Thursday, August 13, 2009
Back to School
I could say it was with mixed emotions that I sent my children off to school today, but that would be a lie. Truth be told, we are all very happy about going back to public school. I feel it will be a good change for the whole family. Jacob is so enthused and more than ready for Kindergarten. I feel he has a good foundation from what he learned at home (he can tell time and is reading fluently,) but there is simply no replacement for the socialization, stimulation, creativity and downright F-U-N that Kindergarten has to offer. I could not compete with that at home, and I am happy knowing that he will have all of it. As for Ashlee, she returned to school the same confident, bubbly, enthusiastic social butterfly that she was 2 1/2 years ago when I took her out of school. She already came home on the first day with the phone numbers of 2 new friends she had made in her class. She will be kept very busy this year with dance, piano, and for the first time cross country, which will begin in 2 weeks. She is a natural born runner, and we are very excited to have found a team for her. I am grateful for the time I had to homeschool. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend that quality time with my kids and create those memories together that I know will be cherished. I love the philosophy of homeschool, and would highly endorse it for anyone who chooses to go that route. It truly is quality education, and one of the best gifts I feel you can give to your children- sharing your time and talents with them. I will miss those leisurely mornings of making waffles together and sitting down on the couch to read a history book or the Little House series (one of our favorites.) I will miss being able to take my kids up to Apple Hill during the middle of the week for caramel apples and berry picking, or to Tahoe to watch the salmon spawn. But at the same time, I am grateful for having the option of putting my children in a public school. I now look forward to the quality time I have to spend with Noah and Kaitlyn, to slow down and enjoy my pregnancy, and come March to not have to nurse the baby at the kitchen table while going over a math lesson and dolling out snacks to an anxious toddler. I don't know where the ebb and flow of the next tide will take us, but for now, this is a nice current and I think we'll float in it for a while.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Counting Calories
I just found this great website to help me track and meet my nutritional goals. The greatest part is that it calculates the calories of all the foods you eat in a day. I love numbers, give me numbers!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Dillon's Beach
After hearing that the Crystal Basin campgrounds (Ice House, Union Valley Reservoir, etc.) usually fill up by Thursday night, we figured our chances of finding a spot late Friday night were slim to none, so we made a last-minute detour to Dillon's Beach. The weather happened to be beautiful, and we had a great time.
We arrived at about 10:00 Friday night, and snagged what looked like one of the last spots. We were sandwiched in between a couple of partiers, but the kids were so tired that not even Linkin Park blaring until 1:30 a.m. could keep them from falling asleep (thank goodness.)
After a yummy breakfast of hot cocoa, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, we headed down to the beach. It was beautiful upon first sight!
Is that the Lochness Monster!!?? Oh wait, it's just Ashlee...
Determined to outrun the wave.
Forrest thought he'd call my bluff when I told him I was going to get in, but he was wrong! I have always loved playing in the ocean since I was a kid, and it was just as much fun this time around. We had to dodge a few huge jelly fish that we spotted coming towards us in the waves, and I knocked Ashlee over a couple of times because she insisted on standing right behind me as the waves were coming, but other than that it was a good time. I'd forgotten how painful it was to be drug across the sand, though! The ocean is so therapeutic. It was like a natural mineral bath, seaweed treatment, and microdermabrasion all in one. You pay big bucks for that stuff at the spa!
This sight was amazing. There were hundreds of birds gliding over the water, swooping and diving. They must have been following a school of fish.
Forrest had fun watching us from the beach and taking pictures. He didn't get in the water, though.
Forrest cleaning up in the "kitchen."
A cozy bed for 6. We had really nice air mattresses and sleeping bags and slept surprisingly warm.
Kaitlyn all bundled up by the camp fire.
Roasting marshmallows for S'mores at the end of the day. Good bye Dillon's Beach, you were good to us!
We arrived at about 10:00 Friday night, and snagged what looked like one of the last spots. We were sandwiched in between a couple of partiers, but the kids were so tired that not even Linkin Park blaring until 1:30 a.m. could keep them from falling asleep (thank goodness.)
After a yummy breakfast of hot cocoa, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, we headed down to the beach. It was beautiful upon first sight!
Is that the Lochness Monster!!?? Oh wait, it's just Ashlee...
Determined to outrun the wave.
Forrest thought he'd call my bluff when I told him I was going to get in, but he was wrong! I have always loved playing in the ocean since I was a kid, and it was just as much fun this time around. We had to dodge a few huge jelly fish that we spotted coming towards us in the waves, and I knocked Ashlee over a couple of times because she insisted on standing right behind me as the waves were coming, but other than that it was a good time. I'd forgotten how painful it was to be drug across the sand, though! The ocean is so therapeutic. It was like a natural mineral bath, seaweed treatment, and microdermabrasion all in one. You pay big bucks for that stuff at the spa!
This sight was amazing. There were hundreds of birds gliding over the water, swooping and diving. They must have been following a school of fish.
Forrest had fun watching us from the beach and taking pictures. He didn't get in the water, though.
Forrest cleaning up in the "kitchen."
A cozy bed for 6. We had really nice air mattresses and sleeping bags and slept surprisingly warm.
Kaitlyn all bundled up by the camp fire.
Roasting marshmallows for S'mores at the end of the day. Good bye Dillon's Beach, you were good to us!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Productive Day
wash laundry, fold, and put away. check.
steam clean carpets and couches. check.
organize book shelf, sans homeschool books. check.
grocery shopping. check.
shop vac bedrooms and master closet. check.
make yummy dinner and cream cheese brownies, bring some to family with new baby. check.
take relaxing bubble bath. check.
lie in bed and knit while listening to relaxing music... in progress.
I am finding my way back to domestic bliss, and life is good.
steam clean carpets and couches. check.
organize book shelf, sans homeschool books. check.
grocery shopping. check.
shop vac bedrooms and master closet. check.
make yummy dinner and cream cheese brownies, bring some to family with new baby. check.
take relaxing bubble bath. check.
lie in bed and knit while listening to relaxing music... in progress.
I am finding my way back to domestic bliss, and life is good.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hallelujah!
Top 10 Reasons Why I Am Rejoicing This Week:
1) My kids will be starting PUBLIC school next week.
...which means I can finally be one of those moms who can't wait for school to start!
2) I hit week 10 of pregnancy, and my morning sickness seems to have virtually vanished.
...i.e. I feel human again.
3) My house is back in its clean, orderly condition.
...partly because of a husband who recognizes when I need help, in addition to reason #2.
4) Waking before the kids and getting out for a morning walk sets a good tone for the rest of the day
...this is one of my goals for the week, and so far we're two for two.
5) We are taking a family camping trip this weekend.
...which will finally fulfill my craving for mountain air, pine trees, and starry nights around the campfire.
6) Forrest and I have reservations at a hotel on the ocean in Pacifica... and we're going without the kids!
...'nuff said.
7) Is it just me, or does this weather feel more like Fall than Summer?
8) Speaking of Fall, I won't be in school this year because I'm done!
9) I scheduled my first prenatal appointment with the midwives, and I can't wait to be in their care again.
...despite my toying with the whole hospital birth idea, my heart belongs to homebirth (thank you Forrest for helping me to realize this.) The former, I believe, was coming from a moment of weakness. Now that I am feeling more like "me" again, it's easier to regain perspective.
10) I just learned that my baby is about the size of a kumquat (a little over an inch) and has tiny fingernails already!
...and I'll get to hear the heartbeat in 2 weeks.
Life is good once again.
1) My kids will be starting PUBLIC school next week.
...which means I can finally be one of those moms who can't wait for school to start!
2) I hit week 10 of pregnancy, and my morning sickness seems to have virtually vanished.
...i.e. I feel human again.
3) My house is back in its clean, orderly condition.
...partly because of a husband who recognizes when I need help, in addition to reason #2.
4) Waking before the kids and getting out for a morning walk sets a good tone for the rest of the day
...this is one of my goals for the week, and so far we're two for two.
5) We are taking a family camping trip this weekend.
...which will finally fulfill my craving for mountain air, pine trees, and starry nights around the campfire.
6) Forrest and I have reservations at a hotel on the ocean in Pacifica... and we're going without the kids!
...'nuff said.
7) Is it just me, or does this weather feel more like Fall than Summer?
8) Speaking of Fall, I won't be in school this year because I'm done!
9) I scheduled my first prenatal appointment with the midwives, and I can't wait to be in their care again.
...despite my toying with the whole hospital birth idea, my heart belongs to homebirth (thank you Forrest for helping me to realize this.) The former, I believe, was coming from a moment of weakness. Now that I am feeling more like "me" again, it's easier to regain perspective.
10) I just learned that my baby is about the size of a kumquat (a little over an inch) and has tiny fingernails already!
...and I'll get to hear the heartbeat in 2 weeks.
Life is good once again.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
San Francisco
Last Saturday our family took a day trip to San Francisco. We began the day with a picnic lunch on this nice little beach area we found right across from Ghirardelli Square. The weather was sunny, breezy, and perfect.
Ashlee loved the beach. She was begging us to go swimming, but we thought we'd save that for another day. There was too much we wanted to see and do. The boys had fun playing tag and knocking each other over in the sand.
I loved these ships in the harbor.
We made a stop by Boudin's Bread Company, home of the original "San Francisco Sourdough." You could smell the bread baking from a block away, and it smelled wonderful. I could've stayed there all day and just smelled the bread. Instead, we went inside and bought a loaf. They have a place on the sidewalk where you can stand and watch the bakers, and ask them questions on a little microphone that protrudes throught the glass. They get really creative forming the dough into different animal shapes. See these cute little teddy bears? This guy attracted quite a crowd.
The history of Boudin's sourdough bread is printed on the exterior window of the building. I have made sourdough bread from a starter before, and it was a lot of fun, but it didn't turn out nearly as good. I think it's fascinating that they have been using and replenishing the same "mother sponge" (i.e starter) for over 150 years!
Afterwards we headed over to Pier 39, my favorite place on the embarcadero. They had a Farmer's Market going on with lots of yummy-looking fresh produce.
Ashlee was the only one brave enough to do the bungee cord jumping on the trampoline.
I bought a bag of Mrs. Fields cookies while she was waiting in line, and told her I'd only give her one if she did a flip. It worked!
We of course had to go see the stinky, barking sea lions. It was very cold and windy out on this part of the pier, so we bought the kids some hot chocolate from an outdoor cafe stand.
Carousel ride- our whole family was able to ride together.
Ashlee being sassy.
We were on the upper level of the carousel, which made me a little nervous being so close to the edge.
I think this was my favorite sight of the day- Alcatraz in the fog. What added to the effect was the foghorn of a ship pulling in. This is what I love about San Francisco- the breeze, the fog, and the ships.
The streets were crawling with these crazy guys who paint themselves gold and silver, put little kazoos in their mouths, and go to town with thier boom boxes. What a way to make a living.
We looked down and some homeless-looking guy was making these balloons for the kids. We felt obligated to give him a buck.
Time for dinner. We went to Cioppino's, a seafood restaurant right on the Embarcadero. Here I am gearing up for my Dungeness crab.
The kids were more interested in playing with my food than eating their dinner. Ashlee ended up taking home one of the claws. I must say, this crab was deeeelicious. I had to have Forrest crack it for me, though, and get the meat out. Much too tedious of a job for me to take on being as hungry as I was. Forrest got the clam chowder in a bread bowl.
We ended the night with a trip to one of my other favorite spots in San Francisco- Ghirardelli Square. Originally we had planned on getting sundaes and eating them on the beach before we went home, but it was 9:30 by the time we got out of the restaurant and it was FREEZING! So we bought some chocolate bars and ate them in the car instead.
It looks so neat lit up at night.
Good bye, San Francisco. We hope to see you again soon!
Ashlee loved the beach. She was begging us to go swimming, but we thought we'd save that for another day. There was too much we wanted to see and do. The boys had fun playing tag and knocking each other over in the sand.
I loved these ships in the harbor.
We made a stop by Boudin's Bread Company, home of the original "San Francisco Sourdough." You could smell the bread baking from a block away, and it smelled wonderful. I could've stayed there all day and just smelled the bread. Instead, we went inside and bought a loaf. They have a place on the sidewalk where you can stand and watch the bakers, and ask them questions on a little microphone that protrudes throught the glass. They get really creative forming the dough into different animal shapes. See these cute little teddy bears? This guy attracted quite a crowd.
The history of Boudin's sourdough bread is printed on the exterior window of the building. I have made sourdough bread from a starter before, and it was a lot of fun, but it didn't turn out nearly as good. I think it's fascinating that they have been using and replenishing the same "mother sponge" (i.e starter) for over 150 years!
Afterwards we headed over to Pier 39, my favorite place on the embarcadero. They had a Farmer's Market going on with lots of yummy-looking fresh produce.
Ashlee was the only one brave enough to do the bungee cord jumping on the trampoline.
I bought a bag of Mrs. Fields cookies while she was waiting in line, and told her I'd only give her one if she did a flip. It worked!
We of course had to go see the stinky, barking sea lions. It was very cold and windy out on this part of the pier, so we bought the kids some hot chocolate from an outdoor cafe stand.
Carousel ride- our whole family was able to ride together.
Ashlee being sassy.
We were on the upper level of the carousel, which made me a little nervous being so close to the edge.
I think this was my favorite sight of the day- Alcatraz in the fog. What added to the effect was the foghorn of a ship pulling in. This is what I love about San Francisco- the breeze, the fog, and the ships.
The streets were crawling with these crazy guys who paint themselves gold and silver, put little kazoos in their mouths, and go to town with thier boom boxes. What a way to make a living.
We looked down and some homeless-looking guy was making these balloons for the kids. We felt obligated to give him a buck.
Time for dinner. We went to Cioppino's, a seafood restaurant right on the Embarcadero. Here I am gearing up for my Dungeness crab.
The kids were more interested in playing with my food than eating their dinner. Ashlee ended up taking home one of the claws. I must say, this crab was deeeelicious. I had to have Forrest crack it for me, though, and get the meat out. Much too tedious of a job for me to take on being as hungry as I was. Forrest got the clam chowder in a bread bowl.
We ended the night with a trip to one of my other favorite spots in San Francisco- Ghirardelli Square. Originally we had planned on getting sundaes and eating them on the beach before we went home, but it was 9:30 by the time we got out of the restaurant and it was FREEZING! So we bought some chocolate bars and ate them in the car instead.
It looks so neat lit up at night.
Good bye, San Francisco. We hope to see you again soon!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
It's Not Working
Who was I to think I was above morning sickness? Pishaw. All I can say is... this stinks. This is a mean trick to play on an already exasperated mother of four. I did make some iced peppermint tea this morning, and that helped for about an hour, but then my oatmeal had me rushing to the bathroom. The hardest part about morning (noon and night, I might add) sickness is that there is NO RELIEF! At least with the flu, you can get sick then feel better afterwards, but it is not so with pregnancy. I remeber the 8th week being the hardest with Noah, so things may have to get worse before they get better. In the mean time, would someone mind coming over and tackling these piles of toys and laundry at the top of my stairs? I just don't have the energy.
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