LEARNING AS WE GO

Back in the Saddle

2012-02-05T09:27:00.001-05:00

I feel like I've been on auto-pilot the last few weeks, hence my infrequent postings - but despite my busy schedule, I am determined to get something recorded from the last couple of weeks even if the subject matter lacks adventure or excitement.

We signed Evan up for the Kids Club at Frank Theaters Bowling. One Saturday a month he either gets to view a free movie or bowl against other Kid Clubbers. Last Saturday was his first shot at bowling which proved to be a challenge, but fun nonetheless. We tried various methods of getting the ball down the alley, but Evan was absolutely insistent on one thing - doing it himself. It was a looong ten frames.

On a completely different note - more school pictures were taken, but this time we actually broke out the checkbook. I've mentioned my dislike for cheesy props and hideous backdrops that many companies use - in fact, it goes beyond dislike - I loathe all of it. But what about animal props? REAL animal props? Like a mini horse?

I nearly collapsed on the floor I was laughing so hard when I opened these. Evan looked so darn cute and the mini horse was awesome! The cowboy gear was even a cute touch - even if Evan is so NOT cowboy material.

And here's a few random pictures from the last few weeks...

15 Month Well Visit

2012-01-19T17:52:00.002-05:00

Three shots, a pricked finger and a few thousand tears rounded out today's doctor's visit. Nothing four colorful band-aids couldn't fix. Mattie Jane's current numbers are:

Weight: 29 lbs 13 oz (95+%)
Height: 33 1/4 in (95+%)
Head Circumference: 50 cm (95+)

Oh boy, are we in the climbing stage now! We have found this girl in the center of the dining room table several times, not to mention every chair and countertop she can get to. It's rather frightening, to be honest.

There is a lot of jibberish being spoken, but a few words we are able to consistently decipher - thank you, ball, bye bye, hi, mama, dada, more, bath.

Mattie Jane loves to mimic and dance - we can turn on anything from classical to hip hop and she is movin' and groovin'. She has also really formed a love for bedtime stories. Every night, after we put on her pajamas, she climbs into the rocker in her nursery letting me know she's ready for a story.

Our rough and tough tomboy seems to have a bit of an infatuation with shoes. She loves to put them on and admire them on her feet. She also loves necklaces and bracelets and appreciates when we tell her how pretty she looks.

We have an amazing little girl on our hands. We wouldn't trade her for the world.

Celebrating 95 Years

2012-01-16T15:40:00.001-05:00

My Grandpa passed away peacefully in his sleep last night after spending 95 healthy years on this earth. He was a man of principle and great discipline, but also had an enormous heart. He could cook a mean lasagna and his beef stew would put all others to shame. His advice was legendary, even if it wasn't his own. I don't think my brothers or myself will ever forget the following quotes:

"When you assume, you make an ass out of u and me."
"Whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the donut and not upon the hole."

My children were blessed to have met their Great Grandpa and as they grow older they will learn more and more about him from myself and other family members.

Enjoy your time in Heaven, Grandpa. You worked hard to get there. We love you.

Partners in Crime

2012-01-08T15:51:00.002-05:00

We used to have quiet mornings. Evan knew to come down quietly and play with his toys on our bedroom carpet until Mattie Jane decided to get up. Now that Evan considers his sister his partner in crime, we awake to a little more excitement.

Also note Evan's "word for the day" - underwear. I'm scared to know what other words he is teaching his sister.

Twenty Twelve Resolutions

2011-12-30T10:11:00.001-05:00

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that a new year is upon us. I absolutely have no clue where 2011 went. That may have something to do with my life being ~~swallowed whole~~ consumed by a new baby, a new job and a new way of life. Staying busy certainly doesn't make time stand still.

Feeling like I finally have everything under control, or maybe that I'm able to deal with my load with some sanity in tact, I am feeling refreshed welcoming 2012. I'm coming into this year with a clear head, but with some definite changes in mind. Behold, my twenty twelve resolutions:

1. Register for a 5K
I began training for a 5K (my marathoner mom is laughing at this right now, I'm sure) at the beginning of this year and did something to my ankle. Taking time off to let my ankle heal turned into giving up on the race all together. I was really disappointed in myself for not sticking with it...so I joined the gym. Two weeks later, I accepted a new job and all of my free time went right out the window, as well as my motivation to work out. Not one year (since high school) have I not been dedicated to some form of exercise, except for 2011. I will change that. Time to get my fitness back.

2. Prepare more natural meals
Constantly feeling like I have no time and running on empty, I have resulted to those evil frozen meals, or worse, take-out. I would say we currently take-out or dine out at least three to four times a week and the remaining days meals are literally just thrown together - usually in a microwave. This year I want to plan my meals more effectively. Buy fresh produce, buy foods with less preservatives, make meals from scratch. I generally eat healthy, even given the habits listed above, but I want to learn to enjoy cooking as well.

3. Have date night once a month
Robert and I actually started this trend a few months ago and, with the help of my mom, have been able to stick to it. I want this to continue into 2012 so that I always have that special weekend to look forward to. I love my children to pieces, but there's nothing better than a night alone with my husband doing things we used to do pre-kiddos.

4. Start reading again
Due to lack of time (are you beginning to see the theme here), I haven't read a book in its entirety in at least a year. I hope to pick up a book and begin reading again - even it takes me a month to read it. There was a time when I would read 1-2 books a week. I miss that.

5. Finish projects left undone
Hello dining room chairs, memory boxes, photo books...

6. Watch my tone
I am notorious for being really snappy when I'm tired, in a bad mood or what have you - and unfortunately I'm one of those who takes it out on the ones I love most, i.e. Robert. This year I want to make a genuine effort to take a deep breath, think about how I'm coming off to others and keep my attitude in check.

7. Pay off student loans
I'm almost there, but if I choose to take some money each week out of our normal weekly budget, I can get those bad boys paid off a lot quicker.

8. Live a more balanced life
Be successful at work, as well as at home. My kids deserve me just as much as my students/readers - actually, a lot more. Be a fantastic teacher/writer, but be an even more fantastic mother.

There's my list in all its glory. Once it's published I become 100% accountable. Here it goes...

Birthday Memories

2011-12-29T11:35:00.003-05:00

My mom turned the big 6-0 yesterday. Forty plus family and friends joined in on the celebration, but not in the traditional sense. A swanky surprise party would've been great, but having a birthday three days after Christmas makes that kind of tough, if not impossible. So instead, we surprised mom with memories - each one sent to me by her friends and family which I packaged separately. The stack of envelopes was presented to her over dinner last night and the surprise was just as overwhelming as I thought it might be. I introduced the surprise with this:

Mom,

Happy 60^th Birthday! This is a milestone year for you, but for more significant reasons than just beginning a new decade. You have overcome more in the last few years than most people will experience in a lifetime. Your marriage ended after almost forty years, you lost a child and you were diagnosed with a life threatening disease – people probably expected you to wither away; become a changed person with no love for life. But you chose to fight back. Your strength brought you into work every day with a smile on your face when you probably wanted to stay in bed and cry. You welcomed three more grandchildren into your life with enthusiasm and show them unconditional love every day. You continue to do selfless things for others when you very easily could care less. You have managed to face adversity with acceptance and grace.

“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” ~Arthur Golden

You are a strong, courageous woman. I admire you, I idolize you, but most importantly, I deeply love you.

Turning 60 is a big deal. It’s a new beginning. And the 40+ envelopes in your hand are proof that you have friends and family who love you and want to see you happy. Each and every one of these people have been touched in some way by your kindness, your great sense of humor, your love…you have left a permanent mark on their life. They all wanted to share their memories of you – ones that they will never forget. So I will begin:

I will never forget waking up one morning (I was in 7^th grade) and realizing that I just started my period. Since several of my friends had already started theirs, I was somewhat giddy about it. I instantly felt older, more mature. I walked downstairs and woke you up to quietly tell you that “my friend” had arrived. You staggered out of bed and brought me over to your vanity. You dug deep into the back of the cabinet and pulled out a HUGE pad that must’ve been from the 1970’s. I didn’t even recognize the packaging. I wasn’t too thrilled, but I still took it and tried to adhere it to my underwear – but what do you know? The damn thing was so old there wasn’t any sticky stuff left so it just fell out of my underwear. I was mortified. I immediately called Rosie Lopez and asked her to please bring me a tampon to school.

Another fond memory is your obsession with coloring your hair. Thinking back I see shades of blonde, brown, red, orange…you name it, I saw it on your head. But on this particular night you wanted to dye your hair back to its “original” hair color – whatever that was – I don’t think you really even knew. After letting the color set for awhile, you washed it out and blew your hair dry. I walked into the room to see Elvira standing before me. Your hair was blacker than the ace of spades. But the funniest part of the story was when Dad came home – you were already in bed asleep. He came upstairs and asked me why Doobie was sleeping in his bed! I said, “That’s not Doobie, Dad. That’s mom’s new hair.”

Most of all, l I remember our girl time. I always felt special when we would go shopping together – just you and me. I always got more clothes than the boys (of course you tricked me into getting cheaper ones – quantity over quality J ) There were a few years where we weren’t very close (we’ll blame it on teenage hormones), but now, more than ever, I realize how proud I am to be your daughter. You are not only a wonderful mother, but you are a best friend.

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, BIRTHDAY!

I Love you,

Amanda

There were tears...

There was shock from who participated...

But most of all, there were laughs...and even sometimes howls...

Happy 60th Birthday to the greatest woman I know. Thank you so, so much to everyone who sent their memories and shared this wonderful experience with my mom and me.

Happy Birthday Mimi

2011-12-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Story

2011-12-27T16:26:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe Christmas has already come and gone. I still have a family Christmas card file saved on my computer that never got ordered or printed - maybe next year. I'm thinking that might be my infamous line from here on out.

Our holiday began on the 16th at the BCLC Christmas Program. Evan's three year old class filled the stage and opened the program with the Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America. It finally made sense why Evan was continuously singing this at home. They also sang Here Comes Santa Claus and another one that slips my mind right now. Evan did a fantastic job. I was amazed there were no crying children - usually at least one kid cries and won't perform.

The following day we loaded up and headed to Tennessee. We spent a few days with Grandpa and Grandma Stinnett and a few days with Grandma and Grandpa Bopp. We also felt so fortunate to spend several days with Granny as her condition wavered some over the past few weeks. She said hello to Evan and gave Mattie Jane sweet smiles. I was not good about taking pictures while we were there, but managed to snap a few towards the end of our visit.

We got back just in time to get the house ready for Santa. This was definitely the first year that Evan seemed to really get it. We left cookies and milk for Santa and made sure the fireplace was clear so that he could come down with ease. Evan gave no fuss when it was time to go to bed because he knew (and believed - hehe) that Santa wouldn't come if he was awake. We may have been just as excited to see Evan open his presents as he was to receive them. This was truly a special year.

Uncle Todd, Barnes and Mimi celebrated the holiday with us - we ate, opened presents and ate some more. Perfect holiday.

We (my family, Tim's family, Todd & Barnes) surprised mom with an Ipad. I think this last picture speaks for itself. Merry Christmas.

Eat Up Girl

2011-12-22T20:27:00.001-05:00

How much can this girl actually get in her mouth? That is the question...at every meal.

Job Application

2011-12-15T14:23:00.000-05:00

I was shocked when I found out my brother, Tim, was looking for a new job. He sent me his application to review...

Dear Timothy Evans:

Please accept our sincere thanks for submitting your information for the following EPA non-faculty position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

    Recruitment ID:    2502142
    Position Title:    Head Football Coach
    Department:    Ath Football Office

We are very pleased of your interest and welcome the opportunity to carefully consider your qualifications and credentials. As a next step, your materials will be forwarded to the Committee that is conducting this search for their consideration. These materials remain confidential and are shared only with members of the Search Committee and administrative staff who assist the Committee in performing its duties. The search Committee or the hiring department will contact you directly if your credentials are determined to be of further interest.

Please note that for some positions, we receive a large volume of applications and the length of the hiring process varies from position to position. So while you may not receive a direct response from the hiring department regarding your application, please be assured it has been referred and will receive careful consideration.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to equalopportunity@unc.edu.

Should you have any questions regarding this search or about the hiring department, please feel free to contact the following representative in the appointing department:

Bubba Cunningham, Athletic Director, bubbac@uncaa.unc.edu.

If you need to update your application or contact information, please click on the following link: https://itsapps.unc.edu/RAMS4/updateLogin.do?type=N&reqId=2502142.

Again, we thank you for your interest in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please be assured that your application will receive careful consideration.

Sincerely,

Equal Opportunity/ADA Office
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

When I opened this email I laughed out loud and tears came to my eyes - sorry to say, bro, but the job has been filled. Don't take the rejection too hard. Looks like they genuinely gave some consideration to your qualifications. We'll see if Larry Fedora matches up.

Like Father, Like Daughter

2011-12-13T20:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently Santaphobia is genetic. Mattie Jane clearly takes after her daddy. And check out how much MJ looks like Sharon (Robert's sister) in this picture - it's those eyes and that nose.

Thank you, Phil, for sending - an absolute classic.

Breakfast With Santa

2011-12-10T21:35:00.002-05:00

Last year Santa was just a character of sorts that didn't carry too much significance for Evan. This year, however, is a completely different story. Santa is THE man. All we have to say to Evan is, "Santa is watching you!" The change in behavior is miraculous. I may have to purchase Elf on a Shelf and use it all year long. Is that wrong?

We took Evan and Mattie to the Hard Rock Cafe to have breakfast with Santa this morning. Evan was literally shaking he was so excited. He walked in asking a million questions like, "Does Santa live here?" "Will he be wearing red pants and boots?" "How old is Santa?"

Breakfast was served first - Evan didn't eat a morsel probably due to the butterflies in his stomach. Mattie, on the other hand, had seconds. When Santa finally arrived he descended the stairs into clear view of our table - Evan's reaction...

Santa then made his way around the dining room and made a special visit to our table. Evan was completely overjoyed - Mattie was a bit uneasy...maybe a little suspicious of the bearded man dressed in red velvet.

After Santa made his table visits, he headed to center stage where he sat in his chair ready to make Christmas promises. All the children lined up, eager to rattle off their wish lists - Evan included.

Then, the moment we all had been waiting for...

Evan was in love - Mattie wanted the hell outta there!

Christmas is Officially Here

2011-12-04T21:54:00.002-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. Thanks to our overly ambitious neighbors, we had to step it up this year. We decided being the only unlit house on our block looked bad - especially when Evan was asking why we didn't have lights in our yard like everyone else. Confessing our laziness wasn't gonna be a good enough excuse for a three year old.

So we started out our decorating by heading out to Conway to Booth's Christmas Tree Farm this afternoon to pick out the perfect tree - for us that means easy to cut down and not too much necessary trimming. Evan told us in the car that he was gonna pick out "a big tree with presents under it." Nothing like an all-inclusive Christmas. We told him they didn't offer that combo, but that we would make sure that whatever tree we chose would have presents under it come Christmas morning.

We took a tractor ride down to the leyland cypress lot. This type of tree was ideal for us last year with Evan being only two. The needles are a lot softer and a little bit easier to maintain. We knew this year was gonna be a challenge with Mattie and her very curious, mischievous self. So we opted for another cypress. Evan and Mattie roamed the lot until we finally came upon a tree that looked symmetrical and tall enough for our high lofty ceilings.

Paul Bunyan and his mighty saw took down our beautiful tree...

We literally picked out our tree and cut it down in a matter of 10 minutes - the tractor didn't return for at least 25 - 30 minutes. So we took pictures - duh.

Evan of course had to "pee pee" while we waited - being a boy certainly has its advantages.

We finally made it back to our car to strap the nine footer to our rooftop. The 45 minute trip home lulled both kids to sleep - but I did notice a very sweet gesture before they closed their eyes...

The tree is decorated, the stockings hung - outside decorations will be taken care of this week. We are so ready for Santa here!

School Pictures

2011-11-23T12:41:00.000-05:00

Here's to another year that I will pass on purchasing school pictures. The backgrounds are still ugly, the lighting is still morbid and the poses oh, so lame. But I will absolutely file away the proofs as memories because there's nothing quite like a bad school picture (these however aren't THAT horrendous).

Signing More

2011-11-12T08:44:00.001-05:00

I've been very casually teaching Mattie Jane the sign for more during dinner. It caught me by surprise this morning when I asked if she wanted more milk and, not only did she sign that she wanted more, but she also said "mo." The learning capacity of children never ceases to amaze me.

God Bless America

2011-11-07T19:44:00.002-05:00

In the spirit of Veteran's Day on 11-11-11, Evan wanted to display his national pride.

All About Me: Age 3

2011-11-06T17:08:00.001-05:00

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T20:57:00.000-04:00

Evan wanted to be scarier this year - but he certainly had his limits. Blood, fangs and ghosts were out of the question - so he finally settled on Frankenstein.

We stuffed Mattie Jane into a chick costume and she couldn't have been happier.

We spent an hour walking around Broadway as Evan diligently collected candy from every participating business. He was so serious as he went from door to door - it was almost like a job for him. We were entertained by all of the other costumes and I enjoyed a few pieces of candy myself - shhh! Don't tell Evan.

Thompson Farms

2011-10-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

Fall weather is the primary reason I love being back in the Carolinas. I wasn't able to get out too much last fall due to the birth of Mattie Jane so I have been seeking out any activities we can do to enjoy this perfect time of year.

Yesterday we made a trip out to Conway to visit Thompson Farms. This farm, dating back to 1895, has historically been known for its local production and distribution of strawberries and various plants and flowers. In just the past three years however, they have opened up their property to the public offering tours through their 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, animal feedings, pumpkin patch tours, etc. They also designed a kids play area that is farm themed - activities include a corn kernel play box, lasso the bull horns game, water games - and many other creative events.

The corn kernel playbox was a kid favorite. MJ was a bit unsure of it, but Evan seemed to dig it - literally. We eventually had to pull him out because he was throwing corn kernels at all the other kids. I found myself in an interesting position as I realized I had corn kernels down my pants in places they shouldn't be. I'm sure other visitors were wondering what exactly I was digging for...

The handmade horsey swings were cute, as well as the goat feeders that thoroughly won Evan's attention. All of the activities were made from existing farm materials.

We attempted the corn maze, but never made it all the way through. Some how we we went in the wrong way and realized we were going backwards - oh wait, Robert was leading the way. Why we let the most directionally challenged person lead the group - still not sure about that. Luckily the maze wasn't too challenging. We were able to backtrack and find our way out. Did I mention it's not very fun to wander around? I don't think I'll sign up for another maze tour any time soon.

We took advantage of the festive surroundings and took some family shots to add to our collection. Mattie Jane seemed to really enjoy the endless rows of pumpkins. We're excited to make a visit back in the spring for strawberry season!

Cake and More Cake

2011-10-21T22:31:00.001-04:00

Mattie Jane's one year celebration drew, not only her her immediate family, but Mimi, Uncle Todd, Barnes, Uncle Tim, Aunt Ruth and cousins Izzie and TJ. She's a popular girl. And I can't hide my excitement for having my entire family in town either. I was elated.

Eventhough the visit was short, we packed in a day of birthday bliss on Saturday and some random fun on Sunday before everyone had to fly back to Chicago.

Evan didn't respond so well to having this many visitors in his home as once - not to mention they were all playing with his toys.

But family is family, right? You gotta love one another. The cousins warmed up to eachother eventually.

Besides, it was Mattie Jane's day and this day was all about cake...

Beyond that the day was literally driven by pictures with a special visit from a dear family friend, Lois.

I have to admit, it's not very often that I'm not happy to see company go - I literally welled up with tears to see this crowd leave.

Love my family to pieces.

12-Month Well Visit

2011-10-18T20:45:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, MJ's stats are still on an upward climb - an acquaintance of ours thinks she's a real comedian when she refers to Mattie as "Tiny Tim." She even implied that maybe we were feeding her too much at home. Sometimes people should keep their opinions to themselves, especially when they involve other people's children. Mama Bear was about to claw her eyes out :)

Big girl numbers include:

Weight - 26.9 lbs (95+%)
Height - 31 1/4 in (95+%)
Head Circumference - 49 cm (95+%)

She looks perfect to me...

Happy 1st Birthday

2011-10-15T22:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Sweet Mattie Jane. We love you so very much - words simply can not express.

Yes, we celebrated. Pictures of this party animal are coming soon.

First Trip to the Dentist

2011-10-12T19:11:00.003-04:00

Evan made his first appearance in the Dentist's Chair today (and a dreaded chair in my opinion). The kid blew me away with his willingness to cooperate and his ability to stay out of trouble while I too got the dental treatment. I then had to remind myself of Evan's "public self" and his "home self." The bad behaviors he displays at home do not ever come out in front of others while out in public. I guess this can be considered a blessing. Nevertheless, he was fantastic at the dentist's office and was so brave - I beamed with pride, I really did.

His teeth were x-rayed and cleaned and then Dr. John came in to offer his final overview. Results were great. We were suggested to continue what we're doing at home because it's working. I gave myself a pat on the back and Evan picked a prize out of the prize basket.

And having Dora to entertain us while we waited to check-out didn't hurt either. First trip to the dentist was a success.

Family Vacation

2011-10-10T21:20:00.002-04:00

We debated back and forth where we should go for our first family vacation and we always seemed to come back to the same location - Fort Myers Beach. This beach is significant to Robert and myself for several reasons which played a big part in why we chose to vacation there.

Only a year after Robert and I started dating we decided we would pack up and move with Robert's job to Florida. He was transferred to Fort Myers - a city neither of us had even heard of, much less knew anything about. I had one condition for this move however, and that was if I was going to move to Florida then I wanted to live at the beach - so that's what we did. We lived on Fort Myers Beach for two years and met wonderful people whom we still call our friends. We moved off the island and lived in Fort Myers for three years where we purchased our first house and had our first child. All of these nostalgic reasons brought us back for our first family vacation.

Amanda was kind enough to shoot a few pictures of us on the beach so we could remember our time as a family - we may have two pictures total of all four of us since Mattie was born. Thank you again, Amanda. I failed to mention that having one of my besties in Fort Myers was also an added bonus. I miss you!

We didn't do anything extravagant on our trip. Our main goal was to not have an agenda/itinerary and to move at a really slow pace so that our normally fast-paced lives could catch a break. We beached it for the first couple of days - my absolute favorite thing to do. Mattie Jane is actually pretty easy to handle, at least in comparison to what Evan was like at her age (surprise, surprise). She simply played in the sand while Evan bounced back and forth between the water and his sand castles.

We did the "sting ray shuffle" to avoid stepping on any sting rays and getting stung - and it's a good thing we remembered the season...

When we weren't at the beach, we hung out by our pool. Evan and Mattie preferred to skinny dip - actually, if it we weren't in broad daylight we may have all been skinny dipping :)

Robert took advantage of the naked situation and decided to have a father and son moment. To discourage Evan from peeing in the pool, he proudly taught him how to pee off the dock. Classic.

We did spend one touristy day at the Shell factory where we experienced a really sad petting farm - if you can even call a few goats a farm, but the kids enjoyed it. We observed several neglected animals, played on an extremely dilapidated playground and took some amazingly cheesy photos. All in all, we had a ball.

This trip made me happy. We rented the perfect beach cottage, the weather was absolutely amazing and we all got to spend an entire week together - just us. We will be returning, hopefully on an annual basis.

Fort Myers Beach...

And just a quick note - we may have sold ourselves on the whole van idea. After renting one to make our trip, we realized just how valuable they can be...

More pictures in the gallery.

Sunday in Pictures

2011-09-25T19:58:00.000-04:00

Rainy, dreary weather means staying indoors and finding things to occupy our time - for Robert that was football, for the kids - games and wrestling which always result in crying - and for me...well, I just moseyed around with my camera to capture it all.

Never a dull moment in this household - but early to bed the tired babies go!