Vanilla Icing

Moment of Glory

Tristyn operates a giant robotic arm thing-y.  For those who know Tristyn and know his love of robots you know how big this was for him.  For those who don't--I had to literally peel him away!

Maia, Tristyn and Macey play the largest Operation game ever!

There was no school today and we spent the morning lounging about or rather the kids did---I did some rolling hills on the treadmill and a few loads of laundry and had a leisurely lunch before going to the Science Center.  We met Katie and her two children there and we all had such a good time playing with everything.  I know I post a lot of pictures from the science center--this time I've spared everyone and only posted two.  =P

Rick came home from work a little early today took us out to dinner and a movie.  We had some time to kill in between dinner and the movie so we stopped at Dunham Sports to have a look around.  I desperately needed new running shoes and Rick wanted a new pair as well.  We both found some; I was especially happy because my running shoes are specifically for trail running--which is what I do when I'm not on the oh-so-boring treadmill. 

I'm going to try them out tomorrow!  =D

 

Brown Eyed Girl

Okay, so I know I always have lots of pictures of Maia--but--she is a positive ham for the camera!  She can't help herself.  When I was downloading the pictures from our vacation I 'discovered' Rick had snapped this picture of her so I thought I'd share it today.

Yesterday I spent much of the day helping out a family member while the kids were at school.  (My treadmill got some love early that morning before anyone else was awake.)  Macey came over to play with Maia after school and they constructed a  dog house for one of Maia's stuffed dogs out of cardboard and played House.  At one point the girls brought their babies downstairs in strollers and it was so cute to see them playing House.  It brought back a lot of memories of playing with my friend, Melissa, when I was about that age. 

The rest of the evening slipped by a little too quickly.  Rick and I watched the Bionic Woman and so far we like it.  I'm not sure we like it enough to remember when it comes on next week but we'll try to remember. 

Today I was all prepared to go to the park but it rained last night so I resigned myself to more of the treadmill.  I'm really missing that elliptical/cross ramp thing that was at the gym on vacation!  I did some things around the house today and then took the featherbed to the laundromat.  Despite always being tucked inside of a clean cover, a few years of use have not been gentle to it and it needed to be cleaned badly.  We couldn't find a local dry cleaner that did such a thing so as a last ditch attempt we decided I'd try to clean it at the laundromat.  It cleaned up well--and dried well--and was extra fluffy.....but....it smelled awful!! (I guess you can't wash feathers?  But why can I wash my down comforter with no problem?)  It was still in the car when I went to Rick's office so we could have lunch together.  We took the car I had driven in (and still had the feather bed in it) and when Rick got a whiff of the scent the featherbed was giving off, he declared the only thing to do was to pitch and it and purchase another one this weekend.  If luck is with us, one of those 20% off coupons will show up in the mail tomorrow from Bed, Bath & Beyond!

Tristyn had piano today and he got moved up to the next book!  He was so excited and I was so proud of him!  Right now we only have a cheap toy keyboard for him that doesn't do much to induce as much practice as  his teacher would recommend but I think he is doing really good despite this.  I encourage him to practice if I noticed he hasn't practiced at all yet for the week (though he usually does once or twice on his own) but I don't force him.  And anyway, I want him to continue to enjoy it and not grow to hate it because he is required to practice a certain amount of time.  =)

Open House was at the school tonight.  We must have made ten trips back and forth across the school!  First we had to see one classroom, then the other.  Then we had to go back to the other side to see the gym and back again for the art room.  And so on and so on.  But...it was worth squeezing through all the crowds of children and their parents because Tristyn and Maia were so excited to show us everything. 

It is not very late but I feel a bit tired tonight...so....Goodnight!

The Sword in the Stone

er....I mean

The Test of a Man

um.....nope, not quite clear enough...how about...

The Stupid Fridge that Will Not Budge?

I have a cute conversation between Tristyn and Maia to share but before I can I need to give some background on this refrigerator (problem) we have.  When we first moved into this house about 2 years ago, there was an ordinary sort of fridge present--white, freezer on top, fridge on bottom, average size.  We wanted one that was bigger, stainless steel and I wanted a side by side design (I like to keep my freezer really organized, not just all piled on one shelf, so what?).  We found one at Lowes on clearance that had a very minor scratch on it (not a big deal--everyone knows a family that has kids has a fridge that is covered in artwork) so we checked the measurements, bought it and brought it home.

We had an amazingly difficult time getting it through the front door.  Apparently in 1920, the builders didn't expect anyone to be bringing such a large item through the front door.  A strange man driving past our house that happened to notice what we were doing actually stopped his car, got out and came and helped us shove it through the door.  Turned out he lived in our neighborhood but still, he was a stranger to us.

Once in the kitchen it wouldn't fit in the space it was supposed to go.  It went about halfway back between the wall and counter and got stuck.  Rick checked the measurements over and over and they were coming up saying that the fridge should be fitting.  Just another little thing to enjoy about an older house, hmm?  Anyways, in a fit of annoyance the cupboard above the fridge was ripped out courtesy of Rick and the fridge moved back a few more inches. 

We considered briefly returning the fridge but after the 56 minutes it took to get in through the front door we had no desire to take it back out.  The next day, a friend of Rick's came over and um...sledged out part of the wall...and we hurriedly pushed the fridge back all but the last 4-5 inches.  It was in far enough to satisfy us and no one could really see the um, the parts we had removed.

The fridge was pulled out one more time when the plumber came to install the water line for the water dispenser and ice maker.  We enjoyed fresh filtered water and ice for about 1 year before the water dispensing part broke.  I called the company and me and some Indian guy struggled through some tests on the fridge to determine what was broken and he gave me an elaborate set of instructions and told me they would install the part that he was sending me.

The part came about 2 weeks later.  It was to be installed in the back of the fridge.  But a major problem arose.  Rick couldn't pull the fridge out.  Nor could my Dad.  Nor could they together.  Nor could any man or combination of men pull the fridge back out of it's place between counter and wall.  Every man who comes into my house tries to pull it out.  Rick and I joke it's like the sword in the stone.  Only the one worthy will be able to pull it out!

Tristyn and Maia found the spare part in the cupboard the other day and asked what it was.  I explained and since then they've been talking about the fridge (and yes, I caught Tristyn trying to move the fridge).  Here's their conversation in the car yesterday:

Maia--Tristyn!  Tristyn!  I know who could move the fridge!!!
Tristyn--Who??!!  (keep in mind, he really wants to see the back of the fridge and where this part goes)
Maia--(triumphantly)  THE GARBAGE MEN!!!!
Me--!!!!!!  (huh????)
Tristyn---YES!  They would be perfect, because they are all strong from lifting garbage cans all day.
Maia--EEEEEWWWWWW....But they would be all stinky!!!

That final comment seemed to end the discussion if the garbage men would be suitable.  They both lapsed into silence, trying to think of someone else who could move the fridge.

Just A Sprinkle of Cherries

I found this cute, girly apron while we were in North Carolina.  There was a 'retro' store filled with new 'retro' things that had quite a selection of aprons by Jessie Steele.  You can see more of them here, and also you can see a much better picture than the one I took.

I just love the little cherries sprinkled all over!   Maia picked an apron out as well, but it's not by JS.  It's a white cotton apron with flowers and scottie dogs embroidered on it.  I'll have to take a picture of her wearing it next time she helps me cook something.

It's been a busy return to our normal schedule.  Yesterday, I had so many things planned to catch up with that I actually got my run completed before 7 am!  And somehow, by 8 I had also managed a a dishwasher empty, a load of clothes and 3 separate hot cooked breakfasts for Rick, Tristyn and Maia.  The day continued at this pace all day long---I made a quick trip to the Market District Giant Eagle in Shadyside (I can't find mascarpone anywhere else that is quick and convenient to get to), cleaned the house and cooked and baked until even I was tired of cooking and baking.  I filled up the cookie jar with chocolate chip cookies, I baked and then constructed Tiramisu for dessert and I made Chicken Marsala, White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Spaghetti Squash and Italian Bread (I cheated and bought the bread--it also did double duty as French Toast for breakfast today) for dinner. 

Why such an elaborate dinner?  Because it was our wedding anniversary yesterday! 

Today, so far after dropping the kids off at school I went rollerblading on the Jail Trail, made a stop at Busy Beaver, aerated and over seeded the back yard, mowed the front lawn and patched a few brown spots, straightened the basement-kids' rooms-living room-kitchen, and did 3 loads of laundry.  I do think I'm about to fizzle out!  Wait...I sort of already have...and that's why I'm enjoying a cup of tea and typing this!  In a bit, though, I'll have to pull myself together and go collect the kids from school.  Then it's back home so they can have a quick snack and then Maia has dance.  Today, Persephone is going to be going to dance class with Maia and I can't wait to tell her because she's been hoping and hoping Persephone would come!

Oh, Sweet, Sweet Southern Find!

Look what is coming home in just a few weeks!  Rick and I found this beautiful piece in Manteo, North Carolina while on vacation.  It's made of walnut, the drawers have round dovetails and it's marble topped.  The mirror is also part of it.  Due to the round dovetails, It's dated approximately 1860-1870s. 

It's my first, real, official antique!!! My victrola is technically an antique but it's from the 1920's and it's rather plain so it doesn't quite count.

Rick and I not only managed a bit of a discount on it but the lady is going to an antiques show in a few weeks only about 4-5 hours away from us so she is going to drive it there and let us meet her there so we won't have to pay any shipping!  Which, I must say, is an added bonus because real antiques certainly aren't bargains.  Well---likely they are--IF one knows where to go and what to look for.  Which I don't. =(

Anyways, I must say finding this not-so-little-gem was a major highlight of my trip.  The store we found it in had so many lovely things in it I could have happily spent a couple of hours browsing through everything.  If only I could find similar shops back home!

Vacation '07

Well, we are finally home after spending the last week in the Outer Banks, North Carolina.  In the town of Duck to be more specific.  We had a great time and I won't bore anyone by trying to do an update for everyday we were gone.  I'll instead try to give a quick gloss over and hope that satisfies.

The house we had was quite nice.  I think it was a little smaller than the house we had last year, but this year's house's layout was better.  Plus...it was very close to the beach!  Look:

Okay, well it doesn't look that close in that picture but believe me it was literally across the street to that boardwalk/sidewalk thing, then right between those houses to the steps that led down to the beach.  Literally a 2 minute walk lugging everything one needs on the beach when one has children. 

Shovels.

Yup, that's all we needed!

The house was located in an exclusive community that had a pool on the beach for one to use and also a large community center complete with indoor and outdoor pools, playground, tennis courts and a full gym.  Rick and I made good use of the gym everyday we were down there (except one day I ran instead and another day we played tennis) though we didn't use the pools (um...there WAS an OCEAN there!).  The kids enjoyed the playground and also got to try tennis. 

This year the Aulick family came with us and all of the children had a lot of fun playing together and entertaining one another.  Us adults got to spend our time chatting and hanging out and had a few games of high intensity Scrabble (not really, hahaha, but it was fun). 

A few of the evenings we ate in and cooked jointly and the other nights we ate out.  A few times we ate out together and a couple of times our families ate out separately.   We weren't sure prior to leaving on vacation how things like meals would work out but  everything seemed to work out very well.  Cathy and I even got to do some shopping and have lunch out one of the days.

Maia and I also got to do some shopping.  Wings was having a 50% off of EVERYTHING sale and we snagged a few of these silk sarong/wrap around skirt things.  Maia wears hers as a dress.

Rick, Tristyn and I got plenty of Snow Crab Legs--and they were so sweet I felt there was no reason to even dip the meat in butter.  An obligatory round of mini-golf was necessary and I spared my family my awful playing by being the score keeper.

Tristyn developed a new skill:  shank making. 

Disturbing.

Manteo/Roanoke Island was on our list of places to visit again this year and we spend a good portion of Thursday there.  We also went to the Wright Museum and climbed to the top of Currituck (spelling?) Lighthouse.  I did not appreciate the climb or the view--I was terrified!  It's not so much heights that make me sick/terrified--it's the thought of a man made structure collapsing!  Weird, I know.

I promise you I don't normally look this awful!  After several days of the wind playing freely with my hair I gave it up as a lost cause.   This was a picture Tristyn requested---of just me and him---and I plan on having it printed and framed for us.  =)

Home...

We are home.  I will be updating.....soon.

Jealousy

Because 3 of your pets are still snoozing is pretty pitiful.  I wish I was still sleeping!  I've been up for about 15 minutes, guzzling Tazo Awake tea trying to become....well awake. 

Today we are leaving for the beach, supposedly in 15 minutes.  But I'm the only one up.  Rick hardly slept the night before and I don't think he slept much last night (I on the other hand got to bed before midnight, knowing I'd never see 5:30 am otherwise)

The car is 90% packed if you don't count people or dogs.  It'll be interesting to see how we all cram in this year.  Thankfully we are taking the Honda Element and not my teeny Neon.  But....last year...when we took the Element, Bob was only a puppy and pretty small.  You can see in the picture that he's ummm rather portly now.  He and Riley will be laying on the floor at the kids' feet amongst all of the stuff that is required to keep the kids busy for a long trip.  (I'll be happy if they are happy for 60%)

I filled the kids' backpacks with some new things--crayons, markers, books, etc. but I think the real kudos are going to end up belonging to Grandma Pat here.  Not only are we taking the portable DVD player she gifted us with about a year ago but she also made the kids up little travel bags!  Mysterious little bags with their names on it that are just DYING to be opened (wrenched excitedly, haha) and looked through. 

Little Mac (yes, my laptop has a name) IS in fact coming with me.  I'm hoping to be able to update from the beach if they have an Internet signal.  Despite our friends Adam and Cathy and their 3 children sharing the house with us, I anticipate just as much if not more (because our kids all play along together wonderfully) time to relax.  And for those who know me personally...I do NOT relax well. =(  I always need something to 'do.' 

What's on the Fridge--Week 2

A 'greater than/lesser than sheet' and a spelling test.  The math is definitely more review because year before last he had some greater than lesser than worksheets for homework and he was having trouble remembering which way the sign went.  I drew an eyeball and some teeth to make it a little monster and he completely flipped out.  Tristyn thought he'd get in trouble because of the little faces--but he's never forgotten which way the sign goes!

I love how Maia always sees us playing in flowers. =D

Birthday Pretties

My friend Cathy makes all of her own jewelry for herself, for friends and for sale too.  I keep trying to convince her to get at Etsy shop but she says she gets a little bogged down trying to take pictures that really do a good job accentuating her work.   I found out just how hard it is to take pictures of jewelry today when I tried to take a picture of the gorgeous earrings she made me for my birthday.

First of all, it's very hard to take a picture of the side of one's head.  The earrings kept dancing around and wouldn't keep still.

Cathy used moonstones and Catharine donated some of her apatite (spelling?) stones which I LOVE.  You can see one is in focus but the other one isn't quite.

Thank you both so much!