Free time for mom....finally!

Well, school has been in session for several weeks now, and I'm happily enjoying the first few hours of free time I've had in years. Monday through Thursday I have the afternoon to myself to do whatever I want to do - no waiting on children constantly, no putting things off till later because I'm following the kids around. It has been amazing. I've been working a lot on the story that's been stuck in my head for over a year. It may actually get written in its entirety which would be an awesome accomplishment for me. Other than that, the house remains cleaner than it has been in years and laundry gets done regularly. It's a potent thing free time. I recommend it to anyone feeling a bit run down. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done sometimes.

In other news, both the Chief and Beaker are enjoying school this year. I'm amazed at how much Beaker has learned already. Just a few weeks ago I couldn't even get her to consider writing her letters. Now she writes her name beautifully. It's not perfect, but at least I can tell what it says. Anyway, we are really pleased with how the kids are doing. Here they are ready for the bus to come.

Sometimes it hard to believe that we've come this far in our life as a family - both kids in school, dissertation almost finished. I'm so blessed to have an amazing family. Furthermore, I've been blessed with so many wonderful, supportive people in my life - family and friends. I can't thank you enough.

Cheers to all!

Beaker - the Biker

Beaker has learned a new trick....riding without training wheels. It's pretty awesome if I ignore the fact that she seems to think you can only ride at one speed - FAST! We've had a couple of spills that have produced a fair number of bumps, bruises, and band-aids. But, she always gets back on ready for her next hit of adrenaline. Needless to say, a helmet is a must for her.

Check her out:



In other news, we're getting ready to head back to school. The Chief is heading into second grade and Beaker will be starting preschool. Just the thought of a few child-free hours has my eyes glazing over at the endless possibilities of projects to finish! I'm sure I'll find my time used up quickly with volunteering at school and keeping the house in order, but I can't help but feel giddy at the chance to have some "me" time after 7+ years of "me+kids" time.

Any suggestions of how use your free time when the kids are gone?

The Annual Summer Camping Trip

This year's camping trip took us to Muskallonge Lake State Park in Deer Park, MI - which sits blissfully in between Muskallonge Lake and Lake Superior.

The campground was wonderful. There were lots of people, but it never felt overcrowded or noisy. (Nothing like my summers working at Holland State Park, where the park is always full to bursting during the summer) There was even a man who brought his wood lathe and was making yo-yos for the kids.

We spent a couple days swimming in the warmer water of Muskallonge Lake and rock hunting on the shore of Lake Superior. The other two days were spent adventuring to nearby Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks.

After camping, we spent a night in St. Ignace before taking a morning ferry over to Mackinac Island for the day.

Our trip ended, with an out of the way jaunt to Cross Village, MI for dinner at the one and only Leggs Inn. (If you've never been there...go.)

It was a great trip and as always we loved having Grandma and Grandpa with us. It's been about a week since we got back and the kids seem to be readjusting to city life just fine. Now, I can't speak for the Brain, but I would rather be back up north enjoying the peaceful shores of Lake Superior.

Beaker's 4th Birthday

Well, with the passing of her 4th birthday, my beautiful little Zu Zu has outgrown her first nickname. She has moved on to "Beaker" (like the muppet) which is appropriate since she makes squeaky noises all time. Despite this new nickname being a good "fit" for her, I can't help but lament that we no longer call her Zu Zu. I suppose that's my lot as a mom, watching her kids grow up. They never stay small, no matter how much we wish for it sometimes.

We had a small birthday party while in Alma a couple days before the actual event since we would be camping in the U.P. on the 19th. There was cake and ice cream, presents, and family. A good time was had by all.

The Brain and I stayed up all night working on Beaker's new tent. We got all the pieces together, but the finishing touches have yet to be finished. Here's what it looks like right now.

Probably not all that impressive to some of you amazing seamstresses out there, but we were working without a pattern, so I think it's pretty good. Eventually the front doors with have patches sewn on them to look like the rest of the patchwork and there will be letter's on top that say Beaker's House. I have to add ties and buttons to make all the walls fit snuggly on the PVC pipe. Needless to say I'll be posting more photos of the finish product.

Happily, Beaker also got some fun items to play with in her new tent as well, like a bean bag and a Buzz Light Year Pillow.

Check back for a post on our vacation in the U.P.

If you build it she will come....

This Memorial Day weekend was in many ways the same as it always is. We traveled to Alma, MI to spend time with my family and take in the Highland Festival (a fabulous weekend of Scottish games, dancing, and bagpiping). The main difference this year from year's past was that my dad and I spent 2+ sweat drenched days building a bed for Zu Zu. She's been sleeping in a toddler bed for about a year now and it's time to make the step up to a big girl bed.

My friend Emily had told me about a fabulous blog where I could find free building plans for simple furniture (www.knock-offwood.com). I checked it out and after many hours spent searching through the plans I found the perfect bed for her.

So here's the fruit of our labor. A beautiful bed for a beautiful little girl. She has requested a red polka dot blanket, so I guess that project is next on my list. It will probably take the top spot over all of the other things I should be doing.

Needless to say, I'm more than a little pleased with my handy work and I'm already itching to build a bed for myself...and maybe a dresser or two...and some bookshelves....and a pantry cabinet.....and.....

If you have an interest in building furniture, or your just a practical person like me, check out the blog listed above for some awesome DIY possibilities!

Climber Girl and Robo Boy

It's been a month since my last post, so it's time to add another.

The days have been passing quickly and everyone has things keeping them busy. The Brain took a job in Canada with a start date TBA, so he's trying to flush out everything he needs to finish while editing a book chapter he's been working on.

The Chief has been busy working on his science fair project. We salvaged some parts from an old answering machine and VCR to build a mini-robot. It was suppose to be light sensitive, but we had some issues getting the photocells to work. Right now it just moves forward. Here's the Chief and the Brain working:

The science fair was last night. Everyone thought the mini-robot was a success despite it's lack of light sensitivity. I imagine this is just our first adventure into the world of robot building.

As for Zu Zu, she's been taking a rock climbing class for a while now. She looks forward to it every week. Here she is climbing the big wall:

I have to say watching all of the kids in class is nothing short of awesome. It's been great to see her find something she can call all her own. Of course, the Chief wants a chance to try it as well now.

As for me, I'm just trying to keep the house and family from collapsing into chaos. It seems on the verge very often and I admit that I'm pretty tired these days. It's worth it though when I think of all the things we have going on. Everyone is happy and that's what matters most to me.

Cheers!

samwise

Par for me...

So, my "Philosophies for Life" list has come to a stand still. Rest assured that I have more than three. In fact, I went to post my fourth philosophy "Cultivate", but I just couldn't wrap my head around everything that I needed to say about that philosophy. So, for now, my list is on hold.

I thought I would let everyone know that I have finished reading The Hunger Games as well as its sequel Catching Fire. I really enjoyed both, although I wish they were longer. There are some really great themes being explored and I wish it went more in depth. However, I realize it's a book for teens, and I think the author does a great job keeping that in mind. You could say that no one ever scoffed at J.K. Rowling for writing long books, but to each there own. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the conclusion to the series that will be out in August.

In light of reading those two books, I have not been as diligent about reading my non-fiction picks. That's about par for me. I did go back to reading those last night though which is an improvement from my previous attempts at non-fiction where things get set down never to be touched again.

Other than that, it's a dismal Michigan spring day. Rain, wind, cool temps...but I can't complain since it has been exceptionally nice recently. I hope life is treating you well, wherever this blog finds you!

Cheers,

samwise

Philosophies for Life: Day 3

Today's Philosophy:

3. Celebrate.

I thought a lot about what today's philosophy, and decided that since it's my 30th birthday I should go with Celebrate.

I'm a firm believe in celebrating. I love making a big deal out of holidays and birthdays. I love the decorations and gift giving. I love being together with family and friends. They're specials days of the year that are joyous. However, in the past few years I've come to believe in celebrating the small stuff as well.

Things like a sunny day or cleaning up the basement. The chief learning to tie his shoes or Zu Zu painting a gallery's worth of pictures.

It may seem silly to celebrate things that are so regular, but doing so makes everyone in the family happier. The kids smile more and laugh easier on days when we "celebrate". I'm happier (which makes everyone happier).

These small moments don't have to turn into huge ordeals. Order takeout or eat outside. Do a special project. Watch a movie on a school night. Little things like that can make the most normal of days feel special.

Big occasions often get captured on film so they can last a lifetime. But the small celebrations make up all the time in between those pictures and I, for one, remember those moments fondly. They are the moments that make up the regular days for our family.

So I want to know, what small moments do you celebrate?

Cheers everyone,

samwise

Philosophies for Life: Day 2

Today's Philosophy:

2. Make food. Eat food. Together.

Again, sounds totally unoriginal doesn't it. I mean, who in this world can go without eating? However, I would argue that not everyone who eats food makes it.

Just ask the Brain. He's only allowed to cook a few things. That probably seems ridiculous on my part, but cooking brings me inner peace and I don't want to let those moments slip away. Plus, I'm a better cook than he is.

Anyway, I believe cooking is rooted in love. For me, cooking a meal is one way for me to say I love you to my family. We eat dinner together every night and it's a great way to spend time together.

Also, I want to equip our children with a healthy understanding of food. We live in an era of fast food and eating disorders, so it's our responsibility to help our kids navigate the chaos of choices out there. We try to emphasize well-rounded eating (though admittedly I'm not always great at it). But, my hope is that the kids will come away from our meal times with a healthy view of food and how to eat that they can carry with them always.

My cooking runs the gambit of multi-ethnic flavors and often we'll have to convince the kids to try what's in front of them. The prodding can be annoying, but I like to think that I'm helping my kids learn to be adventurous. Maybe that's just the delusional side of me talking, but I think they'll thank me one day for serving them Bi Bim Bop.

So, find a way to exercise your inner cook. For the inexperienced try making homemade mac-n-cheese instead of the blue box. For the more adventurous, take on something more challenging like making pierogies (including the dough).

Tell me, readers, what do you love to cook? If you need some suggestions, just ask. Cooking is my specialty.

Cheers,

samwise

Philosophies for Life

I thought I would start a list to get myself to blog a little more. I'm always trying to convince myself that something aught to motivate me, so I'm going to begin with a list on Philosophies for Life. Everyone has specific ideas they view as essential to life. Here's the first of my essentials (in no particular order).

Today's Philosophy:

1. Read books. Daily.

I know, I know. It's certainly not a unique idea. But, have you ever stopped to think about exactly what you read during the day? Emails, blogs, online news articles, magazines, newspapers, food labels....the list could go on and on and never once mention a book.

I'm currently in the middle of reading two books, a task I've never taken on before. Not only is that new for me, but both books are non-fiction which is really random. Those of you that know me best, probably know that I've never finished a non-fiction book in my life (not even in college - much to my prof.'s dismay). Admittedly, I rarely pick up non-fiction material, so this is me aspiring to new heights.

Anyway, the books I'm currently reading and enjoying are: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose. On top of those, I'm about to add a fiction book to the mix - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We'll see how it goes.

So, why is "Read books. Daily" one of my philosophies? Severals reasons actually, but here are just a few.

1. I want my kids to love reading. Therefore they should see me reading, often.

2. Reading expands your knowledge, as well as your vocabulary.

3. Reading is relaxing. It's one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the moment.

So tell me, my few faithful readers, why do you read books? And what books are you reading right now?

Cheers!

samwise

Chicago Trip

At the end of February we took a trip to Chicago (thanks to Grandpa Doug and Grandma Karen!) for a few days, so I thought I would post some pictures of our adventures.

Here we are enjoying the train ride from Ann Arbor to Chicago. In my opinion, it's the only way to travel. There's plenty of leg room, you can roam about the train when the kids get antsy from sitting, the bathroom goes with you (enough said) and you don't have to do any of the driving. I love it!

We stayed down town, a block from the Magnificant Mile, so there were plenty of things to see and places to eat. The kids, of course, were most taken with the pool in our hotel. In fact, they chose to swim over going to the Aquarium!

We did manage to spend the day (and I mean the whole day) at Navy Pier, playing at the Children's Museum. Here's a few choice pics from our time there.

Everyone had a great time, seeing the city, riding in taxis, taking the train, and swimming in the pool. I hope we'll be able to it again sometime.

Getting Older....but not wiser

I have to face the truth...

I turn 30 in less than two weeks and I admit, I can't decide how I feel about it. Thirty years, I realize, is fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of life, but it seems like it should be a big deal.

It seems like there should be a huge party or vacation that announces to the world that I've achieved...something. Though I don't know what that would be.

I have a great deal already. I'm well on my way to an average life. I married an amazing man (almost 7 years ago now) and have two crazy children who keep me on my toes day after day. Mine is a blessed and happy life.

So why does thirty feel like it should offer something more?

Maybe it's the fact that I won't be twenty something anymore. Thirty means I'm well past the carelessness of my youth, but it doesn't necessarily bring with it the wisdom or perspective of being older.

Maybe turning thirty is nothing more than another day of the year. Maybe turning thirty is just about getting older and nothing more.

Welcome 2010

Hello family and friends,

I hope this New Year finds you all well. We survived the holidays despite a lot of time in the car. It was such a blessing to see a lot of our family this holiday season. The Brain and I are both thankful for the time we spent with everyone. For those of you we weren't able to see, we missed you greatly and thought of you much.

I, personally, am overjoyed to be back to the grind of A2. The Chief went back to school today, the Brain to work, and Zu Zu and I tried to reclaim the living room as a living space (instead of a present holding zone.) It was a tediously slow process that I relished in. Every once in the while cleaning can make me smile and today was one of those days.

I'm also greatly looking forward to not having anything immediate on my "To Do" list. We have only one thing on the calendar for this month so far, and that's a child-free night out for the Brain and I at the end of the month. *Loud sigh of satisfaction*

On a final note, I want to share my top five New Year's Resolutions.

5. Stay in side during the extremely cold Michigan winter.

4. Build the ultimate Lego vehicle with the Chief.

3. Paint a masterpiece with Zu Zu.

2. Nag the Brain less.

1. Live a healthier holistic lifestyle (better food, more exercise, more reading, more writing, etc).

Cheers!