Home on the Range....part 1

Well, we're back. We just returned from Nebraska and we're tired. But it was fun and really good to see family. Times like these make we wish we lived closer.

But here are some highlights of our trip. I may break it up into a few entries, since I can't figure out a simple way to leave comments on individual pictures. If you want the full version, check out our family pics link in a day or two and I'll have more there.

A strange museum/landmark to break up the monotony of the Nebraska terrain.

The whole family 4-wheeling....even Schaeffer

self-explanatory...

The fourth of July festivities in Oshkosh, Nebraska:
the pancake breakfast at the fire station,

the parade,

the free lunch at the city park,

the fireworks with Grandma.

Some of my best memories are all of us hanging out at my grandparents on the fourth, putting on costumes for the parade, swimming at the free city pool, watching the city fireworks at the baseball field, then watching my uncle (and others probably as well, but my uncle is clearest in my memory)setting off our big fireworks. If all my cousins and sisters had been there this year, it would have been perfect.

Does anyone out there have a family like this?!

We've been in Nebraska for a couple days now, but the real event is the annual reunion....we are heading to the lake and meeting the rest of the family today.

My family loves to perform. Maybe I should rephrase this.....The matriarchs in my family (Grandma, mom, & aunt) love to perform and love even more bringing the rest of us along with them.

Every year we have an evening exchanging white elephant gifts (you MUST tell a story before you get a gift) and then performing (to whomever the poor souls who are camping next to us) the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance. To top it all off, this year, they have scheduled a Talent Show.....

I have to admit, this reunion always leaves me with several good stories to tell and I always silently get a kick out of the tortured look in Isaac's eyes. Poor guy. He's been dealing with this for 10 years now....and still not given in.

I'll try to post a video and pictures of the evidence of my crazy family. I can't help but love them. =)

random observation

I'm sitting here, starting on my 3rd cup of coffee and noticing that Isaac has probably only had 1 cup...maybe 2. But he tends to not finish his drink...sometimes because the temperature cools or because the bottom of the cup doesn't taste as well...or something like that.

I don't sip my coffee. I don't guzzle, but I drink every bit. The taste is growing on me and I'm starting to enjoy it more and more, but the primary reason I like coffee is the energy I feel after finishing the beverage. I mean, who knew caffeine had this AMAZING affect on me! I've been wasting my time drinking soda....too much time. I can't speak for Isaac, but I believe he enjoys the taste most and the lingering routine of the start of the day.

Our different approaches to coffee is similar to other things we do. He likes camping and long (Looooong) hikes for the sake of the experience and just being out in nature. I "like" ("like" may not be completely accurate) hiking and camping because of the challenge it presents....for the same reason I love marathons: to accomplish something difficult and prove to myself that I can fight my lazy tendencies.

In general, I look to the final product or end as I am doing things....Isaac seems to enjoy the process and is less concerned with the outcome. To be fair, he does care about the end, but I think his perspective allows him to be more flexible and open to a different ending....and enjoy the journey along the way.

All this to say, I think I need to start sipping my coffee.

assumptions

This morning, I went to Panera's rival, Atlanta Bread Company. I was hoping the coffee would be better...it is, I suppose, but lukewarm.

On another note, I've been learning that when I pull my computer out, people assume I'm fluent in computer-speak. This happened to me teaching, except all I had to do to impress other colleagues was do "fancy" things with Microsoft Word or find cool websites.

I just met this retired man who started up a conversation with me by saying, "So tell me what your computer can do." Then proceeded to ask me what he needs for his laptop to be wireless, yet for his desktop to be connected as well. This conversation went on longer than expected. I, of course, knew nothing, but he still seemed to think I might be of some help before heading next door to.....BEST BUY.

He was pretty chatty, telling me about his work with government and nuclear waste storage facilities....then proceeded with a few choice racist remarks about his trip to the Middle East.

After learning I had a friend who lived in that region of the world (Don't worry, I was very vague, my friend!), he asked me, "What are those people thinking?! I just can't imagine what goes through their heads to do the things they do....blah, blah..." LoLo, I wish you were here, but I think you would have been proud of me. Pretty much all I said was that both sides don't understand each other and have completely different methods of thinking. He paused, then said, "So who are you voting for?" I don't know, I say. "My wife is voting for that damned Hilary Clinton." Nice.

Sidenote: the guy, I thought, was on his way out...but I just looked to the other end of the restaruant, and he's looking over the shoulder of some guy with an Apple laptop. The poor guy even has his headphones on....clear message: LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE...but Mr. Retirement has just sat down. =) But I just heard, "wireless router".....hey, I said that too!

On another sidenote, do I even notice the assumptions I make of others? Even the ones closest to me? I think I'm too focused on fixing the wrong assumptions others have of me to even notice my own erroneous thinking.

It's turning out to be a routine

I should be out running right now, but instead I'm at Panera: the newspaper, coffee, and free WiFi, . The coffee's not that good....warm, not hot and always out of the blend I like. But it's better than running in this humidity. At least that's my excuse.

I have never felt more like Isaac.

The scoop

Here's a rundown on our trip so far:
Hannah surrounded by Dora, watching Dora...


Downtown Augusta...home of James Brown:
(He was a little man!)


Visiting the gypsy community:
Bambi was very anxious and paranoid, so I had to be sneaky in taking pics. But this whole area had enormous homes with trailers behind them. Legend (or truth...depending on who's talking) has it that they won't move in their large homes for a year or so...so that the evil spirits will leave. Many of these "mansions" had their windows completely covered.
As you can tell, I'm a bit of a sceptic about all this, so I know I'm going to get reprimanded by my dear sister....so I may have to revise my comments. =)



Our lovely host and hostess.
I love you guys and am so glad we were able to come!


H at the Greenjackets game...a minor league for the Giants.


Fun in the sun at Hilton Head



Back in Augusta walking the path on the canal:

That's called the ocean

Well, we're in the midst of our vacation.....we drove to Georgia, are staying with my sister and her husband, and now Isaac is in Florida for his class while we are relaxing at Hilton Head.

Here are a few pics of Hannah's first time on the beach...I'll keep posting more.

conference week

He's gone...but I still made our morning coffee. It's just not the same without him.

Merging....

my two addictions: a good deal & Jelly Bellys

I almost hope the Belly Flops aren't as affordable as they are promising. The Jelly Belly perfume, however, sounds kind of disgusting. If I were twelve, I may feel differently.

Pirate Adventure

I still can't believe we did this.....well, as you can see, we weren't as brave or committed as others.

Aarg, I can't believe I'm doing this...

Hannah is off playing at Grandma and Grandpa's, and Isaac and I are trying to make the most of our free time by working around the house.

BUT...we will be joining our crazy group of friends to see "Pirates" at the theater,

in pirate costume.

eating first at Long John Silvers.

did I mention, in COSTUME?!

Depending on how humiliating this experience is, I may or may not be posting pictures.

Stay tuned.

Aarg.

A grumpy start to the morning for me and the local AARP

If the local newspaper knew how important the daily puzzles were:

-they wouldn't overlook the repeat of YESTERDAY's puzzles in TODAY's paper,
-the Cryptoquip wouldn't predictably repeat the use of the following words: might, could, should, "I'd say he/she," if, suppose, guess, people,
-the crossword puzzles will STOP using "Xena" princess warrior and "Uma" Thurman as the primary ways to use "x" and "u,"
-they would print them on a single sheet rather than a double page....it's an especially good day when this happens,and
-Sunday should still include the usual puzzles AND print them on the same page.

I feel a bit better now. Maybe I should take up knitting.

Special Day

How often does the mayor show up in the neighborhood and offer tours about its history?
Well, today's the day for the Cedar Crest subdivision. We're actually on the National Registry of Historic places....or something like that.



Today's even more important, because it's also Isaac's birthday. Here are a few reasons why I love this guy so much:

He LOVES peanut butter and almost anything that has peanut butter in it.


He got really excited, almost giddy, when I started drinking coffee....and even admitted his hope of one day when I would enjoy sitting with him at this cafe table on our patio. How endearing.


His willingness to shred all pride and wear this sweatshirt, lead a bunch of people, and trapse all over Chicago to cheer me on while I finished the race.


He is a gentle, protective, wise, and loving father. It's been such a blessing and honor to see this side of him.





He is a good friend, my best friend. God has taught me more about His grace and mercy through the way Isaac has loved me over the years. I am so grateful.


I used to want others to understand, as I have, Isaac's soft, patient, and compassionate side. Not that others haven't noticed, but now I'm just glad and honored that I get to know this guy. I love you, Isaac. And thanks for loving me back.
Happy Birthday.

Confession

I need a time out.

Overheard at our dining table

"Schaeffer, no! Stop taking my fruit snacks!"

"Hannah, who tells Schaeffer what to do?"

"Mommy and Daddy"

"Are you Mommy and Daddy?"

"No."

"This is basic Aristotelian logic."


Correction: After reading this post, one of the conversants wanted it noted that Aristotelian logic was further defined. So here's my disclaimer: this was just a splice of the overheard conversation.

2 and half years!?

Hannah,
As I write this, you're sitting on the couch with a fever, watching Arthur and drinking juice....and whining to look at "Hannah" pictures. I think I've led you to believe that the only purpose of the camera is to capture you and your cuteness. Not that that isn't partly true, but I've got to let you down gently that there are other people out there that are important too. =)

You rarely get sick, which I'm grateful...but I have enjoyed the fact that you love to cuddle and lean on me for most of the day. I know these days are limited and I'm trying to cherish the ones that come.

I didn't realize this until Vickie pointed it out, but you usually refer to me as "Mama". At first I wasn't sure if I liked it. When I picture women who are called "mama" by their children, I see someone who looks more like Aunt Jemima and less like, well, Reece Witherspoon or something. But it's growing on me and feels more endearing than mommy or mom.

This phrase is overused, but you are growing up so fast. So much has changed even within the last couple months. Potty training and fighting for independence have been the primary challenges these past few weeks.

You are constantly talking and singing....whether or not there are people around. Every now and then, I'll find you in a corner with your piano singing whatever song comes to your mind.....or reading book after book to your favorite stuffed friends, Elmo, Dora, or Pooh. You love playing with your friends and anticipate each night at bedtime, "Wake up and see Katie & Addison?" You love having friends around, just like your mom. I'm so grateful for the family and friends we have that love and enjoy being part of your life.


My cousin gave you a vanily....and it has begun your relationship with the mirror. You love watching yourself make faces and talk. it's really cute, but I'm not ready for you to grow up too fast.

This age is so fun primarily because you are starting to say really funny things. You tend to pick up on grown-up phrases and apply them in many situations. Your new popular phrase is, "first of all" and inserting "actually" in your conversations. If Vickie calls you "Hanny," you've been saying, "My name is Hannah right now!" You tend to command instead of ask for things, so we are working on starting questions with, "May I." Your tone needs work, but you're getting the idea.


I write these letters periodically to record the milestones in your life as well as sit back and remind myself of my responsibility to you as your mother. But I find that words are so limited when I try to speak from my heart. Although it's hard to be too sentimental right now because at this very moment, you are pleading in a whiny voice, "Hannah pictures...movie....Hannah pictures....movie..."


So in this moment, these are the things I want you to remember: I love you. God loves you. People are important. I'm not perfect. But I'm here and will continue to try to show you God's love and grace in our lives. And you'll never be too old for me take care of you when you're sick.....or listen to you whine, I guess.

Love,
your mama

update in pictures

It's been awhile, so here are some of the past month's events:
-Road trip to Michigan with good friends, Pete & Janet. We were introduced to Sufjan Stevens & Danielson, among others, attended the Festival of Faith & Music, dined at Wonderdogs, and experienced good conversation.


-Birthday extravaganza, Omaha, Nebraska. My mom turned 50 and grandma turned 75! Really nice times just being with family.




-Vickie and I celebrated our birthdays (again) with Babs =) in Chicago. Good food, 3 trips to Ulta (or was it just 2?), carpet shopping, & manicures! (See Vickie's post on her blog.)

-Champaign apartment hunt: to ensure that the Formans really will return to us! (One of several places we looked at)

-Breaking in my new jogger!


-First official patio party....see Laurie's blog....she even came!

-Kite flying




-Terrific/Terrible Toddler stage...she's definitely challenging us.




-spring allergies...word of advice: get the stuff behind the pharmacy counter! That pseudoephedrine stuff is magic, I tell you.

50 questions

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Children of Men
4. What are your favorite TV shows? Lost, The Office
5. What did you have for breakfast? cereal
6. What is your middle name? Marie
7. What is your favorite cuisine? nachos, if you call that cuisine
8. What foods do you dislike? any seafood
9. What are your favorite chips? Baked Lays cheddar & sour cream
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? John Mayer's Continuum...when I'm not listening to Dora or Veggie Tales
11. What kind of car do you drive? Honda
12. Favorite sandwich? not sure, depends on the restaurant
13. What are characteristics you can't stand? dishonesty
14. What are your favorite clothes? jeans and sandals
15. If you could go anywhere on vacation, wherewould it be? Europe & Hawaii
16. Favorite brand of clothing? not sure I care...it's more about the deal
17. Where would you want to retire? Colorado mountains
18. Favorite time of day? evening
19. Where were you born? Greeley, CO
20. What's your favorite movie? not sure, right now it's TV series..(British) The Office
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? none, except live...I'm learning to appreciate baseball (Go White Sox!)
22. Who do you think will not send this back? not sending it...but feel free to copy & paste=)
23. Person you expect to send it back first? same as above
24. Coke or Pepsi? Coke Zero
25. Beavers or ducks? I don't get this
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I suppose night, but probably neither one
27. Pedicure or manicure? pedicures
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? nope
29. What did you want to be when you were little? astronaut & president of the U.S.
30. What is your best childhood memory? hanging out with family at Grandma and Grandpa's house
31. Piercing? just ears
32. Ever been to Africa? no
33. Ever been toilet papering? yes
34. Been in a car accident? yes, but just minor
35. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
36. Favorite restaurant? Chili's
37. Favorite flower? not sure
38. Favorite ice cream? pretty much anything with chocolate in it
39. Favorite fast food restaurant? Subway, I guess
40. How many times did you fail your driver's test? none
41. From whom did you get your last e-mail? my sister
42. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target
43. Bedtime? 10 or 11
45. Who was the last person you had dinner with? Hannah & Isaac
46. What are you listening to right now? Hannah & Katie playing in the dining room
47. What is your favorite color? green
48. How many tattoos do you have? 0
49. How many are you sending this Email to? None.
50. What time did you finish this e-mail? 10:25 a.m.

embarassing confession

I think I realized why I don't play the lottery.
Tonight, HGTV announced who won their dream home in Winter Park, Colorado.
I entered everyday for a month and each time I entered, I got a little more excited about the possiblity of winning this house. I imagined all our friends spending their vacations with us, hosting my family reunions in the summer, deciding what pieces of furniture we would bring back to our Illinois house, and selecting what we would need to sell in order to manage both homes, because, of course, we would need to keep our place here.

I've been very aware of the impossible chances, but someone's got to win, right?
I know we didn't win, but as they got closer to surprising the winner, I peeked down the street to see if there was an unmarked van or a strange group of people carrying a bunch of balloons and a large check. Nope...clear street. But there's still a chance. I mean, they'd drive up to our house only seconds before the big reveal so they get the genuine shocked look for live t.v., right?

Well, not surprisingly, I didn't win. But for some strange reason, up until I saw the winner on the screen, I kept thinking there was a chance. It's amazing how distored my perspective gets when I really want something.

I need to remember this for the little things, because now I really want a double jogger. It's not quite a luxury vacation home, but it's pricy. But I'm still looking for a sweepstakes....or at least a good coupon.

Have you ever felt like you'll never be as cool, kind, funny, smart, pretty, contagious,...(whatever, you fill in the blanks) as everyone else around you? As I get older, I'm getting more and more comfortable in my own skin....but somedays, I feel like I just revert back to annoying, insecure old me.

I'll get over it, but right now, I just want to say, "Uggh."

Telling

A recent conversation I had with Hannah,

"Remember, Hannah, we're sharing the popcorn."

"Remember, Mommy, Hannah don't share."

Emphasis Intended

Hannah's new favorite song is "Zaccheus." You know the "wee little man" who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus walk by? We've sung it more times than I can count, and she's starting to do the actions with me. The cutest part of the song is when Hannah puts her hands on her hips, points, and in a bossy tone says, "Zaccheus, you come down!" She's just mimicing me, that's how I sing the song too.

This may sound trivial to some, but I started wondering what view of God am I creating when I put my own bossy, hand on hip-twist to the song. There are other children's songs that leave me wondering this as well. My first reaction is to think, "How harmless could a little kid's song be?" But on the other hand, I haven't stopped thinking about Hannah repeatedly yelling at Zaccheus, demanding that he come down from the tree, this instant! I mean, that's not the point of the actual story in the Bible. God's grace and unconditional love is the main point.

Tax collectors (Zaccheus) were highly disliked, deceitful, greedy people. Zaccheus knew he wasn't welcome in his community, but wanted to just get a glimpse of Jesus while he was in town. Jesus spotted Zaccheus, challenged status quo and invited himself over to his home, and spent time with him, a reject among his people. It's really a great story of acceptance and redemption, actually.

Do I want Hannah to look cute, but at the same time get the idea that God/Jesus was this purely bossy, harsh leader? Or do I want her to remember God's love and acceptance for all people, no exceptions?

I know, I'm probably taking this little moment, and making it bigger than it is, or am I? I just know, from now on, I'm focusing on the last, most important line (at least, in my opinion), "for I'm going to your house today." And of course, she'll look cute regardless.

Things you may not know about me

I know this is a cheesy post, but I needed ideas on what to post, so bear with me! Some of these aren't new to most of you, but here are some unusual quirks of mine.

1. I love a made bed. If I nap, I won't get under the covers...that's for nighttime sleep only. Isaac hasn't always appreciated this quirk of mine.
2. Cheese tastes better shredded or cut in thin slices. I'm convinced thick wedges or cubes taste completely different. I'll tolerate them, but definitely prefer the former....except for the government cheese we would get in our school lunches....I loved that no matter how it was served!
3. I secretly want to be a Broadway star....I'd even settle for American Idol. =)
4. I wish I would have practiced more on the piano....and not given up playing guitar. This skill definitely would have helped me with #3.
5. I google people....come on, you do too!
6. Hand washing dishes.....I don't hate it as much as I did. I can't believe I'm saying this.
7. Soda pop is yummy for any meal or time of day. But drinking water through a straw is just plain disgusting.
8. I like a challenging, deep book, but also read US Weekly....to Isaac's dismay.
9. Games are much more entertaining than movies.
10. I collect and alphabetize coupons.

You're turn! If you don't blog, post in my comments, I'd love to hear about your quirky traits!

Did I say it can only get better? Well, I should have known better....we rented a JACKHAMMER. So, we did make more of a mess, but I spent the rest of the weekend cleaning up and Isaac worked on the wiring. We always seem to pick the worst possible time of year as well...blizzard conditions. What were we thinking?! Oh well. We had the time, but this is going to take a lot longer than I thought. I sense lots of people saying, "I told you so." So if that's what you're thinking, keep it to yourself. =)

It can only get better

It may look messy, but it's a big improvement from yesterday's mess. We removed a closet...so the room feels bigger than it did before. I can't wait until this space is livable! A new living space will really make our little home more cozy. Stay tuned!

Things you may not know about me

I know this is a cheesy post, but I needed ideas on what to post, so bear with me! Some of these aren't new to most of you, but are unusual quirks of mine.

1. I love a made bed. If I nap, I won't get under the covers...that's for nighttime sleep only. Isaac hasn't always appreciated this quirk of mine.
2. Cheese tastes better shredded or cut in thin slices. I'm convinced thick wedges or cubes taste completely different. I'll tolerate them, but definitely prefer the former....except for the government cheese we would get in our school lunches....I loved that no matter how it was served!
3. I secretly want to be a Broadway star....I'd even settle for American Idol. =)
4. I wish I would have practiced more on the piano....and not given up playing guitar. This skill definitely would have helped me with #3.
5. I google people....come on, you do too!
6. Hand washing dishes.....I don't hate it as much as I did. I can't believe I'm saying this.
7. Soda pop is yummy for any meal or time of day. But drinking water through a straw is just plain disgusting.
8. I like a challenging, deep book, but also read US Weekly....to Isaac's dismay.
9. Games are much more entertaining than movies.
10. I collect and alphabetize coupons.

You're turn! If you don't blog, post in my comments, I'd love to hear about your quirky traits!

Snow Day!

The whole family is stuck at home! Not that I was going anywhere anyways, but I love days when we are all forced to just stay at home. We slept in, ate breakfast, watched the Doodlebops (mandatory if Hannah's around), made Valentine's cookies, and just had an all-around leisurely morning.

I'm also loving today because we've gotten a jump start on renovating our basement. I've been tearing it apart little by little for the last week, and now Isaac has had time to do the really messy stuff today. It's a huge mess, but we're on our way to making our home a little bigger. I'll post pictures soon.

While Hannah napped and Isaac destroyed old plaster, I got to reorganize the other half of the basement. We have so much stuff in such a little space, I have to reorganize every other month or so just so I can get in to do laundry. I LOVE organizing and packing. I think I'd be really good at Tetris...but I really don't need another puzzle to be addicted to.

I'm going to lose it

Today, Hannah does not want to share any of her toys, but wants to hit, push, scream, etc. Meanwhile, I'm trying to remember the sweet moment we had yesterday when we were flipping through some of my childhood pictures together, and she kept seeing me, but saying, "Hannah"......just so I don't lose it.

I wish there were some solution or explanation that would magically make her realize, "Wow, sharing is the best thing ever! Mom, you were right all along."