Trend-Setter

Vanessa has become quite a fashion trend-setter lately.

Granted, I'm usually the one to dress her in the morning, but by the afternoon, she will have removed or added items to her attire. Her hair will go from nicely brushed and pulled back to crazy and wild. Her clean shirt will look like she wiped her muddy hands on it, giving it a new fashionable print design. She can be found walking around the house with two different shoes on; with only one of them belonging to her. Her socks may match, but they may not too. She often adds a headband, or two or three or four; often wearing them in the place of a 1980's sweat-band. And usually, she has found my make-up bag. A little mascara here, some powder there, and a squirt of perfume to go.

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL!

(Sorry for the red eyes in this picture. This is a never-ending problem for those of us with light-colored eyes.)

Lunch in a box

Periodically, we have large boxes from a recent on-line shipment. These boxes usually make their way to the recycle bin, but occasionally, they are claimed by some little girls. With the help of a few crayons and a pair of scissors, what was once a plain box quickly becomes a house. The girls love to express themselves through their drawings on the box and Daddy helps them cut windows and a door. They squeeze in there to play together or hide from me when I’m looking for them. I've even caught Vanessa sitting in there enjoying a snack she took off of the counter without me knowing it. In this picture, they are enjoying a little lunch in their new home. This house was not complete yet at the time this picture was taken, because it now has several more windows and a sunroof…you know, because all houses should have sunroofs.

But he needs it!

I believe the tradition in most families the night before Christmas is to leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa Clause. Some families even add a carrot or two for the reindeer. But my family has taken it to a whole new level this year. We started our own tradition. Of course we left some cookies, milk and a handful of carrots for the reindeer or, as Vanessa calls them, Santa's horses. This year, however, the girls felt Santa needed some Pepto. As in Pepto-Bismol. You know, the pink stuff you take for a stomach ache. And he didn't need just one chewable tablet. No, according to Katelyn, that would not be enough for the dozens and dozens of cookies that Santa would be eating that night. He needed 6.

This is a cool bag!

I received the coolest gift in the mail yesterday from Michele – a ChicoBag. ChicoBags are the perfect option for someone looking to replace their store plastic bags with a reusable bag. It is generic in nature; meaning not specific to one store. It is washable and self-folds into its own small pouch. And the best part: it has a clip so that I can attach it to my purse or key chain or diaper bag and never have to search for it. Nor, will I ever be able to use the excuse again that I forgot my cloth bags. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love my Whole Food and Trader Joe's cloth bags, but this one is just so cool.

I was reading on their web site, http://www.chicobags.com/ , and found some very shocking information:
*The average American uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags per year.

*If everyone in the United States tied their annual consumption of plastic bags together in a giant chain, the chain would reach around the Earth not once, but 760 times!

*According to the American Forest and Paper Association, in 1999 the U.S. alone used 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring 14 million trees to be cut down.

*Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photo-degrade—breaking down into small toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food-chain when mistaken for zooplankton or jellyfish.

I've already thought of several other uses for this handy bag:
-A Laundry Bag: No longer will Bill have to rely on the hotel's plastic laundry bag to bring home his dirty laundry. He can keep this small pouch in his suitcase, which takes up virtually no room, and use it over and over again, unlike those plastic ones he had been relying on which always come home stretched or riped.

-Library Book Bag: Because this bag can hold up to 20 lbs., you can now easily bring home all of your new reading material.

- Lunch Bag: It's the perfect bag to bring a picnic to the park in: the handles are not going to rip out from under you like a paper one and if anything gets spilt on it, it's washable.

I’m definitely going to order some more…now, I just have to choose which color!

Like the new "do"?

Vanessa had her first haircut today. At 23 months old, I have yet to cut her hair – not even a trim. When her hair is wet, it gets rather curly. Since I have very STRAIGHT hair, how could I cut such a beautiful wonder as the curls of my daughter’s hair? Vanessa does not like her hair in her eyes and, therefore, does not refuse me putting a clip or ponytail in her hair, so it’s never really been a problem. But recently, it has started to look a little…well, um, unkempt. And since Katelyn was going in for a trim, I decided Vanessa could share in this same experience. She acted like a pro - like she had done this a hundred times. She knew which seat she wanted to sit in and sat very still when told too. Not a single tear and was all smiles afterwards.

Happy Birthday Mama Anderson!

Happy birthday to you
(cha-cha-cha),
happy birthday to you
(cha-cha-cha),
happy birthday dear Mama Anderson...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
(cha-cha-cha)

We hope you have a wonderful day filled with love. May all of your birthday wishes come true.
And yes, we will have some chocolate on your behalf ;-)

It always amazes me...

It always amazes me what people say. People that I don’t even know will completely shock me with their opinionated comments. Their comments are almost always negative or demeaning or hurtful, whether they know it or not. Do these people not ever think before they open their mouth to speak?

I grew up in a family where you never openly made comments about others. Of course, in the privacy of our own home, we perhaps would talk about someone, call it gossip, but never were these comments malicious and never would we say such negative comments directly to one’s face. Even today, we try to live a very respectful life by not saying demeaning comments about others. Even if that person is not in the room, we try not to make comments that could be considered hurtful, as perhaps others overhearing the conversation would be offended too.

The other day, the girls and I went out to run a few errands. While I was finishing up at the first store, Vanessa started having a complete melt-down. I’m not talking about standing next to me crying. No, that would have been lovely. Instead, she was laying on the floor, first on her stomach, then her back. Kicking. And screaming. And crying. Oh, and flinging her body all around. It was a beautiful sight. I just wanted to finish paying and then leave and if I took the time to get down on her level and handle the situation “properly”, we would probably still be there. You see, she wanted my purse and she wanted to empty it all over the floor. I didn’t really feel like having my entire life exposed to all of the passer-bys, so decided to hold onto my purse instead of giving it to her. So, this is what caused her tantrum. In the middle of this ear-piercing scene, the clerk next to me decided to open his mouth, saying “Hey little girl, don’t you know Santa’s coming? You better be good.” REALLY? Santa is coming? Here? Now? Are you kidding me? Seriously, does this guy think that a one year old, in the middle of a full-blown tantrum, gives a care whose coming? A one-year old who doesn’t even know who Santa is? NO. I just looked at him, grabbed my stuff and headed for the door, leaving Vanessa crying on the floor. I wish I had the guts to say something to him, but that’s just not me. Did he really think his comment was supportive, to me – the mother of this screaming child? NO, again.

Our next run-in with positive comments was at the next store we visited, again with my clerk. This time, both girls were in the basket separated from me by the clerk and the counter. Vanessa HATES this. She always gives me a panic look when she, in the basket, goes down on side and me the other. But, I always reassure her and often reach to hold her hand, being that we are just a few feet apart. I keep her in the basket, or should I say that I TRY to keep her in the basket, during checkout because it is so much easier for me to complete my end of the purchase having my hands free to swipe a card, dig for cash and loose change, etc. Fortunately for Vanessa, Katelyn was sitting next to her in the basket this time. Katelyn doesn’t mind being in there, as she is just a little social bug. As well, Katelyn can help reassure Vanessa and translate language if needed. The clerk had asked the girls a question and both girls responded. Although when Vanessa talks, 97% of the world’s population cannot understand her. She uses approximations, gestures, finger pointing, and ASL to communicate her needs or have a conversation with you. And I FULLY understand that the majority of the world does not understand ASL or want to take the time to carefully listen to an approximation (which if you do, you can often translate accurately). When the clerk started talking to the girls, I wish I were a stronger person and could have stood up for my daughter. Instead, I, again, finished my checkout and left the store fuming at her for her hurtful words. “What are you saying? Why are you talking like that? You are a monster. Why don’t you talk normally? Scary.” I am NOT exaggerating here at all. She was calling my child a monster because she was not using words that this clerk could understand. And no, she was not joking around. Not at all.

In both of these situations, I wish I could have left a positive-criticism with each of the clerks. Perhaps to the male clerk in the first store, I could have replied back that my child was on over-load, or having a hard day, or almost TWO. I wish I could have told the lady clerk that I was not open to comments about my child’s language development. I would have wanted my comment not to be hurtful to her, but rather educational and a “lesson-learned” type of comment. If she was this open with her comments about a child that “looks normal”, then what is she going to say to someone with a physical need?

No matter where we are or where we’ll go, we are always and will always be surrounded by people. People will forever make comments and I am learning to let them in one ear and out the other. If I can lead by example for my daughters, I will. If I shoot back a negative comment, the girls will think that it’s acceptable to be rude. But it’s not. Life is too short to go around being negative, hurtful, and mean-spirited. And you never know when a negative comment will come back to bite you in the butt, or perhaps you’ll actually need that person for some assistance – will they want to help you? What will their impression of you be?

Thoughts for the New Year

“But history will judge you, and as the years pass, you will ultimately judge yourself, in the extent to which you have used your gifts and talents to lighten and enrich the lives of your fellow men. In your hands lies the future of your world and the fulfillment of the best qualities of your own spirit.”
Robert F. Kennedy

Plastic Bag Challenge: A few things for you to know…

Costco has their own reusable bags. They can be found, at least in my local Costco, in the aisle of paper and plastic items (like paper plates, plastic cups, etc.). A two-pack of these HUGE plastic-type bags costs less than $2.00. These bags are great because it makes shopping at this enormous warehouse a tad bit easier. No longer will items roll around in the back of your car or will it take 7 trips to unload your purchases. These bags are huge, so you can really fill them up. Since they don’t use bags to begin with, you will not get any type of discount for using them, except you’ll no longer have to dig under your seats to find all of your lost items.

Trader Joe’s offers a variety of reusable bags, starting just under $1.00 for plastic-type smaller ones to just under $3.00 for canvas ones. They even offer an insulated version, although I’m not sure how much they cost because I figure I am usually headed straight home if I purchase refrigerated items anyways. For every bag you bring in, (whether their bag, another store’s, or even a paper one) they will give you a ticket per bag. The tickets go into a basket for a weekly drawing of a $20.00 gift certificate to Trader Joe’s…not too bad, if you ask me!

Safeway and Target both offer cloth reusable bags as well. The cost for their bags will run you approximately the same at any other store. I have yet to purchase Target bags, because, to me, they felt thin and like they would not last long. Yes, I am an embarrassment to my husband, as I usually bring in another store’s cloth bags. I’m sure I’ll be “forced” to purchase their bags eventually; after all, I would like to continue to share a bed with him. I have not checked to see if Target gives you a discount if you bring in your own bags. Does anyone know? If so, e-mail and let me know. And don’t forget, Safeway does give you a discount per bag, regardless of which type or brand of bag you bring in.

It is so easy now; almost every store offers their own version or you can even bring in generic canvas one or a random paper one from home.

My cousin Amy has pledged her support with this challenge, saying she’ll try her best in 2008. She says she mostly shops at Trader Joe’s and will use their handy reusable bags. It looks like she’s playing for a chance to win a gift certificate there!

Who else is in? Shoot me an e-mail and let me know your goal.

Word of the day

Katelyn came home from school recently with a new word: poop-po-head. I just laughed when I heard her say this (not in front of her of course), because she has really no idea what she is saying. It’s rather funny because she’ll just insert it into any sentence, whether it makes sense or not. She never uses it in a mean-spirited way, but more rather as a descriptive term. She has never before known such creative words and I contribute this new addition to her language database to one of her lovely little classmates.

It is completely natural for children to create these descriptive new words, or potty talk. In reality, that is what it is. At school, even though they have individual bathroom stalls, small groups go in at one time (and we wonder why as adults, females go to the restroom in groups, or at least a pair). So it is common for them to hear each other’s business and naturally carry some of those “bathroom words” into their normal conversations. And here at home, since we are in the beginning stages of potty-training with Vanessa, we are using these "potty" words more frequently (and often in a cutesy-manner, along with a clap and cheer).

Even though she is saying it with a joyful tone, I told her I did not like the word and that she had to go throw it into the trash can. She played along, getting up and going to the trash. She opened the door and said “poop-po-head go into the trash”.

But, I think maybe it escaped. Or one of poop-po-head’s relative.

Well this has been fun (to be read with A LOT of sarcasm )

I haven’t posted in a few days because we’ve been testing out a new crash diet; it’s called the flu. Last week, Katelyn woke up from her sleep and started vomiting. Normally, I would have said that she just had a stomach bug and after she got it out of her system, she’d be better. Two hours later, she still wasn’t better. She was quickly becoming lethargic and could not keep sips of water down.

Into the ER we went, where Katelyn was given an IV. Three and a half hours later, they finally had to give her anti-nausea medicine. Since she couldn’t even keep the IV fluid down, and had now been vomiting for 5 ½ hours, she was becoming extremely dehydrated. The hospital will not discharge you until you can keep fluids down, so after they gave her the medicine, they still had to monitor her. Another 1 ½ hours later, we were finally able to go home.

That night I went to bed at a quarter to 5, as in 4:45 AM. The last time I was up “all night” was probably at a slumber party in junior high. And this time, I was not awake due to my own accord. I would have rather being spending most of my early morning hours painting nails, sharing gossip, eating junk food and watching movies. But instead, I was treated to a germ-filled, sterile and foul smelling ER room.

Bill and I had planned months ago to spend Saturday night in San Francisco and then catch Cirque Du Soleil on Sunday with his family to celebrate his mom’s birthday. Since our time together has been very limited lately, we both were looking forward to some quality uninterrupted time, taking in the holiday decorations in the City, getting some last minute shopping done and eating at a fabulous restaurant. My parents were still willing to take the girls, even Katelyn who was no longer vomiting, but still not well.

Saturday was a beautiful crisp day in the City. There wasn’t a cloud in the bright blue sky and it was wonderful to bundle up in a jacket and scarf, although that sounds completely odd since it was a blue sky. That evening, we had an “adult” dinner out; we dressed up (meaning, wore dry-clean-only clothes) and went to Greens (http://www.greensrestaurant.com/). It was FABULOUS! Our table was located right next to the large windows overlooking the marina and we each enjoyed our meal, consisting of items chosen from a pre-set menu. Who knew food could look so beautiful and taste so incredible without a hint of meat? Now, this was my kind of food, which is exactly what I told our Irish-accent waiter.

Driving back to the hotel, I started to not feel so well. I kept telling myself that it was the rich food, but a few hours later, as I was flushing my wonderful dinner down the porcelain throne, I knew I had caught Katelyn’s flu. What a bummer that was! But on the other hand, I got to enjoy a wonderful meal without keeping the calories. The rest of the evening was spent running between the bed and the bathroom...all while Bill slept peacefully.

I am almost fully recovered, but get tired easily and still have a low appetite. Katelyn is still not well: very low energy, almost no appetite, and now sinus congestion. She hasn’t been in any of her classes since last Wednesday and probably won’t be for the rest of this week. Needless to say, we are watching a lot of Clifford, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph. I never thought I would be so tired of those old Christmas classic movies.

A night of Christmas memories

The girls and I, along with my parents in tow, attended Katelyn’s school Christmas performance. Yes, they even have these things for Preschool! Last year, being new to the school, I had no idea what we were in for. By chance, I happened to put Katelyn in a holiday-looking dress, but was not aware that she would be up on stage singing. We showed up just before it was to start and sat in the back. I had the camera, but only because it goes everywhere with me, but not the video.

This year, I was prepared. The girls had on their new Christmas dresses that Daddy had picked out, bows in the hair and pretty black shoes. The camera was ready and the video camera was sitting upon the tripod. I have posted some pictures here and as soon as I figure out how to download the video off of the video camera, I’ll post some video from tonight’s events.

At the beginning of the Early Preschool class’ performance, Vanessa ran up on stage. There was a group of children and several teachers sitting there, so I guess she decided to join them. There was no way I was going to be able to stop her without making a huge scene, so watched her as I clamped my jaw tightly shut. She sat down next to one of the teachers and acted like she belonged in the class. She clapped when everyone else did and looked interested in what was going on. She lasted a few songs until she came to find me.

I am completely stunned by Vanessa, as she joined in the activity and sat with the other children during their performance. It obviously took a lot of risk for her to be up there, but it also shows her comfort level at the school and with the teachers. And of course, she knew where her reassurance was located: sitting in the second row.

Katelyn’s class entered next and performed several lovely songs. She actively sang most of the songs, with an occasional nail biting in-between (hey, at least it wan’t a finger up the nose!). She looked beautiful with her reindeer antler hat on.

Then there was a visit from Santa. For the last few years, Katelyn has repeatedly told me that she does not like Santa. I have never forced the issue with her; after all, it is a rather strange custom that we have accepted: have your child talk and sit on the lap of a stranger. Every other day of the year we tell them not to talk or go with strangers. Yet, at Christmas-time, we force them too, and often pay money to the stranger too. And we wonder why they get confused!

From the moment Katelyn saw him, she was in my lap. My dad kept encouraging Katelyn to at least go talk to Santa and slowing they made their way closer to the stage. Katelyn and Vanessa were called to have a visit with Santa. Vanessa promptly refused, but Katelyn stood timidly in from of him for a few seconds. The next thing she knew, Santa had picked her up and she was sitting on his lap. She had a bit of a surprised and shocked facial expression, but that was immediately wiped clear with the question he asked her, “What do you want for Christmas?”

I am completely shocked that Katelyn had a visit with Santa. Personally, this isn’t a custom that I will continue to push. However, I am extremely proud of her tonight because she overcame her fears and went up to talk to him. You see, every time we see him, such as in the malls, she will make a wide circle to go around him, leaving a good 50 feet barrier between her and the man in the red suit. And what’s even more thrilling is to see her courage level double-over during this process. On the way home, she was telling Daddy how brave she was for sitting on his lap. And you know what, she was very brave.

Tonight was filled with wonderful memories and several firsts. I am always astonished by how fast the girls are growing and amazed when I look at the world through their eyes.

Up for a challenge?

I would consider my friend Michele green. No, she is not green as in the color. But she is “green” in how she lives her life. I would put her in the upper bracket of being "green", where as I’m still fumbling around trying to understand what being “green” means. I’m working on it; trying to use Earth-friendly products, being more alert to the recyclable items that I put into the trash bin, buy organic products when possible, and using cloth shopping bags instead of plastic.

These changes are not just for the benefit of our Earth, however I would like it to be around and healthy for as many generations as my bloodline leads too, but for the well-being and health of my family. We use to think that having a house smell of cleaner meant it was REALLY clean. But what was breathing all of those chemicals doing to our insides? Organic products sometimes cost more, but do I really want to be putting harmful chemicals into my daughter’s bodies? And yes, getting the plastic grocery store bags is so much more convenient than bringing my own, but where do these plastic bags end up?

Recently, Michele put up a challenge (http://tellme.typepad.com/fabulous_finds/ ): To limit the number of plastic bags that you will bring home from stores this next year. Her goal is no more than 14 bags. I have decided to join her in this, setting my goal of no more than 20 plastic bags in 2008. And just to let you know, I have no shame. I will bring my Whole Foods bags into Safeway or any other store. I know my husband is not going to like this at all. Store’s cloth-bag-loyalty is out the window for me; I’m hoping just to remember the have the bags with me! But I learned the secret the other day when I brought home 4 plastic bags for my small $30 purchase (apparently, my grocery bagger had yet to figure out how to best fill them)…keep the cloth bags in your car at all times. That means, when you are finished unloading the groceries at home, put the cloth bags into your car (not under the sink next to the old plastic ones like I had done).

Another perk to bringing your own cloth bags? It saves you money! For every bag that you bring into a store, a few cents is taken off of your total bill. I don’t know if this is true at every store, but it seems like at most. Every store does it differently: Safeway automatically takes $0.03 per bag off your total and Whole Foods will either take it off of your total or allow you to donate that money directly to one of their charities.

One footnote: Just because I am being a little more Earth-conscious does not mean that I'll be giving up my SUV anytime soon. I may opt for a hybrid version in a few years, but in the meantime, I'll at least group my driving trips to cut down on fuel waste (not to mention saving a few bucks).

What will your goal be?

Preparing for the Holidays

Not so sure

We recently joined some friends at a local farm for a birthday celebration for their son. This was the first time we had visited this farm and, I’ll tell you, what a set-up they have! They cater to children’s birthday parties and offer jumpy houses, lots of climbing and riding toys, a train and of course, pony rides. Katelyn was not interested in having a pony ride, but Vanessa, on the other hand, is so fascinated with horses and didn’t seem too intimidated by them. So why not, let’s give the ponies a try. Here’s the play-by-play…

Parents were not allowed in with the children so Bill and I stood by the side watching her go around. Half way around the circle, she flashes us a worried panic look. For those not familiar with ASL, she is signing “Daddy”. She would have probably signed “help” next, but that sign requires the use of two hands and I don’t think she was releasing her left hand anytime soon.

Then we had crocodile tears. (Sorry the picture is blurry. It was a flurry of commotion as she was coming off the pony.)
I think it might be awhile before she is willing to try this again.

Taking a princess to a game

Katelyn and Bill went to a Giant’s game the other night; in our family room; and she was dressed to impress...
Of course, she couldn't go to the game without her Giants baseball cap on! Yep, that’s a pink one. There were several chants of “Go Giants, Go Giants” and lots of cheering and clapping. They obviously had a great time at the “baseball game”.

A sad loss

We lost Mommy Fish today. It is a very sad loss, especially for Katelyn. She was the fish who blessed us with over 20 off-spring. Katelyn loved to show visitors to our home the Mommy Fish where "live bearers came out of her tummy" and then proceed into her room to show the guest her tank full of itty-bitty baby fish. Katelyn was in tears as we told her Mommy Fish is now up in Heaven swimming in the big fish pond (which is well stocked, thanks to our great ability/luck raising fish) and being well fed by Papa Anderson. We have 19 babies left, which still leaves a full tank to raise. Katelyn said that she will be their Mommy now and take good care of them.

Not just the talk, but the walk too

"Enjoy life, Be Happy and Love what you do as you only have one life to live."

Last week, Bill and I were at our small group gathering when one of individuals in our group started to talk about himself. He is young, single and obviously, lost in this world. He was asking questions, like “What should he do about his job situation? How does he know how to handle that? Which way is the right way to go?” Amidst his questions, he threw in “life is hard.” Yes, it is. And it only gets tougher. I chimed in that since he does not really have any responsibilities tying him down, meaning no wife or children, this is his opportunity to make those drastic changes, find out what he loves and find a way he can do it to support himself (financially, I mean). It seemed so easy to give this advice, after all, we all were. But how many of us were actually following our own advice. How many of us were doing the walk, not just doing the talk?

I have several friends recently whose husbands are all trying to start up their own business. They have a dream and are chasing it. It’s wonderful to see and hear about their excitement, their passion for the project they are working on. It will only be more exciting to see them succeed.

We have talked a lot about our dreams and what the key is to unlocking some doors for us. Now, it’s time we start doing the walk too.

Can I put "a tree" on my Christmas list?

We put up Christmas lights this afternoon…yep; it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, the unofficial day when you can officially start to decorate for Christmas. But, it’s only a few days away and we’ll be busy the next few days, so if we didn’t do it today, December 22nd would be our next opportunity to do so.

Just so you know, we are not the only house with lights up. Coming back from the store tonight, I noticed that we were the 4th house to have started the holiday cheer already. The last few years, our light-hanging ability has really been poor. It’s not the light hanger, but the light bulbs and strands. Really! We have these old teeny-tiny lights that no matter what you do to them, some light bulbs point straight into the air, other straight down and the rest straight out. And then within a week, the strands, which were taught before, have now begun to swoop. And I hate swoops! I would rather have light bulbs pointing all over the place than swooping strands.

So this year, we purchased LED colored lights. They are great because they are more energy efficient, stay cool and, so far, hang well. And, you can see them a mile away. Who needs street lights when houses hang these lights? You could read a magazine outside at 11pm and see each fine print word just fine. I’m sure airplanes flying overhead can see our house now. They are so cool!

While we were outside watching Bill complete this project, Katelyn was riding her bikes and Riley was having fun playing on the grass (while tied to the fence). The other day, I was outside with the girls and Riley and they were doing similar things. In the midst of riding her bike, Katelyn turned to me and said “Mommy, it would be fun if someday we could have a playground in our own big backyard.” Right now, our backyard is about 10 feet by 10 feet. Of cement. No plants. No trees. Nothing. Just cement and the tall wood fence that runs between our house and our neighbor’s. Ok, let me correct myself. We also have 50,000 gallons of water.

Our front yard does have grass, a whole 12 foot by 12 foot square, with one side edged by a 3 foot drop onto the sidewalk. And a few plants, 7 to be exact.

I would love to be able to provide my girls with a playground in their own back and space for Riley to run free. I would love grass and maybe a tree or two or three. I would love some space – and more than 10 feet of usable room. So many things I would love to be able to provide for them. It’s not that I am not grateful for what we do have, because I am. I am very blessed to have a home, food and clothing for the girls and beautiful weather most days.

But sometimes I wonder…is there more out there?

Ready?

It's hard to believe that it's that time of year again. Just 47 days away! It always amazes me how fast we jump feet first right into the Holiday season. I was at the store the other day and heard Christmas music for the first time this season. And today, when I took the girls to the mall, they had it completed decorated in Holiday cheer. And if hearing and seeing all of this complete craze we are about to enter wasn't enough, I received 9 catalogs in the mail last week...all on one day.

Don't get me wrong; I LOVE Christmas. I love this time of year. I like bundling up and going outside, especially to play in the snow when we can. I enjoy the music and the warm cups of coffee on those cold night while driving around looking at the Christmas lights. I am excited to be able to share and pass on traditions with my daughters, and start new ones just for our family. And I do love the gift giving; I enjoying thinking about the gift receiver and buying them something that they'll enjoy or wanted. And yes, I do love all of the catalogs that I get daily now (I am a huge fan of online shopping). In my family, we do also celebrate the religion aspect of this holiday, which is actually rather fun to teach and re-learn with children.

I've been asked recently for my Christmas wish-list. Honestly, I don't know what I want. Yes, I would enjoy some new things, but that's just it, they are "things". Of course though, if you have a new couch you would like to give me this year, I won't offend you by turning it down (dark brown leather, one smaller love-seat and a larger sofa preferred).

I want my daughters to have friends, be happy, have good manners and be well-liked. I want them to thrive in school and constantly grow. I want to be able to understand Vanessa in the midst of one of her screaming fits. I want Katelyn to enjoy life and not worry about the little details, leaving them up to us. I want Bill to keep growing strong and thrive as our leader. Mostly, I want to remember to stay in the moment, seeing this season through the eyes of my girls...how those lights twinkle, how scary Santa Clause can be, how much fun it is to make cookies with holiday sprinkles, how special we feel getting dressed-up for a family gathering, how loved we really are.

Baby Fish Update

They are 4 days old now and thriving well in their home. They all have survived, in fact every time we count now, we get 24 babies. They don't sit still for long, so it is possible that we missed one the first time we counted or we just keep double-counting one. Either way, there are A LOT of them!

We have to mince their food, as they cannot eat normal size fish food flakes. However, even smashing food in a bowl with the end of a wooden spoon still produces flakes that are too big for them to eat. The size of a grain of salt is too big. I am work on trying to get a fine powder-like size, but that is a lot harder than you think.

I have tried several times to get a good picture of them, but it seems almost impossible. Here are two attempts, in which you can see little blur spots, which are the baby fish. I think there are 10 babies in the above picture.

Trick-or-Treat

Happy Halloween!

Katelyn, M.D.

Vanessa, The Lion

Releasing the inner artist

We had my family over last night for a pumpkin carving extravaganza. There were little pumpkins and big ones, home-grown ones and store bought ones. There were traditional jack-o-lantern ideas, ones gathered from magazines and some that came from the pure artist genius inside. In total, we carved 9 pumpkins. I know it's not Halloween yet and I am posting Halloween pictures early, but I figure tomorrow night I'll be excited to share pictures of the girls in their costumes.

Breaking News! 3 Year Old Becomes Proud Mommy of 23 Babies…Fish Babies That Is

As told by Katelyn…

My Papa took me to the fish store last week to buy some new fish for a larger tank he had gotten me for my room. We came home with 3: one black female Molly, one yellow male Molly, and one yellow Balloon-Molly (who we didn’t know was a female or male). I love my new tank; it’s larger than my last one, much quieter and all my fish seem to get along well.

I went into my room today to see how my new fish were doing. Mommy saw me staring at the tank and asked me what I was looking at. Our conversation went something like this…

Mommy: What are you looking at?

Katelyn: The baby fish. (Mommy comes over to the tank to take a look.)

M: Where is she?

K: Down there.

M: OMG!!!! BILL!!!

Mommy quickly noticed that there was a teeny-tiny fish resting on the rocks at the bottom of the tank. Then she quickly looked up to see that the Balloon-Molly fish, who is now apparently a FEMALE, was giving birth. And then, right then…the black female ATE one of the babies…right before our eyes! And then the yellow-male ATE ANOTHER ONE!

M: BILL!!!! QUICK! GET THE FISH NET! GET A BOWL OF WATER! THEY’RE EATING THE BABIES!

I started to run around after my Mommy and Daddy in all of the excitement, yelling along with them…hey, they were my fish after all, and why couldn't’t I join in on the excitement? Luckily, we were able to scoop out the other two big fish before they had any more baby-snacks.
So for the next 30 minutes, Mommy, Daddy and I were glued to my fish tank and watched this amazing process. It was so cool to see that many baby fish come from the mommy fish’s tummy.
But now, we had 23 baby fish that could not be in the same tank as the adult fish…so off to the aquarium store we went! $150 later we were back home with a new tank set up in Vanessa’s room, the new home to the three adult Molly fish.

Mommy keeps telling me that I saved all of my baby fish, because if I hadn’t notice the teeny-tiny baby amongst the rocks, perhaps none would have survived.

Aren't they cute? (I'll try to take some better pictures for you tomorrow, but it's hard because they are SO tiny.)

It's OK

This morning, as almost all mornings are around here, was hectic and a flurry of commotion. "Hurry up, get your shoes on!" "Pay attention - let me get your hair done!" "Let's go NOW!" "MOVE!"

I was planning to take the girls over to Pottery Barn Kids sing-along and then on the way home make a few pit-stops. I wanted to get out, get my errands done and get home before we have afternoon melt downs go on. Not that they actually sing-along or dance or even really notice the entertainer. But we go for the fun of being packed into the back of the store with 50 other moms and kids. Oh, and to check out all of the really cool stuff that store has. Who needs a park? Take you kids to a PBK store and let them run free! My girls made a B-line for the dolls and strollers, which by the time we left the store, the strollers had probably added 100 miles on their wheels. I get so excited about being in that store, looking at the great ideas and fabulous accessories. But I was very good today and didn't buy anything, although almost purchased a new doll and stroller as Vanessa had escaped the front door and was running away from the store. Really, she saw me watching her and turned towards the door and just started running...pushing baby doll in stroller!

Anyways, as I was saying, this morning as like most mornings go here...late. I try to be on time, but we are always 5, ok maybe 10, minutes late to everything. I was rushing around and, after getting the girls in the car, started to drive away. But wait! I think I forgot to close the front door! U-Turn. Nope, its closed and locked. Ok, mental note...brain is out to lunch for the day. Ok, back on the road driving.

All of a sudden I hear a little voice from behind me..."Mommy, it's ok if we are late. Sometimes, people are just late. We'll get there."

Ok. Reality check from my three-year-old. It's going to be a great day.

Try Something New

I’m going to try something new here…I am going to start investigating some new recipes. A while back, a dear friend made us some tasty noodles. We ALL loved the dish. I have never even tried making noodles like this, would have never combined the ingredients before, and would have been too fearful to step into a new realm of cooking. But I asked for the recipe and that got me thinking…I have my few favorite recipes and I know my friends do too. I have my style of cooking and they have theirs. At my fingertips, I have the perfect cookbook; all from friends and family who can vouch that it is a good recipe (not something that “looks tasty” from a cookbook and often produces the complete opposite results), actually has been made by a real human being (not a professional chef), is delightfully tasty (and hopefully easy to prepare) and, of course, is something that your family will eat it.

I have posted, in the right-hand side-bar, my new found recipe. Periodically, I will post new recipes for you to try. But, I need your help. E-mail me your favorite recipe so that I can share it with others or as you try something new, let me know about it. I am just beginning to learn how to be creative in the kitchen and could use all the help I can get.

Good Parenting 101

"Who's that barking?"

"The neighbor's dogs."

"What are they called?"

" Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest."

(Note: They bark constantly and after talking to the owners numerous time and reporting it to the city (yes, we're the mean neighbors), they continue to give us the line "they are puppies and you cannot control them." Even at 11pm? How about 2:30am? How about now? Apparently, these dogs have some special eternal powers, because they continue to be puppies year after year, even after several years goes by. Thank GOD they are moving in January!)

Einstein was indeed brilliant, both in actions and words

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds..."

Reality Check

"Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death." (James F. Byrnes)

Matter of fact

You know you have little girls in the home when you have an ENTIRE laundry load of PINK clothes!

Problem solving...at least an attempt

How could I be angry with her? She had a problem and solved it. But in fact, anger did not even enter my mind – humor and laughter did.

Katelyn and I were doing a project at the kitchen table. I left the room for a minute and came back to her bright blue eyes giving me a big smile. I gave her a smile back and then started laughing, laughing so hard that I had to turn my back so not to be rude to her.

Notice anything?


Yep, those are her SUPER short bangs, which she cut ALL BY HERSELF! She said her bangs were in her eyes so she cut them so they would not bother her anymore. But wait! She had a PROFESSIONAL hair cut LAST WEEK! Who needs to spend $20 on a child’s haircut anymore, just give the scissors to your three year old and they’ll get the job done, for free. And the best part…she did it over the trash can so not to make a mess and have me upset with her, as if cutting your bangs SUPER short isn’t going to make your mom angry or anything.

First Day

Katelyn started school again this past week. It was a great day for her! School brings her so much joy and happiness. She beams when at school, loving the social interaction, the jobs she completes, and the friendships she makes.

When asked what she did at school, Katelyn told me, “I liked school. I made new friends and played. I did nothing else.” Somehow, I think she did a little more than that!

I wondered if this was a preview of a future conversation with a 13-year-old Katelyn?

Me: How was school?
Katelyn: Fine
Me: What did you do today?
Katelyn: Nothing
Me: Did you do anything exciting?
Katelyn: Nope

So much to look forward to!

Coming to an end...

Here we are, beginning of September. Technically, summer has a few more weeks remaining, but the transition is already underway. This summer was busy, just as is every day in every season. We started June off with a ballet recital – Katelyn’s first! She’ll continue ballet class again this year, with the addition of an introduction to tap. Picture this: a room full of 3 year olds wearing pink tutus and silver sequence…adorable (with a few laughs mixed in).

Katelyn took swimming lessons for several weeks and it was amazing to watch her ability and comfort in the pool grow weekly. She had a wonderful teacher who was very patient; especially considering Katelyn was the youngest in the class by a few years.
Fourth of July was a well-needed family break in Tahoe. We spent time at the lake, playing in the yard and taking walks. The girls had their first rafting experience down the Truckee River. Both did extremely well and it will only be better next time. Bill and Katelyn were treated to a very special fireworks display – seeing them up-close from the water’s side! Vanessa had dislocated her elbow, so I had to say home with her, but didn’t mind too much because it was wonderful to hear the night’s activities recapped through the eyes of Katelyn.
We spent a weekend camping with some good friends. It’s a lot of work setting up camp, but the fun times had by all were well worth it. The girls made their first smores and got every inch of their bodies filthy each day, proving to me just how much fun they had that day. Katelyn had her first tubing experience – and loved every minute of it!
Vanessa kept busy with gymnastic class and therapy. She still loves the balance beam, the free-play ball time and, of course, bubbles. She is always so happy to be there and her endurance for the class is lengthening.
She loves the water as much as Katelyn, in fact has no fear or reservations about it. She will jump from the side of the pool into your waiting arms a dozen times, each time with a huge grin and an immediate “more” (in sign language).
In the beginning of August, Bill and I took a very-overdue weekend away. We have not been away from both girls since before Vanessa was born. Everyone survived - including the grandparents!

One of our favorite family outings is to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. To see the world, at least the sea-world, through the eyes of a 1 and 3 year old is just eye-opening. We have been several times this year and each time discover something new. In this recent visit, the girls had an opportunity to touch-and-see live sea creatures, which, of course, Vanessa had no reservations about sticking her hand into the water and pulling out a starfish to bring home as our new pet. (That is Bill's hand in the picture, trying to make sure we didn't end up with too many starfish on the floor!)And now, here it is…September. School begins for Katelyn next week. The girls’ extra-curricular classes are starting back up. “Routine” and “schedule” are now regular words in our vocabulary again. I love this time of year because it brings so much structure to our lives…I know what’s going on every day and it just feeds my Type-A personality. I am longing to see Katelyn thrive in school and grow in her confidence through her classes. I am anxious to see Vanessa develop into the adorable toddler she is becoming and surprise me more and more with each passing day.

But there are things that I will miss…No more relaxed evenings with 10pm bed times for the girls. No more 5pm ice cream treats. No more p.j.-until-1pm days. Even though the days of summer are ending, I am looking forward to the next season in our journey.

Just in case

Last night I was turning down the blankets on my bed. To my surprise, hidden under were one sock and a child-size spoon. For what you ask? Well, of course, in case one of my feet gets cold. Why would both of my feet be cold at the same time? Don’t you sleep with just one sock on? ONE! Or maybe I’ll have a midnight craving. No need to worry – I have my spoon ready! Who needs a fork or a knife? Rest assured I wouldn’t be fumbling around in the kitchen looking for my spoon – its right here in bed with me.

This just made me laugh. Two completely unrelated single items found hidden among my bed. I wonder who could have put them there…

Six Years Ago

As he leaned over this morning to give me a good morning kiss, two little girls were prying their way in-between us, apparently analyzing every detail of our quick peck on the lips. And then he turns and says, “See what we started?” “What do you mean?” I ask. “Six years ago today, we started this” nodding his head towards the girls…

Happy Anniversary my Love. What an event-filled year this has been, bringing us laughter and tears, joys and sorrows, and always love. I love you and look forward to many more interrupted morning kisses.

Moments on the Journey

When I look at the girls, I am quickly reminded of one fact; one that cannot be avoided and is staring me straight in the face…How quickly time passes by.

Before Vanessa was born, I kept an accurate log of Katelyn’s latest milestone reached and recent achievement. Yes, she was my first child and like everyone always tells you, the number of pictures that your proceeding children will have of them will be drastically less than your first. To some degree I completely agree – dividing your time by more than one is a juggling act, but one that I was willing to fight. But there seems to have been a flurry of curve balls thrown into our lives over the last year and I am lucky if I can even record one achievement of each girl every few months.

This afternoon, I was snuggling with one of my two sick children and we were looking over a book she had pulled off of the shelf. It’s one of those books that you have…well, just so that you have it. I have never read it cover to cover and in fact, its topic really doesn’t interest me all that much. At some point while flipping through the pages, I came across this quote “We do not remember days, we remember moments” by Cesare Pavese.

For so long I have been caught up in capturing which exact day the girls reached a new milestone or accomplished a new task or said something fantastic. If I didn’t get the exact day down, then somehow I felt it wasn’t as special anymore, that the value of reaching that milestone has been compromised. I know that I hardly ever took note of how happy Katelyn was swimming with Daddy or the sense of accomplishment Vanessa must have felt when she realized that she could manage the top buckle on her car seat by herself. It was never important which day these events happened. The pure joy is what will forever be remembered, but is often overlooked. Watching the bond grow between a Daddy and his daughter or the feeling of pride in oneself is what should be remembered.

I know I won’t always remember all of the good time, heck I cannot remember what I ate for lunch today, but being present mentally in each of those moments while they happen is something that I cherish. I want to be able to look back at the days my children were young and see moments of joy. I know their baby books will probably never be completed, but I realize, now, that those are not the things that bring joy.

Since keeping the baby books up-to-date has gone out the window, I thought that maybe I would try to keep an occasional journal of the girls through this format. In addition, you get to see what’s new with each of them and see how they are growing and changing.

Katelyn, 3 years 6 months: You love to swim! This summer, you have spent a lot of time in the water. You can now go under the water holding your breath for a few seconds and are so very proud of yourself. You’ll be in the pool (the BIG pool, as you call it; not the little plastic kiddy pool) until I drag you out because you are shriving and starting to turn blue.

You continue to learn new signs, now knowing dozens and dozens. I am blessed that we started ASL with you as a baby, because the benefits of now being able to communicate with your sister are enormous. Your fascination with Curious George is still as strong as it was months ago. Lately, you go to sleep listening to a George story on CD and, in fact, now can repeat most of the story verbatim along with the CD. You love to do art projects – paint, color, stickers, play doh and glitter – anything that you can be creative with. You often are hosting tea parties and tending to your baby Emily. I was recently completing your preschool paperwork and they asked for one word to describe you. Do you know how hard that was? It took me a day to find just one word, and then even then, I don’t think it fully captures who you are, but at least it gives a glimpse. My response: imaginative.

Vanessa, 1 year 6 months: If I let you, you would spend your entire day in the swing. Swinging brings you so much peace, comfort and security. You are a climber – onto the kitchen table, the coffee table, your changing table. When there is music playing in the house, I’ll often find you standing on top of the coffee table dancing and clapping your hands.

You love your play slide – counting in sign 1-2-3 and then down you go. Bouncing on the big rubber ball brings smiles and laughter to your face. You are in a big-girl twin bed, something that we should have done a year ago, but who knew what a difference in your life it would make. Going to sleep is so much more peaceful (for Mommy and Daddy) and waking up to you quietly peaking out of your door is heavenly compared to the prior screaming to get you out of your crib. At gym class, your favorite activity is walking on the balance beam. You could care less about hanging from the bars or jumping on the air trap…but give you a beam and off you’ll go. Your understanding of language and ability to communicate is improving and I continue to see progress, which is reassuring. You have about 20 signs that you use on a regular basis and a few more that you understand but have yet to sign yourself. You are curious in nature, as long as you are in arms reach of Mommy or Daddy.

Stating the obvious

Friend: “Is that your dinner?”

Me: “Yes”

Friend: “No rice. You don’t eat rice?”

Me: “Yes I do, but this is a pasta dish. Do you eat rice often?”

Friend: “Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner…and snack too. Is that red wine?”

Me: “Yes. Do you drink?”

Friend: “No. Once I had some wine at a party and got drunk.”

Me: “How much did you drink?”

Friend: “Two glasses. You drink it to help you sleep?”

Me: “No, I drink it to help me get through my day.”

Friend: “You’re white, right?”

One of a kind

This week for the third time in about 6 months, Vanessa dislocated her elbow. Let me put it this way…its not a fun time in our house when it happens. She immediately goes into shock – elevated body temperature, sweats, glassy eyed – not including, the screaming she does for the next hour. Her arm goes completely limp, which given that she if left-arm/hand dominate and lets it just hang there, something is obviously wrong with it. She doesn’t have to be swinging from the trees to make this joyous event happen.

Because this has been a frequent event in Vanessa’s life lately, her primary doctor wanted her arm to be checked out by an Orthopedic. So we had the pleasure of meeting Dr Orthopedic…who had some of the worst bedside friendly manner I’ve met in a long time. I’m not into small talk with doctors, in fact I really don’t even like them (no offence to any of our doctor friends/family), but a “Hi”, “Hello”, or even just an acknowledgment of my presence would have been nice. He walks in and grabs her arm and asks what’s wrong with it. Well, if I knew, do you think I’d spend my free time visiting you? I wanted to take a drive across town - What’s another 50 miles on my car this week? I wish I said these things, but of course I didn’t. She was gingerly moving her arm, as now it had popped back into place. He was 100% confidant that it was her elbow, because she tried to squirm away when he grabbed her arm, he said. No she just doesn’t like you. And then he got up and walked out of the room – no “Have a nice day”, “Thanks for visiting”, or “Any questions”. Just up and left us sitting there with the door wide open. I took that as a sign that we were finished.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to You (ChaChaCha), Happy Birthday to You (ChaChaCha), Happy Birthday Dear Papa (ChaChaCha), Happy Birthday to You!

Wishing you a FABULOUS 60! Thank you for your sound advice, your loving words and never-fading support. It is wonderful, as a parent, to see your doting actions on your granddaughters. You mean the world to them and we are very blessed that they are able to have such a strong relationship with you. May you have a blessed year!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to You...Happy Birthday to You...Happy Birthday Dear Carl...Happy Birthday to You!

Cheers to an inspiring father, caring grandfather, devoted husband, and loyal friend. You will be forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Your presence is dearly missed, but your spirit still lives here with us. We know you are enjoying the good life and have the best of the best keeping you company. We’ll keep sending you fish to feed, adding to your ever-growing collection. And in the meantime, we’ll enjoy some fruity (OK, maybe chocolate) dessert in your honor. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Our spelling days are numbered...

I'm sure you all have done it, but with young children, we do it often - or should I say, use to do it often. You know what I am talking about...spelling words. As in "Do you want some i-c-e-c-r-e-a-m?" Since Katelyn is extremely verbal and has understood and spoken words from birth, we are always spelling. Usually it works. Those days are coming to an end. Yes, my 3 year old is catching on. The other day, I asked Bill if he wanted to go for a w-a-l-k. I spelt w-a-l-k because even at the slightest sound of that word, Riley is wagging his tail and standing at the front door drooling. Bill was busy playing with the girls and said he wasn't interested. But Katelyn...yes Katelyn! My 3 year old, as in ONLY THREE YEARS, 5 MONTHS AND A FEW DAYS OLD, chimed in "Well, I want to!" Are you kidding me? Did she really understand what I asked? Since when did she catch on to our unique and, actually, rather complicated and challenging, especially for someone who never got an "A" on a spelling test, form of communication. I better start learning a foreign language - French? Spanish? German? Maybe then I can one-up my three year old!

A New Adventure

I must be crazy to take something like this on, given our crazy hectic schedules, but I am just really excited about being able to share our life's journey with you all. I feel so "on the cutting edge" of technology (ok, maybe several years late, but nonetheless, I there!). Life is passing by SO fast and I feel like a terrible friend for not sharing "the latest and greatest" with you, especially when it comes to the girls. I've been bugging my other-half about having a Blog for awhile now, and apparently wore him thin (does that mean I won a battle?). No promises on the quality of writing or how often you'll see new posts or even pure reading interest, but I'll try to keep you awake and entertained. So here it is...and here it goes...