Red-letter day or at least a pick-me-up!

Where did we come up with the saying "red-letter day"? I think I should know the answer to this one, but I don't or at least I don't remember. I needed a little pick-me-up yesterday, although, I didn't know it yet. I found these in the road while Brenna and I were on our morning walk.

I can't tell you how excited I was to find a brand new pack of sharpies and then to walk a few more steps and find another sharpie pen on it's own. I many not be able to tell you how excited I was, but Stephanie got to experience my sheer glee over the phone. I was all giggles. Those of you who know me well, know that I love pens. Sometimes I have to just walk through the pen aisle to see what is out there. When I was in college and was anxious about an upcoming test, I went and bought a new pen. I know, it is a little crazy, but at least it isn't an expensive way to self soothe. You can see how a new pack of sharpies would make my day. They gave a spring to my step.

Like I said, I really needed that spring later in the day. Brenna has decided to pull out all her toddler tricks. She is two after all, and don't anyone forget it. She tried my patience yesterday, and some today too. Although today has been better. She is being outright defiant. I am glad that she is becoming independent and trying to learn new things, but I sure wish it were easier on me. I can't seem to find anything that she doesn't like to serve as punishment for outright disobedience. Today she has even asked to sit in time out because she found that so fun. What I am I going to do with her? (Nena's answer: sell her and buy a duck. But ducks aren't all their cracked up to be either.)

I forgot to post these pictures earlier this month. I firmly believe that every child should have their first encounter with oreos documented. They were a mess, but she loved them. Actually Brenna isn't very picky about her cookies. I won't be giving these to her very often. They are just so messy.



I took these pictures of my sweet niece when Elizabeth brought the kids to KC last week to play with Brenna. I love her dimples and her wonderful smile. She is just so cute. She is also a wonderful baby. I pray that God gives me an "Avery" next time around. Apparently several other people are sending the same prayer God's way for themselves.

"Hey guys! Look what I can do."

Crazy Weekend

WARNING: The following blog is not very well written but seems to fit the chaos of the weekend. I guess my brain is only working well enough to document in stream of consciousness form.

I can barley even tell you how crazy this weekend was. I am just now recovering from the self-imposed chaos. When will I learn not to cram everything into one weekend.

I guess it wasn't completely self-imposed. Let me start with Friday. We knew we were going to San Antonio and thought we would be staying with Aaron and Elizabeth, but Tanner got sick. So on Friday afternoon we had to find somewhere else to stay on Saturday night. Luckily, we know the Thompsons who are always willing to led us a room or two. Unfortunately part of the reason we were going was for a surprise party for Aunt Peggy (Thompson). Trust me when I say there were several issues to staying with them. I definitely didn't want to ruin the surprise. I had to call my "lie coach" Mindy to coach me through the weekend. I hate to lie and I am not very good at it. Luckily, I made it through Saturday night and Sunday morning without ruining the surprise.

On we move to Saturday morning. I wanted to take Brenna to Sea World. The Backyardigans were doing a show there and I knew she would love it. Of course getting the three of us out the door by 8:30 is quite a feat. I did not accomplish that one. We got there after the show was full. Brenna missed the Backyardigans, but she loved the alligators, dolphins, sharks, fish, and horses. The few hours there were not wasted. After that I had to go by Target to get a wedding gift for the wedding we were attending at 3:00. We ate and then rushed to the Thompsons to let Brenna take a short nap. I didn't feel good and ended up having to lay on the couch for a little while.

After a shower, we woke Brenna up and rushed to the wedding. I didn't think we would make it there at all, but Brenna and I walked in as the bride's maids were were walking down the isle. Nathan parked the car and stepped into the chapel right after the bride. Brenna was not happy to be there. Well, that's not really true. She just refused to whisper. Nathan took her outside into the drizzle and entertained her. I actually got to sit through this wedding. That hasn't happened in awhile. There was a dinner at the reception. Brenna and Tanner loved running across the dance floor before the dancing began. My mom didn't want to claim them. I'm not sure I wanted to claim them. Just kidding, it was pretty cute. Brenna also loved dancing with her daddy once the music started.

Then when we got home Brenna had a stuffy nose and woke up all night because she couldn't keep her paci in her mouth and breath at the same time. You know what happens when baby is up all night? That's right, Mama is up all night.

Sunday came rushing on. I had to lie a little to keep Aunt Peggy oblivious to the forthcoming details of the day. Brenna played with the fish outside and read books with Uncle Roger until Aunt Peggy left for brunch with Mom.


Then we prepared for the party and the big surprise. Did I mention that Brenna really didn't feel well? Am I a bad mom for staying? I really wanted to celebrate with everyone. The payoff was good. Let me tell you about the party.

Mindy planned a great party. The entertainment was a group of people that raise exotic animals and then take them to parties, schools, and different places to educate people about how they live. We got to see and learn about animals I had never seen. It was so fun. Brenna loved it too despite the fact that she couldn't breath, missed most of her nap, and she kept sneezing all afternoon. We were able to touch a wallaby, hedgehog, large turtle, boa constrictor, and the coolest of all, a sloth. I didn't even know what a sloth was. We also saw a tarantula and a macaw. We learned about how they live, what they do, and what they eat. The man who owned the business was a great teacher with all kinds of information. I loved every minute of the presentation. I really loved the sloth. They are so slow and hang upside down most of their life. They are soft and actually quite cute. I feel very privileged.

So have I sufficiently explained why I am just now catching up. On Monday morning I slept until 8:30. And today I slept hard until 7:30 when Brenna woke me up. I don't normally sleep that well, but I guess exhaustion took over. Hopefully I have recovered enough now to be a normal person. Maybe my brain and body will work better tomorrow. I'm glad every weekend isn't like that one, but I'm glad we were able to do everything we did. It was fun to see everyone and to celebrate with a wedding and birthday.

Glimpse of my Childhood

I wonder, if I start telling her now that she will will one day have a little girl just like herself, will she stop calling me back into her room several times in the evening to simply "rub back"?

Ask my parents, or any babysitter for that matter, what I did every night until I was, oh, probably an adult. Yes, I called them all back to my room for all different reasons: water, a question, a forgotten song, a kiss, a hug, who knows what else. I remember doing it because I was scared sometimes, but I am sure it was also a stalling technique. I thought this would start later with Brenna. Actually I thought this curse would pass over me, but I guess not. (I didn't miss out on the colic or spit up problem either.) My little Brenna already calls us into the room many times an evening. I now see why my parents became frustrated. How is it that our children know how many times each night is too much? She knows how much patience I have down to the very number of times I am willing to get up to lay her back down without loosing all sanity.

Sorry Mom and Dad (Nena, Adrianne, Kathy Dickson, any others). What can I say? Mom told me it would happen. Is there some Mom curse you put on your child each night they call you back into the room for no apparent reason? If there is, I need to know about it. Just kidding. I don't really want to curse sweet Brenna with a child that won't sleep 30 years from now. Or do I?

Surgery

This has been a long week. We have been inside because of rain. We have endured long days without Daddy (he had practice until 8 every night). We have visited friends and had a surprise visit from family. We have had disappointments, and some excitement. We have had some injury and a surgery. Brenna and I have done a lot in our long days alone. Well, not really alone as much as without Daddy.

Who had surgery you may ask? Brenna's beloved Bear was in need of a repair surgery to her lower extremities. I guess after two years of nights and naps I should have expected some damage. Luckily the tear wasn't life threatening. I had her sewn up in a jiffy and she is now slaving away in bed with Brenna. It is a good thing I sew quickly too. I brought out good old "spare bear" for Brenna to sleep with while I performed the delicate surgery. Unfortunately Spare Bear is no longer sufficient. I had to take Bear, the original, to Brenna in bed so that she would finally fall asleep for her nap.

I guess I don't have any right to judge. My "bear" is so old I can't even tell you it's age. I sleep with an old pillow that barely has any stuffing left. In fact, I don't think you can even call what it does have stuffing. I have been the center of a few jokes because of my pillow. At one time I thought I would be able to retire it from nightly duty when I got married, but that obviously didn't happen. I guess my pillow and I will be together as long as it survives. I can only hope Bear will last that long for Brenna.

The Votes are in

I have debated, read suggestions, put both quilts on Brenna's bed, decided, changed my mind, and asked Brenna. I am not very good at making decisions. I hope that I have made the right one now. I did choose the one Brenna picked out today.

I laid both quilts out and asked her which one she liked best. She told me the same one several times even after I switched them around. Then as I was walking out of the room, I noticed the one Brenna picked matched the sign on her door almost perfectly. That did it. I hope I made the right choice.

I did go against what most of the comments posted here, but I had several people telling me their choice. It was almost even on both sides.

So, the winner is...



...at least until I change my mind again.

Olympic Mania

I have been one of the million crazy Americans who has stayed up until ungodly hours to watch the athletes compete. Almost every night I tear from the emotion of these athletes. I just finished watching Phelps race with his teammates for his last gold medal in China. I can't even imagine the emotions that are surging though his body.

I remember hating the two weeks of Olympics when I was a child. That was all we watched. My dad loves sports and the Olympics were always at the top of his list. He didn't ask for much as far as television viewing was concerned, but come Olympic time, there was no arguing. Dad won, hands down. I guess I learned through the years to tolerate the two (or four) weeks every four (or two) years. Later, I became captured by the magic. I don't know what year it happened. It was sometime after the change where the winter and summer Olympics alternate every two years. Maybe it was the Atlanta Olympics. I don't really know, but it happened. I became an Olympic junky too. Now I look forward to those two magical weeks. I love the winter and summer Olympics, but the summer are my favorite. Of course they are, there are no horses in the winter Olympics.

I love watching the athletes compete. They train so hard and long. I love to hear the stories behind each athlete. They all have a story. I love to watch the unlikely winners as well as the favorites. Tonight I watched the women's marathon. There were two Chinese at the end who placed 3 and 4. They almost seemed to root each other on as they ran. They were running for themselves but also with each other. They did their victory lap together holding the same flag. What a precious memory for them. I loving the spirit of the games.

I loved rooting for Phelps this year. His goal was unimaginable. Many doubted him. I rooted for him each night. I stayed awake to watch him swim. I felt privileged to talk him through the race (as if I have the knowledge to talk). I loved his gratitude toward his teammates. He never seemed to take all the credit.

I also loved watching the gymnastics. I don't know how they do it. I get so nervous for them. How do they keep their concentration every time they go out to perform. Those gymnasts are so young.

Then of course there is the Dressage. I only watched 4 or 5 horse and rider teams go, but I loved the grace of each dance. Those horses are a picture of beauty. They floated from movement to movement in a dance of perfect grace and unity. I love that sport the most. I sure with everyone else did too so I could watch more.

Back to my own life, Brenna and I made it home safe. I missed posting some pictures from earlier this week. We went to the beach with Mimi and Poppi. Brenna loved going into the water with Poppi until she tasted the water. Then she kept telling Poppi, "I wanna go home." Luckily Mimi calmed her down by telling her that she was taller than the shallow water and it wouldn't get in her mouth.



Brenna played in the sand with all of us. She made her own version of castles and gathered shells for the roof.




We stayed until dark and then make the hour and a half drive home. There was about 3 hours of driving for 2 hours of play. Brenna thought the beach was worth it, and I have to agree with her. She loved being there with Mimi and Poppi, and I loved watching her and taking pictures of everyone.

Heavenly

Mom and I made a divine cobbler/pie this week. Everyone should try it. What a treat for the taste buds. It is a compilation of Aunt Peggy, Mom and Tasha. I thought all the parts would taste heavenly together, and boy was I right. I wish I had a picture of it to marvel over. Are you ready for the great reveal? It is a version of Rhubarb Pie. Even the name leaves my mouth watering for more, though my stomach cannot hold another bite. So, without further au-due... the recipe.


Ridiculously Good Rhubarb Pie

3 cups cut Rhubarb (frozen is okay)
1 cup sugar
3 Tbs Flour
Dash salt
2 Tbs butter

Topping:
1 ½ cup flour
1 cup oats
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter


1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl, then transfer them to a 8" square baking dish. Lay chunks of the butter in several places over the Rhubarbs.

2. Make the topping. Melt topping butter. Combine topping flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Lay crumble on top of the rhubarb and butter chunks.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes. If the top starts to burn you can cover it lightly with foil.



I'm telling you, this one is heavenly. It is tart and sweet and absolutely mouth watering.

Which one?

I have had a major decision to make. Well, maybe not major. I guess who do I marry, do we have children, do we buy or rent a house, or what's for dinner (thought I would see if you were paying attention) are more more important decisions. Here is my dilemma, I can't decide which quilt to buy for Brenna's "big girl" bed. She has started asking to sleep in the twin bed in her room. I don't think I can hold her off for much longer. They are both cute and I just can't decide. I have several opinions already and I agree with all the reasonings. What shall I do? Here they are. Which one do you think?

The Best of Both Worlds

This past weekend I caught Brenna being a great mix of both her parents. How fun it is to see her taste both our interests. On Friday, Nathan turned on his itunes library on the computer and let Brenna pick the songs. They sat in the chair together listening to the horns and vocalists and watching the pretty colors dancing on the screen.



Then Nathan called me into the computer room again on Saturday to see what she was doing. My music geek husband was directing to the music playing on the computer. There sat Brenna next to him directing in her own way. She was having a great time being just like Daddy. The funniest part was her "baton". Notice Daddy's: a nice white director's baton. Now notice Brenna's. What is it you may ask?


Yes, that is a Crayola marker. I guess it was the closest she could come up with on such a short notice. And yes, she is naked. Someone should tell her that the technique for nerves it to imagine the audience without clothes, not to actually perform without clothes.

The directing took place on Saturday morning. On Saturday night, I had to feed a friend's horses and decided to take Brenna and Nathan with me. Brenna loves to go spend time with the horses, and I wanted to take some pictures. (I needed Nathan's help to take the pictures.) Brenna sat on Pretty Boy while he was eating, and she brushed him when she was tired of sitting.

She really loves Pretty Boy. Have I mentioned that every stuffed or play horse she owns (that is a lot) is named Pretty Boy?

I just love watching her interact with horses and most other animal too. She is so sweet with them.

I am teaching her about horse care and barn management at a young age.
Rule #1: Always make sure to have all the tools you need ready at a moments notice.


Rule #2: If you want to have fun after you are finished caring for the horses, look to makes sure there aren't any horses around. Then run at top speeds carrying all your tools and laughing as you go.


I love every opportunity I get to send at the farm. I love being there by myself or with Brenna. I also love to be there with my whole family. I always feel at peace with the animals. I seem to be passing that on to my daughter.

I can't even begin to explain the ache I feel to be near these beautiful animals more often. I miss living above them and caring for them. I miss the feeling of them as I plunge my cold hands into their thick, warm, woolly fur. I miss riding a horse that I have worked with and cared for daily. There is a unity that is rarely duplicated. I love the feel of a horses movements under me as I climb into the saddle. I the smell of a barn and tack room. Mostly I miss the calm of a barn at the end of the day when everyone but me and the horses have left. I will work at a barn someday again. It is too much a part of me to loose forever. Right now, I will settle for the farm with these sweet horses. The simplicity of this farm is refreshing and calming as well. I am so thankful for the wonderful friends that allow me to spend time on their property and at their home.

I am excited that I am at Mom and Dad's house this week. They have a wonderful invention here called TiVo. Yes, I have heard of it before, but I have never had the opportunity it witness it in action. My poor dad is having to record many hours of viewing for me. I love the Olympics, but my favorite part is not the most popular. Have you guessed it yet? Dressage!!! If it comes on at all, it is normally in the wee hours of the morning and I can't watch it. I get to watch all the Dressage I want this week. Thanks Dad for indulging my pleasure. I haven't started forwarding thought the hours of recordings to find the minutes of horse and rider unity yet, but I plan on starting soon. Can you hear the excitement in my voice? Oh, it is definitely there. One day I'll ride and aspire to their greatness again.

A full day of Entertainment

I have spent today entertaining Brenna. I seem to be doing a lot of that lately. Luckily, tomorrow I have the entertainment made. We are going to Sea World with Elizabeth, Tanner, and Avery. Then we are going back to Tanner's house to meet up with my cousin and his family for dinner. Brenna will have a full day of playing with Tanner. She loves playing with Tanner. They are so cute together.

Lately, Brenna has been asking to talk to Tanner all the time. I normally indulge her request to call him, but she doesn't really understand the phone completely. I'm sure that will change soon enough. Is it too early to buy her a cell phone? I guess so.

Today while I was racking my brain for new things she could do, I remembered that she had not played with a stroller Nathan and I gave her for her birthday. Score!! She loved it. Her play was just another example of how she is growing up so fast. She loved carrying the baby around and playing like she was caring for it. She was such the little mommy. I have been wondering when she would start doing things like that. She put the baby in the stroller and pushed her all around the back yard. Then she wanted to push the baby in the swing, and drive it in her little red car. I loved watching her play.

She was so sweet with the baby doll. I couldn't decide which picture edit I liked better, so I thought I would post both. I'll take a poll. Which one do you like better and why?

Remember When...

... you could lay around all day reading a good book. Even better, the day was gloomy, drab, and rainy.

I had a glimpse of that today. I made sure I was up-to-date on all my blogs and emails and then retired to my room at Brenna's nap time. My objective was to read until I got too tired and then take a nap. That never happened. I am reading a book that is just too good. I have been reading this series for a few months now. I am a little slower now that I have a two year old to chase.

Anyways, I have been reading this series called, The Protector of the Small Quartet, A Tortall Legend. It is by Tamora Pierce. I am now on the third book called Squire, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The main character is a jewel. I have loved being a part of her life as she grows up. It is a coming of age book set in a semi-fantasy world. She is training to become a knight in a mans world. She is quite the fighter to have survived the five years I have traveled with her so far. And I do feel as if I have been with her. I love it when an author can make their words so real that I feel present in the pages.

So yes, I read Brenna's nap away. I had a thousand things I could and should have been doing. Unfortunately those things didn't get done. Well, that's not true. I was able to clean the bathroom and vacuum while Brenna was playing. But, I wasn't able to work on current christmas presents in progress, several sewing projects, laundry, or toy organization. Oh well, those things will certainly be there tomorrow and probably several more days after that. I did however get through a chunk of a very good book. I guess the day was not a complete waste.

Potty Training Day ?

I know, I said I would write about this anymore. I just had to leave a quick update. My little potty girl is doing great! I am so proud of her. We haven't had very many accidents. I know she will learn to poop in the potty soon. After all, everyone does learn eventually. I love that I can be at home and teach her so many of life's lessons (potty training being one of them). I am thankful that God continues to provide for us and allows me to stay at home and be Mom. It is a hard job, but I love it even when I am cleaning up messes. Well, I don't really love the messes, but I do love Brenna.

Yesterday was Nathan and my sixth anniversary. Wow, six years. It has been an adventure that I am also thankful for. I love my husband. I love so many things about him. I can't even list them all. I love that he works hard to provide for us. I love that he cares for me in so many different ways. Mostly I just love him. Thanks, Nathan for six glorious years. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Speaking of Nathan. He has started band camp now. It is a lot of work for him, and it so blasted hot here. He is really wishing for a job up north about now. The morning begins outside from 10 to 12. He comes home for lunch until 1 when the indoor rehearsal starts and lasts until 3. He comes home for a snack break until 4. Then back to the band hall for another indoor practice until 6. From 6-8 they march outside again. This is the schedule everyday (except Fridays when they are off) until school starts at the end of August. Poor Nathan. He is the one that really hates hot weather. Did I mention that it is stinkin' hot here? Right now it is 100.2 in the shade.

So, Brenna and I will be spending most of our time alone. We will miss our husband and daddy. It has been fun to have him home this summer, but as I told Nathan, "all good things must come to an end."