A Quick Update

I wanted to post a quick update of my life and times. I finished my Arkansas adventure on a different blog. Wordpress has an easier mobile ap format so I used it instead. If you are interested you can read that side project here.

I've been blogging for a Children's book publisher called Red Piggy Press. I'm doing a post and illustration about once a week. You can check that out by visiting and following Red Piggy Press

Christmas is coming fast and things here are in a blur of activities. In the past week we've been to the snow at Sea World, the snow at Lego Land (twice), night zoo, several parties, lots of shopping, baking and visiting with friends.

Miles is so excited for Christmas, but that excitement is already being overshadowed by the excitement of his upcoming birthday in mid January. There's a lot of excitement around here. Ivy is just along for the ride happy to be happy and running all over the place into everything. Basically being one.

I'm sad this blog has been left to dwindle, but with all my side projects and running the show with 2 children under 5, I've got my work cut out for me. It's easier to post all the little insights on Facebook- and I do. But I'll continue to update here when I can- even if to point you in another direction.

Adventures in Arkansas day #1

We finally made it to Arkansas after a long and stressful, but uneventful day of travel. Miles did awesome all day, as I expected. He was great on the plane, in the airport and fell asleep immediately in the rental SUV, sleeping almost until we arrived. Ivy was a bit more challenging on the plane, but nursed and slept more than I expected, making for a pretty easy flight.

The landscape here is beautiful, even in Fayetteville. They have had their share of rain the past few months so things are lush and green, even in the beginning of Fall. The land is thick with trees. When Miles first awoke in the car on the way here, every time we passed trees he would holler, "Look! Forest!". But quickly realize it's all forest here, at least compared to San Diego.

Doris has turned her home into a Bed and Breakfast for us. She has provided us with the master bedroom, even emptying out some drawers and making room in her closet. Miles has his own room, complete with toys.

When we arrived last night Doris has made an amazing crockpot roast with carrots and potatoes. It was so good, and we ate and ate, even Ivy ate the carrots and potatoes. It was the first real meal we'd had all day, and with the food choices on the way here, seemingly all fast, drive thru choices, the meal was much appreciated.

Keith had one of Keeley's home brews that she left here for him. The drinking water is literally from a stream in the Ozarks that Keeley provides for her Mom. You can taste the minerals. It's wonderful. All the eggs are fresh from Keeley's flock. It's just like home! Well, at least the eggs will be.

After dinner we took a quick walk down the neatly manicured streets, lined with conservative brick houses. We discovered a gorgeous park just a block or two down the street with a walking trail. This morning we'd like to see where that walking trail leads.

Last night we went outside to get something from the car and I was dumbstruck by the stars! Even here in "town" (I say it in quote, because I haven't really seen any town as I know it yet) the stars are so bright! Miles came out and we just stood there, in our pajamas, mouths hanging open and discussed whether we needed apps to tell us what stars were what, or if we just wanted to soak it all in. In the end we just soaked it in. I can't wait to see the Ozark sky, if that's the normal night sky.

It seems we'll have beautiful weather here in which to explore Arkansas. Mid-70's and sunny during the day and 40's at night. This morning I sat by the bed keeping watch on sleeping Ivy, so she wouldn't fall out of the bed. Now I'm enjoying Doris' famous coffee. She remembered I drink decaf and had a little coffee pot of decaf just for me. I think it's going to be a great day!

I finally found a wifi coffee shop, an awesome place called Mama Carmen's where you coffee helps orphans somehow... You can read the whole backstory online. So I'm going to call this first blog away from home success and go enjoy my coffee and chocolate coconut bar. Cheers!

Julian Grape Stomp at the Menghini Winery

9/3/11: I really needed a day where everything was good. Today was that day, given the circumstances. First, let me say, that Keith is sick. Flu-like. I wanted to keep the kids far away from him, for one, so he could rest, and for two- so he wouldn’t spread the illness.

This morning I checked online to see what fun was happening around here and I saw the Menghini Winery was having a grape stomp in Julian. Miles loves the mountains. Partially because he always believes it will be snowing and partially (I think) because he loves nature and to be outdoors. I complained to Keith this morning that no one would go with me to the grape stomp and Miles shouted, “I’ll go with you!” and so it was.

I packed a bag like we might not come home. Extra clothes, food, blankets, tons of water and sunblock, even a bathing suit- just in case.

By the time we got up there the sun was shining a hot 93 degrees. I had packed the BOB, two beach chairs and a blanket. I loaded up the stroller with all our gear and wore Ivy in the Ergo. We maneuvered through the crowd and I managed to grab a tri-tip sandwich and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. We set up near the bounce house in the shade and Miles ran off to go wild with the children. The band was in full swing, and just behind me, one of the traffic directors was joining in on his harmonica, collaborating with the band.

It was lovely. Ivy played on the blanket, I ate with both hands (you Moms of babies know what I’m talking about) and sipped my wine from a lovely souvenir glass. Finally with much fan fair, the grapes arrived via tractor to fill the giant stomp barrels. Miles saw the grapes being delivered and immediately ran to be first in line for the stomp. Buckets and tubs of grapes were dumped in by men in bright yellow security jackets and farmer hats. Miles stood at the edge of the barrel, toes gripping the sides in extreme excitement and anticipation. Finally, the grapes were blessed and the stomping commenced.


There were squeals of delight, and disgust from both the adult barrel and the children’s barrel. Just as the juice was flying the band started in with, “That’s Amore” and the crowed spontaneously erupted in song. It was magical. I even dipped Ivy’s toes in the grapes so she could join in the fun.

After Miles and Ivy were literally hosed off we went next door to the Apple orchard for some U-Pick apples. We filled a bag and then headed into historic Julian for some shopping and pie.


Once walking down the street I saw the horse and carriage and asked the driver, “How much?” I’ve always wanted to do that and always assumed it was too much. Well, this time it just seemed appropriate, so we arranged to ride into the country in horse and buggy for a half hour. Listening to the clop clop clop of the horse’s hooves hit the pavement and searching for the deer in the foliage that the driver pointed out made the ride seem that much more worth it. Miles snuggled into me and Ivy laughed at nothing for awhile before settling into nurse for a nap.

Once back in town, we hit up some art galleries and antique stores. Of course we did some damage at the Cider Mill and then The Julian Pie Company for some famous natural apple pie.

It was just about 4pm and I didn’t want Miles to fall asleep in the car just yet. We entertained each other with a game of “I Spy” until we came up to Lake Cuyamaca. I parked and once again loaded up the stroller with all our gear. We found a shady spot by the lakes edge in which to lounge. Miles sprinkled duck food into the lake and Ivy played on the blanket while I gazed at the lake, satisfied in the effort of being there. Miles befriended the family next to us in hopes that Dad would let him fish some- but it didn’t happen.



We played until the sun was falling behind the trees and finally packed it up to go home. Both kids fell asleep in the car listening to Andrew Bird, without a peep. (Amazing for Ivy- she has trouble sleeping in the car).

I would say, it’s been a fantastic day. I really hope Miles will be able to remember some of the amazing experiences he’s having on our little spontaneous adventures.

Less TV is More

8/31/11: We are now in full swing of our new life with Ivy. She is a full participant and we are all so happy she’s here. She’s crawling fast and pulling herself up on everything- trying to walk at 9.5 months. She’s still a happy girl and has managed to smile through getting her first 3 teeth.

Miles and I are adjusting to sharing our time together with a new person. I used the TV as a crutch through the latter half of my pregnancy and through her first months, but now there are some big and exciting changes happening. This is my last year with Miles at home and I really want it to be fantastic. Our first major change is to reduce that TV crutch. It’s a good time to do it. Ivy’s older and can participate more and play more and Keith isn’t traveling out of town quite so much, at least for now.

I am starting a Home Ec. and Art class in the morning at home. He is full of creative energy and is ready to be directed and encouraged. Today we made Raisin Bran muffins. He did all the measuring, pouring and mixing. He helped chop the raisins, and put the batter in the cups. He basically did it all, just with a little help from me with reading, etc. The muffins were great and we brought them to his teachers with a little jar of the strawberry preserves that we made earlier this week. I think he was really proud.

While the muffins were in the oven, he asked to play a game on the iPad. I said let’s play legos or draw- he went to his room and found an old am/fm radio and put on some piano music (turned out to be gospel) and came into the kitchen, took my hand and asked me to dance. We used to dance all the time when he was a baby/toddler. Before TV. I want that back! I’m getting it back!

There have been some things that I’ve been whining about for a while now and it’s time I took some control, made things a little harder but more beautiful and went for it. I’m so glad I am- I’m seeing more of my little boy and less TV zombie. I had no idea it would make such a huge difference. I really didn’t! But now I’m hooked on no TV.

Relax

6/15/2011
Sometimes I think it’s easier to just relax. Let go. Have the tide of life come up and sweep you away. Don’t struggle against it, you’ll only sink deeper- just enjoy the ride.

In the end, do I want my kids to remember what a clean house I kept, what elaborate meals? Or do I want them to remember that time I crawled around on the floor shot tiny cannons and talked like a pirate for hours.

This is not to say that I don’t want a clean floor space to do that, but that idea, of a clean floor space is a little bit like chasing rainbows when you have two small children, a rabbit and 3 chickens.

So I’m going to sigh, and give in, when Ivy wants only to nap pressed close to me with my boob pressed up against her cheek. And I’m going to remember these days, through pictures and blog posts when she’s running out the door to meet friends at a movie...or moving into her dorm *gulp* in what feels like only a few short years.

Up Too Early To Think Clearly

1/8/2011: Funny things are happening in 2011. Like, time is shifting. My usual daylight hours days are gone. Now I sleep when I can, sometimes going to bed after 11pm, staying up late to do the things that take two hands. Then, I’m up before dawn, compelled to get up and do things like fold laundry, sip coffee, tidy up the living room.

I say “tidy up” the living room because it feels so housewife. Being a Mom of two is interesting. When you first become a Mom, it’s not the day you give birth necessarily. It takes time to sink in. It takes months of adjustment and struggle. It’s difficult to give up your old ways and routines. It’s painful even.

When the second baby comes along it’s different. You’re already used to doing less for you and more for others. But now there’s even less time for you. It’s hard to carve out time and space to be yourself. And knowing who you really are- well, that’s hard to say.

I feel like I’m being negative. But really I like to think I’m a glass half full kind of gal. It’s not bad. Just different. I love being a Mom of 2. It’s also fun to see how it’s shaping and changing Miles. See?! I did it again- I was talking about me, but then I went to Miles...Oh, Ivy just woke up so I guess my too early morning musings and ramblings are done for now. Maybe I can go back to sleep before everyone wakes up.