Katelyn is going to be a senior next year. She is also going to be 18 in October. She frequently reminds us of both of these things. She anxious for the independence she thinks turning 18 and being a senior are going to bring her.
I'm trying to figure out how to balance letting go, but also holding on. For example, tonight she is off to a masquarade party. Until about an hour ago, she really didn't have any more details than she was going with a group of friends. I know the friends. I like the friends. I trust the friends. But I was still uncomfortable not having more specifics.
Story interruption: My discomfort with this scenario probably had more to do with me and my antics as a teen-ager than Katelyn. Thus far, Katelyn has never pulled any of the antics that I did as a teen so the angst is my projection.
Resume story: So, I asked Katelyn to get more details, stating "if no specific details, you don't go until we get them." She was awesome and got more details. Unfortunately, the park the party was being held at is in Browne's Addition--not a great part of town. Now my internal debate was about whether to let her go or not because of the location and still not being really clear on who was sponsoring the party and who was supervising. She said it was one of the local Christian churches that was sponsoring the party and there would be plenty of adult supervision.
We let her go. She said she would call if the party wasn't what she expected or things got weird. She also agreed to come home at 11 instead of midnight because I didn't want her out 'til midnight in that part of town.
I'm trying to slowly cut the strings. It's not easy. But it is necessary. That's what we raise kids to be--independent and making good choices on their own.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Splendid and Remarkable
Being in a better frame of mind today, I thought I should post about a couple of things that I find splendid and remarkable.
First, it is splendid and remarkable to find out that loyalty to a local bike shop can result in a great deal on a new bike. For years now, I have been going to Wheel Sport East when I needed bike stuff. I bought my first road bike there from Josh. Me, being me, had a million questions, stewed over whether or not to spend that much on a bike, and checked out bikes at a couple of other stores. Josh was patient. He knew I would come back to him and the bike at Wheel Sport East. He was right, I did. I did because Josh was the only one from all of the different bike shops that I went to who spent time answering my million of questions, wasn't pushy about selling the bike, and made sure that I was all equipped for riding. So when Dave needed a new bike, I suggested that he go see Josh. Dave, being Dave, had to do his own research/test rides and checked out several bike shops. Once all was said and done, he whittled down the various choices to a Cervelo R2 and a Specialized Tarmac. Both bikes rode about the same, were comparable in price and components. But in the end, Dave chose the Tarmac. How did he decide? Easy. Josh was able to give him a sweet deal on the Tarmac. And why did Josh give him the sweet deal? In Josh's words, "Heather has been coming here for years and she is always sending people in to see me." And that my friends, is why it pays to be a loyal customer and spread the good word.
The second splendid and remarkable thing for today is this...
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The boy may hate weeding, but he is always willing to plant the new flowers I buy. He even does the planting without being asked. He takes great care when he does the planting and makes sure that the new transplants receive a good watering as soon as they are in the ground. He has also done a remarkable job in keeping the hanging basket and flower pot on the front porch watered. Great-grandma Flo would be so proud.
First, it is splendid and remarkable to find out that loyalty to a local bike shop can result in a great deal on a new bike. For years now, I have been going to Wheel Sport East when I needed bike stuff. I bought my first road bike there from Josh. Me, being me, had a million questions, stewed over whether or not to spend that much on a bike, and checked out bikes at a couple of other stores. Josh was patient. He knew I would come back to him and the bike at Wheel Sport East. He was right, I did. I did because Josh was the only one from all of the different bike shops that I went to who spent time answering my million of questions, wasn't pushy about selling the bike, and made sure that I was all equipped for riding. So when Dave needed a new bike, I suggested that he go see Josh. Dave, being Dave, had to do his own research/test rides and checked out several bike shops. Once all was said and done, he whittled down the various choices to a Cervelo R2 and a Specialized Tarmac. Both bikes rode about the same, were comparable in price and components. But in the end, Dave chose the Tarmac. How did he decide? Easy. Josh was able to give him a sweet deal on the Tarmac. And why did Josh give him the sweet deal? In Josh's words, "Heather has been coming here for years and she is always sending people in to see me." And that my friends, is why it pays to be a loyal customer and spread the good word.
The second splendid and remarkable thing for today is this...
Friday, June 24, 2011
Stupid and Annoying
Ok, I'll admit that I am in a bit of a "mood" (and have just finished off a 32 oz Dr. Pepper) so this post should be taken with a grain of salt, but right now I find the following things stupid and annoying,,,
- Food allergies are stupid and annoying, especially when there is no food in the house and I don't feel like going to the grocery store. The rest of the family members can make a quick fast-food run, but it's harder for me to do that. I want to be able eat at Panda Express and not have to worry about a possible anaphylactic reaction. I want to be able to eat a regular hamburger with a regular bun and not have to worry about my stomach hurting and getting a migraine. I want to be able to eat pizza. Ugh.
- Environmental allergies are stupid and annoying especially at this time of year when I like to be outside and sleep with the window open at night. If I take an allergy pill at night, then by mid-day I'm itchy, sneezy, and my nose hurts from rubbing it so much. If I try and take the allergy pill in the morning, I'm so rummy-headed that it probably isn't safe for me to do anything but sit at home.
- Paying $101 to renew my nursing license is stupid and annoying. I don't mind paying to renew the license, but $101? Why $101? Why not $100 or $105 or some other even amount? $101 is just stupid.
- Dr. Pepper gives me heartburn. That is super annoying because Dr. Pepper is one of my favorite sodas and I would like to be able to drink it without getting heartburn--especially since I only drink it as a treat maybe once every other month (or less). Stupid heartburn.
- Appliances that are 10+ years old are stupid and annoying because they all die at once. No, nothing has died completely yet, but it's coming I just know it. The microwave turntable makes a horrible noise so I turn off the turntable in an effort to extend the life of the microwave. The dishwasher started smoking tonight, but Dave was able to fix the problem. The self-clean portion of the oven no longer works. I hate the flooring, cupboards, and countertops in the kitchen. I really want to change the carpet in the house. It's stupid and annoying that I completely suck at decorating so even though I really want to up-date the house, the thought stresses me out because I have no clear direction on what I want to do.
- Turning 40 is stupid and annoying mostly because I don't think I have really embraced 40 even though it's going to happen (in 9 days) whether I embrace it or not. It's stupid to be so worried about an age. I feel stupid for feeling so unsettled about where I am at in
lifemy career right now. It's annoying to be worrying and wondering if there is something more that I should be doing, but being unable to identify any one thing or "passion" that might guide me in a different direction. Actually, I have several ideas but they are stupid, mostly because they are completely unrealistic. - It's annoying that typing this list did not make me feel any better.
I Know Summer is Here When...
Well, it's not the weather that clues me in that summer has arrived because lately the weather around here has been more like early spring than summer.
Nope, I know summer is here when my early-bird sleeps in until 8:15. It took him about a week of no school to figure out how to sleep in, but today he did it. His sister never has a problem with the sleeping in part of summer vacation.
Nope, I know summer is here when my early-bird sleeps in until 8:15. It took him about a week of no school to figure out how to sleep in, but today he did it. His sister never has a problem with the sleeping in part of summer vacation.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Angels Watching Over Him
It seems that almost everyone has had a time in their life where, in hindsight, they sit back and say "Holy cow, was I lucky. I really dodged a bullet on that one." Dave had such a moment last Sunday. But I firmly believe it wasn't luck. It was angels watching over him.
Dave is training for the Seattle to Portland bike ride. The ride is over 200 miles. Most people do it in two days, but there are a some really crazy people who ride it in one day. Dave falls into the latter group. He has been training really hard to accomplish the goal of being a "one-day rider."
In order to meet that goal, he needed to ride a century ride (100 miles) in June. That was why on Father's Day he was riding in the Loreen Miller Bike ride. The day actually was a good day for bike riding--no rain, cool temperatures, not a lot of wind. Dave was having a great ride. He had managed to fall in with a couple of other guys and they were each taking turns on the front. Because it was Father's Day, Carson and I decided to go as support crew. We met Dave at each food stop. We saw him at the food stop at mile 64. He was feeling great and was looking forward to finishing up the last few miles. Yes, that was how he described his last 36 miles, "just a few miles." I kissed him and said, "See you in 20 miles at the next food stop."
I got a call from Dave as I waiting for him at the next food stop. He said to me, "Can you come get me?" I answered, "Sure, what's up?" "Well, I had a little bit of a wreck," he replied. "OK, I'm on my way. Where are you?" He said, "I have no idea, just look for me on the side of the road."
That was the extent of our conversation. Where I'm prone to exaggeration and hyperbole, Dave is understated and minimalist. So I really had no idea what to expect to see when I finally found him along the roadside. As I was driving to find him, I was trying to watch for road names or mile markers just in case I had to call 9-1-1. I was also having Carson look for a first aid kit in the truck in case I had to do any road-side first aid.
I came upon Dave and another cyclist who had been involved in the crash about 10-15 miles from where I was waiting for him. He was up and walking around--always a good sign. His lip was bleeding a little and he had a lot of road rash on his back and hip. His left elbow was bruised and swollen. He was coherent. He could tell me his name, where he was, what he was doing. His body was bruised, not broken.
But his bike. Oh, his bike. The frame was cracked in two places. The rear wheel was bent, as was the rear wheel fork. There was no more riding this bike. His helmet was not just broken, it was bent and mashed.
After the adreline rush subsided and he had some time to reflect, he realized how blessed he was to have come away from this bike wreck with such relatively minor injuries. This realization was reinforced several times yesterday as he showed his wrecked bike to 3 different bike shops and received the same response at each one "I can't believe your injuries are worse. You were really lucky."
Luck had nothing to do with it. He had angels watching over him on Sunday.
Dave is training for the Seattle to Portland bike ride. The ride is over 200 miles. Most people do it in two days, but there are a some really crazy people who ride it in one day. Dave falls into the latter group. He has been training really hard to accomplish the goal of being a "one-day rider."
In order to meet that goal, he needed to ride a century ride (100 miles) in June. That was why on Father's Day he was riding in the Loreen Miller Bike ride. The day actually was a good day for bike riding--no rain, cool temperatures, not a lot of wind. Dave was having a great ride. He had managed to fall in with a couple of other guys and they were each taking turns on the front. Because it was Father's Day, Carson and I decided to go as support crew. We met Dave at each food stop. We saw him at the food stop at mile 64. He was feeling great and was looking forward to finishing up the last few miles. Yes, that was how he described his last 36 miles, "just a few miles." I kissed him and said, "See you in 20 miles at the next food stop."
I got a call from Dave as I waiting for him at the next food stop. He said to me, "Can you come get me?" I answered, "Sure, what's up?" "Well, I had a little bit of a wreck," he replied. "OK, I'm on my way. Where are you?" He said, "I have no idea, just look for me on the side of the road."
That was the extent of our conversation. Where I'm prone to exaggeration and hyperbole, Dave is understated and minimalist. So I really had no idea what to expect to see when I finally found him along the roadside. As I was driving to find him, I was trying to watch for road names or mile markers just in case I had to call 9-1-1. I was also having Carson look for a first aid kit in the truck in case I had to do any road-side first aid.
I came upon Dave and another cyclist who had been involved in the crash about 10-15 miles from where I was waiting for him. He was up and walking around--always a good sign. His lip was bleeding a little and he had a lot of road rash on his back and hip. His left elbow was bruised and swollen. He was coherent. He could tell me his name, where he was, what he was doing. His body was bruised, not broken.
But his bike. Oh, his bike. The frame was cracked in two places. The rear wheel was bent, as was the rear wheel fork. There was no more riding this bike. His helmet was not just broken, it was bent and mashed.
After the adreline rush subsided and he had some time to reflect, he realized how blessed he was to have come away from this bike wreck with such relatively minor injuries. This realization was reinforced several times yesterday as he showed his wrecked bike to 3 different bike shops and received the same response at each one "I can't believe your injuries are worse. You were really lucky."
Luck had nothing to do with it. He had angels watching over him on Sunday.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Stealing a Great Idea from St. Louis
Before my sister-in-law, Maggie, left St. Louis for Rochester, she was invited to participate in a "decorator swap". Watch this link to see how these ladies worked their magic on Maggie's house. Their magic (in addition to lots of work on Dan and Maggie's part) must have worked because Dan and Maggie were able to sell their house pretty quickly--I think it was only on the market for a month or two.
Anyway, I think this is a great idea that should be implemented here in my neck of the woods. My house isn't up for sale, but it sure is in need of a decorator's touch. I wouldn't be much help in generating ideas, but now that school is out, I could certainly provide the "hard work" part.
So how about? Any of you decorators out there who would like to get this "decorator swap" going here? Like I said, I would be a hard worker; I just ask that you start with my house first.
Anyway, I think this is a great idea that should be implemented here in my neck of the woods. My house isn't up for sale, but it sure is in need of a decorator's touch. I wouldn't be much help in generating ideas, but now that school is out, I could certainly provide the "hard work" part.
So how about? Any of you decorators out there who would like to get this "decorator swap" going here? Like I said, I would be a hard worker; I just ask that you start with my house first.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Photo Highlights from Disney World 2011
Animal Kingdom-Monday, May 23
All of the cousins minus Mike's kids. Mike's family didn't get in until 2 o'clock Monday morning. They needed to get some sleep before playing.
1900 Park Fare--Tuesday, May 24
I'm not sure who was more excited to see Cinderella, the boys or the little girls.
Funny side story: When Carson was about 12 we were playing Apples to Apples. One of the "green cards" said "Someone who is hot". Carson laid down a red card that said "Cinderella."
Hollywood Studios--Wednesday, May 24
Here are most of the girl cousins. All the little girls loved Katelyn and thought she was the best.
Katelyn discovering that often being an "extra" isn't all that glamorous.
Can you believe that not of these cousins fell in the fountain?
Magic Kingdom--Thursday, May 25
Ahh, aren't they cute?
Epcot--Friday, May 27
My "world" travelers
Whispering Canyon--Saturday, May 28
Our last dinner together
See, everyone looks happy. I believe that Disney World truly is a magical place.
Enjoying Disney World to the very last minute. Maddie eating ice cream after midnight on Sunday, May 29th.
Reagan and Maddie as we said our final good-bye's to Disney World at 1 a.m., Sunday May 29th.
Good-bye and good night, Disney World.
See you in 5 years (or maybe sooner if we miss you too much).
Friday, June 10, 2011
A Whole Different Pregnancy
Surprise, Honey. I thought this would be great way to tell you.
No, I'm just kidding. There is no pregnancy. Instead, this was a phrase my colleague used at the start of this school year when I started to voice my anxiety about a certain situation having the potential to be a repeat of a situation I had several years ago. (I know that is rather obtuse, but because of confidiently reasons I cannot get more specific).
Anyway, during the course of the conversation she said to me "This is a whole different pregnancy". That simple phrase helped me realize that I need to let this situation develop in its own way and stand on its own merits. Having my friend help me see that each situation, while having many of the same components, is unique, helped me adjust my attitude and give the situation a chance to be a positive experience. We are at the end of the school year and, indeed, it was a "different pregnancy". Everyone is happy and things have gone well.
The "different pregnancy" phrase is one that I have thought of often this past year, particularly as I prepare to attend Girl's Camp with Katelyn. I haven't been to Girl's Camp since I was 13 years old. I went one year and vowed never to go back. I maintained that vow of Girl's Camp celibacy right up until I realized this will be Katelyn's last year of Camp and I hadn't ever gone with her. I have heard other moms relate what a special experience it was to go to Camp with their daughters and I wanted that experience, too (especially since I get a big 'ole FAIL for helping Katelyn with her Personal Progress Award). So, I'm trying to remember that this experience at Camp, while having many of the same components (ie. certification, structured activities, sleeping bags, infrequent showers, etc), is a "different pregnancy". It is going to be time to watch my daughter in action, so to speak. I will get to see how she interacts with her firiends. I will be able to see how she leads a group of younger girls. And I hope, I will get a chance to hear her quiet, but sure, testimony that the gospel is true.
No, I'm just kidding. There is no pregnancy. Instead, this was a phrase my colleague used at the start of this school year when I started to voice my anxiety about a certain situation having the potential to be a repeat of a situation I had several years ago. (I know that is rather obtuse, but because of confidiently reasons I cannot get more specific).
Anyway, during the course of the conversation she said to me "This is a whole different pregnancy". That simple phrase helped me realize that I need to let this situation develop in its own way and stand on its own merits. Having my friend help me see that each situation, while having many of the same components, is unique, helped me adjust my attitude and give the situation a chance to be a positive experience. We are at the end of the school year and, indeed, it was a "different pregnancy". Everyone is happy and things have gone well.
The "different pregnancy" phrase is one that I have thought of often this past year, particularly as I prepare to attend Girl's Camp with Katelyn. I haven't been to Girl's Camp since I was 13 years old. I went one year and vowed never to go back. I maintained that vow of Girl's Camp celibacy right up until I realized this will be Katelyn's last year of Camp and I hadn't ever gone with her. I have heard other moms relate what a special experience it was to go to Camp with their daughters and I wanted that experience, too (especially since I get a big 'ole FAIL for helping Katelyn with her Personal Progress Award). So, I'm trying to remember that this experience at Camp, while having many of the same components (ie. certification, structured activities, sleeping bags, infrequent showers, etc), is a "different pregnancy". It is going to be time to watch my daughter in action, so to speak. I will get to see how she interacts with her firiends. I will be able to see how she leads a group of younger girls. And I hope, I will get a chance to hear her quiet, but sure, testimony that the gospel is true.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
"Best Of": Memories from Disney World
Last week our little family joined with my parents, siblings, spouses, and kids in Disney World. When we were all together, we were one big family--27 of us, total. I had a wonderful time. Here are some of my "best of" moments and award winners (if we were giving awards).
Best Dad/Grandpa: My dad. This trip wouldn't have been possible for most of my siblings if it weren't for Dad. He also provided the grandkids with "Grandpa cash" each day. He helped herd the herd of little kids. Dad even bought each kid a t-shirt that seemed to match their personality, except for Kate, she got a tub of mismatched socks. Those socks were perfect for her and she loved them.
Best Line by a Teen-ager:
"Mom, I think you need to hire either a Spanish-speaking or French-speaking nanny for me just so they can read me stories."
Sometimes my boy has the quirkiest sense of humor.
Best Line by an 8-year old boy:
"What a rip-off."
This was uttered by Travis every time he found something to buy but didn't have quite enough money for the item.
Best Line by a 4-year old girl:
"Aunt Heather what's your plan?"
"My plan?"
"Yes. After dinner, what's your plan?"
"My only plan, Charlie, is to make sure everyone is having a good time. Are you having a good time?"
"Yes, I'm having a good time."
That last line was the best line. It meant that all of the pre-planning and researching had paid off.
Best Husband/Funnest Uncle:
Hands down goes to my guy, Dave. Yes, I'm totatlly biased and I'm sure my sister and sisters-in-law would pick their own guys, but let's all just agree that my guy is the best.
Best Gift to Me:
In case you didn't know, I'm the runt of the family. That usually means that anytime I'm together with my brothers, one or two of them feel it necessary to pick me up and squish me so hard I think my ribs are going to break. This trip not one of them did that. Thank you for giving me a break, brothers.
"What a Trooper" Award:
This one is hard to pick just one, but I think it has to go to baby Adrienne. Truly amazing that a 4-month old baby could stand the heat, the long hours in the park, the disrupted schedule, etc and hardly be fussy.
Most Inspirational Award:
This one goes to Sara Ann. I can't begin to describe the amount of admiration I have for her. Just managing a toddler and a 2-month old is a feat, but she also did a great job with my brother's (her husband) 3 older children.
So those are some of my "best of" memories. Family members who read this blog, what are some of your favorites? Please leave a comment (or several). Once I get the pictures downloaded, I'll post some of them. Does anyone know how to make a photo collage and how to post that on the blog?
Best Dad/Grandpa: My dad. This trip wouldn't have been possible for most of my siblings if it weren't for Dad. He also provided the grandkids with "Grandpa cash" each day. He helped herd the herd of little kids. Dad even bought each kid a t-shirt that seemed to match their personality, except for Kate, she got a tub of mismatched socks. Those socks were perfect for her and she loved them.
Best Line by a Teen-ager:
"Mom, I think you need to hire either a Spanish-speaking or French-speaking nanny for me just so they can read me stories."
Sometimes my boy has the quirkiest sense of humor.
Best Line by an 8-year old boy:
"What a rip-off."
This was uttered by Travis every time he found something to buy but didn't have quite enough money for the item.
Best Line by a 4-year old girl:
"Aunt Heather what's your plan?"
"My plan?"
"Yes. After dinner, what's your plan?"
"My only plan, Charlie, is to make sure everyone is having a good time. Are you having a good time?"
"Yes, I'm having a good time."
That last line was the best line. It meant that all of the pre-planning and researching had paid off.
Best Husband/Funnest Uncle:
Hands down goes to my guy, Dave. Yes, I'm totatlly biased and I'm sure my sister and sisters-in-law would pick their own guys, but let's all just agree that my guy is the best.
Best Gift to Me:
In case you didn't know, I'm the runt of the family. That usually means that anytime I'm together with my brothers, one or two of them feel it necessary to pick me up and squish me so hard I think my ribs are going to break. This trip not one of them did that. Thank you for giving me a break, brothers.
"What a Trooper" Award:
This one is hard to pick just one, but I think it has to go to baby Adrienne. Truly amazing that a 4-month old baby could stand the heat, the long hours in the park, the disrupted schedule, etc and hardly be fussy.
Most Inspirational Award:
This one goes to Sara Ann. I can't begin to describe the amount of admiration I have for her. Just managing a toddler and a 2-month old is a feat, but she also did a great job with my brother's (her husband) 3 older children.
So those are some of my "best of" memories. Family members who read this blog, what are some of your favorites? Please leave a comment (or several). Once I get the pictures downloaded, I'll post some of them. Does anyone know how to make a photo collage and how to post that on the blog?
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