Well, of course I've been reading on the trip, but here are some recent reviews that have published.
First--click on over to 5 Minutes for Books today for our first "Comment Carnival." We ask a question, you chime in with your thoughts. Quick, easy, book-y.
Sam Stern's Get Cooking -- cookbook aimed at teens
The Moon by Night -- Amanda and are both loving the Austin Family Chronicles
Eat My Globe -- Fun, fun read
Free Range Kids -- review and podcast with Dawn, the author Lenore Skenazy, and me. If you are curious about this "free range movement" please mark your calendars to join @5M4B and @FreeRangeKids for a tweet-up on 7/15 from 10pm - 11pm ET.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Some pictures
Because we as women are contradictions, I'll post some pics from our journey -- in direct rebuttal of my previous post.
But in this case, I think it's valid and wise, going on the "picture tells a thousand words" theory.
This is a real picture I took in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Only in the south.
Amanda and Kyle both doing their own thing, with their own headsets plugged into the back stereo system.
Amanda chillin' listening to her audiobook (not sleeping).
Kyle playing Itza-Bitza on the laptop. He loves this game.
Amanda being a VERY good big sister.
Kyle enjoying his new headphones -- day one.
But in this case, I think it's valid and wise, going on the "picture tells a thousand words" theory.
This is a real picture I took in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Only in the south.
Amanda and Kyle both doing their own thing, with their own headsets plugged into the back stereo system.
Amanda chillin' listening to her audiobook (not sleeping).
Kyle playing Itza-Bitza on the laptop. He loves this game.
Amanda being a VERY good big sister.
Kyle enjoying his new headphones -- day one.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Living Life or Capturing It?
We are fortunate to be able to see the fireworks at the nation's capital many years, since my in-laws live there (and even better, since my father-in-law works downtown, we use his parking pass to grab a convenient spot!). I waxed philosophical about the role of the mom and her camera. It originally posted August 9, 2006, but I thought you'd enjoy it today, in honor of the 4th of July.
A photojournalist sees some amazing things. Through a lens, she can capture governments being overthrown, lives lost and freed at war, cultural mores changing, and even simple everyday moments. But those pictures she is taking are completely separate from the life she is living.
I was thinking of this as we were on our whale watching trip (edited note from 2009 -- read that one too, it's fun). I wanted to get some good photos, but you often miss so much when you are looking through the camera lens. That happened when we were watching fireworks last year in Washington DC with my inlaws. It was amazing. Awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. I wanted to capture it on film. Better with flash, or without? Let's try night flash. Maybe the action setting. On and on. I ended up getting some fair pictures, but I think I missed out on the experience.
I should have just been watching, like they were.
Or, for that matter, hooting and hollering and cheering them on like she was:
So, on the whale watching excursion, I did watch. I took some pictures, too, but I didn't feel bad if I missed "the shot." I even "let" Terry have some fun with the camera, and many of the great shots are his. I won't forget those large mammals, and the photos don't accurately capture the experience anyway.
That's kind of like it is with our kids. We have to just be with them, and take in the whole experience (not just the perfect Kodak moments). When I see pictures of the kids, from even months ago, I often think, "Did she/he really look like that?" It seems like who they are continues to change and so that becomes my current perception of them. A picture doesn't capture the way that Kyle says, "Wha'?" anytime you mention his name or catch him offguard (like last night, when Amanda screamed out two sentences in her sleep). Even a video can't capture Amanda's enthusiasm for life and her imaginative perspective on things.
Read Beck's post, or at least the last couple of paragraphs, here . She voiced her thoughts on why she doesn't have a lot of video footage of her kids. It's really beautiful.
NOT taking pictures is what works for me. Try to capture some memories in your heart as you live it. Journaling (and blogging for that matter) really appeal to me, because I am able to record the whys and the hows behind the picture frozen on film. I am not a dedicated scrapbooker, but that was what I loved when I was first introduced to Creative Memories. I don't worry about my poor handwriting on those pages. I capture my thoughts or our family's reactions to trips we've taken. In fact, I think that my handwriting becomes part of the recorded history.
A photojournalist sees some amazing things. Through a lens, she can capture governments being overthrown, lives lost and freed at war, cultural mores changing, and even simple everyday moments. But those pictures she is taking are completely separate from the life she is living.
I was thinking of this as we were on our whale watching trip (edited note from 2009 -- read that one too, it's fun). I wanted to get some good photos, but you often miss so much when you are looking through the camera lens. That happened when we were watching fireworks last year in Washington DC with my inlaws. It was amazing. Awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. I wanted to capture it on film. Better with flash, or without? Let's try night flash. Maybe the action setting. On and on. I ended up getting some fair pictures, but I think I missed out on the experience.
I should have just been watching, like they were.
Or, for that matter, hooting and hollering and cheering them on like she was:
So, on the whale watching excursion, I did watch. I took some pictures, too, but I didn't feel bad if I missed "the shot." I even "let" Terry have some fun with the camera, and many of the great shots are his. I won't forget those large mammals, and the photos don't accurately capture the experience anyway.
That's kind of like it is with our kids. We have to just be with them, and take in the whole experience (not just the perfect Kodak moments). When I see pictures of the kids, from even months ago, I often think, "Did she/he really look like that?" It seems like who they are continues to change and so that becomes my current perception of them. A picture doesn't capture the way that Kyle says, "Wha'?" anytime you mention his name or catch him offguard (like last night, when Amanda screamed out two sentences in her sleep). Even a video can't capture Amanda's enthusiasm for life and her imaginative perspective on things.
Read Beck's post, or at least the last couple of paragraphs, here . She voiced her thoughts on why she doesn't have a lot of video footage of her kids. It's really beautiful.
NOT taking pictures is what works for me. Try to capture some memories in your heart as you live it. Journaling (and blogging for that matter) really appeal to me, because I am able to record the whys and the hows behind the picture frozen on film. I am not a dedicated scrapbooker, but that was what I loved when I was first introduced to Creative Memories. I don't worry about my poor handwriting on those pages. I capture my thoughts or our family's reactions to trips we've taken. In fact, I think that my handwriting becomes part of the recorded history.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
In Dixie
We crossed over the Mason-Dixon line, had dinner, and checked into our hotel. Stephanie (fellow Southern blogger located in the NE), told me to eat lots of good southern food, and so far I have. I even had some catfish off of Ryan's buffet in her honor.
In spite of being totally ready about 45 minutes early, I left 15 minutes late. I realized that in spite of the fact that I had run the dishwasher and had myminions children unload it that morning, that I should put the dishes that someone manifested themselves in there and run it, since no one was going to be home for ten days or so.
Then, I had a little New England driving disaster while I was on the way to pick up Terry at an unfamiliar train station in NJ (he took the train out so that we could deal with bridge traffic etc, and just get on the way). Let me say that I grew up and learned to drive in Houston, Texas. Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. and is geographically sprawling with freeways intersecting other freeways and tollways -- known as a spaghetti bowl. Other than the fact that I have no natural sense of direction, I had no problem getting around in the big city. New England highways and byways are a totally different matter.
I ended up on the New York State Thruway and when I realized it, I was in the "thru" section -- so I had to drive 15 miles (and then backtrack the same 15 miles) to get back on course. My husband is lucky to be married to me. I offer him personality enhancement programs (how to deal with irresponsible wives in a kind gentle manner) -- no charge. It just comes with the package.
As for the actual trip -- so far, so good. Amanda read and listened to an audiobook. She also was very nice to her little brother and played with him, and encouraged him to read the new books I bought him (thanks Dawn) , I read and played a handheld Tetris game, Kyle listened for hours and hours to his new Barenaked Ladies CD. Thanks again, Dawn! for the recommendation. Seriously, kids' music is a good good thing in our car. Listening via headphones that plug right into the back seat is even better! That's the best $10 I ever spent. Actually, I bought him some kid headphones too, which actually fit and don't cause whining and crying and fussing. That's the best decision (so far).
I bought some new computer games for my laptop, so I will probably bust those out for our 12 hour trip tomorrow.
The whole family is asleep now, so I guess I better join them.
In spite of being totally ready about 45 minutes early, I left 15 minutes late. I realized that in spite of the fact that I had run the dishwasher and had my
Then, I had a little New England driving disaster while I was on the way to pick up Terry at an unfamiliar train station in NJ (he took the train out so that we could deal with bridge traffic etc, and just get on the way). Let me say that I grew up and learned to drive in Houston, Texas. Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. and is geographically sprawling with freeways intersecting other freeways and tollways -- known as a spaghetti bowl. Other than the fact that I have no natural sense of direction, I had no problem getting around in the big city. New England highways and byways are a totally different matter.
I ended up on the New York State Thruway and when I realized it, I was in the "thru" section -- so I had to drive 15 miles (and then backtrack the same 15 miles) to get back on course. My husband is lucky to be married to me. I offer him personality enhancement programs (how to deal with irresponsible wives in a kind gentle manner) -- no charge. It just comes with the package.
As for the actual trip -- so far, so good. Amanda read and listened to an audiobook. She also was very nice to her little brother and played with him, and encouraged him to read the new books I bought him (thanks Dawn) , I read and played a handheld Tetris game, Kyle listened for hours and hours to his new Barenaked Ladies CD. Thanks again, Dawn! for the recommendation. Seriously, kids' music is a good good thing in our car. Listening via headphones that plug right into the back seat is even better! That's the best $10 I ever spent. Actually, I bought him some kid headphones too, which actually fit and don't cause whining and crying and fussing. That's the best decision (so far).
I bought some new computer games for my laptop, so I will probably bust those out for our 12 hour trip tomorrow.
The whole family is asleep now, so I guess I better join them.
Now is when I start to stress out
The laundry's done. We're (mostly) packed. I have all of my special activities packed up and ready to go, I even implemented another idea I had to make traveling fun -- I'm parsing it out. I've prepared 3 different bags for both kids with different books, CDs, and games in them. When they get too many new and exciting things, everything loses it's shine. Hopefully this will work.
I do fine traveling with my kids. I really do. Whether it's a long car trip as a family or me flying to visit family with just the kids -- no matter their ages -- it doesn't scare me. In fact, I told a friend today that I'm actually a little excited about it. And Amanda thinks it's all "going to be great" as well.
And in all of my obsessing about this very long journey, I remember that we've done it before! Five years ago when we moved here, we drove. Amanda was about 9 months older than Kyle is right now. And we were fine (If Kyle could remember that trip when he was three months old, he would NOT have told you everything was fine. Even though he was a newborn, and all newborns do is sit in a carseat-ish type thing and eat or sleep, he was miserable! He showed his spirit even then by crying an angry cry when he had had enough).
But it's now -- in the last night and the final morning before we leave, that I begin to feel anxious. I start to worry, "Did I pack everything? Will we be able to leave on time? Have I taken care of everything that needs to be done here at home before I leave?
So, while I am quite irritable in the hours until we leave, once we are on the road, I'm totally calm. It's all behind me. I can't change anything now.
And I've learned that there's very little that I could forget that's irreplacable. When we were about an hour into our drive to spend Christmas with my in-laws in Virigina one year, it hit me -- very clearly -- that I had forgotten pajamas and underwear for myself. A peek into my bag once we got there confirmed my suspicions. A trip to Kmart first thing that next morning, and all was solved.
I'll still be around the blog, though probably not as frequently, and of course there will still be lots of new reviews going up at 5 Minutes for Books.
I do fine traveling with my kids. I really do. Whether it's a long car trip as a family or me flying to visit family with just the kids -- no matter their ages -- it doesn't scare me. In fact, I told a friend today that I'm actually a little excited about it. And Amanda thinks it's all "going to be great" as well.
And in all of my obsessing about this very long journey, I remember that we've done it before! Five years ago when we moved here, we drove. Amanda was about 9 months older than Kyle is right now. And we were fine (If Kyle could remember that trip when he was three months old, he would NOT have told you everything was fine. Even though he was a newborn, and all newborns do is sit in a carseat-ish type thing and eat or sleep, he was miserable! He showed his spirit even then by crying an angry cry when he had had enough).
But it's now -- in the last night and the final morning before we leave, that I begin to feel anxious. I start to worry, "Did I pack everything? Will we be able to leave on time? Have I taken care of everything that needs to be done here at home before I leave?
So, while I am quite irritable in the hours until we leave, once we are on the road, I'm totally calm. It's all behind me. I can't change anything now.
And I've learned that there's very little that I could forget that's irreplacable. When we were about an hour into our drive to spend Christmas with my in-laws in Virigina one year, it hit me -- very clearly -- that I had forgotten pajamas and underwear for myself. A peek into my bag once we got there confirmed my suspicions. A trip to Kmart first thing that next morning, and all was solved.
I'll still be around the blog, though probably not as frequently, and of course there will still be lots of new reviews going up at 5 Minutes for Books.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Satisfied
I spent all day doing laundry (In order to properly pack for a trip, clean clothes are recommended. Just call me Heloise). Laundry used to be one of those chores I just did not enjoy.
In fact -- let me come clean here -- I don't really enjoy any chores. I don't mind cooking, but cleaning? Sorting? Organizing? It does nothing for me at all. Of course I love the look of a nice clean house, but honestly -- the tradeoff of the work involved to get it there steals my joy. So generally we go with the "good enough" theory. I wouldn't be embarrassed if someone dropped in for an unannounced visit. Okay, I might be a little embarrassed, but I wouldn't be horrified.
But laundry and I have been kindling a little flame. On a "stay home" day, I try to do a few loads of laundry. I start with jeans, then with towels, then underwear, and then shirts. As each load comes out of the dryer, I plop them onto my bed for future folding. Then I take an hour or so, when that last wrinkle-prone load is finished and watch a favorite show on TV as I fold. I've come to look forward to this little ritual.
Yesterday as I was folding all the laundry, a feeling of satisfaction welled up in me. I was doing something. I didn't go quite so far as some of the uber-perfect moms who write tips about praying for each family member as they smooth and/or iron their items of clothing, but I did get warm fuzzies. No, it's nothing monumental, and it won't bring about world peace, but there are so few ways to measure success as a stay-at-home mom. Knowing that my fridge has cold milk and there is peanut butter and bread in the pantry, as well as drawers filled with clean underwear are a few little things that help me feel like I'm actually doing something right.
I am satisfied (at least until the cubbards run bare and the laundry hampers overflow).
In fact -- let me come clean here -- I don't really enjoy any chores. I don't mind cooking, but cleaning? Sorting? Organizing? It does nothing for me at all. Of course I love the look of a nice clean house, but honestly -- the tradeoff of the work involved to get it there steals my joy. So generally we go with the "good enough" theory. I wouldn't be embarrassed if someone dropped in for an unannounced visit. Okay, I might be a little embarrassed, but I wouldn't be horrified.
But laundry and I have been kindling a little flame. On a "stay home" day, I try to do a few loads of laundry. I start with jeans, then with towels, then underwear, and then shirts. As each load comes out of the dryer, I plop them onto my bed for future folding. Then I take an hour or so, when that last wrinkle-prone load is finished and watch a favorite show on TV as I fold. I've come to look forward to this little ritual.
Yesterday as I was folding all the laundry, a feeling of satisfaction welled up in me. I was doing something. I didn't go quite so far as some of the uber-perfect moms who write tips about praying for each family member as they smooth and/or iron their items of clothing, but I did get warm fuzzies. No, it's nothing monumental, and it won't bring about world peace, but there are so few ways to measure success as a stay-at-home mom. Knowing that my fridge has cold milk and there is peanut butter and bread in the pantry, as well as drawers filled with clean underwear are a few little things that help me feel like I'm actually doing something right.
I am satisfied (at least until the cubbards run bare and the laundry hampers overflow).
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
No, no we aren't, but "We're going on a bear hunt," sounds so much cooler than "We're taking a really long car trip."
I have been preparing for this trip for months. We are going to be in the car for many many (many) hours as we drive from Connecticut to Texas. Usually we are flyers. I never worried about flying with babies, toddlers, one kid or two kids (although I have to say that the toddler years were the toughest), and for us the cost usually outweighs the inconvenience of the time it takes to drive somewhere.
But this year we are going several places along our journey, as well as taking our sweet time along the way, so with time not being a big factor, we decided to drive. We will take 2 1/2 days to drive to Terry's grandparents' homes in West Texas and visit with them for a few days, then drive 200 miles or so to meet some friends at a family resort for a few days of R&R (OK-- even a resort vacation with young kids isn't really R&R, but the kids will enjoy it, and we'll enjoy not relaxing with our friends), then driving on to Houston to spend time with my family. We'll be there for 5 days, splitting time between my dad's house and my grandmother's house, and then Terry will fly home to return to work.
Stage two of the journey is just me and the kids. I've never worried about flying alone with the kids, as I've done several times over the years when Terry left early to return to work, but this will be my first extended driving trip with me at the helm. First we'll drive from Houston to Tulsa to visit my sister (and her kids) who moved there last year (with a quick fun stopover visit to my stealth roommate). We'll stay there for 3 nights, and then begin the long x mile trip home, which I'm hoping to make in two very long days. We'll see. If the first day seems long, we'll cut it short and make it a 3-day trip.
MY SURVIVAL KIT (and asking/hoping for suggestions from you):
I have been preparing for this trip for months. We are going to be in the car for many many (many) hours as we drive from Connecticut to Texas. Usually we are flyers. I never worried about flying with babies, toddlers, one kid or two kids (although I have to say that the toddler years were the toughest), and for us the cost usually outweighs the inconvenience of the time it takes to drive somewhere.
But this year we are going several places along our journey, as well as taking our sweet time along the way, so with time not being a big factor, we decided to drive. We will take 2 1/2 days to drive to Terry's grandparents' homes in West Texas and visit with them for a few days, then drive 200 miles or so to meet some friends at a family resort for a few days of R&R (OK-- even a resort vacation with young kids isn't really R&R, but the kids will enjoy it, and we'll enjoy not relaxing with our friends), then driving on to Houston to spend time with my family. We'll be there for 5 days, splitting time between my dad's house and my grandmother's house, and then Terry will fly home to return to work.
Stage two of the journey is just me and the kids. I've never worried about flying alone with the kids, as I've done several times over the years when Terry left early to return to work, but this will be my first extended driving trip with me at the helm. First we'll drive from Houston to Tulsa to visit my sister (and her kids) who moved there last year (with a quick fun stopover visit to my stealth roommate). We'll stay there for 3 nights, and then begin the long x mile trip home, which I'm hoping to make in two very long days. We'll see. If the first day seems long, we'll cut it short and make it a 3-day trip.
MY SURVIVAL KIT (and asking/hoping for suggestions from you):
- My laptop. The kids can watch movies or video podcasts from itunes, as well as play computer games.
- Books and audiobooks -- of course! I picked up a cassette version of A Wrinkle in Time, read by Madeleine L'Engle, and I can't wait to listen to that. We also have the 4th in the Austin Family Chronicles series (I just reviewed the 2nd--finally--at 5 Minutes for Books HERE), and the Newbery Award winning A Ring of Endless Light. Amanda got a couple of books on CD for herself (she can plug earphones in, and we can still listen to the radio), and we also got some early Beverly Cleary for Kyle.
- One of my Facebook friends suggested pipe cleaners, and I think that's a fantastic idea! Quiet and not messy at all.
- Another Facebook friend suggested that we google Car Games. I had already thought of coming up with some on my own, but I like the idea of help.
- The Scratch and Sketch books might be too messy, but I'm bringing them anyway, because they will also need to be entertained while we are staying with family. However, I'm really looking forward to using the Magnetic Animal Safari Set mentioned in that post. It's really awesome.
- Paper, pens, crayons, dot-to-dot -- they're all in my little stash that I've been collecting.
- But mostly I'm just praying for patience. Lots of patience and lots of hours of quiet, well-behaved, mild-mannered children (does anyone want to swap out their children who fit that description for my adorable, yet much more energetic and chatty ones?).
Saturday, June 27, 2009
He's Got the Moves
Kyle has got rhythm in his bones. I don't know where he got it, because I can unequivocally state that it's not from his mother, who not only lacks the natural fluid ability to move, but is also inoculated with a fair dose of inhibition that would prevent her from using the moves even if she had them.
With the untimely and surprising death of Micheal Jackson, the music was all over the radio when we were in the car yesterday, and it really set Kyle's head to bobbing.
My friend recommend that we watch the videos online, so here are some of our favorites. I can't embed them (maybe because they are legit -- oh yes, even 2 legit 2 quit -- for another little blast from the past):
Black or White (an all-star cast, a great message, and some good moves)
Bad (good dancing all the way and of course the MJ trademark "Shamon")
These earlier ones are great tunes that set Kyle's shoulders and hips and feet in motion, but the dancing doesn't really commence until the last minute or so, because of the trend in the early 80's to incorporate a pseudo-movie plot in videos:
Billie Jean
Beat It (who doesn't LOVE that opening rif(f?)
Thriller (yes, it's an 80's pseudo-movie story video, but it's THE 80's pseudo-movie video) -- the music starts around 4:30 if you want to skip to that. I also thought that it was interesting that Michael Jackson put a disclaimer on it saying that "due to his strong personal convictions" he wants to say that the film "in no way endorses a believe in the occult."
Speaking of Thriller, this scene from 13 Going on 30 is fun:
And of course, can you even talk about Micheal Jackson 80's music without thinking of Weird Al?
Fat
Eat It
With the untimely and surprising death of Micheal Jackson, the music was all over the radio when we were in the car yesterday, and it really set Kyle's head to bobbing.
My friend recommend that we watch the videos online, so here are some of our favorites. I can't embed them (maybe because they are legit -- oh yes, even 2 legit 2 quit -- for another little blast from the past):
Black or White (an all-star cast, a great message, and some good moves)
Bad (good dancing all the way and of course the MJ trademark "Shamon")
These earlier ones are great tunes that set Kyle's shoulders and hips and feet in motion, but the dancing doesn't really commence until the last minute or so, because of the trend in the early 80's to incorporate a pseudo-movie plot in videos:
Billie Jean
Beat It (who doesn't LOVE that opening rif(f?)
Thriller (yes, it's an 80's pseudo-movie story video, but it's THE 80's pseudo-movie video) -- the music starts around 4:30 if you want to skip to that. I also thought that it was interesting that Michael Jackson put a disclaimer on it saying that "due to his strong personal convictions" he wants to say that the film "in no way endorses a believe in the occult."
Speaking of Thriller, this scene from 13 Going on 30 is fun:
And of course, can you even talk about Micheal Jackson 80's music without thinking of Weird Al?
Fat
Eat It
Thursday, June 25, 2009
HAGS!
HAGS -- anyone? anyone?
A cousin to LYLAS or BFF, I figured out what HAGS meant as I was reading through Amanda's yearbook -- Have a Great Summer. Ah, of course.
Yes, her school year is finally over, after dragging out following a late Labor Day and a week of snow days to make up, and then an odd Swine Flu closure. This week really was the start of summer vacation for us (although this New England weather might still think otherwise -- it was 78 today, but the cool and cloudy weather has persisted despite the official onslaught of summer).
So today they did all the important things like cleaning out their lockers and signing their yearbook. Looking through hers brought me back to when I got mine -- flipping through page by page, looking at everyone's class pictures and rating them -- feeling a flush of victory when I found myself in a candid shot, especially if I didn't look like a dork. I felt that same excitement when I saw Amanda, posing for a shot with her lunch crew, looking absolutely adorable (all of them, but especially Amanda of course).
So, since it's finally here, I feel like I can finally say to all of you:
U R
2 Sweet
2 Be
4 Gotten
HAGS!
LYLAS, Jennifer
A cousin to LYLAS or BFF, I figured out what HAGS meant as I was reading through Amanda's yearbook -- Have a Great Summer. Ah, of course.
Yes, her school year is finally over, after dragging out following a late Labor Day and a week of snow days to make up, and then an odd Swine Flu closure. This week really was the start of summer vacation for us (although this New England weather might still think otherwise -- it was 78 today, but the cool and cloudy weather has persisted despite the official onslaught of summer).
So today they did all the important things like cleaning out their lockers and signing their yearbook. Looking through hers brought me back to when I got mine -- flipping through page by page, looking at everyone's class pictures and rating them -- feeling a flush of victory when I found myself in a candid shot, especially if I didn't look like a dork. I felt that same excitement when I saw Amanda, posing for a shot with her lunch crew, looking absolutely adorable (all of them, but especially Amanda of course).
So, since it's finally here, I feel like I can finally say to all of you:
U R
2 Sweet
2 Be
4 Gotten
HAGS!
LYLAS, Jennifer
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