tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-591187913673135812024-03-05T01:20:49.029-05:00Purple Haze MamaThe life and times (and occasional opinions) of a purple-loving suburban housewife.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-25749575350707551402011-10-27T20:59:00.000-04:002011-10-27T20:59:30.848-04:00Excuse meDidn't I JUST post about how beautiful fall is? And now THIS????<br />
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I want to know who all the department stores payed off so the weather would match the Christmas merchandise they all seem to have out! It is NOT supposed to snow before Halloween!!</div>
<br />Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-49033333418559623162011-10-25T22:45:00.000-04:002014-02-07T19:01:14.352-05:00This is why......I can't imagine living anywhere besides New England. The leaves are past peak, many have fallen to the ground, yet I am still in awe of the beauty I see on a gorgeous fall day like today. My photography "skills" don't do it justice.<br />
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The sun shines through the trees and lights up the yellow leaves.</div>
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This is the extent of my Halloween decorating to date. Well, except for the window clings the boys put up. I carved the one pumpkin at a party recently. We'll do the others closer to the big day.</div>
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Plenty of fallen leaves just waiting to be <strike>raked up</strike> made into a pile and jumped in.</div>
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The view down our street, with some vibrant color still peaking through.</div>
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Maple leaves still hanging on, blowing in the wind.</div>
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A touch of color amid the green grass and mostly brown leaves.</div>
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Obligatory picture of cute kid. This IS a Mommy blog, after all!</div>
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Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-88040091386900105412011-09-28T12:08:00.000-04:002011-09-28T12:08:52.646-04:00When Big Brother is Away...<div style="text-align: center;">
....Andrew will play...</div>
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With his trains...</div>
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All day long!</div>
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Whether we're inside and he's using one of his track sets, or outside in the sandbox or driveway or by the stream, he's got those trains (or others!) with him. To say the boy is obsessed is an understatement. Just a few minutes ago I barely averted a minor meltdown when I informed that we could not go see Thomas because Thomas was back home on Sodor, not at the train station where we saw - and Rode! - him this summer and last summer. He will also request to watch any number of Thomas DVD's we have. I tell ya, it's all Thomas, all the time around here!</div>
<br />Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-29112776248989101302011-09-16T12:09:00.000-04:002011-09-16T12:10:11.585-04:00Fallish Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is one of the first real "Fallish" days we've had this year. We woke up to temps in the 40's, and it's been sunny and breezy all day. It's not even quite 60 out there yet. Andrew and I spent quite a bit of time outside this morning. He immediately headed to the sandbox with his trains, where he occupied himself for a good half hour, while I sat nearby shivering in the shade, despite wearing my favorite fall jacket. It's quite breezy out there, so you really need that sun to keep warm. (James even announced this morning that maybe he should have worn mittens!) But I just LOVE this time of year! I can't wait for the leaves to change color. We even got our first small pumpkins from the CSA already a few weeks ago.<br />
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I also harvested a nice bunch of veggies from the garden this morning. Andrew helped by picking broccoli leaves and eating them. This is one of the rare instances where my kids like a real food (i.e. not a processed "kid food") that I just do not! I enjoy broccoli, but those leaves I can just do without! However, after a little googling I read that the small, young leaves can be compared to collard greens, which I do like when cooked, so maybe I'll give them a try. But back to my harvest. I was happy to pick quite a few tomatoes (I only have six plants because we get quite a few from the CSA), some broccoli florets, a couple pickling cukes and some green beans. Enough to fill a Zappos box about the size of 2 shoe boxes.<br />
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There used to be a lot more green beans, but Andrew ate quite a few of them while we sat on the front steps. I'm not complaining! We're having some family over for James' birthday tomorrow, so I'll make good use of those tomatoes. When I don't have immediate use for the tomatoes, I've been making big batches of sauce in my 8 quart slow cooker. In addition to the tomatoes, I add in any zucchini (shhhh...that's my little secret) and peppers we haven't eaten, plus usually a couple cans of crushed tomatoes. And of course there are some herbs and garlic to round out the flavor. If I have onions on hand, I'll slice up one or two and put those in as well. And some times I add a touch sugar depending on how sweet the vegetables are. Since my boys (all three!) don't like chunky vegetables in their sauce, I just whip out my immersion blender after it's been in the crock pot all day and blend it up. You'd really never know the zucchini is in there. Currently I have about 8 quarts of the sauce in my freezer!</div>
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All this talk of veggies and sauce is making me HUNGRY! So time to go whip up some lunch for Andrew and myself!</div>
<br />Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-79774375549784785812011-09-15T12:54:00.000-04:002011-09-15T12:54:27.027-04:00My "Little" PreschoolerAndrew started preschool this week - two mornings (3 hours each) per week. Today was his second day. This is his first experience with any on-going time away from me. He'd been to drop-in day care a handful of times last year, and this past summer he did 2 weeks of "summer enrichment" classes. But now, he gets to go for the whole school year! And let me tell ya - he is READY! He's been so sad that he doesn't get to go to school, or ride the bus, with James, but when I remind he gets to go to his own school, he perks right up! And when I drop him off, he barely even stops what he's doing to say good bye.<br />
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So here he is on Tuesday morning, all set to go!<br />
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Washing his hands when we got to school:<br />
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He immediately went for the cars they had set out:<br />
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And playing well with another little boy:<br />
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This is the same preschool James went to for 3 years. I'm actually a little sad that Andrew will only get to go for two (James "missed" the cutoff for kindergarten when he was 5, so he did preK here as well). We absolutely love this school, which is run by a church but is not a religious education. Andrew is doing quite well there so far - even seems to be listening to the teachers and sitting for circle time! So, I guess our little boy really is growing up. And on that note, I will leave you with the BRILLIANT knock-knock joke he told me yesterday!</div>
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Knock, Knock!</div>
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Who's there?</div>
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Banana!</div>
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Banana who?</div>
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Bed!</div>
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(at which time he proceeded to giggle with delight at his own humor! don't you just LOVE 3 year-olds? I certainly do!)</div>
<br />Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-32167627117629867422011-09-13T23:44:00.001-04:002011-09-13T23:45:05.358-04:00Six Years Ago...On this day, six years ago, I became a Mother. After an induction process that started at approximately 7:00PM on a Friday night, James was born at 12:31am on a Tuesday morning (No, no typo there. I really was stuck on Labor and Delivery for that long!). To my sweet James, I say Thank You! For being the smiling, happy, friendly, chatty, inquisitive, cute (even though you think cute is for babies), funny, energetic, charming, smart person that you are. You have changed our lives in ways I just could not imagine. I love you more than I could ever express with words. Hopefully my actions so far have sufficed.<br />
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In the wee hours of 9/13/2005</div>
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8:00 am, 9/13/2011, on Andrew's first day of preschool</div>
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<br />Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-88471082575975898922011-09-09T09:44:00.001-04:002011-09-09T09:45:00.670-04:00I've Been Wondering...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From time to time, when I'm doing a mindless or tedious task such as loading the dishwasher, my mind begins to wander and I come up with some very deep and important questions about life. Here are some recent ones.<br />
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Why does the word vacuum have two u's? Why isn't it spelled vacume?<br />
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Why won't the freezer pack for the snack size container I bought for James' lunch box freeze, yet the sandwich size one freezes no problem?<br />
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Back in primitive times, what did pregnant women crave? There was no chocolate, or salty chips, or pickles and ice cream. Did they crave berries? Raw meat? Leaves? (Smart alecs need not comment on this one. It is not a hint about anything!)<br />
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Why must so many foods that taste good be so bad for you?<br />
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Why is the sky blue? (Sorry...I have young children and have been asked this question. I just had to throw it in there)<br />
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Why are kids so fascinated with water? I know that very young children are pretty much fascinated by anything, but water is one they continue to love. Any one with kids and a water table knows what I'm talking about!<br />
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Why did I wait until I had children to start drinking that magic elixir known as coffee?<br />
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When will I get to stop buying diapers? (note to those who know me...if Andrew has the same problem as James, just go ahead an book me a room at a psychiatric institution)<br />
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Is there a cookbook buyers anonymous?<br />
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Why are some people naturally organized at home, while I am...well....NOT?<br />
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Why is Andrew always the kid that gets the dirtiest?<br />
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Why are our kids ready to grow up so much sooner than we are ready to admit it?<br />
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How do I get rid of that border around the picture?Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-13463208114031153162011-09-06T17:06:00.000-04:002011-09-06T17:06:28.565-04:00"I Had a Great Day Today"So today was the day - James' first day of kindergarten! Can you see the slight bit of anticipation and excitement in his face as we waited for the bus? (It was raining...BOOOO...so we took the car instead of walking the short distance to the bus stop)<div>
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He was so excited he left his back pack in the car when the bus arrived (thankfully, Mom here was actually with it enough to notice). Here he is as we said goodbye just before the door closed. His bus driver's name is Herb...I liked him immediately. </div>
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While I thought for sure I'd be bawling my eyes out the minute he hopped on that bus, it didn't happen. He was so excited and happy, I couldn't help but be just as excited and happy as he was. And then when I got back in the car I had to soothe poor Andrew, who was quite sad the he did not get to go on the bus nor go to school. But after some reassurance that he will go to school soon too (preschool 2 mornings per week starting next week) he calmed down pretty quickly. Then we drove to Dunkin Donuts so I could get a giant coffee, and the tears (mine) came just about as I turned into the parking lot. But they weren't so bad. No bloodshot eyes, puffy eyelids, or stuffy nose to be seen. But wow...my first born is now a kindergartner!</div>
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After I got my caffeine fix, we had to head to the orthopaedic surgeon's office so I could get my stitches out.There was an accident on the highway going the other direction, but it still messed up my route. So we had to go the back roads, but I got there just in the nick of time....to wait. See, I wasn't the only one that got stuck in traffic. Ah well, these things happen. Stitches are out, wrist is functioning well for one week post-op, and I go back in October for another follow up with the surgeon himself (today was with a PA). Then I will schedule surgery on my right wrist - woohoo!</div>
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The rest of the day was spent wondering just how much anxiety is normal for a mother on her oldest child's first day of Kindergarten. Should I really have butterflies in my stomach all day? I also managed to convince Andrew to give me a few extra hugs by pouting my bottom lip. We played together a bit but he seemed to want to play by himself mostly today.</div>
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At 3:00, we got our jackets on and walked up the street to the bus stop. And waited a solid 20 minutes for the bus to arrive. I knew that is about when it would arrive since school doesn't even get out until 3:00, but you have to allow for extra time when dealing with a stubborn 3 year old! Today he was cooperative though, so we were early and waited. When the bus finally arrived we greeted James at the door (school rules..kindergartners must have a parent/older sibling there in order to get off the bus). His first words, even before "hi" were "I had a great day today!" and they were accompanied by his huge grin I love! You can't ask for more than that as a parent, can you?</div>
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When we arrived home, he immediately wanted to play angry birds on my ipod. But I insisted that he actually talk to me first! And then he just could not stop! He had so much to tell me, I can't remember it all and it's not even been 2 hours yet. Highlights include: chocolate milk at lunch (no more chocolate pudding with his lunch!), seeing a couple of kids he already knew at recess and on the way to the library, and having a cubby with his own supplies that include a box of crayons and pair of scissors. He seemed slightly disappointed that during free time they have to choose a station and stick with it (at least that's how I interpreted his lightening fast chatter). BUT..they did get to use two toys, so I guess that made it all OK.</div>
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It is so exciting to go through this journey with him. Though as many parents feel, I'm also a little sad that he is growing up so fast and I won't be there for as much of his life as I used to be. For now, I will send him off to school in the morning with anticipation, and anxiously await his arrival home to hear all he has to tell of his adventures that day.</div>
Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-89612930133916305782011-09-04T10:25:00.000-04:002011-09-04T10:25:30.188-04:00Random RamblingsHI! My name is Jean, and I'm a terrible blogger. Altogether now: "Hi Jean!" Why am I a terrible blogger? Because I get these ideas in my head of how I SHOULD write, instead of just writing what I WANT to write. And I constantly compare myself to other blogs I read and admire, and think to myself "my posts will never be as good as their posts, so why bother?" So then I let 5 months go by without any posts at all. But somewhere inside I know they don't have to be as "Good" as those other posts. I need to write whatever I want to write, or what I NEED to write. So...let's give this here blog another shot! <br />
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<li>I had endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release surgery on my left hand/wrist on Monday. WOW - what a difference it has made! And what a quick recovery! At this point, I still have to be careful about lifting, or putting pressure on it, but aside from that I pretty much have full use. And he did the stitches internally, so the incision which is about 1/2 inch long on my wrist crease, will be barely noticeable. GOD BLESS MODERN MEDICINE!! If you are considering the surgery, and your surgeon does it endoscopically, I HIGHLY recommend it! I will have my right hand done soon.</li>
<li>Spell check does not like "endoscopically" but none of the suggestions are right either, so I'm leaving it that way.</li>
<li>They gave me an IV antibiotic during the surgery. Last night and this morning I ate yogurt. Yes, those two points are related. Sigh...</li>
<li>My garden was kind of experimental this year, since we bought a share in the CSA again and get all the standard stuff from them. Here's a run down on what worked, and what didn't.<br />Heirloom Tomatoes - doing well. We've got red, pink and orangey-yellow tomatoes, all producing decent amounts. <br />Kohlrabi (white and purple) - grew well. But I'm not crazy about it, so I won't grow it again. Glad I tried it though.<br />Broccoli - got off to a slow start, but now it's doing great! I've got some that I need to steam and put in the freezer<br />Brussels Sprouts - looks like they'll be a dud. There are some little nubs on the stalks, but they've been there forever and they're not really doing much, plus looks like the head won't be tight if they do continue to grow.<br />Garlic - another dud. They didn't bulb up. The cloves that I planted (that I got from Gurney's) got slightly bigger, but that's about it. I'm guessing our soil isn't loose enough.<br />Watermelon Radishes - yet another dud. Once again, the soil must not be loose enough. They tried to grow above the ground. It's not working out so well.<br />Herbs - Rosemary, Italian Oregano, Sage and Spearmint. All growing beautifully - I should probably try and actually cook with them.<br />Rattlesnake Pole Beans - Producing well. Wish I had planted more.<br />Cucumbers (Bush crop and pickling) - doing alright, but not abundant.</li>
<li>James starts Kindergarten on Tuesday. Full day. I am not quite ready for this - but he sure is! If you hear some sobs at about 8:10am (Eastern time zone!), that will be me.</li>
<li>Andrew will start preschool on the 13th (two mornings per week). We're BOTH ready for that!</li>
<li>I had a significant birthday in July. I had a hard time with it. Still not used to telling people my age. But I had a blast in NYC with my sister-in-law a few weeks later when we went to see Rock of Ages on Broadway. FUN show, especially for this child of the 80's.</li>
<li>I finally decided I had too much gray hair for my liking (I started getting them when I was 18 - there are PLENTY!) and now go regularly to get it cut and colored. Even had some blond highlights put in this summer - fun! But of COURSE now that I'm finally going regularly to get my hair done, and found a stylist that I really like (i.e. she doesn't try and push all the expensive hair crap on me), she accepted a job another salon that is a little far for me. So the owner of the salon will be doing my hair now. She seems nice - hopefully she won't be too pushy with the "Product".</li>
<li>I haven't done a grocery shopping trip since August 6th. We get our veggies from the CSA, I've been to the local farm store for fruits, to a dairy farm for some milk, and Jeremy has picked up a few things here and there at the grocery store. Plus we have a good pantry and stocked freezer, so no need for any big shopping trips. But now it is time. We're out of some staples, like rice. So today, I will clip my coupons and make my list, then head on over to Market Basket. I'm not excited.</li>
<li>That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and hopefully I'll have more here soon!</li>
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Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-6563402751159520522011-04-04T16:57:00.000-04:002011-04-04T16:57:20.570-04:00RevelationsNot of the biblical kind though. More of the parental kind.<br />
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Saturday, I needed a little "me time" so I took myself to lunch. The diner I chose just happened to be near our branch of the MSPCA, so I just HAD to stop in. Because I'm that type of person. We used to have two kitties, but they passed away in 2008 and 2009, and we have not replaced them because of the children. Well, because of one certain precocious child in particular. But I really miss having kitties, and hope to add a couple to our home SOON. But that certain precocious child is still precocious, and I think it will take time to find just the right kitties. The MSPCA (and I imagine othe shelters as well) have info cards on the animals, so you can see their history (if known) and disposition. One of the items of concern is whether or not they are good with children. 99% of the time, "babies and toddlers" is not checked off or says NO in big fat letters. Often with and exclamation point as well! Hence why it will most likely be some time before we are able to adopt a pair. But most of the time "older children" IS checked off or has a YES next to it. The category in between is what led to my revelation. "School Aged Children". Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I was skipping over those as well (OK, I wasn't skipping over them, I oohed and aahed over each and every kitty!), until it hit me. Had JT been born 14 days earlier, or if we lived in another state, he WOULD be school aged! Heck, we just registered him for kindergarten the other day, so maybe that makes him "school-aged" already. <br />
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So, can someone please tell me how this sweet little baby boy weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and measuring 21.5 inches<br />
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is now this big boy that weighs about 50 lbs and is at least 48 inches?????<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1IUBWdadotAuXRa5-F9AoI7s86bemElwFZFF2pN41-dqRiY4b5DZhssMBVsRsyB6ulGWDgrcW0x9VT-7VSeNwro_OKnuOH-GWrXeO1Nzbs2jE4DGupkEliyurSLNqSRx2T1wmzf9_eE/s1600/DSC_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1IUBWdadotAuXRa5-F9AoI7s86bemElwFZFF2pN41-dqRiY4b5DZhssMBVsRsyB6ulGWDgrcW0x9VT-7VSeNwro_OKnuOH-GWrXeO1Nzbs2jE4DGupkEliyurSLNqSRx2T1wmzf9_eE/s320/DSC_0526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-53781894894884103162011-03-14T15:37:00.000-04:002011-03-14T15:37:54.941-04:00Thoughts from the Grocery Store<div>The new item you've been wanting try that's on sale and for which you have a kick-ass coupon is out of stock. There will be plenty on the shelf when you think to look again, it is no longer on sale and the coupon is expired.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The reason all that half and half in the half gallon carton is on sale (even the fat free kind you use!) is because the usually long expiration dates are getting close.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Other shoppers are more important than you. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for them to leave their cart(s) parked in such a way as to prevent you from passing by. And they are also allowed to give you a dirty look for touching their cart to move it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The employees stocking the shelves will deposit an 8 foot tall stack of boxes right in front of the shelf from which you want to grab something.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Phew! You're not the only one that sings along and dances to the piped in oldies.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Oh goody! They have a few packages of chicken feet today!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I remember the days when cabbage was on sale for $0.10 per pound for St. Patrick's day. Now it's a whopping $0.25 per pound!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Is that pre-teen boy in line with his Mom in front of you a.) home-schooled b.)skipping school or c.) home sick (he does have awfully casual pants on that could be PJ's) and therefore spreading his germs to everyone in the store? </div><div><br />
</div><div>To the bagger: I provided more than enough bags to hold my groceries. There is no need to put all of the heavy items into one bag just because they "fit." Perhaps some of those items could have been placed in the bag that held only a roll of aluminum foil. Or maybe into one of the EMPTY bags.</div><div><br />
</div><div>You know you look frazzled when instead of telling you the usual "you're going to miss this age" the nice elderly lady parked next to you says "It's going to be one of those days. I don't miss it at all", as she watches you wrestle your screaming and kicking 2 year-old into his car seat (all because you wouldn't allow him to open his door all the way and dent the nice elderly lady's car).</div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-88374701342968925662011-01-20T12:58:00.000-05:002011-01-20T12:58:10.899-05:00The Little OneSomeone enjoyed his breakfast the other day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvRoD3puWKEwNc0tcpFKMFGqhSCq9goLa89v1o40-vGLKWEzPvcSLYk0O7NhAj6Gw-IxqIIy9i7YKTuGDp3OAVywR4xcHWLvYNUhDyi89bz5HaOxuxdVvLIQeaxd8cDwVZ7TAX8ULvo/s1600/DSC_0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvRoD3puWKEwNc0tcpFKMFGqhSCq9goLa89v1o40-vGLKWEzPvcSLYk0O7NhAj6Gw-IxqIIy9i7YKTuGDp3OAVywR4xcHWLvYNUhDyi89bz5HaOxuxdVvLIQeaxd8cDwVZ7TAX8ULvo/s320/DSC_0207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>And yes, he also needs a haircut! But that won't happen as I had planned today, since he is not feeling well. After having some tummy troubles yesterday - and being extra snuggly and cuddly, which I can't say I minded one bit! - he now has a cold. So we'll save the trip to Snip-Its for next week. Since we are supposed to get even MORE SNOW tomorrow! When is Spring???</div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-61508964627977885732011-01-14T22:09:00.000-05:002011-01-14T22:09:32.741-05:00snow daySRemember in my last post, how I said I was not so fond of winter? Well, I think mother nature was laughing at me this week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4f3zNYBecl02AILtM-Zh_SqvckanLfAtLFA44iZXiEUjgXN5wbFO954ZUIdr895K1cMG8ni2-ZoPeemfJlxA7p9RjHyZXwevs1c24eCAncsObBc12ym7UaPdys_kWkGphJQpalBOgEY/s1600/DSC_0130e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4f3zNYBecl02AILtM-Zh_SqvckanLfAtLFA44iZXiEUjgXN5wbFO954ZUIdr895K1cMG8ni2-ZoPeemfJlxA7p9RjHyZXwevs1c24eCAncsObBc12ym7UaPdys_kWkGphJQpalBOgEY/s320/DSC_0130e.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our back door Wednesday morning.<br />
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</tbody></table>Depending on which source you consulted, we got somewhere between 19 and 22 inches in less than 24 hours. School was canceled for 2 days (and almost a third!). The boys of course love it. And I must admit, watching them maneuver through snow up their waists in some spots is pretty funny.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmeoNY-rLFyoj1_UyH0HSl7ofMD6h6LpPZ9rs_Y5G2mmTWeH7vot7R6Nfq7kpdYvQyMbw9vDZ13SvL79ZneDf9KBq-pD-b67oS9jEauDV6zNV_cq5ZgpZPp2fs6z5V20sJCP5Blm9Hjs/s1600/DSC_0156e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmeoNY-rLFyoj1_UyH0HSl7ofMD6h6LpPZ9rs_Y5G2mmTWeH7vot7R6Nfq7kpdYvQyMbw9vDZ13SvL79ZneDf9KBq-pD-b67oS9jEauDV6zNV_cq5ZgpZPp2fs6z5V20sJCP5Blm9Hjs/s320/DSC_0156e.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK84Qn7ym_fHla6YhkXFQBfMR7Xo3C_VZI_iAlecMPjjTjnxFDgIRNxf4rbO7r3HqUQDhuK3PB7A1wViFPRVb-LXxhCwfnpB4Esdl6WXFq6XgPqkhScDlGT00HAqy6VczXtWYHCa1Ms_s/s1600/DSC_0154e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK84Qn7ym_fHla6YhkXFQBfMR7Xo3C_VZI_iAlecMPjjTjnxFDgIRNxf4rbO7r3HqUQDhuK3PB7A1wViFPRVb-LXxhCwfnpB4Esdl6WXFq6XgPqkhScDlGT00HAqy6VczXtWYHCa1Ms_s/s320/DSC_0154e.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">But really, I'm done. So Mother Nature - I respect you and all of your power. But please, have pity on me. Give us a few moderate snow storms to keep the plowers in business, but no more of this crazy blizzard nonsense for the rest of the season. We get the point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-74903331485396225772011-01-09T20:51:00.000-05:002011-01-09T20:51:33.077-05:00My Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5m2IALBRVO434VnGG-udiH0-gTU0oL3pnqBKUq3ybzErQasXIqJ-Tm7ugtnDLM8AuK4xSHbYibaf7lI1-ird-cOWT_KqAvLculpc9Z8UNw49s18_HYzsui0mm_M7JncKAdJ0Yh9V83Q/s1600/DSC_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>It's winter. To be honest...I hate winter, for the most part. I don't like being cold, and I don't like dealing with snow. But I live in New England and can't see myself living anywhere else. I love having four distinct seasons, my favorite being fall. The cool air and beautiful colors get me every year. But back to right now and winter. During the week, I can not avoid "dealing with" winter. I must get out there to bring JT to preK, or supervise playing in the snow, or run errands, etc. - you know the drill. But on weekends, since my dear hubby JC is home during the day and does his share of "Dad duty", I can barricade myself inside on Friday afternoon and not step foot outside again until Monday morning. I try not to do that too often, but this weekend that was pretty much the story. So how did I fill my time?<br />
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I made Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese for the second time in my life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggynQ7sJZ_wkQXEWgq5LAA0EhZy8yGxdr2dmfU2vz66tF_BmURJU58um2d2IUvilwzKzSgfm31mWoRokBn1SHPWfZ7_sC7W6y_LvSTwtNbFlArOh_saGG5a4KTOL-WfVoV_MXrYiv_nZ4/s1600/DSC_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggynQ7sJZ_wkQXEWgq5LAA0EhZy8yGxdr2dmfU2vz66tF_BmURJU58um2d2IUvilwzKzSgfm31mWoRokBn1SHPWfZ7_sC7W6y_LvSTwtNbFlArOh_saGG5a4KTOL-WfVoV_MXrYiv_nZ4/s320/DSC_0115.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steaming hot Ricotta, draining the whey off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I allowed the destruction of many poor, little green pigs by some birds with attitude.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5m2IALBRVO434VnGG-udiH0-gTU0oL3pnqBKUq3ybzErQasXIqJ-Tm7ugtnDLM8AuK4xSHbYibaf7lI1-ird-cOWT_KqAvLculpc9Z8UNw49s18_HYzsui0mm_M7JncKAdJ0Yh9V83Q/s1600/DSC_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5m2IALBRVO434VnGG-udiH0-gTU0oL3pnqBKUq3ybzErQasXIqJ-Tm7ugtnDLM8AuK4xSHbYibaf7lI1-ird-cOWT_KqAvLculpc9Z8UNw49s18_HYzsui0mm_M7JncKAdJ0Yh9V83Q/s320/DSC_0119.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JT playing "Angry Birds" on my iPod Touch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>I made some lasagna with the above-mentioned cheeses, as well some homemade sauce.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfKgggI0vPYCya1AvimNJAYhfz7frRItaQS-F9nMMAN2qvAfX5Zm8RmHqaHW7qcX_fW2fdR9kVr0Jq59aq-_0QDiSe4n9uQCdjH56oBtoAwWtK2Xh7gQHpK8msgeu8HqhI29_tvSHHak/s1600/DSC_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfKgggI0vPYCya1AvimNJAYhfz7frRItaQS-F9nMMAN2qvAfX5Zm8RmHqaHW7qcX_fW2fdR9kVr0Jq59aq-_0QDiSe4n9uQCdjH56oBtoAwWtK2Xh7gQHpK8msgeu8HqhI29_tvSHHak/s320/DSC_0123.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I had left more mozzarella cheese to put on top, but it was still yummy.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>And I did a little laundry (though it still needs to be folded!), washed a few dishes, did general "Mom" type stuff, and may have spent <s>too much time</s> a little bit of time on facebook . </div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-76512997461369522892011-01-06T17:09:00.002-05:002011-01-06T17:09:22.189-05:00Some Things I've LearnedOn the top of the list? I'm a terrible blogger! I just can't seem to keep at it. Part of the problem is that I think up these "great" posts in my head, but when I type them out they seem pretty lame. Or by the time I CAN type them out I forget what my supposed great idea was. But who knows...maybe the new year will mean new things for me and blogging. Though I doubt it.<br />
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But on to the real point of this post - Some things I've learned as a parent. I became a Mom just over 5 years ago. And I have gained much wisdom since that day. Wisdom that I will share with you, should there be any of "you" left!<br />
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The two most exciting things in a little boy's life are Grandparents...and the garbage truck! (Sorry to lump you in with garbage grandparents, but at least I listed you first!).<br />
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The word "butt" is absolutely the most hysterical word in the English language. There is nothing you, as a parent, can do to stop your child from saying it once he has figured out the inherent humor. Accept it and move on!<br />
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You can in fact be feeling completely flustered, flummoxed, and frazzled at your child's horrid behavior one moment, and the next laughing so hard you're crying because he just did the funniest thing you've ever seen.<br />
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You can never take too many pictures of your sweet cherubs. Every single shift in expression must be recorded for posterity's sake!<br />
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A plain cardboard box will in fact be one of your child's most prized possessions. <br />
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There WILL be seemingly trivial moments when you look at your child and feel overwhelmed with love for them. Even a simple moment like sitting on the floor, flipping through a book.<br />
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There WILL be moments when you wish you could run from your house screaming like a mad woman, leaving someone else to deal with your <s>demonic spawns </s> children.<br />
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The worst childhood illnesses always happen in the middle of the night. Thank goodness for 24 hour pharmacies!<br />
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Once you have children, you will think wistfully back to a time when you could go out for a night on the town, or even away for the weekend, on a moment's notice. Even if you never actually did that before you had children. Ahem.<br />
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No matter how bad "it" is, there is someone else going through "it" too. Google it...you'll find a website, forum or article that deals with "it". The internet makes the world a very small place -you're never alone.<br />
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When you have more than one child, you may very well have to do things very differently with the 2nd (or 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 20th) than you did with the first. For instance, just because child #1 slept through the night at 5 weeks, and would fall asleep on his own at 5 months, does not mean your other child(ren) will. Not that I know from experience or anything. (where's that sarcasm font when you need it?)<br />
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As soon as you pick up the phone, your children will deem that "make as much noise as humanly possible" time. And they will insist on talking to whomever it is on the other end, before they know who it is, or whether they know them or not.<br />
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You will never appreciate quiet as much as you do when you have children. And I suspect that empty-nesters will tell me that you never appreciate a noisy house until those same children are grown up and on their own.<br />
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There are times when you will think your child cannot possibly eat any more food. Yet five minutes (or less) later you will once again hear "Mommy, I'm still hungry."<br />
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Finally, for now, because I have to feed a couple of hungry boys, always have a sense of humor about things. Because more than likely, whatever it is that's getting you riled up at the moment won't matter in a few years, or even a few days.<br />
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Now, if I could only remember to apply all of this wonderful wisdom I've attained.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-48976145146627588212010-08-20T09:30:00.000-04:002010-08-20T09:32:10.631-04:00I've been monetized!I've decided to put ads up, and maybe make a little money (because I have such a huge readership). Not sure how I feel about it yet. But so far it doesn't look obnoxious. If I think it's getting that way, I'll take it down. The ads are supposed to be relevant. However the first one I saw was for shoes with a giant spiked heel. Hmmmmmm. But the second was about food and gardening - that sounds more like it. <br /><br />If you have an opinion about ads on blogs, please share it (good or bad). If you happen to see something offensive, please let me now. And as always, thanks for reading!<br /><br /><br />Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-64136886637181839922010-08-15T00:10:00.000-04:002010-08-15T00:10:08.771-04:00Catching UpSo, it's been a little while since I blogged. I guess we've had a lot going on!<br />
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The last time I wrote here, we had just heard the sad news that JC's grandmother passed away. At age 93, you can't say it was a life taken too soon. But nonetheless, it was a sad occurrence. Though she already had dementia when I had the privilege of meeting her, I feel so blessed to have know her. She lived right down the street from the home JC grew up in and where his parents still reside. She was of course a big part of his childhood and life. I am so proud to have given her two great-grandsons, and will never forget the obvious joy she had when she met JT for the first time. She lived in her own home until a stroke at age 91 - not too bad, eh? She met LW for the first time shortly after her stroke, so she was not as mobile or able to speak well, but her joy was still apparent at that meeting. She led a simple life, and as such made a request years ago to have only a simple grave side service when she died. So there we stood on a hot, humid morning in July to say good bye. The service was short an sweet - not enough time for me to turn into a sobbing mess as I usually do at these things. And we answered about a million questions from JT, including "Why can't I jump in there?" (referring to the open grave). But he did well, though has several times mentioned that he misses his great-grandma. He does seem to have some sense of what death means, though obviously still has many questions - some hard to answer, some simple. LW is too little to know what was going on, and as active as he is I had to take him for a little walk around the cemetery during the service. That evening after the service, as we were getting the boys to bed, my mother-in-law was sitting outside during a break in the thunderstorms and downpours we'd been having. And what appears in the sky, but a gorgeous double rainbow! A sign from Grandma perhaps?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sln_8k2wrbjW22PDJGel-lpjSeQJZtmyhBpG83bMl2GTGQmtDh8WPY2q0AxQ_H52M1wt2ZGsqEyAEb3XBKcKbVHgck9ZIXU-AcVaAkapWKlpgdUwLGFTqqqHuP2ZaYnRVW7iasQ2-lA/s1600/DSC_0916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sln_8k2wrbjW22PDJGel-lpjSeQJZtmyhBpG83bMl2GTGQmtDh8WPY2q0AxQ_H52M1wt2ZGsqEyAEb3XBKcKbVHgck9ZIXU-AcVaAkapWKlpgdUwLGFTqqqHuP2ZaYnRVW7iasQ2-lA/s320/DSC_0916.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now comes the task of cleaning out Grandma's house, barn and chicken coop (both full of some interesting farming equipment and tools). JC and his brother will go up one weekend soon to help out - and I will pray that JC does not come home with a truck-full like he has threatened!<br />
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Last weekend, JC and I had our annual vacation to Watkins Glen, NY for some NASCAR racing, and the boys had their vacation at my parents! I really needed that break from every day life. Summer can be LONG when you are home with two little boys! We had a great time. We were able to visit with some friends one day (JC used to live up in that area, which is about 7 hours from where we live now), then enjoyed two days of racing. I don't watch much racing at home anymore - kind of hard to do that with two boys that need to be entertained. So I'm a little rusty on who drives which car since there are always some that change owners and car numbers. Even a major sponsor change throws me off! But there is something about being at the track that is exciting. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the fans - all add to the experience. The view from our seats (41 one rows up in the grandstand!!) is breathtaking:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kQX2oyP6TZsTQTsfOmBKScXwNhihFUJ5yp31f5pN7QSus0FRzqfJ3IfL94JRnhOBUX9yvj6YUTZfN-i6T36my-7cDsJ1109lBw3QT0x-iJri6uV9ezYgUPBy9cJ5fM26B8zlAG7waZM/s1600/DSC_0983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kQX2oyP6TZsTQTsfOmBKScXwNhihFUJ5yp31f5pN7QSus0FRzqfJ3IfL94JRnhOBUX9yvj6YUTZfN-i6T36my-7cDsJ1109lBw3QT0x-iJri6uV9ezYgUPBy9cJ5fM26B8zlAG7waZM/s320/DSC_0983.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This track is located on a mountain, in the Finger Lakes region of NY, close to Seneca Lake. We usually stay about 45 minutes away at the other end of the lake, and the drive is gorgeous! Vineyards every where you look (this is wine country!), as well as all sorts of other fields and farms. Last year we discovered a delightful little store run by an Amish family, so we stopped there again this year. Oh the quilts! We did not buy any, as they are not a cheap item. But there was plenty of other stuff to ogle at in our price range as well. I managed to limit my purchases to a jar of pickled Okra, a jar of Peach butter, and a framed stitched saying. The woman at the front says she remembered us from last year when we mentioned we had been there before - not sure if that's true or not, but it still gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. If we ever get our act together and make our hotel reservations more than a month in advance, I don't think I want to stay any closer, because frankly I'd miss the drive (well, the parts I am awake for anyway).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JT and LW also enjoyed their little vacation with Grandma and Grandpa. I was a little concerned that LW would have trouble when we left, as he has been going through quite the Mommy phase this summer and often screams if I walk out the door without him. But of course there was no need! He cried for about 20 seconds when we left (he had a little trouble understanding that we were leaving and he was staying and tried to walk out the door with us). But Grandma got him a stool so she could see us out the window and he had a smile on his face as he waved good bye. JT looked absolutely giddy in the window! What a relief! They got to do/see some exciting stuff while they were there. My parents live in a condo, and some of the units in the complex were in desperate need of new front steps. As luck would have it, one of the sets of steps was being installed the first morning. As many of you know, anything construction related is HUGE excitement for little boys! In fact, I am told that LW actually sat still in his stroller for about an hour watching the whole thing! They also went to a trolley museum and got to ride on a trolley, and it sounds like they absolutely loved it. They both napped well every day, and it sounds like LW did pretty well staying in his bed for the most part. LW apparently amazed Grandma and Grandpa with his appetite - there's a reason he wears some clothes the same size at JT's. We are so thankful to my parents for being willing and able to take the boys so we can have a little R&R!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been enjoying a bounty of veggies from our garden and the CSA. The lettuce is taking a break, and we're getting a great variety of vegetables, including these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4QDtFpwLEMd2tDmoNVQUT4eF5r3CO4goqsQP8EeLxBGv1bxhG6yL6al6GhYP5YiFdDBq46BqDKGkc9yJz0eJquurUy0uPfrFx-t-fwr0CShXM21o7C_cnuN76KwPd5H_6uQKMoUz6uo/s1600/DSC_0961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4QDtFpwLEMd2tDmoNVQUT4eF5r3CO4goqsQP8EeLxBGv1bxhG6yL6al6GhYP5YiFdDBq46BqDKGkc9yJz0eJquurUy0uPfrFx-t-fwr0CShXM21o7C_cnuN76KwPd5H_6uQKMoUz6uo/s320/DSC_0961.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought we had identified this through the magic of Facebook as a Kabocha squash, a.k.a. Japanese pumpkin. But the CSA is calling it a buttercup squash. I thought the buttercup had a funky bump on the bottom, but what do I know? I baked it with butter and brown sugar, and it was pretty tasty. And I am generally not a winter-squash eater. We got a mid-season update email from the CSA. Apparently the hot weather is causing some issues, including with the carrots. Which might explain this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_51gUrTw_6ZliYIXYSQz6Z8N4KEZjGWlEBsCM9qdCgo9KKpzANYLjG0j0P6HrfdXhwLwHseO5MrDxsnxPofcgHilV5KfP2sHqzUmGr-0mkCGaj0DzezfBjjm5FfreZWGyswsahbtYyH0/s1600/DSC_0963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_51gUrTw_6ZliYIXYSQz6Z8N4KEZjGWlEBsCM9qdCgo9KKpzANYLjG0j0P6HrfdXhwLwHseO5MrDxsnxPofcgHilV5KfP2sHqzUmGr-0mkCGaj0DzezfBjjm5FfreZWGyswsahbtYyH0/s320/DSC_0963.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought only home gardens grew crazy carrots like this? Our own garden is going gangbusters. I am quite giddy that we have some very promising watermelons and cantaloupes (muskmelons in actuality). I have never grown melons before, so I am excited that we may get some produce out of them. I also planted a six pack of mystery heirloom tomatoes. Some appear to be "normal" red tomatoes. But a couple of plants are producing these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfaQvOB1neNeSLdWnycfmMxZXOGd9gkOGwFyN9-89oKWBnKUfmnnuEq9quOw8fvGCMid4zx4fFtXAWvKs3d_2ULedCEoVmMufuxFXikqrtPs-BLn320NU0A7TZPyR1A2YPZRlFsir6Rc/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfaQvOB1neNeSLdWnycfmMxZXOGd9gkOGwFyN9-89oKWBnKUfmnnuEq9quOw8fvGCMid4zx4fFtXAWvKs3d_2ULedCEoVmMufuxFXikqrtPs-BLn320NU0A7TZPyR1A2YPZRlFsir6Rc/s320/DSC_0162.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's more of a pink color than red. And quite tasty too. We've got wax beans and pole beans coming out of our ears - too bad I don't currently have extra freezer space to preserve them (thanks to a Junk man that thought it acceptable to get permission from a 4 year old to remove our old refrigerator that was sitting up by the house - not by the curb - so I could hose it down before we put it in the basement. Grrrrrrrrr). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JT will be turning five in a month. Wow...where has the time gone? This is the first year I've really asked him what he wants. The first thing he mentioned was his own watering can, and his own plant to water! Goodness, I LOVE this kid!! Oh he's not totally easy to please - he also wants a trampoline and a batman computer (does that even exist???). But I was so tickled pink at the first thing that came to mind. Of course now he tells everybody that he's getting several of the items on the list, despite my reminders that he won't necessarily get everything on it. And I get that "I KNOW" with attitude - all the moms know what I'm talking about! He also wants to help bake his own cake, and decorate it. I made a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Zucchini-Cake-II/Detail.aspx">chocolate zucchini cake</a> today and he went and told Daddy I was making his birthday cake. Have I said how much I love this kid?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've started cloth diapering LW, for the most part. He outgrew disposable diapers a couple months ago, and pull-ups are just so pricey. So a friend sent some cloth trainers to try, and I was happy with them so I bought those from her as well as a few more on line. We've really only started full-force this week, and so far so good. Of course I am not the one that was on kid duty when he had his first explosive output, so maybe you should ask JC how well it's going! I didn't buy a large supply of trainers, because he is already two, so he gets one disposable a day depending on where we are with the laundry. But he sure does look cute in them! And yes, I do feel a little regret at not having tried it sooner. The thought of all those disposables in a landfill doesn't fill me with parenting pride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JT will be starting a new program this week. I don't feel comfortable saying what it's for here, since it is something that could cause embarrassment for him down the road, despite it not being all that uncommon. It's a six week program, at a highly-regarded children's hospital. So we have hope that by the end of September the issue will be resolved! (Those that are reading and know us in real life probably know what I am talking about. Sorry for being so cryptive to those that don't). Too bad we now have new insurance that requires us to pay copays -blech! But so glad to have insurance!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure there some things that I have missed, since it's been FOUR WEEKS since my last entry. But it's way too late already and I AM on kid duty in the morning, so I need to hit the hay! Good night!!</div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-27270188168821042272010-07-17T21:56:00.000-04:002010-07-17T21:56:30.219-04:00Mystery VegetableWe got a mystery vegetable in our box from the CSA today. Just for fun, to see if people could guess. They did it last year too and said they had some pretty interesting guesses. As soon as I cut into it I knew almost certainly what it was, though not the name of the variety. Then I cheated and googled it. Do you know what it is?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmG6G3Zl8yA9ay_1xHG_GzInc2abE1pm2WjN76pMa2lzGXeWc46u52wMH78_ZJcFYt66zXUCwPb8R-mcXHl10zAI4k8iBsdCxp5FjUD4efrlSX67fY4vZCGOXeUsopMgzT7WPjnoweYY/s1600/DSC_0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmG6G3Zl8yA9ay_1xHG_GzInc2abE1pm2WjN76pMa2lzGXeWc46u52wMH78_ZJcFYt66zXUCwPb8R-mcXHl10zAI4k8iBsdCxp5FjUD4efrlSX67fY4vZCGOXeUsopMgzT7WPjnoweYY/s320/DSC_0913.jpg" /></a></div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-91002695795192059032010-07-16T14:42:00.000-04:002010-07-16T14:42:07.889-04:00What's that flying around my butterfly bushes?Ever seen one (or more) of these creatures?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh755fwMIJvCL9xOg3_GWaQeKFX8-GEZW9Om2syw56T7-n_PDm-DzhNdm4B_t4qz0y0FYC3-mnb6V4ycqXzYTQsaKK5FLVMu60qSyoTcvQILNnGKYN61cZ4o3UKBov4aEf1ZMBDTJlzLks/s1600/DSC_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh755fwMIJvCL9xOg3_GWaQeKFX8-GEZW9Om2syw56T7-n_PDm-DzhNdm4B_t4qz0y0FYC3-mnb6V4ycqXzYTQsaKK5FLVMu60qSyoTcvQILNnGKYN61cZ4o3UKBov4aEf1ZMBDTJlzLks/s400/DSC_0896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydccsb8Tu3zq5NMozjFlnHE97TDP4WNVB64AJgymTGBwNOf0JwC93TgmveFZ5fbGYCnJWal66vdawfUlNQ3q93zIOMKTCz8lvTO7fgo4ZC0lOOX55OUzOmHQdNW7EIJN6LAETtO6x81o/s1600/DSC_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydccsb8Tu3zq5NMozjFlnHE97TDP4WNVB64AJgymTGBwNOf0JwC93TgmveFZ5fbGYCnJWal66vdawfUlNQ3q93zIOMKTCz8lvTO7fgo4ZC0lOOX55OUzOmHQdNW7EIJN6LAETtO6x81o/s400/DSC_0897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I hadn't until a few years ago. We've had the butterfly bushes for 7 years (a gift for our first anniversary), but didn't start seeing these creatures until the bushes were a few years old. When I first saw them, I thought they looked like flying lobsters. I think it was my mom who informed me that they are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird_moth">Hummingbird Moths</a>. And I believe these would be the "clear wing" variety. As you might guess from their nickname, most people think they're baby hummingbirds at first. I don't have much of a zoom lens (55mm) so it was hard to get good detail on them, since they'd fly to another flower when I tried to get close enough for a macro shot. But I think you get the idea. I love to watch them flit around from flower to flower. Not sure where they came from or how they found our bushes, but I'm glad they did.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-30017198353424013632010-07-15T23:00:00.000-04:002010-07-15T23:00:01.943-04:00The Sunshine Award<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIT7GRHK2o7BvWXbaMO9_FjI147fn8LZ8KoodmOP5KdYwnZRXcLzHJ3FzwpvePfs07G2mc6F5pQUkuqk4_zQHvqV_30HKuYf6_8hh78Hs8UvUq47eyvaxNVU8PUlKzPA119y7-uMoEV8/s320/sunshine_award.jpg" /></div>I was so surprised and touched to see that I had received The Sunshine Award from Maureen at <a href="http://www.wisconsinmommy.com/">Wisconsin Mommy</a>. Maureen is my cousin and we are only a few months apart in age. We spent many holidays together, and I often wonder what it felt like for my family of seven to invade the home of her family of three! Fast forward a "few" years to present day - Maureen moved out to Wisconsin when she married her husband, so we haven't seen each other in TOO MANY years. But thanks to technology, we've been able to keep in touch and see what's going on in each other's lives. Hopefully we'll have occasion to get together soon - I know that our boys would get along great! Maureen is Mom to adorable "Little J", former teacher, current part-time stay at home mom/part-time instructional coach, with a lot of great tips on parenting and ways to save some money. Head on over and she might have a give-away that's right up your alley!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Sunshine Award comes with a few rules:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Put the award on your blog and/or within your post.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Pass the award on to twelve (12) bloggers.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Link to the nominees within your post.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. Share the love and the link to the person from whom you received the award.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div style="font-size: 16px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So here goes the passing of the sunshine...</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jessica from <a href="http://doodlebuglounge.blogspot.com/">The Entertaining House</a> and <a href="http://doodlebugkitchen.blogspot.com/">The Entertaining Kitchen</a>. Jessica is a mom of three, a fabulous writer, great cook, fashionista, and photographer. She has loads of great stories about her childhood, and some DELICIOUS recipes. All told with her witty sense of humor.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Marie from <a href="http://everydaymatters-marie.blogspot.com/">Everyday Matters</a>. Marie is also a mom of three and runs a day care in her home. She has many creative ideas of things to do with kids. And the love for her children is glaringly obvious in her posts! And like me she joined a CSA for the first time this year, and gets excited every week to see what she gets.</li>
<li>JoAnna from <a href="http://noexpectationsmeansnodisappointment.blogspot.com/">No Expectations</a>. Mom of 4 under 5, military wife, Doula, someone who will travel the ends of the earth for a friend in need. She doesn't make it all sound easy, but she gets it done and done well. Someone I wish I could get know in real life. </li>
<li>Jenn from <a href="http://crossingtheprairie.blogspot.com/">Crossing the Prairie</a>. Mom of three - two adopted from Ethiopia - and military wife. She has a love of family and love of cooking that inspires me. She's a fellow gardener, though I'm pretty sure her garden trumps mine! And she makes her own cheese - need I say more?</li>
<li>Tamra from <a href="http://todaysmodernmother.com/">Today's Modern Mother</a>. Tamra recently gave birth to her seventh child! She's a homeschooling, cloth diapering, breastfeeding Mama. She's also a talented photographer. </li>
<li>Girlsmom (don't think she has her name on her blog) from <a href="http://growingwiththegirls.blogspot.com/">Growing With the Girls</a> Mom to two adorable little girls, massage therapist, and brave northern soul who lives where it was still snowing in June! </li>
</ol></div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-85167640407244526442010-07-13T15:13:00.000-04:002010-07-13T15:13:57.015-04:00The Boys of SummerThe boys are spending a lot of time in our stream this summer. Actually, I think it might be a brook. I finally looked up the definitions on dictionary.com, and brook seems to be a smaller flow of water. Frankly I'm surprised it took so long for it to be discovered - though not so surprised that LW was the first to check it out. I'm thankful that I bought them both sandals that are made to get wet, and that I've broken LW's addiction to socks (at least while he's wearing sandals). Some days, they each soak/dirty a couple of outfits in the stream. But that's OK - it keeps them occupied, and I get to do a little work in the garden while still able to keep an eye on them. We're guessing that LW will be the first to bring us some creature that he captured in the stream, such as a frog.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkjfmFjZpgcVG4RQqlN-okUPAr97r8y00aSVase9O9pkij9S4mbnSOFOZcVjcQ7qgiGPjuUy_-L5G3_DxyA01uMEkeiv2MXDYomzovg0LUZ_wySFapbGX2YWC-DfxSi9O5VHZp93zsL8/s1600/DSC_0861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkjfmFjZpgcVG4RQqlN-okUPAr97r8y00aSVase9O9pkij9S4mbnSOFOZcVjcQ7qgiGPjuUy_-L5G3_DxyA01uMEkeiv2MXDYomzovg0LUZ_wySFapbGX2YWC-DfxSi9O5VHZp93zsL8/s320/DSC_0861.jpg" /></a></div>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-17189468805078769072010-07-12T23:51:00.002-04:002010-07-12T23:52:18.748-04:00A Day out With Thomas<div style="text-align: center;">As I mentioned in my previous post, we took the boys for a ride on Thomas The Train yesterday. We started on the road around 10am. Our tickets were for the 3:15 trip, but it's about a 2.5 hour drive, and we wanted to take our time. We took the scenic route through the mountains, which is always worth the extra time. Both boys got a little sleep on the way, and we made one pit stop at a ranger station. At one point, LW started repeating "Thomas? Where are you?" over and over. Really cute, if you can imagine his two year old voice. Lunch was interesting - LW ate like it was his last meal, JT had about two bites. Maybe he was just too excited and nervous. When we got to the station, it was obvious parking was going to be a difficult task. But we finally discovered a poorly signed lot, that landed us right behind the station! Thomas was there when we arrived, but soon left on a trip, which led JT to have a pretty good meltdown. It seemed like no matter what we said, he was convinced that we had missed our turn to ride! Eventually he did calm down, and we made our potty stops, picked up our tickets, and checked out some of the activities. Then Thomas came back. JT and LW were beyond excited. Can you tell?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhen9c1C6hdy0KhQ12MMSEq3JNLrIqcNryp8GEezOnQR7tlUCFCARBk9GqAeZ6XsrdmZ2XCGFE9HajSaJ9GFJKyjbG0JDHUEHc5UmAeDwiOIHK1opDi3hGzXdGjQOorOMZW8lH1fBLbY/s1600/DSC_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhen9c1C6hdy0KhQ12MMSEq3JNLrIqcNryp8GEezOnQR7tlUCFCARBk9GqAeZ6XsrdmZ2XCGFE9HajSaJ9GFJKyjbG0JDHUEHc5UmAeDwiOIHK1opDi3hGzXdGjQOorOMZW8lH1fBLbY/s320/DSC_0805.jpg" /></a></div>Once they calmed down a bit, we meandered our way over to Thomas and boarded. LW went right up the stairs and chose the first seat he came to. Have I mentioned how excited they were? We had about 10 minutes until the train left, so there was a lot of "sit down" and "keep your hands and head inside" being said. But eventually it was time. Thomas' whistle sounded, and the old train started moving (and squeaking and creaking). Unfortunately, the seats LW chose were not on the scenic side - we had a lovely view of several backyards, trailer parks, parking lots and dumpsters. But the train was not overly crowded so it was easy enough to look out the window on the other side and see the beautiful mountains (and ominous dark clouds). But I don't think the boys cared what they saw, as they seemed enthralled by all of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToto_TVNmX7GvfdT071f7RQvOlNZXBGGPL_j2H85BDA4I6t9La1TiFI0T95YYTzzeW2Jzz05cdE8oTfLvzPfVIQKCBQAWSA6YA0GK6VAb9lQ5Hv69M1aBMKPb1FsdnERdCuY_tpMCaj4/s1600/DSC_0832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToto_TVNmX7GvfdT071f7RQvOlNZXBGGPL_j2H85BDA4I6t9La1TiFI0T95YYTzzeW2Jzz05cdE8oTfLvzPfVIQKCBQAWSA6YA0GK6VAb9lQ5Hv69M1aBMKPb1FsdnERdCuY_tpMCaj4/s320/DSC_0832.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvWyDt1GnTnKk02cmK12aBioPjLer-VyYCgixxN1Gh3g8GIUgtSnx2dBMlgge_ELb1bi0pnzIUAgE3EBmvuhHFEEape6f643xzErDbuG8btiz5aEz4Qgx6L0O6dg_m8hHvNkiZs5N3r4/s1600/DSC_0831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvWyDt1GnTnKk02cmK12aBioPjLer-VyYCgixxN1Gh3g8GIUgtSnx2dBMlgge_ELb1bi0pnzIUAgE3EBmvuhHFEEape6f643xzErDbuG8btiz5aEz4Qgx6L0O6dg_m8hHvNkiZs5N3r4/s320/DSC_0831.jpg" /></a></div>It's only about a 25 minute ride, and it goes by quickly when you're wrapped up in your children's excitement. As we pulled back into the station, those dark clouds opened up and it started to rain. It wasn't too bad, so we had time to dash over to the "Imagination Station" tent without getting drenched. This tent was full of hands on activities for the kids, a train table, a lego table, arts and crafts, face painting and temporary tattoos. They boys occupied themselves for quite some time. The train table was the HOT spot...a line of little boys and girls, all with their hand on a train, going around the table. There were also a couple of bouncy houses, and JT had fun on one of those. I saw something about a huge old tortoise roaming around, but we didn't see him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhPKILR25yOctVOTFQxWFjme1mztI2SCJRrfIqbX5bwGxG_Z6Bu66wq8xzvWh5fCuV_fGI-Uxb0JLRpjtiTzrHLUofsDHz-TJ4G2DEyyC4UIEYAKv0FOVsSOQGfDoMDr9rdSKASOZR5s/s1600/DSC_0839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhPKILR25yOctVOTFQxWFjme1mztI2SCJRrfIqbX5bwGxG_Z6Bu66wq8xzvWh5fCuV_fGI-Uxb0JLRpjtiTzrHLUofsDHz-TJ4G2DEyyC4UIEYAKv0FOVsSOQGfDoMDr9rdSKASOZR5s/s320/DSC_0839.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD1uJFH063zfYBfEFUAn8uCJHtDMJrO0o6BcropP9fLnaGFalwAILM1alKBq2-gs6beWMTvnU4AZYlPK3MVaHL8zXuhvhYV1GksTASBy3tP8aZad3L7P2FaKXusvRKkOZXdCUXUJpEDw/s1600/DSC_0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD1uJFH063zfYBfEFUAn8uCJHtDMJrO0o6BcropP9fLnaGFalwAILM1alKBq2-gs6beWMTvnU4AZYlPK3MVaHL8zXuhvhYV1GksTASBy3tP8aZad3L7P2FaKXusvRKkOZXdCUXUJpEDw/s320/DSC_0846.jpg" /></a></div>Eventually it was time to go. The activities were coming to an end, and the thunder was rumbling. JT asked if he could say good night to Thomas, so we headed back to see him. There was a bench for picture taking, and they both were happy to do so. Even though they had official photographers, they also allowed you to take your own pictures (thankfully...the cheapest package was $16 for two 5x7's!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqogVtP3i-uCCzON138OVPNxbLdsdNd519w9cUwt7wvil2cPjum423vuHcVDmcoBQdkuCggxAW3CgDMa1bpAIjYmrj6SsfhjdW_gpMIg-W0E9Al7klfukr96j-Ld0dplNmmYEkZhP_sXw/s1600/DSC_0847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqogVtP3i-uCCzON138OVPNxbLdsdNd519w9cUwt7wvil2cPjum423vuHcVDmcoBQdkuCggxAW3CgDMa1bpAIjYmrj6SsfhjdW_gpMIg-W0E9Al7klfukr96j-Ld0dplNmmYEkZhP_sXw/s320/DSC_0847.jpg" /></a></div>You can see how happy our two little boys still were! JT keeps asking when we'll go back. We decided to start heading home before stopping for dinner. On the ride home , when LW wasn't nodding off, he'd all of sudden start asking about Thomas, much to the chagrin of his older brother. We had a bit of a difficult time finding an appropriate spot for dinner - there weren't many to choose from off the highway that were appropriate (i.e. we were hot and sweaty and had two tired kids so no five star restaurants for us), plus we hadn't figure out the points of interest feature on our GPS yet, so we ended up not stopping until we were about a half hour from home! However, we now know to choose "on route" instead of "near current location" when searching for a place to eat. And we also need to turn the volume up so we'll hear when it tells us the exit is coming up. Live and learn! <br />
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We didn't get home until just past nine (we had issues at dinnertime despite a certain 4 year olds promises that he would eat a good supper - that he chose), so the boys didn't get to bed until about 10PM - WAYYYY past their bed time. Silly me had hopes that this would be the time they actually slept a little later in the morning to make up for the late bedtime. Instead, they were up bright and early as usual. So back to the grind it was for us today. But we had a really good day, and I'm so glad I chose to spend my birthday the way we did. I'd do it again in a heart beat!Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-31449979927515885172010-07-10T23:14:00.000-04:002010-07-10T23:14:15.586-04:00Happy Birthday...<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/jplugnut/cutebaby0001.jpg" width="239" /></div>...TO ME! Well, tomorrow it will be my birthday. As for my age, I can still say I am in my 30's!!! I'm guessing the picture above was taken when I was about 3..or 2? I don't really know. My mom might know, but it's a little late to call. In any case, I was young once, but not anymore. We're taking the boys for a ride on Thomas the Train. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I let it slip last night, and now JT is saying he's "shy" and "not sure" about it. But he's definitely excited. LW has no clue what I'm talking about, but I can already hear him repeating "TRAIN!!!" over and over and over when we get there. He's a bit of a train nut. It should be fun. It's up in a beautiful area we haven't visited in quite some time, so the 2+ hour ride to get there should pass quickly enough. As long as we don't get too much rain. After all this dry weather we've had lately, it finally rained today and we may get some more tomorrow. I purposely chose my birthday out of the two available weekends, because I wanted to do SOMETHING on my birthday, even if it's more about the boys than me. Their happiness makes me happy.<br />
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I thought for sure I'd get another post in this week, but here it is a week since my last post. We've had a fun summer week, despite the heat. We went to the splash park again this past Tuesday - the hottest day so far at 98 degrees. Luckily it always seem to be windy there, so it wasn't too unbearable. Except that I had to keep chasing after LW as he either took food from strangers, or decided it was his turn to use their toys. Most of the parents are pretty nice, and said it wasn't a problem, they had plenty. But that's not exactly the point. And it's not like I didn't come prepared with food of our own. I guess it always looks and tastes better when it's somebody else's, even if it's just a cracker. We also had a play date over at a friend's house. They have one of those small blow up pools with a filter, so they spent a lot of time in there. Unfortunately I forgot the swim diapers. Ever seen a water-logged disposable diaper before? It's quite a sight, especially when a child is attempting to walk around in it! I also discovered this week that I like Swiss Chard - sauteed in olive oil, garlic and lemon. My next "new" food, courtesy of the CSA, will be Okra. I've gotten a few ideas on how to cook it from some friends. My only memories of eating Okra are from the Cajun stew my mom would make. We pronounced it "Ka-John", and it was really gumbo. Silly New Englanders!<br />
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So what's next on my list? Seeing as my next birthday will be a "big one", I'm setting some goals for myself. I'm not quite daring enough to put them out there for everyone to see. Hopefully that won't be my downfall, but if history proves correct, the "pressure" of other people knowing will actually make me LESS likely to accomplish them. I spend my time stressing over what others will think, as opposed to actually doing something. So for now, I'm keeping them to myself, and I'll see where I am in a year. And maybe then I'll be ready to share them with my readers.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-83496613644839667782010-07-03T23:27:00.000-04:002010-07-03T23:27:56.480-04:00CSA Saturdays - Summertime!No, I have NOT forgotten I recently started this blog! What I need to do is start writing my ideas down, because usually by the time I have a moment to write a post, I can't think of anything. Which is just crazy when you consider the fact that I have two little boys that are constantly making me <s>rip my hair out by the roots</s> laugh! I'll try to be better - honest!<br />
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We're really starting to get some variety in our box of veggies from the CSA now. Last week we got a handful of peas and green beans, in addition to our lettuce, kale, and rhubarb. Neither lasted long - we ate the peas raw and in the pod - so crisp and sweet! The beans were just enough for one meal for us. This week though I got really excited (YES I get excited about vegetables these days!) when Danny from the farm went through the box with me - A few heads of lettuce, kale, beats, swiss chard, zucchini, yellow squash, basil, and parsley! I was a little relieved to see that there wasn't any rhubarb in there. I like rhubarb, but hubby doesn't. The boys eat it when it's disguised in something like the rhubarb bread I recently made. That was delicious, but it is full of brown sugar to offset the tartness of the rhubarb. Swiss chard is another new one for me, like the kale was. But seeing as <a href="http://www.bigoven.com/176659-Crispy-Kale-recipe.html">Crispy Kale</a> (minus the chili flakes) is now on my list of favorite munchies, I'm sure I'll be just as pleased with Swiss Chard. The basil is nice to see - I am growing some, but I nearly let it fry in the dry, hot sun this week, plus some sort of bug seems to be quite enamored with it since many of the leaves look like green lace. Of course there are about a million things we can do with the squash. There will surely be some good eats in our house this week!<br />
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We're trying to keep busy and enjoy the summer. The boys and some friends had a blast this week at the splash pad in a park in a nearby town. I finally got them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000641DPQ/ref=oss_product">this water table</a> and they LOVE it! Though LW seems to think it is a mini swimming pool, and has taken to standing, sitting and yes laying down on it. While shouting "swimming". Sigh..that boy!! We've gone on some walks to explore the river that flows by the end of our street. And JT was thrilled when Daddy took him to the beach and they saw where that river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Next weekend we're going to go take a ride on Thomas the Train. LW is loves trains, so he'll be over the moon I'm sure. I got my hair chopped off today - I need to have JC take a picture so I can update my profile. We went to dinner tonight, and the boys got to meet and touch Larry the Lobster. Luckily JC and I don't care for lobster, so we did not have to deal with any trauma had it been served moments later. Someone at a neighboring table did get some, so we had to answer a few questions about why he was eating Larry's friend. When we're not out and about, the boys like to play outside in the yard, and explore the little stream (or is it a brook? I don't know the difference!) that flows along our property. So I've been doing lots of laundry! LW went through three outfits today (thanks in part to "swimming" in the water table). We're not having the rain we had last summer, so there's plenty of outside time to be had. There's also lots of garden watering to be done!<br />
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JT has requested that we all walk down to the river tomorrow, so he can show my some paths he discovered with Daddy. Should be a nice way to spend Independence Day. Except that it's supposed to get into the 90's, and I'm not a fan of heat. But we'll still enjoy it I'm sure. Happy Birthday America!!Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59118791367313581.post-62401346787945998482010-06-19T22:23:00.000-04:002010-06-19T22:23:57.546-04:00CSA Saturdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nZEIBxMmGH14PgsRbqHxiAYourUIhi7lTVkq6A0jMtUpVYu-Vk1bAqS8FAcqAIXl7sYmc-pO2MO_ewZKOKlI5hJTXVT0tiYH5-ApBkLbER0tHbAUcpOBZPtPPZBmfyoM2O6f0zlTNiU/s1600/DSC_0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nZEIBxMmGH14PgsRbqHxiAYourUIhi7lTVkq6A0jMtUpVYu-Vk1bAqS8FAcqAIXl7sYmc-pO2MO_ewZKOKlI5hJTXVT0tiYH5-ApBkLbER0tHbAUcpOBZPtPPZBmfyoM2O6f0zlTNiU/s320/DSC_0706.jpg" /></a></div>This is our produce box from our CSA this week (our second). As you can see, we'll be getting our fill of leafy, green vegetables. The contents are: 1 package of Romaine hearts, 1 head of red leaf lettuce, 1 head of Boston bibb lettuce, 1 head of iceburg lettuce, 1 bunch of Kale, and 20 stalks of rhubarb. I've never cooked Kale before, but I know I'll find something to do with it! We've also gotten a gift certificate to the greenhouse both weeks, because the boxes have been kind of "light". Once we start getting more variety, and fuller boxes, those will stop. We may start getting zucchini next week. Woohoo! In the meantime, I'll be getting more creative with our salads, and finding every rhubarb recipe known to man!Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17761406838552369057noreply@blogger.com3