Vanism

The latest battle has been getting Van to brush his teeth, or at least let me help him.  Making funny faces at him worked for awhile and bribing him with candy (hehe) really defeats the purpose so I'm kind of out of tricks...any suggestions are appreciated (Mom, SaraJane, Jamye, Lezlie...I'm talking especially to you guys).

Anyways, while trying to get him to brush the pearly whites today he hid in a corner, curled up in a ball, and told me to "Weave a message mama....I'm not here!"  As if curling up and telling me to leave a message will make me and that toothbrush go away?  Made me laugh at least...

Calling all crafty ideas...

I will be in a new little room at school with my new position.  This nameplate is calling out for some creativity......what can I put in this space (about 2''x1'') that tells my name, about my position (ESL), personality, interests....?

Family Project: Train Table

The little guy is obsessed with all things transportation and has been for awhile. I've always wanted to get him a fancy train table like this but figured we could come up with something that serves the very same purpose for less money.  I found a cabinet door at this amazing place during a trip to Fort Collins awhile back and today found the legs at a flea market here in town.

Total cost = $10 and the bonus of creating something together.

I like that things fit under it and it won't be a big deal if we get crayons, playdough, etc. on it.  With time, it may need some braces for support and spiffy paint but as you can see, it works just fine :)

In my heart.......

Jimi, Jim, Janis, Pigpen, Kurt....and now Amy

 and then...

We appreciated her uniqueness....the voice, the style....not a groomed pop princess but truly talented. The age of 27 is one that all talented musicians should fear...years and years of partying catches up too soon for those of us who love the music.

Read more about the 27 Club here...

Happy Birthday to ME!

Turning 30 felt a little rough at first...all through my 20s, 30 seemed so far away and old. It was a little hard to realize that some of the things I assumed we would have by this time, are still in the works (owning a house, etc).  Then, we lost our sweet Kaya for awhile...we were so worried about her but thanks to the kind people of Woods Landing, she returned home safely a couple days later.  Stress was added by the upcoming defense of my thesis but thankfully it went smoothly and I have just a few small revisions to make before August 5th.  And then, I tried to wash our sandals in the shower and completely forgot about it being on causing a slight flood...one more thing to take care of.  So although, there have been some stressful moments over these past couple of days, taking time and thinking about what truly matters, made me realize how much we have accomplished and the beautiful life that we have together.  Just check out these pictures of my great day!

 

Having the bike along was great...no whining about needing to be carried and lots of great jumps and hills to experience! This little man amazes us with his gusto and love of being out and about.  

Being a mommy to Van and wife to Brett is the best birthday gift ever....the gifts of pampering from my family are also so appreciated! I'm a lucky lady....even if the gray hair is starting to take over... 

Vanism

Getting ready for bike day at Van's school, Brett's meeting with his boss, and my thesis defense.  Nerves are a little high so I tell Van that I'm feeling a little nervous.

He sweetly sings...."Dooooon't give up, doooon't give up."

We will do great!

Visiting Trev and Mandy in St. Louis

Trying to stay cool...enjoying great company!

City Museum...great place for kids of all ages (3-30 in our case)!

Meramec Caverns...nice and cool...giant!

Giant turtle park

Grant's Farm...goats eating clothes, carousel, trolly ride, and a parrot on roller skates. 

Brewery visit...stinky but very educational ;)

The Arch, the Mississippi, and Laclede's Landing in a rainstorm.

School Garden

I've fallen in love with gardening...sometimes discouraging but on days like today, just awesome! Van and I love working with the great families at my school (Linford Garden Club).

We have raspberry bushes sprouting, potatoes, radishes, carrots, all kinds of salad fixings, fruit trees, peas, beans, strawberries, garlic, chives, a tomato plant...sadly, the rhubarb did not make it but check out this beautiful bounty!

Kid on a leash........

TEMPTING....especially as we gear up for a great trip with a lot of great experiences and the little guy ran away from me today...I was terrified, so terrified that I thought this would be a good idea...

(not my kid)

but then I realized that putting my kid on a leash really isn't right (degrading, constricting)...even if he runs away and thinks it's a game as I frantically chase him.

Check this out: Another Mom's Perspective  and ABC's "What Would You Do" (as we watched this Van says,"Is dat Cafornia?) haha

So....I promise I won't leash him...even though it's tempting ;)  Rather, I will teach him about the seriousness of safety and let him explore under a watchful eye.

July 2, 2011

Today we caught fish (mommy caught a brown), hiked, found snow, built an awesome rock castle, stomped in the water, threw rocks in the water, and.....................lights out!