Choose Your Own Adventure

"Mom, would you rather keep your body form and swim on? Or would you rather turn into an energy force?"

"Well, James, that is a good question. I think I'm leaning towards energy force."

"So am I! I have to turn to page 84 - do you want to read with me what's going to happen?"

"I do. I really do."

Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure books? The first one I got for James really frustrated him because he really wanted to read it from start to beginning - and somehow read each of the options sequentially. But, you kind of have to give in and follow the path you choose. I mean, sure, you can go back a few times and see which way extends the story, but on the whole you have to go with it. Follow it through. Sometimes I wish that the decisions in life were as easy as choosing between page 57 and page 84.

Broadway by the Bay

I guess I should start by being honest...Broadway by the Bay is not Broadway. And if this show did dare to poke its head somewhere between 41st and 51st, the costumes, performances, and theater itself would be quickly yanked stage left, laughed at on its way out. But, James doesn't know that. And his awe was as real and genuine as I could hope. By the moment the first snare drum sounded - I could feel his excitement. At points in the performance he couldn't help himself. He would just stand up, wanting to join the performance in progress. And the clapping - he just loved to clap after each number - and then he'd look up at me. The little twinkle begged the question, "Do you see what I'm seeing?" It was precious and heart warming. And I could barely keep my eyes off of him. What a wonderful night his Nanna planned.

4,500 Ladybugs

Today in science I taught all about ladybugs: how they chew from side to side, how females are larger than males, how they live 4-6 weeks. We studied and drew their anatomy. And then we released 4,500 ladybugs!

Of course, gardeners have been using ladybugs long before me. You can buy ladybugs at your local nursery instead of pesticides. And this is how my great idea began. But, it ended quite differently than I had hoped.

About 3,000 ladybugs into our project one little girl shouted and cried and lamented, "Ah! One crawled into my ear. Get it out. It hurts." No, it couldn't be. I know she is full of drama - but a ladybug in her ear? No way. But, I was wrong. Very Wrong. It only took a flash light and some tweezers to clearly see that ladybug stuck deep in her ear - her ear. And a ladybug fiasco on my watch, made me feel sick inside.

We called her mother - no luck. We called her father - no luck. We called the doctor and felt relieved that it wasn't a 9-1-1 emergency. And continued to try her parents. Three hours later, mom drove from San Francisco to find a significantly less hysterical daughter. In fact, Laura wanted to keep her ladybug when he came out. She liked it.

But, in all of the irony of a fictional story, the moment mom looked in that ear to see the ladybug -- he crawled out. She literally, watched him walk right out.

And despite ladybugs in ears, I had to share the adventure with my boys--just on a smaller scale. But, I can now say with all intention, "Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home." Because I am all beetled out!

Mystery Solved or Midnight - part II

Remember the black fabric? Well...here he is, Harry Potter, himself. He went to bed early and I woke him up just before midnight to join the throngs of people. We made wands, wished for butter beer that sold out, and James even entered the spelling bee. He spelled M-A-L-F-O-Y and was greeted with cheers and applaud for the youngest contestant by far. He literally glowed after being handed his winning poster.

At midnight, the crowds just seemed to get denser. The waiting, the excitement. And of course, a "Free the House Elves" sign. Did I mention, I've already finished reading it! What fun to be part of a worldwide phenomenon. Its crazy. Its fun. The Weasley twins were setting off poppers and you should have seen the house elves costumes - not to mention Mad-Eye Moody and his golf ball eye. Did I mention, I'm a nerd?

Here we are just before we left. James was disheartened that I didn't dress up, so I conjured a Slytherin costume, because I could only find a green tie. James had to attend with an enemy (he donned me Patsy Parkinson).

The Mystery

Of all the beautiful colors to choose from at the fabric store, the great mystery is why we ended up with this morbid piece. Any guesses? Well, I'm not telling, yet. Stay tuned to a post near you.

By the by, I am the proverbial fish out of water in the fabric store. I tried to find a pattern - that was a funny thing. Anyhow, I know that I am grateful for the hot glue gun, because I can't sew a stitch. They always seem to use for the reliable hot glue on Project Runway when they are running out of time on a project. All I know, is if it's good enough for them in a pinch, its good enough for me for this...and when is the next season of Project Runway?

Drowning or Swimming?

Posh is in the House

I have been looking forward to the Beckham's arrival for quite some time (yes, I am that shallow). Are you kidding me - David and Posh?! Is it fair for so much beauty to be in one family? I am really excited - not only that there is something on Monday nights for the first time in forever - but soccer, too! Posh's favorite word - "major" - is my new favorite. The socialite with the crazy lips and dolphin call - are you kidding me - she was major and those shoes - major. Welcome to America, Beckhams! And I know what you mean, it is "exhausting being so fabulous!"

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
- Pablo Picasso

So Pablo's question is similar to a question I was asked about educational play...I really don't like the word educational. Something that makes it seem so formal. But, I guess that's the point. Its not about formal anything. True education. True art. These are on going processes. About seeing, and experiencing the world.

Ask Miss Angie

(ok, I'm not a Miss - but I just always loved the Miss on an envelope - so why not?!)

Flowers on Top

I just went to the cutest baby shower yesterday! I had so much fun getting ready - I wrapped the present and topped it with the prettiest fresh flowers. Awhile ago, at my sister's bridal shower, I noticed that all of the old ladies put fresh flowers on their gifts. I don't know why, but I suddenly realized that the ribbon bows that look like a dalia are probably trying to immitate a flower - and there is just no immitating the real thing. So, here's the result in old lady fashion!

Post Script - my favorite moment at the shower was an exchange between two women. Someone thought their mascara was running and in an attempt to gently wipe it away, somehow signaled to another woman that her mascara was smeared as well. But, this woman after wiping her under eye realized (in horror) that she wasn't wearing makeup, so she must have smeared chocolate on her face. So, she started wiping even more furiously. This suggested to the first woman that she wasn't fixing the problem, so she started rubbing furiously as well. In the end, and about the same time, they realized that both eyes were just as they should. They had just started a vicious cycle. Too funny!

La Baguette

When Jessie was here she bought the yummiest Margharita Sandwich at La Baguette. I have been craving it since then (almost two months). I finally went back this weekend and enjoyed my mozzarella, basil, roasted tomato, balsamic vinegar, and something else mysteriously wonderful, sandwich. Oh, and Chase is doing what I do...wishin', and hopin', and dreamin' of treats.

Goggles

Cute boy. Cute goggles.
Swim Lessons are in full swing.

Midnight - part I

I did it! Me, Myself, and I headed over to the movies theater at a little past midnight. I joined the throngs of fifteen year olds and their parental chauffeurs. I went back and forth - should I go, shouldn't I? The reasons I shouldn't: I had to work this morning and the movie got out at 3am, I wasn't really waiting on pins and needles for the film (in fact, I didn't see the last Harry Potter until it came out on video), and ultimately it seemed a pretty ridiculous thing to do. The reason I should: it seemed a pretty ridiculous thing to do!

You know when you are in a crowd - a big and excited crowd - you just feel that energy. People were clapping through all of the previews (well, booing and laughing for BRATZ), cheering through kissing scenes, and just generally having a great time.

The movie was alright - it just can't compare to the book - too much to squeeze in. But, I felt young and alive. You know, frivolous and silly. I've decided that life is more fun when you have something to get excited about - and if it means Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at midnight - so be it.

Oh, and I should mention, in the end, I was even able to pass by the big car line up and drive myself home!

T is for Theft and Trek

When I graduated from high school I got an awesome Trek Mountain bike. My bike was with me for many a crash and even came with me to college; up to Bridalveil mostly. But for many sad years, my bike has sat unused. Getting older, getting less desirable. But, last week, Ben decided to give my bike an overhaul - he fixed the flat and carefully oiled him back into action.

But, get this. Ben took my bike up to San Francisco on the train (he works there everyday and was thinking about going to the home run derby after work). Now the thought of Ben riding my small bikes conjures all sorts of hilarious images - but I guess it worked - but the hilarity ends there. After work, Ben came out to find the locked bike very gone.

So, I have to say good-bye to an old friend. Good-bye to a chapter. I hate good-byes.

By the by, I lived in New York for three years and had nothing stolen.

A Man and His Hog

More like two little men and their big wheels...

When Chase first got his "bike" his eyes got wide and he could nary concentrate. I'm certain his pupils turned into little spider web wheels for just one instant. The bike couldn't be built fast enough, his shoes wouldn't get on his feet fast enough, and he certainly could not get on it fast enough. With the cars parked on the street he had room to roam. And just when you were certain he couldn't be more in-the-moment; he got off of his bike and ran straight to Bompa Roy with outstretched arms. A hug to say thank you. And then to Grammy with another huge hug. And I got one - he was so full of gratitude it was spilling over. It was such a sweet moment - I am amazed over and over at how thoughtful Chase is--thoughtful and cute. Here's a video of he and his brother in action - Chase can't quite reach the pedals so he has developed his own style.

Midnight Sun

If you are like me and went a little overboard with Stephanie Meyer's Twilight, then you'll appreciate my great find. Midnight Sun - Stephanie (yes, we're on a first name basis) is rewriting Twilight from Edward's point of view. And she has the first chapter finished to read on her website. Click on the link, scroll down to the PDF, and chapter one - ta da!

These books are frivolous fun - in case you are looking for a great beach read this summer!

Bandaids are for Freckles

You know those kids that have seventeen bandaids up and down their arms because they love them too much? Well, that's my kid. Chase busily bandaids every freckle, or "dot" as he calls them. He even gives kisses if needed.

I've often wondered why we kiss owies. It doesn't seem to make sense, but sometimes it makes all of the sense. How can a kiss - something that disappears in just a moment - heal a wound. But, sometimes when we are broken down and bleeding all we really need is a reminder that its ok. And I say, a kiss is a promise it will feel better one day -- but even more, a promise that you are loved right now, even when it hurts and especially when the going is roughest.

Lucky for me, Chase's magical bandaids and kisses seem to heal my freckles and owies right away!

Surprise!

The ladies over at Tangled and True just mentioned my silly little blog, Ask Miss Angie. Thanks, I'm flattered - but honestly, a bit panicked. I am not really good with surprises, even if they are nice ones. But flattered - definitely.

Happy Red, White, and Blue

I hope cupcakes keep for tomorrow...because I can't wait to eat these. My sister made the cutest flag cake last year with all sorts of red, white, and blue toppings. I modified the idea to cupcakes with coconut, blueberries, white chocolate chips, and red sprinkles. I love drippy frosting! Yum!

Calling all Moms

A wonderful question was asked at Ask Miss Angie and it flooded me with memories and thoughts about being a new mom. Being awake in the hospital - holding my baby in the middle of the night - wondering how I was going to do this. And even though I was exhausted, I still couldn't sleep because my mind was racing with the "what now's?"

So, what do you wish you would have known before you became a mom?

Random people on the subway will tell you what to do - but what was actually helpful? And what were the things no one told you at all?

For example, I had no idea I would have to wear a bra to sleep in; or that those mean doctors cut a slice out of your baby's foot to draw blood.

But I need your help and I know a lot of you have recently had babies. Now's your chance to give advice and really help!

Painting: Mother and Child by Gustav Klimt

Wimbledon Whites

The players at Wimbeldon all have to wear white - white shoes, shorts, shirts, hats. There was discussion if they should change their policy. I say, Wimbeldon, stay white. I love these two weeks and I love the white against the green. Don't ever change, stay white, its the loveliest of all colors.