Growing Up Winona and Jezebel

Weekend Plans

2012-01-28T23:36:00.000-08:00

On Friday evening after work, I ran into a good friend at the grocery store. She asked what I was doing that night and I think I let a good full 15 seconds tick as I thought about it. "Nothing" wasn't quite right. But how does one say...

"Well, I'm going to hang with Gypsy Princess and Kangaroo Ballerina (don't ask-- no one really knows) in our tent city that doubles as a bear cave. There will be moments of tenderness...

and bursts of chaos...

We'll be using a placemat from a Chinese restaurant as a Pirate's Treasure Map to determine where the Saucy Gold Bowl is buried, awaiting our discovery...(Turns out: in Mama's underwear drawer. Who knew? Adds a whole new meaning to the term "pirate's booty," I tell ya...!)

...and we'll be tucking our babies into bed at the very end of it all--far past our bedtime because even though I kept SAYING, 'Ok, let's brush our teeth and get to bed' I didn't really MEAN it because it was all just too sweet and fun."

I couldn't quite come up with all that, there on Aisle 3, and said something like,
"Hanging with the girls...." Which, is another way of putting it, I guess.

A Balancing Act

2012-01-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

Assuming it would rain--because, well, it's January and it's Oregon-- I planned on taking the girls to an indoor gymnastics open gym to play this morning. When a call came in from a friend to join them for biking in the park--because, lo and behold, it's SUNNY this January in Oregon--I nearly changed my plans.

But then, I know how that goes. I relish the time with my friends, and the kids relish their time with the other wee ones. Then, we come home, they head into (much needed) quiet time/naptime and DOH! I haven't spent any of my precious Saturday with my kids!

So, I asked the girls what they'd rather do, loading the question like nobody's business. (I think it went something like, "Do you want to go jump around on fantastically fun toys at place we hardly ever get the chance to go or ya wanna ride bikes? Jez, do you even have a bike? Winnie, I think your training wheels are broken. But, you know... it's up to you.")

Guess what we did?

They bounced like crazy. And we had a blast together. I briefly lamented not being out in the sunshine (must. soak. it. up. while. it's. here!) but got over it listening to the incessant giggles and "C'mon Jez! Let's try THIS!" and "NONA! OVER HERE!"

Jezebel pulled herself approximately 47 miles on this thing. (That would be a rope and a wheely-stool).

And Winnie. Dear, sweet, sometimes timid Winnie. She hasn't learned to fully trust her strength or physical abilities and when it comes to physical activity she is often scared of the "fall" or the "hurt" or the "whatever else could go wrong." She not only looks before she leaps (good thing); she frets before she leaps (something we're working on). She got in line, onto the rope and off of the rope 3 times before she was able to push off the mat and swing without reaching for me (instead of holding onto the rope... yikes!). The third time she got off, we talked about needing to trust and believe in her strength and that she was just as strong or stronger than any other kid there. She did it!

She was really proud. And really done with the rope. Back to the trampoline!

"Hey Mom! I got myself up here when you weren't looking. Now what?"

Now, you borrow some of your sister's fear. Just a little. And don't give it back.

Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

Because no self-respecting holiday can go by without celebratory food--despite said holiday landing on a Monday after a weekend of a sick mama--we had noodles for Chinese New Year.

Ok, so it wasn't dumplings and plum sauce (as per the original plan), but a soba noodle will do in a new year's pinch.

And noodles, it is said, represent Longevity. As in, "Look how long I can slurp this noodle!" and "Look how long my sister laughs at my attempts to use these chopsticks!" and "How long before mama says 'It's going to be the year of the rat before you finish your dinner; please just EAT!'"

Happy Year of the Dragon! Jezebel is rather concerned about this one, pretty certain that dragons are real and scary and "going to bite my leg!" But she thinks it's hiLARious that Daddy was born in the Year of the Monkey, so we just focus on that.

In other news, we got an unusual snow "storm" here on the valley floor last week-- and although we were disappointed that it didn't amount to much (not even a No School Day! Drat!), we were grateful that we didn't see the crazy weather patterns of the rest of the state. Lots of rain, but no overflowing rivers and no freezing rain.

Just enough snow to justify a dog costume and romp.

But nowhere near enough to justify this getup. For real, Mom? Aren't you from Wisconsin? This doesn't even qualify as "It snowed" in Wisconsin and I can neither breathe nor see. Or use my thumbs. What in god's good creation is this thing on my hand?

I, Winona, was much more enthused by it all. For starters, I could move in my clothing. Also, I make a good snowball... which was fun for the whole 38 minutes we had snow on the ground.

Me? I'm happier in the more tropical environs (of, er, say, the Y pool deck). That's right. I'm learning to SWIM! And it's awe.some. I kick and flail and have. no. fear.

Tonight, at bed time I (Julie) said, "I'm proud of you for learning to swim, Jezzie." To which she replied, "I'm proud of you for learning to drive, Mama." Hey, thanks!

The Results (thus far) Are In

2012-01-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

You'll have to click on these pix and make them bigger to see them, I imagine.

If that doesn't work, you can just take our word for it. We're BRILLIANT and PERFECT in every way.

Jezebel has fallen into the swing of preschool very happily and REALLY loves that they go swimming three days a week. On Monday, she starts Tennis Lessons (!) as part of the weekly routine. Gotta love the Y! My favorite part, of course, is that I get to peek in on her and she gets to come visit me for quick hugs throughout the day. Doesn't get any better for a working mama!

Winnie continues to love Kindergarten... and read her first book ALL BY HERSELF on Thursday night (while mom was drinking wine and watching movies with friends-- doh!) Dad heard it, though... and she did a replay for me on Friday.

Never Never Land

2012-01-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

I brought Winona to her first Hip Hop class today, only to discover that the studio was also hosting call backs for Peter Pan before this evening's Parent Meeting for the show. I did the math (Musical with Kids + Rehearsals Have Not Yet Begun + Auditions Still (Sort of ) Going = Our Spring Calendar Just Got Filled with Tinkerbells).

Rehearsal #1 was after tonight's said Parent Meeting. There's wee Winona Fairy (one of Tinkerbell's Gang) in the center! (P.S. Sorry, Hip Hop--see ya next time around!)

2012-01-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

If one were ever to wonder what's going on at our house, the odds are VERY good that there is a "show" going on. Right now. That's very likely what we're doing--or SOMEone's doing, anyway. A "Show" does not require an audience--which is a good thing, because they are 24/7 (less some sleeping and eating). Mike and I can often be heard muttering such things as, "Is that what it was like living with Irving Berlin?"

Sometimes it's cover or holiday tunes... but mostly, it's improv. In the next post, you have a rendition of "Jingle" ---Bell Rock by Nona; Bells by Jezebel. It didn't seem to bother either one that the other was doing a different tune.

If not performing, I'm drawing pictures of performing.

Why yes, those are stage lights.

Jez started Preschool this week! Typical second child--doesn't get the "smile on the porch with your backpack and lunch and sweet little outfit" picture, but, rather the "Oh Shoot! I forgot to take her picture! Good thing she's just downstairs and my phone doubles as a camera. Oh, it's nap time? That'll do." picture.

But it is representative of how tired these days have made her. LOTS of activity and kiddos packed into her days now!

And, today, the park for some sunshine and sticks.

2012-01-07T19:27:00.001-08:00

Jingle Bell Rock as performed by WinnieLou
Jingle Bells as performed by Jezebel Alisa...
Together.

Fondu Forever.

2012-01-01T23:02:00.001-08:00

A decadent, delicious beginning to a wonderful year!

Our Family Gift: Time at the Coast!

2012-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

A Room With a View:

What these pictures don't reflect is just how much time we spent in this perfect little room. It was a STORMY, WINDY, RAINY week at the coast--which proved just perfect for the whole point of the trip, which was to spend un-distracted time together. We did a lot of art, watched a lot of movies, read good books and ate a lot of good food (thanks to Mike). We did get out onto the beach... just long enough to satisfy the pups, and get some good shots that make us look entirely more active than we actually were. :)

Off to the pool! (trip #1 of about 47, give or take).

It's WINDY! Can we go back to the pool?

Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "like a kid in a candy store?"

Oh yeah. This is cool. I love my boots.

Happy 2012, everyone!!! xox

On A Clear Day, You Can See Forever

2011-12-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

Theoretically, I went to work today. I putzed around, cleaned off my desk and responded to an email or two before the BRIGHT SUN could no longer be ignored. I swung by home to pick up the wee gals and furry pups and off we went to a nearby beloved hiking spot.

We VERY nearly summitted... and would have had it not been for the sky to begin to show the subtle beginnings of a beauteous sunset. A sign for me that we should take a quick rest and then turn around and head back before too much darkness or cold set in.

Only had my phone camera on me, so you can't really see the four white capped mountains in the distance, but we could see them clearly... Fantastic!

I could almost hear Lucy saying, "We used to do this like 4 times a week before the two legged kids came along, you know." I know, Lu. I know.

Dude. That was a serious hike and nap. FEED ME! Latkes and applesauce! Happy Hanukkah!

Visions of Sugarplums Danced In Their Heads...

Here Comes The Sun!

2011-12-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

We had a merry Solstice Celebration last night...

Winnie made Daddy a pillow!

And we got dollies, whom we love.

After a yummy meal, we spent the longest night of year camped out in our living room!

Welcome back, Sun!

And then, what can only be described as a PERFECT holiday treat: a fancy holiday tea at a local b&b thanks to Aunt Jenny. Mark Lewis was the guest storyteller (as seen on Grimm and as heard in the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland) and he was phenomenal!

Note my extended pinky.

more soon. Mama's off to finish off a work day or two and then take some time off!! xox, all... hope your days are full of gratitude and joy!

2011-12-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

Because we absolutely have a 300:1 ratio of Hours of Winnie On Camera to Hours of Jez on Camera,

here's a little solo time for the second born.

("Jinger" Bells is not unique in its inclusion of the phrase "my booty"--every song gets so blessed when sung by dear, sweet and always appropriate JezMonkey.)

2011-12-18T11:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Musical Musings...What IS it about?

2011-12-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

"Is it about a baby, I never ever knew?

Is it about a guitar that is covered in blue?"

ji ji ji ji ji ji ja. ji ji ji ji ji ji ja.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-04T21:02:00.001-08:00

The holidays have arrived with bells on at chez nous. There is no more quietly slipping through or wondering if "they get it."

They get it. Big Time. SO...we have an Advent Calendar (counting down to the First Day of Winter--Winter Solstice), a Menorah, a Christmas Tree and a holiday music soundtrack everpresent in the background. Don't get me started on Kwanzaa. I don't even want to know about it, because I'm sure there are some awesome, crafty, delicious traditions involved and for the love of the sweet baby jesus, we have enough going on already.

And so, let the good times roll. The theme of this weekend was Nutcracker Remixed and Holiday Home Makeover... A few shots to fill in the details:

We're making handmade and homemade a

strong theme of the holidays around here.

Winnie worked on some items on her new sewing machine and embroidery ring today while I made this to add to the festivities in our home...merry merry! (Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, New Year, Kwanzaa implied. A girl only has so much felt and yarn).

Winona made her debut on our little city's GORGEOUS theater's stage this weekend... as a Bubblegum Baby in Nutcracker Remixed. She was glowing and confident and magnificent and Mike and I beamed like fools through her whole dance. Jezebel just kept asking me for bubblegum and candy thanks to the inter-song narrative about the land of sweets. (Note: the really cool frogs in the background of this picture taken on the balcony level of the theater's lobby.

Makeup and hair, done! Tutu, check!

At dress rehearsal, awaiting her turn to dance.

The Little Ballerinas in awe of the Big Ballerinas.

We like this season.

Now We Are Six

2011-11-28T20:36:00.001-08:00

Sometimes, the universe aligns to bring you Thanksgiving, Grammy, Grampa, Cousins, Uncles, Sunshine, Orange Trees and a Sixth Birthday... all in the very same weekend. Not often, but sometimes.

Like this past weekend, for example.

I spent a LOT of my time doing this: art with cousin Rory. She's a REALLY good artist and a very patient teacher. She's also nine, which makes her pretty near perfect in my world.

After turkey, ham, yams, mashed potatoes, peas, cornbread, stuffing and cranberries,

who doesn't have room for a little chocolate cake?

Happy Birthday to ME!

Six.

The next day, when we awoke from our food coma, some old friends of mom and dad's stopped by for some playtime...

Then we got out into the 80 degree dry heat and glorious winds to enjoy that SoCal weather!!!

After countless hours of preparation, Rory and I put on our puppet show.

It was about 48 seconds long. I was really proud. Rory was really patient.

A professional photographer was retained to capture the three sons gathered together. This particular shot was posed around the SOUND asleep wee munchkin Jezebel who decided that 7 minutes into the photo shoot was the perfect (and only) time to nap all weekend long.

(This is mom's shot, not the photographer's; I'm sure they love it when the amateurs lean over their shoulder to capture every shot they take).

The Handsome Brothers.

Their beautiful children.

Taking a break between shots. Jez still undisturbed by the commotion.

Seriously? How do you SLEEP through all this? Uncle Todd, give her a wet willy in the ear. That'll wake 'er.

Thank you, Grammy and Grampa! It was a weekend to remember... xoxox!

Runs With Scissors

2011-11-22T20:15:00.001-08:00

I frankly can't imagine the occasion, but should you ever need me to sit still and play quietly for more than 7 minutes (we're going on a full hour, folks), hook me up with a pair of scissors and a magazine.

I will have the focus of a laser beam.

And, as a reminder to you that nothing in this world is predictable, I'll suggest that I clean up after myself, get the bag and get 'er done.

Playin' In the (What No Rain?) Rain Day

2011-11-13T21:18:00.001-08:00

Every year, rain or shine (and let's be honest--it's Oregon, it's gonna rain), our local Arboretum hosts Playin' In the Rain Day.

Oddly, it was sunny, blue skies all day long.

We made hot dogs,

masks and wetlands,

and marshmallows, too!

And we found a whole bevy...flock... fleet... gaggle... of girlfriends. Seriously, if we had tried to plan all meeting up for the 12:30 hayride,it would have more likely frozen over in hell. But, without a single phone call or text, there we all were. Gleeful in our girliness and making the poor dad sitting next to Maya on the far right only slightly concerned for his welfare.

It was a super fun and sunshine-y day!

2011-11-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today, Winona wanted to make a fairyland. After some discussion about this (and with me feeling a wee bit under the weather and unwilling to head out to the cold, wet backyard to build a fairy house), she decided that she wanted to make some "little people" for atop her dresser, to be augmented with wee houses, wee decorations and other wee creations...

Here is the family she created today (with oven hardening clay, my sewing scraps and pipe cleaners for the cat. Yes, that's a cat.)

The quarter on the far end gives these guys some scale. The matress pad scrap underneath them is what she laid atop her dresser to be the "snow."

They're teeny and cute... and I can't wait to build the houses and see what other fun "touches" (her word) she gives these guys.

The Halloween Haul

2011-11-01T22:21:00.001-07:00

Final line here is "I got scared of the wolf."

2011-11-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Isn't this FUN, Jez??? CANDY! MONSTERS AND A CUTE COSTUME! FUN!

Did you say "candy?" Ok. I'm listening.

Thumbelina knew how good it would be.

And the good news is that you don't need many teeth to

eat 47 pounds of candy.

Don't worry. Jez caught the fever pretty quickly and was soon knocking, wishing Happy Halloween and gratefully accepting candy block after block...

2011-10-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

A tradition that we've been doing since before Winnie was born: heading to a friend's house for a pumpkin carving party. Great fun.

Winnie carved her own this year. Meaning--she gutted it and used the cutting tool to do it all by herself. I wasn't allowed to see it until...

Whallah! Winona's first jack-o-lantern! Me encanta lo!

And here are the creations of the evening all lined up...

2011-10-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

A few Winona quotes that, along with the pictures, will tell you more than any of my narrative ever could.

Winnie (shy and giggly): This is a picture of me marrying Toa. I kinda think he's....(giggle giggle); he's kinda...."

Dad: You have a crush on him?

Winona (lights up): YES! I have a crush. (shyness gone--no holding back now) He's nice and funny and I like him like I like Connor and the boy who played Jack in Into the Woods (this one was news to me)."

Pause.

"I'll marry Toa, but Connor still has my heart."

(Sorry, Jack. Don't know where that leaves you.

Maybe as the cool boy next door with the rockin' bean stalk).

And this, well; no narrative to go with it, but it hardly needs commentary.

Other recent quotes worth, er, quoting:

(Sung, in an improv session with Mike at the piano and Winnie singing)

"I sing the songs I promised to my soul."

A few days ago, on a deep October autumn day bikeride:

"Look, mom! That tree looks like a Candy Corn Tree!" (Yellow leaves with hot orange ends--it totally did);

Then, Jezebel 47 times with increasing frantic energy: Where candy tree? Where? Where Candy Tree? Where? (you get the picture).

Tonight, driving home,

Sleepily, "Mama, I've been watching since we left the party and I'm pretty sure that star is coming home with us."

2011-10-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

BOO!

Did we scare you? :)

2011-10-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Had a beautiful float down the mighty McKenzie this past weekend. Clear skies, warm sun and only a few splashes (Jezebel squealed with delight; Winona squealed in horror).

Hello, Fall!

2011-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

We left the "city" today in search of fall fun...and found it, along with some friends who happened to be there, as well!

The horse-drawn hayride was a highlight... and the sun came out for the duration of the entire ride.

And stayed out long enough for another attempt at the maze. Both figured out pretty quickly that it's A) easier and B) more fun to get up on the haybales and run and leap and, yup, fall. Even the falling was pretty hilarious (most of the time)

Holey Smile and A Whole Lot of Friends

2011-10-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Here's what I look like with all my teeth. Get a good look, because...

...it's going to be awhile before I don't have a Big Hole-y Smile!

The other front one is hanging on by a thread.

I have all my teeth. And all my friends. Meet Mustard (the cat) and Kwady (the lizard), and Woofy (the dog wrapped up in the napkin and out of sight here). I like these guys a lot. And I like knowing where they are at all times.

Especially right when it's time to go to bed or leave the house.

You can imagine how much mom loves this.

How Do You Like 'Dem Apples?

2011-09-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall! We celebrated by going apple picking.

And apple eating.

And then there just comes a time when if mom wants more apples,

then mom can darn well PICK more apples.

All that hard work paid off, with applesauce....

and apple pie.

So fall, so good (sorry).

The Student Life

2011-09-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

I have homework now.

Here I am completing my very first homework assignment

--rumor has it, it's not the last.

So far, I'm good with that!

Highlights:

My favorite food is: Caesar Salad (Mike makes a killer CS).

My Favorite Song Is: Moses Supposes (Singin' in the Rain!)

As a family, we like to: Go camping and play music (reflected in the picture she chose. :)

But, don't worry about me too much, I'm finding a good work/ play balance and taking study breaks aplenty. So far, homework has not cramped my style.
More on my weekend to follow.

Campfire Strummin'

2011-09-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

Singer/ Songwriter WLG graces the campfire

(not necessarily her best work--and a slightly interrupted piece thanks to the wee Jez-Monkey, but I'm experimenting with uploading videos with my new camera)

Gimme S'more Summer!

2011-09-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

We went to the coast this weekend. Correction: we went almost as far west as you can go in a car...almost...and then got distracted by the sand dunes and freshwater lakes and never actually made it to the coastline. That's right--we camped about 1/4 mile from the ocean and never actually saw the Pacific. We were too busy.

Nope. Not the ocean. Inland, freshwater lake surrounded by sand dune.

Nope, not the beach. Sand dune.

Nope, not a desert nomad. Winona.

It was a fun weekend of sunshine and family...
a little one-two punch pushback to Fall.

Papa Bear here seen fulfilling his duties as one who passes along the imperative and roots-affirming experiences of ones own childhood to the next generation... In this case, "Pinch-A-Butt." (You know, all hold pole, all run in circle trying to--at once--both avoid the pinch from behind and inflict a pinch ahead. Inevitably, get dizzy and fall down laughing really hard.)

Speaking of dizzy. Lie down on dune, put hands above head, engage core and give yourself over to gravity....all.......the......way.......down.

Or, until you think you really might vomit. Whichever comes first.

Showtime in the Trees!

Showtime at the fire!

I simply cannot hear another song without another round of cocoa.

This may be fun and yummy, but it's an artform, girls. Pay attention. And NO blackened marshmallow. I simply will not have it.

Now, THAT's how it's done.

Note to self: S'mores take down more outfits than swimming, sand play, potty training and treeclimbing combined--pack accordingly.

On a personal note, I was glad to be media-free this weekend. I won't forget. I can't forget. I've had nightmares three times this week in "remembrance"--and no never before seen video! is going to help me make better sense of the insidious madness of 10 years ago today. Take me to the coast (or, um, really, really close to it, anyway) and give me giggles and songs. We will likely never know what happened on September 11th, really... so, what I choose to remember is how precious the moments are that we have here together, and how sweet it all is!

2011-09-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Winona Lou, to the beginning of what will greatly define, influence and consume the rest of your childhood and young adult life: school.

I thought I'd be pretty stoic about the whole thing. I mean, it's not like we didn't know this was coming. And I was fine through this...

"Good morning, Miss Antje."

and this... "Ok! Last picture... now let's not be late for your first day!"

It wasn't until I came out of the school, alone, having left the sweet girl in her classroom (happy and brave and totally content to say, "bye, mama!")... that I cried. I mean, look at her: all grown up. The night before, we did a little ceremony in which she blew out the candles at the end and made a wish to "put the alphabet all together so I can read a whole book." That day is coming soon, too. I'm sure the tears will flow again.

2011-09-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Now that we're officially a "school-going" family, Labor Day felt very much like the last day of summer, even though the temperatures are hotter than they've been all year and we fully intend to get in a few more camping trips. Regardless, we celebrated the last official weekend day with a swim.

...and nothing says "summer day" like a good, cozy nap.

Ah. Those Su-ummer Ni-ights...

2011-09-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Curious George wonders:

Is it possible that there is so much cozy cuteness out there?

Why, yes, George, it is. We're all here, ready and waiting for the movie to begin, having eaten our tacos, grabbed our bowls of popcorn, and settled our moms in with their wine.

Fun Fact: We are doing this in the backyard of Winona's KINDERGARTEN TEACHER! (She's as great as they come).

2011-08-27T22:47:00.001-07:00

My Aunt Jenny's dance moves are in. my. blood. baby.

2011-08-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

I felt vaguely guilty waiting for a parade

while the east coast waited for Irene.

But the peace train rolled in and I figured, What to do, but be at peace and send protective thoughts eastward?

What to do, but receive a mini copy of the bill of rights by a man who urged me "not to lose them."

People who live here can be heard sighing, "I love this place."

Visitors mutter things about it all being "what one should expect of this place."

I hear words like "freaky," "weird," and "hippy" (and I'll give ya the Slug and accompanying Slug Queen) but I like to think of it more as

"Hopeful" -there are untold parade entries devoted to a more peaceful existence,

"Kind"- The "let's be nicer to other people" entries are equaled only in number by the "let's be nicer to animals" entries.

"Fun"- And what's not fun about a 40-person-long Slug Puppet, followed by the recently coronated Slug Queen followed by Congressman Peter DeFazio scooping up the Slug Slime? (As if this guy wasn't cool enough, he does this every year).

So, I wouldn't miss this parade for the world. Or, for the end of it, as the case may be.

We sidewalk-chalked a sunshine while we waited, sending its calm, warmth and peace to the East Coast skies.

A Vet For Peace really liked it.

2011-08-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the annual celebration of our sweet li'l city. Some streets are closed down, stages are erected, bands play, vendors sell, a Slug Queen is crowned and a wacky parade marches through town (tomorrow am--stay tuned!).

As we will not be seeing many of the bands this year--2 year olds and concerts are largely incompatible--we'll be having our own celebration of our city. Kicked it off tonight with a post-show date to our favorite patisserie and then on to the library, where we got books and then played in the great outdoor courtyard for over an hour... listening to bands play down the street!

2011-08-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

"Especially if we want to make it to BROADWAY!!"

2011-08-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

Do Re Mi, The First Three Notes Just Happen To Be is her solo,

but, frankly, it's all just Pure Goodness. :)

This is Winnie's performance at the end of her Broadway Bound Camp.

It was one of four songs in a 30 minute show, in which WLG had two lines--one of which was delivered with perfection (the other of which was whispered into her ear by one of the older girls after she ran onto stage mid-scene after a missed entrance). She doesn't remember that part. She only remembers how kickin' awesome she was.

2011-08-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

The days are getting shorter-- this I know mostly because I've been caught without lights on my bike twice this weekend, at an hour when a few weeks ago I would not have needed them. And I noticed that a long sleeve shirt would have been nice too... It's the best time of summer in Oregon. The time that feels like it's turning the corner, but really, we're good for another 4+ weeks...

So sure am I, that I planted another round of greens in the garden this weekend. The optimism is fueled by the abundant harvest and beautiful flowers this time of year. We gorge ourselves on berries daily, and our CSA haul has us googling creative ways to eat leeks, cucumbers, kale, potatoes, eggplant and more.

If one thinks that running through the sprinkler with an umbrella sort of defeats the purpose, one has not tried it and learned of its joys.

2011-08-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

So, it's true, what they say: that parenting is not always easy--that kids don't come with manuals so how in the world are we supposed to know that poinsettias are poisonous and anything that fits through a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard? How is one supposed to decipher the true effects of vaccines, HFCS and Spongebob? With the choice of any school in the district, am I a bad mom for not attending a single open house and using "on the bike path" as my sole criterion? I use bribes, forget to brush and we're working on a pretty decent-sized list of words that "you really shouldn't use in school, or anywhere outside of our home. Please."

But once in a while, the universe tilts to give you just the perspective you need.

Tonight, we shared the park with 8 other kids, between the ages of 6-14. Their parents were there, too: both of them. They were the foster parents of these eight children who had some obvious challenges and, as with all humans, many more issues unseen... And there were the parents, eating ice cream as if they were ENJOYING themselves. As if they could just sit there and EAT ICE CREAM. As if they weren't a cross between the most insane people on the planet and my absolute superstar heroes.

One of the 8 tried to push Jezebel (she totally had it coming), and they dealt with it immediately and so very well that I wanted to write down the words they used.

Another was a crazy good gymnast who was flipping and tumbling all over the place and they laughed and encouraged him to do crazy stuff.

Another was sad and they just hung out with her, with their arms linked.

Another was....

Another was...

My god... how do they keep up? And did they vaccinate? And how often do they shoe shop?

As I pushed my wee ones on the swing, so in awe of these people, and so grateful that there are people willing to be parents to kids who so desperately need them, I realized, once again, that we're all doing just fine-- even on our worst days. We love them, they know it and that's all that ever matters.

Which is a good thing, because this picture was taken just as Winona was yelling at Jezebel, "You just crapped the scare out of me!"

2011-08-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

Camping trip this weekend!

A beauteous lakeside campsite in the Cascades...

I could eat them at this point of the day: when they're all cozy and warm and sleepy-smelling. But then what would I do the rest of the day?

Exploring camp-- tent and hammock in background.

On a wee hike, we found ourselves here, which practically feels like summit-ing.
I think this counts.

And after any summit, one needs a hammock.

Accessible only by boat, our campsite was in the shadows of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor. Gorgeous.

A midnight cruise... full moon! We ended up at another camp site (hi, neighbors!), playing glow-in-the-dark bocce ball. Yeah, not what we were expecting, either, but you just never can tell with full moons. Never can tell.

Mt. Bachelor in the background. Married man with dog in foreground.

I really like camping.

I'd like to go boating now, if someone could gimme a hand here.

aaaaaah.

2011-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, because summers are like that....

Sometimes one just needs to get into one's favorite red dress and get far, far away from one's younger sister.

In this case, across the bridge in the backyard to the quiet always greener grass on the far side.

Then, after quite a bit of time alone, it's really nice when daddy and said younger sister find their way over the bridge for some creekside play.

Hangin'.

Annual trek down to Lowell for a little Small Town America Summertime.

By which we mean: abandoned trains and quaint parades...

...and snocones the size of our heads.

And, a parting artsy shot. More soon on this past weekend (Teaser below)....

2011-08-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Teeny tiny wee picture... will try to get something better posted, but this is a little glimpse into a BIG event this past weekend: Winona's first gig. We performed as "Black and White and Red All Over" at a neighborhood street fest this past weekend at the KIDZONE stage. Set list included such favorites as Skidamarinkadinkydink and John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt and The Grand Old Duke of York (for which my quads have yet to forgive me). It was, in a word, supersweetfun. Winona was all performer--composed, focused and in key. Will try to get some video footage up in the near future.

2011-07-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

It's a video. Press the play button in the lower left of the picture...

2011-07-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

a glimpse into our little slice of heaven in the middle of Lake Michigan...

Aunt Jenny, Cousin Lexi and Jez and Winona were the mermaids...

We ate a LOT of ice cream.

And discovered the best Toy Museum (store) on earth.

Hawaii ain't got nothin' on the Emerald Isle... except maybe cooler accessories

And this is pretty much what we did. ahhhh....

2011-07-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hello again! It's been awhile, but we're up and running again with a new camera in hand... Unfortunately, a vacation worth of pictures are gone, but there were other cameras on the island and I'm sure those photos will be shared soon, so we'll keep you posted. In the meantime, a few shots of the wee gals in the garden. Still figuring out how to post a video of said gals doing a Mulan duet.

2011-06-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

And the Winner Is...Winona Lou Grossman!!!!!

Ok, it was just a coloring contest. Not even a free-hand art contest, but a "fill in the pre-determined lines on the page" contest. Not really the stuff that parents dare gush about. The stuff that, frankly, I would gape in concerned wonder if any parents I knew gushed about... so I do so here trusting that this is read by grandmas and aunts almost exclusively, and hope the rest of you will still be my friend after this post. Your kids are cute and smart and creative, too. Really.

Because I am oddly thrilled by this news. Context: It was field trip day at Y Camp. Her group headed to the Rodeo--without Winnie due to a slight tummy issue and a larger "parents don't approve of rodeos" issue. But, they had colored in some bucking broncos and horse pictures ahead of time to take with them for the Coloring Contest. Winona's counselor turned in her campers' pictures and at the end of day, in front of HUNDREDS of kids, mind you, the announcer congratulates "Winona from the Y"--- who was not there, but whose counselor went down to receive the prize--a TIARA!--in her honor.

Now, I played it cool upon hearing the news; was actually only mildly amused by the whole thing when Counselor Dawn handed me the tiara. But as the day went on, I got to thinking about winning... and how good it feels. We love to say "Everybody Plays! Everyone Wins!" at the Y--which I think sets the stage for important lessons and values-- but that doesn't stop MOST people at those games from silently keeping score, and quietly congratulating the winners on the way out of the gym, 'cause let's face it: it feels GREAT! And I was so excited for Winona to feel GREAT about this.

And she does. She is really proud and said, "Mom, I was at that coloring table longer than anyone else" and later, "Mom, have you seen my good crayons? The ones we hide from Jezzie? I think I want to use those for my art tonight" and at bedtime, "I can't believe I won a tiara!" The especially nice thing about this win is that none of the other kids are thinking "I didn't win the coloring contest"-- at least I would highly doubt it. It matters to one kid only. One kid and her parents, that is. (I'd post the picture, but it's being shipped to MOMA. Actually, I just never saw it).

I promise you that the accolades and prizes of Winona's future will not be in direct proportion to the precedent I've hereby set for the Coloring Contest Tiara. Really. I promise.

2011-06-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Wee Manipulator: Act I, Scene I

Scene opens with Young Two Year Old sitting in a rocking chair with a tin full of crayons in her lap. A mischievous look appears on her face and suddenly, the crayons are scattered about the living room floor.

Papa: Jezebel, please pick those up and put them back in the tin.
Jezebel: No.
Papa (singing): "Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Everywhere...."
Jezebel: No.
Pause.
Jezebel continues: Sleeping. Crayons SLEEEEEEEPING Daddy. (Finger goes to mouth and she leans in to Dad) SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (Marches off to pantry where she hunkers down with a book behind a closed door... apparently to give the crayons the peace and quiet they need to stay right where they are. Asleep).

Papa and Mama look at each other with "Lord Help Us" looks.

2011-06-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

It's SUMMERTIME!
We celebrated by heading to a farm to pick some strawberries.

What bucket? I don't need no stinkin' bucket.

Oh, THIS bucket? The one with all the strawberries Nona picked?

You're right, this does make it a lot easier.

Mom! Found another bucket! I'm getting GOOD at this!

I put one in the bucket. I swear.

(Can I eat it now?)

GOATS! I LOVE GOATS!

(But this one is eating my dress at the moment).

That TICKLES!

I can't decide if I like this or not, but it does make me giggle.

I love the goats. I squeezed this one really hard.

Then tried to climb the fence.

Bye, Goat. I promise I'll return to you one day.

CSA veggies on the grill...

(and brats. You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but...)

Homemade strawberry shortcake...

And a bonfire to welcome celebrate the longest day of the year...

Happy Summer!

2011-06-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Summer came to pass... for a brief and glorious day or so. So we did this:

And then, the rains came in again; so I made a bed for my princess castle.

All by myself!

(She hand-stitched three of the sides, stuffed it, then worked the pedal on the machine while I guided it through... She spent a lot of time with this and was quite proud).

And that was such fun, that I decided I needed a carriage, too.

Much to mom's relief, I stopped short of needing to make my own horse.

We discovered a lot of mom's art and sewing supplies today.

The winner? Stuffing.

While Winnie made beds and carriages, I was content to sport a sweet apron

and an elfin beanie and do some drawing.

2011-06-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

When one has nearly run out of distractions from the laundry, weeding, grocery shopping and dust bunny herding,

one has only to look as far as the birthday boxes in the recycling bin for adequate reason to delay any sort of productivity....

And build a castle.

And when that is done, then there's really only

time enough left in the day to sit poolside.

Happy Summer... at long, long last.

2011-06-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Me! I'm TWO!!!

2011-05-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

The song that inspired me to bust out the video was the one that went:

When mommies were children

They used to be girls

But then they grew

And now mommies are womans

And there are lots of things that they do

But by the time the camera was rolling, this is what came out, instead:

2011-05-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

Snack time on the deck...

worms worms worms

and stories, complete with illustrations and written narrative...

"WSAPATM" leads off every good story...(which would, of course, be "once upon a time")

2011-05-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today, we rode our bikes down to the neighborhood school to pick up a registration packet for Kindergarten. After months of being pretty sure that this would be the perfect year to try Homeschooling on for size for our family, we decided that it wasn't the right fit, after all. Not now. Not right when Jez will be heading to pre-school and offering Mike his days back in the studio. Not when we find ourselves blessed enough to live in the only neighborhood in town with FULL DAY kindergarten with a Kinder teaching team that have a rock star reputation to go with it... Most families in town put their names in the school choice lottery for a chance at this school. It's a 1/2 mile downhill (both ways) bike ride for us.

And the kicker: Winona is beside herself with excitement about School and Kindergarten. Today, picking up the reg packet, she exclaimed, "This is the most MAGICAL place in the WORLD."

We hadn't left the bike rack, yet.

So I picked up my Yellow Folder from the very sweet School Secretary who exclaimed that in her 26 years at that desk, she had never met another Winona-- which made said uniquely-named child beam and say, "THANK you!" as her eyes flitted around the offices and out into the hallways so she could see something... anything.

To top it off, we saw my boss's wife (a teacher at the school) as she brought her class in from recess. "Winnie! You're coming to THIS school??? I'm SOOOOO excited!!!!"

I really thought Winona would pop. She spent the entire bike ride home extolling the virtues of school and education to Jezebel, who kept interrupting with "WEEEEE! MAMA!" trying to get me to find every speed bump and pot hole on our path so as to provide the most entertainment for my wee thrill seeker.

Tonight, as I put Winnie to bed and gave her the option to go to pre-school tomorrow (Fridays are usually optional for her) she says, "No, I'm sort of done with the Friends Room, mama. I'll just go to Kindergarten tomorrow. Did you finish the packet?"

No, sweetie, not yet, and here's why: one of the questions is "What are your child's strengths?" and I just don't even know where to begin.

2011-05-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are, decidedly, the best days of the year. I, Winona, am especially fond of celebrations marked by road trips,

adventures and yummy treats.

Mom's birthday weekend was exceptional on all fronts.

A weekend at the Oregon coast is good for the soul.

Hot cocoa with a view.

"If ever oh ever a Wiz there was, the Wizard of Oz is one because...because because because because beCAAAAAUSE!..." ...because he lets mommy and daddy nap....do do do do do do do. do do.

Not sure if she was forever emotionally scarred by Lucy's 6 week disappearance or if she just really likes leashes, but this kid gets distraught when the dogs are running free and not at the end of the leash. Distraught, I tell you.

She recovered quickly, determined to take the matter into her own hands.

I'm taking the leash, mom. Someone has got to care for these animals.

Let GO of the leash, mom.

Got 'em. You can thank me with ice cream.

Only now can I relax and play in the sand.

Hi Mom... 35!!!

Some may think "beach" and think "swim suits." Those people don't live here.

The sun did come out, and we soaked it up.

The trees are all twisted and bendy from the coastal winds.

Or from the magic of the tree fairies. You decide.

I'll be out here wishing SOMEONE would just FOCUS and build me a sandcastle.

300 of them, actually. 300 would be great.

I think we officially have a Julie Birthday Tradition... That's three years running and I don't think any of us see any reason to break with such a good thing.

2011-05-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the idea of wishing that maybe sometime soon spring will perhaps begin to think about possibly maybe sticking around..just in case... anyway: we went to MAY FAIRE today.

It was cloudy and cold, but we danced around the Maypole, blew bubbles, played games, had our faces painted, watched the Youth Ballet troupe, ate some cookies, and pretended that it felt like spring.

Then, because the momentum was there, we came home rode bikes and did some sidewalk art. (The sidewalk chalk art is a "mother's day card" from Winnie... :) Tonight she told me at bedtime that she was my "Mother's Day Fairy and going to make all (my) wishes come true." :)

2011-05-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Something Wicked This Way Comes

We saw Wicked today--a musical extravaganza with exhilarating stage sets and costumes--and a creative bent on a story that left me feeling jealous of the guy who thought of that (Gregory Maguire). The life, perspective and tale of Oz's witch. Brilliant.

Brilliant, too, is this idea of Wicked--Nature or Nurture? Real or perceived? What is happening or what we are told to believe is happening? If it's hard to hear, hard to look at, hard to understand, is it wicked? Or is it beautiful, and up to us, to do as Elphaba's lover did and just look at it differently?

I put the girls to bed, logged onto Facebook and learned that Osama bin Laden is dead. On a very real level of who I am, I am glad for this. I am grateful that tomorrow the sun will rise on a world inhabited by one less person hell-bent on perpetrating anger and hatred. Yet, I read "Proud to Be an American" status updates and heard the fireworks down the street and found myself crying. Sobbing. Not mourning bin Laden's death, but mourning the life we spend celebrating what I believe in my soul to be wicked: the perpetuation of Them and Us, Right and Wrong, Good and...Wicked.

It's a sobering night for me, because I have two little girls sleeping soundly in the next room who look to me to teach them right from wrong and I wish wish wish it were as easy as saying, "The guy who died was wrong. The guys waving the flags are right." But it's not that easy for me because there's a mom out there tonight who sees that waving flag as a symbol of the people who murdered her son. There are thousands of those moms.

So I'll tell them to look at things differently; to always question what they're told is True. And then ask again. I hope I can teach them to celebrate life, never death. I hope that somehow, I can get over my self-righteous, indignant, opinionated self and teach them that there are "moral ambiguities" everywhere, all the time, and to be at peace with them. Dear God, give us a generation that's at ease with the gray areas...

Some lyric's from Wicked's Wonderful:

Elphaba: You lied to them.

Wizard: Where I come from, we believe all sorts of things that aren't true. We call it history.

A man's called a traitor or liberator

A rich man's a thief or philanthropist.

is one a crusader or ruthless invader?

It's all is which label

is able

to persist.

There are precious few at ease with moral ambiguities.

So we act as though they don't exist.

2011-04-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, really, mom? I know the sun's out, but it's COLD and this water is FREEZING!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...just smile for the camera and say 'Happy Spring!'

In one of those "I have to get out of the house immediately" moments, I loaded the girls into the car and we headed to a place where we could stick toes in the water--or they could anyway; too cold for me--sit by the river's edge, climb a few trees and soak in some sunshine. This was my first "post-op" day that I've felt up for such an outing, and as soon as I realized that, there was no turning back. Granted, a tad chilly, but it was a fun afternoon.

A shot in which Winona Lou shows off yet another gap in her smile... lower (her) right taken by the tooth fairy last night in exchange for a Fiver since the tooth fairy had no change in the house. When will these modern children accept debit cards, I ask you?

There is something oddly relaxing and joyous about throwing rocks in the water. Between the three of us, we drastically altered the landscape of this bend in the river today with all the rock displacement we did. After a rousing game of "sink or swim?" (find an object, guess what it will do, throw it in, cheer), we went back to throwing rocks. When our fingers were numb, we decided it was time to call it a day...

There was a wedding on the grounds and we had to walk across a footbringe in front of the Bride and Groom getting their pictures taken--and Winnie was smitten. "Why aren't we invited?"
"They're strangers. They don't know us, so don't invite us."
"Can't we just have a wedding then? I love Connor. I could marry him right here tomorrow."
Gulp.

2011-04-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

Found one! And then I found 17 more....

Then dad made egg salad while we had hard-boiled eggs for snack.

After getting rained out of the bike ride/ scooter ride @ the park, we came home to have a tea party in the fort. The sun came out just as we got under cover. Ah, Oregon spring, we love you, we do.

We stayed in the fort long enough to weather a pretty decent rain storm, which was the highlight of my day. My camera had run out of batteries by that point, but it was pretty cool to be cuddled up in the fort, with hot cocoa and the wee girls for the four and a half minutes it lasted, before the sun came out again.

2011-04-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

For a fun change of pace, we tried to go au naturale this egg-dyeing season.

Beets- Red

Tumeric and Yellow Onion- Yellow

Coffee-Brown

Hibiscus, Red Wine and Purple Cabbage- Purple

The results were mellow, earthy colors; not the brilliance of the Paas Pack, but worth repeating (and improving).

The pictures don't quite do justice. The blue/purple was my favorite, since it turned out sort of silvery, and although they all look like deeper shades of the original brown egg shell in the pictures, the colors were more purply and bluish than represented here.

In other news this weekend: a birthday party at a fun, new park...

and Family Fun Night at the Y!

The highlight of this Friday night adventure was Winona's Swim Spectacular. Winona and her 4-5 year old friends swam the width of the pool and back (W chose the breast stroke one way and a version of the butterfly for the return trip). Then they jumped off the blocks and swam to the side.

Learning to swim is a pretty awesome pre-school perk!!

And here's one of Jez on dry land, although she tried her darndest to get off our laps and show us her stuff in the pool, as well.

It's all enough to wear a girl out.

2011-04-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

I love pockets. And I love water. Seems a cryin' shame

that the two aren't more compatible.

Most things--and believe me, my specimens are many--

go in the pocket...

and stay in the pocket.

Not water.

2011-04-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

A few "reflections" on our weekend. HA!

The ladies in the family (sans Lucy) headed up to see some fab friends and meet the newest addition: wee Coletta, who is by every measure, perfection.

So, that would be Kiva, Julie, Roberta, Ione, Winona, Linden, Jezebel and Coletta. You do the math. Roberta aptly named it Girl Pandemonium. If you've read Secrets of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood, you're starting to get the idea.

Welcome, wee Letty.

You are spectacularily (no, it wasn't a word before this child, but it is now) scrumptious.

Have you ever seen such studious looks accompanied by tiaras and boas?

Me, either.

These three play so well together, all things considered (ages, three's-a-crowd, distracted mamas, inevitable sleep deprivation and late meals --see "distracted mamas" etc.)

Off to the science museum!

First thing I found was the Chipmunk Suit. If they're not going to let me be naked (i ask often and try frequently), then I might as well be dressed up as a rodent.

I want to pet the fish.

Don't tell me I can't pet the fish.

You know how I feel about not being able to pet the fish.

You don't? Well, let me remind you.

The best part of this was the Proud Big Sister exclaiming,

"LOOK, JEZ! You're as tall as mama's HAND!"

"Hey, Nona, can you smile like Fred?"

Gammijas Winonie and Ione. J'adore...

2011-03-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

On Losing 40 Pounds, Gaining A Good Deal Back on Melted Cheese and Welcoming in a New Season Before Dozing Off...

A lot can happen in 60 days. One could, say, go to yoga 60 days in a row, if one felt so inclined.

Mike did. And he did it. Sixty consecutive days of 1.5hour yoga classes that take place in a 105degree room with instructors who chant things like, "Gobackfarbackwaybackmoreback. Lock your knees. Go back. More. If you feel pain and it's good pain work through it, stay with it. Go back. And.... change" as they guide you through the same sequence of postures designed to heal and strengthen every last cell in the body. They say if you do 60 consecutive days, your life changes.

Well, he got a felt "OM" crown and that's gotta count for somethin'.

We all got a fondue feast (his choice for an appropriately decadent way to indulge).

The cheese was pretty hilarious.

And now, it's Spring! These fantabulous creatures you see before you are watering cans in disguise.

Thank you, Grammy. We adore them! And they will be put to very good use as soon as Mother Nature stops taking care of that watering job for us.

Hi! I'm up to some sort of mischief and just wanted to say hi! I say lots of stuff now. Two word sentences are my biggest leap forward into the Land of the Verbal, i.e. Daddy Home! Read Book! Nona No! Milk Please! And then, the real trick comes when you say it 58 times in a row, with a growing sense of urgency and rising volume. Mike theorizes this to be Darwin's natural selection at work with the Second Born, ensuring--against all odds--that her voice is somehow eventually heard. Sort of the toddler equivalent to dandelion seeds... Chances are good ONE of these suckers will take root and someone will get me my godforsaken glass of milk.

And here is a glimpse of mama's very favorite time of day. Now, the cynical among you might think that it's because my wee angels will soon be asleep, freeing me up for whatever my own night holds. And you'd be absolutely right. But, another far dominant reason is that this is the very sweetest and cuddliest ritual we have... and we get to do it every night. We read books (2-3 choices per child) and sing songs (2-202, depending on a variety of factors) and then, eventually Jezebel dozes off and Winona accepts the fact that all good things must end--for the night--and bravely says goodnight.

This bed is the full size mattress hoisted off of the girls lower bunk bed (upstairs) and plopped down next to our bed in our room downstairs. We call it our Bear Cave and I'm headed there now.

Good night and Happy Spring!

2011-03-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Japan, Chores and Priorities

The funny thing about having a Five Year Old is that we can no longer get away with spelling things, evading questions, or listening to the morning news. The first gets us in trouble only because Winona knows that the series of letters indicates that there's something secretive afoot--not because she can actually keep up with our spelling (Although, spell "cookie" aloud and you might as well just say the darn word).

And, we used to be able to change the subject. Forget about it.

Mom, did you wash my fairy princess dress?

Hey, sweetie, wanna go to Disneyland and then get ice cream? Twice?

Sure, but what about the dress?

And, finally, the morning news. We don't watch TV in the mornings, with the exception of an occasional Super Why or Sesame Street. But I listen to NPR on the way to work and Mike reads his morning news on the internet which is often augmented by video. In both cases, little ears listen. And I often forget. She reminds me by piping up with an occasional, "Are they talking about Obama?" or "What are they talking about, Mama?" from the backseat. Of course, the stories jump from one to the next quickly and the hummingbirds migration (I said NPR, didn't I?) quickly leaps to suicide bomings before I can press "PLAY" on the CD player... and frankly, I often forget. So, I get questions like, "Why do they bomb people?" and "How come they died?" more often than I'd care to admit. And it's a fine balance--protecting and educating, one that Mike and I both probably fault on the side of providing too much information, but add it to our long, long list of mistakes we will make before they can tell their therapists all about it. :)

Long story short, she knows all about Japan. Or, she knows that a "SooMommy" (great!) caused a lot of destruction. This is her picture of "Japan covered in Water."

And this! This is a picture of the scene I walked in on after finishing up some gardening today. We had all been outside together, when some sprinkles came in and Winona headed inside. Jezebel and I finished up some chores, put away our tools and headed in about 20 minutes later... to find Winona proudly announcing that she had "done the laundry." I gave her enthusiastic encouragement, assuming she had "done the laundry" like she often "makes dinner" in her play kitchen. But, turns out she had emptied the actual dryer, "folded" the clothes on our bed and used her stool to get the clean clothes out of the wash machine and into the dryer. The only thing left for me to do was press "Start."

Pinch me.

And when one simply cannot decide what is more important--food or sleep--

one can choose to do both all at once.

This kid. Oh, this kid. Tonight Mike said,
"Is this what roller derby girls are like as kids?"

(If you are unfamiliar, Roller Derby is a competition in roller skates involving tremendous speed, aggressive play and dogged determination to stay on two feet and win).

So, yes. I'd say that this kid is prime material for Roller Derby.

As soon as she wakes up.

2011-03-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

Winona has caught wind of a Talent Show coming up in a couple of weeks,

so she's preparing The Circle Game for the big night. Still working on the verses,

but she's got the chorus pretty dialed in. My favorite part was before the camera was rolling--she was in the hallway and she asked me to announce her, and then said, "In just a minute..." For the next 30 seconds or so, she quietly whispered the words to herself and then, "Ok, Mom! Ready!"

2011-03-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

Weekly Book Report: The Opposite

by Tom MacRae, Illustrated by Elena Odriozola

(For other Monday Morning Book Reports, see this great blog)

Fun, silly and smart. We love The Opposite!

What would happen if everything that happened was exactly the OPPOSITE

of what was supposed to happen?

Nate finds out that you have to be smarter than The Opposite to return things to normal.

Highly recommended: Ages 3-5 ish probably best!

2011-03-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's been typical "change of season" weekend-- rainy, overcast and cold one minute

and sunny and inviting the next. So we did a lot of scurrying into boots and jackets for some

time in the sun and then

running back inside for indoor activities as the clouds rolled in.

We did some drawing,

and Popsicle Stick "art"...

and some work in my journal, which is where I do Book Reports now.

I'm working on a book report on Turtles.

Then, back outside again to play in our fort!

And dig for worms.

I woke mama up this morning with my socks and shoes in hand,

saying, "Worms? Worms?"

We found dozens of them. I really like it when Mom finds them and shows them to me,

but I have yet to get too excited about touching them myself.

Which is probably a good thing as far as the worm is concerned.

2011-02-27T22:34:00.000-08:00

My friend over at www.tigerlilytinkering.blogspot.com has a great idea to do a Monday children's book (or sewing book) review, and since I fully intend on checking it out every Monday, I thought I should also do my part and contribute. I'm a loooooong way from reviewing sewing books, unless one considers, "Huh? But how do you...? Is that even possible?" a review; but children's books I can do. I am a huge fan and unrelenting critic. (Ask Winona about this and she'll tell you that I will flat out refuse to read any fairytale as retold by Disney Books. Sleeping Beauty is the worst and it is a great source of friction between my eldest and me. I simply won't read it... and she simply won't have it. Sorry, sweetpea--let this be your greatest incentive to learn to read. Mama won't do it.)

But, we received this one among a stack of other hand-me-downs from our cousins a month ago
and it is magic.

Its stories are whimsical, sweet and humorous
and its illustrations are pure gold.

This picture makes me want to go to bed.
And wash my brown socks just so I can hang them to dry.

The Giant is wonderful and cute, the witch is feisty and ornery and the little boy just wants everyone to be happy. The whole thing just makes me smile.

In this story, the feisty, ornery witch is at her broom's end with the Giant, whose movements about the 'hood cause her house to shake and the bats to fall into her brew among other things. So, she does what any self-respecting witch would do--brews a concoction. What it does I shan't say, for a review should not be a spoiler, but it delights my young readers...

and me!

Date Night, with a difficult and wonderful twist

2011-02-27T00:01:00.001-08:00

My date was a little shorter and a little pinker than usual, but she was a great date. We went to see Into the Woods at South Eugene High School and had an incredible night… on a few levels.

The obvious one being that any night with Winnie at the theater is a good one. She eats it up—everything from the music (“How many violins are there?”) to the sets (“See mom? They made those to look like books. But they’re not.”) to the characters (“So, the witch isn’t all bad. Not all witches have to be bad all the time.”) gets this one going. Throw in fairy tales, princesses, a pretty hilarious cow and high school girls and we’ve got our selves a winner of a night.

On a less happy, but very incredible level was what I experienced in that auditorium tonight. For those of you who do not live in town, two amazing young men—Seniors at South Eugene High—died tragically on the coast two weeks ago when a sneaker wave stole their lives from us while 4 of their friends watched in desperate helplessness. They were not being foolish or careless—they were victims of a freak accident that has left our community stunned and, now, two weeks into our mourning. Jack’s funeral is tomorrow—and until tonight, I’ve debated whether or not to go. I know his parents from my work at the Y—and the web of connection goes deep with many people in my Y community, so I thought I’d probably attend his funeral. Then, I went to Into the Woods tonight—a show that was dedicated to Jack and Connor. I watched close friends of theirs tell the metaphoric tale of how life inevitably leads us into the woods where we get lost, encounter danger, fear, loss and heartache, and emerge somehow whole and hopeful. The kids on stage tonight had a collective talent that rivaled any show I’ve seen (including on Broadway) and their “show must go on” resolve oozed from their pores as they belted out lyrics which under normal conditions would have been poignant and tear-jerking. Tonight, as they sang No One is Alone and No More through their own (character –appropriate) tears, my arm hairs stood on end. And when the curtain came down and then raised up again to show them out of character and holding each other up as they laughed and cried their way through the curtain call, I knew I had attended my celebration of these two young boys who were taken from us and have given us so much to remember, learn and become. “Sometimes people leave you, Halfway through the wood, Do not let it grieve you, No one leaves for good. You are not alone. No one is alone.”

Not a normal blog post, I realize, but these have not been normal times… I am once again reminded of how fortunate I am—we all are—to have this amazing day.

The Good Times

2011-02-22T22:29:00.001-08:00

We have very different senses of humor, but they are, for the most part, compatible.

I, Jezebel, get on Winona’s nerves when I try to get in on her playthings. The thing is, Winona makes things look mighty fun, then she makes it so easy to just go up and take said “things” and give them a whirl myself.

She gets sad---mad even---but she doesn’t actually DO anything about it. She sometimes tries to explain to me the virtues of sharing; other times she calls upon mom or dad to reinforce the rule of “taking turns”--- but no matter what the fallout from her end, I have time to play. By the time justice is demanded, I am usually content to move on to something else, and wander happily off….

I sometimes think this makes Winnie even more mad.

And it should be noted that she takes my stuff, too. Quietly and wearing a look of feigned innocence that sometimes mom and dad actually BUY and that SENDS me. And trust me… there ain’t no doubt about whether or not I’m upset about something. I think subtlety is a profound waste of time.

I am equally passionate about what thrills me. Winnie thrills me most of the time…. and I thrill her. We laugh a LOT, and she is really good about helping me out with stuff. She takes a real pride in knowing how to do things like open lids, get doll’s arms through shirt holes and reach snacks in the pantry. I forgive the slight patronizing tone because she’s being so good about getting me what I want. And, as recently noted, what’s good for me is good for all in the house.

In other news, I hate the vacuum and I love the moon and the Boom Boom Pow song by the Black Eyed Peas, so I say, “All done vacuum!” “Boom Boom Pow?” and “Mommy! Moon!” hundreds of time, in rotating and repeated fashion all. day. long.

2011-02-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

It was the sort of day that called for galoshes, leopard skin pants

and a fancy pink dress. You know the kind.

We built bridges, dug for worms, played in the clay soil,

threw rocks, leaves and sticks into the creek

and got wet and dirty. Happy Spring!

Have we mentioned Lucy's home?

She's on a tight leash these days, so she's in camera shot a lot more often.

And she's so pretty, I can't help myself.

Turn down your speakers... My voice is really close to the microphone. Whoops!

2011-02-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today.

A wonderful Valentine's Weekend surprise came in the mail from Gramma and KooKoo, complete with beads and necklaces that kept us project-focused for a very long time. Long enough to create this wonder:

Then, the skies cleared and we headed out to the garden. In Round One of Mom vs. The Blackberries, the Blackberries won, hands down. But she had a clear advantage over the weeds within her reach from where she sat and drank her coffee. Apparently, one must ease into the gardening season.

This is our Secret Spot. Shhhhh. Don't tell.

As we all know, Monday is a very special day which requires me to show up at school with 24 valentines ready to lovingly drop into 24 friends' Valentine Bags. So, today, we got busy.

I have made an extra special one for Connor. I am going to marry Connor. I've told him and I remind my parents daily that we have wedding plans to make. As far as I can tell,

the only thing that changes once you announce your engagement is

that Mom gets more strict about Disney Princess Movies.

I'm not into boys, yet. But I am into Playdough.

I'd be able to make something cool if only mom would

provide me with a few more colors.

2011-02-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

This weekend gave us some sunshine to play in, so we headed outside

to have a tea party!

We also met some friends for a show and some pizza....

Hopscotch!

Lucy's home. :)

2011-02-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hello again, after a long, exhausting month.

We go to bed happy... so grateful for all the wonderful

things that fill this life.

So grateful that Lucy is home home home.

Bodhi's pretty happy about it, too.

2011-01-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this in the previous post, but uploaded a still shot, instead.

Here's Honeybee, as performed by Winnie Lou.

2011-01-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, so I'll be brief on words and big on pictures

(which, it's been said, each equal a thousand words).

Here's what we've been up to:

Lemme just get this outta the way. I have 'tude now.

Attitude, that is. I can give it. Mom and Dad reign it

in pretty fast, and I don't actually use it very often,

but the point is, I'm not wee babe, anymore. I have

strong desires and real disappointments and

sometimes, it's hard to find the best way

to let people know about them.

I am learning new words

and keeping up with my sister in new and

fun ways. We play together more every day

and make each other laugh. Sometimes, I make her cry,

but she usually has it coming.

This is a letter that I, Winona, composed to my wee sis this

very evening:

"Dear Jezebel. Please stop screaming.

If you don't, I'll have to walk away.

Love, Winona"

We love to make music together.

But, let's be frank: I'm the one taking lessons and sometimes,

an artist needs her space.

That's cool, Winnie. Whatever. I'm up here messing up your stuff.

Or, setting us a Tea Party. Wanna come?

Oh, let's just play another duet!

Or, decide that although that was a nice story about Martin Luther King, Jr. and all, Mom, we're really excited about Valentine's Day and here are your valentines that we made you while you were at work,

and here is the present we wrapped (all their hair clips and bands wrapped in some cloth from my sewing stash)...and...and... and...it's a SURPRISE VALENTINE'S PARTY!!

So, what's a mom to do? The Poetry Slam in honor of MLK at the theater was not enough to distract her. Valentine Party it was... cake and all. I think Dr. King would have approved.

As you can see, it's been a lot of at home time. Mostly, we're waiting by the phone, hoping to hear that someone has seen or has our dog, Lucy, who went missing on January 6th. We keep the hope that she'll come home...and in the meantime, the desperate hope that she is warm, healthy, fed and loved.

And, life goes on, surprise Valentine's Parties and all. Counting our blessings and

praying for Lu!!!!

2011-01-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

A story: The other night, I was singing a lullaby that goes, "God bless the moon and god bless me..." in one part and Winona stopped me to ask, "What is God?" Of course, she had to get me at the end of the day, not right after my morning coffee... so I took a deep breath and blubbered through a few different descriptions and definitions involving phrases like, "invisible" and "touches different people differently" and "a force we can't see, but can feel" type stuff... After a long pause during which I sort of hoped she'd fallen asleep she said, "So, God's like a germ?"

Um, no, not exactly, can we talk about this in the morning? Nope, she needed more info. So the conversation continued and I think I managed to distinguish God from a germ, but in the course of the conversation we'd touched on how one could see germs under a microscope. The topic was changed, without segue, and we moved on.

Then, "Okay, Goodnight, Winnie."
"I want to see it under the microscope."
"What do you want to see? Germs?"
"No. God."

Well, alrighty-then. Me, too.

2011-01-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We think the coming year will be full of parks, princesses, silly stories and songs, dance parties and dress up...

lots of giggling, some fun adventures, and lots of time together.

In case you don't recognize me, I'm Jezebel The Badger Fan. G'ma and KooKoo see to it that we keep the Badger Spirit alive. Bummer Rose Bowl, guys, but I'm still a fan... I've got the pants to prove it.

First Course: Cheese Fondue. Second Course: Chocolate Fondue.

So far, 2011 is a very good year.

We watched the ball drop in Times Square, kissed everyone, drank some fizzy apple cider then spent the night in our tent (in the living room).

It's been a nice, long run of lazy play days, lots of sunshine (cold! but sunny) and fun days together. Tomorow, mama heads back to work... and I'm taking another day off. Don't want to rush back into things.

As a final holiday treat, we took some of our strawberry jam out of the freezer for our bedtime snack and glopped into onto some buttery bread we made today. mmmm. Wishing you all the sweetest year, yet!!!

2010-12-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Reminds me of The Onion article:
"Girl announces she wants to be a
horseback-riding-doctor-teacher-
princess-magical-fairy-busdriver."
Or, in this case,
a cheerleading doctor.

I got me some new galoshes,
a baby doll
and a Bucky Badger hoodie.
I'm ready for anything.

In honor of his rockstar focus on his health and well being lately,
Mike got a raw food Christmas Dinner... which we all enjoyed
(mostly) and, if nothing else, had a very fun
time experimenting with this style of
food preparation. I made a Gingerbread Cake
which was not raw, but vegan and gluten-free...
and it saved the day as far as Winnie
was concerned.

And this? Well, this just goes to show you that
the we know how to celebrate in supremely
classy style.

2010-12-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Eve "one present tonight" Gifts
were a hit.

Treats for Team Santa. One plate for Santa ("because he's big")
and one plate for all the elves to share
("because they are small and there are lots of them")
an apple for the reindeer
and 48 straws
("because I have no idea how many elves he'll bring with him").
More careful consideration, arrangement,
rearrangement and planning
and arranging once more
has not happened in the history of food service.

2010-12-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

2010-12-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

I really want to climb trees.
I really want to be less scared once I do.

Don't lose me! I'm really tiny compared
to these trees!

Yup, mom. Time for boots.

Explorin'.

So, by "decorate the cookies,"
you mean what exactly...?

She means THIS!
Stripes, Polka-Dots and other
fabulous designs!

2010-12-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Call it Solstice, Hanukkah or Christmas, it's the season of
fun creations and giving. So, we have gifts at the ready--
to take with us on spontaneous play dates or
to give to people who come a calling.
I've parted with three butterflies (one of
lesser known but important symbols of the season).

Hey! It's for you! Something about
wanting her hair accessories back.
I have no idea what she's
talking about.

2010-12-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Winona and I, Julie, went to see the symphony's Yuletide Celebration-- a variety show featuring Tap Dancing Santas (hilarious and fabulous!), a 12ish person chorus, a phenomenol 20-25 minute or so rendition of The Christmas Carol in which ONE MAN did the entire thing as a monologue while a cast of 20 or so acted it out... simply incredible theater!, amazing soloist who sang a gospel called Rise Up, Shepards and O Holy Night--cried during both, ballerinas, battling xylophonists, Mrs. Clause, cute little elves and a finale appearance by Santa... all with a full symphonic backdrop. Whew. Amazing. Fun. Inspiring.

Winnie wants to get back into ballet classes and "see if Megan is doing anything new these days" (Megan was her ballet teacher last year). She really, really, really wants to be "on a stage like that!" I would really, really, really love that. The "Stage Bug" bit her at her dance recital last June (click here) and tonight's dazzling performance--all those young kids on stage!--brought back the itch.

No cameras were allowed in the theater, so you'll just have to take my word for it: Winona was pretty darn cute laughing and clapping and singing along!

2010-12-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to be crafty, Fa La La La La La La La La...

Quick! Do something fun! Mom's in the bathroom...

Hey! Nona! Got more blue? I'm runnin' low over here.

Creations...

And, in the spirit of crafting and in the spirit of, well, a pervasive feeling of late that if the holidays are NOT going to be about buying too much stuff and they're NOT going to be about an immaculate birth then they better BE about something. Especially with a five year old in the house. Turns out, five year olds LOVE those holidays...and their spirit is very contagious. But what? What are we celebrating? Neither Mike nor I is comfortable celebrating the religious Christmas, and the secular Christmas has been largely defined by copious levels of consumerism--which is unappealing at best. We like Solstice. We can get into the celebration of the season and the return of the light (the sun (son?) Ok, I won't start). The symbolism and traditions of the Winter Solstice resonate with us... and give us a fun, celebratory focus during this time of year when celebrations abound. We'll still open stockings on Christmas morn, and Winnie asked at bedtime tonight if she can go sit in Santa's lap ("Connor did it! I want to try!"). Sure, absolutely. It's all part of the fun. I'm looking forward to coming up with ways to make Solstice really fun...
and what our family looks forward to.

So, tonight I made our advent calendar for Solstice. We'll begin counting down tomorrow, and in 10 days--on the full moon--we will be there! At the shortest day and the longest night of the year...
At the peak event of the December celebrations at chez nous.

2010-12-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Chappy Chanukkah!

And Happy Winter! Today, after rearranging the living room to accomodate a Solschrisnakkah tree, we went to get it, brought it home and decorated it. I, Jez, checked out for a nap after getting the tree in the door, and left the hanging of lights and ornaments to the rest of the fam...

Because, I had to rest up for the annual Winter Lights Faire at the Waldorf School.

The Faire is a dreamy celebration of the season--with open fires, dreidel games, candle-making, silk-dying, wreath decorating, etc... fun happening throughout the Waldorf campus. Winona took in a puppet show, of which there are no pictures because someone, who shall remain unnamed, was not displaying her best puppet show audience behavior. We all made it through the (abbreviated) version of the Nutcracker, however. Winnie was rapt.

Came home, had dinner, watched the Wizard of Oz and fell fast asleep by 7:30.

There are definite bonuses to the shorter days, thinks mom. "Bedtime" can come mighty early. :)

2010-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

A typical scene at Chez Grossman.

2010-12-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

I will scream a scream that will be heard by next Tuesday if you try to help me eat.

Or climb the stairs, Or turn the pages of the book. Try me.

I am Jezebel Alisa Dean Grossman, the Bold and Boisterous, and

I. Can. Do. It.

Thanks.