Robin's Nest

Seven

2010-11-04T13:30:00.003-05:00

It's impossible that my baby is seven years old.

It seems like yesterday when she was a newborn and I held her in my arms and her breath smelt sweet like pudding.

I remember how instantly I adored her and how when she cried, loud and fiesty I almost felt proud, "She knows what she wants." I'd say, smiling with an amazed look on my face.

That look is still on my face as I watch my clever, sweet, sparkling little baby turn into a darling little girl. It's hard to believe that she is seven.

Surrounded

2010-11-03T18:10:00.002-05:00

I admit I was worried about being alone this year. With all three girls in school, there was a part of me that thought I couldn't handle the lack of motion, chaos and laughter that rocks our house during the summers. It didn't take long for me to realize that I'm surrounded.

Surrounded by the sights of their dolls waiting for them to return

sitting on the steps and snuggled up with blankies.

Surrounded by smells (I admit I'm not above taking a whiff of those blankets), artwork, laundry and an occasional dried up frog. Surrounded by needs; applesauce for the lunchboxes, permission slips to be signed and the urgent trip to the Nurse's office. I'm surrounded by responsibility and amazingly the weight of it

lifts me up rather than ways me down.

I also have Molly who watches the door for me while I run around trying to get everything done so I can greet my little loves with a true smile and a hug. I am surrounded by activity and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Katie's Deer Camp

2010-11-02T13:34:00.004-05:00

When Katie was born I instantly regreted the yellow paint on my baby's bedroom walls. I somehow instinctively wanted to surround her in a halo of soft pink. I wanted to clothe her in silkiness. The lotions and potions had to be fragrance and scent free. It felt wrong to put anything harsh and irritating near such translucent skin. It pained me when she had a scratch on her lovely face and I just couldn't bring myself to even pop the little baby zits...and I really like popping zits. It's so rewarding. Never would I imagine that one day Katie would do her business out in the rough wild of deer camp.

That she would sleep in a tent

listening to the howling of wolves

and declare it her "best night of sleep ever!"

Never would I have thought that she'd take pictures of friends repairing their deer stands,

shoot guns

and text me from ...nature. Is this a nature call?!!! Ha! I crack myself up!

It's hard to believe that I wasn't there to tell her to not play with fire and to wipe the smudge of soot from her brow.

Or that playing with an ax is not a great idea for a ten year old, not even a good idea.

Not even an OK idea. But as much as I choke on my fries when looking at this picture, I know that it's fine and that my David would never subject my sweet, pink baby girl to anything that wasn't safe and I know that as much as I want to protect her from the big, bad world...

this guy wants to teach her how to survive in it!

Happy Fall Harvest

2010-11-01T14:31:00.006-05:00

Halloween is one of those holidays that as a Christian I'm kinda iffy on. I don't want to miss out on the fun of decorating pumpkins and dressing like a Nun and I certainly wouldn't miss the unlimited supply of Almond Joys and dark chocolate that my girls throw my way from their treat bags.

But, when I read in the Mpls paper about the Wiccan's celebrating their pagan holidays with rituals it reminds me that I'm not suppossed to live my life as a series of compromises. Yet, I wonder if that is exactly what I'm doing? We dress up in non-scary costumes, carve pumpkins and focus on the candy and the time with friends and just forget the religious undertones. We stay away from the Halloween capital of the US parade in a town practically next door and we just have fun. Today as I'm eating my third Kit Kat of the day it feels a little wrong.

Maybe I feel a little guilty, because I do truly enjoy the traditions of carving the pumpkins. How Dave always does the hard work and I draw on the designs.

How the girls aren't grossed out by the goo and the guts and just get right in there

and of how proud they are of their completed creations.

Or of how they love to dress up. This year Katie was a pirate girl and her friend Sophie a butterfly.

Jenna was a butterfly too, a dancing for the camera butterfly.

She made me laugh

as she struck pose after pose.

Shayla was a cowgirl and actually carried her horse all night while trick or treating.

I love that she is still young enough to pretend that it actually trots.

I also think that it's fantastic that my hilarious husband wanted to be in this picture too. You can see him making a cameo in the background.

And I adore that Shayla has a bestie that is just like her, galloping all over Trout Brook. I guess this Halloween I'll choose to leave the guilt behind and celebrate, best friends, laughter and chocolate! Next year I'll decide if we are actually reclaiming Halloween for ourselves or if, on this issue I'm OK compromising.

Butterfly Circus

2010-09-20T11:08:00.004-05:00

This summer Katie used her own money to purchase a Butterfly Garden. When it arrived she was delighted. The caterpillars quickly made cocoons and then she waited...

when the butterflies emerged they were lovelier than she imagined. For about three days she kept her creatures caged, releasing them a few times a day for their prison exercises held behind her closed bedroom door. The only light they saw was what streamed through the hot pink curtains. Reality was bathed in hot pink.

At one point she claimed she had tamed her butterflies and they could now execute circus tricks. Neighborhood kids came to watch the act with awe.

Eventually her soft heart caught up with her and she realized that the only humane thing to do was to release them and to let them feel the air beneath their wings.

I, on the other hand am realizing that my girls are beginning to emerge into lovely creatures.

Each day I'm in the midst of teaching them new tricks. They may think they're ready to fly

but THIS CIRCUS is nowhere near ready to pitch it's tents. It still needs time to perfect it's act!

Awkward Phase

2010-09-16T11:24:00.006-05:00

When I was ten I officially began what can only be identified as my awkward phase. Being tall wasn't the hardest part of it, although I would have benefited from carrying an ID for the "Twelve and Under Eat Free" buffet. And it wasn't a matter of self confidence. I've always had a side of Geraldo in my personality, convinced that I'm right and if we open the vault there will be mobster treasures to prove it. The hardest part was becoming enlightened, suddenly aware of my faults. Up to that point, I had earnestly believed I was everything my parents said I was...bright, funny, brave and lovely. Even after the terrible haircut in second grade that made me look like my young cousin David, I still felt...special.

It seemed that once I could count my age using both full hands, the lights of reality came on and the picture wasn't nearly as grand as I had thought.

Overnight I became painfully aware of the huge goiter like zit under my nose and the two cowlicks that I had for bangs. Perhaps the worst moment of this self scrutiny was when I realized just how uncool I was. This was back in the early eighties before geeks like Gates ruled the world.

Now, my daughter is ten and I can see her eyes beginning to open and I wonder how I can help her to see herself, like I see her.

Will she remember being really kind and smart and loving

and just so darn cute

or will she remember feeling shy and anxious. I guess I'll just keep whispering in her ear, because if this is her awkward phase...she's doing pretty good.

The First Days

2010-09-14T12:41:00.005-05:00

We are now officially back into our school routine except this year all three girls are gone every day, every single day.

I'd like to report that I've been suffering, writing in journals with tears streaming down my face, replaying their toddler years on a slow tape in my mind, as I remember the precious moments of cuddling and caring for my little sweet gifts from God.

Or that I've been shopping, going to movies and having massages with all of my spare time, living the luxurious life of ease.

The truth is that there were a few tears and if you count going to the grocery store as shopping, then there was that too. But for the most part, I'm still trying to find those extra hours and as soon as I finish laundry today and clean a few toilets, maybe I'll start a search party.

The girls, on the other hand, have been soooo excited that we've taken to passing the talking stone around the table at dinner so that everyone has a chance to share, one at a time. There has been a steady stream of high-pitched laughing, squealing and story telling from 4-9pm.

They awake eager for the day

arrive home hungry for conversation, a hug and a snack

and they miss me,

miss the safety of my embrace and our home.

On these first days of school I don't mind sending them off when I know they are relieved to return to my nest.

The Open House/ A Beginning

2010-09-09T22:20:00.006-05:00

It still felt like summer except for that little chill in the air, the telltale sign that our vacation break was slipping away. The 75 pencils were sharpened and color coded notebook/folder combos had been stuffed next to the paper towels, gluesticks and flashdrive as we found ourselves waiting in line with anticipation.

We climbed the stairs, looked at class lists, found desks, lockers and instructions sheets and started to say goodbye to our carefree days.

Then we lightened our loaded backpacks and said hello to our new Teachers, including one familiar, friendly face.

I wanted so badly to look Jenna's first grade teacher in the eye and say, "Please take care of my baby when she is away from me. Remind her how unique and gifted she is at 2:10 in the afternoon when she's starting to question her worth. Tell her that there is no one else like her. No one with her gusty laugh, her shiny, swinging hair as she tippy-toes around, her silly sense of humor and strong determination. Let her know that she is amazing, creative, sweet and kind. Please take care of my baby this year." But when I saw Mrs. Frater's smiling face and heard her talk about her own little guy starting to walk, when I saw the spark in her eyes, I knew the words didn't even need to be spoken.

And so we left the open house excited for the new school year, this new phase of our lives. The end of summer.... the beginning of my having the house empty during the days. The beginning.

Feeding the Masses!

2010-06-25T11:36:00.006-05:00

All was calm and pristine at Turtle Shores. The lake was smooth, the wind breezy and the kitchen clean and then the Schaible's arrived and with them ...hungry appetites!

When I ask my girls what they like best about reunion they have a hard time deciding between playing with cousins or eating.

And who can blame them when you are surrounded by Sirloin Steaks, homemade Lasagna and Ice Cream for a solid week.

Sure we play games and go to the beach

but at least five times a day a crowd would gather to see who was cooking what.
Monkey Bread...perfect!

Ribs. Awesome!

Big, fluffy Waffles. Delish!

And Grandpa's Brei, a warm vanilla custard.

When Dave's dad was alive he made this yummy dessert, masquerading as a breakfast, for us and I made the mistake of sleeping in. When I finally stumbled into the kitchen there wasn't a sweet drop left. I won't even talk about how fast the Kuchen disappears and how if you're saving a piece for somebody, you have to hide it.

There were Hamburgers with Gouda from Tommy's Malt shop, Tacos, Loaded Baked Potaoes, Chicken Caesar Salads, Fried Fish, Turtle Cake, Rum Cake and there was the labor intensive Fleisch Kiechla.

In every meal was a year worth of love, carefully folded into the dough, measured by the spoonful and cut to feed a crowd.

Let the dieting begin!

Cut The Cake

2010-06-24T11:03:00.002-05:00

Every year at Reunion there is something new and exciting. Last year it was the fake positive pregnancy test strips. This year it was little Freddy and a "We're Expecting a Baby Cake."

We all knew Lisa and Joe were having their first baby, the rounded belly bump told us that little story. We all also knew how patient Lisa had been, when all around her cousins, friends and even a sister were having children. Lisa and Joe were working towards a goal and that goal required them to wait. Now, it was their turn for the spotlight

and as Grandpa and Grandma cut into the cake

The yummy, moist rasberry flavored center was revealed and it was pink....a GIRL cake!

Make Them Laugh

2010-06-23T13:13:00.004-05:00

On one of the last days of school, Katie's fourth grade class graduated from babies to tweeners when they watched THE MOVIE.

They were warned to not laugh as they seperated the boys into one room and the girls into another. Katie sat there, terrified that she would accidentally titter . We'd already had THE TALK, so the info was old news but the thought of being the only girl to explode into giggles was beyond scary.

So when Katie came home from school I made her a bra out of Rice Crispies, giving her permission to bust a gut and let that big ole' chuckle roar!

We each had a slice, shrinking the D cup into a C and then finally a B. When you think about it, growing up is hilarious and I'm choosing to laugh rather than cry!

Laundry

2010-06-22T11:24:00.003-05:00

Ive been working on getting caught up with laundry after a week at Family Reunion. Looking around at the heaping piles, I've come to the realization that when you have a girl who loves frogs, turtles, horses and even bugs

Never buy her white pants!

Because regardless of how handy you are with the Oxy Clean or Shout It Out

there are some stains that require scissors!

Little Summer Monkeys

2010-06-21T15:04:00.006-05:00

Today is, in my mind, the official first day of summer for me and my three little monkeys! We just returned from our Schaible Family Reunion and from visiting my parents at the cabin and now...sigh...summer begins.

The girls have spent the day getting reacquainted with their toys while I plan on using the next few months to savor their little girliness. I'm purposely trying not to sign us up with busy activities where we are driving from one event to the next. No, on these sun filled days, I want to quiet it down and take it all in, wishing I could somehow make time crawl, rather than race by.

I want to notice that they still use blankies and pick them up to feel the silky rubbed down spots.

I want to enjoy holding them when they cry and run into my arms and marvel at feet almost as big as mine and fine graceful fingers that drape across my arm.

I want to look into their eyes and see exactly what mix of teen vs girl I can find there

and I want to patiently wait for that tooth, that big girl tooth, the last holdout to amazingly appear in my littlest babies mouth.

It's starting to break through the surface and when it does it will be yet another loss for me, but I'll swallow the sob in my throat and I'll sing a happy celebration song, maybe I'll even make a cake that looks like a tooth, isn't that what mothers do?

No Privacy

2010-05-19T08:53:00.010-05:00

When Shayla was six months old we started taking Schaible Family Reunions. Over the last eight years the girls have learned a lot about turtles, frogs, tadpoles and bugs from their older adult cousins during that magical week. There's something amazing about rowing out in a canoe and finding a Painted Turtle sunning itself on a log and then letting it go on your last day.

There's something even more special when they choose to visit you.

Two nights ago Katie found a large turtle back on our hill.

Shayla identified it as a girl and Jenna thanked the turtle for dropping by for a play date. Our little neighbor Jaycee named her TaTa. That night we set her free and said our goodbyes.

But then the next day TaTa returned to the top of our sunny hill and began to dig a hole about six inches deep

She dug in the soft sandy soil and spent the next hour pushing her eggs into the hole.

She laid between 12-15 soft shelled oval eggs

and did it with an audience. If she was hoping for privacy, she came to the wrong Cul-de-sac. The kids on our block experience life as a group.

TaTa then used her back paws to fill the hole to protect her clutch of eggs.

Sweeping her legs out as far as they would go, moving the dirt and then forming fists and pounding the earth into place.

When she had completed her mission she left, heading through two other yards to get back to

the pond. I'm sure she was ready for a yummy treat of plants or fish and a nap.

In about 80 days we'll watch for our bale of turtles to emerge.

Thanks for the visit TaTa and thanks for the gift!

My Piano Bench

2010-05-18T15:05:00.006-05:00

My parents just recently celebrated their 41'st year of marriage. I of course forgot to send a card and had to be prompted when I accidentally called them on the actual day of their anniversary.

They went out for dinner and had a quiet evening. But, in three years when they retire, if they choose to move closer to us they could celebrate with crazy girls, handmade cards and I bet we could even talk Dave into smoking some Ribs.

If this sounds like some dysfunctional, family marketing propaganda, you are right, it is. I love the idea of my parents living close enough to help me with my piano bench and my wilting flower garden. I love the idea of being able to call them during the day for a quick trip to Kohls or to drop off the gallon of leftover chili. I dream about a day when one girl needs to get to a Dentist apt. and the other two to piano lessons and my Mom pipes in with a "I'd love to hear them practice, let me take them."

Or when my my Dad calls to say "Hey, I've got extra mulch, do you want some?" Yes Dad I do!

You know, Hilliary Clinton may have been right, it really does take a villiage.

The Tramp

2010-05-13T17:40:00.004-05:00

At least once a day our girls declare that they're "going to visit the Tramp." Dave and I just smile at each other over their heads.

The Tramp came to our house as a gift from the Easter Bunny

She's quickly become a member of our house

and the girls love it when the other kids on the block come over to visit her.

She easy maintenance

and very safe.

If you ask our girls they'll tell you that the Tramp is fun!

They have no idea what they are saying

and it makes Dave and I laugh!

Lucky

2010-05-12T13:52:00.002-05:00

My neighbor Kim called about a month ago and told me she had made an impulsive purchase. For one quick moment I was sure she had decided to put in the underground swimming pool in her perfectly flat backyard that I had been suggesting from the day they moved in. Then my hopes of having the perfect tan were crushed when she informed me that a puppy would be moving in next door.

His name is Lucky and he's one adorable fluff ball.

It's been entertaining to watch him as he learns the little things in life. Like how to not poop in the kitchen or bite the hems of his little girl's dresses. At first he was too tiny to even walk down the stairs and when he got stuck in my planter, it was darn cute!

The fact that I'm not cleaning up the poo or getting out the sewing kit make it even more fun.

I'm looking forward to a summer of

watching Lucky's antics

and relaxing in the sun! Maybe I will get that tan afterall!

Forty One

2010-05-11T11:08:00.009-05:00

Last year turning 40 was really fun, it felt monumental and noteworthy. Dave took me on a mini-vacation, the cards were hilarious and if I'm really honest... I just totally relished all of the attention. This birthday was anti-climatic. I didn't broadcast it, or celebrate for the entire week before, our schedules were busy and there wasn't anything big to anticipate.

Maybe that's why it turned out to be so sweet. It was unexpected.

The girls and their daddy decorated the kitchen with balloons and streamers and surprised me with cupcakes.

Dave brought home flowers and took the day off of work so he could take me out for lunch.

Then there were the handmade cards.

Shayla spent two hours making me a playhouse and paper dolls

where only Robins are allowed! Oh that such a place actually existed!

She even made a little Robin bird for me to play with

and a tiny little bird door cut right into the big door.

It was the thoughtfulness of my girls, the love of my Honey, the wonderful towels from my Mom (after 13 years of marriage I'm ready for another wedding shower!), funny stickers from my Dad (Really Dad, Bratz stickers? What are you trying to say? ), the day spent with my Sister (Groovy!), the facebook postings from friends, it was all of these elements combined that made my day special! I'm sure 41 is going to be an amazing year!

May in MN

2010-05-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

It's crazy in the midwest during the Spring. One day it's 70 degrees and you put on your shorts, or as my Mom calls them, pedal pushers and you bemoan the fact that you need a pedicure. The next day it snows and you dig out the gloves from the basement, so your babies fingers are toasty warm on the nature field trip they're taking at school. Let's not even talk about the rain or the wind,

it's just unpredictable...as are the outfits Jenna picks out on these nutsy, mixed up days.

Short-shorts, camouflage and a snazzy Hello Kitty hat and glove set. She's got Minnesota style!

Stinky

2010-04-14T15:02:00.008-05:00

I've been a Girl Scout Leader for three years now and in that time we've been on many tours. We've made pizza's, decorated a cake, gone bowling, been put in jail, sang for the elderly, dressed up in firemen gear, made corn husk dolls (to name a few) and now...finally, we've put on hard hats.

This was our guide through the Recycling plant. His name was Jack, but I called him Craig.

Part of the fun of being with the same group of girls is watching their sisters become big girls and join us for events.

Three years ago this little sweetie would have never sat still long enough to watch a video or been mature enough to keep her hand raised the ten minutes it took before asking, "Do we have to pick up garbage?"

Her Mom would have been chasing her

and her sister would have been rolling her eyes.

Three years ago the girls wouldn't have cared about posing for pictures

and they wouldn't have had front teeth.

Three years ago they wouldn't have had on lip gloss

and they would have had a hard time following Craig...I mean Jack

around to look at a big pile of garbage. Three years ago they wouldn't have had so many questions like, "Why would anyone throw away a couch?" or "Did you get to keep the twenty foot snake you found?"

They wouldn't have understood what it means to "make energy." Or why it's so important to recycle. (Did you notice the piggy-tail mustache?)

But this year, as second graders, they get it.

And the three hundred and sixty two questions they asked, clarified for them, that we need to recycle waste more and stop just dumping in landfills.

I think I get it now too.

Crazy Sisters

2010-04-13T15:24:00.007-05:00

Gowing up I never wished for a brother. I never felt like I was missing out. My friends who had brothers complained that they smelled like dead fish and that they punched hard. I was only fifteen months old when Tanya was born and I was thrilled. I thought she was a present that my Parents brought home just for me. I was never jealous, she was my instant best friend and she's always smelled good.

I'm perfectly content to have one little sister.

She could be Cinderella as long as I could play every other character.

We could dress alike as sweet kids. And then as teenagers, we actually shared clothes until I accidentally stained the blouse she bought with babysitting money from Maurices and then she wasn't too keen on sharing. Maybe that's why I'm not a big fan of blouses or maybe it's because I've always had a hard time stuffing my boobs into them.

Regardless, when I see my girls acting crazy with each other

it makes me laugh.

I'm so glad that I have girls

who are sisters

who are friends.

We Are Family

2010-04-11T10:29:00.005-05:00

I'm extremely close to my Parents and Sister and growing up never felt like I needed a bigger immediate family. So, when I married Dave, I had no idea how with super sonic speed I would fall in love with such a quirky bunch of Domino/Rook playing, rib eating nutsos.

I had no idea how deep the crazy ran. Take my Nephews and Nieces as an example, they have revolutionary ideas like bringing hope to Trailer Home kids (Tree Top Kids) and auditioning for American Idol.

They are amazing, talented leaders

that want to fly combat helicopters and bring justice to the world.

They take risks like opening their own restaurants before they turn thirty

and adopting four babies in four years

They have deep spiritual insights, inherited much like the color of their eyes.

They are brave and willing to continue the family line, no matter how exhausting pregnancy is,

and how busy a darling two year old can be.

They are fantastic examples of why we need more, insane, world changing, rib eaters in the world.

My Basket is Full

2010-04-09T14:28:00.005-05:00

There's something exciting about Spring. The air is warmer, the days are longer and your surroundings morph from gray to green.

When you see that first plant bursting through the earth it makes you feel like a kid on Easter.

The anticipation,

the warmth of the sun turning your cheeks pink

the feeling of the breeze on your bare legs

and shoulders.

The delight in every new surprise.

Spring makes you feel like your basket is full

even if you're not a kid.

MINE!

2010-04-07T19:50:00.006-05:00

When I was a little girl, my favorite part of Easter was the huge chocolate bunny.

I was always amazed that I, a little kid, would be allowed to have such a Goliath piece of candy. I didn't have to split it in half like I did with gum, or share with the whole car load of people like I did with M&M's. I didn't have to break it into pieces, or take a drink and pass it to my Sister. That bunny was mine...MINE!

The fact that it was hollow and tasted like wax didn't dim my pure joy! It was chocolate and gigantic! I always ate the ears first and then chuckled as I savagely consumed the rest of his cute little face, even his etched in whiskers. By the time I reached his cheery paws holding a little basket, I was drunk with possession and my tummy ached. I would wrap his remaining parts in plastic wrap, much like Jeffrey Dahmer, place it in the freezer and forget about it for a year.

I think chocolate may still be my favorite part of Easter.

The Hunt

2010-04-06T10:53:00.005-05:00

It's official, Spring Break is over. After twelve days of vacation, I just kissed the top of my girls heads as they walked out the door to catch the bus. "Hurry!" I yelled after them as they turned weary eyes toward the road ahead. I sometimes wonder how they will remember that hill as an Adult. Will it be the totured classic, "We had to walk in the rain/sleet/snow up a large mountain to school" They're bound to add, "with fifty pound boots and in the subzero temps." The twelve trees in our backyard are already referred to as the woods. I'm looking forward to hearing the stories they will tell. Will they remember how fun our Easter was together or will they just recall being so exhausted on their walk to the bus stop?

Maybe they're tired from spending a week with Grandpa and Grandma Miller and eating way too many treats. Or maybe it's from having 33 people at our house for Easter day or going to the Zoo with Grandma Schaible yesterday or from playing with friends.

Or could it be from when they woke up at 6am on Easter morning to search for baskets when it was STILL DARK OUT. There really should be some kind of law banning children from waking up their Mom when it's STILL DARK OUT.

Shayla eventually found her basket and it was very clean.

and even though it didn't have the live bunny or snake (I am not kidding!) she had requested

there was a book, a large chocolate bunny and a handful of candy

and one large plastic egg with a picture in it.

A picture of a trampoline so that they too can hop like a rabbit. I hope they remember that!