Chicago

What a beautiful day!!!

We hit the Chicago lake front museums with the kids yesterday. We were determined to broaden our children's minds and get them out of the house. We'd flown to the great Midwest; there were sites to be seen. We ran into a small snag.


Da' BEARS!!!


Apparently they had their last home, preseason game yesterday. It's such a big deal that all the parking lots anywhere near the stadium are reserved only for Bears ticket holders. What's a couple of moms with a car full of kids on their way to the museum to do?

You chuck out $40 for a parking spot on the side of the road past a yacht club is what you do.

We didn't shove the kids in the car and drive downtown for nothing.

As Lynne and I looked at it, it was a deal. We had a beautiful walk to the museum. We checked out every one's sense of humor for naming their boats or yachts as the case may be. And we answered questions about how men can throw a football and drink a beer at the same time. Or, can you get a ticket for drinking and walking? Are you really allowed to drink a beer as you walk to the game? How will these people drive themselves home later?

It was a cultural experience for all I tell you.

The Chicago Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are much as I remember them from my teenage years. There have been quite a few updates at the aquarium. I loved all the windows looking out at Lake Michigan. Yesterday was the prettiest day I've ever spent in Chicago. Lynne and I could have spent many more hours at the aquarium. We lucked into Jazz night at there just as it was starting. We did wonder how attendance would fare with the parking situation, but we were glad for the lack of crowds. We even had a "sweet" half hour of sitting in front of the Coral Tank pointing out the fish to each other. That is until the kids informed us that we could see the fish just as well by actually walking around the aquarium.

I wish I could say the kids were mesmerized by the exhibits and begged to stay. But as the kids dragged Lynne and me away from the otters, the dolphins, the Caribbean reef, the Egyptian tomb, and even the film on 17 year cicadas, we finally decided that at least they will remember how much their mothers enjoyed museums when they drag their own children one day. And I am sure they too will try to inspire their children with educational field trips. Looking at our family tree it's evident there's no way they can escape the "going to every museum within a 50 mile radius of any destination gene."

What they will treasure is time spent with their oldest friend and making fun of their goofy moms who are just such - well, moms.

What I treasure is this friendship that, as Lynne and I agreed this morning, has become more than friends and easier than family. No expectations - just joy to share precious time together.

Nature's Insect Repellent

I discovered my tip for Shannon's Works For Me Wednesday last night. Check out lots of other great tips at Rocks In My Dryer.

Last night my friend Lynne and I wanted to sit outside on her gorgeous patio. However, Lynne couldn't find any bug spray, and we didn't want to be carried away by the mosquitoes that were banging against the window trying to get to us. We ventured outside anyway, and I noticed Lynne's great herb garden. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I picked a few basil leaves. Lynne and I proceeded to rub our arms with the leaves.

I know I've heard of some kind of herb repelling mosquitoes or maybe it was black flies. I now know that basil works against mosquitoes. I didn't rub the basil on my ankles and had three bites in two minutes. I picked another leaf and rubbed away. No more ankle biters! Lynne is still skeptical, but she had absolutely no bites. I know there were mosquitoes, because I also had a bite in an unmentionable spot through my clothing. YIKES!!!

So, that's what worked for me Tuesday evening and hopefully again today.

School Days

Well, I've done it again. I knew I would. I didn't even try and fool myself into thinking that I wouldn't do it this year. After 38 years in this world, I don't imagine anyone will ever use the terms "calm, cool, totally together" to describe my particular style of motherhood.

In fact, after a first meeting, my children's teachers might even say, "She scared me a little."


Not in a big, bad, Mom who always gets her way kind of scared .


But in a shetalkedsofastandactedsospasmodicIthoughtshejustmightpassout kind of way.


Yesterday was the first day back for teachers at my children's schools. Since we're not going to be in town for open house, and I had to drop off a salad for the teacher luncheon, I informed Birdie,

"Put on some decent clothes. I think you want to meet your teacher."

(Anyone who read this can guess what Birdie was wearing.)

"But mom, I don't want to change, and I already know what she looks like," Birdie answered.

"You heard me. You want to meet her, and I want to meet her, and I definitely want to check out your brother's teacher."

We did not take my son with us. First of all, he has been mortified since the age of 6 that his mother appears in public. The fact that I talk to people that he knows can drive him into a silence that lasts for days. He would not have dared to walk into his new classroom with his mom in tow. He'd like me to drop him off at the corner on the first day of school, thankyouverymuch.

However, I'm a little nervous about my middle child's teacher. I hear she's excellent, but I'd also heard a few other things. So, I wanted to check her out, introduce myself, and make a good impression.


We all know that didn't happen.


I'm so glad my son wasn't along to witness this. He would have become a 5th grade drop out.



I introduced myself. But you know that involves talking, and I was nervous, and I just kept, you know talking, and talking, and talking. Meanwhile her eyes got bigger and bigger, and I really didn't have that much to say for someone who just would.not.shut.up. Finally, I offered to volunteer in the classroom, and she kindly let me write down my name and number.

I was just about ready to leave when I pulled the classic line that all teachers dread hearing. Unfortunately, I've been doing this for years and never realized until recently that I probably make them physically ill when I say, "You know, I used to teach."

This year I made it even better. In 5th grade students have to take a statewide writing test. So not only did I comment that I used to teach, but I also added the zinger that I used to teach for the writing test. Oh, don't you know I am her A#1 parent to avoid in the future.

And she hasn't even met my son yet.

I really hope and pray that his teachers and my daughter's teacher from last year reassure her that I am much better on the second meeting. I'll keep completely out of her way and volunteer to handle any messy art project that she wants to avoid. I don't mind copying and cutting out stuff for hours. I'll even take the rowdy kids in my group on field trips without the first complaint.

Maybe, I can make it until the 2nd or 3rd meeting with my other son's teachers before I crow about teaching. At least I'll try to breathe in between sentences.

Footnote: Oh, and yes I do realize that it is my child's teacher and school experience and not mine. Because, I'm sure that is totally obvious in all my completely ridiculous actions.

Family Dinner

Birdie has been BEGGING her dad to do a woodworking project with her since the boys made a birdhouse -
2 years ago.

This weekend they finally chose their plans and purchased the materials. After the 2 hour trip to Lowe's Dad decided that was enough work on the project for one day. Instead of a bird house for our Little Birdie, Birdie wanted to make a box. I'm pretty sure she meant like a box to set on her desk. She and her father are now making a hope chest.

Oh, yeah, this should provide plenty of blogging material.

Last night at dinner Birdie couldn't contain her excitement anymore,
"My hope chest even has a secret compartment to hide love letters!"

Her dad quickly responded with eyes popping out of his head,
"You mean sweet letters from your mom and me."

"Not now Dad, when I'm a teenager."

Still seeking safe ground and a way to preserve her at 8 forever, her Dad added,
"Well, maybe when you're in college."

"Dad, I will be a teenager in college."

As my husband searched for a way to save the innocence of the hope chest from the yet unwritten love letters, my 12 year old piped up,

"Mom, what do you think happens to play dough when you set it on fire?

I swear this actually happened. You can't make this up.

My husband admitted that, "Yes, you will still be a teenager in college, but it can just be a place to keep nice notes.

Birdie then says, "And my hope chest has a lock, so I can lock it."

I egged everyone on by saying, "To lock up your love letters."

To which the two boys continued with their own conversation, "Do you think the play dough blows up?"

As my husband handled the, "I don't really know what happens to play dough, and I don't want to find out through your experiment."

Birdie whispered, "Mom, I'll have one key to my chest and you and dad will share a key."

My husband raised his eyebrows and nodded over his planning skills.

"I know, I know, we can set the play dough on fire, lock it the chest and see if it blows up," said the boys howling at their own destructive creativity.

Birdie was pouting, Dad was sweating, the boys were off into the undesirable world of boyhood fantasy. Family dinner time was definitely over. Time to clear the dishes and move on to something a little less stressful than family conversation and bonding.

Thankful Sunday 2

Things I'm Thankful for This Week...

In no particular order of course

1. For my newly painted kitchen - that punch of color makes a huge difference.
2. I'm thankful for all the rain and clouds this week. We really needed the rain.
3. I'm thankful for my dear sister-in-law. I count her as a friend not just an in-law.
4. I'm thankful that my children seem as excited as they can be about going back to school.
5. That the PMS and associated eating spree and food commentaries has ended.
6. For the 5 red zinnias that have finally bloomed from the 3 packets of seeds I planted.
7. That God continues to build my faith.
8. The Goonies movie - I just love it. Although I had forgotten the amount of expletives.
9. On Golden Pond - my husband just loves it. There are even more expletives.
10. We're on our way to visit my best friend L this week. Birdie is so excited that she's already packed her bag twice. Long talks, way too much coffee, mine with hot chocolate, museums to expand the kids minds and our patience, laughing until we cry, crying until we laugh, bowling, pizza, and building new memories with old friends. Oh, we are very blessed.

Friday, Friday, Friday

I just love Friday. I still adore Fridays even though I'm not currently working outside the home. My love of Fridays started during my last job as a teacher. Every Friday at the end of circle time I and all my students performed the Friday Dance. Individual creativity was highly admired. I still sing the song I made up to go with the dance.

Friday, Friday, Friday
Friday, Friday, Friday
Friday, Friday, Friday

And so and so forth, until I or my assistant or too many of the kids fell over from exhaustion. It one of the highlights of our week.

Fridays are still fun. During the school year my own children take a day off from homework. Any mom who supervises 3 kids doing homework daily, knows that's cause for celebration in itself. It's a special family night. We watch a movie or play a game. And usually my husband and I get a few moments alone.

It's one of last two weekends of the summer. Tonight we'll sit on our back deck, swat the mosquitoes, eat more appetizers than dinner, maybe we'll just have appetizers for dinner, and play a family game. As the stars come out I'm sure my husband and I'll head to bed, because we are such party animals.LOL.

Socks Are My Nemisis

I'm joining Shannon's Works For Me Wednesday with 2 tips on sorting the dreaded socks.

I personally hate sorting socks. They tend to just pile up on our dryer. The kids have actually started checking the dryer first for socks rather than their dresser drawers.

However, I have finally found a method that helps. I made a box for the top of our dryer that has 5 compartments and labeled each compartment for a member of our family. As the socks come out of the dryer, I just throw them in the right section. When and if I feel like it, I match them up. Otherwise the kids just get a pair out of their compartment. That's what generally happens. However, now they don't throw socks all over the laundry room floor looking for their socks. It Works For ME!

My second tip for socks comes from my childhood friend and the God mother of my children. She and her husband number the pairs of all the socks in their family. Each person's socks are numbered in a different place. Alex's are numbered in the bottom; David's are numbered on the toes, etc. Then her husband, who likes to match socks, matches up the pairs.

I should point out that they are a much more organized and on top of all chores type of family. I really don't think the socks just accumulate on the top of their dryer. But it works for them!

A New Dessert

For those days when you just can't wait for something tasty to come out of the oven I have found a new sinful pleasure.

EDY' DIBS!!!

Have you tried them? They're delicious. My favorite is chocolate. I knew you'd never guess that. You can check them out here. Oh, my goodness, I didn't know there were all those delicious types.

We picked them up last week when a friend pointed them out at the grocery store. The four kids at our house that afternoon and I finished that first little container in oh, about 5 minutes. When Little Dude tried to have seconds after dinner that night I had to tell him,

"They're long gone, baby. 5 minutes after we walked in the house gone."

We found a faster way to eat them yesterday. We went to the grocery store starving, so we each had a little taste of a Dib as we got in the car. I love an ice cream that you can pick up and pop in your mouth with your fingers.

I am proud to report that we still have Dibs left in our house after about 18 hours. Not, many but at least one serving. Of course, we did buy two containers on this shopping trip. The kids like the Nestle Crunch Dibs. I still adore the chocolate ones. Before my husband bit into one he asked while drooling slightly,

"Is this peanut butter?"

Alas, it was not, which stopped the drooling immediately. I informed him that if he too can behave at the grocery store, there are peanut butter Dibs for the bribing.

I promise I'll blog about something besides food at some point...

More Blackberry Cobbler

The Little Dude and I spent some quality time together yesterday.

He held on to my foot as a dragged him across the floor, because he thinks its just hilarious.

I squealed and yelled, "No, No, Mommy has things to do!" as he took off my shoes and tickled my feet.

We played Boggle and he won a few rounds. (I helps that I don't do any 3 letter words, and he can have all he can figure out.)

I read more chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows aloud to him in one day than I ever want to again.

And finally we made MORE blackberry cobbler.

It was GOOD. GOOD, I tell you!!!

So, you can imagine my face when my husband uncovered it for his dessert and found it half gone.

"Who had dessert already?" he asked.

"We were just taste-testing," I guiltily replied, not mentioning that Little Dude only had one taste, and I personally had lost count.

You know what I did next? I had dessert again. Then, I asked my husband to encourage me to walk this morning, because fall is coming and I might want to fit in my jeans.

I really want to go pick more blackberries before they're gone, but I know it'll just lead to more cobbler. Oh, I really don't want to go through the horror of buying new, bigger jeans....

Thankful Sunday

I thought I'd start something special for Sundays. Seeing as it's such a special day and all.


This will be my first "Thankful Sunday."


Hopefully, I will come up with a better name, but I think you get the idea.


So without further ado, here are my 10 thankful things for this week.


Okay, a little ado. Since this is my first "Thankful Sunday" some of these will be bigger than what I imagine will follow in the weeks to come.


10 Things I'm Thankful For...

1. That I've actually discovered that truly personal, day to day relationship with God.


2. For the love of my life, my dear sweet husband. God has answered prayers on this one. We are keeping God at the center of our marriage just makes it sweeter and sweeter. I just can't explain how God can enrich your marriage. My husband is a man I admire. He keeps me honest and loves me deeply. And he can fix a lawnmower!!!


3. Of course, next I am thankful for my children. My brother asked me about having kids not too long ago and I shared that I have wanted children since I was a child myself. My entire purpose and longing in this life has been to be a mother. The crazy part is that I'm not too sure I'm doing it very well most days. But I am grateful beyond all measure for this opportunity. I love each of my children immensely and wish for more time for them individually, but love how much they love each other.


4. I am thankful for my life long friends. They know who they are. I could not make it through 24 consecutive hours without you. There is such peace knowing I have friends that love me no matter what, because they know me so well that the stupid things I do don't really surprise them.


5. I am so thanful for the new friends God has provided here in Northern Virginia. These are amazing women that already had a great circle of friends. Yet, they have accepted me and include me. They don't know my joy when they ask me to coffee.



6. Ooooo, #6 and I haven't mentioned food. CANTALOUPE. I absolutely love it. I can actually replace dessert for me. I definitely need to get off my ice cream kick and back on my cantaloupe kick to get rid of this jelly-belly.


7. And that brings us to chocolate. All of us need just a little taste. I could wax on and on about my favorite types but let's save that for a brain freeze day.


8. That God answers prayers and leaves the ones that need to be unanswered - unanswered.


9. That God gives us time for growth. He doesn't answer all our prayers and doesn't always speak loudly and clearly for us. It is during these times that we grow and hopefully grow closer to him. We seek Him. Love Him. Need Him. Get frustrated and really ask for some answers!!! And still seek Him. Yeah, this is me right now. But I know that my God loves me.
10. For electric knives. How I made it through 13 years of marriage and feasts without one, I don't know. I sure am glad I have one now. I love the little noise it makes and how it cuts through London Broil like melted butter.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Lawns and Love

We've been going through a season of life lately where we ask,

"What else can go wrong?"

And then we quickly kick ourselves, because we know that just by asking that stupid question we are sure to find the answer and all too quickly.

Today, it was the lawnmower.

AAAGGGHHH!!!

It really wasn't so horrible. Just one more little thing on what seems like a humongous pile.

Seeing that both my husband and I seem to remember buying this lawnmower not so long ago, my hubby jumped in his truck and headed to Lowes. A dangerous, dangerous thing.

I didn't even have the nerve to ask if he was buying a new lawnmower and ceremoniously cramming the old one in the trashcan or simply trying to fix the old one.

A little later my love reappeared with high hopes of fixing the lawn mower himself.

I knew it was time for some serious prayer.

You would be so proud of me. I was such the supportive wife. I sat on a little stool beside him as he worked. I located various screwdrivers for him and handed him the appropriate tools. I really enjoyed our bonding over the blankedy-blank-blank lawnmower. However, the best was still to come.

I wish you could have seen the look of boyish joy when he started that lawnmower up, and it just purred.

PUURRREDD, I tell you.

It's a picture I hold in my heart.

Blackberry Cobbler Goodness

It's that delicious time of summer - Blackberry Picking Time.

After our delightful afternoon picking the sweetest berries I've ever tasted on Tuesday, it was time to make my favorite Blackberry Cobbler. I use a simple recipe that adapts to many cobbler fruits. I actually got it from Southern Living years ago and adapted it to my use. And by adapted I mean I usually leave out the peaches and don't add any extra sugar to the fruit.

After taking 15 pictures of the fruit, praying to get one in semi-focus, you should eat all the berries that have rolled onto the counter. Just to keep up your strength to actually make the cobbler.

Blackberry Cobbler

• 2 cups blackberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl combing sugar, flour, baking powder and milk. Mix well.

Pour melted butter into a 2 quart dish.

Pour milk mixture into butter mixture, but DO NOT STIR.

Add fruit on top. DO NOT STIR.

Bake for 1 hour. During dinner is a great time to bake this. Serve with ice cream. Supposedly serves six.

The cobbler turned out amazing as usual. I'd have pictures, but I was too busy burning my mouth taste-testing once it came out of the oven. By the time I decided, "Yes, it definitely came out delicious," and my mouth was burnt to smithereens my cobbler was no longer picture presentable.

I'm so glad there's one little square left. I'll be having this little smidgen for breakfast sans the ice cream.

I'm also relieved that I bought creamer yesterday. I just don't think I can stomach blackberry cobbler with coffee/hot chocolate this early in the morning.

Have a great day. Make some cobbler or at least try some fresh blackberries. Picking them yourself will just make them taste that much sweeter.

Teaching Kids About Confession

We were out running a few errands yesterday and don't you know that God was along for the ride.

I'm so glad He chooses the most appropriate teachable moments. Because I've got to tell you, my contrived ones usually fall pretty flat.

As we climbed back into the car with my husband's dry cleaning Birdie said,

"Mom...when I was looking in your purse earlier I saw you had some gum."

"And..."

"I took a piece."

"It's in my mouth now."

The guilt and need for confession was clear in her little voice. I have to admit I was so glad the Holy Spirit had pushed her conscience. I was also glad she didn't fear telling me what she had done. So, I reminded her that she should always ask before taking something that doesn't belong to her, and then asked her if I had I EVER refused to share my gum.

"You always share Mom. I'm sorry. I ask first from now on."

All was well with my little girl.

It was just a little reminder from God that forgiveness is mine for the asking. Luckily, I don't have anything heavy weighing on my mind at the moment. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach my daughter through this harmless little episode. Hopefully, she will always hear the Holy Spirit talking loud and clear to her conscious. And for those days that she sticks the earplugs in and does what God has cautioned against, she will know her forgiveness is simply waiting for her to ask.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that we will be quick to confess sin, knowing that you are faithful and just, and that you will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9.

When You're Out of Creamer

Here's my ridiculous Works For Me Wednesday tip today. Be sure to click over Rocks In My Dryer to see all the other great tips. Thanks to Shannon for hosting each week.

Prepare to be amazed by my tip.

I have grown to like coffee in the last few years. However, a good friend of mine explained to me that I don't really drink coffee; I drink hot coffee ice cream. I would have to agree with that diagnosis.

Therefore, I love a good amount of flavored creamer in my coffee. I also prefer flavored coffee. Hazelnut and Southern Pecan are my current favorites.

So, what do you do when you're at a friend's house who drinks coffee straight and strong. Even though I drink my coffee all foo-fooed, I definitely need a cup or three to start putting coherent sentences together and have patience for life in general. I came up with a ridiculously high calorie solution.

First, pour in an envelope of hot chocolate mix. Add brutally strong friend-preferred coffee. Stir. Enjoy. Eat breakfast within an hour due to the shakes the combination of coffee and hot chocolate can induce. A little slice of ice cream sipping heaven.

I'm looking forward to having this much laughed at morning beverage at Lynne's house in two weeks. It'll make the 12 hour car drive worth it.

Summer Day Trip

Thanks to my friend Kathy for simply delightful summer day. She called this morning with her usual question of,

"Whatcha doin'?"

Followed by,

"Want to go on a summer excursion today?"

Our day included a quick stop by a clothing retailer for her to pick something up for an upcoming cruise followed by lunch with our kids. After a couple of slushies and tummies full of food at TGI Fridays the kids were well warmed up and sharing every joke and funny story they could remember. But Kathy's excursion of fun had just begun.

Next we drove out into the beautiful countryside to a Loudon County vineyard - Tarara. It seems Kathy thought us moms needed a little wine tasting in our summer schedule. I certainly wasn't going to argue with my hostess's idea of summer enjoyment. First we took the self guided tour of the wine processing cave. Then, while the kids occupied themselves with the vineyard's dog and playing all kinds of games kids make up while waiting for parents, we tasted the winery's offerings. We definitely got $5 worth of fun pretending to know exactly what we were looking, smelling, and tasting in the wines.

Our favorite was the 2003 Meritage – This Bordeaux inspired wine uses Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from our estate vineyards to produce a full-bodied lush blend with impressive density. Sixteen months in oak barrels help create an intense nose of plum, chocolate, black cherry and anise that lead to a very smooth, full-bodied wine with a long spicy finish. This wine will age nicely for 10-15 years. $34.99. A close second was their 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon at $17.99. We really liked the art work displayed in the tasting room and found out it was a famous graphic artist who has work in famous museums. I would have caught her name if I wasn't so busy trying to smell the hint of strawberry, grass clippings and dark chocolate in the wine.

Next we were off to the vineyard's blackberry fields. The vintnar's best piece of advice was that the highest blackberries on the vine are the sweetest. We continuously taste tested this theory and quickly realized that the best of this vineyard was in the blackberry field. I didn't have my camera with me, but trust me it was a beautiful afternoon. The boys had a blast chasing each other up and down the rows. Don't tell the winery owners, but I'm pretty sure there was some blackberry warfare between them also. All too quickly our cartons and tummies were full and we headed back to life in the suburbs.

Thanks Kathy for a delightful day!

High School Musical 2 Review

Even though the premier of the movie isn't until Friday, August 17, a little blip in our cable provider has given us access to the movie a whole week early.

Woo-Hoo!!!

I am a 38 year old mom who is embarrassingly admitting that I couldn't wait to see this movie.

I love High School Musical 1. Great sappy songs, great large dance numbers, the basketball number was just plain fun, and a sweet love story appropriate for my then 7 year old.

High School Musical 2 was good. Even really good, if you don't compare it to the out-of-this world High School Musical 1. I didn't love #2 as much, but then it is a sequel and they're a difficult genre. There are several big dance numbers with amazing coreography that kids will know by heart before school starts, a new sport dance number, and plenty of teenage puppy love still decent for my 8 year old. #2 focuses a lot on Troy. And although, he's just as cute as he could be, his solos were a bit much eye candy for preteens for me. One was particularly unneccesary. And if Gabriella giggled through one more scene, I was going to have to mute the tv. My 10 year old son moaned everytime he realized they were stopping the plot to sing again. He obviously does not share my daughter's and my love of musical theatre. As far as we're concerned, you only have plot to get you from song to song.

Great summer flick. The actors/actresses are great singers and dancers, and that's really why I was watching. While it doesn't top High School Muscial 1, it does feed the consumption. There is a predictable, but teaching plot line. I enjoyed it and will watch it with my daughter many times again I'm sure.

Taking Your Son to Camp

We dropped off our eldest at camp yesterday afternoon. And I'm not sure if I'm proud of it or not, but I haven't cried yet. Usually when we drop him off I cry and spend the whole trip home praying for his safety and wondering why in the world I am leaving him in the care of people I DON"T EVEN KNOW???

Then my husband mummers sweet thoughts and talks me into laughter and reminds me how much I loved camp as a kid and later as a counselor and how great it will be for him.

This year my husband gave the same pep talk as usual, but I didn't need it as much. Fred is growing up. This will be great for him (I PRAY). I remember my times at camp as amazing times of growth and just plain fun. He needs to experience the small amount of independence camp can bring. I just hope his counselors are nice and caring, and the bullies leave him alone, and he has fun, and he eats well, and, and, and. Well, let's just stop right there.

The funniest part of the drop off occurred as we walked with Fred to the pool for his swim test. This is his first year at this camp, so we were all trying to figure out the procedure. He needed to take off his shirt and shoes, put his towel on the fence, take off his glasses, get in line for a shower, and then take the test. My husband and I figured this out in a matter of seconds while Fred stood there with his towel staring at us and not the pool. So I stepped up and started giving him instructions on what he needed to do and started to hang up his stuff for him when my husband pulled gently on my arm and whispered in my ear,

"Stop babying him. He'll figure it out if you give him a chance."

You know what, he was right. I took a few steps away from all the kids, back into the crowd of parents and watched. You know what I saw after a few minutes?

Fred took off his shirt and shoes, and his dad, my true love, stepped forward, hung his towel on the fence, took his glasses, helped him put on his goggles, and led him to the line to get in the pool.

Did you get that??? I stopped babying my son, so my husband could take over and NOT baby him.

And I didn't even comment. I wonder if it's only babying if your mom is helping you???

I'm still giggling that my husband didn't realize what he was doing.

Swim test was completed, our son was jabbering away to someone he met, and it was time for us to go. A few quick hugs, whispered reassurances of prayers and much love, and we walked away from him to the car. No tears for mom this year. Oh, my heart aches, but it is also full of love for my dear sweet boy experiencing the joy and sweat of summer camp. My husband gave the usual pep talk, and this year I realized that his pep talk is just as much for himself as it is for me. Oh, how I love my man!!!

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made the BEST chocolate chip cookies yesterday. And yes, I truly believe they are the BEST!!!
They're my mother-in-law's recipe. And you better believe me, that woman can cook! I think the fact that she's such a perfectionist actually helps her cooking. She makes sure she finds the absolute BEST recipe and then follows it EXACTLY!

How do you like all the capitals I'm using today. I had to shake things up, you know.

I don't usually make these. I just wait until I see my in-laws, because she makes them for every occasion. Thank you, sweet Jesus! However, having free reign to as many of these babies as I wanted last week at the beach kinda developed a need for them. My hips are getting wider as I type.

I even took pictures of their glorious, sweet crunchiness before they were devoured by children, my husband, neighbors, and of course myself.

I had cookies for breakfast this morning, and then a really small salad for lunch followed by more cookies. I'm definitely putting them in the center of the island and letting everyone eat until they're sick. My hips and clothes can't take many more.

Katherine Redford's Chocolate Chip Cookies

I don't know who she is, but God bless her!

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 2/3 cups light brown sugar
• 2/3 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup toasted oatmeal (Heat oven to 350, spread in shallow pan, toast 5-10 minutes)
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 ounces milk chocolate chunks
• 2 cups roasted pecans (optional, but they're divine)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt and toasted oatmeal. fold into butter mixture by hand, just until incorporated. Don't overmix. Lightly fold in chocolate chips and pecans. Spoon by teaspoonsful onto cookie sheets (I use parchment paper) and press down to flatten. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes or until a light golden color.

This makes about 3-4 dozen cookies. I wish it made more. Enjoy!!!

Growing Up

Yes, my first born continues to grow up. We passed another milestone today.

Boxers.

My 12 year old has clung to the safety of his "tightie-whities" as I like to refer to them. He tried to make the switch in 4th grade when he had to start dressing out for gym. I'm not sure he used them for anything other than sleeping shorts over his "tightie-whities." However, this fall he moves to a large middle school with gym everyday and a large locker room. He requested boxers.


He's ready.


He's ready. Am I? He's still my baby who wouldn't wear anything but red shirts for the first 6 months he was 3. My baby who had catastrophic meltdowns at the change of season when he had to switch from long to short sleeved shirts and then back again. My baby who wore his superman pajama's and cape everywhere until it was embarrassingly too small.

My baby who proudly informs me regularly of the changes of his body. My baby who actually needs deodorant - sometimes more than once a day.

My baby, who in the way only a 12 year old boy could, just explained exactly how things feel wearing his new boxers.

And then watched my face for the laughter or grimace of grossness.

Can you believe I'm getting this worked up over a change in underwear preference???

I'd cry over my baby growing up, but he's just too funny. And happy. And so darn cute.

Do I miss the baby days? Sure. But I love this age and how he still surprises me everyday by growing so fast while I blink.

I love you, my little superman. In boxers.

The Secret

I picked up The Secret by Rhonda Byrne to thumb through while waiting the other day. Because, you know, I had to know "the secret." And I heard it had been on Oprah.

It turned out that I couldn't figure out "the secret" by flipping through the book in the two minutes I had of wait time. So, I headed back to the bookstore to read it on the sly and put it back on the shelf.

I bought the book.

Because don't you just love how this crazy world is so interconnected that some of the conversations I had with my brother a few weeks ago touched on part of "the secret!" Like, growing up he always thought he would live in Maryland one day, and I always loved DC, and look where we are now. And that's only one of the things that rang a bell for me.

However, I did have mixed feelings about the book by the end.

I hope you also know that I'm not always too good at keeping a secret. They make me excited. And, this secret isn't gossip, it's information. I figure telling this secret won't hurt anybody.

The secret is the power of attraction. The force of attraction is the most powerful force in the universe. (Anybody heard of God?) Apparently, all the great and famous people, inventors, writers, scientists, rich people have known this for years and weren't telling to guard their fortunes.

The author also defines the secret as the power of positive thinking. I refer to that as PRAYER. The book consistently talks about wishing for what you want, clearly defining your desires, and thinking about having them. It even throws in a few Bible verses to back up it's claims.

What ever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22

I got the feeling from this book that they were trying to put a non-religious spin on many Christian beliefs. I can relate to many points made in the book. Positive thinking is huge in life! I believe in praying big to God, for God has bigger plans than I would ever imagine, and He knows what's good for me. I've seen the power of attraction the author talks about play out in my life. There's a whole section talking about gratitude and saying "thank you" through out your day for everything in your life. The author just doesn't mention who you're thanking. She talks about the power being in the Universe. The difference between the author and me is that I see that power in God.

I really liked what Marci Shimoff had to say in chapter 5.

Many people in Western culture are striving for
success. They want the great home, they want their business to work, they want
all these outer things. But what we found in our research is that having these
outer things does not necessarily guarantee what we really want, which is
happiness. So we go for these outer things thinking they're going to bring us
happiness, but it's backward. You need to go for the inner joy, the inner peace,
the inner vision first, and then all the outer things appear.

When we moved here last year I had several specific prayers. I prayed for a house we would love and make into a home, for my marriage to survive, for strong Christian friends to help build my faith, for my children to have good teachers and make good friends, to find a church where we could joyfully worship, and beyond anything else for our family to be happy. There have been stumbles along the way, and at times I got in the way of God's blessings. Yet, my prayers have been wonderfully answered.

The power of attraction, the power of positive thinking, the power of the Universe?

The power of God.

You know what I think. Read the book. See if it rings any bells with you. It will certainly make you think and quite possibly raise your blood pressure.

Home Sweet Home

Oooo, look at this. It's a blog, and I still remember how to log on! I had grand plans to blog from the beach, but got distracted by many things. Luckily, I did get to spend many hours with my feet in the waves watching the horizon. I just love the beach, no matter what crazy family dynamics follow me there.

Vacation was "interesting," to use the word my husband uses to describe things he doesn't want to come out and say too harshly. He also tends to say that every difficult situation in his life is a good learning experience.

Well, last week was a great learning experience and it was very, very in-ter-est-ing.

But, hey, we were at the beach, it was gorgeous, my husband looked like a saint and husband of the year all week, the kids had an absolute blast, and I now have a gorgeous tan to cover my not so gorgeous cellulite.

Life is Good!

The kids had such a good time that I'd even do it again. Of course, now I hopefully understand a few of the personalities better. Optimism - it makes everything look better.

Here's a picture of us on the beach right after sunset.

Okay, that's not really us. Our family was inside eating dinner while I skipped the festivities for a little photo time on the beach. I'd show pictures of our wonderful clan, but my safety minded husband would blow his post vacation serenity vibe. I love him and the kids too much to risk that.