Trains

My kid. He loves trains. That is until we took him on a real steam engine that freaked the f out of him.


Trust me, he's holding on for dear life.

Before the weather got all weird and cold, we took a trip up to Northern Wisconsin. On the way, we stopped and rode on an old steam engine. We thought Jules would love it. And initially, he did. But as soon as that whistle let out its high-pitched squeal, Jules FREAKED OUT. There was no consoling him. There was no "Look Jules! You're on a steam train like Thomas!" There was only screams and tears.

We're awesome at parenting!!



He eventually lightened up after lunch and was excited to sit in the engineers seat of a train that did not move. Or make a sound. Or had a weird hiss to it. It was finally exciting for him.



He requested to go inside the caboose, up top. Justin was excited to crawl around old train cars. I was just happy Jules wasn't crying anymore.

On the way back, we decided to sit at the furthest car from the engine. What a difference that made. Jules was so happy, bouncing from seat to seat.


Wait for it...



And, steam whistle.

OhHAI!

Not intentionally forgetting this space. It exists and at this point, something that isn't a "hey, lets make something that works well even better!" Except, I'm not sure it's better.

I'm looking at you Facebook.

Seriously, I've only seen a few new features over at the bookface and really, I'm getting tired of it anyway so now may be the time to jump ship?

So I come back to my old bloggy friend, Blogger. Who's still reading anyway?

Peter Pan Fan

I loved Peter Pan when I was younger. Well, I should say, when I was 12. It was just a sweet, fun, adventurous story. I haven't seen it since. But I somehow own the dvd - pre-Jules. Weird.

I showed it to him the other night and, wow, is that a violent and somewhat scary cartoon for kids. This is the most violence Jules has seen and naturally, he's glued to it.

It's much different than Thomas & Friends' gentle "James was cross," or "Cinder and Ashes!" Peter Pan has sword fighting, beating up girls, missing hands, bombs, drowning, and pirates.

But then it ends so sweetly.

I think I'll hold off showing him Bambi.

Minna-Do-Da!

Lots of dumb stuff going on so let's review in bullet points!

- The Minnesota State Fair started and yes, we've already gone. The open invite still exists for those who want to bust out their stretchy pants (or draw string pants, whatever you've got) and come out and eat all day long. It's an event. An event that means summer is over in Minnesota. And you gain 6 lbs.

- We spent a long weekend in Northern Wisconsin with Justin's family. Eight kids, six adults and two dogs in a cabin. It was as fun as it sounds.

- Jules speaks like an adult now. Just ask him where he's from. "Minna-do-da!"
What's my name?
"Mommy!"
No, my real name.
"Des-deee."

It's cute.

- The garden is doing well. I've plucked cucumbers and tomatoes as they've ripened. The corn, carrots, onions and potatoes are growing nicely and should be ready in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed! I learned a lot and I'll do some things differently next year, but it's been fun.

- We went to the Vikings game Saturday and I got groped while walking to the bathroom. I thought Bears fans were assholes.

- Started watching Mad Men. Love it! Love that it's streaming on Netflix. Love Netflix. The end.

Dead Presidents

After we put the baby - excuse me, toddler - to bed the other night, we got to talking about past President's. Justin asked, "Can you name all the President's from the 20th Century?"

"I think so."

And I proceeded to go from Roosevelt up - the first Roosevelt. Now, honestly, starting with Roosevelt was a guess. I was about 80% sure he was the first but it turns out he started in 1901. I was pretty impressed with my abilities to name all but three President's from the 20th century (and 21st of course). I only needed a few hints to name those three. Justin admitted he couldn't name that many. Sad. And he's smart!

So once I was done, I told Justin we should learn all the Presidents, not just in order, but the years they served. Sounds like High School all over again, eh? Forced learning! Sleeping in class! Economics at 8am! (true story)

But really, who says you can't take time out to learn (or sadly, re-learn) something as an adult? And shouldn't learning be about, well, learning more on something that interests you? Plus, it's a challenge!

So I'll be index-carding it up with President's and their terms. I'm sure this information will help me in trivial pursuit or something. Lord knows most subjects didn't help me land a job. (I'm talking to you ALGEBRA.)

Just gotta talk Justin into it...

Just Like Dad

Looks like this little guy looks up to his Dad.

Scully

Let's talk about Scully for once (it's been a while since she's been featured). Since the baby was born, I hate to admit it, but she's been put on the back burner. We don't neglect her but she doesn't get all the attention she got for the first seven years of her life. We took her everywhere, got her special treats from expensive pet boutiques, bathed her once a week and everything else a furry friend could ask for. Now she only goes to the vet or my in-laws for excursions, no trips to the pet boutique, bathed probably five or less times a year, and many times, yelled at just out of frustration. She's regressed in her training - as little as it was - and has taken to cowering when Justin calls her name.

We've never hit her. Although, the baby hits her when he thinks he's petting her. He's getting better but he gets really excited and she gets really scared. It's sad and I feel terrible that I can't give her all my attention like in the past.

Recently, she got sick as a result of us forgetting to give her her heart worm meds. It didn't help that she's constantly out in the yard exploring and eating mice. As a little dog, her job is to burrow and hunt rodents. Instinct got the best of her and she found mouse town under our shed (awesome, huh?). Caught one or two, who knows, and got sick. And recently, she came in from exploring outside and ended up with a gash on her upper back and hind leg. She's just not having a good summer. And we're not having fun taking her to the vet and feeling guilty because we aren't protecting her well.

Justin thinks it's her fault and while I agree to a point, we are responsible for her well being and safety. It might be time to reconnect with her, refocus with training and make the last part of her life as fun as the first part.

The Kid...He's Got the Beat

It's been a fun summer so far! Now that Jules is older, we can take him to lots of outdoor activities, including a Drum Corps show. He loves music and always does a dance when any type is playing. We took him to our local parade and he stomped and danced when the bands went by. Afterwards, we listened to a local Drum and Bugle Corps - Minnesota Brass - do a stand-still of their show. Jules was enthralled and loved it! He danced. He screamed. He stayed out late!



While we didn't get the same response when we took him to an actual show, he still did well. You can't expect a two-year-old to sit still when there are bleachers to climb on!

!!!!!

I want to talk about Facebook status' for a second. You've seen them, the ones with multiple exclamation points, like this many!!! after every sentence!!!! "And it's gonna be a good day!!!" !!!!

Really, I think one exclamation point does enough, possibly two to get a point across. But let's limit it to every other sentence, at least. Please?

Or better yet, don't post a status update if you're super excited.

Mkaythxbai!!!!!

It's All a Crap Shoot

While living in Las Vegas, I tried to grow an orange tree. Guess how it turned out? I don't know either. I gave it to a friend's wife to take care of when we moved to Minneapolis. But the first year I had it, it survived and actually grew fruit. I learned you weren't supposed to pick it the first year so the second years harvest would be better. (I hope it's growing yummy oranges for my friend and his wife! It probably is, I think she's got a super green thumb.)

When we bought our house, the family before had a huge garden in the corner of the yard. I loved the idea of a garden and wanted to do it. But then I had a baby and then it was winter and then summer again and the baby was crawling and I wasn't in the right mind to start such a task. We did, however, prep the garden by digging out weeds and left over leeks (we ate them, they were good. The leeks, not the weeds.). But after one really heavy, rainy week, it all grew over again and I gave up.

I made up my mind, this was going to be the "Summer of Gardening" (and "Summer of Beverages"). So I started all my seeds inside and they were growing beautifully. I had Friday's off and that gave me time to work in the garden. And I borrowed a family tiller to do the really heavy work for me. But the weather. Oh Minnesota and your weather. You always ruin my plans!

I had to wait a few weeks until the ground was dry. My little seedlings were starting to die-they needed to be planted! But it finally dried out and I was finally able to get started. Let me tell you about a tiller. It's a machine that-while digging into the ground-you hold on for dear life because it's going to take off and not care you're holding on or not. It.was.fun! And quick! It took maybe 45 minutes to till the entire plot. I made Justin till the back scary corner.

We planted the seedlings and BAM, Minnesota decided to go from 70's to 100's in about a day. And most of my seedlings died. All but two cucumber plants died, but my tomato plants survived. I also planted corn, carrot and potato seeds. I figured they were a lost cause too because of the heat and I couldn't keep up with watering. But then Minnesota went back to the 70's with tons of rain. And guess what? Everything grew! Including weeds! So now, I get to pull lots weeds thanks to all the rain. Most of my seeds have sprouted and are growing beautifully. I will have to plant some more corn because they are being overtaken by grass. Meh, I've got tons of corn seeds.

Now, how they will taste is a whole other experiment. Stay tuned...

24 Months

Oh baby Jules, my little two-year-old, you are so grown up. You'll never be the squishy little 6-month-old baby again. I had to sneak into your room to cuddle you the other night just like when you were 6 months old.

It was easy to get you because we switched your bed to a big boy bed last week. You get so excited to go "night night" you don't even get out in the morning. You patiently wait for us to get you.


You're so proud.

We've got a running list of signs you know. It's very close to 50 signs! You learn them so quickly now. Your language has also improved dramatically. You know colors and we're working on numbers. You can count to three.

You adore being outside. You and Dad have been spending a lot time outside during the day: playing, working in the yard, bike riding. Anything to stay outside.




Driving cars, looking cool.

We had your birthday part on Saturday. All your cousins adore you and had fun taking you all over the play area. You napped so well afterward!






Not the best family photo, but it is what it is.


You got a sand and water table. I haven't put the sand or water in it because you like to drive cars all over this thing.


You totally love it!


You took it upon yourself to climb in and play.


"Just checking this umbrella thing."

These two years went by so fast. There's no slowing you down. Happy Birthday my little one!

Three Years

I was recognized this week for working here three years. That's the longest I've worked somewhere that wasn't school. My usual thing to feel after TWO years at any place is anger, frustration, stress, boredom, blah, blah, you get the idea. But here, I haven't felt that. Sure there have been frustrating days. Anger at dumb decisions. Stress at getting a project done. Boredom from lack of work. That's at all jobs and not at once as it was in the past. Since being here, I've never said, "I'm done. I want out. I hate it here." Not once. Ask Justin how many times I said that at my last employer.

It was nice being recognized because a lot of people didn't know what I did, who I was, or even what I looked like. But that changed within the past year. The role I have now lets me interact with more departments and become the hero at the last minute (toot toot! - that's me tooting my horn.). And when my boss ended his speech about my work here, I was surprised at the applause that came. Loud cheers! What? Who was doing that? No one knows me or the work that I've done. But people did know me and the work I've done. And they cheered. I was the popular kid for 15 seconds.

I haven't thought about where I'll be in the next 10 years career wise. Where ever I am, I hope I'll be as happy as I am here.

Themes are Good

*ooh, Looks like I can now "mobile post" - but I'm not gonna.*

May in Minnesota is weird. You have beautiful, sunny days with a high of 75. Perfect, Minnesota! Then you have beautiful, sunny days with a high of 55. She can't help her moodiness.

I'm doing a garden this year. I was with infant last year and couldn't get my act together for many reasons. This year, this summer is the summer of gardening for me and the summer of beverages for Justin. We're nerds and like to theme our summers. One summer was the "summer of socks" the next was "summer of slurpees!" So, once we declare it, it'll happen.

Summer of gardening consists of 1) cleaning up the front and back yard and not be the embarrassment of the cul-de-sac any more. And 2) planting a simple vegetable garden. By not going overboard, I'm keeping it simple and doable. Or else, I'll fail. Corn, potatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, cauliflower, and pumpkins - for the kids. So far, so good! I got my starters going and just finished tilling most of the garden. But, Minnesota wants to ruin everything for me and rain. Jerk. While the hard work is 1/2 way done, it really all comes down to how things will taste. I can only hope it's edible.

Summer of beverages consists of 1) brewing our own beer and 2)creating our own pop. Orange, root beer, grape, cream soda, whatever! Plus, we'll need a cool beverage after the long hours of garden time we'll be putting in EVERY.NIGHT.FOR.THE.REST.OF.THE.SUMMER!!

I'll let you know how it goes. What's your summer theme?

23 Months

Oh man, good thing I only said I'd do this until you're two because capturing you on camera is not easy. You're too busy to sit still for me (duh, MOM!) and you would rather scroll through the photos on the camera than sit still for one.

At 23 months, you have a few more words, some new songs, and tons more signs. You sign "shoes" which means you want to go outside. You run and run as fast as you can outside (and inside) and love to chase the dog, dad on the bike or just run.



We give you a high-five after you've done a chore. You're a good helper and love high-fives. We'll see how long this lasts.

You've perfected the "sack of potatoes" and "drop to your knees" when I need to pick you up and you don't want to go. You kick and scream and while this would have frustrated me 10 years ago, I just giggle to myself and say "this will pass".



You're growing up so fast. You like to feel like a big boy. So we let you sit in a chair at the table and you did great! Yes, I have white seat cushions that I should probably change out but you were so proud sitting in my chair. Guess we'll have to get you a booster seat. Bye bye high chair!



The big TWO coming up!

Weekend

Besides feeling a bit sick on Mother's Day, the weekend was pretty good.

I actually busted out my very first issue of Burda magazine (in FRENCH!) and made a cute new summer top. I took a photo, but a photo of me wearing it would be better. Despite the French instructions, it turned out really nice. Here's a line drawing:



Saturday, Jules and I went to cheer Justin and friends on as they biked 60 miles for MS.





Jules made friends at the rest stop with his cool sunglasses and his fist-bumping skillz.

Then the weather went from this:



Cool jacket weather.

To this:



Hot, muggy, and too hot for clothes weather. This is the Minnesota we love :)

I got a replica Kate Middleton engagement ring (you know, the blue sapphire with diamond beauty?) and its totally blinging! A perfect Mother's Day gift!

So with my new top, ring and warm weather, I'm like a new girl!

It's Not You, It's Me

I'm not a picky eater. That's my sister. Although, Justin would disagree and throw me in the same crowd as picky eaters like my sister. There are some flavors I just can't stand. Some textures that are horrid. And probably the most frustrating thing for Justin, some foods I won't eat because the name grosses me out.

For example, I hate cilantro. HATE the smell as much as the taste. Apparently, I'm not alone:

http://whoknew.news.yahoo.com/?nc&vid=25107474

When Justin eats anything with cilantro, I can smell it on his breath and I keep my distance. Same thing goes for garlic - although I love garlic, just not cuddling next to someone who reeks of it.

Chewing peas is like sandy dirt. The texture just makes me gag. The flavor doesn't help either. Peas have a very earthy taste (dirt) so I don't even bother with them anymore.

Greek yogurt. Nope, don't like the word "Greek" in food. Although, I like Greek food, just not "Greek" something. Hummus, yes! Falafal, yes! Baklava, yes! Greek yogurt, no!

I tried Clotted Cream while I was in England. I was VERY hesitant at first, but I really wanted to try it. The word "clotted" has got to be the grossest word ever associated with food. Just sounds like a blood clot and who the hell wants to eat that?!

I tried it and it was THE.BEST.CREAM.EVER!

But I still hate the name.

This one is straight ignorance: Butterscotch. I had no idea it was basically caramel, in liquid form! Oh so yummy.

Justin doesn't think I try many new things, but I really do. They just aren't as obvious to him - he eats everything. I'm just now trying butterscotch, that's like kids play in terms of sampling new foods. One day I hope to try more, but for now, I've grown past scraping the sauce off pizza (I'll still eat it with sauce), but I prefer no sauce.

Things I'm Loving Lately

- the walk into work. I don't park in the parking garage at work anymore for many reasons. My new parking situation is a few blocks away and outdoors. Now that spring is mostly here, the walk in is nice, even in the rain. Makes me feel like part of the city. No idea why, but it just does.
- Muse. Their new album, you know, from last year, is so good in every way. Rock, sexy rock, classical, some song that sounds Jewish to me (clarinets make me think of Jewish songs, no idea why. I'm weird.).
- finally feeling like an adult. Job with challenges, rewards, co-workers I adore and respect and others who are meh. The fact that I have a kid is finally making me feel like I'm in my thirty's too.
- cooking from my pantry. Taking a coupon/stockpiling break and using up everything we have.
- the sun!
- movie night!
- homemade croissants. I've been making them almost every weekend. Not good for the gut and/or butt.
- Jules and his sweet "hi-ee!" and "bi-e-e-e-e-ke".

What are you loving lately?

22 Months

Whoa kid, you're growing up way too fast! I went away for WGI again this year and when I got home, you looked so much like a bigger, little boy! You're tall with just a hint of baby fat, you run really fast from the living room to the kitchen and you spin in circles until you fall down laughing.

Daddy had to lower your bed to the last possible setting because you really want to climb out. We're not ready for that yet. So in you stay and we can sleep for another 20 minutes.

Throwing, hitting and screaming are a daily treat for us! We love it when you toss a car in our direction and throw a spoon at Scully and we especially love it when you slap our faces.


(Mad about something.)

Actually, we hate it, but we try really hard to be patient with you and your outbursts. You see us as both bad and good guys. Phew, because I didn't want to be seen as a mean mom!


You love to help me with chores. You like to stir whatever I'm cooking. You know where the garbage and recycling go. You know how to throw dirty clothes down the laundry chute. And you help me put clothes in the washer and dryer. I give you a high five when done and you immediately want a fist-bump too. Then you run to find Dad for a fist-bump.




Giving Lammie a kiss.


Your two babies, Lammie and Doggie.

You're getting a little more social. When someone says "Hi" you might say it back. When the boys are in the cul-de-sac playing, you'll yell at them, "HEY!" When Dad has to yell for Scully to come back, you chime in yelling for her too. But you're still shy in certain situations.

Here's to 22 months, Jules.

What I Did This Weekend

My opinions - offended by what I say? Meh, move along then.

Instead of going over every show that was amazing (or not), I'm just going to give a rundown of the weekend. Isn't that what I do every year? I'm too lazy to look back. I've had little sleep and my brain is overwhelmed by all the groups that used versions of Radiohead's Creep and Metallica for strings, there were a lot. (I totally made that up. It's essentially a classical version of Nothing Else Matters. Classy.)

I was also overwhelmed at the number of Texas guards and even more impressed at how many made it to finals. I'm going to say at least 10 made finals. And we heard this all weekend:

The stars at night
Are big and bright
(clap, clap, clap, clap)
Deep in the heart of Texas!

Minnesota did well too. Irondale made finals in A Class with their sports-themed show and MBI (Minnesota Brass, Inc.) made finals in Open Class.

My top shows were (ha! So I am giving a run down, but it's a small list):
Black Watch - A sight to experience in person, really.
Trumbull HS - Tearjerker and beautiful. Wish I had seen it more than once.
Carmel HS - These girls are amazing. Connect the dots!
Delazure - One of the Creep shows...with Mime faces.
Beatrix - All the way from the Netherlands bringing the story of Anne Frank to the floor.

My most WOW and DID YOU SEE THAT!? List:

Zydeco
Braddock Independent
Vanguard
Fantasia
James Logan

And not for fun, but to show that I didn't like everything I saw there and I'm not afraid to admit it to the interwebs:

South Shore - I know it was a crowd favorite but I have no idea why it won.
Onyx - I get that you're World Class level, but please, don't make the show alienate the audience by your concept.

That's all I can remember or that stuck out to me as big-time hot dog guards*.

Thursday, I watched 9 1/2 hours of Winterguard at three different locations.

Friday, I watched 9 hours of Winterguard with A Class finals that night.

Saturday, I watched 10 hours of Winterguard with it being Finals for both Open and World Class groups.

That's a lot of guard in a short amount of time, but I loved it. Til next year...

*Hot dog guard is a group you don't like or want to see again and you get something to eat, like a hot dog.

Skillz

I think I'm getting the hang of this croissant thing.