I realized something recently. I've spent the past almost 20 years accumulating things to make a comfortable and interesting home for my family. In particular, the quantity of child-related items increased probably exponentially every year since Greyson was born. However, in the last two or so years, I've been getting rid of things. Apparently, around 2009 was the apex of number of material possessions in my life. And I'm being brutal. Like those warehouse clearance ads on TV, "Everything must go!"
I bring this up because recent events have spurred this cleansing process on substantially. I keep track of our budget and finances with an online service (mint.com in case anyone is interested), and I see where we could cut costs. We have some specific improvements we want to do to the house, so any extra money saved gets us closer to those, of course. In fact, every time I go into the basement and feel the 20 degree change in temperature, I start looking for money in the sofa to get us closer to the gas fireplace insert down there! Anyway, one thing we want to cut is the newspaper delivery. Dan mentioned to Greyson that we are switching to just weekend delivery, and Greyson said, "But Dad, I read the comics every day. And I'm following the Dimora trial!" Now, I'M not even following that trial (short, short version - corruption and racketeering within the city government, or something). And I certainly don't want him to! So, we'll be saving $22 every month or so AND we get the bonus of not having to debrief our 11 year old.
The other recent even that occurred was a nasty sewer smell in the unfinished side of our basement. Really, it was nauseating and hit you straight on when you opened that door. I poured water down the drain, as I learned I was supposed to, and then poured some more down when that didn't seem to help, and after about 2 weeks the smell diminished. However, there was still a smell down there, and I called a plumber to come and take a look. When he said he could come on Wednesday morning, the day I "work from home", I stopped what I was doing and cleared out a pathway so he could get to the drain and other pertinent areas easily. WELL, I found the source of the rest of the smell. Not one but TWO dead mice. Right by all our stuff that was piled up in and next to bins. GAHHHH! So, I got a trash bag and some bleach and went to town while trying not to gag and/or go into convulsions from the disgustingness. And the first thing on my list to do when the semester ends is, once again, go through the basement and attic and really clear out everything we don't absolutely need. My mom may have to make sure she is nowhere near here, because it pains her to watch me throw out things that maybe will be used at some point. Granted, I do give a lot of things away, but let me tell you, if I think a mouse has even breathed on an item, it is going straight to the trash. Honestly, it's very freeing.
Finally, a third way that I am simplifying things for myself (in the long run - it actually makes more work for me right now) is by encouraging Greyson's interest in cooking. Yesterday he (with my help) made Asian lettuce wraps. And they were GOOD. Unfortunately, I was so thrilled (and hungry) that I forgot to take a picture of the finished product. If I can get him to start dinner before I get home, things could seriously calm down around here. And maybe I won't have to hit the wine and chocolate quite so hard while keeping an eye out for nasty rodents. I can dream...
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Facebook killed my blog
I knew it had been a while since I posted, but I didn't realize my last post was BEFORE THANKSGIVING! And, I have composed probably 30 posts in my head between then and now. But, thanks to Facebook, I've been able to put my mini-thoughts (and some pictures) into a public venue that 1) reaches many more people than my blog ever will, and 2) only takes about 30 seconds to accomplish. I fear this whole sitting down and spending time on something that isn't directly family or work related is no longer an option for me. So, I'm going to try to just post once a month and see how that goes.
And, since I am actually on a deadline for something else but decided to take a short break and eat lunch at my desk while perusing the web and then decided I had to finally post, I'm going to summarize what has been going on since the Mohawk of 2011 in mostly pictures.
There's been a lot of this:
And this:
And a bit of this:
As much of this as we could get:
We're very proud of this:
And most recently, this happened*:
*Who said my baby could turn seven?? By the way, it was a weekend birthday extravaganza, consisting of taking cookies to school on Friday, going to The Melting Pot for dinner that evening, a birthday party at Young Chef's Academy where he and eight friends & relatives got to learn how to make frosting and decorate their own cakes, and then brunch on Sunday at Fire, Food and Drink (seriously - check out their weekend brunch menu - it is amazing). I don't think we can afford for him to turn eight.
So, that's two months in a picture-nutshell. Hope you feel satisfied. Or something. Whatever, I have to go check into what's happening on Facebook now.
And, since I am actually on a deadline for something else but decided to take a short break and eat lunch at my desk while perusing the web and then decided I had to finally post, I'm going to summarize what has been going on since the Mohawk of 2011 in mostly pictures.
There's been a lot of this:
And this:
International Women's Air & Space Museum - in CLEVELAND!
At the dentist's office. He asked me to take this.
As much of this as we could get:
We're very proud of this:
All-school geography bee finalist!
He did forget to wear his official t-shirt, but luckily that wasn't necessary.
So, that's two months in a picture-nutshell. Hope you feel satisfied. Or something. Whatever, I have to go check into what's happening on Facebook now.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
He finally earned his mohawk
In case you don't use Facebook and haven't already seen this notice, and especially if you'll be seeing my older child soon and want to be prepared, here are warning pictures:
This stood up to gale-force winds on Sunday, but we haven't been able to replicate the height or stamina since then. Still working on technique and especially on not needing Mom's help! Today was the first day his classmates saw it, so I have to wait to hear what happened. He can actually thank his teacher in particular for us finally giving the go-ahead, because she also thought it was a good idea. Personally, I'm just loving that his hair is out of his face and it doesn't take him 15 minutes to wash and rinse anymore!
This stood up to gale-force winds on Sunday, but we haven't been able to replicate the height or stamina since then. Still working on technique and especially on not needing Mom's help! Today was the first day his classmates saw it, so I have to wait to hear what happened. He can actually thank his teacher in particular for us finally giving the go-ahead, because she also thought it was a good idea. Personally, I'm just loving that his hair is out of his face and it doesn't take him 15 minutes to wash and rinse anymore!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Fall doings
This is the first year I had to miss Halloween. I teach a class on Monday evenings, and it takes practically an act of God (or your chosen deity) to cancel a class, so I figured claiming all my kids' Reese's cups wasn't sufficient. Apparently, the usual fun was had and I still got some chocolate when I got home, so all was well. Dan very kindly emailed me the following pics to keep me me in the loop:
In other news, the kids had Tuesday off for election day (their schools are voting places, so this makes things easier all around), so I took the day to work from home and it was BEAUTIFUL. At least 68 degrees and sunny, so we biked to the library and then played at a playground near us that happens to have a tree that Reece can now climb. The boys even sat outside and read after we got back (and Reece ate his lunch). I think we were all refreshed after our mini-break.
In case you can't tell, this is Wolverine and an IRS audit agent. We're still not sure which is scarier. Responses on Facebook were mixed, although I think the tax man had a small lead.
The one on the left is Reece's design with my elbow grease. The one on the right was Dan's and Greyson's creation, which I think turned out really well, especially considering neither one had ever tackled that intricate a design.
In other news, the kids had Tuesday off for election day (their schools are voting places, so this makes things easier all around), so I took the day to work from home and it was BEAUTIFUL. At least 68 degrees and sunny, so we biked to the library and then played at a playground near us that happens to have a tree that Reece can now climb. The boys even sat outside and read after we got back (and Reece ate his lunch). I think we were all refreshed after our mini-break.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rain and sickness
Isn't there a phrase that involves wine and roses? Well, we have the opposite of that going on around here. It's like our entire beings and world are droopy around here.Thank goodness for the beautiful leaf colors and random short views of the sun, or we might all start reading Sylvia Plath and watching The Shining.
We've beaten the all-time record of precipitation in one year, and the year isn't even over yet. And, both boys were home, sick, yesterday, with separate ailments. Greyson has recovered, I think, but Reece was diagnosed this morning with pneumonia, and this evening we discovered that his antibiotic is causing diarrhea. Luckily, he's quite the trooper and not feeling too horrible overall except for the incessant coughing. While we were at the health clinic, I had them give me my flu shot so that at least one of us has a chance of staying well.
The light in my life is my new iPad. I had put off buying one (through work) because I felt I couldn't truly justify its NEED vs. want. Then, one of my colleagues said there are good note-taking apps where you can type or write (using a stylus) and search and organize your notes. SOLD! My desk is a continual mess of legal pads, and I can never find the notes I want when I need them. I've had the program for over a week, and it's paid for itself ($4.99). However, I do think the iPad is too expensive for nearly all uses, especially since it still doesn't play nice with Flash Player nor is it able to fully use Office programs like Word and Excel. But, since I am using it mostly for work, it's worth it for me right now. My next step is to figure out ways to integrate it into teaching and research, and then I'll be fully convinced it was a good decision.
We've beaten the all-time record of precipitation in one year, and the year isn't even over yet. And, both boys were home, sick, yesterday, with separate ailments. Greyson has recovered, I think, but Reece was diagnosed this morning with pneumonia, and this evening we discovered that his antibiotic is causing diarrhea. Luckily, he's quite the trooper and not feeling too horrible overall except for the incessant coughing. While we were at the health clinic, I had them give me my flu shot so that at least one of us has a chance of staying well.
The light in my life is my new iPad. I had put off buying one (through work) because I felt I couldn't truly justify its NEED vs. want. Then, one of my colleagues said there are good note-taking apps where you can type or write (using a stylus) and search and organize your notes. SOLD! My desk is a continual mess of legal pads, and I can never find the notes I want when I need them. I've had the program for over a week, and it's paid for itself ($4.99). However, I do think the iPad is too expensive for nearly all uses, especially since it still doesn't play nice with Flash Player nor is it able to fully use Office programs like Word and Excel. But, since I am using it mostly for work, it's worth it for me right now. My next step is to figure out ways to integrate it into teaching and research, and then I'll be fully convinced it was a good decision.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Finally getting my act together
Along with not having a battery recharger for my camera, Blogspot has been giving me grief through my work computer, so I've been thwarted in posting even the little bit I have to say. But I think I have it worked out now, or at least for the moment.
We've just been moving through our days, which seem to be going by very quickly (September - was that you?). I have purposely not scheduled very many regular events on the weekends so we can take advantage of important activities that come up, like birthday parties and beer tastings (you be the judge of who goes to which of those), and to just relax. Reece has T-ball on Saturday mornings, but they've only met for half the scheduled weeks so far due to all the rain we've had. And Sunday school has started, so our Sunday mornings are busy. Otherwise, we're just hanging out and doing what needs to be done, as can be seen from the following pictures.
We've just been moving through our days, which seem to be going by very quickly (September - was that you?). I have purposely not scheduled very many regular events on the weekends so we can take advantage of important activities that come up, like birthday parties and beer tastings (you be the judge of who goes to which of those), and to just relax. Reece has T-ball on Saturday mornings, but they've only met for half the scheduled weeks so far due to all the rain we've had. And Sunday school has started, so our Sunday mornings are busy. Otherwise, we're just hanging out and doing what needs to be done, as can be seen from the following pictures.
Running errands and trying on cool hats
(I think he was a 1920's gangster in his former life.)
Trying not to get carsick on the trip to or from the cousins' house.
Eating in front of the TV when dad is working late.
Reading in bed to whomever will listen.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thanks, blog!
At last, all the time I spend posting here is paying off beyond just being able to look back and see what we did a year ago. Very good friends of ours from Dan's army days found us using this blog! They called us last weekend and we got to really catch up and say, for the millionth time, that we HAVE to get together in person some day soon. Unfortunately, that is less likely to happen soon, since they live in Oklahoma and have more children than we do (which just means that if we're finding it difficult to make that kind of trip, they are in triplicate). Ooh, wait, I'm thinking up a road trip for next summer! I'm sure driving all that way, just the two boys and I, will go very smoothly. Heh.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Back to school, the half-assed edition
Before we get to that thing that started yesterday, I would just like to say that I think last summer lasted longer because I posted a picture and/or blogged nearly every day. I think I'm going to have to go back to that, even though it's more work for me and is going to require me to really find my camera battery recharger rather than halfheartedly picking things up to look under them now and then. Because this summer went too fast. And I'm usually beyond ready for the kids to go back when it's time, but this year we could have used a little more time. Maybe we'll hit the water park this weekend just to pretend.
OK, so school, and (not coincidentally) my job, started back this week. And in contrast to last year when both boys started new schools the same week I started a new job, it was quite calm around here. Reece was a little clingy at the bus stop, but Greyson didn't even want me to go to the bus stop with him. I didn't even get around to taking a picture until the second day. We've hired yet another new babysitter for after school (only two days a week this time), but we're already very happy with her. Of course, our expectations have been lowered a bit from "Mary Poppins" to "makes the kids do their work without scarring them emotionally and doesn't quit suddenly". Reece is now going to aftercare three days a week, which he's thrilled about because they have snacks. I told him today his sweet tooth is as big as his head, but since he didn't know what a sweet tooth was, I ended up doing much explaining and the joke was lost along the way.
The other big news is that the boys now each have their own room! Greyson has what was known as the Browns room (and still has the same decor - a benefit of having boys!), and Reece's is being called the Indians room thanks to the pictures that were already in there and a little help from Pottery Barn Kids. It was beyond time for Greyson, although Reece told me tonight in a pitiful voice, "I'm just not ready to have my own room." And then he promptly fell asleep. Their room is now the office/computer room/spare bedroom, and when it's finally organized enough that you can see the floor, I'll post pictures. Besides better sleeping, another benefit is that I found my PhD diploma when we uncovered the top of one of the desks. I now have it framed and just have to have it hung in my office so I can finally feel like I belong there.
OK, so school, and (not coincidentally) my job, started back this week. And in contrast to last year when both boys started new schools the same week I started a new job, it was quite calm around here. Reece was a little clingy at the bus stop, but Greyson didn't even want me to go to the bus stop with him. I didn't even get around to taking a picture until the second day. We've hired yet another new babysitter for after school (only two days a week this time), but we're already very happy with her. Of course, our expectations have been lowered a bit from "Mary Poppins" to "makes the kids do their work without scarring them emotionally and doesn't quit suddenly". Reece is now going to aftercare three days a week, which he's thrilled about because they have snacks. I told him today his sweet tooth is as big as his head, but since he didn't know what a sweet tooth was, I ended up doing much explaining and the joke was lost along the way.
New 1st grader with a new backpack, on the second day of school
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Last lazy, hazy days of summer vacation
It's getting to be that time. I officially report back to work on Monday (although I've been doing lots of work all summer here and there), and the kids go back to school Tuesday. Reece is pretty blase about it; Greyson wants to run for the hills but is working his way toward acceptance. We did find out two girls Reece knows (one of whom he considers one of his best friends) will be in his class this year. No word on Greyson's closest friends, but there are so many 6th grade classrooms at his school, since it's the entire district together, that odds are not good and it doesn't really matter anyway. He spends so much time away from his homeroom that he sees them all enough one way or another.
So, how have we been spending our last days of freedom? Lots of time with the cousins, quite a bit on the computer playing non-educational games, and more time watching Netflix than I care to admit. Also, last Saturday Dan went to the Indians games with his cousins, Greyson went to a birthday party and the Browns' game, and Reece and I were left to fend for ourselves. Our choice - Wildwater Kingdom! I cannot recommend the season pass enough if you think you'd go at least twice, because it comes with free parking ($7 otherwise), and coupons for a free admission (1) as well as reduced admission (2) for a friend. Except for Reece (being under 48" tall), it cost the same to buy a season pass as it would have to go two times anyway. So, I just need to take Greyson once more to make it fully pay for itself and then some, since I used the free coupon for Reece last weekend. Have I thoroughly confused you? Oh, well. I would also like to say that it was fun for me to take each kid alone to the park, because we could just focus on what he wanted to do for once. Sometimes, the age difference is a bit of a problem around here.
We spent yesterday at the beach with my sister-in-law and the cousins, and I might take both boys back to Wildwater Kingdom on Friday for a last-ditch summertime activity, and then I fear we're on to feeling like it's autumn even if it isn't. We already did Greyson's supply shopping and are waiting to hear from Reece's teacher about specifics, since when I go with the generic list the school's website provides, I always seem to get not quite the right items and then I have to whine and flop about. We have enough of that going on around here without me adding to the angst.
I'm also following my pattern of not taking pictures, so you only get two today. Reece eating his dessert treat at the water park, and the full-size flag pole our crazy neighbors have put up (most likely without getting any sort of permit, but that's a story for a different day). The pole even has its own lighting but no flag yet. I'm afraid of which one it will be...
So, how have we been spending our last days of freedom? Lots of time with the cousins, quite a bit on the computer playing non-educational games, and more time watching Netflix than I care to admit. Also, last Saturday Dan went to the Indians games with his cousins, Greyson went to a birthday party and the Browns' game, and Reece and I were left to fend for ourselves. Our choice - Wildwater Kingdom! I cannot recommend the season pass enough if you think you'd go at least twice, because it comes with free parking ($7 otherwise), and coupons for a free admission (1) as well as reduced admission (2) for a friend. Except for Reece (being under 48" tall), it cost the same to buy a season pass as it would have to go two times anyway. So, I just need to take Greyson once more to make it fully pay for itself and then some, since I used the free coupon for Reece last weekend. Have I thoroughly confused you? Oh, well. I would also like to say that it was fun for me to take each kid alone to the park, because we could just focus on what he wanted to do for once. Sometimes, the age difference is a bit of a problem around here.
We spent yesterday at the beach with my sister-in-law and the cousins, and I might take both boys back to Wildwater Kingdom on Friday for a last-ditch summertime activity, and then I fear we're on to feeling like it's autumn even if it isn't. We already did Greyson's supply shopping and are waiting to hear from Reece's teacher about specifics, since when I go with the generic list the school's website provides, I always seem to get not quite the right items and then I have to whine and flop about. We have enough of that going on around here without me adding to the angst.
I'm also following my pattern of not taking pictures, so you only get two today. Reece eating his dessert treat at the water park, and the full-size flag pole our crazy neighbors have put up (most likely without getting any sort of permit, but that's a story for a different day). The pole even has its own lighting but no flag yet. I'm afraid of which one it will be...
Friday, August 5, 2011
I'll be viewing this post daily in February
One of the many reasons for the light posting this season is that I seem to always be missing either my camera or the battery recharger or the cord that I have to use to download the pictures to the computer, or sometimes all three. Currently, the recharger is missing and has been since before we left for our latest trip, so I didn't even take the camera along. We made do with our phones and (gasp!) a one-use camera with REAL FILM in it. Between trying to save those 27 shots for "good" pictures and not wanting to take our phones anywhere near water or sand if at all possible, we didn't actually take that many pictures (and I haven't gotten the film developed yet). So, you'll mostly have to take my word for what we did and what fun we had.
So, about this latest trip...we knew going into it that we were completely insane for visiting Florida in the summer. But, we made what we thought was the best possible plan that involved 90% of our time in or very near to water and/or air conditioning. And, for the most part, that worked. It's the other 10% that nearly killed us. If only it were possible to store up vitamin D for six months, we'd be set through most of the worst of the winter around here. We flew down last Thursday (Dan and Greyson on one airline, Reece and me on another - a longish and boring story goes with that), rented a car, drove to our Disney resort and checked in relatively quickly, and then after eating a lovely seafood dinner, Greyson and I checked out one of the resort's pools. The next day, since we had 1-day park-hopper passes, we visited three of the four major Disney parks starting at 9am and ending at 1am, with an afternoon siesta back at our room. Except for the excruciating heat, we really enjoyed the day, got to ride nearly every ride we wanted (some more than once), and Reece didn't fall asleep until we were nearly ready to leave anyway. We even got to eat at our favorite restaurant, the 50's Prime Time Cafe, where they treat you like you're the kids at Momma's house and make you set the table and don't let you put your elbows on the table (oh, and have the best pot roast we've ever tasted). Our server nicknamed Greyson "Sparky" and Reece "Scooter", I was "Snickerdoodle", and Dan was "Daddio". The boys liked their nicknames so much we're still calling them those from time to time.
Reece and I found a store that had lovely fans where we could wait while Dan and Greyson rode a ride. Reece is wet partly from a spray area we walked through and partly from sweat.
This was a fun and fascinating interactive game on saving money at Epcot. Also, it was air conditioned.
The boys started pin trading this year, which involved first buying some pins to trade, and then buying more. It was actually a fun way to tie the whole day together, and they both developed their own plans for trading methods and what to look for.
On Saturday, Dan's mom and his niece joined us at the resort to spend the day swimming in the pool, which was lovely. Then, on Sunday we spent time at Dan's sister's before we all drove 1 1/2 hours to another resort on the Atlantic, where we all shared a 3-bedroom villa. Dan attended a conference there while the rest of us swam, ate, drank, and napped. The big news was that Reece started swimming! He'd been fighting it for quite a while and even didn't really want to put his face in the water when we first got down there, but as with all things with him, when he's ready, he just does it.
Carly
Reed, fitting perfectly in a nightstand.
Reece had just flopped down on the sand like this, so Carly walked over to him to see if something was wrong and I asked her to stay there and pose as if she was concerned (which is why Reece is smiling).
I don't have any pictures of Greyson from the beach because he spent all his time out in the water and I wasn't going NEAR that with my phone. He got quite good at body surfing and boogie board surfing but of course felt he was just getting the hang of it when we had to leave (drama!).
Next week the boys have camp at Kent State so I can be in my office all week catching up on everything I didn't get to while I was nearly dying from heat stroke and shriveling up from all the water contact, then they have one more week of freedom and school starts on the 23rd. Crazy. I think we could all use one more month of summer vacation.
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