Another three quick but cute stories about Abby!
Story One: Sharing is Caring
A few weeks ago one of my co-workers gave Abby a little heart-shaped, green "gem" ring. It is nicer than the others that we have because it adjusts down to the tiny size of her finger. Abby was so touched about the random act of kindness that she actually came home and handed me another one and said "Please take this to Miss Mary and tell her thank you!" How sweet!
Story Two: Meet Your New Mommy?
This afternoon Abby was wearing said adjustable ring as part of her dressing up. She was decked out in hair-clip earrings, necklaces and all! Anny asked where Abby got such a beautiful ring. Abby did not hesitate before saying "One of daddy's girlfriends at work gave it to me!"
In my defense, when we ran into Mary at the park a few weeks ago she did tell my family that I am "everyone at the office's Work Husband!" Yes, I can see how this could be confusing. Also, I can see that we need to work with Abby on what "co-worker" means so that she can use it properly!
Story Three: I Wanna Dance!
Anny and I were in the kitchen as I was cooking and she was emptying the dishwasher as Abby was playing with her Little People in the living room. The music was on, too. Anny was telling me about a co-worker that has a four year old daughter whose soccer team is in desperate need of players. We do not really want to get her into organized sports yet. She has years of that in front of her and for now we just want her goofing off in the park. That being said, we really want her to make a bunch of new friends so that we can expand our friend base at the same time. Yes, we are parents and we are sometimes selfish. :)
Anyway, as we were talking in the loud kitchen about whether to look into the soccer team a bit more or sign her up for the dancing class at the local rec center. We decided we would talk with her about it over dinner, but we were aided in a plan pretty quickly when Abby yelled "you HAVE TO sign me up for dance class, you know!" in a loving-but-very-sarcastic tone! Guess we had our answer, and she meant it!
I have another blog post bouncing around in my brain. Might get to them tonight, but probably not since we're going out dancing with Abby and a handful of other friends!
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
September 10, 2011
March 07, 2011
Making Friends is Hard to Do...
Okay, so maybe the blog title is a bit strong, but in my head it is sung to the tune of "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" by Neil Sedaka.
We have been here in Missouri for a while now. We have made several friends and sets of friends. We each have friends at work, and we have friends from church. We have Paul and Sarahlynn, obviously, they are the reason we moved here!
Anny and I are nice people and we really do make friends easily. But how we move folks from the "people we know who we are friendly with" to "let's hang out just because" people?
Our problem is pretty much the same as we have always had in the past - we do not like the idea of imposing or assuming for others that we know when it comes to making plans. We have invited folks over on occasion, but not often. We have not yet figured out who to invite to which kind of events, and how to invite (or get invites!) to things like parades or just hanging out.
We do have a non-scheduled but fairly-regular desert date at a local frozen yogurt that just opened in the last few months, Red Mango. Abby can not talk about that place without talking about calling Maggie to go with us! (Which also made for a funny Facebook status one time...)
I am at a loss. I am hopeful that it will be easier as the weather gets nicer and there is more sunlight at the end of the day. I love the three musketeers that are Abby, Anny and I, but I like to repeat my stories and I need new ears!
So how do adults make plans with other adults?!
We have been here in Missouri for a while now. We have made several friends and sets of friends. We each have friends at work, and we have friends from church. We have Paul and Sarahlynn, obviously, they are the reason we moved here!
Anny and I are nice people and we really do make friends easily. But how we move folks from the "people we know who we are friendly with" to "let's hang out just because" people?
Our problem is pretty much the same as we have always had in the past - we do not like the idea of imposing or assuming for others that we know when it comes to making plans. We have invited folks over on occasion, but not often. We have not yet figured out who to invite to which kind of events, and how to invite (or get invites!) to things like parades or just hanging out.
We do have a non-scheduled but fairly-regular desert date at a local frozen yogurt that just opened in the last few months, Red Mango. Abby can not talk about that place without talking about calling Maggie to go with us! (Which also made for a funny Facebook status one time...)
I am at a loss. I am hopeful that it will be easier as the weather gets nicer and there is more sunlight at the end of the day. I love the three musketeers that are Abby, Anny and I, but I like to repeat my stories and I need new ears!
So how do adults make plans with other adults?!
December 02, 2010
Caps/Blues Game!
(So - no BS about why I have not blogged. Been busy, still adjusting, blah blah blah. All true, but doesn't matter.)
A friend from church was given a pair of tickets to the Blues game last night - when my team from DC was visiting! She is a hockey fan, so clearly we had talked about my love of the sport and how I would love to get tickets to the game. Wow am I glad I have a big mouth - she invited ME!
I had to debate - and included folks on Facebook who were clearly one sided - whether to wear my Blues shirt or my Caps jersey. Well before we moved I realized that there would be a dilemma - clearly I have been a fan of the Caps since just after birth, but I am a firm believer that you should root for your home team. (That is why I could never live in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia) I decided that I can root for two teams for 82 games a year, but for the two times they play each other I would root for the Caps.
Good news for me is that I am a fan of the sport in general, so I ended up in hockey heaven last night as the two teams played a great, clean game with lots of action, lots of hitting and no fights. (Sorry fight-fans, time and a place, and a hockey game is neither.) The Caps won 4-1 even though St Louis looked to have played a better game and just didn't get the shots to go in.
So - I've been to a thousand hockey games, and why blog about this one? Well, for the embarrassment factor!
During TV timeouts they do silly things to pass the time - which I guess is better than watching ads! They did not do a kiss cam, but they had several fun ones that include dancing for the camera and such. There was a camera operator on the opposite side of the ice that clearly liked the folks in the seats right around ours. They got a shot of the guy sitting RIGHT in front of us (for celebrity look-alike), then later of a woman a row back and over by about two seats.
Well, they did a segment to the classic ballad Dream Weaver! They showed one girl with a dream bubble about an engagement ring - funny! Then the guy beside her, clearly trying to run away from being associated with that, had a "dream" about a Bud Light - funnier! Was skeeved out when they put up a young boy - maybe 8? - with a picture of a skimpily clothed lady. Mom and dad were clearly uncomfortable, too.
Then they showed me and Barb! Then I realized they were showing me because of my Capitals jersey... I had the thought to pull it up to show my Blues shirt underneath, but I was worried about flashing folks. Nobody wants to see that! So I sat there and laughed, anticipating "my" dream. How about this one, my friends.... (picture in a dream bubble)
Since it took a moment between put up my ugly mug and coming up with the "dream" picture, I was literally booed and subsequently laughed at by about 15,000 people! In public! At a hockey game!
In other words, my friends, last night was a perfectly awesome night! GO CAPS! GO BLUES! GO HOFF!
July 06, 2010
Safe and Sound
Day two of driving was excellent, if not downright boring. At one point I pulled up Bill Cosby and Jim Gaffigan because I knew that laughs would keep me more alert than just my normal "Monroe Weekend" play list on the iPod. I will admit it was pretty fun when my Father in Law was jamming with me to Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers! He complimented me on my generous mix of all sorts of music on the play list, which was nice.
Sever folks have asked how Abby did in the car - she did REALLY great. She's a trooper. She's a great car traveler. Nana brought several treats - new books or stickers - and we had pulled some of her old-but-good toys into the mix so that she got to be excited by the "new" find all over again! During the two days of traveling she only had one breakdown, and one potty "emergency" on the road - but it was even more luckily something that she was able to warn us about, so we managed to get pulled over off of the highway and got her on to her pink potty with success! She's such a big girl - the best!
We did manage to have breakfast, lunch AND dinner at Cracker Barrel, which means Anny got what she wanted. I highly suggest you look at their summer breakfast meals, it's a much lighter and filling and YUMMY!
I was proud of my car - this is the first time that I know it has been out of the greater DC/Ocean City circuit, and it did really well. I can not speak too highly of the folks at Johnny's Auto Service - they really like to bust my chops, but they keep the cars in tip top shape. I don't think I have put that much gas into my car in four months of combined driving!
All of our stuff from the car is just stuffed in our room, we will sort tomorrow at some point. Tomorrow our plans also include setting up a PO Box, getting new cell numbers and just playing with the girls together. I can't wait. I have a job interview on Thursday afternoon, so please keep me in your prayers.
Sever folks have asked how Abby did in the car - she did REALLY great. She's a trooper. She's a great car traveler. Nana brought several treats - new books or stickers - and we had pulled some of her old-but-good toys into the mix so that she got to be excited by the "new" find all over again! During the two days of traveling she only had one breakdown, and one potty "emergency" on the road - but it was even more luckily something that she was able to warn us about, so we managed to get pulled over off of the highway and got her on to her pink potty with success! She's such a big girl - the best!
We did manage to have breakfast, lunch AND dinner at Cracker Barrel, which means Anny got what she wanted. I highly suggest you look at their summer breakfast meals, it's a much lighter and filling and YUMMY!
I was proud of my car - this is the first time that I know it has been out of the greater DC/Ocean City circuit, and it did really well. I can not speak too highly of the folks at Johnny's Auto Service - they really like to bust my chops, but they keep the cars in tip top shape. I don't think I have put that much gas into my car in four months of combined driving!
All of our stuff from the car is just stuffed in our room, we will sort tomorrow at some point. Tomorrow our plans also include setting up a PO Box, getting new cell numbers and just playing with the girls together. I can't wait. I have a job interview on Thursday afternoon, so please keep me in your prayers.
July 05, 2010
It Is Upon Us
It's 5:09 am where I am. In two days it will be 4:09 am where I will be. Where we will live. We are excited about being in Saint Louis and being closer to our nieces and Anny's brother and his wife. Between now and then, though, there is some logistical chaos of finishing packing the POD with odds and ends like "our beds" and such silly stuff. They will go in after we have breakfast.
Anny and I were noticing last night that we have culled and culled, and yet there are things we wanted to take that we can not. Since our plan is to find a place that actually fits our family, rather than whatever is biggest, we don't need a lot of things. Somehow we still have just a little too much, and some things are going to be left to my brother and neighbors. (Congrats Erin on the new Ikea chairs that you don't know about yet...!)
We were once again overwhelmed with love this weekend - Saturday our neighbors had a picnic that was really relaxing and just nice and fun. Sunday morning we went to church and went through the emotions that go along with leaving folks that have been such a big part of our spiritual health and life for the last five years. There were tears shed, but many more prayers for our pastor as she is dealing with some health issues that prevented her from being with us on our last Sunday. We missed seeing her greatly.
Last night we had dinner with the two boys that might as well be our nephews, and their parents, who I have been best friends with since freshman year of high school. We will miss our family, and our church, but it was really hard to give out those hugs last night to the boys and Bryan and Charlene. They are amazing parents and even better friends to us.
I would be a terrible son-in-law, and a worse human being if I didn't express my appreciation for both their emotional support, and (maybe moreso right now) the copious amount of packing, cleaning and help they have done around the house for the last week. I can never repay them, and know that I would be a fool to even try to. I figure that such a public "THANK YOU!!" to Jim and Carol will be more than they ask. (And since I know Carol is reading this, even better!)
This morning I am taking odds and ends to different places and picking up Starbucks for the coffee drinkers in the house, then we'll move some furniture next door, finish packing the POD and clean house. After that we will load up two cars and start driving west. Above all we are excited, but this morning - these two days - will be a long haul.
Even if you don't want us to be heading West, please wish us God Speed. We will be back in the area later this fall. I grew up here. Even when we say goodbye, it's not for good. This is the right time for the right move, and it's something we feel we need to do for us. I know that some folks do not understand that, and I respect it.
(Thanks will flow to Paul and Sarahlynn in the coming days, weeks and probably months! Promise!!)
Anny and I were noticing last night that we have culled and culled, and yet there are things we wanted to take that we can not. Since our plan is to find a place that actually fits our family, rather than whatever is biggest, we don't need a lot of things. Somehow we still have just a little too much, and some things are going to be left to my brother and neighbors. (Congrats Erin on the new Ikea chairs that you don't know about yet...!)
We were once again overwhelmed with love this weekend - Saturday our neighbors had a picnic that was really relaxing and just nice and fun. Sunday morning we went to church and went through the emotions that go along with leaving folks that have been such a big part of our spiritual health and life for the last five years. There were tears shed, but many more prayers for our pastor as she is dealing with some health issues that prevented her from being with us on our last Sunday. We missed seeing her greatly.
Last night we had dinner with the two boys that might as well be our nephews, and their parents, who I have been best friends with since freshman year of high school. We will miss our family, and our church, but it was really hard to give out those hugs last night to the boys and Bryan and Charlene. They are amazing parents and even better friends to us.
I would be a terrible son-in-law, and a worse human being if I didn't express my appreciation for both their emotional support, and (maybe moreso right now) the copious amount of packing, cleaning and help they have done around the house for the last week. I can never repay them, and know that I would be a fool to even try to. I figure that such a public "THANK YOU!!" to Jim and Carol will be more than they ask. (And since I know Carol is reading this, even better!)
This morning I am taking odds and ends to different places and picking up Starbucks for the coffee drinkers in the house, then we'll move some furniture next door, finish packing the POD and clean house. After that we will load up two cars and start driving west. Above all we are excited, but this morning - these two days - will be a long haul.
Even if you don't want us to be heading West, please wish us God Speed. We will be back in the area later this fall. I grew up here. Even when we say goodbye, it's not for good. This is the right time for the right move, and it's something we feel we need to do for us. I know that some folks do not understand that, and I respect it.
(Thanks will flow to Paul and Sarahlynn in the coming days, weeks and probably months! Promise!!)
June 30, 2010
Overwhelmed
Not blogging recently. Everything is okay, just hard to make time to "journal" all that is going on.
I did want to take a moment to say how overwhelmed Anny and I are by the outpouring of love and support that we are getting from our friends and co-workers.
Anny's teacher-friends threw her a surprise party, complete with Rob-who-should-have-been-at-work! When I walked in I was not greeted warmly - Anny had a large, sharp knife in her hand and she *might* have pointed it in my direction in retaliation for not spilling the beans on her. A few tears. Lots of hugs. Lots of smiles.
My office had a lunch yesterday at Tower Oaks Lodge. I think I'm STILL full from lunch yesterday, and it's almost time to eat breakfast. I was given several gifts, including a book called "What Would Rob Do?" and a Desk Vacuum Zamboni. I am looking forward to the book, and looking forward to the fun of the new office toy!
On Sunday we will be overwhelmed again at church, I just know it. There is a lot of emotion there right now as our pastor is ill, and that will make it just a little bit harder. We have only been at LPC for five years, but it genuinely feels like a lifetime. The people at our church are like family, and that is even more true for Abby than for us.
And to be completely honest, I'm overwhelmed at the idea of leaving my family and the house that I grew up in. Special shout out of "thanks" to Miranda Lambert for releasing this song this spring:
I grew up in this house. I lived in this house during crazy times and during incredibly sad times. I lived in this house when I met Anny, and have lived here for other incredibly awesome times.
I have always been close with my family - and that was even more emphasized when my brother and I moved in with my grandparents, father and aunt in 1991. We now see my three aunts and my brother, sister-in-law and new niece weekly at Family Dinner. It's been really fun, and I will miss having those connections the most.
And that all of that is without acknowledging all of the valuable friendships that will change as we move from one side of the Mississippi River to the other. Even though we know we will be back here two, three or more times a year, but that does mean we can't pop over with burgers and hot dogs on a random Sunday evening. Or can't email at noon one day to set up an impromptu Ikea dinner. (Side note - I am going to miss Ikea!)
Above all I am excited, but it would be unfair to not acknowledge that I am overwhelmed in both good and bad ways. I am afraid that I'm only talking about the positives and excitement that I have, and that is tending toward overlooking the things that I will miss.
I did want to take a moment to say how overwhelmed Anny and I are by the outpouring of love and support that we are getting from our friends and co-workers.
Anny's teacher-friends threw her a surprise party, complete with Rob-who-should-have-been-at-work! When I walked in I was not greeted warmly - Anny had a large, sharp knife in her hand and she *might* have pointed it in my direction in retaliation for not spilling the beans on her. A few tears. Lots of hugs. Lots of smiles.
My office had a lunch yesterday at Tower Oaks Lodge. I think I'm STILL full from lunch yesterday, and it's almost time to eat breakfast. I was given several gifts, including a book called "What Would Rob Do?" and a Desk Vacuum Zamboni. I am looking forward to the book, and looking forward to the fun of the new office toy!
On Sunday we will be overwhelmed again at church, I just know it. There is a lot of emotion there right now as our pastor is ill, and that will make it just a little bit harder. We have only been at LPC for five years, but it genuinely feels like a lifetime. The people at our church are like family, and that is even more true for Abby than for us.
And to be completely honest, I'm overwhelmed at the idea of leaving my family and the house that I grew up in. Special shout out of "thanks" to Miranda Lambert for releasing this song this spring:
I grew up in this house. I lived in this house during crazy times and during incredibly sad times. I lived in this house when I met Anny, and have lived here for other incredibly awesome times.
I have always been close with my family - and that was even more emphasized when my brother and I moved in with my grandparents, father and aunt in 1991. We now see my three aunts and my brother, sister-in-law and new niece weekly at Family Dinner. It's been really fun, and I will miss having those connections the most.
And that all of that is without acknowledging all of the valuable friendships that will change as we move from one side of the Mississippi River to the other. Even though we know we will be back here two, three or more times a year, but that does mean we can't pop over with burgers and hot dogs on a random Sunday evening. Or can't email at noon one day to set up an impromptu Ikea dinner. (Side note - I am going to miss Ikea!)
Above all I am excited, but it would be unfair to not acknowledge that I am overwhelmed in both good and bad ways. I am afraid that I'm only talking about the positives and excitement that I have, and that is tending toward overlooking the things that I will miss.
June 01, 2010
Brookside Gardens
We had a whirlwind of a weekend that started with two trips to two malls and ended with a nice, quiet dinner at home. I could write ten posts and not capture the sheer awesomeness of three days with little to no requirements of schedule.
Instead I will tell you, in pictures, about our trip to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. (Their website is www.brooksidegardens.org in case you want to visit!) I will do my best to cut down the pictures to five, and include a link at the bottom for more fun!
A friend at church was not sure what she was doing on Monday morning before heading to her afternoon-starting-job. We mentioned Brookside Gardens which peaked her interest in both hanging out and playing with her new camera. She's always been a better shot than I am, but with her new camera that she is still learning to use, she killed me in awesomeness of shots. That being said, here are pictures and stories from my lens.
The wildlife was really out and active on our morning jaunt - we saw several box turtles and a massive snapper. There was one turtle in the water that was covered in moss, so much so that the fish surrounded it and were eating from what was on his shell! Pretty amazing that they all work together. We saw one mama turtle and the tail end of burying her eggs! I gave her the grace of not catching that with the camera, but she ran away pretty quickly, and I got a shot then.
More than turtles, there were lots of geese out and about, all of them seemed to be dragging along their own goslings! (I only made one Kate Plus Eight reference - go me!) We got to see one parental goose hiss and go after another goose that got too close. Those things can be very angry, and we kept our distance where we could. Lots of cute little ones kept Abby on the watch - here is the first set we stumbled on:
Of course, most of our visit to the Gardens was about Abby, but I also went to capture flowers that were not out the last time we went. Never failing to disappoint, I grabbed this one which is all around the children's play area that includes a tree house!
The real goal was to get some Abby time, and Abby pictures! We bought her a cute stripey dress on Saturday down at Tyson's, but alas it is too big for her yet. Might be good for mid-summer. Hopefully! I love that she will climb over branches and under other things, even when she is in full princess mode:
And finally, my favorite shot (of mine) for yesterday. This is the back side of the tree pictured above. The sun was hitting just right and Abby was doing some adventure searching back and forth. I grabbed this one, which I love:
That was our day. Well, that was only part of one day of a three day weekend that was filled with finding new things and visiting with friends.
Instead I will tell you, in pictures, about our trip to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. (Their website is www.brooksidegardens.org in case you want to visit!) I will do my best to cut down the pictures to five, and include a link at the bottom for more fun!
A friend at church was not sure what she was doing on Monday morning before heading to her afternoon-starting-job. We mentioned Brookside Gardens which peaked her interest in both hanging out and playing with her new camera. She's always been a better shot than I am, but with her new camera that she is still learning to use, she killed me in awesomeness of shots. That being said, here are pictures and stories from my lens.
The wildlife was really out and active on our morning jaunt - we saw several box turtles and a massive snapper. There was one turtle in the water that was covered in moss, so much so that the fish surrounded it and were eating from what was on his shell! Pretty amazing that they all work together. We saw one mama turtle and the tail end of burying her eggs! I gave her the grace of not catching that with the camera, but she ran away pretty quickly, and I got a shot then.
More than turtles, there were lots of geese out and about, all of them seemed to be dragging along their own goslings! (I only made one Kate Plus Eight reference - go me!) We got to see one parental goose hiss and go after another goose that got too close. Those things can be very angry, and we kept our distance where we could. Lots of cute little ones kept Abby on the watch - here is the first set we stumbled on:
Of course, most of our visit to the Gardens was about Abby, but I also went to capture flowers that were not out the last time we went. Never failing to disappoint, I grabbed this one which is all around the children's play area that includes a tree house!
The real goal was to get some Abby time, and Abby pictures! We bought her a cute stripey dress on Saturday down at Tyson's, but alas it is too big for her yet. Might be good for mid-summer. Hopefully! I love that she will climb over branches and under other things, even when she is in full princess mode:
And finally, my favorite shot (of mine) for yesterday. This is the back side of the tree pictured above. The sun was hitting just right and Abby was doing some adventure searching back and forth. I grabbed this one, which I love:
That was our day. Well, that was only part of one day of a three day weekend that was filled with finding new things and visiting with friends.
February 01, 2010
A Bouncy Trouncy Pouncy Fun Fun Fun Day!
Over the last week the weather folks have been telling us it would snow.
Turns out that Anny and I both left the house with different destinations just as the first flakes fell. Not a big deal when you're expecting an inch - but surely made our trips slippery. We got out and back safely, thank goodness!
While Anny went for groceries and a haircut (and an "it was right beside the Hair Cuttery" trip to Michaels for craft stuff"), I took Abby to Columbia to a classmates fifth birthday party. It was held at the AIRMania Fun Zone, which I had heard about but never gotten a chance to go to. Their "public sessions" are from 10 to 2 during week days - so we're not exactly going to have a chance to play with their stuff often. The set up is pretty amazing - they have eight inflatable moon bounces, all inside and split into two zones of four. Abby was a bit hesitant, as is her routine when we enter someplace new. Because Anny has never been on a moon bounce, she would be content that Abby never be on one. Ever. For her whole life. Yeah, it takes daddy-daughter time to crush that, right? :o) (Anny was supposed to take her, but I was able to at the last minute. Thank goodness!)
After about two minutes of staring at the mammoth jumping houses - she grabbed a friend and they took off. It's funny, I don't know if she could tell from the outsides, but she picked them in progressively harder stages. She started off with the standard moon bounce - square with mesh to keep them in. They worked together, Abby and Abbie (yes, really.) helped each other up onto different pieces, and followed each other all over the place. It was really fun to watch them!
I was really proud of Abby for working her way up and challenging herself to do things she did not think she could.
I really should have gotten her a snack about halfway through but didn't think about it and payed the price. She got really whiny when another party showed up and they were "restricted" to zone 2. The pieces are about the same, just with different looks. She was trying to be stubborn about it, but I can be even more stubborn - especially when it means not ruining someone elses' party!
The hosts also had pizza and cake for the kids (and parents, too) which was fun.
I got to talk with some of the other parents about parenting in general and each of our children as individuals. One dad asked if I volunteered at the daycare. I was a little caught off guard, to be completely honest. He had noticed that all of the children were approaching me (one little girl even dragged me around to help her find someone else) and many knew my name, or at least knew me as "Abby Monroe's Daddy!" I told him that I hardly ever even pick Abby up, but when I do I am sure to get on the floor and talk with them and sing whatever they are singing and do their silly dances. It makes a world of difference, let me tell you!
And yes, I realize this will probably only be a good way to get to know her friends until she hits elementary school. Then it's going to be catch as catch can, right?
I drove very, very slowly on the trip home while Abby slept to recover from all of the fun. It was a great time!
- On Monday it was "hey folks, snow to the south, nothing here.
- Tuesday brought "we can't be sure, but it's likely just going to be a dusting"
- Wednesday and Thursday the projection went to "maybe an inch or two around town"
- On Friday it because "big storm in the NC and Southern VA, but at most two inches around the beltway"
Turns out that Anny and I both left the house with different destinations just as the first flakes fell. Not a big deal when you're expecting an inch - but surely made our trips slippery. We got out and back safely, thank goodness!
While Anny went for groceries and a haircut (and an "it was right beside the Hair Cuttery" trip to Michaels for craft stuff"), I took Abby to Columbia to a classmates fifth birthday party. It was held at the AIRMania Fun Zone, which I had heard about but never gotten a chance to go to. Their "public sessions" are from 10 to 2 during week days - so we're not exactly going to have a chance to play with their stuff often. The set up is pretty amazing - they have eight inflatable moon bounces, all inside and split into two zones of four. Abby was a bit hesitant, as is her routine when we enter someplace new. Because Anny has never been on a moon bounce, she would be content that Abby never be on one. Ever. For her whole life. Yeah, it takes daddy-daughter time to crush that, right? :o) (Anny was supposed to take her, but I was able to at the last minute. Thank goodness!)
After about two minutes of staring at the mammoth jumping houses - she grabbed a friend and they took off. It's funny, I don't know if she could tell from the outsides, but she picked them in progressively harder stages. She started off with the standard moon bounce - square with mesh to keep them in. They worked together, Abby and Abbie (yes, really.) helped each other up onto different pieces, and followed each other all over the place. It was really fun to watch them!
I was really proud of Abby for working her way up and challenging herself to do things she did not think she could.
I really should have gotten her a snack about halfway through but didn't think about it and payed the price. She got really whiny when another party showed up and they were "restricted" to zone 2. The pieces are about the same, just with different looks. She was trying to be stubborn about it, but I can be even more stubborn - especially when it means not ruining someone elses' party!
The hosts also had pizza and cake for the kids (and parents, too) which was fun.
I got to talk with some of the other parents about parenting in general and each of our children as individuals. One dad asked if I volunteered at the daycare. I was a little caught off guard, to be completely honest. He had noticed that all of the children were approaching me (one little girl even dragged me around to help her find someone else) and many knew my name, or at least knew me as "Abby Monroe's Daddy!" I told him that I hardly ever even pick Abby up, but when I do I am sure to get on the floor and talk with them and sing whatever they are singing and do their silly dances. It makes a world of difference, let me tell you!
And yes, I realize this will probably only be a good way to get to know her friends until she hits elementary school. Then it's going to be catch as catch can, right?
I drove very, very slowly on the trip home while Abby slept to recover from all of the fun. It was a great time!
January 22, 2010
Awkward Moment: Mall Edition!
Setting the scene, before I give you the awkward moment. Trust me, it's worth reading to the bottom, only if you can point and laugh at my humiliation.
On Monday we had a holiday off - which will only happen a few more times during the school year. On Sunday we mentioned during Sunday School that we were looking for something to do, and ended up making plans with friends to hang out with the kids at Columbia Mall. That place is a favorite of ours, mostly because they have a great play area and a cheap Carousel/Merry-Go-Round! Recently they have added both Five Guys and Chipotle to their food court, so I could basically live there for a month and be happy.
It amazes me how little time we spend with the dozens of other parents of young children that we know. Our best friends live a half hour away and their boys are practically brothers for Abby, but we are lucky to see them twice in a month. Our trip to the mall was the first trip with that family in over a year. I need to fix this. (And I apologize for the unannounced aside.)
So, we got there a little early, and they got there a little late - no biggie. That's the exact reason that we planned to meet AT the playground! Abby didn't know they were late, and we were having fun and didn't really notice until they arrived and said "sorry" for the lateness... oops! We should really wear watches.
After playing in the playground, we made the journey past the pet store over to the Carousel. Abby could hear it about halfway down the hall and got giddy - but then, she announced "we are at the mall to ride the horses" before we got to the parking lot...
We went to the food court and ended up with food from three different places - and it would have been four if the lines were shorter. Abby was getting a bit restless when the little guy with us had to use the potty. She was up and walking, then she was laying down on the bench. We were talking with our friend about potty-training strategies - and started with the one that works for a lot of folks - just going straight to big girl pants.
**Here is the Awkwardness**
Me: Hey Abby, do you like to wear big girl pants?
Abby: giggle, giggle
Me: Abby, April wants to know if you like to wear big girl pants
Me, noticing a mother at the table that is practically touching ours: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sure this is not the conversation you want to hear at lunch.
Other Table Mom: No, my daughters name is Abby. (points at daughter, sitting beside my Abby.)
Me:
Me: (in my head: CRAP. CRAP!)
Me: Well, that was completely inappropriate of me then.
Then I turned bright red, and shut my mouth in an effort not to insinuate to another five year old girl in the mall that I had interest in her underpants.
On Monday we had a holiday off - which will only happen a few more times during the school year. On Sunday we mentioned during Sunday School that we were looking for something to do, and ended up making plans with friends to hang out with the kids at Columbia Mall. That place is a favorite of ours, mostly because they have a great play area and a cheap Carousel/Merry-Go-Round! Recently they have added both Five Guys and Chipotle to their food court, so I could basically live there for a month and be happy.
It amazes me how little time we spend with the dozens of other parents of young children that we know. Our best friends live a half hour away and their boys are practically brothers for Abby, but we are lucky to see them twice in a month. Our trip to the mall was the first trip with that family in over a year. I need to fix this. (And I apologize for the unannounced aside.)
So, we got there a little early, and they got there a little late - no biggie. That's the exact reason that we planned to meet AT the playground! Abby didn't know they were late, and we were having fun and didn't really notice until they arrived and said "sorry" for the lateness... oops! We should really wear watches.
After playing in the playground, we made the journey past the pet store over to the Carousel. Abby could hear it about halfway down the hall and got giddy - but then, she announced "we are at the mall to ride the horses" before we got to the parking lot...
We went to the food court and ended up with food from three different places - and it would have been four if the lines were shorter. Abby was getting a bit restless when the little guy with us had to use the potty. She was up and walking, then she was laying down on the bench. We were talking with our friend about potty-training strategies - and started with the one that works for a lot of folks - just going straight to big girl pants.
**Here is the Awkwardness**
Me: Hey Abby, do you like to wear big girl pants?
Abby: giggle, giggle
Me: Abby, April wants to know if you like to wear big girl pants
Me, noticing a mother at the table that is practically touching ours: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sure this is not the conversation you want to hear at lunch.
Other Table Mom: No, my daughters name is Abby. (points at daughter, sitting beside my Abby.)
Me:
Me: (in my head: CRAP. CRAP!)
Me: Well, that was completely inappropriate of me then.
Then I turned bright red, and shut my mouth in an effort not to insinuate to another five year old girl in the mall that I had interest in her underpants.
November 05, 2009
Halloween 2009
We did something strange last year - we grabbed two costumes from another teacher at Anny's school at a very good price. I think we paid $10 for both, but their children had outgrown them and we were a year (and a hope) away from Abby being able to fit into them. $10 is low risk, so we didn't really hesitate. I did an even stranger thing this summer and bought another one on Ebay when I found out that Anny's schools Homecoming would fall on Halloween. With that in mind, here are three stories from our Halloween...
Friday at School:
For those that do not know, Abby's daycare is contained within a school for children with special needs. The daycare is in the last two classrooms on the back side of the building, but the two programs work together for special events, like Halloween! All of Abby's classmates dressed up in their Halloween finery and went Trick-or-Treating to all of the classrooms in the school. Even better than that was that they invited us parents! I had a blast and it was quite possibly the cutest thing ever.
At Homecoming:
The high school football game was scheduled for Saturday, and I had a plan. We grabbed lunch at the grocery store and ate it in our seats, then we got Abby dressed up as the school mascot: A Gator! She hopped on my legs for a while, then ran around a bit. Once the Pom Squad sat down, Abby really got attention! (This photo was taken by their coach.) Abby was excited and happy, and most of all we tricked her into being warm on a chilly day! (Okay, so it was about being adorable, but two birds/one stone!)
Saturday Night:
Saturday evening we had some rain, so we started by playing in the yard under (and around) the umbrella. Once dinner was done, Abby knew that something great was supposed to be happening, so we could no longer keep her pent up in the house. We only T-o-T'ed on our street, but Abby's bag was plenty full. We started walking with a friend down the street, and the power of two-cute-toddlers can not be matched! Abby even got candy twice at one house because we brought a friend!
We had a great Halloween, and hope that you did too!
Friday at School:
For those that do not know, Abby's daycare is contained within a school for children with special needs. The daycare is in the last two classrooms on the back side of the building, but the two programs work together for special events, like Halloween! All of Abby's classmates dressed up in their Halloween finery and went Trick-or-Treating to all of the classrooms in the school. Even better than that was that they invited us parents! I had a blast and it was quite possibly the cutest thing ever.
At Homecoming:
 |
| From 10 2009 |
Saturday Night:
Saturday evening we had some rain, so we started by playing in the yard under (and around) the umbrella. Once dinner was done, Abby knew that something great was supposed to be happening, so we could no longer keep her pent up in the house. We only T-o-T'ed on our street, but Abby's bag was plenty full. We started walking with a friend down the street, and the power of two-cute-toddlers can not be matched! Abby even got candy twice at one house because we brought a friend!
We had a great Halloween, and hope that you did too!
August 24, 2009
Why I Am Glad Summer Is Over
This is really just a summer-in-review post since we have been fairly neglectful of Abby's blog in the last few months. There has been lots going on...
PHEW! Summer Break is winding down for Anny and Abby. Actually, they both go back to their regularly scheduled school days tomorrow and I have never been so happy to see someone go to work in my life. As I have had to sit at my desk, day after day, they have been out doing wonderful things with each other.
What kind of wonderful things? This summer they spent chunks of time in Downtown Silver Spring - every Wednesday to be exact. They have a wonderful children's program during the summer, which is perfectly located because if your child tires of the magician, workout routine or singer/songwriter, they can just go play in the massive play-on fountain area.
They also went on daytime dates with Anny's Aunt Jackie and Uncle Bill to the Museum of Natural History, complete with massive Mammoth and gigantor Whale. I know this because Abby's eyes still get huge when she talks about that whale! (no picture because it seems Anny does not carry either camera unless I am around.)
They have spent most Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex in Laurel. During the summer they offer "Open Gym" two mornings a week where for $5 you get free run of their entire gymnastics room - trampolines, toddler-equipment, foam pit - for an hour. The other upside to this activity has been seeing some of Abby's friends there from week to week! (no picture again, sorry. It is a trend. The only reason we have the fountain picture is that Nana was there!)
On Thursday of last week they took advantage of cruddy weather and a great deal to go see Horton Hears a Who at Arundel Mills with friends. I still have yet to see that movie. It sounds like it was a good time.
They have had a few playdates with some of Abby's friends, including special trips to the pool. They have also had a lot of fun painting, coloring, going for walks around the lake and, well, whatever else came to mind! There has been lots of Elmo and Signing Time going on in our house, too.
All in all, Anny and Abby have had an excellent summer and are headed back to school this week. I've never been happier.
PHEW! Summer Break is winding down for Anny and Abby. Actually, they both go back to their regularly scheduled school days tomorrow and I have never been so happy to see someone go to work in my life. As I have had to sit at my desk, day after day, they have been out doing wonderful things with each other.
What kind of wonderful things? This summer they spent chunks of time in Downtown Silver Spring - every Wednesday to be exact. They have a wonderful children's program during the summer, which is perfectly located because if your child tires of the magician, workout routine or singer/songwriter, they can just go play in the massive play-on fountain area.
They also went on daytime dates with Anny's Aunt Jackie and Uncle Bill to the Museum of Natural History, complete with massive Mammoth and gigantor Whale. I know this because Abby's eyes still get huge when she talks about that whale! (no picture because it seems Anny does not carry either camera unless I am around.)
They have spent most Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex in Laurel. During the summer they offer "Open Gym" two mornings a week where for $5 you get free run of their entire gymnastics room - trampolines, toddler-equipment, foam pit - for an hour. The other upside to this activity has been seeing some of Abby's friends there from week to week! (no picture again, sorry. It is a trend. The only reason we have the fountain picture is that Nana was there!)
On Thursday of last week they took advantage of cruddy weather and a great deal to go see Horton Hears a Who at Arundel Mills with friends. I still have yet to see that movie. It sounds like it was a good time.
They have had a few playdates with some of Abby's friends, including special trips to the pool. They have also had a lot of fun painting, coloring, going for walks around the lake and, well, whatever else came to mind! There has been lots of Elmo and Signing Time going on in our house, too.
All in all, Anny and Abby have had an excellent summer and are headed back to school this week. I've never been happier.
May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
While I have neglected my duties just a little bit for Anny's special day*, I wish all of you mom's out there a Happy Mother's Day. It is hard work no matter what the age of your children, or of yourself. I pray today that you have peace and quiet, a cooked meal that someone else had made, and a feeling that you are loved.
As I know the struggle that many people have, I am pasting my favorite (if that's the right word) Mother's Day prayer from a few years back written by my friend Jan Edmiston. She wrote this the MD before Anny and I were parents and we were struggling mightily with our situation. This brought me peace:
I'm thinking about and praying for all those for whom tomorrow will be a rough day: those with mean mothers, sick mothers, absent mothers, disappointing mothers. Those who would love to be mothers but are not. For mothers who have lost their children and children who have lost their mothers.*Due to a heavy work load this week I was not able to pick up a gift certificate, but the intent is there and that's all I can say right now due to the readership of this blog. It's not dirty, there just might be other mom's involved. If I keep typing, I'll spill the beans...
February 26, 2009
Fuzzy Lines?
We had dinner this weekend with our friends Bryan and Charlene and their boys. We go WAY back and I'm really glad that our youngin's get along so well. Anyway, that's a lot of set-up for something that has little to do with their family...
At dinner Bryan again questioned one of my hard and fast rules about photography and my daughter. Specifically - why is it that I refuse to take pictures (or have pictures taken of) Abby in the bath tub but yet I posted THIS picture of Abby in nothing more than a diaper and a candy heart-shaped box.
First, let me explain my reasoning for the no-tub-pictures rule, and preface it by saying that I do not have a problem if other people take pictures of their children in the tub. That's your decision and I'm genuinely not judging, but we have made a decision that we are comfortable with for our child. Anny and I, mostly I, just don't see the purpose of the bath tub picture.
I admit that I do see beauty in the human body, but maybe I have just fallen too much into the trap of assuming that it's only for show if the person is "of age," whatever that age is. There is a picture or two from Abby's first bath, and to me every one after that is just a part of our routine. I don't put up pictures of me putting her shoes on...
Last week's picture: I think that the picture that I posted last week was much more covering than a lot of others, and I guess that is the reason I have no problem with it. All of the things that I think should be covered were covered. I guess that I also saw last week's picture as more art than Abby - I had been planning and plotting it for weeks, but it didn't happen until a bonus day off in February.
So, to me the difference is that one is everyday and commonplace, and a bit more exposure than I care for. The other was designed and set up and done purely for the sake of the picture, and had all of my daughters' diaper area covered. (How is that for rationalization?)
Do you take pictures of your child(ren) in the tub? Do you post them online? Is there a reason you do or do not?
At dinner Bryan again questioned one of my hard and fast rules about photography and my daughter. Specifically - why is it that I refuse to take pictures (or have pictures taken of) Abby in the bath tub but yet I posted THIS picture of Abby in nothing more than a diaper and a candy heart-shaped box.
First, let me explain my reasoning for the no-tub-pictures rule, and preface it by saying that I do not have a problem if other people take pictures of their children in the tub. That's your decision and I'm genuinely not judging, but we have made a decision that we are comfortable with for our child. Anny and I, mostly I, just don't see the purpose of the bath tub picture.
- I have absolutely no intention of showing a naked picture to any future suitor. (Isn't that why folks take them?)
- I don't have a desire to post a full on naked picture of her on the web.
- Bath time is a time when we play and really begin the winding down part of our evening, and camera time is often not.
I admit that I do see beauty in the human body, but maybe I have just fallen too much into the trap of assuming that it's only for show if the person is "of age," whatever that age is. There is a picture or two from Abby's first bath, and to me every one after that is just a part of our routine. I don't put up pictures of me putting her shoes on...
Last week's picture: I think that the picture that I posted last week was much more covering than a lot of others, and I guess that is the reason I have no problem with it. All of the things that I think should be covered were covered. I guess that I also saw last week's picture as more art than Abby - I had been planning and plotting it for weeks, but it didn't happen until a bonus day off in February.
So, to me the difference is that one is everyday and commonplace, and a bit more exposure than I care for. The other was designed and set up and done purely for the sake of the picture, and had all of my daughters' diaper area covered. (How is that for rationalization?)
Do you take pictures of your child(ren) in the tub? Do you post them online? Is there a reason you do or do not?
February 14, 2009
Three Years of This Stuff?
You Betcha! I'm surprised myself that I have kept to something that long.
As of today I've been blogging for three years. It's kind of sweet to think that I began blogging on Valentines Day, until you read my first post. About my grandfather and porn. The next post was a declaration that I was going to lose weight. Yeah, that did not really happen, but maybe this is the year?! Doubt it, but it would be nice.
I have blogged about silly things and serious things. I've been open about my health, partly in an effort to document for myself and my family, but also as a way to connect with others out there that share in my struggles. I tried not to, but I have blogged about politics and work, too. I really had fun looking at pictures from the 30 years that I've been around, too!
When I look back and see that I've only written 310 posts in three years (or about one every three days) and there are people that write 310 in a year it makes me think that I'm lazy. But in reality, I need to add all of my posts on Abby's Blog, on the PC(USA) Blog and I should probably count my Flickr page. I'm not lazy, I'm actually pretty much all over the web. Yikes!
I have met some really great people through blogging. Some of them I just know through the web, some I have met in real life, and some live so close that it's a shame that I haven't met up with them. Some day, maybe. I have had some interesting conversations all over the place, and even started some trouble from time to time.
So, three years into it I'm still feeling good about my little space on the web. I wish that I had more traffic, and I guess I would if I wrote about more than just my boring little life. I'm having fun, meeting people, and have found my voice a bit more in the world.
As of today I've been blogging for three years. It's kind of sweet to think that I began blogging on Valentines Day, until you read my first post. About my grandfather and porn. The next post was a declaration that I was going to lose weight. Yeah, that did not really happen, but maybe this is the year?! Doubt it, but it would be nice.
I have blogged about silly things and serious things. I've been open about my health, partly in an effort to document for myself and my family, but also as a way to connect with others out there that share in my struggles. I tried not to, but I have blogged about politics and work, too. I really had fun looking at pictures from the 30 years that I've been around, too!
When I look back and see that I've only written 310 posts in three years (or about one every three days) and there are people that write 310 in a year it makes me think that I'm lazy. But in reality, I need to add all of my posts on Abby's Blog, on the PC(USA) Blog and I should probably count my Flickr page. I'm not lazy, I'm actually pretty much all over the web. Yikes!
I have met some really great people through blogging. Some of them I just know through the web, some I have met in real life, and some live so close that it's a shame that I haven't met up with them. Some day, maybe. I have had some interesting conversations all over the place, and even started some trouble from time to time.
So, three years into it I'm still feeling good about my little space on the web. I wish that I had more traffic, and I guess I would if I wrote about more than just my boring little life. I'm having fun, meeting people, and have found my voice a bit more in the world.
January 21, 2009
A Blog Interview
Saw Amy at PrettyBabies do this on her blog, and thought it was a great idea...
The Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
The Questions Amy Asked Me:
1. What is your biggest fear?
I honestly fear every single day that Anny and Abby will get into a massive car wreck and I will be helplessly stuck in traffic. The route they take home is major highway to major highway. Anny is a wonderful and safe driver, so I have no basis for this fear, but it's there nonetheless. I can't imagine a tomorrow without them.
2. Who is your hero?
This is a hard one. My grandfather worked his way up through the ranks at NASA, then when it was time to retire he did it right. He has always made family a priority and has been there for most of the major events in my life. He drove here from his house to be with us on the day that Abby was born. He didn't monopolize time with her or us, but just wanted to be a presence on that special day.
3. If you could eat only one food forever, without regard for nutrition, what would it be?
I'm boring - it would be pizza. I did that one summer when I decided that I was never going to fit into 34-inch-waist jeans again. I then discovered just how bad that much potassium is for a person with kidney disease, so now it's more of a treat. I still eat it, but certainly less than before. There is so much variety of pizza, and I think that's why I love it.
4. If I gave you $100,000 to go on a trip, how would you spend it? Would you spend all your time in one place, or would you go to as many places as you could? Where? What would you do when you got there?
I can not imagine spending that much money on one place, at least not just for the three of us. I would probably spend more of it on being sure that my family and friends could be with us wherever we went than on the place itself. As for the place, I think that Disney is only a couple of years off for us, but I can't ride rides anymore. I would probably feel more comfortable renting out a camp ground with lots of things to do and lots of places to relax.
5. What are your dreams for Abby's future?
I really just want her to be happy in whatever she is doing. I want her to take that one "dream job" at some point in her life, even if it means that she'll pay for it later. Of course, I want that dream job to be all that she dreams it to be, but I can't control that! I don't think that she has to be a wife, or a college student, or full time employee to be happy. I want to encourage her daily in whatever she chooses for her own life. I have people like that in my life, but they are not necessarily my parents.
The bottom line is that I want Abby to know that no matter what she chooses to do, or not do, she is valuable.
If you want me to come up with five questions for you, drop a comment or an email. Amy sure does know how to come up with good questions...
The Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
The Questions Amy Asked Me:
1. What is your biggest fear?
I honestly fear every single day that Anny and Abby will get into a massive car wreck and I will be helplessly stuck in traffic. The route they take home is major highway to major highway. Anny is a wonderful and safe driver, so I have no basis for this fear, but it's there nonetheless. I can't imagine a tomorrow without them.
2. Who is your hero?
This is a hard one. My grandfather worked his way up through the ranks at NASA, then when it was time to retire he did it right. He has always made family a priority and has been there for most of the major events in my life. He drove here from his house to be with us on the day that Abby was born. He didn't monopolize time with her or us, but just wanted to be a presence on that special day.
3. If you could eat only one food forever, without regard for nutrition, what would it be?
I'm boring - it would be pizza. I did that one summer when I decided that I was never going to fit into 34-inch-waist jeans again. I then discovered just how bad that much potassium is for a person with kidney disease, so now it's more of a treat. I still eat it, but certainly less than before. There is so much variety of pizza, and I think that's why I love it.
4. If I gave you $100,000 to go on a trip, how would you spend it? Would you spend all your time in one place, or would you go to as many places as you could? Where? What would you do when you got there?
I can not imagine spending that much money on one place, at least not just for the three of us. I would probably spend more of it on being sure that my family and friends could be with us wherever we went than on the place itself. As for the place, I think that Disney is only a couple of years off for us, but I can't ride rides anymore. I would probably feel more comfortable renting out a camp ground with lots of things to do and lots of places to relax.
5. What are your dreams for Abby's future?
I really just want her to be happy in whatever she is doing. I want her to take that one "dream job" at some point in her life, even if it means that she'll pay for it later. Of course, I want that dream job to be all that she dreams it to be, but I can't control that! I don't think that she has to be a wife, or a college student, or full time employee to be happy. I want to encourage her daily in whatever she chooses for her own life. I have people like that in my life, but they are not necessarily my parents.
The bottom line is that I want Abby to know that no matter what she chooses to do, or not do, she is valuable.
If you want me to come up with five questions for you, drop a comment or an email. Amy sure does know how to come up with good questions...
November 07, 2008
10,000!
Here is #10,000 on my SiteMeter Page
Okay - so I had not payed attention to my statcounter for more than a week, but I am proud to say that this morning I received my 10,000th hit! I know it's not as big as a lot of other places, but it's big for me!
So, whoever checks the blog from in/around Towson and came over from Abby's site - show yourself! I'll send you something to celebrate. It might be something expensive (probably not) or something in the form of home made from Abby. (since you checked her site first, I'm guessing that whoever you are you're okay with it!)
(This also counts as my second posting for today! Woo Hoo!)
Okay - so I had not payed attention to my statcounter for more than a week, but I am proud to say that this morning I received my 10,000th hit! I know it's not as big as a lot of other places, but it's big for me!
So, whoever checks the blog from in/around Towson and came over from Abby's site - show yourself! I'll send you something to celebrate. It might be something expensive (probably not) or something in the form of home made from Abby. (since you checked her site first, I'm guessing that whoever you are you're okay with it!)
(This also counts as my second posting for today! Woo Hoo!)
October 14, 2008
How to Ruin an Awesome Day
We went to the zoo Saturday with a family from our church. It was awesome to spend some time with them outside of the normalcy that is the church nursery. They're cool folks, but the last time we tried to meet up with them there was a little chaos and we just never connected.
Only I can come up with two, yes two, ways to completely ruin this day.
1 - it seems that there was a marathon in Baltimore. We typically go into the city through 295, which brings us in by two of the coolest stadiums in the state of Maryland. The aquarium is only a few blocks to the right of this way into the city, so it's easy in that respect too.
Because of the marathon, though, the cut off one of the north-south streets, pushing a city's worth of traffic north with no real options for getting to the middle easily. We spent 90 minutes sitting in the car just plodding along. Unbelievable. We finally found a way south and went in another way - with absolutely no delay. Argh. Two hours late is not the way to start awesomeness.
That could only be topped by one thing - burning our house down. Okay, the thought of burning our house down. About halfway through our drive home we were talking about what to have for dinner and it occured to me that I hadn't turned off the stove, so I hoped beyond hope that Anny had. She had not. I was making hard-boiled eggs for our salads this week, and luckily had left the heat down, or we really would have been homeless.
We threw away the pot. There were four eggs - each in a different state. One was in tact, but empty. One was completely crushed and empty. One was half full. The fourth, though, was fun:
On the right of the picture is the egg shell, on the left is the fully cooked yolk. It seems that it hopped out of the pot and shot it's yolk through the flames, still in tact.
We're really lucky. I spent about 25 minutes getting smoke out of the house with open windows and fans, while the girls got gas and dinner. On Sunday when we got home from church it's was stinky again, but open windows took care of that.
Other than that, Saturday was wonderful. :o)
Only I can come up with two, yes two, ways to completely ruin this day.
1 - it seems that there was a marathon in Baltimore. We typically go into the city through 295, which brings us in by two of the coolest stadiums in the state of Maryland. The aquarium is only a few blocks to the right of this way into the city, so it's easy in that respect too.
Because of the marathon, though, the cut off one of the north-south streets, pushing a city's worth of traffic north with no real options for getting to the middle easily. We spent 90 minutes sitting in the car just plodding along. Unbelievable. We finally found a way south and went in another way - with absolutely no delay. Argh. Two hours late is not the way to start awesomeness.
That could only be topped by one thing - burning our house down. Okay, the thought of burning our house down. About halfway through our drive home we were talking about what to have for dinner and it occured to me that I hadn't turned off the stove, so I hoped beyond hope that Anny had. She had not. I was making hard-boiled eggs for our salads this week, and luckily had left the heat down, or we really would have been homeless.
We threw away the pot. There were four eggs - each in a different state. One was in tact, but empty. One was completely crushed and empty. One was half full. The fourth, though, was fun:
We're really lucky. I spent about 25 minutes getting smoke out of the house with open windows and fans, while the girls got gas and dinner. On Sunday when we got home from church it's was stinky again, but open windows took care of that.
Other than that, Saturday was wonderful. :o)
September 22, 2008
My Weekend ROCKED!
My Facebook message says "Glad for an awesome weekend, sad it was too short." My sister commented to ask why, and I realized that in all of the hubub, I haven't updated my blog since Wednesday!
On Friday afternoon I got motivated at the office to clean out our storage unit in the basement. This "room" is very cluttered, and not with the right stuff. There are boxes of old books that have since been reprinted, old financial records that can't be tossed until January of next year, and old blueprints for churches. Okay, old blueprints, most of which are for churches, but some are for closed churches, camps or other properties that we no longer own. Fun. I brought one of the four boxes up and began sorting. This will be a several-weeks process, and I'm okay with that.
Because I got so much done here, I headed home and chipped away at some more of my attic cleaning project. We bought our house from the family, and still have not gotten to cleaning everything out of the attic. There is some pretty cool stuff up there, but also some trash and things that have been out of date for years. (i.e. a crib that, by todays standards, would implode immediately and burst into flames!) I got enough done to be happy and leave the rest for a cooler day, hopefully in a few weeks. Anyway.
On Saturday we did our normal morning routine:
Farmer's Market
Eat our Farmer's Market pastries
Wash diapers
Grocery Shop
We did a detour on the way to the grocery store to support our friend Charlene's fundraising efforts for her crazy three day journey in a couple of weeks. They were having a bake sale and a yard sale. We spent a few dollars on each of those, in addition to a check for just walking. Worth every penny.
On Saturday afternoon Anny had a friend over to do some scrapbooking. I don't really deal well with printed pictures. I view the internet as my scrapbook. With that in mind, I grabbed Abby and we took off for the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge. We had a nice hike, just the two of us. The weather would not have allowed me to take her shopping or anything like that, and I'm glad that we didn't. I stopped along the way several times and let her out of the stroller to play. I got a couple of nice pictures, and one amazing one. You'll have to wait until Wednesday for that one, sorry.
Saturday night we had dinner with my brother and his wife. They are so great with Abby, but struggled with the concept of an early dinner. I think they understand, and hope that if they don't that they will soon. :o)
Sunday night we went to dinner with friends. This is where the awesomeness stopped. Abby was just way too overspent to enjoy a quiet dinner, so Anny and I ate in shifts. That's never fun. By the time we got home, and not very late I must say, Abby skpped her bath and went straight to sleep. It's adorable and annoying, both at the same time.
What did you do this weekend?
On Friday afternoon I got motivated at the office to clean out our storage unit in the basement. This "room" is very cluttered, and not with the right stuff. There are boxes of old books that have since been reprinted, old financial records that can't be tossed until January of next year, and old blueprints for churches. Okay, old blueprints, most of which are for churches, but some are for closed churches, camps or other properties that we no longer own. Fun. I brought one of the four boxes up and began sorting. This will be a several-weeks process, and I'm okay with that.
Because I got so much done here, I headed home and chipped away at some more of my attic cleaning project. We bought our house from the family, and still have not gotten to cleaning everything out of the attic. There is some pretty cool stuff up there, but also some trash and things that have been out of date for years. (i.e. a crib that, by todays standards, would implode immediately and burst into flames!) I got enough done to be happy and leave the rest for a cooler day, hopefully in a few weeks. Anyway.
On Saturday we did our normal morning routine:
Farmer's Market
Eat our Farmer's Market pastries
Wash diapers
Grocery Shop
We did a detour on the way to the grocery store to support our friend Charlene's fundraising efforts for her crazy three day journey in a couple of weeks. They were having a bake sale and a yard sale. We spent a few dollars on each of those, in addition to a check for just walking. Worth every penny.
On Saturday afternoon Anny had a friend over to do some scrapbooking. I don't really deal well with printed pictures. I view the internet as my scrapbook. With that in mind, I grabbed Abby and we took off for the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge. We had a nice hike, just the two of us. The weather would not have allowed me to take her shopping or anything like that, and I'm glad that we didn't. I stopped along the way several times and let her out of the stroller to play. I got a couple of nice pictures, and one amazing one. You'll have to wait until Wednesday for that one, sorry.
Saturday night we had dinner with my brother and his wife. They are so great with Abby, but struggled with the concept of an early dinner. I think they understand, and hope that if they don't that they will soon. :o)
Sunday night we went to dinner with friends. This is where the awesomeness stopped. Abby was just way too overspent to enjoy a quiet dinner, so Anny and I ate in shifts. That's never fun. By the time we got home, and not very late I must say, Abby skpped her bath and went straight to sleep. It's adorable and annoying, both at the same time.
What did you do this weekend?
July 30, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
45/365 Playing in the Sand
Originally uploaded by armonroe
More Wordless Wednesday at http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/!
(Taken by our friend Stacy at the Dangertones Concert at Jellyfish Joels)
http://www.dangertones.com/
July 29, 2008
St Louis Summary - a Quick Post
Okay, here's the rest of the St Louis Summary, because now it's long gone and not necessarily blog-worthy:
Abby got along wonderfully with her cousins. They played and interacted non-stop and loved every minute of it. Moreso, us parents loved how well it went!
We had a lunch with Paul and Sarahlynn and only Paul and Sarahlynn. The girls stayed home with Anny (and Paul)'s parents and we hit up a nice restaurant at 2 on a Friday afternoon. I highly recommend this to everyone and anyone - sitter for ALL of the kids and a double date. It was heaven.
So much has happened since then that I want to post about, so this is the summary post you get. Sorry.
Abby got along wonderfully with her cousins. They played and interacted non-stop and loved every minute of it. Moreso, us parents loved how well it went!
We had a lunch with Paul and Sarahlynn and only Paul and Sarahlynn. The girls stayed home with Anny (and Paul)'s parents and we hit up a nice restaurant at 2 on a Friday afternoon. I highly recommend this to everyone and anyone - sitter for ALL of the kids and a double date. It was heaven.
So much has happened since then that I want to post about, so this is the summary post you get. Sorry.
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