Seattle Sun

Favorite Photo Friday... Many Fridays Later

2011-01-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome back (I'm talking to myself here since my three faithful readers have long ago quit checking this abandoned blog for new posts.) Let's jump in with an easy post... favorite photo Friday. This one does a good job of summing up our kids and their personalities -- sweet Jeep sleeping soundly despite his sister's foot on his head and CeCe, so expressive and enthusiastic in all she does! Ah, what a combo.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-12-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

Here is our little gypsy girl, dressing up again!

Memory Monday - In A Pinch

2009-11-30T23:37:00.000-08:00

Living in Japan I was constantly asked, "What is your hobby?" Every Japanese friend I met had a quick and easy answer... AND a neat and tidy hobby to go with it. My host mother's hobby was cake baking. She told me that when she first became interested in baking cakes, she baked a cake EVERY DAY for a year in order to perfect her skills. She showed me a photo album filled with photos of beautifully decorated cakes and baked a number of delicious cakes during my summer with her family. But one night, a friend stopped by unexpectedly and she invited him to stay for dinner. In the kitchen, as she stirred a pot of eggs and flour over the stove, she taught me her secret for a great last minute dessert -- cream puffs! Elegant, easy and delicious. Although I've only baked a couple of cakes, I've made cream puffs many, many times and thought of her every single time.

Hard to Say -- Even Harder to Do

2009-11-29T23:26:00.000-08:00

Twenty-nine days into the challenge, I've finally learned to pronounce NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month.) Even more exciting... I have actually blogged every day so far! Which has NOT been easy. I've been sick. I've been tired. (More than once - including tonight - I've dragged myself out of bed to blog.) I've been distracted. I've been on a long road-trip. The power has gone out. The computer has acted up. But amazingly, even with all of the difficulties and assuming I am able to get a Memory Monday post up tomorrow, I did it! Which makes me think, maybe I can accomplish some other goals I have for myself. Like organize the garage. Or train for a half marathon. Or stick to a budget for once. NaStiTABuMo - National Stick To A Budget Month?!?! Maybe I'll start with the garage instead. :)

Silly Sis

2009-11-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Recently I shared CeCe's bib adoration, but while visiting my folks, she had another funny fashion passion that my mom captured in this hilarious photo shoot:

And yes, that is her swim suit! She insisted on wearing it over her clothes, like a bib. :)

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-11-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

Jeep riding a family friend's tractor on Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2009-11-26T23:34:00.000-08:00

I've had the following quote on my facebook page for quite a while... minus the last line. I guess when I first found it, that line didn't resonate with me, but today I am inspired by the whole quote:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie

After a long road trip with my husband and little ones, spending a few days with my parents, celebrating a birthday, and enjoying Thanksgiving with dear family and friends, I feel like spending some time letting my thankfulness create a vision for my near future. I'm excited to see what goals will rise up out of my gratefulness.

Happy Birthday (to Me)

2009-11-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

To all my dear friends and family who helped me celebrate my birthday - THANK YOU!!! My life is so much sweeter because I am loved by all of you. I've had a great day and I look forward to enjoying "the best year yet." :)

Birthday Turkey

2009-11-24T23:06:00.000-08:00

People with birthdays around Christmas time get lots of sympathy, but those of us with birthdays on/near other major holidays suffer too! My neighbor's son was born on the 4th of July and while fireworks every year can be fun, it isn't fun when none of your friends can come over to your house on your birthday because they have holiday plans. I can relate. If my birthday wasn't actually ON Thanksgiving (which happens every 5 years or so) then in most cases my friends still couldn't celebrate with me because they were either out of town (often at Grandma's house) or they had company. When I was younger, I really did NOT like it when my birthday feel on Thanksgiving. I wasn't the biggest fan of turkey, stuffing or gravy. And a candle in a piece of pie was not my favorite either! Plus sitting around eating and then sitting around watching football was way too boring. But over the years I've become more fond of Thanksgiving and I am grateful for the chance to be with friends and/or family to celebrate all our blessings. So I don't mind being the birthday turkey... just as long as we can have cake along with the pie!

Memory Monday - Bright Lights, Big City

2009-11-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed the movie "Lost in Translation" a few years ago and was impressed with Sofia Coppola's ability to enable the audience to experience jet lag and culture shock along with the main characters, Charlotte and Bob. Watching the movie, I felt like I was seeing the mesmerizing neon lights of Tokyo for the first time. My first night on Japanese soil was at my Youth for Understanding exchange student cultural orientation in Tokyo in 1990. I remember staring at the long, narrow streets with the complex layering of lights, colors, letters and characters and I felt like I could not close my mouth or even blink without great effort. So different from anything I had seen before and yet so facinating and wonderful. I still love the electric feel of Tokyo and I look forward to staring sleepily at those shiny streets many more times in the future.

Raisin Remedies?

2009-11-22T22:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a question for those of you who live in humid parts of the world -- When you visit drier parts of the world do you suffer? I do! My eyes feel parched and itchy, my cuticles seem to immediately shrink and curl off, my fingertips feel like sandpaper, and worst of all, my lips chap and burn. Ouch! What are your favorite prevention/solution tips? My go-to plan is to ramp up my intake of essential fatty acids such as fish oil and/or flax oil, drink LOTS of water, and keep a good emoillient moisurizer on hand at all times. Tonight, I ate a whole avacado hoping the "good fats" will help me fight the fight from the inside out. Please leave your advice - I would really appreciate it!

Road Trip Thanks

2009-11-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

The first day of our road trip went amazing well! I am so grateful:

~ that the kids did SO-O well. Sure, Jeep logged a couple of hours of watching videos on the iPod, but he was content and cooperative the whole time and CeCe cried maybe five minutes total during the whole 8+ hour drive.

~ for clear roads. We saw lots of snow on the ground on all the mountain passes and drove through some snow flurries, but the roads were smooth and clear the whole way.

~ to find a bright, clean, HUGE hotel room at our overnight stop. I knew this hotel was newly built, but I'm delighted with the space, amenities and bargain price.

~ for my darling hubby who worked hard to help get us out the door (even with both of us packing, we left 3 and a half hours later than we thought we would -- which was fine) and then he drove the whole way!

Here is hoping and praying tomorrow goes just as smoothly. :-)

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-11-20T23:48:00.000-08:00

Billy Elliot and friends!

Toy Pixie

2009-11-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

How is it that adding a second child means that suddenly we can't keep track of the toys in our house? We have a small place and compared to most preschoolers I know, my kids have less than the average number of toys. Before CeCe, we knew that all our puzzles had all the pieces, every car had four wheels, games were complete in their boxes, that legos were in the legos box and blocks in the block basket. NO LONGER! In the last few days, somehow we have lost a whole puzzle... except for one piece! Two other puzzles are missing pieces -- one of them is a floor puzzle and the pieces are about 8 inches square. How can we lose something that big?! The other one has large wooden pieces and at least HALF of them have disappeared in the last week. I am completely confused as to where they could be. Seriously, it is strange how we have so many incomplete and lost toys now. It isn't all her fault, but I do think this cutie is the major culprit!

Blog Slog

2009-11-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

Don't feel like blogging.

Dumb ole' NaBloPoMo!

Darn Gratitude Challenge.

Ain't doin' it tonight.

So there.

Phtthththththttttt.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

2009-11-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

Gratitude Challenge Day 15: Take the time to focus on yourself. Appreciate & give thanks for your unique personality, skills & talents.

My first thought after reading the assignment was "I can't do this today." It wasn't a Terrible Tuesday like I've had before, but it was a blah day and I've been in a blah mood all day. Can't I be grateful for myself another day?! Well, yes. But I think I'll be stronger if I can push aside the blahs and try, try, try to be a little grateful.

So here goes... here are a few things I appreciate about myself:

I think I'm often funny and I'm grateful for my sense of humor.

My writing skills aren't too bad and I've been especially proud of my Memory Monday posts the last two weeks because I sat down and wrote, edited, and published them both in about 40 minutes each.

I grew (with help from my handsome husband) two babies who have turned out to be adorable kids!

Public speaking is something I enjoy and I think I do it well most of the time.

Friends and family are important to me and I work hard to stay in touch, although I'm less consistent now I am a mom.

When I worked (for money) I was an above-average manager. I certainly made mistakes, but I did a good job of communicating with my team and made affirmation and celebration a priority.

Since I've been at home, I've done a lot more baking and I've had mostly positive results.

And a few more things. That I would certainly cover if I were in a job interview. But I'm not.

I'm grateful for me. And I'm grateful for you. And that is enough. :)

Memory Monday - Nor Any Drop to Drink

2009-11-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw the ocean I was seventeen years old and in Yokohama, Japan. Even though my flight to Japan flew out of San Francisco, there was cloud cover the whole trip and I didn't catch even one glimpse of blue water. My host family could barely comprehend a land-locked life so once they learned of my ocean ignorance, they immediately made plans to take me to the beach.

We settled into a spot on Yokohama bay and as soon as we changed into our swimsuits my host sister and I ran giggling into the waves. The water didn't even come up to my waist before ocean spray hit my face and I remember the shocking taste. Without thinking I shouted, "It's SALTY!" which sent my host family into fits of laughter. I can still see and feel the whole scene in my mind: the crowded beach; my host sister's long, dark hair swinging across the back of her black one piece suit; the dirty, grey, gritty feel of sand; the hazy sky; the urban presence of the city pressing in on the beach. But the strongest memory of that day is the surprising, salty, bright taste of the seawater on my lips.

Don't You Mean Nightmare?

2009-11-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing blogging angry isn't recommended. Right now I should go run a mile, take a hot bath, drink a glass of wine or even better, do all three. But instead, I think I'll exercise poor judgment and write some public hate mail to my enemy of the moment: fantasy football.

Dear "Fantasy" Football:

I'm not a fan. Actually I don't like you one bit. Here are the top three reasons I think you stink:

1.) You waste SO-O much time. Now not only does my husband want to check in on the Seahawks score, he wants to watch EVERY single NFL match possible so he can track the performance of his fantasy team. As the hours tick away every Sunday, I loathe you even more.

2.) You impair my husband's ability to communicate/engage with his family and friends. Not only does he not have much time for us because he is focused on the TV, if he is forced to talk to me, play with the kids, or go anywhere with friends, he will frequently check in with the fantasy football app on his phone. Nothing says "quality time" like sideways phone glances and endless rolling of the Blackberry trackball.

3.) What makes me hate you the MOST is the way you turn my funny, kind, smart, loving husband into a total Grump-a-saurus Rex! This is a game right?! I thought this was supposed to be something that is fun. You are not fun. For any of us.

So, F. Football, long-story-short, you certainly aren't MY kind of fantasy! If I could figure out how to kick you to the curb, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Resentfully yours,
Seattle Sun

Dress Up

2009-11-14T23:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight CeCe figured out how to get one of her dresser drawers open and she discovered that it was full of bibs. She brought me one, big grin on her face, and held it out and nodded and grunted until I put it on her. She toddled around so proud of herself! Not too long after she brought me another one and insisted I put that one on too. Then it became a game -- she would waddle from the kitchen, down the hallway and into her room where she would dig out another bib and bring it back to me (with a proud smile) and I would put it on top of the bib(s) she was already wearing. Repeat. Final count? NINE BIBS! She wore all of them around for quite awhile. What a funny, funny girl. :)

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-11-13T01:01:00.000-08:00

CeCe enjoying a PBnJ.

Love everything about this girl !

Slower Than Molasses in the Winter

2009-11-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

Gratitude Challenge Day 14: It's been two weeks since you started The Gratitude Challenge. Write about how The Challenge has changed your perspective thus far.

I was laughing about how LONG it has taken me to complete 14 days of the The Gratitude Challenge. I was thinking I've been at it almost double the time. Then I went back and determined that I started the challenge on SEPTEMBER 24TH... FIFTY DAYS AGO. Over six weeks ago. Oh dear. That's worse than I thought. Oh well, carry on. I don't think stretching out the gratitude will hurt -- might help even!

Looking back on the last month and a half I can see a shift in perspective. Not wholly grateful (grin), but certainly more grateful and grateful more often.

Grateful for Girlfriends

2009-11-11T23:50:00.000-08:00

The Gratitude Challenge Day Thirteen: Pick three friends or family members you see (or talk to - creative license on my part) regularly. View their actions and gestures through a positive lens, assuming their goodness and witnessing their best intentions.

FAIRY*: You are so dear to me. Thank you for teaching me so much about being a good mom and great friend. Your joy for life is inspirational and hanging out with you always brightens my day. CeCe is so lucky to have you as one of her fabulous "fairy" godmothers!

LAUREN*: Thank you for being a neighbor and friend. I am grateful for the way you help every new family feel welcome. Thanks for hosting a mom's lunch this week! The food was great and it was so lovely to meet and get to know our newest neighbor. Can't believe our nearly twin baby boys are already so big.

JOY*: We've been friends for a long time and I'm more grateful for you than ever! I know I can call you no matter what I need -- to laugh, cry, or vent. You are always there for me. Thanks for being such an important part of my life. I miss you!

*I didn't use anyone's actual name. 'Cause blog code names are just more fun!

From the Mouth of Bubs

2009-11-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorite recent Jeeper-isms:

"Mama, do you know my favorite color? Rainbow. I like all of the colors, that is why I said rainbow."

"Do you know what kind of water is in Hawaii? Salt water."

"Mama, do you know that I love to sing to you?"

And now, for the 4-year old quote finale...

Jeep: "How does a baby grow in a mama's belly?" Me: "Umm... babies grow from very special seeds." Jeep with a very surprised look on his face: "Even babies grow from seeds?!" Me: "Uh yes, that's right." Jeep: "What does the seed look like?" Me: "Oh, it is very tiny, you can't even see it." Jeeper: "Tinier than my fingernail?!" Me: "Even smaller than that." Jeep shaking his head in disbelief: "How can a baby grow from a tiny seed?!"

Memory Monday - Something is Fishy Around Here

2009-11-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

My first visit to Japan was the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. My travel experience up to that point consisted of a few family road trips to Texas and New Mexico and I was unprepared for the cultural differences between rural USA and a Tokyo suburb. My exchange program started with a week long orientation in Washington, DC which was then followed with a few days of culture training in Tokyo, so I was completely discombobulated by the time I arrived at my host family's home. They greeted me with warm smiles, frequent bows, impressive English skills and a box of Kellog's Corn Flakes.

Between cold cereal in the mornings, crunchy green salads, reliable rice, the bounty of the department store fruit section and my host mother's cake baking hobby, my gastronomical transition was almost manageable. Even with all that was easily palatable, after nearly 17 years of a mid-western American diet, I was overwhelmed by all the new tastes I encountered. The gritty, sour, warm taste of miso. The salty, crunchy, bitter taste of dried seaweed/nori. The explosive, bright, biting taste of ginger. The mind-blowing fire and tang of wasabi. The curious varieties of pickles/tsukemono. And fish EVERYWHERE. Grilled fish fillets for breakfast. Slices of pressed fish/kamaboko floating in the lunchroom ramen. Tiny dried whole fish in snack cracker packets at the baseball game. Rolls and rolls of raw fish sushi at a beautiful dinner reception. I LONGED for a fish-free day or at least a fish-free meal.

One night as my host mother set dinner on the table, I perked up when I saw the dish of cooked carrots. I couldn't wait for the sweet carrot-y taste to overcome the long-lasting taste of fish in my mouth. I distinctly remember my disappointment when even the carrots tasted like fish. I gave up and decided that somehow I would just have to learn to love fish. After we finished dinner, I helped my host mom clean up. While clearing kitchen dishes she took a moment to teach me a little about Japanese cooking. She proudly showed me how she made her own FISH STOCK and used it for cooking vegetables... like that night's carrots!

Flit, Flap, Flutter, Fly

2009-11-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

I'm going to let you in on a dirty little secret. I do not keep a perfect house. My closest friends are nodding in agreement. And being at home with two little kids has not improved my random and chaotic housecleaning methods. So recently I've had to break out a tool that I've used before... a funny tool... a tool that has WAY too much purple (my least favorite color)... a tool that over-merchandises itself with cheesy stuff (but also sells effective tools)... a tool that despite the drawbacks, truly helps me. That tool is FlyLady. The FlyLady philosophy is basically about developing simple, but regular routines. It emphasizes getting rid of clutter and staying positive. I've been reading the emails again for about two weeks and have made some good progress around my home, without feeling like I'm working harder. Anyway, it isn't the system for everyone, but I'm grateful for the guidance and encouragement.

Crazy Mama

2009-11-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Jeeper got ahold of my camera and took a bunch of photos. This one pretty accurately reflects how I feel as an at-home parent with young children. Wild and a little fuzzy. :)

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-11-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

A Life's Work

2009-11-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

Gratitude Challenge Day Twelve: Today, make the effort to live life with a positive outlook. Restrain from criticizing the people around you. Dare to see the glass half full. Listen more than you speak. Give freely of yourself. Practice kindness at every opportunity.

Today has been a great day. Really, truly. You can't hear my tone of voice, but I am relaxed, happy and grateful. Most of my day was spent doing housework and mediating sibling rivalry between my two young ones. The weather was cold, grey and rainy. I didn't get out of the house except to run Jeep to preschool and back. CeCe spilled juice all over the table -- and she has a diaper rash. My husband called me at the last minute to tell me he had an after work meeting that he had forgotten to mention. In the middle of my dinner prep I realized I didn't have three of the key ingredients and I had to switch my whole dinner plan. But somehow, miraculously, despite so many little challenges that could have turned my mood sour, I was able to live out today's challenge. Push aside the frustration, impatience or judgment and choose to be grateful.

I think today's challenge is truly a whole life's work. But I plan to move forward pursuing a positive outlook more often.

On a Mission

2009-11-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran across Operation Beautiful and it inspired me so much that I actually participated that same day! Check it out and then jump right in and spread a little love in your part of the world.

PS - YOU are beautiful. Right now. Seriously.

In Your Eyes

2009-11-03T23:46:00.000-08:00

Day Eleven of the Gratitude Challenge: Try to see the world through the eyes of a child. Think about the things you take for granted on a daily basis, and then express gratitude for everything down to the basic necessities that sustain your current life.

For the second year in a row, we were invited to attend a Halloween garden party hosted by the parents of one of Jeep's former classmates. The family has an amazing lakefront property with a truly wonderful garden and they do a spectacular job of transforming it into a Halloween wonderland! Thanks in large part to the Gratitude Challenge, I was able to focus on the joy in the eyes of my children, rather than comparing their lot in life to mine. I don't have a home on the lake or a boat or a nanny or a gardener, but even so I am abundantly blessed. My bountiful basics include:

*Healthy, beautiful, smart, delightful children
*A loving, talented, funny, handsome husband
*A warm home - we even have a garage (so grateful on cold days)
*Two cars that carry us where we need and want to go
*Amazing friends and family members that always support me
*Plenty to eat (maybe even a little too much)
*A faith community that accepts and inspires me
*Natural beauty all around me

At the party on Saturday I especially loved Jeeper's ease as he ran through all the various parts of the Spooky Garden (he assured me it wasn't really spooky at all) and CeCe's absolute delight at the fun food (she thought cheese puffs were divine.) I watched my kids getting great joy out of the simple little things and realized that I can too! Jeep enjoyed every party game and CeCe loved the pretty decorations everywhere. I admired the bountiful vegetable garden (still producing!) and the creative touches, especially the fun wine labels (Ghoul's Blood was delicious.) It was a GREAT afternoon and I can't wait to go back again next year.

Introducing Memory Monday

2009-11-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

I am still participating in the Gratitude Challenge, and I WILL finish it (eventually), I promise. On Saturday I completed the activity for Day Eleven and I'll write about it tomorrow. In the meantime...

I have been itching to start a new blog tradition and write about one of my memories each week. So I am pleased to introduce "Memory Monday!" To make things even more interesting, I'm choosing a theme for my memory musings. Just to keep (all three of) my readers guessing, I'll write on the theme for an undetermined period of time before, WHAM!, randomly changing it. Yippee, I'm having fun already.

Recently I took Jeep to see the animated movie Ponyo (we LOVED it) and then I read Motherlogue's interview with Sara Backer about her novel American Fuji. As a result, I have had Nihon on the brain and so (drumroll, please) I have selected Japan as my first Memory Monday theme. Stay tuned for exciting stories of karaoke, snow, curry, toilets, salt water, disco, cream puffs and more. But for now, it is time to say oyasumi nasai.

Me too! Me too! Me too!

2009-11-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, since all the cool kids are doing it, I am going to attempt NaBloPoMo. Try saying that three times fast. Actually, just try and say it. I still can't. Anyway, I'm hoping it helps me lose two dress sizes, make $5000 per week working at home, and finally finish the damn laundry once and for all. Or at least keep me on track to finish the Tiny Prints Gratitude Challenge by Thanksgiving. Three cheers for NaBloPoMo. Fingers crossed, here I go!

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Jeeper had a play date on Wednesday and we made and decorated pirate hats. Time to walk the plank mateys... argh!

Oh Say Can You See

2009-10-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Gratitude Challenge Day Ten: Pick one of your five senses to focus on. Take note of how many gifts come to you via that single port of entry. Write about this experience.

Usually autumn is my favorite time of year. However this fall hasn't filled me with the usual awe. I don't know if it is because of things that have me down: my family's stress over my dad's stroke, the struggle to live on one income (while trying to remind myself that doing so is a choice), or the ongoing search for meaning without a job title to define me (I still stubbornly refuse to call myself a SAHM - which is a whole other blog post.) Or has this autumn been less appealing because we had such an amazing, sun-filled summer? Probably all of the above.

However, thanks to the Gratitude Challenge, I had a brief appreciation for autumn after I chose to focus on being grateful for the ability to see. As I moved through my day I saw hundreds of things that I felt grateful to see, but then I had the moment. Walking out of the library with CeCe in my arms, the wind blew and we were showered with leaves. It was one of those scenes that stops time. The sun peeked through the clouds and shone on us. In that golden warmth, leaves fell all around us -- yellow and orange and red. So beautiful. CeCe looked at me with her big blue eyes and she grinned her adorable smile. And I felt so, so grateful. For the ability to see well enough to get into my car and drive to the library. Because my sight allows me to read the books I picked up there. For eyes to see the gorgeous fall colors. But most of all, I am grateful that everyday I am able to see my children. What an amazing gift.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my boys went to the park and played in the mud. So fun!

If at First You Don't Succeed

2009-10-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

Day Nine of the Gratitude Challenge: Enjoy the people around you. Take a moment to appreciate their unique talents, abilities and personalities. I didn't do it perfectly every minute all day, BUT today, more than most days recently, I truly enjoyed my family. Here are some highlights:

CeCe started walking in the last couple of weeks and it is still so freaking cute. Her wobbly toddle -- bowlegged and unsteady -- melted my heart 100 times today. She looks a little like a drunken cowboy but her soft golden hair and big blue eyes make her 100 times cuter than any old coot. She is also suddenly into books and will bring one to me, grin and say "BAH," and then sit still for about 1/3 of the story before she wiggles and fights to get down. When her feet hit the floor she remembers she wants back up into my lap. She is a snuggle and cuddle bug and I adore her sweetness.

Jeeper sang to me a lot today. I L-O-V-E it when he sings just for me. Today not only did he sing two or three songs that he remembered from his preschool, but he stood right in front of me while I sat on the couch and sang me two different "original songs." He sings so sweetly and seriously and from his heart -- the music runs deep for my little guy. I also loved when he and CeCe played together today. He was driving her pink truck while pulling her behind him in her wagon walker. "I'm towing her," he told me matter-of-factly. You can tell by her grin that she thought it was super fun.

When my husband got home from work, he admitted he was feeling a little under the weather. But he spent a long time playing with the kids after dinner -- I especially enjoyed the funny magic tricks! AND he did a lot of vacuuming at my request even though I could tell he really wanted/needed to relax and rest. After the kids were asleep, we were sitting on the couch watching The Office and I was writing an email for an upcoming volunteer event and he played with my hair. He is always so good at saying loving words and showing affection.

The last few days I've been thinking I needed to get together with friends to complete this "enjoy the people around you" exercise. But today, just an average Thursday, proved that there is great joy right under my own roof.

Gratitude Schmatitude Part 2

2009-10-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Okay. So the Tiny Prints Gratitude Challenge is kicking my behind. Not only because writing something everyday is hard, but ALSO because most of the assignments are truly challenging (hmmm... maybe that is how they came up with the name) if I do them honestly. So honestly, some days I'm NOT very grateful.

Last week I got stuck on Day Nine: Enjoy the people around you. Take a moment to appreciate their unique talents, abilities and personalities. I was all geared up to complete the assignment at my god-daughter's birthday dinner. I was even going to take my camera and capture every grateful moment on film. Then come home and entertain the masses with my witty analysis of these people that I love. But before we left home on Thursday, Bea called to let me know her husband felt like he had the flu... and in the midst of swine-flu paranoia, we decided not to to go to the party. Boo. Oh well, I decided I would delay the assignment one day and appreciate my friend Polly and her new baby on Friday. But then she sent a text that they were sick too! Grr. How am I supposed to enjoy the people around me if I don't get to be around anyone?! (Lovely how I've made it all about me, heh.)

I know I could have, probably should have, spent time being grateful for my two angel kiddos and my handsome, loving husband. But instead, I've let myself be a grump and I've focused on my frustration about not being able to be with my friends. So today, I'm completing the assignment for Day Nine Point Five: Give yourself a break and then get over your grumpy self. Seriously.

PS - I "borrowed" the above photo of the adorable, yet grumpy carrot, from bbk bags on etsy. Check out her super cute handbags! She is very talented and she has the best birthday ever.

Back In the Saddle

2009-10-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so obviously I fell off the Gratitude Challenge wagon. Or I got on the wagon. Whichever one means I wasn't doing it - that metaphor always throws me for a loop. Anyway, while I have been trying to be grateful everyday, I wasn't keeping up with the assignments on the 21-day calendar. But now I'm BACK! I know you missed me.

Day Eight: Send thank you notes to five people who deserve a little recognition. I did it! Well, two notes still need address details, but all five thank you notes are written, stamped and will be mailed tomorrow. As always, I was blessed by writing the notes more than any of the recipients could be. If it weren't the middle of the night and my hand wasn't already cramping, I could easily write five more. So thank you Tiny Prints. For such a lovely idea. AND for not suing me for borrowing the lovely thank you note image in today's post. :) Good night!

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Chicken on the Farm!

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for the wonderful visit
and for taking these great pictures. We love you!

Purple Mountain Majesties

2009-10-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

Day Seven of the Gratitude Challenge: Take a picture of one thing, person, place or specific moment that makes you feel grateful. Share it with your social network.

I worked all day today at a fun event called The Kids Sale. And while there was much to be grateful for during my day, I was too busy to take any photos. So I am posting a photo from a few days ago -- one that my father-in-law snapped while he, my mother-in-law, husband, Jeeper and CeCe were visiting a local farm for Harvest Days. (I stayed at home and sorted through hundreds of items to prepare for The Kids Sale - grin.) This photo reflects just a tiny slice of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I love that by driving a few miles we can get to the countryside OR to the beach and that either place has a stunning mountain view. I am grateful to live in such a lovely region of the world!

365 Days

2009-09-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

Gratitude Challenge Day Six: Take a few minutes to call someone you haven't talked to in a while. Tell them how much you appreciate them.

Today's assignment should have been the easiest one of the whole 21 days. When we were young, my older brother would tease me that when our family went camping I would probably die because I wouldn't be able to talk on the phone. I used to spend hours on the phone as a teen -- truthfully, my monthly cell phone usage report shows that I still do. But as the day ticked on, I ran into a problem. See, ever since my dad's stroke I have talked on the phone a LOT! Even more than usual and to many, many friends and family members. And yet I wanted to call and thank someone who is really special to me. Someone I hadn't talked to in a while. And then it came to me. Today is September 30th. One year ago exactly was my last day of "paid work." And my department threw a beautiful good-bye party for me. So I called my former boss and told him that while I was enjoying this season of being an at-home parent, I still am grateful for him. Glad for the adventures we had working together. Thankful for his care for me as a person and a friend. Appreciative of his vision and leadership. And still feeling honored by the lovely reception, heartfelt words and thoughtful gifts that he and my team gave to me. After we hung up, I realized that while I hope he felt appreciated because of my call, I was the one who truly benefited because making the call brought to mind so many great memories. Maybe it wasn't exactly the easiest assignment of the whole challenge, but it was the one I've enjoyed the most.

Freewrite... Go!

2009-09-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

Day Five of the Gratitude Challenge: Take five minutes to write about how grateful you are for all of the wonderful things that you currently have in your life. Don't long for what you don't possess -- instead, take stock of all the blessings you already enjoy.

I was crawling into bed when I remembered the Gratitude Challenge. Whoops. So I'm going to set the timer and make a list of wonderful things just as they come to mind. Ready... set...WRITE!

Beautiful healthy kids, giggles from CeCe, Jeeper reading TO me, my cozy home on a cool fall day, crisp grapes, an encouraging phone call from my mom with sweet little stories of my dad's continued progress, homemade brownies, brothers who stay in touch and who say "I love you," the forested park at the end of our street, a husband who stops and rubs my shoulders almost every time he walks by my chair, a little garden that is still producing tomatoes, trustworthy neighbors, a great Montessori preschool within walking distance of our house, amazing friends in my life, plenty of tea in the cupboard, a haircut (finally!), the most beautiful summer EVER that is now turning into a gorgeous autumn, our cat (even though I don't act like it), sunglasses and my pillow.

Good night!

When Life Gives You Lemons

2009-09-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

Gratitude Challenge Day Four: Write a short message of thanks for some of the "negative" things in your life.

Dear First Job,

I used to cry every morning on my commute to work. I had dreamed of a long-term relationship with you, but that was before I knew about your back-stabbing colleagues, passive-aggressive supervisor and the micro-management of my day. I began to doubt my self-worth and you nearly broke my spirit. Fortunately, I was able to find a new job behind your back. My next job was so much better for me and soon I realized that I had loads of abilities and contributions -- you were the unhealthy one. I even felt a little sorry for you when I heard that two co-workers left you soon after I did. You didn't know a great thing when you had it! One of those co-workers is still one of my dearest friends. We shared the suffering you doled out and it forged an unshakable friendship. I am so thankful to have her in my life, so despite everything else, I am grateful for you.

Regards,

Sunni

Dear Painful, Humiliating Church Experience,

When you hurt my family, I wasn't sure I would live beyond the trauma, but I quickly realized that God was with me all along. Despite the way "God's people" behaved, I felt the presence, peace and comfort of the Creator. The injury caused me to question the religion I had trusted since birth and shoved me (against my will at first) into a fellowship of spiritual seekers much bigger and broader than I had ever imagined. Looking back, I am truly grateful to have come through the fire of fundamentalist rejection into the glory of God's transforming grace. So, humbly, I say thank you.

Sincerely,

Sunni

Ere I Forget All the Joy

2009-09-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

Day Three of the Gratitude Challenge: Write about something you feel grateful for in your life today.

I'm home from a wonderful dinner out and trying to quickly finish my gratitude update and get into bed. Today I am grateful for:

my husband
his parents
our wonderful babysitter
red wine, steak salad and creme brulee (yum!)

I've been humming a song all day and it feels like the soundtrack for this post. It is a folk song that I learned from my dad called "Today" that was originally sung by The New Christy Minstrels. The words seem perfect for this assignment:

"Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
Ere I forget all the joy that is mine today."

My Gralphabet

2009-09-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Day Two of the Gratitude Challenge: Use the alphabet as a fun and quick format for making a list of things for which you feel grateful. Share this list through email, a blog post or a Facebook page.

A The Artisanal Table - a new Pizzeria and Enoteca (Italian Wine Shop) in downtown Bellevue with truly wonderful pizzas and wines. My new favorite place.

B Billings - a fine place to grow up. And filled with many, many friends who are coming alongside my parents as my dad recovers from a stroke. I am so, so grateful.

C California Baby Calming Shampoo and Bodywash - makes my darlings smell even more delicious.

D Daughter - I am thrilled to be Mama to my sweet baby girl.

E Elsa Peretti - thank you for designing such beautiful jewelry. Every time I catch a glimpse of the lovely necklace my husband gave to me, I feel like a princess.

F Foster School of Business - I experienced invigorating work, amazing colleagues and inspirational students during my eight years at UW. Even now, many of my dearest friends share business school roots.

G Grace - God's unmerited favor.

H Husband - 10 years of marriage to one handsome hunk.

I In-laws - or "in-loves" as my mom says. I love the people that marriage added to my family: father-in-law, mother-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law. Dear to me, all.

J Japan - my first and favorite international experience.

K Kim - who inspired me to take this challenge. And who has been a bosom buddy for 15 years.

L Lihue - "the Gateway to Kauai." We flew into Lihue for our honeymoon 10 years ago and we'll fly into Lihue next spring to spend a week relaxing with some of our favorite friends. Can't wait!

M Motorcycle - the one I want to own someday. Glad for the dream.

N Nuclear family - both my childhood and my current. I have lots of love for Papa, Mom and my brothers. And I adore my hubby, my Jeeper and my CeCe.

O Orange (but not oranges) - Orange is a long-time favorite color. So bright and fun.

P my Pals/Peeps/People - Super grateful for my friends. If this list wasn't alphabetical you all would be at the top. I love every one of you.

Q Quilts - My mom just got excited when she read that. But sadly for her, I wrote quilts, not quilting. You see, my mom is a quilter and I love the beautiful works of art she makes for my family. Maybe someday it will say quilting, Mom. But not today.

R Red Tano handbag - I'm grateful that it is beautifully crafted and just the perfect style and color, but my favorite part is that my husband picked it out for me when he was on a business trip in NYC. Awww, what a guy!

S Son - He is my angel.

T Triple Thanks - Trader Joes. TiVo. Tea (lots of ice, no sweetener and a slice of lemon.)

U U2 - thanks to my friend Wolm for the U2 intro and to my husband for the U2 enthusiasm and education over the years.

V the View out my kitchen window - so green, cool and comforting.

W Wedding in the UK - thank you Sonja and Dan for the opportunity to be part of such a warm and wonderful event! It was the trip of a lifetime.

X XoXo - kisses from my kiddos.

Y Yoga - even though it has been way too long since I've practiced... it really changed my life when I did.

Z Zoom, zoom, zoom - LOVE my Mazda. So zippy, easy and fun. I want the CX-9 next! Whoops, that isn't gratitude. Well, I AM grateful for my current Mazda even as I covet my next one. Heh, heh, heh.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

'Nilla wafer at Nana's

Gratitude Schmatitude

2009-09-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Since returning from Montana, I've been "down in the grumps." I called Bea and asked her to meet me at Frost Doughnuts thinking maybe a bacon maple bar would get out of my funk. We are going tomorrow so I'll let you know. In the meantime I went to see my therapist and we discussed my dad's stroke, my mom's stress, my kid's whining and my disappointment over not being selected as a Verity Mom finalist. Her recommendation? Keep up with "self-care." Umm, oooh-kay. Easier said than done when you are a busy mom of little ones. Does a really delicious gourmet doughnut count?

So, I made plans for my husband and in-laws to give me some time off this weekend, found a babysitter for a grown-ups only dinner on Sunday and scheduled a massage for a week from now. Still felt grumpy. Called Moe, our angelic mother's helper and she came over and played with the little ones for a while. She even picked up all the toys while she was here. I was beginning to feel a little better. Met my husband at the door and told him HE was taking the kids to dinner. Hmm... this self-care business just might work! I feel less grumpy already.

A bowl of cold cereal and a half-hour of peace and quiet later, I found the final piece in my grump-banishment plan. The Tiny Prints Gratitude Challenge. I learned about it from my friend Kim, over at gratitude365. She had already started the 21-day challenge and I felt encouraged when I read her posts. And not only because I am included on one of her gratitude lists. So I'm going to do it. And today is my day #1. The assignment for the first day is to write about why I accepted this challenge and what I hope to achieve.

I accepted this challenge because most of my thoughts today are about why I am NOT grateful: There are dirty dishes in the sink. A friend's father passed away yesterday after a long fight with cancer. The kids broke our laptop this morning. I could go ON and ON. But it isn't helping to make a list of what stinks. I need to shift my perspective. I know there are hundreds of things that I can celebrate right now, even though it feels like an effort to come up with a list. Thankfully, I don't need to make a list until tomorrow's assignment! And what I hope to achieve is the strength to choose grateful. Maybe not every single time, but more of the time and even when times are rough. I know the benefits will be worth the challenge.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't taken any photos this week. I have been in Montana trying to be helpful to my mom and dad because my dad had a stroke a week and a half ago. So this Friday, I'm featuring a favorite photo I took last fall when my dad took Jeeper fishing. My dad is showing improvement everyday and I look forward to a not-too-distant day when he can return to his favorite hobby! I love you, Papa.

Yer Name's Sundee?

2009-09-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Ask anyone who knows me very well. I'm pretty picky about my name. I don't know exactly why my parents named me after the weather or why they decided to switch out the traditional Y for a cheerful I, but Sunni is my given name and I figure that people should, for the most part, get it right. I assume that the barista will write "Sunny" on my cup when I give them my name and that's no problem for me. Even when people pronounce it "Sue-knee" when they see it written for the first time is okay... as long as it doesn't happen a second time.

Just like anyone else with an unusual name or a name with a non-traditional spelling, I've tried to figure out ways to make my name easy for people to understand and easy to remember. The following dialogue took place when I was a teenager working at a snack counter. It gives you a glimpse into my life with the name Sunni. This story isn't even about the unusual spelling -- that is a whole other blog post! Anyway, here is one of the many funny conversations about my name:

Older gentleman: Yer new here. What's your name?

Me: Sunni

Him: Sally?

Me: No, Sunni. Like the day.

Him: Yer name's Sundee?!

Me: No Sunni. Like the weather. Sunny day. Like that.

Him: Yer name's Sunny?

Me: That's right. Pleasant customer service smile.

Him: Oh. Sunny... like Sonny Boy.... That's a boy's name.

Me: Giving up. Here are your nachos, sir.

Airplane Carry-on: Then and Now

2009-09-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

Before I was a mom, my carry-on would include:
Emoillient lip balm
Hydrating face mist
Extra-moisturizing hand lotion
Nail clippers (for the rare hang-nail that might disturb)
Lavender-scented buckwheat neck pillow
Eye mask (on long flights)
Ear plugs
My own (sanitary & comfortable) headset
Fully charged laptop for working and playing Solitaire
Handful of my favorite magazines purchased in the terminal
Printed copies of trip paperwork in folder
1-2 Luna bars
Mentos (the freshmaker)
Sparkling water or iced tea purchased right before boarding plane

Traveling with my children, my carry-on includes:
Umbrella stroller (gate-checked)

"Cozy blankie" (my daughter's huge fuzzy blanket)

LOTS of diapers

Wipes

Changing pad
Plastic bags for soiled diapers
Two complete changes of clothes for each kid (don't forget socks)

Nursing cover

Diaper ointment
Teething tablets and cream

Small bottle of infant Tylenol

Bibs

Binkies (5 would be ideal)

Empty water bottle & sippy cup for filling with water in terminal

Many small baggies of snacks for kids
Inexpensive paperback books that I'm okay with losing

An endless array of small "disposable" toys

Post-it notes (can entertain a toddler for a LONG time)
iPod with many preschool-age videos loaded in advance
Old over-the-head earphones (for child who doesn't like iPod ones)

A few more kid snacks

Chapstick, any chapstick (please tell me I threw one in here!)

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

You may be thinking I need to take a few more pictures if this is my favorite photo of the week! But wait, let me explain. As most of you know, I am a contestant in the Verity Mom contest -- a chance to win a job as a blogger/spokesperson for Verity Credit Union in Seattle. And a primary part of the application process was making a one minute video. The rules specified that applicants had to script, film, edit and post the video by themselves. And so I did. And this, dear readers, is a photo of my amazing cameraman. I call him Bob. (grin)

Multi-tasking Mama

2009-09-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I ever so carefully super-glued a toy airplane to myself. Which is shocking because I was giving the task my complete and undivided attention. Well, okay. Dinner was cooking, CeCe was wildly yanking dishes from the cupboard at my feet and Jeeper was standing next to me asking rapid-fire questions. And I didn't really plan to fix the toy tonight. It had been sitting on the kitchen counter for nearly a year and all of a sudden tonight I felt convinced that I had to fix it right now. And I DID fix it. But I also glued it to my thumb. And then I panicked because I couldn't remember what to do. Dish soap and hot water? Nope. A good yank? Ow! No way. Fortunately, my husband walked through the door right then. And of course he knew. Finger nail polish remover. Phew. So, other than a little pale blue paint residue, I'm good as new again. But the whole adventure did remind me to slow down a little. And to save any super-glue projects until after the kids have gone to bed.

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2009-09-09T10:41:00.001-07:00

In addition to all my tension, worry, stress and upset because my dad is in the hospital recovering from a stroke (almost 1000 miles away), yesterday was stinky because:

Jeep broke a beautiful little dish that I brought back from Japan over ten years ago.

CeCe "the Destroyer" found (by getting past the kid-lock on the bathroom cupboard) and ruined my favorite lipstick. Lipstick under tiny fingernails is OH SO fun to clean up!

My mom (understandably) had a huge emotional breakdown.

Mother Nature brought me a "gift." (Let's pretend I didn't just write that.)

More great moms applied to be the Verity Mom. Including a professional blogger. She probably has a clean house and nice handwriting too. Grrr.

My husband got a speeding ticket. Okay, that was actually a couple of days ago, but I was still really mad about it yesterday.

Jeep whined. CeCe fussed.

And some other stuff. That I can't think of today. But it sure seemed like a really bad day. Except for the moments when it didn't. Like when we took a walk as a family to the local park. And during the phone calls from dear friends who wanted me to know they love me and are thinking of me and my family. And when my husband put the kids to bed so I could go to the gym. And when I was eating the brownie sundae I made when I got home.

So maybe it wasn't exactly a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But I hope today is better.

I Don't Like This Sandwich

2009-09-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

In the middle of this weekend's usual events -- dishes, bedtime routines, a trip to the store -- and extraordinary events -- homemade raspberry pancakes, our 10th wedding anniversary, an afternoon to myself -- I received a call that my dad had been admitted to the hospital and appears to have had a stroke. Diaper changes and meal preparations were suddenly interrupted by frequent phone calls, sobbing fits and internet searches for flight schedules to Montana. His condition is stable enough that the testing that will give insight into what happened has to wait for the holiday to pass. So I am on hold. And in limbo. Sandwiched between worrying about my dad and working with my kids. I pick up CeCe's stack of blocks and at the same time I fall apart at the thought of my dad struggling to communicate. My dad! One of the most talkative, verbal and opinionated people I know. I sit and sound out words with Jeep and I get a lump in my throat because, in his current state, my dad can't remember how to read. My dad! The one who taught me to love reading with his example of devouring book, after book, after book.

As a parent myself, I don't have the freedom to give my dad all the attention I want to give him. I want to be on a plane yesterday. I want to be at the hospital asking questions, holding his hand and making sure my mom gets time off to rest and eat. But who will look after our kids while I take care of my dad? Do I take one or both or none with me? What favors do we call in from friends and neighbors and when? How can we choose between the plane tickets and preschool tuition? How do we make responsible financial decisions for our family -- our whole family? There isn't a guidebook or one clear black and white answer right now. And so I pray for the strength to make the best decision I can -- for my kids, my husband, my self, and especially for my dad.

Celebration Saturday

2009-09-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Happy tenth wedding anniversary to us! We had a lovely evening out at Cinebarre and Preservation Kitchen. One of my favorite parts of the whole day was my husband's facebook status update: "Loving the Sunni side of life for 10 years and counting." Awwwwww. Just one of the thousands of reasons he is the one for me.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

This week our family picked blackberries at our neighborhood park. We came home with two quarts! I made a cobbler with one quart and we ate the rest over the next couple of days. CeCe LOVED them!

Smells Like A Budget In Here

2009-09-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

This post was written as part of my application to be the Verity Mom for Verity Credit Union so it also appears online at www.veritymom.com.

Before I stopped "working for money" (my previous career) to "work for love" (become a stay-at-home-mom,) I saved a little chunk of change for use in case of emergency as we transitioned to living on one salary. Every month I would find myself writing a check from savings to cover any number of "emergencies"-- from date nights (cheaper than marriage counseling, I told myself) to new shoes (on SALE) and car repairs (okay, that truly is an emergency.) And yet I was surprised when I realized the fund was nearly depleted. How did that happen?! Wouldn't I have noticed the rapid decline? Well… the truth is, I didn't. Two young kids kept both my husband and me very busy and our finances were not getting the attention they deserved. We had made a few spending changes and I was proud that we weren't using our credit cards, but for the most part we were living like we did when we both drew a salary.

After a brief period of panic and worry, I reminded myself that living within our means is a choice. I knuckled down and went carefully over our fixed expenses and bank records and made a budget. Candidly, it was EYE-OPENING! We are fortunate to have enough money coming in to cover our daily needs, but we don't have a lot of wiggle room. A couple of expensive dinners out, a few thoughtless purchases and one of those ever-present unanticipated expenses and wham-o, we are over budget! No wonder the emergency fund evaporated.

Now we pay fixed expenses with our online banking and liquid expenses with cash that comes out of an old-school envelope system. In our family are certainly still learning how to use our budget muscles -- we've been out of shape for a while. It isn't easy, but the challenge is balanced with a great feeling of satisfaction. I know I am making good choices for my family and our future which brings me more pleasure than the convenience purchases I was making before.

Today, instead of buying a treat from a Starbucks drive-thru (a too-busy mom's snack salvation), we are having fresh baked cookies. The grocery store had Marie Callender's Chocolate Chip Cookie mix on sale for $1.79 so even when I add butter and eggs, I'm getting a dozen cookies for less than I would have spent on two cookies a few months ago. And a mix is still manageable for a too-busy mom. It isn't true every minute, but right now, living on a budget smells pretty sweet.

Light the Fire

2009-09-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've written many, many blog posts since last September... unfortunately they have all been in my head! But a couple of weeks ago I found something that inspired me to return to the actual keyboard.

A local credit union is basically having a contest... for a part-time job as a "mommy-blogger" and spokesperson! I am a little surprised that I am so interested and excited by this idea. I tend to be a bit of skeptic and I get frustrated at how marketing departments can push, push, push for never-ending, thoughtless and wasteful consumerism. But this seems different. Sure Verity CU is doing this for a reason -- and I'm sure a numbers-based reason -- but it feels like there is heart behind it. That while they want to find new customers, they are also interested in those customers on a more holistic level. And that yes, their research shows that moms make most of the buying decisions in a family and so, of course, let's capture those banking customers, but let's also make their lives a little bit easier by giving them a space, and a voice, that supports the important, all-consuming yet so rewarding work of being a parent.

So, I'm in. I still need to write a blog post for my online application, but yesterday I borrowed a flip camera from a friend to make my application video. Today, I taped myself talking on my back deck while Jeep watched "kids TV" and CeCe took a nap. And the perfectionist, former working-for-money professional, detail-oriented me wanted to shoot it about 25 more times in various outfits, from multiple angles and in different light, BUT the baby woke up after take number 3 and my real-life as an at-home parent brought me back to the sweet reality of "good enough." Afterall, in addition to all I do everyday as a mom, I still need to get the video onto YouTube, finish my Facebook "Sunni Bannon for Verity Mom" fan page, and send a few more Tweets. grin

So thank you, Verity Credit Union for this great idea. It has recharged my blogging brain with loads of new ideas and I'm glad to be back!

And also thank you to Tim who kindly granted me permission to use Verity Credit Union's "Verity Mom" logo.

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-09-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

I love every part of this photo: the sibling love, the fun faces they are both making, Jeep's dirty summer feet and the random flashlight!

Two Inches of Independence

2008-09-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Jeeper and I had a quick date yesterday afternoon -- right before his dad and I went on a date for our ninth wedding anniversary. My special time with Jeep was simply a run to our local Fred Meyer for a step stool for our bathroom. We already have a step stool in the bathroom, but one of those little white IKEA ones. When Jeeper stands on it, if he stretches really hard, he can sometimes turn on the hot water. Which means, many times a day, he needs a grown up to help him wash his hands. So after what feels like a million trips to the bathroom, I finally got the brilliant idea to look for a slightly taller step stool.

At the store, Jeep chose a red, folding, "as-seen-on-tv" step stool and he proudly carried it most of the way to the checkout. And I will tell you, those extra two inches have bought us both a whole new world of independence. Now Jeep is able and free to turn on the hot and cold water as well as turn it off. All by himself. So I am free and able not to be there. I love you, sweet independence! At least for today.

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-09-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Ninth Wedding Anniversary today, honey! Thank you for the beautiful flowers. I still can't believe you found the same kind of roses we had in our wedding. You amaze me!

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-08-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

"Crazy Hair Day" at Jeeper's preschool. Rock on, my little bub!

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-08-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Bea, had a baby boy just a few weeks after CeCe was born! Here is a shot from their first playdate.

Piggy Bank

2008-08-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

For the most part, Jeeper is good at recognizing boundaries. Sure, he negotiates daily and he pushes hard for what he wants when he wants it, but he isn't one of those kids who snatches the decorative items off your mother-in-law's coffee table and he knows to ask for a grown-up's hand before stepping into a parking lot. So he caught me off guard a few months back when he put coins into the CD-player in my car stereo.

He was "playing car" in my car in the garage -- sitting in the parked car (no keys anywhere near for those of you who are questioning my parenting skills) and pretending to drive it. We had gone over the rules a number of times before: no turning on the headlights, honking the horn or playing with the CD-player. Other than that, he could turn the radio dials, flip the windshield wiper lever up and down, push on the hazard light button and imagine he was speeding down the road all he wanted.

As you can imagine, the coins in the CD drive have rendered that part of the stereo inoperable. And neither my husband nor the dealer can get the coins out. Which means that I'll have to replace the stereo system if I want to play CDs ever again. And although I've thought about tapping some of the funds in JP's "Savings" or "Taxes" accounts, for now, I'm opting to rely on the radio. And I must admit I'm enjoying the one small perk of JP's coin adventure -- no children's music! Since all of his music was on CDs, when he demands "kid music" I can calmly remind him that the CD player doesn't work. And when I ask him why, he remorsefully replies, "Because I put money in it." Well, son, how about some good old rock and roll instead?!

Lovesick

2008-08-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Loathers of mush, beware! Excessive adoration below:

I am crazy, madly, punch drunk, head over heels, wildly in love with my kids! Sure, I've got postpartum hormones contributing to the teary-eyed, lump-in-my-throat, shout-from-the-rooftops profession of adoration, but the love is real.

CeCe melts my heart with her little baby sweetness. Her tiny perfect fingers and toes, her fragrant head and soft hair, and how overall she is delicate, soft and warm. I love holding her, cuddling her, changing her, nursing her, rocking her, and just looking at her.

Jeep is my amazing toddler. I am in awe of how he changes daily and delighted with the way he communicates, negotiates and reasons. I think he is undeniably handsome and loads of fun and he is still my cuddle-bug and a perfect combo of ornery and angel.

I'll probably need to come back and read this post after a future power-struggle, tantrum or sassy defiance. But even in the face of parenting's challenges, while the mushy thoughts may fade for a moment, loving these two is the easiest thing I've ever done.

Welcome

2008-07-25T13:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome... to any reader who stumbles onto this long-dark blog.

Welcome back... to myself and to writing.

But mostly, welcome to the sweet baby girl born to our family last week!

Here in this "Seattle Sun" space you will be called CeCe - a nickname I chose for you when you were wiggling inside. You are loved and adored by your Daddy, your Mama, your big brother Jeep, and many, many other family members and friends.

A Boy's Blessing

2007-08-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

This was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 18th, 2007.

One evening many months back, when Jeep was younger and more often waking multiple times a night, in a sleep-deprived haze I thumbed through a book of devotions and found a prayer that I have prayed with my son every night since:

Dear God, shelter us under your wings of love. Grant us a peaceful night and a restful sleep.

After the above phrases, I rattle off a list of "God blesses" starting with Daddy, Mama and Jeep. After the three of us, the nightly list would vary widely from every grandparent, aunt, uncle and cousin, to all of Jeep's classmates and the neighborhood pets. A couple of months ago, Jeeper surprised me by interupting me after the word "sleep" and reciting "God bess Daddy, God bess Mama and God bess Jeepee." So sweet. He has been in charge of the "God blesses" ever since! It has been fun to observe nightly who he selects to bless. Daddy and I almost always make the list, but beyond that it may include that day's favorite teacher, one of his stuffed animals or a neighborhood pal.

Last weekend, a good friend was visiting from Oregon and she was sitting on the living room floor with me and Jeep when I told him it was time for his nap. He sunk into my arms and began chanting "God bess Daddy..." I laughed because we don't usually say prayers for naptime but it was funny that he related it to being about to get into bed. Then he said, "God bess Mama," and paused before he pointed to my girlfriend and pronounced, "God bess dat one."

Happy Hill, Golf Guys & Bubble Bub

2007-07-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we took a four day road trip vacation with Jeeper's Grandma and Grandpa. I learned a few things, good and bad, about car travels with a toddler. Next time we take Jeep on vacation I plan to be a little more careful about coordinating travel and naptime, for example. But I had to share these three highlights of the long weekend:

After Jeep started getting restless at a restaurant, he and Daddy wandered outside and found a little hill and Jeeper went crazy rolling down. I couldn't believe how many times he would roll down and then pop back up, run up the hill and do it again. He laughed and laughed. Such a typical childlike thing to do. Who hasn't rolled down a hill? It was a rite of passage -- a very fun one!

Daddy, Grandpa and Bub played a little putting course the next morning and the Jeeper held on through 12 holes. He concentrated really hard, was super sweaty after they finished and kept repeating his dad's coaching for days: "Back, through!" It was amazing to see him play so hard with the big guys.

Our boy, bubbles and a beautiful view.

Rock Star

2007-01-30T22:45:00.001-08:00

We've were hit hard with the January flu bugs at our house. I got up one day after a morning of throwing up and sleeping to find my hubby sitting in my floral "mama-chair" glider holding a sleeping Jeeper who had been incredibly fussy without his mama around. Daddy had been holding and rocking Jeep for over two hours because it was the only way the little guy would sleep. It melted my heart and filled me with gratitude for a spouse who is such loving father.

Seeing Red

2007-01-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

Jeeper tripped on the floor yesterday (admit it, you've done that before too), fell right on his face and got a bloody nose. I was in the shower so his daddy did the comforting and clean up. Fortunately he was fine a few moments later but I was a little traumatized since this was his first truly bloody "ouch." I imagine there will be more in the future since he's an active and energetic little boy. However, first bloodshed feels like some kind of mothering milestone.

A Dream Come True

2007-01-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

I have great news to report: The sippy cup of my dreams exists!!! The Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp (NGG) is everything that I had hoped and imagined a few months ago. I love the description of the bottle on the company's official website:

"We’ve taken on Everest. Now we’re ready for toddlers! Nalgene containers have stood up to some of the worlds most extreme conditions. Small potatoes compared to small children. The new Nalgene Grip'n Gulp™ is tough enough to survive being thrown from a moving minivan, spill proof enough to compel parents to blame the rug stains on the dog, and odor proof enough to allow leftover milk to go undetected under the couch for months. Most importantly, its a great way for little kids to reach new heights."

The first time I spotted the NGG it was in the cupholder of an SUV parked at Jeeper's school. A few weeks later we were brunching with friends and they gave one to Jeep to use for slurping his apple juice. I made an admiring comment and they told us we could take it home (it was no longer needed since their youngest is a very mature six year old who is so over sippy cups). After my brief but delightful experience with this hand-me-down version, which proved to be all that Nalgene advertises, I ordered one for practically every toddler I know. I recommend you do the same. (The best price I found was the SALE price at http://www.campbound.com/.) Happy sipping!

77 Names

2007-01-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

Angel
Angel Cakes
Baby
Baby Bug
Baby Cakes
Big Boy
Boy
Bub
Bubba
Buddy
Bugger
Buster
Buster Brown
Cowboy
Cute Heart
Cutest
Cutest Heart
Cutie
Daddy's Boy
Darling
Dear
Dear One
Diddle Diddle Dumplin'
Farmer John
Frere Jacques
Honey
Honey Bunch
Jack
Jaguar Prince
Jeep
Jeeper
Jo Pat
Johann
John
John Patrick
Johnny P
Jota Pe
JP
Juan Patricio
Little Buddy
Little Bugger
Little Fella
Little Guy
Little Man
Little One
Little Sweetie
Love
Love Bug
Love Bunch
Love Munch
Lovekin
Lovey
Mama's Boy
Monkey
Muffin
My Son John
Ornery
Peanut
Pride ‘O Me Loins
Pumpkin
Snuggle Bug
Son
Squirt
Sunshine
Sweet Angel
Sweet Boy
Sweet Cheeks
Sweet Heart
Sweet Pea
Sweetest
Sweetest Angel
Sweetest Boy
Sweetest Heart
Sweetest Pea
Sweetie
Sweetie Pie
Tiger

Power Struggle

2006-12-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

I recently called BlogMama to propose a topic for her personal blog gratitude365… electricity.

Probably not at the top of your thanksgiving list, but I know over one million people here in the Pacific Northwest have a newfound appreciation for the juice that fuels our overhead lights, garage door openers and furnaces (and a whole slew of other luxuries). While many homes in the greater Seattle area had power restored one, two or three days after the wild wind storm the night of December 14th, we were among the unfortunate few who waited eight days in the dark and cold. Okay, we didn't exactly wait all eight days - the last two nights we stayed in a hotel, but even during those two days the trips home to pick up necessities were chilly and dim.

Living without power has many similarities to camping so the first day or two it was almost fun. During our "camping adventure" we relied heavily on our small woodstove. We used it for heat (the uneven temperatures were frustrating at times), for cooking necessities such as grilled cheese sandwiches and cowboy coffee (water and grounds thrown together into a saucepan and heated to almost boiling), and for entertainment ("Dancing Flames: the Mini-series").

But while I imagined I was Laura Ingalls-Wilder at first, I quickly tired of hauling wood and stoking fires. Those oh-so-important daily toddler routines became impossible and Jeep's moods swung wildly. We tried to be grateful knowing there are so many tougher challenges in life, but patience ran thin all around. The hard-to-penetrate-darkness was the hardest blow for me personally and I felt completely exhausted by 7:30 or 8:00 each night.

This brief challenge brought great respect for pioneers and people who suffer through disasters with losses much greater than the food in a fridge. I am ever so slightly more aware of what is truly important in life (the answer is people, not clean laundry - although clean laundry is very, very nice) and also a tiny bit more aware of all that we take for granted in our easy, electric lives. That being said, the moment the electricity came back on I ran around the house, flipped on every light, turned on the TV, played the radio, cranked up the heat, started the laundry and ran the dishwasher. Ah, the power of power!

Cry Baby

2006-12-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

I've always been someone who cried easily. I am the target audience for those sappy Hallmark commercials and I've shed a tear in almost every movie I've ever watched. But as a mother I find myself crying in a whole host of new situations. When Jeeper was six weeks old I tried to go grocery shopping but he pitched a huge fit at the store. No matter what I did (rock, shush, bounce, swaddle, sling or even nurse) he wouldn't stop crying and I finally started to cry too - right there in the Safeway floral department. Fortunately it was a quiet weekday so there was no one around. We eventually calmed down and left the store without much notice.

This morning we hit sluggish traffic due to an accident and Jeep got frustrated and started wailing. He was frustrated, mad, and sad all at once and he let me know it. I sang songs, told stories, offered crackers, opened the windows, reasoned, cajoled, pointed out garbage trucks and then started to cry myself. A mama has an instinct to soothe her baby's cry and car seats, traffic, and office hours don't always cooperate with that urge. Once Jeep got to school he settled down within a matter of minutes, but I felt spent all morning. I guess I'm the crybaby!

Green Nails

2006-12-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

As more and more of my friends, neighbors, colleagues and associates announce that they are happily expecting, I've been been reflecting on being pregnant. I've decided that my pregnancy was a hike in the gently rolling hills while motherhood is a rock-climbing adventure. In my very-average pregnancy I experienced physical, mental, emotional and spiritual changes that were life-altering, but they happened more gradually than the changes motherhood throws my way.

It is true that pregnancy offers many uncontrollable aspects (Is it a boy or girl? When and how will I go into labor?) but the baby on the inside was a little easier to control than the baby on the outside. Not that Jeep is harder or easier than your average 17 month year old. But when he was inside, even though I couldn't make him eat or sleep or play happily by himself "for a couple of minutes so Mama can go to the bathroom," it didn't really matter because he was inside and I could usually manage to eat or sleep or go to the bathroom in peace. Of course I knew that once my baby arrived I wouldn't be able to eat or sleep or use the bathroom the same way I did before. But having a child has changed the way I do those things as well as every single other thing in my life. And at the same time that I'm trying to operate my life in a whole new way, I'm in an intense relationship with a fascinating person who changes even more quickly than I do - my son.

Today when I picked Jeeper up from his Montessori school, I noticed that he had splotches of green on his hands and under his fingernails. I got a lump in my throat because that green paint residue was a quick and clear reminder that he isn't a baby anymore. He walks and runs and talks on the phone and plays jokes and operates the velcro on his shoes and expresses himself creatively with art supplies. Sure he still wears diapers, nurses and cries sometimes, but make no mistake, he is rappelling his way right into kid-town. And I'm just along for the wonderful and wild ride.

Tea Tangent

2006-11-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on October 24th, 2006.

I need to rant about tea today. Tea doesn't have much to do with being a mama except that I am a mother and I really like tea. I'm having a hard time readily find good tea and I'm ticked.

Let me clarify a few details. First of all, I like iced tea best. Fresh, crisp, clear cold tea with lots of ice -- ALL YEAR ROUND. People drink cold water, iced sodas and frozen frapp-a-doodle drinks so I don't want sassy comments about my preference for cold tea. Secondly, I like my tea UNsweetened. I don't care if other people want to add aspartame or sugar, but I believe that tea should be available in it's pure plain brewed form and additions should be optional.

Seattle is a coffee town and tea lovers are treated like second-class citizens. I'm shocked by the poor quality tea I have been served; no coffee drinker would accept coffee that is 3 days old, bitter and murky so why do restraunteurs and baristas assume that treatment is okay for a tea customer?! And enough with "fountain tea." That stuff is NOT tea - it is nasty yuck and should be banned. Again, would you drink your coffee from a spout on the coke machine? Noooo, I didn't think so.

Good tea is pretty easy. Take some decent tea leaves and cover them with really hot water. Serve as is or cool slowly and add ice. The end. Not difficult. At work I often buy fountain cups filled with ice and pour my own brewed tea over the ice to make delicious, fresh iced tea. But I shouldn't have to carry my own tea bags as I go about town! Starbucks offers an iced black tea all year round, but when I order it, I have to specify no syrup (which of course I do) and more than once I've taken a big slurp a few miles from the drive-through only to taste the tell-tale slickery sweetness of sugary syrup. Ugh.

When in Chicago for work recently, I fell in love with ArgoTea, a local tea cafe that is hoping to become the "Starbucks of Tea". I'm thinking of writing them a letter about opening in Seattle - maybe I'll promise them I'll run their first store here. Until then, I'll keep scouting out places that offer a decent glass of iced tea. And I think I'll tuck some tea bags in my purse… just in case!

The Sippy Cup of My Dreams

2006-11-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on October 5th, 2006.

Okay, so there is a ton of baby gear out there and some I like, some I love and lots I could do without. But lately I've been dreaming of a couple of things that, as far as I can tell, do not yet exist. So I'm calling all savvy parents and/or you inventor types to help me get my hands on two imaginary items.

The perfect bibI believe that infants and toddlers learn a lot from food. The journey from tray/plate/bowl to mouth is an educational one that develops the mind and many motor skills in addition to the palate. But it is also one of the messiest adventures ever! And most bibs are not up to the challenge. The perfect bib must be:

Big enough to cover the mess. I'm not sure I want long sleeves, but I'm tired of gaping neck holes and barely-to-the-bellybutton coverage. If I have to change his clothes after he eats, then why am I bothering with the bib?

Repellent or at least resistant to liquid. Many bibs keep chunks of food at bay, but still allow liquid to soak through. Those bibs may save me a few stain-fighting seconds, but I still have to spend way too many minutes changing his clothes and washing the wet ones! Not good enough.

Easy to wash and dry. Although I might consider one that rinses under the tap, the perfect bib can be tossed in the washer and dryer (and still repel liquids). Another feature that is affected by wash-ability is the bib closure. Velcro can be quick, but it doesn't hold up very well in the wash so I would prefer a button, snap or tie closure.

Small, light and hip. Babies eat everywhere so a bib needs to be portable and packable. And a cartoon character print or cutesy-cute won't do. The perfect bib works well and looks cool.

The perfect cup
Sippy cups have saved the sanity of many parents. At my son's Montessori daycare, they teach the babies to drink from tiny tumblers which is so adorable and very amazing but the reality is sometimes a kid needs to drink on the road. So the sippy cup of my dreams would:

Be easy to drink from but not leak! Okay, so I learned the difference between sippy and tippy and Jeeper has the sippy kind so they shouldn't leak, right? Wrong! Even if they don't leak out of the spout, they leak out of the screw-on top. I'm tired of wet seats, laps and diaper bags. Argh!

Not have a handle, but still be easy to hold. I especially loathe the kind with the removable handle because it is one more thing to lose. But there should be some shape or curve that makes it easy for little fingers to grip.

Keep the drink tasting good. This is my hugest gripe. Grab your little one's sippy and take a good long swig. You'll join my revolution! That foul, plastic taste does not seem healthy.

Now that you know how I spend my spare moments imagining improvements to baby gear, I'm hoping someone out there has recommendations that will make my dreams come true!

Checking, Savings, Trade School, Taxes

2006-11-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on September 28th, 2006.

Although Jeep is only 15 months old, he receives an allowance. He has been getting a weekly allowance since I saw two pink stripes on a certain plastic stick. It isn’t a trust fund or inheritance nor do we have buckets of money – I just wanted to start a healthy money habit early.

Jeeper gets one dollar a week. In quarters. I put one quarter in each of the antique Bell jars that I bought when I was pregnant. The quarters aren’t for decoration although they do sparkle in their glass banks. I use quarters because it makes the math easier. You see, I distribute his allowance into four accounts: Checking, Savings, Trade School and Taxes. The money is for Jeep – and it is his to spend – within the boundaries of each account.

Checking is the NOW money. The “gum in the checkout line” or “poorly-made, over-priced toy in the gift shop” money. As soon as Jeeper’s brain can handle the logic of demand and supply, he can spend the money in his checking account as quickly or slowly as he likes. But he will also learn that Mama and Daddy won’t buy the gum or the toy for him (I can’t guarantee that Grandma/Grandpa or Nana/Papa will follow suit) so he will have to make his own choices and live with them.

Savings is the PRETTY SOON money. I don’t know yet if little Jeep will have a “burning a hole in my pocket” or a “miserly moneybags” mindset. Either way, to spend the money from the savings account he will need to check in with an advisor to get the purchase approved. The advisor’s role isn’t to talk him into or out of a purchase, but to be a touch point that reminds him of what he truly wants and values. Hopefully the savings account will produce many coveted toys and treasures while also teaching the sweet, sweet satisfaction of delayed gratification.

The Trade School account’s purpose is to make a dent in a future EDUCATIONAL endeavor. 25 cents a week won’t pay for books so we plan to supplement this account as we are able. Most likely and somewhat hopefully the future beneficiary of these funds will be the undergraduate tuition bill from a college or university. But the money is Jeeper’s to use for culinary school or a welding certification program or art school or an ESL certificate program in Spain or six years of community college courses or a PhD or whatever he chooses to pursue.

Earlier I wrote that Jeep’s allowance is for him and that he gets to spend it but that isn’t the whole truth because he has a jar for TAXES. We aren’t handing the fourth quarter over to Uncle Sam. The money in the final jar will be spent by our family (with Jeeper’s equal input) to benefit our home and our community. Family activities can be funded from this account (it is likely trips to Disneyland will be excluded) as are charitable contributions. One small way to remind him that with money comes a responsibility beyond yourself.

As Jeep gets older, I plan to increase his allowance to match his age. One dollar a week for each year lived, with ¼ still deposited into each account. The idea isn’t to fund Harvard tuition or pay for his first car, but to help him develop reasonable spending and saving habits while fostering independence and freedom. One shiny quarter at a time.

Earth Angel

2006-11-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on September 7th, 2006.

Ode to a Mother's Helper

One of the brightest ideas I had all summer

was to call 'Moe (Jeep's version of her name) and ask her

to become an honorary family member

She gains babysitting experience with mom around

(plus $4 an hour)

and I get extra hands and help with

shopping trips and summer concerts

Once a week under her care

all the board books return to the shelf

the tupperware to the cupboard

and the toys to their baskets

Baby boy giggles erupt from the living room

while I put dinner on the table

Stories of sixth grade entertain us and

our wacky family antics amuse her in return

Oh happy day

today is Thursday

and 'Moe is on her way!

Darn Nature

2006-11-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 24th, 2006.
Even as I come up for air after a busy, tiring, stressful, sleep-deprived (and meaningful, touching, awe-inspiring, rewarding) 14+ months that were kicked off by one of the world's longest labor and birth experiences (about 54 hours of active labor at 2 full weeks PAST my very accurate due date)... I've caught myself having "baby urges." Are you KIDDING?

In my mind I know I am not ready for another baby right now! At the same time I am surprised at the power of the procreating instinct.

I expect that Jeeper will get a sibling (not yet sure if it will be bio or adopted which is a whole different discussion/post for another time).

But not ANY day soon.

New Blue Shoes

2006-11-22T20:14:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 20th, 2006 as part of a "Mom Finds" series.

On Saturday I made a first-time visit to Me ‘N Moms and I hit a "Mom Find" grand slam!

Run number one: The store itself which was neat, clean, well-organized and well-stocked. An anomaly in the world of consignment.

Run number two: The great clothes I found for Jeeper including a new Babystyle long sleeve tee (for FOUR BUCKS!) and a funky dinosaur tee by Tangerine (a hard-to-find boutique designer of boy clothes).

Run number three: The perfect walking toy. On the way to the store, I was wishing I had a walking toy for Jeep, but I didn’t want to spend much money. How about a gently used Little Tikes Activity Walker for 8 dollars? Yes, thank you!

The final run: Brand new, too cute, blue shoes! M n’ M’s sells new shoes by Robeez and See Kai Run and I scored the last pair of the discontinued, but still so cool, Marek sandal. I couldn't believe it. They are the perfect size for Jeep’s feet, the timing is perfect for our trip to SoCal next week, and can't beat the perfect $19.95 price.

Yay, team!!!

One Stroller to Rule Them All

2006-11-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 17th, 2006 as part of a "Mom Finds" series.

Like most expectant mothers, I carefully researched baby gear during my pregnancy. I knew our sweet baby would require the breast, a car seat, diapers and clothes. Everything else was superfluous and I was determined to find the best basics. In many areas, my frugality and minimalism paid off. Skipping the infant carseat and starting right off with the Britax Roundabout convertible carseat worked just fine. Jeep didn’t seem to miss the baby swing and the excersaucer we never bought. But I was most proud of our selection of the Mountain Buggy Urban Single stroller. So many parents I knew had a closet, trunk or garage full of strollers. But we needed only one. I was self-righteous about the simplicity and singularity of our Buggy. The MBUS was a travel stroller, jogging stroller, and mall stroller all rolled up in one smooth-turning, show-stopping, hot orange package.

Which leads me to my "Mom Find" item. The Maclaren Volo stroller. Ahem. Yes, my solo stroller smugness has vanished. When I needed to take my son to San Francisco for a quick business trip, I worried about hauling the 25 pound Buggy through SeaTac, BART, and the Westin St. Francis. So I read a few reviews, found an online special and purchased a carbon colored Maclaren Volo sight unseen. The carrying strap and 11 pound total weight convinced me to make the purchase, but the one-handed operation and delicate ride have stolen my heart. The Buggy still dominates for trails and car trips, but the Volo is the ride of choice for shopping and airports. This particular "Mom Find" has convinced me that although we can get by without a pack-n-play, a second, lightweight stroller is a must have!

Motherhood: Antonym of Makeover

2006-11-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 13th, 2006.

I didn’t live a picture perfect life before my son was born, but in the last year, most areas of my exterior life have deteriorated. The other day a colleague who lives near me jogged by my house and I waved her over. As we chatted in the driveway for a few minutes I looked around and realized how much has changed in the last 14 months.

That morning I had “styled” my wet hair using the car vent blasting on high. The little makeup I was wearing had been hastily applied at a stoplight. Jeep was slimy (from the banana the produce clerk gave him that morning) and dirty (from crawling in our dusty lawn that hasn't been watered) and he had wiped a good amount of banana on my shirt. The dandelions in our yard were almost 2 feet high and our decorative grass was so overgrown that you can barely get in the front door (we use the garage door and are able to ignore the problem). I couldn’t invite my co-worker inside because I knew that the living room was covered in toys, the kitchen table was cluttered with months of paper, the sink was full of dirty dishes, our bedroom floor was a mountain of dirty laundry and the bed frame was covered with clean laundry washed a week before. Plus I didn’t want her to see the Pepsi and soft tacos that I had just picked from Taco Bell.

Sigh.

I’m thrilled to have my son in my life and am honored to be his mother, but sometimes I get overwhelmed by the pace and magnitude of change brought about by parenthood. I’m still learning the balance between self-care and self-sacrifice, but I think I get it right when I choose book reading over blow-drying, laughing over laundry and hugs over housework. So while I think my priorities are going through an appropriate makeover, please don’t come over for a photo shoot anytime soon!

Five Favorites: Breastfeeding Stuff

2006-11-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

Blog Mama reminded me that August is World Breastfeeding Month, so to celebrate, I posted my breastfeeding story and a review some of my favorite nursing products on the Blog Mamas site on August 10th, 2006.

I’m not exactly a lactivist, but I believe that mothers deserve lots of breastfeeding encouragement and I would love to see our society become much more supportive of nursing.

My Breastfeeding Story

After the pretty standard painful start, Jeep and I were able to manage breastfeeding although it seemed like I produced just exactly enough milk. When he was three and a half months old and I returned to work, I had enough stored milk to get him through one day. So everyday I would pump like crazy at work, rush to the daycare center to nurse at lunch, drink tons of water, swallow fenugreek caplets until I smelled like maple syrup and we still lived from bottle to bottle! My supply started to drop from all the stress so I finally bought a can of organic formula. Jeeper happily sucked down the bottles of formula in between the bottles of breastmilk and I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I didn’t get to relax for long because after about two weeks, he started balking at the formula and within one more week he completely refused it. So I was once again chained to the breast pump praying that I wouldn’t spill even one drop of the "white gold."

At six months we started to introduce fruit and veggie baby foods so the pressure began to let up. Things got easier as Jeep ate more foods and now I only pump once a day and each afternoon at daycare he has one bottle of breastmilk. He is almost 14 months old and he still nurses in the mornings, evenings and nights – most of the time I love it although there are some frustrating moments. Originally I hoped to be able to breastfeed for one year and now I hope to nurse for at least two years.

I encourage every mom to consider breastfeeding. It is rarely easy so you’ll need lots of tools, support and determination. The two pieces of advice that helped me the most were: 1.) Take it one day at a time. Sometimes when it isn’t going well it is hard to imagine pushing through the challenge to make it to some far off goal (like 6 months or one year) but you can probably make it until tomorrow and that is enough. 2.) If things aren’t going well or you have a question or problem, ask for help (some resources to try are a lactation consultant, La Leche League meeting, midwife, doula, doctor, mom’s group, female family member or friend with nursing experience or even the internet) and if that person or resource doesn’t help, ask someone else. Rarely does the same advice or solution help everyone so keep seeking answers.

November 2006 update - Jeeper is still breastfeeding and right now my goal is to continue to nurse at least until he is two and maybe longer. I started working less hours in September so I stopped pumping and he primarily nurses at home. A standard day of nursing would start in the morning as he is waking up (he comes to bed with us in the very early morning), then we would nurse when we get home in the afternoons, often again in the evening, always right before bed and probably once in the middle of the night. He nurses more when he is teething, upset or going through a big transition. For example, he recently moved into a new classroom at school and he is a little clingy and wants to nurse more than usual. Early in 2007, when he is 18 months old+, I plan to slowly cut down the number of nursing sessions. For the most part, I am very happy to still be nursing and I enjoy the closeness it brings us. He is very efficient at nursing so I don't spend long periods sitting like I used to which is nice. It can be hard to come up with nursing alternatives (cuddles, books, songs, snacks) when he is asking for more nursing sessions than I am willing to have and occasionally I do get a little tired of it. Overall, I'd say it is going very well lately.

Breastfeeding Product Reviews

Hug Nursing Bra by Japanese Weekend – The Hug bra is by far my favorite nursing bra (I own three of them and would love to buy one or two more). I bought and wore my first one in late pregnancy because it was soft and stretchy and it accommodated my expanding chest. I was so grateful to have it in the first weeks of nursing when I needed to wear a bra 24 hours a day; it was even comfortable for sleeping. Like many new moms, my breasts were extremely tender and sore when I was first learning to breastfeed so a very soft bra was of paramount importance! After the soft, stretching fabric, my second favorite feature is the layered style which creates easy access for breastfeeding. Because there are no clips or snaps, it is easy to operate with one hand. I always lift the cup up which provides a smidge more privacy than bra styles that only drop down to give the baby access. (Note, the photo shows the pulled down cup position, but it is just as easy to pull the cup up.) I throw these bras in the washer and dryer (probably not ideal) and they have held up beautifully. The only potential downside is this bra is on the lighter end of support so it may not be a great all-day bra for moms who need firm support.

Lansinoh Lanolin – I’m still not sure why rubbing sheep grease on very sore and tender nipples helps, but it does. (It would make sense to me if they were just dry and cracked, but they weren’t dry and cracked as much as they were raw and cracked. Sorry, but it is true!) Anyway, one tip is to rub some lanolin in between your fingers to soften it and then put it on the nursing pad which you then gently set on your sweet tender ladies. M-u-c-h better than trying to rub cold, stiff lanolin directly onto sore, sore girls. Yee-ouch! Lansinoh is a reliable brand for quality and purity and I found that one tube was more than enough to get me past the painful part. Now I use it on my dry elbows.

Lansinoh First Days Ultra Soft Nursing Pads – The regular Lansinoh nursing pads were high on my list, but during those sore first weeks, the ultra-soft nursing pads were my favorite! They are more curved than the rest, plus they are puffy cloud soft.

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags – These are the best, no question. They are easy to open, easy to fill, easy to zip, easy to label, easy to freeze and easy to pour. I avoid bags that use twist ties because they easily leak.

Medela Pump in Style Backpack – If you are returning to work, you MUST have an electric, double breast pump. (Even if you are not going back to work, you should get one.) I heard and read this advice when I was expecting but it didn’t really sink in until almost too late. After Jeep was born I went to the nearest drug store and bought a manual pump. The manual pump worked okay for expressing a little milk if I got engorged and I used it to pump a few ounces after we had breastfeeding established. But once I needed to pump three or more times a day at work, the only way to go was the double electric pump. An angelic friend lent me her Medela “Pump-in-Style” Backpack so I haven’t tried the newer Advanced version. The original one worked fine and the backpack was super handy for hauling to work and back everyday. My dear friend also gave me all my own new replacement pump parts so nothing “used” was ever touching me or my breastmilk. Remember that not only is it ideal to give your baby as much breastmilk as you can, formula is expensive so think of the purchase of a high quality breast pump as an investment.

To see more product reviews, check out my post on my top ten favorites: Baby Stuff.

Wrestle Mania

2006-11-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 6th, 2006.

I grew up with two brothers and I recall a good amount of wrestling at our house. While my older brother was on the actual wrestling team in junior high, what I remember most is the three of us rolling around on the floor trying to "pin" each other. Knowing my past, I'm not surprised that Jeeper likes to wrestle. But I am surprised that he is such a tough wrestler at 13 months old! I would have never guessed that I would be pinned daily by a 23 pound nursling. Granted, he uses a unique technique where he presses his open mouth on my face (usually right over my nose) and then drools, causing me to be overcome with the heebie-jeebies and the giggles and the combo effectively renders me helpless. Sometimes he wrestles his daddy and occasionally he plays a little rough with his best friend at his daycare, but so far I am his favorite opponent. And as long as he stays away from moves like the "jawbreaker" and the "hammerlock" and he lets me sneak a few snuggles, neck nuzzles and a smooch or two, then I say, "Bring it on little man!"

Roots

2006-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on August 3rd, 2006.

My mom and dad have a big garden and recently my mom emailed me this photo of some radishes they grew. Wow, look at those roots! I can't get them out of my mind. Even worse, I've gotten too philosophical about vegetables since seeing this picture.
To explain, you need to know that my parents don't live in the Seattle area. Actually, my husband and I don't have any relatives in Washington state (well, maybe we have a 3rd-cousin-twice-removed somewhere around) or even in any bordering state. Our immediate families live in Montana, California and Texas and we have extended family primarily in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

I love many aspects of our life here in the Pacific Northwest, but I also have a deep urge to grow roots in one place. That feeling grew stronger after Jeep was born. I've been thinking a lot about what it means to have roots and if that experience is even possible. I've lived in three different parts of the US for 6 years or more and I feel connected to each of those places. I miss unique aspects of each of those locations even while I enjoy living here. Did I grow roots in the past and pull them up when I moved? I'm not sure.

Do I need relatives around to have roots? I know the answer is "not necessarily" because I was very connected to my home town and the people there even though I grew up with no extended family around. I have dear friends, good neighbors, supportive colleagues and a network that deepens daily here in Western Washington. I think I should feel rooted here and often I do. But then I see Jeeper with his grandparents or one of his uncles (or any other family member) and I notice something different. I'm not sure how to explain it. The love of the family seems a tiny bit more accepting and I wish he could be around that love more a little more often.

One more veggie tale might help clarify my muddled thoughts. I bought a bag of sweet Maui onions at Costco because I couldn't resist the price. We don't eat onions much – we use only one or two a year so it was dumb to buy four. When I got home and looked at the bag I felt sad that I don’t have family in the area. Because when it is family, you can stop by and drop off a couple of extra onions. And they will like and love you just the same (even appreciate the gesture) and not think you are strange. I want Jeep to have that "extra onion" type of acceptance in his life.

Some days I threaten to pack all we own and move in with my parents or in-laws. Maybe that closeness would give me instant roots, but it would also come with some significant trade-offs. What helps me the most is to be grateful for this moment. We have the love of our family and we connect through email, phone calls and visits as often as we can manage it. We are blessed with great and growing friendships here in town as well as special friends around the world. This place offers satisfying jobs for my husband and me plus spectacular care for our boy. So while I'm still not sure how to grow roots (or what that means or if it is important), today I am thankful for a rich harvest.

Ten Favorites: Baby Stuff

2006-11-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on July 21st, 2006.

The Baby Book by Dr. William Sears – this book calmed our fears so many times. It is amazingly detailed so we use it like a reference book rather than a favorite novel.

My Brest Friend – dumbest name in the book, but this nursing pillow offers very good all around support especially in the early days of nursing when perfect positioning made all the difference.

Mountain Buggy Urban Single – so the two handle-bar recalls have been a pain in the bum, but other than that I love the smooth, smooth ride of this versatile stroller.

Swaddle Designs Blanket – the best all around blanket. Soft, lightweight and BIGGER than all the rest so you can easily get any sized baby good and swaddled. Ecological bonus – one version is made from organic cotton.

The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD by Dr. Harvey Karp – my hubby watched this DVD two or three times and quickly became “The Master Swaddler.” He could calm fussy Jeeper in a moment or two using the techniques which were clearly presented and easy to follow. I read the book which was quick and easy too, but especially recommend the video.

Ring Sling – I made fun of these before I took a baby wearing class where I tried a whole slew of baby carriers. I chose a silk sling because the fabric is very lightweight and strong, but also less bulky than most. The ring sling design is versatile and easy to adjust. Ours is from Taylor Made Slings, but there are many similar designers.

Baby Bjorn Baby Sitter Activity Bouncer – I love the simplicity of this baby seat (no batteries required). We didn’t use an infant car seat (we started right off with the convertible type), so it was great to have a comfortable place for Jeep to hang out for a few minutes when we were doing something (like eating) that made it hard to have him in arms or in the sling.

Earth’s Best Organic Lavender 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash by J/A/S/O/N – the name is way too long, but this is great baby soap! It is tear free, concentrated, gentle but very effective and the bottle has an easy open design which is so helpful when you are trying to support a wiggly baby with one hand and get some soap out with the other.

Oball – a toy for everyone! This simple ball is great for babies as young as two or three months all the way up to 100 years+. As Jeep started to crawl he liked to roll the Oball forward slightly and then wiggle toward it. Now he throws it wildly, so I’m grateful it is soft and flexible. The small size is great for travel too!

Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Disposable Diapers – in addition to the absence of harsh chemicals, these diapers just work really well for us. We don't have problems with leaks and I like the simple tan style.

To see more product reviews, check out my post on my top five favorites for Breastfeeding.

Where Have All the Mamas Gone

2006-11-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on July 13th, 2006.

About six weeks ago Jeep started saying “Mama.” It started as “ma-ma-ma-ma-ma” and then slowly the pauses started to occur in the right places. I called Bea and proudly announced, “Jeeper said his first word and it was ‘Mama.’” “Are you sure he meant you?” she asked. “Of course,” I shot back defensively.

Truthfully I wasn’t exactly sure. He didn’t look lovingly into my eyes or reach longingly toward me when he said it. It really was kind of random. I believed he meant it for me because I (naturally) was around whenever I heard it.

A few days later I dropped Jeep off with Bea and her kids while I ran to the airport to pick up my brother and his family. When she brought him home she said, “Oh, he definitely is saying ‘Mama.’ After you left he cried and clung to me for a while. He would look sadly around and every now and then he would say ‘Mama’ in a forlorn little voice.” While her story broke my heart to know he missed me so much, at the same time I was bursting with pride. My baby knew how to say “Mama!”

Since then he has also learned to say “uh-oh” when he drops things, “bop” when he sees a balloon, and “baa” each night when we start his bath. Oh, and he says “Dada” now too. Actually, almost all he says these days is “Dada.” Our cat is “Dada,” a ball is “Dada,” of course Daddy is “Dada” and (I don’t want to tell you but I must be honest) even I am “Dada.” Sigh. I know I shouldn’t be competitive and truthfully I’m thrilled for Jeep to know what to call his Daddy. But I l-o-n-g to hear “Mama” again.

Until then, I’ll gladly respond to “Dada.”

Two-headed Beast

2006-11-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on July 9th, 2006.

While I totally agree that BlogMama deserves validation for the choices and efforts she has made/is making, I don't think the grass is much greener over here in Working Mom Land. I don't get bonuses or an especially fat paycheck but I do earn enough money to cover exceptional (and exceptionally expensive) childcare plus a few economic ends including my family's health insurance. Although I try to be more efficient than ever, I can't give the time, attention and travel that I used to give to my work and I've seen the compliments & appreciation decrease as a result. Plus I still do the lion’s share of kid-care and household duties at home too. With no more thanks or appreciation than the average Mom – working or not.

What I find the most difficult about being a working mom is my split personality. I feel like almost every minute of everyday I frantically flip my focus from my son to my work and back again. The “to-do” list never ends and I have two of them! It makes me pretty crazy and I’ve spent hours talking to my husband and other mama friends about the perfect solution. I’ve come to the conclusion that there isn’t one perfect reality for all mothers but I hope there is a unique balance for each of us. So far, I’m still on a teeter-totter, but Jeep’s awesome daycare, a couple of hours of paid housecleaning a month, and lowering my standards in almost all areas are a few of the things that keep me from toppling.

I have thought a lot about the “career set-back” that can happen when a mom chooses to walk away from work and stay at home these days. While I'm not satisfied with the current economic & cultural situation and the choice mothers are forced to make, I’ll admit career progress has a small part to play in why I’m still in the workforce (although not nearly as much of a role as the health insurance). Honestly I don’t feel like I’m climbing the corporate ladder right now. If I’m lucky, I’ll hold my spot on this particular rung.

Even Prisoners Have Book Readings

2006-11-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

This post was originally posted on Blog Mamas on July 3rd, 2006.

In April my friend Bea invited me to a book reading with Anne Lamott. She had arranged for a family member to watch her kids and was looking forward to time off, spiritual intellectualism and a few laughs. My only experience with Anne Lamott was a quick skim of “Operating Instructions,” but listening to an author who has wrestled (somewhat irreverently as I recall) with both mothering and faith appealed to me.

I work a demanding job in addition to the demands of motherhood. I feel caught in the stereo-typical “mommy wars” - judged for working by friends, family and strangers who are/were “stay-at-home” mothers and also pressured by society and economics to be a successful professional woman. So when I read about Lamott online, I was drawn to the description of Anne “exhorting readers to go easy on themselves and with each other.” I look forward to hearing “essays that are howlingly funny mini-sermons” and a “quirky, funny perspective [that is] nothing short of a salve for tired souls.”

The day of the event I realize I haven’t confirmed that my husband can pick up our son so when I learn he has to work late, I’m disappointed . I call Bea and tell her I’m tempted to bring Jeep and stay until he cries. She encourages me to try it and agrees to get there early to save us a place.

Jeep (10 months old at the time) is in a good mood and flirts with Bea as the crowd files in. There is no cry room so we sit in the back row near the hallway. Anne reads about Easter and cancer and it is as funny and poignant as I had hoped. Jeep giggles when anyone laughs at Anne’s wisecracks and turns with wide eyes every time the audience applauds. How refreshing to stretch my mind and soul while sitting on the floor with my wiggly, happy son! Although on occasion he spouts baby gibberish, I feel relieved and grateful to have the best of all worlds.

After reading, Anne takes comments and questions from the audience. While she tries to come up with an answer to “How do you connect with Christians in red states?” a gray-haired curmudgeon from two rows ahead turns to glare at me. “Get that kid out of here!” he barks. I’m caught off guard for a moment, then retreat to into the hall with bouncy babe in arms.

From the lobby I listen to a woman describe how "Operating Instructions" helped her get through life after the birth of her son. My eyes fill with tears that don’t stop. I return to the auditorium and whisper good-bye to Bea. She helps shove gear into the diaper bag and whisks me outside where she offers sweet words and hugs.

I cry on the drive home as Jeep chatters about the passing trees, cars and whatever else occupies the mind of a pre-toddler. Some tears are angry tears at my husband for having to work late, some are frustrated tears for the man who couldn’t relax and hear the wisdom of a writer/mother because he was too distracted by a few happy sounds from a baby, others are tears of embarrassment because I should have known not to bring a baby to a book reading.

Then I recall a recent NPR program about authors hosting book readings in a women’s prison. Sound like a good program, but what about moms? Like many parents, I struggle to juggle a life that includes a kid and society’s expectations and norms. The lines are fuzzy and I don’t always know where to comply and where to protest. And while I believe it is perfectly fair to ban babies from symphony concerts, I also believe that grumpy old men should be banned from Anne Lamott book readings.

My Halloween History

2006-11-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

Halloween is not my favorite holiday. When I was a kid, my mom made great handmade outfits for my brothers and me (she was a 4-H sewing champ) and I'm crazy for sweets so you'd think I would be a fan. However, I am w-i-m-p-y about anything scary so the whole haunted side of the holiday gives me the creeps. When I do celebrate, I carve happy Jack-o-lanterns, choose cheery costumes and skip the cobwebs, tombstones and werewolf howls.

I remember being excited for the Halloween haunted house at my elementary school. The teachers warned us that once we started to go through, we had to finish. There would be no early exits; no exceptions. I stepped through the door, heard the spooky music and immediately started bawling. I cried so hard they quickly made an exception to their "no exception" policy. No more haunted houses for me. I've never watched a horror movie and could only bear to watch Michael Jackson's Thriller video with one eye open. I'm a fan of The Simpsons and I faithfully TiVo each new show, but I'm not recording this week's annual "Treehouse of Horror" episode since I can't even handle scary cartoons.

In addition to the creep factor, Halloween ranks low on my holiday list because I don't enjoy dressing up. Some people love the challenge of creating a costume, but I don't! I never come up with very good ideas plus I just fret. Will I be uncomfortable? Will I be too dressed up? Or worse, not dressed up enough? Like the year I came to work as a gardener and no one even noticed that I was in costume. Because it is so common to wear overalls, a straw hat and galoshes to the office. Nevermind that I had my hair in pigtails and a spade in my front pocket. Argh.

When we moved into our house a few years ago, I started to get a little more excited for Halloween. It is fun to hand out candy and see the neighborhood cuties all dressed up (even though the doorbell rings only about 5 times thanks to the dark, rainy October nights here in Seattle). Last year we stayed in, dressed four-month old Jeeper in Halloween themed pajamas and answered the door. No stressful creative costuming and nothing scary. My perfect "all-hallows eve."

Jeep loves dogs, so this year I got him a puppy costume and made plans with a friend to take our babes to University Village for trick-or-treating. I told myself I was doing the right thing for the photo album and then prepared for some twoodler (like tween) fits of frustration. When one of my colleagues wished Jeep "lots of fun" on Halloween I responded with the observation that Halloween isn't exactly fun for one year olds. Not that it is torture, but fun for a one year old is a familiar place (like home) and an enthusiastic audience (especially one that will clap, cheer, sing and rough-house). Fun isn't big crowds, sitting for photos, wearing a weird hood or being urged to put treats in a basket.

I was right, Jeeper didn't burst into grins or giggles at any point during our Halloween adventures. He tolerated his hood, carefully observed all the commotion and took his treat taking very seriously. But what surprised me, in addition to his good behavior, was how much fun I had! The cool autumn air, the energy of all the families, the ease of a being with a good friend and the cuteness of my son together with the sugar high from a few mini candy bars made me into one happy Halloween mama. I'm already looking forward to celebrating Halloween as a family in the future. Just as long as I don't have to wear a costume any time soon.

Mirror

2006-11-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this little space where I feature my Blog Mamas posts and other random rants and raves.