of me wishes my boys would play with dirt to feel the texture, etc., but a secret part of me was glad they didn't because it would have been a mess in the car going home.

I stopped at a local garden/flower shop on College on the drive home. I have been eyeing some concrete (or is it cement? I'm an architect's wife, I should know these things.) flower boxes. They are rectangle and would fit on our porch nicely. In fact, 2 of our neighbors have some and I think they are perfect. I wasn't in love with the design on the ones they had, plus they were asking a lot. I almost bought some on craigslist last fall. I should have snapped them up, oh well. The rectangle, concrete, flower box search continues.

a child's honesty

So we were at Value World yesterday (with a 50% of coupon from Nuvo!!). Jack asks, 'Mommy, what's that man doing?' I asked, 'What man?' Jack responds as only a child can, 'That brown man.' Uhhhh, I wasn't sure how to respond, but I just said he was looking at sport coats, just like we were. I suppose his skin IS a brown shade. It's situations like this where I freak out and would like to consult someone's opinion of how to handle it. I think I did okay, and I am mentally preparing myself for future phrases like this that truly reflect a child's honesty.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Aunt Kelsey holding Gryphon. Jack was chowing on the grapes.

My mister is so cute.

Norman's not so sure about this self shot.

Gryphon's first swing ride.

I'm not sure why, but I think there's something fun about St. Patrick's Day. This is a holiday, that if I asked Blake, he may not be able to tell me the date, but to me, it's important, can't explain it.

We met up with Kelsey and Gryphon to do a little shopping then for a picnic lunch. Kelsey hadn't been to Value World before, so I introduced her to this fun thrift store. After that we stopped a park for a picnic lunch and some play time. Jack had such a blast eating with Aunt Kelsey and baby Gryphon. My boys were wearing their Green-themed shirts, and I'm glad we got out of the house to show them off.

I got some sun and glad the boys didn't burn. Norman was walking all over the playground equipment and Jack was flushed from playing hard. What a fun day.

baby gang

I have noticed for a long while now that during the night both boys have a curious thing happen to them. One or both of their sleeves (usually just one which is why this is funny to me) ends up pushed up to the elbow. This morning as I got them up, I wondered if they have some sort of baby gang club in the night and that's the dress code.

The night is the best time of the day for me. Going in and seeing them asleep resets my mood for the next day and makes it possible to start all over. I wonder if they'll have their sleeves pulled up tonight?