Yes, there's a repeat in there but it's staying.
Happy New Year!
12/31/2006
12/30/2006
A morning in Motown
We set out on this appropriately gray, overcast morning to explore the even grayer city of Detroit. How can you live in Michigan without experiencing the lamest of all major city public transport, the People Mover?
As we drove down, I was staring hard at what I thought was the moon (don't laugh) and wondering how I might best photograph it. When I pointed it out, Keith reminded me that it's not safe to look at the sun. Um, that's how gray it was.
As dingy and scary as it can be, Detroit does have a certain eerie beauty which I was unable to capture. I have never been in such a large city with so few people around. It was a very strange feeling. I know, I know, who actually visits Detroit on purpose in midwinter? Someday, without kids in tow, I would love the chance to take more shots of the many abandoned buildings and grittier aspects of the city.
We were only solicited for funds twice.
The people mover was actually perfect for Ethan and a fun little ride. It travels in a loop around the city and provides some great views along the way. We were alone for the most part and we rode it twice.
Driving back home, we passed right next to a large group gathered to dance and wave flags and otherwise celebrate the death of Saddam.
More photos from our adventures, here.
12/28/2006
Back at the batcave
We're home and glad to report that our trip back was a little less harrowing. Except for Drew developing a fever which is still hanging on, things went smoothly and we are thankful for a safe, uneventful drive.
We had such a nice time visiting with everyone and our accomodations were luxurious and very restful. I wish Drew had been able to warm up to everyone instead of fussing and crying the majority of the time but at least Ethan was somewhat sociable and enjoyed himself thoroughly.
From our first Southern greeting on a water tower in the city of Franklin, Kentucky ("Franklin, Y'all"), we were met with that famous hospitality and lucky enough to experience some of the balmy weather there.
Yes, Ethan had one traumatic moment when he fell a short distance out of a tree and the hand he stopped his fall with made contact with some rusty nails. He wasn't hurt badly although you never would have known it by his wails and groans and loud exclamations ("OH, I can't believe I'm DEAD!").
I'll probably post some more pictures on flickr eventually but for now there is at least one unemptied suitcase eyeing me and at least one sick child who needs to see a doctor so that's all for now.
We had such a nice time visiting with everyone and our accomodations were luxurious and very restful. I wish Drew had been able to warm up to everyone instead of fussing and crying the majority of the time but at least Ethan was somewhat sociable and enjoyed himself thoroughly.
From our first Southern greeting on a water tower in the city of Franklin, Kentucky ("Franklin, Y'all"), we were met with that famous hospitality and lucky enough to experience some of the balmy weather there.
Yes, Ethan had one traumatic moment when he fell a short distance out of a tree and the hand he stopped his fall with made contact with some rusty nails. He wasn't hurt badly although you never would have known it by his wails and groans and loud exclamations ("OH, I can't believe I'm DEAD!").
I'll probably post some more pictures on flickr eventually but for now there is at least one unemptied suitcase eyeing me and at least one sick child who needs to see a doctor so that's all for now.
12/25/2006
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas friends and family...wish we could all be together. We are having good fun here in Georgia.
12/24/2006
In Dixie land
This year we are spending Christmas in Georgia. As we traveled down on Thursday, driving through the rainy night, I vowed silently to myself, "Never again" but here we are and I'm very glad we are. We are staying with Brad and Claire, in their beautiful home and are enjoying visiting with them and my parents who are nearby.
More updates to come...
12/20/2006
Christmas past
Looking through some pictures yesterday, I got stuck on one in particular from a series that Brad took on Christmas three years ago. It represents the best of Christmas gatherings and really any of our family times. Things got good when Andrew showed up. Here he comes, hands full of presents and I can feel that lift in my spirit at his arrival.
That was our last Christmas with Andrew and it's never quite right without him. When we are together as a family it is always bittersweet because of course, being together makes us think of him. It's easy to imagine his quiet remarks breaking any silence and making us laugh. I love this last picture as well because, while I don't find it particularly flattering, I know so well and miss so much the moment it captures. Andrew in the background, making me laugh.
12/18/2006
One year ago
Happy Birthday Drew!
This picture from a year ago is one of my favorite moments ever.
We had a few cupcakes and a song to celebrate tonight and managed to keep Drew's birthday hat, inspired by this one here, on his head for some pictures.
This picture from a year ago is one of my favorite moments ever.
We had a few cupcakes and a song to celebrate tonight and managed to keep Drew's birthday hat, inspired by this one here, on his head for some pictures.
12/16/2006
12 month video!
With Drew's birthday quickly approaching, I've been working on his 12 month video and actually finished it early! I've been slacking off on these videos the past couple months, so it's about time I came up with some more exciting clips. I'm planning to keep this birthday low key even as I struggle a little with the too-close-to-Christmas overcompensation tendencies. But, honestly, does Drew care? I think not. I'll start saving up my energy for the years when he does.
It's about six minutes long and pretty big (21.7MB) and Keith keeps begging me to re-process it into a shadow of it's former self for people with slow connections. But after all that work, I hate reducing the quality more than I must. Please ignore all the dirt and clutter. I did.
It's about six minutes long and pretty big (21.7MB) and Keith keeps begging me to re-process it into a shadow of it's former self for people with slow connections. But after all that work, I hate reducing the quality more than I must. Please ignore all the dirt and clutter. I did.
12/12/2006
Keep out of reach
I gathered together just a few of the items we have fished out of Drew's mouth in the past several months. Yeah...it's much harder to keep things baby safe with an older sibling in the mix. Although Ethan tends to be a helpful informer along these lines. And, yes, that's a miniature, one-armed Darth Vader in there.
Also, meatheads have been chosen over at stitch marker...lots of variety!
Also, meatheads have been chosen over at stitch marker...lots of variety!
12/11/2006
Who's the fairest?
More blurry pictures proving that my children move around a lot (not that I have trouble focusing manually in low light). The gif program adds a little distortion too. These pictures have such potential...oh well.
Drew just loves finding himself in the mirror, banging his head against it, waving to himself and smiling. This little bathroom cabinet which sits wearily on my bedroom floor and waits and sighs for the day it might actually become functional on the bathroom wall, is a perfect little meeting spot for Drew and his reflection.
Drew just loves finding himself in the mirror, banging his head against it, waving to himself and smiling. This little bathroom cabinet which sits wearily on my bedroom floor and waits and sighs for the day it might actually become functional on the bathroom wall, is a perfect little meeting spot for Drew and his reflection.
12/08/2006
More making
The last of my big Christmas projects is done! (Although I do have a few more ideas of things to make for Ethan and Drew) This one is for someone who doesn't read my blog, I don't think, so I feel pretty safe posting pictures. This is my second time with this pattern, the felt clogs from Fiber Trends, and it produces satisfying results. I thought it might be interesting to post before and after pictures to see the changes from the felting progress. One note though: Do not use living, moving subjects such as your cat to give a sense of perspective. These are the kinds of things I learn the hard way.
Here they are pre-felt, about 14 inches long:
And after about forty minutes of hot water and agitation in the washer, still wet and needing to be shaped, at ten and a half inches or so, behold:
(Catnip used for photography purposes here)
For pictures with a little better perspective, look here.
Also, I signed up Ethan to participate in the Kid's Craft Weekly homemade Christmas card swap. It seemed like a good idea at the time. It really was fun for the most part and we managed to get all ten of our cards mailed today, several of which were sent off to highly exotic locations like Mexico, Spain, Australia and Canada! I know Ethan will enjoy getting mail of his own as well. He worked very hard making his.
Here they are pre-felt, about 14 inches long:
And after about forty minutes of hot water and agitation in the washer, still wet and needing to be shaped, at ten and a half inches or so, behold:
(Catnip used for photography purposes here)
For pictures with a little better perspective, look here.
Also, I signed up Ethan to participate in the Kid's Craft Weekly homemade Christmas card swap. It seemed like a good idea at the time. It really was fun for the most part and we managed to get all ten of our cards mailed today, several of which were sent off to highly exotic locations like Mexico, Spain, Australia and Canada! I know Ethan will enjoy getting mail of his own as well. He worked very hard making his.
12/06/2006
Sorry
I'm not sure why I've been so deeply touched by the Kim family's story, but ever since the news several days ago that they were missing, I've been following this story closely. I've been praying and hoping for the safe return of James Kim after his wife and daughters were found two days ago. Maybe it's partly the fact that their children are about the same age as mine, I don't know why I've been so affected by complete strangers. I haven't been able to concentrate on much else. I felt sick when I heard the news. Please pray for this family.
12/03/2006
Oh Christmas tree
Our tree is up and all decked even though there is barely a dusting of snow on the ground. We had fun searching for the perfect one.
Keith told me about a conversation that took place between him and Ethan today. Keith happened to notice Ethan bowing down to the Christmas tree and said, "Why are you bowing? Where did you learn about that?"
Ethan said, "You bow to God."
Keith: "But God's not in the tree."
Ethan: "He could be in some of the ornaments."
Also, Leslie Harpold's Advent Calendar is up again this year...it's fun.
And I just have to include this photo I took last night of an unusually quiet moment in our house. I just love it.
Keith told me about a conversation that took place between him and Ethan today. Keith happened to notice Ethan bowing down to the Christmas tree and said, "Why are you bowing? Where did you learn about that?"
Ethan said, "You bow to God."
Keith: "But God's not in the tree."
Ethan: "He could be in some of the ornaments."
Also, Leslie Harpold's Advent Calendar is up again this year...it's fun.
And I just have to include this photo I took last night of an unusually quiet moment in our house. I just love it.
12/01/2006
If you can't stand the heat
It's amazing to me that in spite of all life's lessons heretofore, I continue to believe in fairy tales. I repress all previous self knowledge and tell myself that something like making sugar cookies with my child will be a fun, satisfying, indeed happy memory for years to come.
Why do I insist on disregarding my own goal-oriented, task driven nature which is unable to really live in and enjoy the moment? I'm just not one of those people who can throw chocolate sprinkles around the kitchen with glee, working with grace and calm smiles with babies and cats underfoot. In fact my own good humor is inversely proportionate to time spent in the kitchen.
I think it's because I really, really WANT to be this kind of mother--one who just rolls with all the punches and back aches with a peaceful sense of calm, or at the very worst, a little sigh. I keep trying to make myself into this person.
I probably shouldn't have used a Martha Stewart recipe. She manages to turn even sugar cookies into rocket science. There were all these secret, hidden steps which turned the project into an all day event. Poor Ethan just wanted to get to the cookie cutting part and I had to keep telling him, "Ah, ok after I put the dough in the freezer for 15 more minutes...", or some variation on this theme.
Ethan kept wanting to "help" me out and of course, that was the point, right? Well, our kitchen is not really a place I feel comfortable sharing with another human. It's so small that I often find myself in the middle of a culinary endeavor, twirling helplessly around and around with a hot pan or a mixing bowl in my hands, trying to find a place to put it down. If I put a chair in this space which would be required for Ethan to reach the counter and therefore help, I wouldn't be able to access a good portion of my work area. Believe me, I've tried it. And I do maintain some working memory.
Add to this mix the fact that dinnertime began to roll around and, yes, I know, most people can handle this juggling act and so, I was determined, could I. I did it, I did it all. I made dinner and I made sugar cookies and they came out great except for the frosting which tasted like chalk but I was not a very friendly person in the process. I became angrier and more irritable and a part of me sat marvelling outside my own body, watching in horror this awful monster mother who snapped and yelled and fell apart at the slightest provocation.
I wonder sometimes, what it will take, short of a strong, illegal substance to make me relax enough to make a happy memory for my children.
And below you can see (if you look real closely) the beauty of the evening represented in Ethan's Kiddley photo of the week for the theme, "Yummy".
Why do I insist on disregarding my own goal-oriented, task driven nature which is unable to really live in and enjoy the moment? I'm just not one of those people who can throw chocolate sprinkles around the kitchen with glee, working with grace and calm smiles with babies and cats underfoot. In fact my own good humor is inversely proportionate to time spent in the kitchen.
I think it's because I really, really WANT to be this kind of mother--one who just rolls with all the punches and back aches with a peaceful sense of calm, or at the very worst, a little sigh. I keep trying to make myself into this person.
I probably shouldn't have used a Martha Stewart recipe. She manages to turn even sugar cookies into rocket science. There were all these secret, hidden steps which turned the project into an all day event. Poor Ethan just wanted to get to the cookie cutting part and I had to keep telling him, "Ah, ok after I put the dough in the freezer for 15 more minutes...", or some variation on this theme.
Ethan kept wanting to "help" me out and of course, that was the point, right? Well, our kitchen is not really a place I feel comfortable sharing with another human. It's so small that I often find myself in the middle of a culinary endeavor, twirling helplessly around and around with a hot pan or a mixing bowl in my hands, trying to find a place to put it down. If I put a chair in this space which would be required for Ethan to reach the counter and therefore help, I wouldn't be able to access a good portion of my work area. Believe me, I've tried it. And I do maintain some working memory.
Add to this mix the fact that dinnertime began to roll around and, yes, I know, most people can handle this juggling act and so, I was determined, could I. I did it, I did it all. I made dinner and I made sugar cookies and they came out great except for the frosting which tasted like chalk but I was not a very friendly person in the process. I became angrier and more irritable and a part of me sat marvelling outside my own body, watching in horror this awful monster mother who snapped and yelled and fell apart at the slightest provocation.
I wonder sometimes, what it will take, short of a strong, illegal substance to make me relax enough to make a happy memory for my children.
And below you can see (if you look real closely) the beauty of the evening represented in Ethan's Kiddley photo of the week for the theme, "Yummy".
