Dog Days

So here we are, August 11th, and summer is coming to an end.

When I flip through my pictures and memories of the past few weeks it is a blur of sand, salt, seaweed, chlorine, over-priced ice cream pops and suntan lotion.

There was a lot of this:

And several days of this:

Probably too much of this:

Sometimes you gotta throw in a little of this:

Add a bit more of this:

A few afternoons ended like this:

And while it is not over yet, it is starting to get old.  I have to admit it.  As I have said so many times before on this Blog, I appreciate all 4 seasons, and never do I appreciate the next one more than when the current one is coming to a close.

When Spring has sprung, I long for lazy days of beach and pool.
And now, as my bright summer annuals are getting overgrown and under bloomed, my grass is growing slower, my car is sandier than the beach and the kids are so tan that people ask me where they're from...
They get on each other's nerves, which gets on my nerves.
They're bored, I'm bored.
We're ready to get back into our routines.  We've been bouncing, shopping, watching, swimming, sunning, riding, running, visiting, partying, sleeping-over, over-indulging and generally doing nothing productive or useful and enjoying every minute of it.  But we're done.

We want school and weekends and sports and dance and pumpkins, mums, boots and sweaters.  Birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.We're ready.  Because summer will come again, it's good like that.  And I am so ready to organize closets and make handmade Christmas cards, finish that cork garland I have been talking about and maybe even that Kissing Ball I bought all the stuff for 3 Christmases ago...

We have a few more great things on our Summer Bucket List.
Next week we will head down to Ocean Beach in New London.  Summer is not complete without soggy fries and soft-serve ice cream cones.  Abby has it in her mind that she will conquer the "big water slide" this year and Wyatt just really looks forward to the Motorcycles.

The Motorcycle Ride, Ocean Beach Park - 2011

It's a Day-cation, for sure.  One I really look forward to as much as the kids, if not more than them.  Just blogging about it right now has me all revved up thinking about it.  What a great way to spend a summer day.  The boardwalk, the "waves", the white sandy beach and of course, the splash pad.  I can't wait!!

The week after next we'll have a whole week of Daddy-Time.  A whole week off of work to hang with us.  Last year he tried this and Hurricane Irene stopped by.  Assuming we don't have a repeat of 2011, we're really looking forward to spending some quality time.  We'll hit the beach, drive up the shoreline a bit, maybe go see that new Disney movie about the plant-boy.  Eat some good stuff, play some fun things and just send summer off in style.  Beach, pool, firepit, movie nights, popcorn and icecream.

Because, really, without the sand, suntan lotion and tanned bodies - what would the point of summer be?

Dinah's Storm

Today I drove around with an old lady dog in my backseat.  She was soaking wet and running, terrified, from thunder and into roads that while I can't call them a "major intersection", I can say that for around here, it's dangerous territory.  So, what choice did I have but to pick her up and let her sleep soundly in my backseat while I drove around for 40 minutes looking for any sign of someone frantically searching for their terrified, lost dog?!

And for what reason would I be driving around on this particular day, when this particular storm and this particular dog happened to cross my path, while my kids were at camp (for their first time ever, away from me for a whole day - we can discuss the hole in my heart later)?  For what reason would this sweet, greying, frightened and lovely little girly dog run in front of my car while it's raining so hard I was trying to decide if it was just huge drops or actual hail?  Her tail was between her legs, her thick, groomed wolf-like coat was soaked but her eyes looked peaceful and her body language asked for help.
So, I got out of the car.  And I talked to her.  And I opened by back door.  And she hopped in.

At first, she stood and looked nervous.  And while I am absolutely an animal lover, I am also an animal respecter - and with that comes a healthy dose of fear - and my fear of being bit kept me from going right at her to check her collar or pet her head.
I let her relax.  I stopped home and checked on my own 'fraidy-dogs, got some water and a few treaties and went back to my little stray.
She was not hungry or thirsty.
She was tired.  She laid down.  She slept so hard I could hear her breathing.  I thought about bringing her home and calling it a day.

But instead I drove on.  And let her sleep.
And then I turned down a random cu-de-sac, all the while talking sweetly with my new girly dog.  And I said to her "you never know why things happen the way they do, you never know why you make a turn where you would not normally  turn" and so I turned.  In that cul-de-sac I decided she was confortable enough for me to open the back door and pet her and check her collar.
No tags.

I think I already knew I was not actually going to take her to the Animal Control Office in town.  First of all, they didn't answer the phone (or call me back promptly as their vm promised), so I knew they weren't there and confirming that wasn't worth the ride to me.  Secondly, I called!  I did my part.  I was not going to "surrender" this sweet girl to the authorities in hopes that some uniformed guard might care enough to find her a home.  I would be her home!!  She was sweet!!

As I was checking her tags, a car pulled out of it's driveway and up next to me.  I was looking for people looking for their dog - because everyone else was inside watching the storm, not standing outside in it.  But this woman happened to pull out as I was checking out my lost girl.
She said hello and introduced herself kindly, I said "I found a dog!"  She got out of the car and with the excitement of a 7 year old said "Can I See?!?!"
She did not recognize her but made no motions to leave me in her neighborhood, scratching my head.

At this point, I knew I could not let the dog back out of my car to find her way.  But I also knew I could not squeeze my 2 small, excitable kids into the back seat with her.  She seemed lovely and relatively clean, but who knows.
But I didn't know what to do.
Enter Debbie.  My new best friend.

When I explained that I did not want to give the dog to animal control ("she's so cute!") but I also didn't want to lock her in my garage as the storm that she seemed to be running from raged on all around her, and I couldn't put her in my house with my 2 dogs who were also foaming at the mouth in the humidity and thunder and I couldn't keep driving around with her because I had to pick up my kids, Debbie said - without any hesitation at all and much to my shock and delight - "I'll take the dog!"

Here is where I have to tell you that Debbie was a striking red head - friendly, freckly, pretty and red.  And yet, none of my usual red-head-flags shot up.  She seemed so genuinely kind and concerned.  Almost like she had been waiting for a new dog to show up.  She had a blanket for the seat in her car and a leash!
("you never know")

So, Debbie took the dog, I went home to my own dogs and took stock of my day.

In the morning, I dropped Abby off at school for her first ever, long awaited, day at camp.  As a stay-at-home-mom and beach-bum, I have never seen the need for summer camp.  We hang out in the summer.  We go to the shore, we go to the lake and we have a pool.  But this year has proven more challenging than years past.
It's not that my kids are super-spoiled (they are, admittedly, regular-spoiled).  It's not that they're bratty.  But, at nearly-5 and 6-going-on-16 they are, without a doubt, on each other's nerves.  And every day, with me, they are getting bored.  They are without structure, and they are bored.  They need more than what I am giving them.  Next year I will plan better.
So, this week they went to camp for a day.  I had meetings and camp is more fun and cheaper than a babysitter.
Abby went in the morning, lunch and 2 snacks packed, ready to rock.  I kissed her goodbye and walked away.
I felt like my heart was going to fall on the hallway floor.
Amazing what absence can do for the fonder...
What the hell am I going to do when school starts?

From there we stopped at Papa's house to drop off Nana's sunglasses that she left at our place.  A nice visit with Papa and the pooch.  He gave Wyatt a new hat - a red one to match the red shorts and red t-shirt he chose for his day.  The hat says "Stolichnya".

After that I dropped Wyatt off at his friend's house (and I really felt my loneliness kick in).  They had about an hour to play before lunchtime and then they, too, were off to camp.  We had decided (three of us, moms of 3 Kindergarten boys) that a half day would be enough for them at this point so they had a playdate and lunch first.

From playdate drop-off I went back to school to meet with the 2 principals of the 2 elementary schools with my PTA Co-Prez, CR.  We met and chatted and did our agenda and political deeds.  We laid out our meetings for the year, discussed costs and concerns and, I hope, are done with that.
The one thing I do not want, with this new role of PTA Co-P, is to be in meetings, in cahoots, in bed with administration.
Don't misunderstand me, I adore our principals - and our superintendant.  I like & respect them as women and administrators.  I consider myself - and our town - pretty lucky to have 2 female principals and a female superintendant that are moms and teachers and all around career women, but are also fearless and awesome and, to be honest, gorgeous.  LOVE that.
But, as PTA prez, I want to be neutral.  I don't want my personal opinions to play a role.  I want to focus on the kids, their benefits, the teachers, their benefits and the overall community feel - the pluses, the extras, the greatness that the PTA can give to a community.
Not to be dictated by the governing bodies, only to be dictated by need, want and appreciation.

From PTA I went to the Country Club.
I finalized the menu for the Dinner-Dance I am planning as a fund-raiser for the local Food Pantry.  I can honestly say "I" here because so far, it's all me.  I will need help - I do!  But I haven't found it yet so, so far, I'm pretty freakin proud of me.
We finalized the menu.  Cash bar with Beef & Fish buffet dinner, appetizer stations, salads, pastas, desserts - the whole nine - it's gonna be awesome.  DJ.  Photographer.
I am so flippin excited.
Now, onto the marketing.  That part is the key part because if I mess it up, or even if I don't maximize it - my planning, my whole idea - will fail.
I have to sell 120 tickets.
How?

From the Club I went to town.  I had a few things for sale in the Consignment shop.  It seems like Abby was the last girl born.  We ran out of girls.  Every baby born after Abby had a penis.  So, I ran out of good things to do with her better clothes.
I am a huge charity giver.  But sometimes - it's just too good!!  I want to see it move on, or I want to get something back for it.
Ralph Lauren and Gap and Janie & Jack!  I want to see a return on my investment!!
So, I went to consign.  Almost 3 months ago.
And so, in parting with a shopping bag full of stuff, I waited and waited.
And I made 20 bucks.
I feel dirty.
I'll just pass it on from now on.  If it's really worth it, I'll eBay it.  Consignment is not for me.

From town I went to ManchVegas.  Birthday party next week.  Both kids are invited.  Need gifts.
I went quick, one store.
Headed home as the skies got dark.  And so we come back to the doggie in the street in the pouring rain...

Debbie took the doggie from me and I felt good about it.  I felt sad because in that hour or so, I had gotten attached, but I felt good because we exchanged numbers and I knew that if she didn't find her home, she was going to keep her.  I knew it.
So, I felt good.

About 3 hours later, she called me.  She found her home.  Her name was Dinah and she was home.

Life has a funny way of finding it's way.

And, to add to this story, it turns out - Debbie is BFF's with my next door neighbor.  Small, small world.

One day in...

... and it rained and thundered and lighteninged and rained some more.
So, what were we to do!?  We went to the mall!!  Duh!!
And while we struck out on both ideas I had for my niece's birthday present (my whole "reason" for heading to the mall in the first place) we were greeted by a brand new, still-smelling-clean Germ Tank!!
So while the rain poured and the lightening crashed, my kids were joyfully jumping, playing and bonking heads with several dozen other children.
Good stuff.

Today we will make an attempt at the Lake.  It doesn't look particularly warm in the forecast but I somehow doubt that will stifle the kids' excitement.  Me, I'm not planning to wear a swimsuit, but I will look forward to burying my feet in the sand while I sit in my beach chair and take it all in...

Oh, I wonder...

...if the onset of summer vacation will make me more Bloggy or even less....  We are looking forward to so many summer adventures, not the least of which was officially (as in with real money) joining the lake this year.
We have a sunset date planned with Aunt Belle at Harvey's.
We want to go to the zoo in Rhode Island.
Big waves are calling from some beach in RI that we've never been to (Lookout?, not sure...)
Many trips to the various shore beaches we love.
Six Flags New England.
Maybe Santa's Village?!?!
A Camping weekend??

Wyatt will start K in the "fall" and Abby will start first grade.  Both kids will get on the bus at 8am and get off closer to 4pm.  That's a lot of time without my kiddos.  I am not looking forward to it and I plan to take advantage of every moment this summer.
I know so many moms that sign their kids up for every camp and activity they can write a check for over summer break.
Not me.  Not yet, anyway - (judge not lest ye be and all that jazz.)

So, Friday is the last day of school.  We have a big pool party planned for all of our besties...  Then it's off to the races.  How much awesomeness can we squeeze into 8 weeks of summer vacation?

We shall see...

School started on Monday and I already miss the sandy bottoms & fresh sunburned cheeks of summer.
Yes, it was 97 degrees today.  But I went to Ted's and did laundry.

It's school time.

First Day, 2010

First Day, 2009

Back to routine, structure, bed times and healthy snacks.
All the things I've missed and looked forward to.


But, man, summer was awesome!

Oh, and did I mention I'm also pretty busy packing for our vacation to sunny, sandy Florida?!

Yeah - that takes the sting out a bit.

It's obvious from my recent blog entries - or lack there of - that I really love summer.
I love the beach.  I love 'no school'.  I love being tan, having fun-filled days for next-to-no money spent.  We swim, we build sand castles, we play on the swings, take walks, play with friends - whatever - it is the weather that allows for, inspires such activities.  And while it is only August 11th, I know our days are numbered.  School starts on the 30th of this month.

We'll have a week of school and then head to vacation where we will indulge in one more week of fun-filled summer vacation.
But when we get back I will be ready for Mums in pots, Autumn transplants and Pruning, Crock Pot cooking and preparing for the holiday and birthday season.  I love Iced Coffee but I look forward to brewing a hot pot around 3:00 as I see the sun beginning to drop, hear the school buses groan through the neighborhood and get ready to start dinner.

I have always said that God graced me with October & January babies to help me kick-off the holidays and then wrap them up.
After Wyatt's birthday we start prepping for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  And after Christmas, instead of being depressed, I start prepping for Abby's birthday.  And now that she is old enough to help me with that, it's that much more fun.
We're already putting our heads together and shopping clearance sales for her big 5th birthday bash.  It will be a Beach Party Theme.  And why not?  Why can't a January baby celebrate her love of summer?

Here we are in August.  Summer will end as quickly as it started at the end of this month.
School starts August 30th here and while I miss the days of "Wednesday after Labor Day weekend", it doesn't bother me that school starts before summer officially ends.  It is what it is and I'm excited to get back into the routine of it all.
Normally at this time of the summer I am planning our Annual Jaybor Day BBQ.  Jay's birthday falls right around Labor Day weekend so we host a party, a "kegger", if you will - and it is always a lot of fun to plan and always a lot of fun to host.
Attendance varies from year to year as Labor Day is a busy weekend for most but the good time does not.
This year, however, I am not planning our annual bash, I am searching the web for SeaWorld coupons and cursing myself for putting our luggage - packed - into storage.

We're headed down to Florida for a birthday-business-trip and I am unbelievably excited!
It started out as a business trip for Jay and is winding up as a week's vacation for me and the kids!
More on that as it comes, but for now - rest assured - Jaybor Day will return in 2011.

Speaking of summer vacation.  I haven't blogged much these past few weeks...  partially due to my addiction to my Bakery & Hotel on Facebook, I'll admit it.  Partial blame goes to Blogger for not allowing me to blog for a while.  I have no idea why or how it fixed itself or I fixed it.  And partial blame goes to the glorious sunshine of summer.  The kids & I have not wasted a minute of this summer vacation and we plan to party like Pre-K rock stars for these last few weeks of it.

We've been to the shore, to several lakes & ponds, visited family & friends, a few day trips, a few playdates and a lot of yard & pool time right there at 131.  Even Daddy has emerged from his cave (err - I mean office) for a few beach days and some pool time!
We're very tan, very tired at the end of each day and a very happy family.  Life is, indeed, very good here.

We have more beach days planned, in addition to Abby's swimming lessons every day.  We're headed to Davis' Farmland at the end of the month and then, of course, Florida!

When we get back, we promise to get serious.  School, Soccer, Gymnastics and the holidays will take over.  We'll cover the pool, pull out jeans and sweaters, plant mums, carve pumpkins and turn the lights on around 4:00.
For now, though, we'll carry on.

I am not babysitting this school year.  That will be a weird change.  I only did it for 2 years, but when you consider that Wyatt is only 2 - that's a pretty good chunk of my life.  Both kids are comfortable in Jody's house and with Q&K like they're family and really - they are.
It will be nice to only have my own kids to worry about.  Our own schedules, our own needs.  But I'm sure I will miss my daily dose of Q&K and I'm sure they'll miss me kicking their butts around their busy schedules.

W, K, Q & A
Just another day in paradise...

Tomorrow, after swimming lessons I am taking the kids to see Toy Story 3.  They have never been to the movies and I think, at this point, we are making more of it than there is to be made - as far as milestones go.  So, we're just going.

Originally it was Debbie's idea but since she's in labor right now, we're going without her.

Here's Deb.  This is from last year, when we played softball.  

She's probably using Jack as an excuse not to play Right Field.

Come on, baby!  Come out!  I need my drinking buddy back!

 

There is a movie about Beezus & Ramona coming out.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, was my best friend growing up.

Ok, maybe Beverly Cleary was.
Either way – I read like a maniac when I was a kid. If Dell or Apple published it, I read it.
This movie is a must-see for me. I would like to take my daughter to see it. She may be too young to understand it completely, but I want it to be a nice mother-daughter date for us.

That provides a good segue, actually – my daughter has many privileges thrust upon her and the other day, after a full day at Ocean Beach in New London, I realized I need to scale them back.

My father always used to say “there’s a difference between being spoiled and being a spoiled brat” and today my little angel was a spoiled brat. I actually had to pull the car over and take deep breaths before I turned around and very calmly told her to shut the fuck up calm down, breathe deeply and think about her day, what she loved what she looks forward to for next time and what she’s thankful for.

We have good times. We go places, shop for things, eat at restaurants, visit our friends… we basically do what we want, when we want – within reason. I know that I am so lucky to have a husband that works himself near death to provide for us while I hop around the state (and neighboring states) calling myself “done” as long as the sink is clear, the fridge is full and the laundry is folded. We’re tan, we’re happy and we have 750 pictures to prove it. Sometimes, we’re even luck y enough to have Daddy join us on our little adventures.

We have good times. We know it, we appreciate it.

But do my kids? Does my daughter, specifically? Wyatt’s still pretty small for this sort of worry but I am starting to become more aware of how Abby views her life. We talk about privileges and consequences. We talk about how hard Daddy works and how we appreciate and support him. We clean the house, cook the dinner and generally maintain order, cleanliness and other “wifely duties” around the place but maybe that’s not enough. Maybe I need to have her dig a ditch, move the dirt, then move it back again and fill the hole.

Maybe I need to appreciate what a smart, well-spoken, clever and imaginative girl I am raising. I need to step back, think more before I speak, listen more before I answer.
My mother tells me this is a battle I will be facing for years to come. I need to be better prepared.

Today was the last day of school for my girl.  She finished one year of Pre-K and will have one more before she officially begins Kindergarten.  Such is the tale of the January-born kid.
She loved school and while I don't think it has entirely sunk in yet that it's over, I would be suprised if she's really broken up over it being over.
The girl loves the beach, the mall and general laziness almost as much as her mother.


Today was also the last day of my babysitting gig for Q & K.  Two school years of being with those kids daily and a lot has happened.  When we started, Wyatt was less than a year old & Abby was barely 3.  Quinnie went from an innocent 11 year old to a hormonal almost-13 year old.  Kieran went from a little boy at Gilead Hill to a tiny man at Hebron El.
I've said it all before and you've read it here.
It's been an amazing two years.  I have learned so much about and from these kids and I can only hope that I have left a positive and loving mark on their lives, as well.
I know my friendship with the family will last our lifetimes and I am grateful for having these years to bond with and secure that with the kids.
I was never "just a babysitter" to them, and they were never " a job" for me.

These are pictures from our "last official beach day" last summer.

We are only weeks, perhaps days, away from Summer Vacation 2010.  June 15th is Abby's last day of school.
Abby's first official summer vacation and my first as a mama.  Our first of many.
I am giddy with anticipation.
I cannot wait to have entire days of nothing to do.  Entire days to pack lunch, hit the beach, get home and eat dinner.
Nothing to be responsible for other than my family and our home.

Beautiful weather.
The beach.

Rainy or chilly?  Hit the movies, the mall or just veg in our jammies all day.

Nothing to do but enjoy my kids and our life.
I love summer more than I have ever loved it before.  I can't wait for June 16th!!!!

Today is Monday so I have another weigh-in in 2 days.  Last week, though, was my first March weigh-in and you may recall I promised to lose 2 pounds per week for all 5 Wednesdays of March.
I lost 3 lbs in week # 1.
Go Me.

I have really been enjoying cooking and being creative with Weight Watchers ideals (fat, calories & fiber!), without using meat, and eating as much as I can with as few points as possible!
I love the challenge, the hobby that it becomes.  When it becomes a lifestyle, it becomes routine, part of the every day - and even though (for now) it's retaining it's novelty, it is also fitting into our structure perfectly.  We eat at least 2 meals a day, at least 5 days a week at home.  Lunch is usually not a big deal and sandwiches/salads/frozen meals fill that meal very easily.
Before getting pregnant with Abby I lost 30 pounds on WW.  And that was without exercise.  It's because of the changes I made in my habits.  So, this time, with the habits and the gym - I am feeling really good.
And Jay does a lot of the cooking.  He makes the salads (tossed, veggies and otherwise), he experiments with fish and veggie products, he has been researching and blogging and without him, I would not be anywhere near as into this as I have been.
I do the shopping, the soup making, the dessert creating (I can't go without but I can make them fat and sugar free!).
We encourage each other, root for each other and have just the right amount of competitiveness to keep each other going.  (Ok, we're really, really competitive - sometimes we scare people, but it works for us!)


This weather is awesome.  I know we'll get another snowstorm.  I know it will get really cold again but for now - we're blowing bubbles and riding bikes.  And I have a very strong desire to start raking, pruning and decorating outside and in the gardens.

I crave summer, suntans, mosquitoes, late sunsets on the deck with a cold beer, hearing the trickling of the pond and chirping of the crickets.
I want to smell citronella and sun screen.  I want to come home from the salty beach and jump in my chlorine-y pool.
But first, I want to feel the chill and smell the air before one last snowstorm.  Then, I want to hear the hush of a snowfall one more time.  I want to see big flakes falling silently.  I want to see my breath as I shovel the snow from my driveay one more time.
I know how crazy that sounds because I really do hate it as much as the next guy when it's coming down for the umpteenth time in mid-January.  But here it is March.  We're already having warm days and cold nights.  We set the clocks ahead on Saturday.
I won't mind one more storm, because I'll know it's only one more.
Last year we were at the beach in April.  I can handle a few more weeks of winter.  Then I will love spring, summer, fall and winter once again.  I love New England!

I do not like this time of year.
It's boring.
It's ugly.
The weather is generally cold, nasty, wet, and unaccomodating.
I find myself withdrawing.  Hibernating.  Feeling quite irritated and anti-social.
I have lots of friends & family that I love to be with and talk to but I don't feel like it.
I feel discontented.  I make myself disconnected which leaves me feeling alone and sad.
I focus on small things.
I overthink.
I start big projects and map out even bigger ones.  Whatever it takes to distract myself from myself.

There's nothing going on.  There's nothing to do.  Nothing to plan, nothing to attend, nothing to pack for or set up for or save for.  It's b.l.a.h.  Nothin'.

Many people suffer from "Seasonal Depression".  It's not rare.  Maybe I do, too.  Maybe I should discuss it with my doctor.  When I do feel icky enough to consider "doing something about it" I feel too icky to bother.
Then, the next day, or a few days later, I generally feel "back to normal".

It passes.  It's normal, natural, the ebb-and-flow of being a thoughtful, feeling human being.
Then, something will set me off.  Someone will say something to me that I can't quite wrap my head around.  "What did that mean?"  "How did she intend me to hear that?"  "Does he know how that sounded to me?"  And I begin my obsession... 
Or something is done.  To me, to my family, to my friend, to the guy that bags my groceries or takes my $1.25 at the toll.  And I begin that obsession...
And then, I weigh in and see that I've only lost 1 pound even though I know I ate well and exercised my ass off.  Or, worse, I gained weight.  And I spiral into a self-loathing sulk that lasts a day or two.

In the Spring, I get joy from clearing out the gardens, sprucing up the outside of the house, preparing for our lives outdoors.  In the Summer I spend lots of time in the sun, at the beach, in the pool, with friends, in the gardens - all the fun, summery things that we all dream about in these yucky end-of-winter weeks.  In the Fall,  I truly enjoy the end of summer, the crisping of the air, the pumpkins, mums and apples and the holidays right around the corner.  In the Winter, I enjoy Christmas and the beautiful snowy days of January and even into February.
But now, this ugly-muddy-trampled-mostly-melted snow that covers my yard is just a reminder that winter is just about over, spring is weeks, if not months, away and summer is even farther.
The fun of the cold and snow is pretty much expired but the fun of the sun & grass is years away.

It's a yucky time of year.
And I am a generally happy, optimistic woman.  So, I figure if I feel this way about it, plenty of you probably do, too.  I hope you feel a little better now.
I do.

A sure sign, as if we needed another one, that summer is over?
We closed the pool today.  So sad.  But also - so liberating.  It's like that final piece of the season, that final, lingering "is it really Fall, can I buy my pumpkins?" feeling is complete.
Summer is over.  Done.
I can look forward to Christmas now.  Officially.

But first - I am looking forward to Fall TV!!
I thought I would share with you, while listing and organizing for myself, what I am looking forward to for my Fall television lineup.

On Mondays, I love CBS.  But, from what I can see - they have once again eff'd with the schedule so I am not sure if I will still love CBS.  I love "How I Met Your Mother", "New Adventures of Old Christine" (I know, it hasn't been on Mondays in forever - whatever), and "Big Bang Theory".
I may DVR the shows I like since I hate "Two and a Half Men" and I don't really feel like being stuck watching some new, crappy show in between the shows I already love.
That leaves my Monday nights open for "House", who I love.  Yes, "who", because, really - if he were real, and not the doctor on tv played by Hugh Laurie, I would leave my husband and stalk him for the rest of my life.  I love Dr. House!!

Tuesday brings me the new Melrose.  "Melrose Place" pretty much sucked in the 90's, but I watched it because I was a die-hard 90210 fan.  But, I fell out of love with both shows long before they fell off the air.  I watched the new Melrose, though, because it intrigued me.
I liked it, I'll DVR it, but no promises...  I will really be surprised if I still like it after another episode where they let Ashlee Simpson talk.
Likely I will watch whatever I DVR'd Monday night on Tuesday.

Wednesday is all about "Glee".  I have not been so excited about a tv show since...  I don't know, I'll compare it to American Idol, I think since it really doesn't compare to Grey's or 90210 - my two most favoritest tv shows ever (20 years apart but equally obsessive).

Glee starts at 9 so should I find myself sitting before that, I might watch "New Adventures of Old Christine" followed by "Gary Unmarried" - both very funny but neither worth rushing to get my butt on the couch for.  (I dvr Christine - it's always funny and fills a gap if you have nothing else to do.)

Nothing compares to Thursday night.  I don't go out, I don't do housework, not even folding laundry.  I sit, with nothing but a drink of water, curled up on the couch and ready to completely lose myself in Grey's Anatomy.  I love that show so much, it's ridiculous.  I get angry if Jay makes noise in the background that might distract me from my program.

I watched the Season Finale on the couch in our house in Florida this past May.  It's on again this week and I cannot wait to watch it at home!  Then, next week is the Season Premier.  YAHOOOOOO!!!  I love it, I love the characters, I love the show and 9:00 is the perfect start time.  (Ok, the premier starts at 8, I think, but it's usually 9.)
My obsession is so deep that I actually DVR it, start to watch it about 15 minutes into the episode so that I can fast forward commercials and usually end with the show running live.
I have sort of-kind-of started to watch Private Practice.  The season finale was pretty exciting so I'll give it another shot this year.  But, really, I haven't liked any characters aside from Addison, so I don't know - that show might go away with Melrose.
Also, maybe worth noting, is ABC's new show "Flash Forward".  I plan on dvr'ing that because it starts at 8, which is not a good time, I wouldn't make it every week, but it looks interesting.  And ABC brought us "Desperate Housewives", "Grey's" and "Lost" along with numerous other runaway hits, so it might be worth getting into early on.

Friday nights are not big tv nights but the USA Network present "Monk" and "Psych" and Jay loves them.  I don't have a regular Friday night line-up so one of two things can happen - I might go out.
I can go out because Jay is so happy that it's Friday, he has the weekend ahead of him and his favorite 2 shows on tv, I have no guilt or worry leaving him home alone with the babies.  Or, I snuggle up with my man and watch his shows with him.  I do like both shows, but mostly I just love how much he likes them.

As a side note - on HBO I watch "Big Love" - I love that show a lot, I'm really into the Henricksons.  I also like "Hung" - I dvr it and watch it an hour or 2 at a time, it's 30 minutes - not a very good show but I just keep watching it.

Saturday and Sunday are not (were they ever?) big tv nights.
I never got into "Desperate Housewives".  "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" makes me cry - or gag, depending on Ty's crew.  I do like "Iron Chef America" and "Big Love" is on, when it's on - who knows with HBO, right?  But mostly, the weekends are up for grabs.

This all may make me sound like a total couch potato, but I can assure you - this is more of a wish list than an actual schedule.  Aside from Grey's Anatomy, none of these shows get watched with any regularity.  I forget.  Or I get annoyed.  Or, I'm just too busy or tired.
But I do love tv.  And I love Fall and new seasons, new series and early darkness...  they go together.

What are you watching this year?

Weening myself off of Facebook.
Sort of.
I don't intend to "quit it" but I have become a bit too addicted to it.
I am no longer "searching" now I am just straight up "stalking".  I mean, really.  250+ friends on FB.  Do I have nothing else to do but check and see if they're eating, going out or too tired but can't sleep?

Scored a gorgeous, handmade, solid and practically scratch-free bookshelf at a flea market yesterday.  
 $25.
Pledged it, threw our books on it and called it our Hallway Piece.
I love flea markets and tag sales but I rarely go because a) they're early in the day and I hate that and b) it's hard to bring kids along.
This bookshelf made my year.
The bookshelf that was in our hallway was $70 from Staples.  Much bigger but particle board and plastic - nothing compared to what we have now.
We put the Staples thing in our living room for lack of a better place, thinking it would stick out like a sore thumb but it really looks good.
The "wood" color matches the rocking chair which is right next to it and it really blends right in.
Love it.

Summer is fading into Fall.
I still need to sleep with the fan on in my window, but I wake up chilly.  Not quite "need a sweatshirt until my coffee warms me up" chilly but still - I'm not sweating.
I love the hum of the fan.  I hate when that season ends and I have to find a new way to fall asleep.  I like the white noise hum of my kids' monitors on my night stand - so I guess that will fall back into place as my standard sleep inducer.

I have mums in my yard.  But my impatiens are still colorful.  That is a sure sign of the end of summer.  I love mums so much, I start to buy them as soon as the stores put them out and I really don't stop...  really.  I think I had about 22 of them - all sizes and colors one year.  That was the year we had Abby's baptism - ironically the same date that Wyatt would be born a year later - so the mums and 50 million pumpkins and corn stalks became my obsession.  We're always hosting a lot this time of year - so why not, right?


Jaybor Day is next weekend and the 10-Day forecast is calling for a sunny, mid-low 70's sort of week.  Great weather for Fall but not very "pool friendly".  These cold nights and yesterday's rain storm have dropped the pool temp back to the low 70's.  Combined with 70 degree days, that makes for one COLD pool!  Even for us Northerners!
It's really down to only a matter of days before we close her up and look down a the black cover instead of the crystal blue water.  That makes me a little sad.

But it also revs me up.  I have been so sad about the end of this summer.  It was a great one.  Now my kid goes to school, I have Q&K 5 days a week after school, Debbie (my BGF) is back to work and the routine has returned.
Today, after mourning the imminent pool closure, I had an epiphany.
This is my favorite season.  My best time of year.  Why am I not enjoying it?!
I love mums, pumpkins, chilly mornings and hosting parties.  This is my season!
So - bring it on!  And after this we have Thanksgiving and Christmas, then Abby's birthday in January and then lovely nothing-ness.
Then, it all starts over again!  Spring clean up and planting, Summer beach days and pool nights and Fall!!

God!  I love New England and how beautifully You have blessed us with four fabulous seasons!

I am a little bummed that my amazing tan is fading, though.  Today I noticed my coffee stain birthmark on my leg for the first time in months...  it blends into my tan.  Now it's back.  Darn it.


So, with Fall on the verge of full display I have to find a new Lawn Guy.  Our previous "landscaper", if you will, missed us completely one fall and again this past Spring so I kindly requested he remove our name from his list.
Now, I have to find someone else.
I could do it myself.  Sure.  But having it done ensures it gets done, all in one swoop, for one price.  Gardens are clear, borders are respected, piles are carried deep into the woods.  And it takes a professional a few hours.  It would take me, and my rake, several days.  And it still wouldn't look as good.
So - let the hunt begin...

Today at swimming lessons, the kids had their "barbells" and were learning how to kick while holding them, with no adult help.
My Abby, my sweet, precious, timid baby girl does NOT like to be let go in the water. She has never even liked floating in a boat in our pool with me not holding onto the boat. And even when she let me go under for a minute or swim around her, chasing diving sticks or whatever she throws for me, it doesn't last long. She is a very nervous girl.
Only physically, mind you.
She will talk to you about anything for as long as you can take it. She is not the least bit shy. She can hold a conversation better than many adults I know. She is polite and kind and friendly and fabulous.
But physically, she is just very cautious.

So, today, when "Teacher Kelly" was trying to tell her that she could do it and Abby gave it a few half-tries, she made her way in to the beach and up to our blanket.
In the first 2 weeks of swimming (aka - Level One) she never once left the water. She was very comfortable with her teacher, Joe, and with the water level - about knee deep.
This session, Level 2, is about belly-to-shoulder deep and a whole new ballgame for Miss Abby.
She sat down and I asked her what she was doing.

"My tummy hurts."
"Are you nervous about swimming with the barbells, babe?"
"OH! Goldfish!"
"You want some Goldfish and to sit here with mommy for a little bit until you feel better?"
"Yes, please."
"Ok."

When the barbell portion of swimming was over, she promptly put the Goldfish back in the beach bag and hopped to her feet.

"I'm feeling better, mama!"

Teach Kelly walked by (we sit right by the water, they walk by a lot) and said "Feeling better, Abby? Want to join us again?"

"SURE!"

And off she went!

So, tonight, when I was tucking her in, I asked her about her tummy ache at the beach.

"Abby, were you a bit nervous when you had to swim with the barbells today?"
"No, Mommy."
"You just wanted to sit with Mommy a little?"
"Yes. Because I was scared."
"Well, babe, anytime you feel scared,
you can always come and sit with Mommy, ok?"
"Thank You."

And that, my friends, is what being "mommy" is all about.

I just signed my first official school document.
With my own name, I mean. As the parent.
I signed my own, full, legal name with my own signature. Not my Dad's name... hee hee

I have officially registered my baby girl for Pre-School in the "fall". I put the season in quotes because the first day of school is actually August 27th. Hardly the leaf-crunching, sweater-wearing, apple-eating sort of September I romanticize so much about. But still.
This is huge.

What else is huge?
This:

This is a photo of my big girl heading up my driveway with her friends, for a pladydate of cookie baking without her mommy!
When I received the call inviting her (to my very good friend Jody's house to be with my very precious Quinnie, aged almost-12 and their nanny, aged 20-something, but still!) to come up and bake cookies while Wyatt napped, my jaw dropped.
I didn't know what to say.
Becky, the kids' summer nanny, knew that Wyatt would be asleep and that I couldn't leave, so she was offering to come down and get Abby. Clearly, they were bored. But also, they really like Abby and they knew she would love it and Becky, I'm sure, knew I would welcome the quiet time during Wyatt's nap.
And I did. But it was very strange.
It's nice, peaceful quiet when both kids are asleep and I am putzing around the house, or even doing nothing - like playing Pirates.
It was very different today. I have never been home without my girl. Not counting a quick run somewhere with Daddy here and there. This was, for the first time ever, me, Jay and Wyatt all in the house. Not Abby.

I wasn't devastated or anything. I didn't cry or carry on - don't get me wrong.
But I recognized today, for the umpteen-millionth time (it feels like) that my baby girl is getting so big. So independent. So smart, so brave.
She has been proving it in other ways, too. In ways that often annoy or exhaust me before I have time to reflect on the importance of them. Such as the back-talk, the deal-making, the "I CAN DO IT MYSELF!" among other things that come with age.

I try to keep a handle on them, keep things in perspective. Allowing my baby bird to spread her wings but know that here in the nest, you don't talk to mama like that!
And I will openly pat myself on the back and tell you that I do a very good job of it.
I am very patient, I often smile to myself when I know many other moms would be over-the-top frustrated. I take a deep breath before I answer - and if I forget to take that breath and answer in a way that makes me less than proud, I apologize.
And we move on.

Abby also swims underwater now.
All of a sudden.
Two weeks of swimming lessons, she finally put her face in on the 2nd to last day. Now, she zips back and forth, under the water, in the tub like a fish.
She showed me 44 times tonight. Then Wyatt popped his head in to see what the ruckus was and she showed him a few times.
(They generally bathe together but Wyatt is quick - he prefers to run around naked and watch some tv before bed so Abby gets some playtime with the tub all to herself.)
Then, as I was trying to reign her in, Maggie trotted in and - without missing a beat - "MAGGIE, WATCH THIS!", under she goes again!
Maggie seemed relatively unimpressed and I later realized she was just looking for a place to sleep where Wyatt wouldn't bother her. She found that place - it was Abby's bed.

Last night, Abby said "I want a tv in my room."
I said "no."
She said "why?"
I said "Because, like I will never drive a mini-van, never purchase a car-dvd-player and never, ever pay full price on children's clothing - you will never have a tv in your bedroom."
That answer seemed to placate her. Confuse her, probably is more like it. But still.
Also, I would bend my mini-van rule if it were a brand new, fully-loaded, navy blue Honda Odyssey. But, honestly, I'm gonna hold out for the Pilot or Pathfinder.
And, I will allow her a tv in her room - when she's old enough for chores and report cards - real ones, on both accounts - she can then earn a tv, tv-time and the trust to know what to do with both.

For now, I will look forward to "fall" and playdates and the never-ending "BUT" that begins each answer to my request of clean-up, go upstairs, put something down, have something to eat or wear what I pulled out for you...

Spray-On Sunscreen is the greatest invention since Popsicles. Applying lotion to a tiny, squirmy body on a sandy beach is never a successful endeavor. Yes, I apply the lotion to their bodies before we leave but to reapply after a few hours on the beach is nearly impossible. Enter the Spray Can. Awesome.
Thank You, Mrs. Inventor.

Went out with my husband last night. J. Gilbert's, as usual.
We get out so infrequently that we don't like to mess with perfection. At Gilbert's, we know that the service will be great and the food will be delicious.
Last night was no exception.
I looked hot, as did my hubby. I love getting decked out for him. Lord knows I don't do it on a daily basis (as Dr. Laura suggests!) but I do enjoy it every now and then.
We also have the luxury of one fantastic babysitter who shows up and instantly wins the affection of our children who, at that point, wouldn't care if we dove off a cliff.
That's a nice feeling when you're driving away.

The thing about Gilbert's is that we know what to expect. And last night, like I said, they did not disappoint. I did feel a little... well, bored, though. Jay agreed. The menu is fantastic but we've eaten the whole thing.
Time to move on.
Time to finally check out all the other great joints all around us that we hear about but, being fearful for when the next time might be that we get out, we don't dare try.
Thankfully, again, Stina has eradicated that fear with her recent announcement that she will be attending Eastern SCU rather than SCU. And while I know she will be a busy college girl with busy college things to do. I am also pretty confident that we'll be able to grab her (at $10 an hour) when we need her with enough notice!
Did I mention that she loves my kids almost as much as I do?
That helps!

I really hate Nickelodeon. It's the worst channel since the WB. Really. They create good shows and for that, I am greatful for Noggin. But on Nick, the commercials are all for dangerous, disgusting and/or expensive crap that targets my kids (and yours).
I do love watching my boy's eyes light up when Diego appears on the screen.
I do marvel at how entranced both kids get when Max & Ruby are on. I mean, really, is there a more boring show on television? Not to mention excruciatingly nonsensical to us, the parents?

Today was the last day of Swimming Lessons. Abby "graduated" Level One and I signed her up for Level Two in August. They offer 2 sessions each summer.
Next year we plan to join the Lake because I just absolutely love the community of it. I love the beach playing - the sand castles, the sandy sandwiches, the sharing of all the sand toys, the sound of the ice cream truck (which we took advantage of today!).
I grew up on a beach. That's what we did every single day all summer long. We went to the beach. Being Latch-Key kids, as we were, we counted on my grandparents who lived next door, my aunt who lived up the street or - if all else failed - whomever we knew that was on the sand that we could sort of drop out towel next to and call our "supervision".
Today, I was looking around and I realized that this beach that we go to, and probably every other little lake beach in America, is the same exact one we grew up on. Moms in beach chairs, kids coverd in sand, screaming, running, tin-foil wrapped sandwiches... the only big difference I see is that there are more juice boxes now, back in my day we all drank Kool-Aid from one Tupperware Cooler with many plastic, environmentally-incorrect cups.
And today, I saw a very big difference. One mom, standing by the shoreline (do you call it a shoreline when it's a lake and not the ocean? anyway-) holding her (equally Earth-offensive) styrofoam Dunkin Donuts cup in one hand, her BlackBerry Storm in the other.
Otherwise - it's LMCA all over again.

I don't know what happened in the past month or two but my babies are not really babies anymore.
Proof?

Well, Wyatt sings the ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle. You can't quite make out each word but there is no mistaking what he's singing. He has more words and phrases, too. Every day he comes out with new stuff. The other day he woke up from his nap and he yelled "DADDY MOW!" And yes, Jay was mowing the lawn and Wyatt heard it.

He also sings and dances to the Wiggles like nobody's business. THe man loves The Wiggles and I pray every day that when I click on their website there is going to be an updated Tour Schedule with a CT date. I have never wanted to go to a concert so much in my life.
Jay won't let me buy tixx for a Long Island show. The Wiggles aren't worth that trip to him and I respect that, but I still really want to do it. I just know that Wyatt's head would explode if he got to see them live.

Abby, too. She loves them. Not with the same unbridled passion that Wyatt shows but she did. She DID love them that much when she was exactly his age.
Because when she was his age, he was a tiny baby and she was OBSESSED like he is now.
And I love them, too. I'll admit it.

I LOVE THE WIGGLES. EVERY UGLY ONE OF THEM!

Ok, I got off topic there. Sorry.

Anyway - Wyatt thinks he is such a big boy. We go to the beach, he plays with the big kids. Today I had to grab him before he went into the water with Abby's Swimming Lesson group. It was so cute and he was so ready!

He says "MOMMY" and "DADDY" with such an attitude - it's so funny, it's not a cute little baby saying "mama" or "dada" - it is a demand in one word.

He gets out of and into his carseat all by himself. And then he puts his fat little had up to mine and we hold hands to walk to wherever we're going.
Unless we are home. Then he just runs to grab his little bike and get right to playing.

Today he chased the cat into the woods. I didn't know if I was ever going to see him again. He is so brave and strong!
He eats more than a small man, too. His breakfast is usually 2 scrambled eggs with cheese with assorted fruits on the side followed by a strawberry Nutri-Grain Bar.

Abby. Well, she went from 3 to 15 overnight. She takes showers now. She's almost 3 and a half and she showers. She had showered a lot in the past - but it was a novelty, there wasn't a lot of actual soap involved. Now, she showers and she wants her PRIVACY!

She also dresses herself. She not only chooses the clothing, she puts it on herself. After she brushes her own teeth, washes her face and hands, goes potty and (attempts to) brush her hair.
Her tiny personality is so independent and strong. She's also a cuddle-bug, so it's not independence venturing on cold - it's just so smart. She is just so smart. And funny. So funny.

And the way that she takes care of Wywy. Just melts my heart every single day.
Even when they disagree or don't play well together - I laugh because it is so cute and typical and funny how she yells at him.
Oh man, I wish I could cite an example right now. This sort of stuff just happens all day long - I don't really retain the specifics - I just enjoy them and store the feeling.

I think people who send "Friend Requests" to people they don't know, specifically just to advance their Crew in the game of Pirates, on Facebook are gigantic losers. Seriously.

I love summer so much. Yesterday, after swimming lessons Wyatt went down for his nap and Abby and I floated in the pool for about an hour.
My husband was working his ass off in his office in our basement. I was floating in the pool.
Yes, sometimes I have guilt.
Today, after swimming lessons Wyatt napped and I did the bills & budget for July. That felt good - like I was accomplishing something. Then, when he woke up we went for a walk to see who was around "The Heights". Saw some neighbors we hadn't seen since school let out and that was really nice. Caught up on the the gossip, gave Abby & Wyatt some playtime and then headed home.
Jay was in the kitchen, after a long day of work, skewering Shrimp Kabobs.
Guilt again.

He's a good husband, isn't he?!

Tonight, I gave two kids a good washing (1 shower, 1 bath, of course - why make it simple?). I washed off suntan lotion, a little bug spray, a lot of sand and dirt and a lot of sweat. Then I put 2 clean, tan little bodies into some clean, comfy jammies (1 jammie dress, 1 Superman set complete with a cape!). I snuggled and sniffed those sweet little bodies and put them into their clean, soft beds.
Tomorrow I will put those clean little bodies into clean bathing suits and do it all over again.
I love the beach, I love summer and I love my cute little family living our cute little life here at 131.

Life is Good.

Jay and I have been camping together many, many times. We love it.
We love sleeping in the tent, snuggled up, listening to the sounds of the woods all around us.
We love cooking on the fire.
There is nothing as peaceful as being in the woods without noise, with nothing to do, listening to the crackle of the fire, eating when you're hungry, sleeping when you're tired, seeing the sun set and the stars come out, hearing crickets and woodland noises and allowing your body, mind and soul just R.E.L.A.X.

I am too tired to go through the weekend detail by detail so I will let the pictures tell the tale and I will refer you to the Egan's Blog, in case Kimmie is quicker or more detailed than myself.

Suffice it to say that we had a really great, really exhausting, really relaxing, really fun weekend.
We arrived on Friday afternoon just a few minutes after our friends, Dennis & Kim with their boy, Matthew. Adam, Chrissie and their boy, Timothy, arrived shortly after us.

Apparently, Matthew has some very funny stuff to tell Wyatt & Abby.

Here's my handsome husband getting a feel for the weather before trying assembling the tent's rain fly.
Thankfully, he got it on properly.
Thankfully, he also set the tent up properly after packing everything properly, building the fire properly
and cooking all the food all weekend properly.
Did I say "Thank You", babe?
Thanks.
This weekend was symbolic of how you provide for and protect us all the time.


Here's "Uncle Denny" with all the kids.
I cannot tell you how stinkin' cute this was. It was not planned.
Dennis had the 2 boys so my kids went over to him, too. Then Wyatt started yelling "cheese!"
so we quickly snapped the pics.
(Then Wyatt got mad and ran away so we grabbed him and threw him back in for the shot.
So, ok, it was a little staged but the kids started it!)

Here's my Big, Three & a HALF Year Old girl with her very first Toasted Marshmallow.
She was quite pleased.
I was, too, that is a rite of passage and I was thrilled for my girl.

Here's the crew.
We took this picture this morning, after we were all packed up and ready to leave.
Isn't that a great shot?
What are the chances that all of us would be looking and smiling with our eyes open all at the same time!?