Cleaning

The daughters room, she is a packrat.
She has been helpful though.

We seem to be missing some parts to a Betty Spaghetti.

She is parting with a dollhouse that is Fischer Price, a TV kareoke machine thingy, and some stuffed animals.

I will take downsizing where I can get it.

SR room is next. He needs shelves in his room.

All is well....

My Father is coming tomorrow with his fiancee. I should get some pork chops or steak out for the grill. also note, need potatoes! I wanted to put corn up this weekend, but am in no mood for it.

If the kids are helpful with chores today I promised to take them swimming.

Hope your day is a blessed one...

Summer coming to a close?

The high is a mere 81 today, which is fine really. It is perfect weather for almost anything. however it does remind me that in a few weeks my children will be school bound. My son headed to 2nd grade, and my daughter is officially out of my nest and headed to all day kindergarten. funny thing is, I recall writing so much about my trepidation re: sending SR to school. Worried does not begin to cover it. And there is no trepidation about sending PN. She will be fine. She is my leader, my diplomat, my easy peasy child. The other day when filing out the massive amount of paperwork there was a child survey to fill out. Last year I had to fill it out for SR I needed extra paper. For PN, there was really nothing to say. She needs confidence building. You see, she is smart as a whip. However, when your 7 year old brother can talk about algebra, and electronic receptors, well you think you are not smart...She is, and we cheerlead, and praise her. So I had to fill out this paperwork, "what frustrates your child?" Ha, pretty much nothing...she lives with SR. She has seen his frustration with things, and doesn't understand it. She tries to find the middle ground, avoid confilct, get along with people, she is my pleaser... Being a pleaser comes with its own baggage. (takes one to know one, so I will try to steer her). She is much like her Father in diplomacy matters. She cuts others slack, and is empathetic and understanding. She is popular with peers, likes to mentor others, take others under her wing. All of these great and amazing things. I admire that. She is my team player. She got none of that from me. I find all of those things frustrating. I am anxious for her to get her leaving the nest wings, and cannot wait to see where she takes herself. She is responsible, and helpful. She is a peach about daily help. She dresses herself, and empties her hamper, cleans up the bathroom if it is a mess...she does it without me asking. She enjoys hostessing when we have company, and likes to do extra touches, like putting a lemon wedge on the lip of a glass...she is thoughtful. The only time we seem to have any difficulty with behavior is when she is the least bit tired...she has never given into naps. I hope she embraces them at some point in her life.

I have an amazing daughter and son. The other night as DH and I were lying in bed, we were lying there wondering what will become of our children. What will they do, and what types of adults they will become....and like all parents, we were trying think of our strategy and how it is working....

You would not know these children came from the same home. They are exact opposites, I am sure the school will be surprised. I think the kindergarten teacher has probably been given the run down on SR, and told to expect something similar. This means she will be prepared for a hurricane, when she needs to be prepared for a 75 degree day.

SR has showed some maturity this summer, but has a long way to go. The frustration has gotten a little better. He strives for perfection in everything, and when things are not perfect he tends to fall apart. It is far better than it was one year ago. Last year, when he entered 1st grade he had to wear headphones because of the noise. By the end of the year, he was managing without them. He is learning how to "enjoy' playing a game, even when loosing, although he has his moments. His motor skills are better. His focus, well he is focused, but we are never sure on what. He is always building structures in his head, and can build simple machines with ease. The bike riding has helped with his confidence, and so has the swimming. I think we will continue with the swimming with both children. There are moments he seems disoriented in his own body. this year, he gets a math and science mentor! WE are thrilled! This should be a great challenge to him. He is currently showing his math ability to be at the age range of a 13 year old. I am excited to see how this goes this year.

Only a few more weeks, and play time is over. Bedtime is earlier, rising is earlier.

and me, I have no idea what I am going to do, none.....

elbows, hands, and knees oh my...

The barometric pressure did something overnight...

I woke this morning with sore elbows, hands, and knees.

Made coffee and step outside to note...

It felt like football season, the only way I can describe such temps. that is what it felt like.

I could hear a football game, and see crisp fall skies.

It is 63 degrees.

It is too early.

I need some heat for my tomatoes, and my body. Fall and winter will be here soon enough.

7 months of winter is ENOUGH. It is COLD.

My joints hurt? Great. That takes the fire out of ya first thing in the morning, waking feeling like you are arthritic...

Man....

Project day

Managed to get some rather small projects done today.

Cleaned out the fridge in the basement and stocked it.

Cleaned basement bathroom.

Started going through the basement storage room...oye.

Mostly caught up day to day laundry, washed some linens.

Made blueberry muffins for the kids.

Filled out all of PN's paperwork.

Tomorrow i have a lot of running to do.

Must go to the Dentist, and get paperwork filled out, they said they sent it, and did not. Go pick up a copy of complete immunization record on PN?. Take all of the kindergarten paperwork, including Borth Certificate to school. She is soooooo excited to start.


Pick up some canning jars I found on facebook for 3$! WOOT! They are Kerr, I am thrilled.

Swim lessons, and then dinner and a couple of drinks at a friends house. We were going to let the kids swim over there, but it is cold, and rainy it seems....

RE-Re tired

A retiring Army colonel opens up a ration of pound cake he brought back from Vietnam and has a taste. Henry A. Moak, Jr. pronounces the 40-year-old treat "good," adding that it's "even a little moist."

take only what you need...

Once there was a giving tree who loved a little boy.
And everyday the boy would come to play
Swinging from the branches, sleeping in the shade
Laughing all the summer’s hours away.
And so they love,
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

But soon the boy grew older and one day he came and said,
"Can you give me some money, tree, to buy something I’ve found?"
"I have no money," said the tree, "Just apples, twigs and leaves."
"But you can take my apples, boy, and sell them in the town."
And so he did and
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

But soon again the boy came back and he said to the tree,
"I’m now a man and I must have a house that’s all my home."
"I can’t give you a house" he said, "The forest is my house."
"But you may cut my branches off and build yourself a home"
And so he did.
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

And time went by and the boy came back with sadness in his eyes.
"My life has turned so cold," he says, "and I need sunny days."
"I’ve nothing but my trunk," he says, "But you can cut it down
And build yourself a boat and sail away."
And so he did and
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

And after years the boy came back, both of them were old.
"I really cannot help you if you ask for another gift."
"I’m nothing but an old stump now. I’m sorry but I’ve nothing more to give"
"I do not need very much now, just a quiet place to rest,"
The boy, he whispered, with a weary smile.
"Well", said the tree, "An old stump is still good for that."
"Come, boy", he said, "Sit down, sit down and rest a while."
And so he did and
Oh, the trees was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

19, 20, 21? Has it been that long?

DH is HOME this weekend! Well at least so far, I will pray and knock on wood, and all of that to ensure the phone does not ring at 5am with some sort of emergency.

There are many reasons to LURVE facebook. (There are reasons to hate it too, but I am in no mood to talk of that nonsense at this time). OK, back to lurving facebook. DH does not have an account on facebook, nor does he want one. However, his friends keep contacting me to give him messages. So this weekend we are scheduled to go see one of his dearest friends from high school. We have not seen he and his wife in 20 years? I might be wrong, it could be longer. We went to dinner with he and his wife. They married right out of high school, and are still married. I think this makes 21 years for them. This makes them the longest married couple out of my Husbands class. Quite a feat these days. We are the second longest married couple to our knowledge. The last time I saw them both together, we had went to that dinner, as DH wanted them to meet me. I mean they knew me, we went to high school together, but I think DH wanted them to help seal the deal as it were. I recall what I wore to dinner that night. (How Jen Lancaster Pretty in Plaid of Me). I recall Clay mentioning over dinner that I reminded him of DH's Mother. This was a compliment to me as she is a beautiful, and FUN, enthusiastic person. So tomorrow we are going to his home for lunch. I currently have a lemon zested, blueberry, peach, and sour cream bundt cake in the oven. I am praying to God it is delicious, because I made up the recipe. I am trying to bake it at a 325 temp so the blueberries do not all explode. the best news is this couple has to be the NICEST, most GIVING, Christian couple we know, and they have had tremendous success. That is a comfort to me...I could not think of anyone else who deserves it. They have 2 children as well, a couple years older than our children, but a boy and girl as well. So the children should remain occupied while we catch up on 2 lost decades....

The other good fortune, is finding my good friend from high school who was so much fun, we spent so much time together. Dating farm boys, and driving around in her little t-topped mustang. We once took my car and it exploded on the highway. There were 5 girls in that little car, and we hitch hiked back to town in the back of a farmers truck. She loved loud music, and laughing. I kept in short contact with her over the years, checking in every 5 or so years, catching details from her Father when I would run into him. Last I knew she was living in Arizona, she had triplets 11 years ago, and then on her 6 month return visit to her OB, she was diagnosed with invasive female cancer. They ended up removing her reproductive organs. She questioned why in the heck she had these 3 boys at once, but in hindsight is thrilled that God planned it that way, as that was the end of any child bearing. She is divorced now, I am sure the triplets, and the cancer made things difficult. She has invited me over to catch up next week, grill, have a couple of drinks, and let the kids swim. Henry is thrilled there will be 3 boys, as it seems he is surrounded by girls far too often. I really have missed her free spirit.

That is the good thing about facebook, the people I REALLY have missed. I just cannot believe it has been so darn long ago. I can still hear those times, feel wind in my hair, recall wearing that white silk skirt with small black polka dots to dinner, I remember it all like it happened yesterday.

boating

Had a great time at my Father's last weekend...

They insisted on celebrating my Birthday, which was actually quite nice. WE took the boat out for a ride, which was quite fun. The boat has a little speed, and we all had fun bouncing and laughing...My Father's fiancee was thoughtful, and packed a birthday luncheon for a picnic...I thought that was very nice. In fact a boat ride and picnic is a fine way to celebrate a birthday, I would do it every year if I could.

My Brother and his daughter missed the day, as well as DH...(he was working) It was a very nice weekend.

It is nice to see my Dad and his fiancee finding the way out of being widows, both suffered such terrible and tragic loss..

emergency brake cord

Where is the summer going?

Today PN has her kindergarten physical. Amazing...

She is my child who will not be nervous about her immunizations today, she will stick her arm out, and there will not be a tear. She is cool like that....

I cannot believe I have not blogged much this week...I am a little fried. DH has been working a lot of hours. Lots of 16 hour days, as the new fiscal year approaches, and work must be done. This is about month 2 of this schedule, not counting time overnight out of town etc....

I worry about him, and his lack of sleep and family, and last night he told me I have "been off for a month"....I probably have. I do not like single parenting for long periods of time with no reprieve. I am due for about 2-3 hours alone, I feel bad saying that...but if you are a Mom you know what I am talking about. 2 hours seems like an eternity after you single parent alone. 2 hours is like a mini vacation.

I have no idea where summer went. None of my projects got done...why? simple, the kids are not quite old enough. So as much as it bothers me that all on my list did not get done yet, all of the important things did.

I cannot find our fishing poles, and need to, a day fishing is in order. They are getting older and I suspect they would love it.

Both children learned to bike, and swim fairly decent this summer. (Swim lessons ensue next week) I will guess the swimming will improve. I am thrilled I managed that this summer. Biking and swimming , well it is how I spent my summers until I was 13 or so.

The public pool was about 6 blocks away, and we went when it opened, and left when it closed. I was brown as a bean..... But that was a different time, when you could send an 8 year old 6 blocks on a bike, and let her spend her day at the pool....

You can't do that any longer most places.

The Collective are getting tall, and today I suspect they will tell me PN is in the 95% for her age. She is a beauty certainly, and she beams and shines, and SMILES large.

When she is having fun, she announces for all to hear.."this is so much fun".....

Across the way at Grampanio's

We fed the neighbor's horses apples off of their tree

The drive to Grampanio's

How to support the troops?

Here is an idea

Computer probation...

I need to get things done, so we can get the heck out of Dodge.

We are going boating, and here

If you do not listen to this at least twice, you are nuts...

The accidental runner

I hate running...for those 2 people that might not know. I never liked it. I will hike and walk for days, but running...no thanks. It has always made me feel like puking, and has made me gasp for air. No thanks I do not like either of those things.

I need to get my bike like yesterday. The Collective are swift and fast, and I have had to take up jogging, walking in order to keep up with them. No thanks.

The trail near the house is within short distance and it is a busy one. I am trying to teach the kids good bike path manners. Which means an announcements "bike to your left". Watch for dogs and scooters. If you are at a crossing, wait for Mom.

Last night while at a corner there were about 16 bikes congregated down the street. There was chatting going on, and as soon as I arrive...

I hear a 14 year old girl say to her friend "I cannot believe he said that.." Keep in mind this 14 year old girl had silver braces on her teeth...

My son told her she looked weird.

Ughhh....

She wasn't weird looking she was a 14 year old girl who had taken the time to straighten her hair, and put lip gloss on, and was dressed very 14 year old.

I have talked to SR about his social filter endlessly. He just says the first thing that pops in his head..but I know the delicate nature of being a 14 year old. I am sure this will stick with her...as it was said around soooo many people.

I was not sure what to say.

Do I make a big fuss in front of everyone, and apologize for his feral behavior? Which would be MORE embarrassing to a 14 year old girl, do I tell her she is lovely and my son is weird like that, or do I just keep going?

I opted for ignoring him, and lecturing him when we got home...I need a bike, so we can just keep moving...

Homes For Our Troops

The food was nummy...

I decided to have Indian food for my birthday, so we went to The Oven in The Haymarket.

The Collective cannot seem to decide if they like Indian food or not. SR likes it more than PN. It is the different spicy, they can do all kinds of spicy, but I guess there is something about curry. They both loved the tandori chicken, chutney, veggies. not so keen on the spicy yogurts.

We went for ice cream yesterday too. There is a Zesto across from a Long Term Facility I used to work at, I had not been there for ages. I told the kids I would take them for cones. They wanted shakes, and let me know they were not thrilled with my choice of cones. I called them out on complaining about going out for ice cream. Seriously.

SR had a hard day yesterday, unsure why. He told me he felt out of sorts all day, told me his body clock felt out of whack..He has not had a day like this since school was in session...Normally I can trace this to an event, or artificial sweetener. (He does not do well with artificial sweetener, I do not allow him to have it) I felt bad for him, because there was nothing he or I could do to get him on track. Think of a car with one flat tire....just sort of bumpy and irritated, and no ability to fix the darn thing...


We dined out of doors last night, and it was lovely, the sky was turquoise. DH managed to get home from work before 8pm, which was unusual. He brought home chocolate covered almonds and colorful flowers for me.

I am calling a man about an antique bicycle today, it is adorable, and appears to be in good shape, it is aquamarine, and has a headlight, and basket...

Prayer for America

Why do I miss my Pastor and Church family back in Arkansas so much.....

Here is my Pastor performing a song he wrote.

Might I mention here he was a Marine medic in Vietnam....

His blog is here...

What does 39 feel like?

So far it feels the same, even if my Sister keeps calling me telling me I am 40...squealing with joy. She wants me to skip 39 entirely.

Oye...

She does not quite understand she is 7 years older than me, so this is a battle she cannot win. Heh...

I skipped yoga this morning, but should have went. My goal for next year is to be able to wear a 2 piece swimsuit without frightening small children, or turning 18 year old girls off from the prospect of Motherhood.

...shallow I know, but whatever.


Plans, there are none, I have no food cravings, which is odd. I am making an angel food cake with chocolate icing. We have to return library books, if the sun manages to stay out I will take The Collective to the pool, so I can lie on a towel under the sun with The Last Patriot by Brad Thor....

We need to get milk AGAIN. This is an every other day thing now.

My Father called and told me to go out and buy myself a new outfit as a birthday present from him. I need something teal, and purple so I just may do that.

39 feels just like 38.....

38 felt just like 37 etc.

Young ladies, do not forget to moisturize daily!

The difference between 38 and 39, might be tempo or mood? Example Ceremony possibly the best song ever written

recalling birthday present for myself in 1987...

nostalgia

I am 39 on monday...

Seriously?

I do not feel 39. What does it feel like? I guess I will tell you Monday.

My Dad mentioned the other day while visiting...

AWTM's Dad: "hey you have a birthday coming up, how old are you going to be?

AWTM: "uh 39.."

AWTM's Dad: "Do you have any idea how old that makes me feel?"

AWTM: "do you have any idea how old THAT makes me feel?"

bwah....

I do not have anything planned, going to make myself an Angel food cake. No cravings for a special meal or anything...still looking for a bike.

Unsure how I will spend the day. Hoping DH will be home before 8pm, that seems to be the magic hour these days..

I will be headed to my Father's home for the weekend, possibly take the kids fishing...

I love Ruthlace..

For many reasons, and including that all of my Grandparents are no longer with us...she gives me a glimpse into their lives..

Kites

Update:
North Carolina Grammie always sends the most fun things for The Collective, this time it was kites! Beautiful big colorful kites with the longest tails I have ever seen. On the day we decided to fly them, the wind was perfect, a bit hot out but it is July.

SR managed his alone, PN sort of freaked out. While at my Father last year she had some sort of Dora kite, and Grampanio got it stuck in a tree. So as soon as I let her kite out more than 4 feet, even though we were in an open field, with a wide open sky, she was fierce about keeping it close and protecting it. Understandable. She is my packrat, she is my things kid...she is my collector.

It was a gorgeous day, and the sky...how I missed the open sky....I can never express it enough...

I am hoping my kids learn to love and appreciate what a wonderful feeling it is to see it. To see the sun rise and set..and to see the moon illuminate everything. To be able to watch the weather come in....and go out...It is home

July trip to The Sheldon

Update:

The kids were stir crazy today, as I was not feeling well this week. I do not blame them. They are still discovering our city. I had them pick out a destination out of the Lincoln Safari book. They both chose a park, that had skateboarding ramps or whatever you call them, and equipment to play on. As soon as we pulled up, we noted about 14 young tweens and teens skateboarding, trying new tricks. SR loved it, thought it was "AWESOME". I asked him if he noticed anything...

SR has been my frustrated child. I suppose that is what happens when you read so early, and certain things come so easy to you...some things do not. Eg: the bike. A year ago, it was awful to even try to get him to attempt it, because it was work for him. It was not easy. This did not make sense to him. But as he watched these young men try and try and fall and land on pavement, he did notice...

AWTM: "do you notice anything?"

SR: "The make mistakes, and they just get back on, they need to practice"

AWTM: SIGHING, the biggest sigh you can imagine....peace.

SR finally understands trying at 7. This may sound like nothing to some folks, others will understand, and it is difficult to explain the amount of encouraging and exhaustive cheerleading we have had to do to get us here. There is a certain peace I have tonight, that I can not express.

We then decided to go out for Vietnamese lunch. I ordered bun, and shared with The collective. This particular restaurant has the long heavy chop sticks. PN picked them up like she eats with them every meal, and ate her entire dish of bun! SR loathes the heavy chopsticks, and even though he was frustrated he did not complain, he ate with one in each hand...An older Vietnamese complimented PN on her chopstick handling! She beamed.

We then decided to go to The Sheldon Art Gallery, at UNL. I was sort of worried at the beginning, they have done Natural History museums, science museums, etc..but never a non interactive museum. So I gave them the no touching, no getting to close to paintings, no running, no talking rule bit..THEY loved it. LOVED it. In good news, the museum is quite small, with 4 small galleries to go through, there was no time for them to be bored. In fact I was surprised that they sat on benches and actually looked at painintgs, laughing at what was whimsy, calling what was weird, weird, and loving some of the art work, as well as pointing out details I might not have noticed...PN, recognized this painting immediately, as we have a small print of it in our dining room. she was thrilled she recognized it, and was excited. We both noted my print is not a good reproduction as my print looks more yellow than green in spots.. SR was interested in Whistlers lithography and print making as he has been reading about this for about 2 months. He could explain to me in detail each part of the process in lithography, and in other print making. PN did not quite understand why so many sculptures were "naked", and decided it must be hard to sculpt clothing...

I have been enjoying them so much this summer, and am thrilled I have had the opportunity to see such growth in them both. It is happening so fast. I no longer make beds, or clear off plates, or pick up toys or clothing...they can do all of those things, and normally do so without me fussing at them...

There are moments I want to stop the clock and do days over again and again...like today

this week was a wash...

the week was a failure, because of biochemistry...great.

I am better today, just tired.

Tomorrow is another day!

We are making banana bread in the morning!

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1/3 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 cup mashed bananas
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)



1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Spray one 9x5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray coating.
2. Blend together the eggs, buttermilk, oil and bananas.
3. Sift together the sugar, flour, baking soda and salt. Add to banana mixture and stir in pecans. Mix well.
4. Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

UPDATE***if you do not have buttermilk you can use the following... * Milk (just under one cup)
* 1 Tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice


I also will be going to the gym for pilates in the morning.

Where did the week go?

Oh I know, I spent over half of it, not functioning...grrrr...stupid tent.

Trying to catch up today by doing laundry. I keep wondering where ALL of the hangers I bought went. Seriously. I guess I put that on the list for the next trip to the store...AGAIN.

I managed to take the Collective to the pool yesterday, the water was cold because of rain in the morning, so they did not swim as much as I would have liked. I tried to read, and think they should make books waterproof.

I harvested 6 cucumbers, a couple of jalapenos, and a couple of Serrano's. I also noted I might have accidentally planted 2 acorn squash instead of one zucchini, one acorn...darn it. The tomatoes are teeny, and I am guessing they will all come in at one time. It figures. My Father informed me, he has a ton of nice jars! Hooray, I was loathing the idea of spending money on any. So now I must brush up on my canning skills. The farmers are out with their corn, and I only planted enough to eat, so I am thinking about going to get a bunch to freeze. There is nothing better than real corn in the dead of winter...

I am having company Saturday, and am thrilled DH's cousin is coming over for dinner! funtastic.

I had company on the third, and was embarrassed that I had burnt dinner...burning lasagna for your Italian guest...ughhh. But it did not end there, my bread was served flaming (thank God I had another loaf), and my chocolate cream pie was soupy....ughhh. The company was nice though, and Household 6 is a busy, busy woman. And teeny, I wanted to carry her around in my purse. She is headed to Las Vegas soon, to speak on behalf of military wives. It is nice having people stop through!



*why my dish, and grill are background I have no idea...

Stupid tent...

I have not felt good since Sunday, woman trouble...

Yesterday at about 4pm, poof migraine. Took my imitrix, and it remained. Went ahead and had a coke, no relief. Took 800 mg motrin, no relief. At midnight I broke down and took some Pamprin with caffeine in it. That did the trick but I was up until 3am....

Really how disruptive can one thing be....

Raising of the flag in my hometown...

Every time the flag is raised, I cry...

This Fourth was my Favorite!

I had such a good time, and laughed a lot...more later, but here are some photos! The Collective had a good memory making Holiday!!

what in the heck happened to my energy....?

I am up at midnight making a chocolate cream pie for my dinner guest tomorrow!

Today we had errands to run, and the DMV to visit (always a joy and efficient here! Even with a long line of 50 people, it took 20 minutes). I entertained myself by watching SR sit by two 15 year old girls for 10 minutes non-stop. They were sort of irritated, but he was in the mood for socializing today. He has much to say. We had to grocery shop too, and during this time SR started telling rabbit jokes. I have no idea what started it, but the kids had 3 hours of jokes to tell me. 3 hours of non-stop talking, I am sure they come by it naturally, but WOW. I suppose I know how my Husband feels.

Deb was right in the last comment, when she said, this learning to ride a bike this week means FREEDOM. when you are 5 and 7, and can ride a bike, it is HUGE. No one can tell you how fast to go, there is no holding on to hands. It is you and the open sidewalk, as far as the property line. Tonight I let them test their wings, by letting them go around the block, the the going back and forth is getting on SR last nerve. I of course followed them on foot. They did terrific. (I did happen to witness an argument between some teens lighting fireworks, and their neighbor across the road, it was not good....) SR and PN did well. However it will be no surprise to anyone, that I too will need a bike now. Just to keep up with them. In good news, there are bike TRAILS all over the city. I have never see so many bike trails. You can get from one end of the city to the other. So for my birthday which is around the corner I was asking for an ice cream maker, or an inexpensive food processor from DH and the kids, I have scratched those, and am asking for a bike. Nothing fancy for now, (I have not ridden in a long long time) but I would love to get this next year. I want a basket for it too, and a matching scarf! I mean really if I am going to ride, I may as well look insane right? I used to want the very elegant black and brown Amsterdam, but I changed my mind...



So the Collective are feeling free, and independent, and confident. Amazing what a couple of days on a bike can do......

One of the best things about parenting? Getting to do things twice, and seeing things from entirely different perspective, you get to see tiny people learn to walk, talk, run, swim, ride bikes, you get to jump on a trampoline, and shoot your kids high in the air, and laugh until you cry...

and you get 3 hours of rabbit jokes...most of them bad

Better...

Very hard to take photos, while preventing death...

I cannot seem to get them off of the bikes now, although they get grumpy when they need a break.

While they are taking a break, I must do some housework, as I am expecting company. I hope I can some things straightened up before the arrival tomorrow.

Since the wash machine is still working, there is no excuse for a pile of wash! (Yes, it is still working, knock on wood, and Praise Jesus)

On the list today: PAY BILLS! Ughhh, maybe I should save it for after 5pm, so I can have a beer while doing it.

Grammie, pack your running shoes!

The Collective can ride bikes, sans training wheels!

Grammie is set to visit soon, and misses these children sooo much. Grammie, you would have loved this!

Note, pack tennis shoes! I am going to have to get bike, as I can no longer walk or jog to keep up with them.

SR had his first big crash last night, went butt over shoulders. Scrapped his knee, and thought he would die...

He outgrew his bike as well, so last night helmets, and pads were bought, as well as a new bike. Hoping it does not take him long to figure it out...