April Fool

Last night, I quietly emptied all of the cereal. I filled the Chex box with Legos, the Raisin Bran with marbles, and the Crispix with dried pasta. This morning when I poured the boys their cereal Chase got the giggles and couldn't stop. James just kept staring, confused; he even tasted the dried pasta. But, then I yelled, "April Fool's!" and welcomed the day that is sure to be filled with teasing and tricks.

As Still As it Gets

Taking Easter Pictures seems to get harder and harder as my wiggly boys would simply rather wiggle. They look too grown up this year.

Leprechauns Beware

James has designed and built the most astonishing Leprechaun trap. I'm not sure what will ultimately lure the little gold-seeking scavangers:

• the house built out of Lucky Charms?
• the TWO rainbows carefully arched over the glitter walk way?
• the gold coins hanging from the ceiling?
• all of the green paint and green felt?
• perhaps the "Leprecauns Welcome (sic)" sign?
• or maybe the miniature Liberty Bell he sculpted and shaped (because it is made out of gold)?

I'm personally thinking the Liberty Bell will be the biggest draw. But whatever brings those Leprechauns, they better watch out. Because inside this glittering house is a jail cell, cleverly disguised as an "elevator to the gold."

Grand Central Prank

Tears

I was late picking up James - it is the hardest thing in the world for him. I couldn't help but remember something I wrote a year ago:

Crocodile Tears
Today at gymnastics, James landed funny and twisted his ankle. His coach brought him an ice pack - and I watched as he tried to hold back the tears. His little lips were quivering, and he was trying to avoid eye contact with anyone, but he looked up and caught my eye. He couldn't hold it any longer - a tear or two ran down his face. But, then he looked away, trying his mightiest to be brave.

Looking at his little face, I was flooded with that feeling, trying to hold back my own tears, trying to be brave, but feeling so sad inside. I felt so much compassion - not just for his little ankle (which will be just fine) - but that he is old enough to even think about holding it in. What a tragic circumstance. When babies are distraught - there is no public awareness. They could care less about bawling, throwing tantrums, shouting out in pain. But as adults, we care...or perhaps we want to avoid questions. Questions like, "Are you alright?" Its kind of a silly question - obviously, if someone has crossed the threshold from trying-to-be-brave and is actually welling up there is something wrong. I have made a solemn promise to myself - that I will avoid this question. That I will instead sympathetically smile, give someone that knowing touch, just change the subject and not bring it up unless they want to, or simply say, "I'm sorry." These are the things that help the sad two year old (and I guess me).

I will now start mourning for James - I hate the idea that he has to become so publicly aware - isn't he too young?! I wish we could all be raw and real - but sometimes that doesn't help heal the hurt either. Sometimes just making it through until we are in a safe place to release our burdens - in James' case the car ride home - is the best way. Thank goodness for safe places.

Keeping it Real

A friend asked: Is there anything you don't do?

My response with a crooked smile: Shower...

The truth is there is so much that I don't do - I usually rush around getting just the bare minimum done. Lunch was made 2 minutes before we had to leave for school. I kept my eyes closed in bed while pretending to play cars with my three year old for at least a half an hour this morning. I still haven't brushed my drying hair (although I did shower). But, although I fall short, I keep chugging (or does that little blue engine puff)? Anyhow, I keep on keeping on.

Meet Anthurium

When I am working with flowers, they somehow become my friends. Beautiful Cymbidium Orchids I nickname Cyms. And I couldn't help but refer to my sweet delicate friend the Lisianthus, as Lizzie. But, I didn't always know the names of the flowers as well as I do now. So, I thought I would introduce you to Anthurium. I have never worked with him before - but he is enchanting. The pink version looks desperately fake, but the green is such a wonderful color. It added a wonderful dimension to the largest arrangement we did for the wedding. Here are a few wedding shots - it was lovely. And I couldn't have done it without the help of her or her.

11 Tables with a version of this

11 smaller tables had these

(you know i love flowers in water and the grass turned out nicely)

Can you find my friend, Anthurium?

Cheerio.

Notes on a Disney Die-Hard

I wouldn't call myself a die hard. But, when the rain came and we stayed I felt like the Disneyland elite. I want to go on the record and say: a wet Disney is still a magic Disney.

James keeps saying, "It seems so long ago...it was like a dream." He walked around with his mouth open the first three hours. Every ride was the best. But by the end of the day, he had proclaimed Space Mountain as his favorite. He loves speed and feeling weightless (I think my stomach is falling out, but he loves the drops).

Chase, on the other hand, liked the pool at the hotel the most. But, that hasn't stopped him from talking about the Matterhorn and the Yetti non-stop. "You go on a bobsled, and the Yetti ate so many strawberries in his body that his eyes turned red."

Cheerio.

Whim

I am not a very spontaneous person. I like to plan and think. And then think some more. But, my sister suggested a trip to Disneyland...tomorrow...you know...the HAPPIEST place on earth. I have never taken my boys and I keep thinking about going. So, why not? I think I should seize my capricious side and do it! What would you do?

Tools, Caution and a Three Year Old

When we went to Home Depot we found yellow caution tape - perfect streamers for a construction party! We also found a tool apron - the kids decorated it with paint and then had to fill it up with tools at the end.

Ratchets=Bubbles

Washers=Lifesavers

A Hammer=A Snickers Bar

Nails=Hershey Kisses

Screwdrivers=Suckers

Wrenches=Noise Makers

And all this was for a very wonderful three-year old! Happy Birthday, Chase!

Busy & Beautiful

It has just been one of those buys weeks - the kind of busy you can't remember your head hitting the pillow. But, that's a good thing. Anyhow, here is a preview of the flowers for that wedding I am doing in two days. Practice makes perfect, so we practiced...what do you think?

Speaking of Hats...

Chase will not be outdone...underwear on your head is indeed one of the better party hats known to man and two-year olds. Here he is explaining his wardrobe choice (I also love that he has his sweater on backwards AND inside out).

Do You Like My Hat?

Do you remember the conversation between two of the dogs from Go Dogs Go? I think it goes...

Hello.
Hello.
Do you like my hat?
I do not like your hat.
Good-bye.
Good-bye.

and a bit later...

Hello, again.
Hello.
Now do you like my hat?
I do! I like that party hat!

Well, James, I like that party hat! 100 days of school is something to party about! I'm not sure when you can wear it again, but I'm hoping you will.

Wheat vs. White

Let's get one thing straight. I do not pluck my own chickens or make my own soap out of lye. I am not creative and when I think of baking bread - it's poppy seed bread or some other indulgence. But, I do have to share my accomplishment.

I made pancakes out of real wheat. Not wheat flour or ground wheat, but wheat germ - the real deal. And even though I was attached by a cord to the electricity coming from the wall, I somehow felt connected to my early American roots. I felt like a pioneer (and wanted to be barefoot and pregnant to properly complete the picture). Anyhow, the point -- they were delicious. Thanks, Katie for the recipe.

Blender Wheat Pancakes

Blend the following for 3 minutes:

1 cup wheat (the real deal)

1 cup milk

Add 1/2 cup more milk and blend for 2 more minutes

Add the final ingredients and blend:

1/2 cup oil (or applesauce)

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt
3 heaping teaspoons baking powder

.

But, I have to admit that I still like white better. My sister's friend saw a loaf of white bread at our house and in all sincerity said, "Do they still make white bread?" Um, hello...the answer is yes, yes they do, and boy do I love it. How can you not love a bread you can smash into a ball?!

Cheerio.

Go Giants!

I am a fair-weather fan. But, James is not. In fact, I am pretty sure it is because of his devotion that the Giants made it to the Super Bowl and then won! He had an Eli Manning Jersey when the only Manning that was cool was his brother. So, congrats to the Giants, and to James (who incidentally knows every stat and player) for going the distance.

One Year Old

So, I've just learned that today is the birthday of my blog (a word, I'm afraid, I may never like). But, I couldn't help but look back. Here's how it all began:

Why Cheerios?
I would like to state, for the record, I do not like Cheerios. Not even one bit. I actually think it smells a bit like goat food - on quiet mornings I can literally be heard saying, "This smells like goat food." But, the strangest thing happened when I was pregnant with James and Chase. About two weeks into both pregnancies I started craving Cheerios - not the honey nut or apple cinnamon - just the plain old Cheerios. I ate it and ate it and ate it. I loved it, I needed it. I know its high in folic acid - but really. Anyway, I decided to call this blog, Cheerios--to write about the things I both love and hate.


I think that what I wrote then still holds true and I've tried to be genuine.

So, I'll make a treat, and suggest that you have a cupcake too (the one above is from the Cupcake Cafe - I would definitely say the prettiest cupcake I ate in New York).

Cheerio.

How Did I Miss This...

“A yellow dot is looming on the horizon and coming toward the banks. His arrival causes big gatherings and astonishment. “The Duck” does not have any border, it does not discriminate between people and does not convey any political message. He only represents a friendly figure shining forth with its bright yellow, all along its journeys to calm down the world tensions”
– Florentjin Hofman

Title: Rubber duck
Year: 2007
Location: river the Loire, France
Dimensions: 26 x 20 x 32 meters
Materials: inflatable, rubber coated PVC, pontoon and generator
Production: le Lieu Unique and the Biennial Estuaire

I just discovered Florentjin Hofman and wonder how I could miss something this, well, large and yellow. I mean, a duck is news to me. Well, a duck of this size, to be precise. If it weren't for random posts I would miss out...but then again, am I missing out. Is a duck news?

I feel myself rather torn. Am I missing out because I spend to much time doing this. Sometimes I find myself thinking: Why haven't they updated, it feels like forever. And other times it is more like: How can they post so much. I can't find time to sit and write, how do they do it, and do it so well? Torn. You get it.

I had to laugh when I found this graphic...ok, I get it. It can be isolating, but it feels so connecting. And I have to admit I like to see my inbox full; it's just friendlier. And it doesn't feel so fake keeping up with friends. But sometimes I wonder if I should stop and put my energy into a more tangible journal. Do you ever wonder, or is it just me?

No Way...

You Gotta Be Kidding Me!

I just adore this kid! He cracks me up -- constantly! And after he said this to me (to translate: no way, you gotta kidding me), he called my brother "Ridiculous!" Oh, and as for the rooster, Chase has carried it around for three days straight. He was born the year of the Rooster (James is studying the Chinese New Year) and it is now his most prized possesion.

Jewish Penicillin

A friend brought over the real deal - Matzah Ball Soup. And after a more complicated surgery than I had hoped, followed by adverse side effects to the general anesthesia, the soup was perfect. Becky told me it was "Jewish Penicillin," (she would know) and boy was she right.

An entirely tangential side note: before surgery you usually have to fast for 12 hours. You can't even chew gum (they didn't tell me this - and almost had to reschedule). I was simply thinking that after not eating my breath was probably less than fresh, so in went the gum. Fortunately, it worked out...but thought I would pass it on. I feel like it is the sort of thing that could come up for someone else, too.

Thank you for all your well wishes! I so appreciated them.

Rhyme Time

The only word I can think of to rhyme with surgery is perjury...what does this tell me? Well, they are both ugly words...and if nothing good rhymes with surgery it can't be a good thing...and I have surgery tomorrow.

Follow my reasoning out...rake rhymes with bake, take, steak, and cake! So, rakes must be good.

"Transporting" is Right

Leslie found this beautiful picture by Irene Suchocki over at Etsy. I had to tell you about it because first, it's beautiful, and second, Leslie is famous. She is guest blogging at Design Mom this week.

And if you are newer to blogging, let me translate. My friend that I lived in London with (you can click on her name and go to her sight), was browsing Etsy (a web site that is like a virtual arts and crafts fair - all sorts of people make things and sell things - you can search by color or object - and its all pretty affordable) and found a painting by some talented lady. In addition, she is writing blogs over at a really popular website - I think its a top 3 "mom" blog site - anyhow, that makes her famous to me!

Oh, and with my stone, pain, and nausea I could use a little transporting...I know, still!

LalalaLondon

My littlest sister, Abbie, is off...to study abroad in London...I already miss her...and desperately want to be her right now...she just did her first post at AndtheFreshness.blogspot.com -- hooray!

She has so much loveliness ahead, but I can't help but think back. Living in London was one of my happiest times. There is just something magical about a place with so much rich history. In fact, when my mind drifts I often find myself somewhere in England - usually the North (Chatsworth maybe). Do you ever do that? Anyhow, it wasn't just the places, it was the people I was with.

Stream of Consciousness

Warning: this stream of consciousness might not make sense...so read on at your own risk

i swear self-doubt is a creaping creature i can not rid myself of. [deep breath] i went back to the doctor because i'm not producing any treasures, but at the same time, i'm not in that much pain. in fact, at some moments during the day i don't feel a thing. so, as i sat down with the doctor i expected him to say something like, you never had a kidney stone, you must have imagined it all. the pain. the emergency room. never happened. and because i have a vivid imagination, i was prepared to say, something like, woops. i was afraid i was wrong. [deep breath] but, thankfully i'm not delusional (or maybe i'd rather be wrong because then i wouldn't have to keep medicating and hoping and drowning myself in water), there is indeed a pea size stone inside my body. so, i was right. it did hurt. and sometimes still does. and its ok. and might take two weeks. and that's just what happens...but what are the kinds of things i do imagine? what am i wrong about. i seem to ask myself and doubt myself more than i should. i'll find an awesome book and then a month later i'll read about it somewhere and think, why didn't i tell everyone about that -why didn't i trust myself and my taste. perhaps i am just in a self-doubting phase that comes about when the rug is ripped from underneath you. or perhaps, my self-esteem isn't what it should be. no, that's not it. i fancy myself too much, truth be told. maybe its just what makes us human - questions, that is (not doubt). sigh. i can't think about this any longer, tomorrow. i'll think about it tomorrow. and for now, i'll remind myself that there are stones i like: diamonds, emeralds, sapphires (i just love sapphires), and obsidian with its jet black and shiny surface. yes, i'll just think about that now.

the real E.R.

I hate it when my blog titles are right, because it indeed "Could Be Worse" and it has been. I've been spending my time between the bathroom and the hospital...don't you wish going to the hospital was a little bit more like tv: the fast dialog and pace of ER or the beautiful faces of Grey's Anatomy or I'd even take the the sarcastic rudness of Dr. House because at least his hospital seems clean. If only...


I've been having back pain, and when it became intolerable I knew it wasn't just a strained muscle. I knew that something was really wrong. After an emergency visit that lasted eight hours, an IV, a CT scan, and a good deal of morphine I learned that I have a kidney stone.


A kidney stone; doesn't that sound horribly daunting. Doesn't that sound like something that happens to other people and not you. Aren't I too young - or rather, I wish I was too young. What I learned is that it's just about managing the pain until it passes. Passes - ugh. Moving forward, I won't be using the term passes because its just sounds so terribly wrong. We use "pass" for gas and death - and I would rather not use it for little rocks forming inside my body. Because what business do little rocks have in my body?!

And as for the pain, I can only compare it to labor - truly. But, there won't be a cute little baby at the end which makes it all worthwhile. Yuck...

It Could Be Worse

My obsession started with a dress. A green dress.

First Cee wore black, then pink, then decided upon green --well, that's what happened in the book.


In the movie, she only changes once. But thankfully still ends up wearing green. This green dress.


I can imagine myself walking down Scarlett O'Hara's stairs, or running through Anne's fields wearing this very dress. Or I could be Cee - because I do love a tragedy. Sigh.


What do you think about a girl (me) who obsesses with a dress? I know what I think...I think that there could be worse things to obsess over, and that at least she has nice posture (well, nicer posture then I).

Resolution 2008

I do not make resolutions; therefore, I do not fail at resolutions. Its that simple - don't make 'em, you can't break 'em. Besides, everyone seems to resolve to eat less and exercise more -- how boring is that?! Pretty boring. Anyhow, we all know we should, so there's no reason to give it an austere title like: RESOLUTION.

But, about four months ago I thought of one. A real one. A good one. Something I really need to work on. But did I start working on it then, in my moment of epiphany? No! If I had done that, there would be no resolution for 2008. So, here it is, my Resolution for real...

I've got to work on my posture.

I will work on my posture.

But, I still don't know how. Apparently, the resolving isn't enough. I need a game plan. The only thing I can think of is to set my phone at various times throughout the day to check myself. Sigh. I'm afraid I'm already doomed.

No, I'll work on it. You'll see. I resolved, for Pete's sake!

Don't Forget the Reindeer

This year was all about the Reindeer; the boys put out veggies for Rudolph and the gang. And Chase was certain that Santa wanted Soy Milk - like him. I'd like to report that everything was eaten.

Merry Christmas!

Henry Theodore Robinson

At the funeral my dad told this story, and I can't help but feel grateful for the wisdom from the story and its metaphor. When my dad was younger he went to shear sheep with his father. After working all day (literally sweating and struggling and wrestling) my dad was able to shear 13 sheep; in the same amount of time my grandpa had sheared 113 sheep--one hundred sheep more. My dad felt timorous with his small offering, but my grandpa cheerfully accepted his part and said, "Well, that's 13 I didn't have to do."

There are times in our life that we have more to give and others we simply have less. When our offering is 13 do we feel ashamed by our part, heaping pressure and judgement upon ourselves? Or do we see it as a vital part; an important part needed to make the whole? At other times, when we offer 113 how do we perceive the smaller offerings? Do we begrudge those who have a smaller part? Do we judge them against ourselves. Or do we take one another's offerings as rich and vital?

I'm thankful for this moment, for my grandpa henry validating my father's offering.

Give Aways...

So, I learned about Oneity recently. You can read about them here. But, basically they are a small boutique that gets fabric all over the world, and then gives back to the communities that make the fabric...pretty good.

Anyhow, they've asked me to do occasional book reviews...and this week they are doing give aways. A lot of places do giveaways, but with 450 comments over at Design Mom the chances of being chosen are pretty small. But, very few people know about Oneity so far! So, I just thought I'd share. Because you can't go wrong with cute and free giveaways (a new one tomorrow).

UPDATE 1/3 - They are doing give aways each week - I'm telling you, its so fun to win something!

Once there was a Snowman

My Grandpa Henry passed away last week and we all went to Utah for the funeral. Funerals are always such a mix of emotion. Highs and lows, laughter and tears.

One of the highlights was the snow...I'd like to draw your attention to the Dora Boots. I've always said, it takes a real man to wear pink!

The Birthday Boy

Every good sports party needs a football cake complete with goal posts and green coconut for grass. And it is requisite that your favorite team (NY Giants) are winning against your least favorite team (SF 49ers).

A party can only be better when you are dressed in your Uncle Ben's XXL jersey, shorts, and hu-normous shoes -- for the sake of relay.

Best friends are a must! Justin on his right and Christian on his left.

Happy 6th Birthday, James!

Bookclub Top Five

At book clubs across America, I am sure some of the choicest, strangest, and funniest sentiments are uttered...I am going to share my top five from last night; Letterman style.

5. Women writers write round and flowing, like a uterus...or so says an unnamed professor.
4. As I was filling out papers at the bank with my pregnant tummy and two year old sitting on my lap, they asked my occupation and I answered, "Nothing."
3. Did I spill orange juice? (the answer was no, lactation can just be that fun)
2. Lets go toilet paper his house...with pitchforks and torches...in true Medieval style.
1. In response to the infamous Jerry McGuire quote: If he had you at hello, you should run the other way.

The Cutest Little Shepherd & Joseph

Little Faces I Love the Mostest

Trees, etc.

This morning at James' school, we were being presented to the class. He is sunshiner of the week and got to bring his family today. All of the children were asking us questions. One little boy asked, "What is your favorite tree?" James said redwood without thinking twice. I said any willow; but truthfully need more time to answer such a question. Grammy said oak. And Chase said, "orange." He-Hee, I thought, what's an orange tree. I pictured an orange trunk, well something like this:

but when I went searching for an image of an imaginary orange colored tree, this is what I found:

duh! Of course I know oranges do grow on trees...orange trees; but that's not what I thought of, at all...well, in my defense, an orange colored tree could be lovely. Sometimes I look straight to the obvious and not beyond.

Do you have a favorite tree? (Is that something people have favorites of, anyway?)

I Have a Muscle

I am a rock climber. Ok, that's a little bold. I am more of a rock climbing wannabe. But, in either case, I recently looked down at my bicept and, well...I had one. Its easier to feel than see. But, there in Planet Granite, I saw it. A real live arm muscle. This is new to me and my arms and quite exciting.


But, because no one wants to see pictures of adults in harnesses, I'm posting a picture of cute James recently climbing. Now, he does look cute in a harness!

Birthday Blues

So James turns 6 in about a week and a half. I'm blue that he's getting older, but I'm also just blue about the party. He keeps talking about these grand birthday ideas - inviting his whole school class and such. And I'm not really up to a big bash - nor do I want to spend billions on a party. Not to mention the fact I haven't planned anything yet. So, what should I do? Any fun, cheap, semi-social ideas?

Snoozer

I'll admit it, I'm a snoozer, as in someone who doesn't get right up at the sound of an alarm. As in, someone who doesn't pop right up with sunshine in her soul. As in, someone who really shouldn't be talked to until post-shower. It takes a little work to get me going. But, I haven't given up on me.

I think it makes it harder when the laws of nature are againt you...isn't Newton's Third Law of Motion something like: Objects at rest tend to stay at rest. Well, I submit, it's true with people. Once I'm going, I'm good. But, the getting going is so tough sometimes.

So, what gets me going...two little voices sweetly pleading for books or cereal. That's the main thing.

But sometimes I feel stuck. For example, someone asked a great question about motivation at Ask Angie. I couldn't even start to think of a response. So, I do what I often do when I am stuck, I ask a friend. In this case I asked my dear friend Hannah to help. She is a wonderful teacher and parent and woman. And she was able to answer the question a way I couldn't, with a perspective I totally needed. And although, I'm not an unmotivated six year old, it really got me thinking. I realized that IDEAS are what inpsire me. And just reading her ideas I was able to think of some myself. Anyhow, you'll really have to read her words because they are beautiful!

Call Me Smurfette

I wore bright blue tights yesterday with a simple black dress...and I felt fabulous. I don't know if I looked fabulous, but I've been talking about colored tights all season and I finally worked up the courage to do it! No compliments, but a lot of eye attention (the nice way to say shocked glances).

iTunes - Jason Mraz

Last night I had to find a family picture for James to take to school. The task was much harder than it sounds, much harder than it should be. As I started sifting through pictures, the tears that are always just beneath the surface came. The hard part was that the pictures were all so happy. Times of laughter and goodness. I love what we built...but that didn't prevent the cheating and the pain it still causes me. And although a good angry-chick-song is great to run to...this one captures my sorrow of a good thing lost.

You and I by Jason Mraz

...Cause you and I both loved
What you and I spoke of
And others just read of
Others only read of the love,
the love that I love.

See I'm all about them words
Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words
Hundreds of pages, pages, pages for words
More words then I had ever heard
...
And if you could see me now,Oh love, no
You and I, you and I
Not so little you and I anymore, mmm...

And if you could see me now
Well I'm almost finally out of
I'm finally out of
Well I'm almost finally, finally
Well I'm free, oh, I'm ...
I'm almost finally, finally, out of words.

But, if you do know a good angry song, I really do run better...and would love something new!

Run, Do Not Walk

I repeat. Run, do not walk to your nearest Trader Joe's. I wasn't in time to try them last year. But now that I have, they are all I can think about. Candy cane cookies - who knew?! Now all I need is a scoop of the seasonal Dreyer's/Eddy's Peppermint ice cream with these cookies crumbled on top. Peppermint Heaven.