Mini-Vacation - Cape Cod

It was interesting to have such a short time in which to do all the things we like to do on Cape.  Yet, we did indeed have a lot of experiences and enjoyed ourselves.

We enjoyed several beaches in a lot of different phases--at sunset, early in the morning, high tide, low tide, in our swimsuits and warm water in Cape Cod Bay, in our clothes in the cold surf of the Ocean watching seals bopping up to the surface.

We played mini-golf (twice at the same place), arcade games, got tickets and got Willow a stuffed animal, ate pizza (twice at the mini-golf place) and rode 50 cent rides.

We went to the drive-in movie to watch a mediocre movie (the new Spider-Man).  We ate out and had lobster and corn on the cob and chowder, ice cream and salad with WONDERFUL dressings.

We swam in the pool at the motel, we played board games and watched television while in the hotel bed, had snacks that normally we wouldn't have (yum, mint oreo cookies and M&Ms!)

It was short.  It was needed.  We took it for all it was worth!  (And boy, were we tired when we got home!)

Watching the seals bopping around at Nauset Light Beach.  (Yeah, I did not take pictures of them--I already have tons of pics from previous times--this time, I just watched them).

Mommy caught a crab with her bare hands!  (I was so proud!)  We all caught a lot of hermit crabs, but I caught this one!  (all were released)

Once she got her floaties and vest on--this girl wanted to just go into the deep end!!  (Mom is right out of shot there--Michael is putting on his snorkel in the background).

While the seals bopped around--so did Willow (it started out as only getting feet wet--yeah, well, she was soaked by the end, which was fine, it was the end of the day and we were not far from the hotel).

M&M pancakes and blueberries--which she was playing with and not eating.

Went here twice, cuz we love our ice cream!

Kinda nonsense video at a restaurant, where you can see the Ocean, Michael's silhouette, hear Willow in the background and Chewy complementing our waitress.

Michael on the beach in Provincetown.  Being very much like his father when he was that age.

First night, sunset at low tide.

Willow being herself.

Yummy yummy pizza!

Mini-golf expert--she moves the ball close to the hole--and it is a "hole in one".

Tall enough that he probably needs a longer golf club!

Memorable Moment Monday - Independence

Taking part of another PAIL Bloggers Memorable Moment Monday:

July 4th, 2012

Willow is becoming more and more independent.  It is such a wonder to watch her figure out the world around her and where she fits in.  She has opinions, she sings songs when she is happy, and she loves to occasionally surprise me with the insightful thoughts that only a four year old has.

And then we have the Teen: 

July 8, 2012

Michael is so much a teenager sometimes it is hard to reconcile his sometimes childish streaks with the mature ones....although I think I just defined what a teenager is right there!  Here he is hanging out at the beach while his sister caught hermit crabs (although he did later help set up a hermit crab race).

Fourth of July Daring Do...

Went for our annual trip to Canobie Lake today.  The most fun was watching Willow (and Michael) try NEW rides (well, for them).  

Since I have gotten older, I seem to be more motion sick than not, and so you won't see me on a lot of rides--but to see the kids actually trying some--well, that was awesome!

Don't get me wrong--I did indeed do some bumper car bumping--and I got totally totally wet at the water park...just you won't find ME on this type of ride:

Um..not sure if Willow totally enjoyed this one, but her brother was there (he rode it twice) and she was fine afterwards!

Willow also tried this bigger kid kiddie ride:

She said it went a "little too high" for her.

The only ride she wasn't "ever ever going to go on ever again" was the Haunted Mine Ride--too scary, she said.

Then it was on to the water park part of the amusement park.  Last year, I was barely able to get her to get near the sprinkler parts.  This year--she not only tried the kiddie water slide; she tried the intermediate twisty-covered water slide.  (I wish I could have gotten photos/video of that--but I was busy running around and getting wet trying to catch up to her).**

I totally admire that my kids tried the rides out and had a great time.

**Willow decided giving me a heart attack would be nice and she ran off--she was scolded for NOT listening to me when I told her to stay near me.  She ran off, I couldn't find her, I ran about getting more wet, getting blasted by people with water guns...(this is why I don't like being the only adult who will do the water park)...luckily the rest of our party finally came in and helped look and within 2 secs found her (While I was up in the middle of the water structure getting soaked by jerks with water guns).  Yeah, we laugh now--I am thinking of ways to make sure next time I drag another adult in with me!

Memorable Moment Monday

I know it is Tuesday, but I wanted to add my photo to PAIL Bloggers Memorable Moment Monday.

This is Michael and Willow at Hampton Beach on Friday.  It was the first time Willow had went to the beach this season and it was the first time I had ever taken both kids to the beach with no other adults.

Michael and I tried to assemble a sun tent...gave up.  We had one beach chair (the other chair is sitting on our lawn near the swings), so we used a blanket.  Willow promptly shoveled sand everywhere, including onto our snacks.  Michael wandered off as a teenager does.  Willow shrieked with wonder at the waves.

Yup, we had fun.  

Necessary

Sometimes, when money is tight, it is so hard to decide what things are necessary. I mean that there are, of course, ways to cut costs and there are things that one can do to save money.

But there are those intangible things that come up that make you really question what you are cutting.

It became apparent a few weeks ago that both Chewy and I are burning ourselves out. We need a vacation. We need to enjoy the summer and the kids and we need to relax and forget our troubles for a bit.

We are going to go to Cape Cod for a long weekend at the end of this week. Logistically, it works well with the Fourth of July and Chewy's Birthday.

We struggled in deciding to even do this mini-vacation. Do we dare spend money for some frivolousness?

In the end, we realized that sometimes there is a need that you just have to spend the money for.




(and it doesn't hurt to use Pr.i.ce L.in.e)

Birthday Cake...

Usually we buy our Birthday cakes (either from the bakery or from the grocery store). 

But this year, I decided that since Willow is very much into helping me cook, etc. that daddy might like us to bake him a cake this year.  

Chewy's birthday is July 5th--but our friend John's birthday is July 1st, so we baked the cake a little early so we could celebrate both birthdays.

Willow enjoyed making the cake (and licking the mixing bowl); Michael liked helping put the frosting on and putting on the candy letters.

We all liked eating it!  (Chewy picked out the flavor--devils food with butter cream icing)

Pictures (in no particular order):

Remembering...

I don't remember many dates, anniversaries...but for some reason this date always sticks in my memories and heart. Someone I loved so dearly, someone whose birthday actually meant something to me. Thinking of you still. Happy Birthday, Grammie. Miss you.

Cell Phone Dump

In the age of technology where even my crappy cell phone can take pictures, I often capture a quick moment or two...usually to send over to a friend or relative. And then I keep them on my phone.  Sometimes I might look them over again.  

With summer here, I want to make room for more random photos...so here are some random photos now deleted from my phone.

January -- Michael was lying down listening to his MP3 player when Willow came along and wanted to listen in.  Gladly, Michael shared the music with her as they snuggled up.

The end of the Birthday Party day...and the sleep over munchies have already gotten into another monster cake.  I snap this one because I wanted Ana to see that her cake(s) were a hit even after the party.  (Also, Wolfman looks kinda cool all half-cut)

Some photos are really old--this one is from April 2011.  Michael getting ready for class.

Willow Style--earlier this spring at the Concord River.

First meal on the new kitchen table! (Yeah, yeah, living it up in style!)

You know, I could fix this to not be sideways--but I don't care...it is still dolphin safe!

At the same carnival that the dolphin photo was taken.  Both photos taken to send to daddy who was not there...

Oldie photo--from September 2011...to prove that yes, even a girly girl plays with trucks!

Skates in the Car...

After Willow's birthday, I took her roller skating in her new skates.  I decided that it would be a good idea to leave them in the car for those impromptu skate opportunities....then promptly kinda forgot about them.  (I say kinda because I would see them and there was not the opportunity--or the opportunity was there but I forgot them...or it rained...)

But Tuesday--I remembered them! And the opportunity was perfect!  And she did a good job--not totally confident enough to try to "skate" like I remember doing--but she was very comfortable and enjoyed shuffling along.

A moment before was a perfect picture--she was crouched down smelling the flower...

Dad's Home...

Flying on stand-by (through a relative), Chewy was able to go to Michigan to be there for his Grandma's funeral.  The trip there on Thursday was easy--coming home...that was another matter.  After spending a looong night at the airport in Chicago (the last flight he was not able to get on, so he spent the night at the airport), he arrived home this morning.  

He arrived just as I was leaving for a job interview.  A bedraggled person in a suit comes in, while a crisp, pressed pre-interview person is leaving.  We exchange "hi's" then have a small argument because we are both tired (for different reasons).   Later I call him for help with directions to the interview--the navigation computer had taken me to the wrong address....

I come home from the interview and he is upstairs sleeping.  I cuddle up to him and afterwards he has favorite pasta dish for a local restaurant (the kids and I went there for lunch yesterday).

Then it is time to pick Michael up from school...and we have a plan.  I pick him up and say "hey, wanna get some ice cream?" We go to a local ice cream parlor--and there is his dad, waiting for him!  (Well, actually, he walked PAST Michael who went back to the car to put something away--and did not see him walk past him).  

Dad had brought gifts for Michael and me...but was not able to get a stuffed puppy for Willow (that was her request).  Since we are in separate cars, we split up--and weirdly enough both stop off to get her a gift--and wierdly enough they are both siberian husky puppies--one is smaller than the other, so they are a mommy and baby.

Above is the reaction she had to seeing daddy (puppies in her arms).  (Well, at first she acted rather shy when she walked into the house).

Envy

She swings. She swings in an old purple jacket, unzipped. Sparkle shoes helping her propel forward and back. It is a rainy, cold,dark day. Most people would want to snuggle up on the couch. She wants to swing, has been out twice today to do so. She swings and her cares are as simple as mine are complex. No wonder the old envy the young.

Rainy, Dreary Days...

Unfortunately, the weather has mirrored our lives lately.  Right after Memorial Day, we lost someone.

Went out to lunch on a stormy Saturday with a friend whose mother was dying of cancer.  Got home to find correspondence from the government confirming that I will be cut off of unemployment after this extension (whether or not I have a job).  Before I went out to lunch, Chewy got the call that his Grandmother was going into hospice.

Yesterday I got a love note from the IRS saying we owe taxes from two years ago (we HOPE it is a mistake). My friend called to say her mother passed away that morning.  Chewy's Grandmother is getting worse...

I guess we are living the phrase "when it rains, it pours..."

Happy June 1st---Being Outside!

Playing with chalk a couple of days ago.  She dressed herself up for going out.  The day before Michael had made a drawing of a zombie (from Half Life--so it has a head crab on it).

Another try at using a leash on a cat.  Kif always wants to go out, but we live on a busy street--worry about him and Gabby getting hit.  Yesterday the kids took Kif out for a bit...he LOVED it.

Family

When you move about 800 miles away from your family, you end up having to make connections with others to create that family.

Someone dear to me sent me a plaque a few years ago which I love: "Friends are the Family we choose for Ourselves."

It took us a few years, but we have acquired such friends and I am proud to consider them part of our family.

It is especially nice when someone who is not your flesh and blood takes you in and makes you feel like you are a part of their family.  Someone who dotes on your children and asks them those questions that only relatives ask.  Someone who takes pictures of your kids because she wants to.  Who sends you emails with pictures of those times (in montages even!).

Unfortunately, when you get close to someone you also have to feel heartbroken when they go.

Dee, you made me and my family feel welcome in yours.  You doted on my children like a grandmother.
And you showed how us how to face adversity with a positive fighting attitude.

Thank you for being a part of our lives.  You will be missed.

Pressure Is On...UPDATED

June 9th will be my One Year Anniversary--no, I won't be celebrating (although maybe I will have chocolate).

On that date, one year ago--I was reluctantly laid off.  I am on my 2nd extension of Unemployment Benefits.  I have had many many interviews (some with staffing agencies, some with actual employers).  I still don't have a job.  And time is running out.

Frankly, I am not sure what more I can do.  I am on all the job sites.  I have honed my interview technique--I even get comments like "you are great" "you are setting the bar high" "I'm thrilled with you"---all of which end up with me getting my hopes up--but being told I was a second or third choice candidate (or they never call back at all).  I have started to make concessions on what I can and cannot do as per location and salary (unfortunately, there is not a lot of wiggle room there).

When the benefits go away--I have no idea what we will do.  I have never been unemployed this long.  The budget is already tight--I can only make it so much tighter. The end of July will be the end of my 2nd extension.  I may qualify for a 3rd.  The pressure is on.

UPDATED: Well, it is official.  I got the letter today in the mail. I will not be getting a third extension.  I believe I will be cut off at the end of July.  If anyone has some ideas about how to cut costs, please let me know...I am running out of ideas.

Fashion Show

Bought Willow a few outfits for the summer.

Riding a plastic Dolphin won at Carnival.

Saying hi to Daddy in another outfit...

Obviously, this outfit needs an undershirt...

"i love you more than ice cream" - she is wearing this to Preschool tomorrow.

Interactions

On Saturday, it was just me and the kids. I enjoyed taking them out to a Carnival and later on to a discovery museum. The funny part is that this was a museum that I had taken Michael to when he was Willow's age. Stranger still--we were going there for free because it was an event for families that have children on the autism spectrum. (At Willow's age, I had no idea my son had any such issues...how time changes perspectives...)


Michael was definitely one of the more high functioning children there--and it made me feel guilty for any of the times I have felt bad for our situation. (In fact, one little boy about 5 years old was so taken with Michael that all he wanted to do was follow him around and hug him--and his shoes). Michael took it in stride (which is really good since he has issues with his personal space, etc.)

More importantly, it was great to see him interacting with his sister. A lot of people commented to me about how great he was with her (which is so true).

Table Time

We got a new kitchen/dining room table yesterday. We finally decided we couldn't wait for me to get a job before getting a new set--the old table was wobbly beyond repair, a couple of the chairs were breaking and to top it off, this past Thanksgiving, the table leaves broke.
The new table is more elegant than our previous one. It makes us giddy and feel grown up...and at first I was not sure why it produced such weird feelings. Until I was looking through old pictures to try to figure out how long we had had the other table...and found a picture of Michael sitting at the table--in 2001.

Hmm..I thought Willow was the only one to put her sunglasses on upside down...

So, good bye old table!  We actually have one of the original chairs (we had replaced the chairs a while ago)  so you will be around in more than spirit.

Hello, to elegant and more grown up!  

Let's see how long we can keep this table! (I made sure to get a 5 year maintenance warranty!)

Maturation

Both kids are on growth spurts.  

Michael, for the moment, is growing in more the physical sense.  He is starting to get the veracious appetite of a teenager.  He reminds me of a Hobbit.  Luckily, he is generally a good judge of healthy foods--however I have noticed he is trending towards the junk food more...trying to keep stores of healthy snacks (along with some not so healthy--hey it is childhood after all!) has been a challenge.  

As for mental maturity--he seems to want to join in on adult discussions even more than he used to.  It is interesting to see him try to engage in political discussions, etc. For him to overcome his social awkwardness to enter a discussion is already an extra level.  It is also a struggle because he is caught between the worlds of a child and an adult.  

For Willow, she is figuring out how the world works.  She is constantly questioning how and why things are. And she is often getting into things to understand how they work.  She is also trying to grasp her imagination and what is real and what is not.  

Learning responsibility and guilt also seem to be on her mind lately.  The last couple of days she has "told" on someone.  "Someone" scribbled all over my grocery list tonight.  And it wasn't her.  Nope.  She is not sure who, but she wanted to point it out to me and when asked, she is totally innocent of any crime.  

Tonight I read her Dad's Dinosaur Day.  It is a fun little tale of a dad who is turned into a dinosaur for a day and hangs out with his son.  Tonight she asked how that could be possible.  I said magic.  And then she worried about whether I might get turned into a dinosaur because she would not want that at all.  The worries of a four year old.  

It is so fascinating to watch both of them learn and master their world.  

Low Key - Mother's Day 2012

With Michael being a teen and Willow being four--it has been low key for Mother's Day (not that we ever do anything that over the top--usually I get to sleep in, have breakfast in bed, perhaps a few home made gifts, then dinner out).  But, because of various circumstances, we changed things up this year.

We went out to dinner last night at a Japanese Steakhouse.  It was the same one we went to for my birthday last year.

Then the actual definition of mom was in play--at 4 a.m. this morning.  When Willow came into our bedroom soaking wet.  Yep, she had an accident in her bed, so we got up...just like a well oiled, sleepy machine--we got her bedding off her bed, got her into new pjs and got her bed re-set up.  And then she wanted to sleep in her bed.  Which we let her do.  (Dad was able to move her to her bed later.)

Everyone let me sleep in until 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.  Michael came in with a laptop to wish me Happy Mother's Day with a go.og.le doo.dle.  Willow came in later in her footie pjs, baseball cap, and a spectre with a skull head to wish me the same.  (Her gift she made at preschool was given to me earlier this week...she is not good on keeping surprises...)

Later we will be going to take my mom to lunch.