Some of you have been known to suggest that I don't keep up with my blog or other communication as much now that I'm on facebook, so for those of you who are not my friends on facebook, here are some things I might write as a status update:
Betsy Decker...
...is trying hard not to laugh as her daughter alternately tries to stick the Lego up her nose and in her mouth, all with a sly smile as if to say "I'm not doing anything wrong, Mom".
...wonders if that red-tailed hawk circling in the backyard might try to take off with her dachshund.
...would really like to stay home for a while.
...finds this to be lovely line-drying weather.
...is in a little bit of a tizzy over all of the changes happening at Greenbriar this year...and now a new principal too!?!??!
...wants to go to the pool, but never wants to shave her legs ever again.
...could have really used that nap today.
....hears the push-up pops in the freezer calling her name.
...is still finding confetti hearts and pink boa feathers around the floor.
...wonders if taking the kids to the pool might substitute for baths.
...wishes Louvrewet were a word so that she could get a needed Scrabble in her game.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Homeade Cheesecake!
More fun in Wisconsin today! Pete found a little tiny toad and the kids had fun poking at it.
The day started pretty windy, so Dad got his kites out. We had a nice go at it, but not a whole lot of luck.
Clara enjoyed some puddle playing.
She also did a little flower sniffing.
While the kids napped, Pete and I took Franklin out for a paddle in the canoe. He sat on my lap the whole time, which gave me a good excuse to not paddle so much...since I seemed to conk him in the shnoz every time I tried.
We went to a fish fry for dinner. Clara enjoyed the fish and the coleslaw and the fries...
Pete just wanted some of the homeade cheesecake.
The day started pretty windy, so Dad got his kites out. We had a nice go at it, but not a whole lot of luck.
Clara enjoyed some puddle playing.
She also did a little flower sniffing.
While the kids napped, Pete and I took Franklin out for a paddle in the canoe. He sat on my lap the whole time, which gave me a good excuse to not paddle so much...since I seemed to conk him in the shnoz every time I tried.
We went to a fish fry for dinner. Clara enjoyed the fish and the coleslaw and the fries...
Pete just wanted some of the homeade cheesecake.
Update From Wisconsin
We got up to Dad and Kathie's place near Hayward late Wednesday night. Here are some photos from our adventures so far. I won't do much writing, but I will say Henry caught two fish yesterday! We have also had many wildlife sightings...hummingbirds, bald eagle, toads, snake, chipmunks, lots of deer on the way up. Yesterday's weather was probably the best we'll get. Today is a little cooler and very windy. Dad is getting his kites out, but Henry just wants to fish fish fish! Will, Sandy and Anders will arrive later tonight. I'll be excited to see Anders and Clara play together.
Here's Henry's first fish. Dad was worried about how Henry would react when he started cleaning it. Henry had already named the fish...but he was mostly fascinated by the experience. He was also anticipating eating it last night, but we're waiting until we have a little bit more to go around.
Here's Dad with his big Las Vegas Showgirl lure. He was looking for a big muskie that Kathie's been spotting.
This morning Dad and Henry mixed up some dough for coffee cake. They like to bake together.
Clara has been a bit of a challenge to keep track of. She loves going up and down the stairs and in and out the sliding doors.
Stay tuned for more fishing, kiting, playing, eating photos....
Here's Henry's first fish. Dad was worried about how Henry would react when he started cleaning it. Henry had already named the fish...but he was mostly fascinated by the experience. He was also anticipating eating it last night, but we're waiting until we have a little bit more to go around.
Here's Dad with his big Las Vegas Showgirl lure. He was looking for a big muskie that Kathie's been spotting.
This morning Dad and Henry mixed up some dough for coffee cake. They like to bake together.
Clara has been a bit of a challenge to keep track of. She loves going up and down the stairs and in and out the sliding doors.
Stay tuned for more fishing, kiting, playing, eating photos....
Monday, July 20, 2009
Another Busy Weekend (Or: I'm Losing Steam on Cute Titles)
This weekend was the bachelorette soirée for Liz. The ladies gathered here Saturday evening for a champagne punch drinking-boa wearing good time.
I positioned myself to get a picture of Liz's reaction when she first saw the bachelorette cake (thank you Deerfield's bakery! Most naughtily-delicious cake I've ever had!). The cake was fuzzed out in this photo to protect the innocent.
After a quick game which involved video trivia with Van, Liz opened some gifts. She got some very nice things...and one or two things that made us all laugh....and eventually close the front door...
These are a few of the reactions to cake-cutting shenanigans.
Aw.
Here's Liz and me and her two other bridesmaids. We did go out to a couple of clubs downtown for dancing afterward. I do believe much fun was had by all!
Since I didn't get home until about 2:30 in the morning, I tried desperately to sleep in on Sunday. I managed to stay in bed for a while, though I'm not sure it was really restful sleep. Part of the reason may have been because the kids were left to their own devices in their bedroom. We're not sure who started the crayon-on-the-carpet activity, but we're certain there was participation on both sides.
Last night we had a more mellow evening with our friends Keri and Sue and their son Noah. The weather was still a little cool, so we decided to eat inside.
We did play outside a bit, though.
And Keri and Sue brought push-up pops for the kids. Whose face is the cutest?
Three-way tie!!!
Here's Clara this morning, helping me dismantle from the party.
Henry has just gotten up from his nap. He's asking me again "NOW how many days until we go to Grandpa Bill's?" I don't think he knows, yet, that he gets to go shopping for a new fishing pole soon with his dad!
I positioned myself to get a picture of Liz's reaction when she first saw the bachelorette cake (thank you Deerfield's bakery! Most naughtily-delicious cake I've ever had!). The cake was fuzzed out in this photo to protect the innocent.
After a quick game which involved video trivia with Van, Liz opened some gifts. She got some very nice things...and one or two things that made us all laugh....and eventually close the front door...
These are a few of the reactions to cake-cutting shenanigans.
Aw.
Here's Liz and me and her two other bridesmaids. We did go out to a couple of clubs downtown for dancing afterward. I do believe much fun was had by all!
Since I didn't get home until about 2:30 in the morning, I tried desperately to sleep in on Sunday. I managed to stay in bed for a while, though I'm not sure it was really restful sleep. Part of the reason may have been because the kids were left to their own devices in their bedroom. We're not sure who started the crayon-on-the-carpet activity, but we're certain there was participation on both sides.
Last night we had a more mellow evening with our friends Keri and Sue and their son Noah. The weather was still a little cool, so we decided to eat inside.
We did play outside a bit, though.
And Keri and Sue brought push-up pops for the kids. Whose face is the cutest?
Three-way tie!!!Here's Clara this morning, helping me dismantle from the party.
Henry has just gotten up from his nap. He's asking me again "NOW how many days until we go to Grandpa Bill's?" I don't think he knows, yet, that he gets to go shopping for a new fishing pole soon with his dad!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Exhausted
Seems like lately when I speak to people on the phone they say something like "You sound exhausted". Not exactly a relaxing summer, I guess. We're having lots of fun, but I'm not getting much sleep at all. Ah well. I guess there are more important things that sleep...temporarily.
On Monday we had a nice lunch at my friend Janice's house. She had Cari and I over with the kids so the kids could meet her parrot and her puppy and feed the fish in her pond. Cari is my co-teacher and Janice is our classroom aide and somehow we managed to barely talk about work. It was very nice. Cari is moving soon and she donated a few items to us, including this Dora dollhouse, which both kids love.
Here's Clara operating the changeable table. The food flips over so the plates can be empty or full.
Henry was bothered that there was no staircase or other apparent way for Dora and her family to get upstairs. So he built one out of blocks. We also discovered that the dollhouse talks when you move certain things (Hooray! Talking toys!) and there's a little radio that you can press for some Flamenco music. It makes both kids dance.
Here's Henry romancing the camera.
Last night Pete was out to hear a friend's band, and the kids were sound asleep. I was working on my computer in the dark living room and suddenly the Dora house shouted at me "Let's get something to eat from the refrigerator!!!!" Scared the crap out of me. After she repeated it in Spanish (about 12 minutes later) I found the switch and turned it off.
This morning, after a trip to see Auntie Liz and take her some birthday flowers (Happy Birthday Liz! Sorry I didn't get some photos of you with your niece and nephew!) we packed up some lunch and went to the pool. Here's Clara trying to make sure she has enough sunblock applied.
And Henry showing off his new trunks. Grammie had bought him some cool guitar ones, but they kept falling off. When Henry saw these at Target he would not be talked into anything less brand-y. He loves them and shows them to anyone who will pay attention...the lifeguard, the neighbors, the other kids at the pool...
Now I'm letting Henry watch a little bit of afternoon television so I can have a quiet moment. I spent most of nap time napping with him... Tonight we'll probably go to the bike races for the first time this summer. I think it's going to be frozen pizza for dinner.
On Monday we had a nice lunch at my friend Janice's house. She had Cari and I over with the kids so the kids could meet her parrot and her puppy and feed the fish in her pond. Cari is my co-teacher and Janice is our classroom aide and somehow we managed to barely talk about work. It was very nice. Cari is moving soon and she donated a few items to us, including this Dora dollhouse, which both kids love.
Here's Clara operating the changeable table. The food flips over so the plates can be empty or full.
Henry was bothered that there was no staircase or other apparent way for Dora and her family to get upstairs. So he built one out of blocks. We also discovered that the dollhouse talks when you move certain things (Hooray! Talking toys!) and there's a little radio that you can press for some Flamenco music. It makes both kids dance.
Here's Henry romancing the camera.
Last night Pete was out to hear a friend's band, and the kids were sound asleep. I was working on my computer in the dark living room and suddenly the Dora house shouted at me "Let's get something to eat from the refrigerator!!!!" Scared the crap out of me. After she repeated it in Spanish (about 12 minutes later) I found the switch and turned it off.This morning, after a trip to see Auntie Liz and take her some birthday flowers (Happy Birthday Liz! Sorry I didn't get some photos of you with your niece and nephew!) we packed up some lunch and went to the pool. Here's Clara trying to make sure she has enough sunblock applied.
And Henry showing off his new trunks. Grammie had bought him some cool guitar ones, but they kept falling off. When Henry saw these at Target he would not be talked into anything less brand-y. He loves them and shows them to anyone who will pay attention...the lifeguard, the neighbors, the other kids at the pool...
Now I'm letting Henry watch a little bit of afternoon television so I can have a quiet moment. I spent most of nap time napping with him... Tonight we'll probably go to the bike races for the first time this summer. I think it's going to be frozen pizza for dinner.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A Good Day
There's this Kevin Henkes book we love called A Good Day. Today was kind of like that, except without all the sad stuff happening at the beginning.
We woke up and decided it was a perfect Sunday for a breakfast picnic. Here we are about to head out the door and get in the wagon. I purposefully did not take my camera along because I wanted to first focus on my family and second focus on my studying while Pete played with the kids. For today's picnic we packed hard-boiled eggs and fruit salad and stopped at Starbucks for coffee, chocolate milk and a couple of scones. Delightful!
Bonus! It was Art in the Park and some of the booths opened early. We bought this beauty for $35! Love it.
After laundry/lunch/grocery shopping/naps we took off for Ravinia. They were performing all Tchaikovsky tonight and had activities set up for kids beforehand. Here's Henry playing giant bowling. He got a strike on his first kick. He was delighted with himself!
Then he told the balloon lady he'd really like a skunk. She hadn't made a skunk before, but incorporated a white balloon into her usual kitty technique and came up with this little guy for Henry. He named it Charlie and it is now sleeping on the headboard of his bed.
The coolest thing they had set up was the Instrument Petting Zoo. Henry tried out the cello and was told he was a natural.
He also tried the oboe and blew some nice sounds on his first try. They told him he was a natural.
And then we waited a bit to try out the French horn. The guy was duly impressed and said he's definitely a natural brass player.
We were about to head to a place to put out our blanket, but we got sucked in by the story-teller guy. He sang a little song about "cross your legs and put your hands in your lap" and even though he was the only kid sitting down at first, my sweet little guy was absolutely perfect. (Man! I love this kid.)
A couple other kids joined in and Clara toddled over too. The story teller told the story of the Little Red Hen, and sang a participatory song too. Henry soaked it all up.
Then we finally got our blanket spread.
After eating a bit the kids were restless. Pete took Clara for a stroll and when they came back I took Henry for a stroll. We found Bampa and Grandma. Henry sampled some of the desserts from their group.
We had lots of nice family time too.
Towards the end the orchestra was getting going on the 1812 Overture. Bampa stole Henry away to watch the cannons. Henry covered his ears, but was reportedly impressed. On our way out I took some photos of him up close with the cannons. In this shot he's demonstrating how they shot.
And now I'm hoping, once again, to watch Harry Potter.....they didn't have it in at Blockbuster, and the download is going very slowly....
We woke up and decided it was a perfect Sunday for a breakfast picnic. Here we are about to head out the door and get in the wagon. I purposefully did not take my camera along because I wanted to first focus on my family and second focus on my studying while Pete played with the kids. For today's picnic we packed hard-boiled eggs and fruit salad and stopped at Starbucks for coffee, chocolate milk and a couple of scones. Delightful!
Bonus! It was Art in the Park and some of the booths opened early. We bought this beauty for $35! Love it.
After laundry/lunch/grocery shopping/naps we took off for Ravinia. They were performing all Tchaikovsky tonight and had activities set up for kids beforehand. Here's Henry playing giant bowling. He got a strike on his first kick. He was delighted with himself!
Then he told the balloon lady he'd really like a skunk. She hadn't made a skunk before, but incorporated a white balloon into her usual kitty technique and came up with this little guy for Henry. He named it Charlie and it is now sleeping on the headboard of his bed.
The coolest thing they had set up was the Instrument Petting Zoo. Henry tried out the cello and was told he was a natural.
He also tried the oboe and blew some nice sounds on his first try. They told him he was a natural.
And then we waited a bit to try out the French horn. The guy was duly impressed and said he's definitely a natural brass player.
We were about to head to a place to put out our blanket, but we got sucked in by the story-teller guy. He sang a little song about "cross your legs and put your hands in your lap" and even though he was the only kid sitting down at first, my sweet little guy was absolutely perfect. (Man! I love this kid.)
A couple other kids joined in and Clara toddled over too. The story teller told the story of the Little Red Hen, and sang a participatory song too. Henry soaked it all up.
Then we finally got our blanket spread.
After eating a bit the kids were restless. Pete took Clara for a stroll and when they came back I took Henry for a stroll. We found Bampa and Grandma. Henry sampled some of the desserts from their group.
We had lots of nice family time too.
Towards the end the orchestra was getting going on the 1812 Overture. Bampa stole Henry away to watch the cannons. Henry covered his ears, but was reportedly impressed. On our way out I took some photos of him up close with the cannons. In this shot he's demonstrating how they shot.
And now I'm hoping, once again, to watch Harry Potter.....they didn't have it in at Blockbuster, and the download is going very slowly....
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