New beginnings

The new school year has begun. Summer just flew by. Zoe started fourth grade at a brand new school. We're working with her to get on track with her homework and staying on schedule. She is trying her best, but some days are tough.

Here’s a photo of Zoe on her first day of school. My sister Leesa sent her a box full of new clothes from Old Navy. Thanks, Leesa!

Owen started Pre-K this year. It's a dual-language program with half the day in English, and half in Spanish. I hope he absorbs the Spanish like a sponge. I think its essential to know Spanish, and that it is much easier to learn it when you are young.

We've been struggling to stay on schedule. We are not morning people and Zoe’s school bus is at 7:05! Due to first the Olympics, and now the Presidential party politics we’ve been sleep deprived. As responsible parents, we have to make things work. You do what it takes.


Bob was in Denver visiting his sister Amy just days before the DNC. He snagged me a few Democratic momentos. I'm a proud Democrat and I am hopeful for a new administration next year. Just think of the new beginnings we can celebrate together.

Flying solo at the library

Last night, my kind husband brought the kids to their swimming lesson. They take swimming on Monday and Wednesday night at our neighborhood pool. I went on Monday, dragged my visiting mother along, and we sweated for over an hour. During swim lessons, nobody else is allowed in the pool.

With this nice bit of freedom, I went to the Chapel Hill library BY MYSELF for only the second time since we moved here four years ago. Going to the library solo is such a gift. I was able to browse, look up several books that I've been meaning to read, and actually read at the library. I returned all but three books, extended the three that are outstanding, paid off our overdue fees, and replaced my card with the nifty key-chain version. It's amazing what simple pleasures there are to be had.

Happy New Year to all

First, we want to wish our friends and family a very Happy New Year. 2008 is going to be a great year. I'm sure of it.

We had quiet holidays spending time with the kids and resting. We snuck in some work too. We caught up with a stuff in the house. Since Bob is self-employed he has lots of trouble slowing down.

Bob worked too much and we squabbled about it. The kids alternated between being very demanding or becoming zombies by television. We rented DVDs and tried to fit in some time outside when it wasn't raining. We limit them to 1/2 hour or less a day with more on the weekends. It's just not feasible on a very wet long winter break.

We did more cooking and eating than usual. We made some treats and some traditions. We made Latkes to instill the tradition even though neither of my kids like them. We made cookies and brownies--big surprise--they do like them. I made a few experimental journeys in the kitchen. Thanks to Cooks Illustrated, I learned how to make French Onion Soup from scratch and Almost No-Knead Bread. The soup was amazing and I will make it again. The bread was still too much fuss for me. Since bakeries with good bread abound, it is better to leave bread to the professionals.

We caught up on some reading and crafting. The kids did some painting with watercolors and of course I knit. I'm catching up on several projects and trying to resist starting new ones. Even so, I started a simple Aran vest for Owen. I'm nearly done with the back. And, Zoe is really enjoying the Harry Potter books. She is deep into book five.

Bob & I celebrated the anniversary of our marriage in style with two kids in tow at a local fish restaurant. No, it was not romantic, but at least we were together. We will have many more with just the two of us. Our kids will have their own agendas. For now it's the awesome foursome.

Of course there were some missing things, first we missed all of you. And, we wished for snow. Even though we desperately need the rain here, we were sad that it didn't snow.

New Hope Valley Railway & Bob's wrist

Last weekend we all went on a New Hope Valley Railway Train ride. It was a blast for Owen. We all were glad we went, but Owen was thrilled. He wanted to go back the next day.
I've always been a fan of trains and train travel. Over the years, I've read a several of Paul Theroux's train travel books. It is amazing how noisy, messy, smelly and slow steam trains are. Reading about it is much nicer than actually doing it.

On a different note, Bob had surgery on his wrist today. He had a nasty rebuild of his bones and tendons due to a bad Ganglion cyst. It went pretty well, but it was more involved than they expected. This is the second surgery for this condition, so we're hoping it works this time. He's not supposed to work or drive for 10 days. Right, like that's going to happen. And, He'll need a cast for 6 weeks. Mercy, it's going to be a tough ten days. He's pretty loopy on the pain meds. He keeps asking me the same questions over and over again. The most frequent questions are about whether or not the surgeon was confident, or did he get it all? Go to sleep now, Bob. Thank you, Percosets.

Pumpkins

Bob, Zoe and Owen went shopping for pumpkins today. I sent them to Whole Foods where they are 3 for $12. They kids were excited and the pumkins were good.

Of course, Zoe wanted one on the bottom of the pile. Owen kept saying, "punkin OH-ringe, not lellow." (Translation: Pumkins are orange, not yellow.)

At work today, we had pumpkin butter on crackers. It was really good. Then, tonight on the way home from my ArtsCenter class, I stopped at Weaver Street Market and bought two pieces of pumpkin cheesecake.

We're planning to go to the State Fair on Saturday. I hope it's not too crowded. Last year it was an exhausting and fun day. I hope to see the biggest pumpkin grown in North Carolina.

I think that's enough pumpkin for one post.

Horseplay at work

 

Bob and Owen came by my work. Owen got into lots of mischief. 

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I got to sleep in a bit while Bob made breakfast. Zoe and Owen were not helpful, but were allowed to watch TV. It all came to an abrupt end when the smoke detector went off five or six times. He was burning bacon and filling the house up with smoke.

Bob is very well meaning. Alas, he can't cook very well. He had two hungry kids to deal with. So, I came slumbering down at 7:30. We had waffles and coffee. The bacon was not bad despite the drama.

We had basically the same menu last year. This year of mothering has been a great one.

Zoe is maturing bit by bit. She has learned a so much this year and works hard at school. We still struggle with her attention and focus. She is getting stronger with gymnastics and now horseback riding classes. These are great for her confidence and stamina.

Owen is a force to contain and direct. He is trying so hard to talk. He studies what we say and copies Zoe the most. When she jumped into the van tonight and shouted. "you're the best!" Owen parrotted her with "the best!"