Time to come back?

 Well, it has been a while since my last post. It looks like I just lost my creativity for the entirety of the Trump presidentcy. All politics aside, a lot has happened in four years including two trips to ski in Europe, a job change or two, a pandemic, you know - the usual. Now that the pandemic is nearing an end, and with lots of time in the pandemic to think about things, organize things, clean things, declutter things, buy new things, arrange new things, all the things - I've had a chance to really think about what I am meant to do - what I am put on this earth to do. And, it is to host a travel tv show where I travel the world and eat delicious food and get paid a lot for it.

So, my true calling may not be easily attained most immediately. I may have to do some work to get to where I want to be. It may be years, decades before I get there!  And with every great journey there is one small step so today that step is figuring out how to get this blog going again. 

Centered on the boys and our travels, we will focus on great places to visit and explore and also, of course, eat!  We will hike, bike, walk, visit, view, boat, ski and eat our way through some great places. With my oldest about to turn 12 and my youngest about to turn 10, this is a different time of life. No longer will we be thinking about stroller logistics but we will be thinking about keeping pre-teens and teens engaged logistics. We may be thinking about how to also entertain a cute french bulldog along the way - (we lost Angus, but now have Polly, she shall be introduced later).

Our first stop on this epic adventure of me, a few boys, and a little frenchie: Hilton Head Island, SC!  Buckle up for some fun ahead - and with a twist this time, the oldest has a full arm cast. Why go to the land of golfing, biking, tennis and beach when you can't do any of that? We'll show you why!  There is so much to do here and even keep a bummed 11 year old with a freshly broken arm happy as a clam!

Hero

James was asked to pick a hero tonight for his homework.  He initially said Mom and then Mom and Dad (he is eager to please) - but when I pressed him for someone else, after some big thoughts he finally said: "A dancer man."  So, we then watched 30 minutes of YouTube, I only did some Fred Astaire (the one where he dances on the ceiling), Gene Kelly (singing in the Rain), and a Fred & Ginger (a nice tap number).  He then decided Fred Astaire was his new hero.

We looked at the pictures on the internet and he chose the one above to print and bring to school.

He remarked how it was amazing that Fred and Ginger did the same thing at the same time.  Then he did some dance moves for me.

I gotta get this kid back into dance class.  Need to find one with boys!

Boys reaction

I told them we have to be kind.  And that George Washington and all the men who founded our country put checks in place to ensure not any one person could have too much power.  And we will be ok.  And we need to be kind.  And the people elected him.

And Joel said: "How many more years until we get to elect another President?"

And James said: "Are we moving to another place?"

Post Almost Election

Last night our country spoke and they are electing someone who I do not believe in.  Who challenges everything I believe in. Who scares me.

I am not sure how we as a country can move forward with him as a leader.

This is particularly troubling to me as my job is tied to all things about the greatness of our nation.  As I worked hard my whole life to believe that if you work hard, good things will come, and good things will happen.  His (probable) election has shown that it does not matter.  You can have no experience, you can say inflammatory things, you can do what you will, you can be ill prepared - and you can still be ok here. *If and only if* you meet certain criteria.

It has caused me to think about what it means to be American.

But, what do I tell my boys?

I went into the voting booth this morning so happy, so full of promise and excitement.  I made my boys come with me and I dressed up in my *hashtag* pantsuit.  And I voted for her. And, I teared up as I did it. I bought a Live Free or Die NH pin and an American flag pin from my Museum gift shop. I posted pictures. Tonight when I said goodnight to my oldest Joel, I told him to remember always that Mommy took you to vote today, and remember that Mommy voted for her.

And it was not enough, not even close.  And now, in a few hours, when my boys wake up I will tell them that (I, we, our Country) lost.

And they are 5 and 7, so they won't really get the weight of that statement. They really will not understand how I feel. And now the most formative years of their lives, they will grow up with him as President. They will see his hatred of others.

So I write it down here, and hopefully they will read it and understand it someday.  I was the only person in our family to vote for her.  I am the only person in our family who defends our current President. Boys, I called your grandparents and cried to them on the phone about how ridiculous this all feels, and they didn't really seem to get it or care. Your father, in the room with me as I am in tears, did not seem to get it or care.

For the next decade I am going to suffer endless conversations with all family members about my black sheep distaste for this person. (Boys, your grandfather seems to think that there is no way he will be 2 term, but who thought he could even be 1 term)? I will watch as everything our last President, who I also stood with while everyone in our family was against me and him, built is destroyed.  I will see our friends, who have just started to build their families, who have just started to build their lives - be scared about what is next.  I will worry that because I posted this, and it is contrary to his "popular" opinion, I will be ruined.  Dramatic?  Don't think so.

My boys, you will likely grow up to be like this man who is (likely) our President elect.  You are privileged, you are white, you have had everything handed to you.  Everything has been handed to you.  Everything will be handed to you. And, you are male.  Nothing can touch you. And we learned that tonight.

But, you are my sons, and you better be better than that.  You better be compassionate, you better be thoughtful and you better see beyond what is clearly laid out and handed to you.  You do not deserve what is handed to you.  You were given it.  You better learn to be grateful for that, and then you better learn how to help others.

When I thought she would win, and we would be ok - I also conceded that this election was terrifying and we should band together as a Nation and figure out what we could do to ensure this does not happen again.  I wanted to know what the Museum I work for could do so that this would not happen again.  I must stand by this, and figure this out.  But for right now I feel defeated. Deflated.  Disappointed. And most of all sad.

In the grand scheme, my boys - you will not lose, you will probably gain from tonight's results.  Your stock just went up. My job just got tougher to ensure that I can somehow impart the bigger picture on you.  And, I'll try.  But for tonight, and probably for tomorrow too, I am going to be sad for everything we can no longer be excited about.  For the future which is so uncertain for so many. And hopefully shortly thereafter, I will pick myself up, put on my big girl panties, and will then go to work figuring out how to ensure you do not succumb to these stereotypes which are so easily laid out before you.

Disney Pins

So, we are in Disney World.  And, I decided I need to blog about specific topics.  And, today - we shall bog about pins.

James Morris was very good - walking home with me, in Epcot.  We stopped in France to buy my annual perfume (if you go during Food and Wine, and probably other times too, you can get some to engrave your name on the bottle, which is pretty neat).  Anyway, he was great.  He was patient, and nice, and kind.  And, we were leaving the Park after I had bought my perfume (and had it shipped home, so I wouldn't have to pick it up, pay tax, or check my bags) - and he remarked on just how good he was, could he get a special treat?

Here's the deal.  My son has had a hard time adjusting to Kindergarten.  Continues to have a hard time.  He is a mess.  When he is good, I want to reward him.  (this may or may not be effective but is not the point of the blog post).  He was really good, and what was more, he pointed out he was being good.  So whether or not this was a good plan, I wanted to reinforce for him that if he is good, good things happen, so when he asked if he could get something special in the next store, I said yes.

In the next store was lots of the same, stuffed animals, t-shirts, etc.  We need something more.  Something entertaining and that will last.  PINS!  We bought a lanyard and a starter set of pins.  He was proud, happy and excited.  He learned about trading and was in. I was in.

Then, the next day he proudly adorned his pins, and his brother stated: "Where are MY pins?" While the boys were looking at the manatee, I bought Joel Andrew pins, again not to give the baby what he wants, but because he was excited to participate.  Set aside your Disney is evil mentality for a minute (don't worry, I'll get back to the commercialism of it later) and let's discuss:

• The pins allow the guys to have conversations with others.  They need to be polite, and to ask to trade.  They need to look people in the eye, and they need to be nice.
• It is something that they can identify with others in the park.  You are wearing pins, so am I.  Hate as you must about Disney, but a common core of it is that people who come here and love it, love it. And when someone is wearing that pin necklace, you know they are in. If your kid is in, why not let them talk to Danielle from AK, Rodney from IL or Clara from NJ.  Or, the cast members.  And that brings me to my next:
• The cast members cannot refuse the pin trade, so the kids will gain confidence trading with them. The rules are the cast members will trade up to two pins with you.  They get pins with little mickeys on them that you cannot buy.  You have to trade for them.  

So, I'll get my child these infernal pins, what's the deal?:

• There are "cheaper" pins, and more expensive pins.  Buy a starter set of the cheaper pins, and let that be the only pins that your child trades.
• Every once and a while, you will want to buy a nice pin.  You can.  But don't let your child wear it, or if they do, get the locking back.  Pins fall off.  You do not want to pay $20 for a pin and have it fall off. Nor do you want to argue with your irrational 6 year old about this pin cost $20 and that one cost $6.  So from the very start, set pin rules.  "That's a saver pin, we save that one for home."
• We use the more expensive pins as big milestone moment rembrances.  (or at least we will now).  You rode on that rollercoaster for the first time?  You get a pin!
• I want to repeat.  The pins will fall off.  Schedule pin time vs. non pin time, buy extra backs, and if a pin is loved, do not wear it in the parks.

Enjoy.  Both my boys have loved the process, and loved trading.  We will continue, but we will be more careful.  Above all, this is not a cheap endeavor.  So - plan accordingly!

Disappointing Summer

This summer turned out differently than I would have normally wanted.  It was busy, it was hectic, the boys were away from me a ton.  We haven’t been to the beach yet. I worked a lot, and felt a ton of stress about it.  James is going to kindergarten in a week and I would have thought this summer would have been one last epic sendoff with us having done many Joelly-Jamesy-Mommy days, and the truth is we haven’t had a one.  Each time I went to plan one, something else would come up.  For work, for family, for something else.  With less than one week left my beach afternoon will be scheduled down to 1 hour because of flag football try outs.  And, my last Monday with the boys will be interrupted right smack dab in the middle of the day with Kindergarten preview.

It hasn’t been all bad.  It has been epic in other respects, too.  The boys had three straight weeks at the lake, and found a new favorite camp, Center Day Camp.  They had a lot of time with their Nana and Pa and cousin Lucie, and they got to learn about Israeli culture at their new camp, and take a boat to and from camp every day.  They still rate this as their most favorite camp of the summer.

We haven’t been to the library, we didn’t go to the Zoo (first time ever missing York Wild Animal Kingdom), no trip to Water Country (not to sad about that one), we didn’t go to Storyland and still have not yet been to Santa’s Village.  But, we went to our Seacoast Science Center concert (which in the end, ended poorly because of too much over scheduling).  Basically, last night they were home, and we went through their Little Passports mail which had been backed up and it was wonderful.  Perhaps the less scheduling, the better?  Though I feel like we missed our favorites.

I also wonder how many moments are left at York’s, Storyland?  Will they want to go back again?  Did I just miss out on our last chance to do these things?  Should I be sad about this?

We missed a trip to the Cape to visit my parents which seemed like it wouldn’t be a big deal, but this week – the week we should be there, it is hurting. We also missed the lake a bunch – because of Mommy’s work, but also because of a good reason – we got to go to Montana with our best friends.  The kids good friends’ parents are our good friends and a great (and sometimes very challenging) week was had.

Lots of grandparent time, lots of amazing adventures centered on them, in amazing places (a bazillion dollar ranch in Montana with a stocked trout pond for them to fish, and a rec barn for them to play in and atvs for them to ride) has been great, but also taxing on their personalities. It has been a challenge getting them to behave, and not act entitled.  Respect.  I have been trying to teach them respect.  There has been more whining, more attitude, more fighting than ever before.  And, I have never screamed so much or so loud at them than this summer.  Maybe it is just this summer, or maybe this is the next phase.

So, I guess I should not be so upset about this, and remember and make a list of all the things they got to do this summer, and star the ones I got to do with them, too.  That’s the new thing, right?  They are going to get to do things by themselves, and I will be there sometimes and I will not be there others. Now, it is teaching them to get to be grateful for these opportunities and to respect others that I really need to work on, too.

Things we did do this summer:

• Went Strawberry picking with Laurel, made Strawberry Jam together*
• Spent 3 weeks straight in Maine with Nana and Pa, and went to Center Day Camp.
• Got to visit Yellowstone Park on the 100^th Anniversary of our National Park System*
• Enjoyed a Seacoast Science Center Concert despite Joel Andrew’s whining for a cheeseburger*
• Opened and enjoyed (in some manner) our Little Passports things and started talking about future vacations*
• Had time at the Museum of the Rockies*
• Learned to backstroke (James)
• Joel Andrew and I kayked together and an eagle soared over us while a loon called to his friend just a few feet away from us.*
• Joel and James both made new friends at camps.
• We watched a Rugby game, and the boys were excited to learn that their Mommy was a Rugby player*
• We all took our new puppy for a walk together in the woods with our trainer, Gail*
• Went to the Beach with Heather and Laurel and boogie boarded.*
• (must keep adding!) We did do a ton!

Surgery

Sometimes I can be a good Mom.  Yep, I left work early, I picked up the boys from camp with their friend and we went to the beach.  I played games at the beach, and only freaked out moderately with all the sand and the mess (I secretly love the beach).  Then, we came home, and I spent good time with one son, and later that night the other son and I read a book.  Then, I was exhausted.

But oldest son, really wonderful guy - had told me: "Waddles has a hole, can you fix the hole in is neck, Mommy?"

I promised I would.  But I was tired, and I drank a glass of wine and watched Netflix.  (Mommy of the year). I was going to go to bed, until I saw Waddles, waiting, prepped for the OR.

So, just now, I performed surgery on Waddles.  He is small, and well-loved, and the boy wanted it.  I delivered a mended Waddles to his room where the boy was sleeping and gave the boy a kiss.  I am lucky to be Dr. Mom tonight.

Cake Cake Balls

It happened last week. On a Monday. I went into my thrice yearly visit to Trader Joes, where I usually stock up and buy the family favorites in dry and frozen foods. 

So, this visit I begin like any other, happily, in the produce aisle. Uneventful and I even pass up the sample station as I move to the calming white glow of the dairy aisle. As I leave the Coffee station with an already half half filled cart, and turn onto my favorite-- the frozen food aisle, I get a bit nervous. 

There I was, cruising up and down, getting the things we need -- frozen mac & cheese, rice dishes, and then all of a sudden I noticed it -- or the lack of it --- it was not there.  It was no where to be seen.  

I immediately panic.  This has happened before.  I know the drill, this is no drill.  This is not going to be good. I went over and I grabbed the Trader Joe's man in the brightly colored Hawaiian shirt and I uncontrollably blurted at him: "Where are my Cake Cake Balls?" 

The man looked at me slightly confused. But, then, after a few beats he realized what was angering me and immesiately got a consoling look. "Oh, you mean the Danish pancakes?"

"Yes, where are my Cake Cake Balls?"

Notice how I do not relent on the proper name of the item?  And I consistently refer to them as mine?  This is the sign of a person in panic. 

The man sat, trying to decide how to give me the bad news, for a good 10 seconds.  He has done this before, I could tell, I am not the only one with a strange attachment to this frozen food.  I think he can tell too, that I already know the answer.  This is what he is thinking about.  How is this "Cake Cake Ball" lady going to react?  Is she going to cry?  Yell? Make a scene?  Something abnormal is going to happen, because she clearly is way too invested in this.

So, he just comes right out and says it, no apology, no nothing.  Just rips the bandaid. "Discontinued."

And, I actually scream in the middle of the frozen food section.  Legit scream.  He jumps, and everyone turns.  People come from other aisles.  I go on and on.  I buy 10 bags of these things three times per year.  My sons eat them at least twice a week.  They are a staple.  I tell other people about them.  They can't be discontinued, everyone loves them.

"Mam, they have been gone for a few months now."

"You mean there are none in the back I can grab from you?  Some sitting in a store 30 miles away?"

"Mam, you can make them, I can help you find the ingredients."

"Have you ever tried to make them?  At 7:45am when the bus is coming in 10 minutes?  Do you know they require a special pan?  Do you sell the special pan?  I have friends who introduced us to the special pan.  They come over and THEY make them for us as she is Danish and she has the talent.  You have to be talented to know when to flip the ball."

No joke, I went on and on about the expertise and cleaning needed when making Abelskievers (Cake Cake Balls) from scratch.

"I'm sorry, Mam."

"You did this to me once before with the Baignan Bhartha."

"Excuse me, what now?"

"The Indian eggplant dish.  You just ripped it away one day without any warning.  I still longingly look in the Indian frozen food section hoping you will bring it back, but no."

"You can write a letter."

"Oh, I will."  (then I calm) - "Sorry, I know it is not your fault.  Who is going to tell my boys?!"

I finish my shopping trip.  Deciding what I may need to stock pile on for their next heartless cut of my favorite product, and the entire check out process goes very similar to the situation above.  Everyone suggests I make them myself.

Haven't told the boys yet.  Went in the freezer and found three cake cake balls in the blue bag hiding in the back.  We will make an event out of it, and one night - with a bottle of wine, I will make 500 cake cake balls from the pan which takes talent and I will freeze those suckers.  And you know what else?  I won't need to drive 30 minutes to Trader Joes to get them either.

Strawberry Picking - Trying to Get Mom Time In

This summer has started, and already I missed three days with my Joelly while he had Ama and Grumpy time.  He was able to go to Watch Hill, RI and do a few other fun things too - like movies, and Legoland.  I got him back last night, worked late, and then today was our time.  And, of course we added Ms. Laurel because she is the best!

It was going to be easy, and necessary for me, to just let the gang play while I packed and got ready for the big weekend ahead.  I will be staying in three different hotels in three different cities the next three nights.  But,. instead of that, I took the kids to strawberry pick - and we made Jam.

My patience was great (for me) as I gave everyone a turn mashing the strawberries and putting the sugar in the pot.  I was like Martha Stewart of playdates.  It was awesome.

And, I'm supposed to leave here in 25 minutes... And haven't packed yet.

But, next week when I am all alone, as the boys will be up in Maine going to Camp.  I will be missing them and I will be glad that we got out and did an activity.  I will force myself to have these activity days, and I will rest when not working the other time.  Need to take some steps back from working - but I guess that will be after the DC loan is done.

In the meantime, enjoy pictures of a beautiful sunny morning in Hampton Falls - strawberry picking with the boy's best pal.

Cooker Man Classes

James didn't really get to do anything "afterschool" in this last year of preschool.  He didn't like dance, and quit.

So, when the local supermarket offered a cooking class - and my boys love to watch cooking shows - I thought we had to be in.

The first one we went to, James sliced onions, and cried.  This was months ago, and he still talks about how onions make his eyes itch.

The second one we made a pizza that was not so desirable, but there was hummus involved and he loved it.

The third one which was about two weeks ago now - we had a good time.  He loved that he had "his class" and it was something to do with Mommy and have fun.  Sure, he freaked me out when he used the knife, but hey - he did a pretty good job otherwise.

And, he will never forget about what the "guiding stars" are in the Hannafords.

So, good job, Hannafords.

James' Preschool Graduation

Well, there wasn't really one.  I knew this going in, when we made the big switch up to this "fancy" preschool this year.  This preschool - on the Academy's campus, really encourages, and gets many of its students to go to Kindergarten there, too - because Exeter is still half day.  So, they do not do a graduation for preschool as many just go on, and instead they do a nice end of the year art show - which was really lovely.  Except, I was so in love with Joel Andrew's preschool graduation from Kids Stop that I couldn't not do anything for James.

So we took my college graduation cap and went to PEA Campus and took some photos yesterday morning, on his last day of school.  I'm really bummed because the school's vice-principal, and a member of my museum's board - walked right by us as we were driving away. I should have gotten out and forced him to take a pic with James.  He actually would have loved that, missed opportunity.

So today my littlest love is no longer a preschooler.  He has Mrs. Middleton for Kindergarten.  I am kinda devastated.  I was a mess yesterday and was so sad to leave the PEA preschool place.  Just walking into that place it is so bright and sunny.  Sometimes when I left him there he was building a puzzle quietly at a table and the smell of cinnamon toast was wafting in the air.  He did things like go to the big gym at PEA, dance recitals for the school, my museum.  They cooked in their classroom, and James drew, and drew and drew.  I have lots of drawings to go through now.

It was a good experience for him and for us, and walking to school with him (most days) after unlocking the Tavern together.  Hold hands, crossing the street, counting the horses on the drive in, I will miss that part of my morning routine.  I will miss my guy.

But life moves on and I guess I will love putting two boys on the bus, and not having a second drop off, etc.  I am hoping that their loving, caring, go at your own pace structure too will be ok with James' transition to Kindergarten, which I am worried about in the Fall... Joel was fine, Joel will be fine (and we even had some hiccups).  James....  We will see.

We love you buddy, you free spirit, not always processing directions, loving and caring little guy.

Tooth Fairy

Joel Andrew is now completely toothless.  Well, not completely - but he is missing his top two front teeth and his side two bottom teeth.

For a few days - what seemed like weeks there - one of the top teeth hung on.  It was like a snaggle tooth.  He would wiggle it with his tongue and gross us all out.  Both Husband and I would try to grab it with our hands unannounced and yank it.  Nothing.

Then we left for college reunion, and I knew it was only a matter of time.  We prepped Joel Andrew.

"Did you know the Tooth Fairy asks the parents each time she comes, how much to give?"

Joel Andrew: "No."

"Yep, so when we are not here if your tooth falls out you need to tell Nana and Pa how much they should tell the tooth fairy to bring."

"Ok, how much?"

"100 dollars."

Fast forward and we get a toothless photo of Joel Andrew.  Then we get a phone call from Nana - "100 dollars!!!!?!?!??!?!?"

He got the most he will ever get for any tooth, $20.  A little ridiculous.  But still a good prank.

Bed Time Reading

Wake up, get two kids and a dog off to their respective schools.  Go to work and have meeting after meeting and intern looking for things to do and stairs that are still not built, and donor who wants to give you a large piece of questionable furniture, and mailing that needs to go out and grant that needs to be written.

Then pick up kid and dog from respective schools and remember you have no food and go to the store quickly to buy dinner. Come home and check the mail, make the dinner, clean the dinner, and pack the lunches for the next few days for all.  Send kids up to bed while doing dishes and starting to think about evening tasks.  Open a bottle of wine and sit on the couch to catch 5 minutes of Extra.

And a child appears at the top of the stairs.

What?

Will you read a book with me?

About to sip your wine.  And you think.  NO!  And then you say.  Yes.

Walk upstairs and have your almost 7 year old read you a book.  Perfectly.  He is amazing and ahead and smart and he wanted to read with me.  Give him a kiss while he is reading.  Enjoy the story together.  Then he asks for a second story.

And you tuck him in.

Write down this memory.

And go drink the wine.

James is 5

A bit in the making - the crazy, loving, sometimes emotional, always sensitive - boy named James just turned 5 years old.

Ok so it was almost a month ago, but I am finding it hard to keep up with everything!  We have about 10 back up posts that I have drafted and need to catch up on.  June should be a big month for the blog, here. But now - more about James.

Best smile, handsome and tan guy.  Our James is growing into quite a young little man.  He is still lego obsessed, and still calls the lego directions "constructions."  He is still a sweet, sweet boy and will get tremendously upset if he thinks I am upset.  He is a Mommy's little guy and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Don't try to play Candyland with him though, because if he is not winning then he is crying.  Sore loser is not the word.  I am hoping he grows out of this, it is quite the dramatic nature.  He has also taken to be defeated when he feels he is in last place and will repeat "I'm so stupid" through tears.  Which makes me both angry and want to cry at the same time.  I am guessing this is the 4 year old leftover and I hope it will go away soon.

He will pick out excellent clothes to wear to school each day, his favorite shirt a bright yellow tennis ball color which he matches with the same color shorts.  When we go out and he needs to be handsome, he will still wear a tie - though reluctantly.

He loves Star Wars, anything Star Wars and will tell you all about Star Wars if you ask him.  He loves Chebacca, and he and his brother will play Star Wars for hours outside which is awesome.

His favorite friend is still Bubba, seconded by Sven - and he has a friend entourage that is second to none.  If we go anywhere he wants a stuffed animal. He loves stuffed animals and I am worried about what we are going to do with all of them.

He is a loving little guy - and he is ending preschool which is amazing to me.  He is going to Kindergarten.  I am pretty sure he is going to rock it - but his teachers are also going to be challenged.  His preschool didn't really let omn too much - but we already knew.  He has a hard time sitting still on someone else's program.  If he wants to build a puzzle, or build a lego, or watch a specific TV show - he will, no problem.  But ask him to sit for Circle when it's not really his thing, and problem.  Here's hoping we can work with him this summer to really prep him for success in the fall.

He is a good guy.  And a great dancer.  If I could pick what he would be when he grows up, I would say likely a Gronkowski.  Or maybe and Architect that likes the salsa dance in the evening.  Either way, I will always make him take me out to dinner.  And, I will try to let him win at CandyLand (though that is really hard to do!).

James Moment

This is what happened in the car the other day, a pure James Morris moment:

James, babbling about something, randomly says what I say to him at every night before he goes to bed which is:  "see you in the a.m."

So then I say: "Do you know why I say that?"

And he says:  "no." 

So I say I say: "Because grumpy always said that to me."

Silence.

So then I said: "You know what AM means?"

And he says: "No" 

So I proceed to explain a.m. means morning, p.m. means evening-- so there's an 8:00 AM and there's a 8:00pm...

Then, James interrupts me and says: "Look mommy there's a cat!"

So then I laugh and I ask if he heard what I just said at all -

His response:  "Let's just stop talking about it."

There shall be no conversation, only listening of James and his thoughts.  Don't try to interrupt, people.  Nothing will come of it!

Pre-Race Poetry

Here too Early.
Yet Again.
Oh Why Can't I be a Procrastinator?
How do procrastinators train, anyways?

No Line at the Port-o-Pottie.
A Line Be A-Comin'
So I best Be A-Goin.
Nothing.

Why do people wear Tutus?
Seriously, do you train in that?
Does it chaffe?
Too much wind resistance.

We sit in our cars.
By Ourselves.
We occasionally turn them on.
To fuel our cellphones.
And heat our tushies.

I will drink some coffee.
Must drink more water.
Must go to the port-o-potty.
Did I overdo it?

Line at the port-o-potty now.
Which four are assigned to my line?
Does the person in front know?
Do they pay attention?
Everyone knows everyone else.

I should probably stretch.
iPhone.
I should totally get out and stretch.
Facebook post.

How much goo is needed?
Racing strategy?
Eh.
Should have brought sunglasses.

Social Media post.
People must know
What I am about to do.
Imagine I don't finish?

National Anthem.
Why do runners not sing?
Lets Go.
Nope.  Lets wait for our corral to be called.

Last Minute Disney Tips

The theme of this trip was - change it up, do not be afraid to try and get last minute reservations - and really, you do not need to book everything 180 days in advance at midnight in order to have fun.  You can have fun booking the day of, too.  (please note, there are still some awesome things that you will only likely get to do with advanced booking, it is just the way it is, but this post is for all of you last minute people who are booking a month out and want to make it memorable and fun).

You may not get on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and you may not eat in the Beast's Castle - but what you can do in a day's notice is pretty awesome. (please note, this does not count for peak times like holidays, but for all other times of the year). Here are some tips:

1. Show up to the Park early, at opening.  Have your goals for rides mapped out ahead of time.  I would forget 7 Dwarfs as it seems to be a 90 minute wait the second they open the park - but Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain - they are 5 minute waits from park open until about 20-30 minutes in.  Then they are really long waits - and you should stay away.  Other advantages of being there park open, no matter what park - is there are really cool things that happen, like in Animal Kingdom a fly over of 20+ macaws; or at Magic Kingdom all the characters come out and do a little dance.  Then, you walk into the Magic Kingdom, and HUGE TIP - wait in town square and within 5 minutes Pluto will come out and you get to meet him.  We do this every time and we love it.  Take advantage of the lesser and more dispersed crowds in the park and get there early and no lines will happen.
2. Get the app.  You can get fast passes at the last minute.  People drop them all the time, in favor of something else, or the park releases more depending on the day, I'm not sure - but we noticed that you can change things around and sometimes get really lucky.
3. This is the same for dining reservations. People cancel those all the time and you will be surprised what opens up.  Just keep checking on your phone.  We could have had some great reservations while we were there as I was just testing it out all weekend just to see what would open up.  If you are a newbie, too - this is a nice way to have the restaurant self-selected for you.  Go with the flow.  Choose which park you are in, what time you want to eat, and see what comes up.  Say you want to eat there and you are done.  Simple and awesome.
4. One great thing about being last minute is going with the flow is just what you do.  Happen upon a show or a ride that doesn't have a wait, go on it - it will be a new and fun experience for you no matter what.  Sometimes when you get so caught up on having to do this ride or needing to be here for this dining reservation at this time, the joy of just seeing where the day takes you is gone.  Don't be frustrated by the long wait lines at the "must do rides" and instead focus your attention on having fun as a family and seeing what crosses your path.  Joel Andrew and I had a blast doing the pirate hunt at MK this last trip, and I would have never known about it had we not had time to kill, and just decided to try it out.  
5. Final tip - for last minute Disney, is to not book up your whole stay in the parks and enjoy some hotel time too.  Ask your hotel what is happening on grounds during your stay and enjoy some of these things - a band in the lobby, a movie at night, trivia at the bar, its vacation people!  Enjoy it!

Sent Survey to the School Board

When asked on the recent online survey of the 2015-2016 year at my son's small elementary/middle school if I had any suggestions, this was my response...  (they should have known I have a history of stating my thoughts on schools in the written word form). Now that I read this 6 hours later, I feel I was snarky and I didn't mean to be - I thought I was being nice...

As a working parent it is difficult to be engaged on all levels of activities as the very many engaged non-working parents.  I never really considered myself apart of this debate until my child went to LAS.  I miss very many classroom things, can never make PTA meetings because of travel, and (may have self imposed this) but feel that I am looked down upon because I can't help out as much.  I always buy materials for the classroom, and try to help where I can.  But it is tough when we get 2 weeks notice for events and things to make it happen.  And, I work locally.  I can't imagine for others. I hear from my child that so and so's mom is always in the classroom, and I am never there. Are there other things that the school needs, that working parents can provide - other than a batch of brownies here and sign up for the grandparent luncheon which can never happen because I have a board meeting on Fridays that lasts all day, etc.  How else can these parents feel involved and making an impact? 

Adding in a few points about the structure of the survey in general -- In this survey moving forward, I would separate out teachers and administrators when asking questions about support for both parents and students. I think then you might be able to glean better information on how each party is doing.  Perhaps even a question of how both parties (teachers and administrators) are working together, as per the perception of parents, would be helpful. I have had completely different experiences when working with the administration and when working with the teachers. Our teachers have always been responsive. 

I felt that many of the questions - is there enough space for certain activities, etc - are leading into the war with the townspeople over the renovation.  I would have loved those inferences not to be sprinkled throughout the survey but a small place at the bottom, and for the bulk of the questions to be about our children's experience and our thoughts on the known and changeable infrastructure of the school. How can we make the current school experience be better for our children within known and reasonable/potential actions?  We all know we need more space.  But this survey should be about what we can do to improve on where we are now.

***I worry we focus too much time and energy on this renovation which is only creating a deeper divide in our town and we are going to lose what is great about the small town community school.  It would be great to have more space, we really do need to separate gym and eating - yes - but the this is not the end of all needs. Are the administrators handling disruptions within classes well (I have had a hard time watching this from afar with our grade this year)?  Are parents feeling like they are in communication with all needs of the school - and not just who is signing up for donuts or who can volunteer for another event during the work day (see my comments above)? 

Some suggestions that go beyond space to continue to improve our ability to educate our kids -- Can we promote arts more through arts days at school; is there an art show?; do we have visiting artists come in and showcase their work? Can the kids enter their artwork into competitions to be shown at local galleries and museums? PARENT SUGGESTION here - has the art teacher ever been encouraged to reach out to parents and asked them help?  Maybe there is a parent that could give a demonstration on cyanotypes; maybe someone has an art collection to share?  Maybe someone is an artist themselves?

For spanish - can we do spanish language day where at lunch it is mexican food and they have to order in spanish? Can morning announcements be made in spanish and then english? All kids in the school go home the night before and discuss with their families - if you could go to any spanish speaking country in the world, all expenses paid - where would it be and why?  And then classroom/school discussion the next day.  What other outside the box things can we do to ensure every day is a new day to open our kids minds up to all aspects of learning, and not feel we are limited by a classroom space.

And, how can we work with the community better to feel all on the same page rather than divide further? I know many feel this is a lost cause, but I do not. The most special thing about our community is how small it is.  Do we have community members come and speak to the students to tell them what life was like in Hampton Falls years ago?  Do we do things with the local historical society ever?  Is there a frequent assembly where we can bring people in for such an event?  Or, even on the classroom level - have we explored the opportunity of working with parents/neighbors in each classroom - our grade has parents who deal with big sports athletes; run a local farm; a local museum; run half marathons/full marathons; surf; our neighbors know the history of the town; have livestock; are expert gardeners; historians and writers. Can we bring these people in to tell their stories?  This affords an opportunity to open up kids minds to the larger world around them and the possibilities that can exist for their future.  While getting to know their community. While the community gets to know them. This would attract volunteerism in new ways, from new individuals who can't miss a board meeting to help at Grandparent luncheon, but come and talk about how learning the sport of archery changed their life, and hopefully excite someone to have an interest too?  Might be more likely to happen. (in full recognition that grandparent luncheon volunteers are also needed).

I wish to stress I thank all of those on the Board and all of the very many teachers at the school, and the many parents who donate the time- all who do so much for our kids here in LAS. My suggestions are probably lost on the inability to completely understand the difficult and overwhelming situation the Board and the school's administration find themselves in on a daily basis and when making decisions.  So I hope you will not see my suggestions as a criticism but rather a reflection on the hope that our school can continue to make lemonade, and maybe if we use a different angle of trying to reach out through the community, we might be able to continue to build our dream school on a different level sometime sooner - both figuratively and literally.

#5 Wallis Sands Half Marathon

Wallis Sands Half Marathon, Rye, NH
May 15, 2016
2:04:27.3

Placed first in the Athena category.  Placed 393 overall (out of 827). (would have been 64/115 of Women in my age group, but deferred this rank to Athena, good plan, right?-- more on this later)

The run went well though I had a hard time finding my stride and keeping my head in the game in the beginning.  By mile 6 I found it though, and was golden the remainder of the way.  My guide, Dave2 showed up with a poster "Go Drew" and ran with me by a crowd of about 50 people who he had all screaming and yelling, this was about mile 9 and carried me to mile 11.  If you can make mile 11 you can make anything.  The last mile was windy and wind-y and hilly, but then it ended super quick.  I sprinted, danced and smiled over the finish line making the excellent DJ point me out to the crowd (see below in regards to excellent DJ).


Plusses of the Race:

• Parking: The parking was quick and easy, as long as you got there early enough.  Like, ridiculously easy.  In fact, you could walk three feet from your car to the start line.  I, of course, showed up at the crack of dawn to ensure parking and to get my bib number.  Of course, I was way too early.  Was all set by 6:30, and then needed to wait for 90 minutes to run.  I noticed other people showing up at 7:15, still getting parking in the lot, and still getting their bibs and having no problem whatsoever.
• Race Size:  This was like the perfect race size.  There were around 800 racers (by the results it seems as though 1,000+ were registered, and a lot of people did not show).  This race is notorious for selling out quickly.  And, it is nice.  There were enough people that while you were running you could always see someone else and feel like you were in a race.  But not too many people that you ever - except for the starting 100 feet, felt crowded in.  It was not a crazy mob scene and waiting an hour for your wave to start, waves were within 5 minutes of eachother and reasonable sizes.  It really was a good size race, and well run for that -- it was my second "smaller" race, and I think I like them better?  Maybe?  Eh, they are just different.  But for this one it was a plus.
• Route:  It was the beach, which I love, but a new area I do not explore enough.  The wind was tough on this day, but it is beautiful and mostly flat with only one big, short and quick hill and a few long gradual inclines that bother you but you do not realize you are running them until you plateau at the top of them and then you are ok. 
• Support:  This felt like small town support (which I mean in a good way).  The water stops were competitions from local charities who benefitted from funds from racers.  They were cute - each one had little signs announcing they were coming up (which was nice for those goo eaters out there).  Everyone was very supportive, there were also a lot of people out on their lawns though never tons of cheering people like say a big race, in DC.  This is actually kind of nice as you don't feel like you need to wave back at the people.  And, if a long stretch goes by and all of the sudden you see a 5 year old cheering for you -- you are happy to give her a high five and keep going.  
• DJ: Whomever this man was, he was the best.  He had all of us smiling the whole morning, while we were all sitting in our cars in the parking lot trying to keep warm.  I can still hear his voice: "This is going to be the best run of your life."  "This is a beautiful day, let's make it a great one." "You are all healthy and beautiful people."  He was like a life coach for crazy runners with some chill music in the background.  I'll have what he's having.
• Potties: Perfect amount, never waited more than 3 minutes.

Drawbacks:

• Food?: I feel bad I "complained" about this on my survey from the race.  I think by the time I took notice of where the food was after I finished, it was just all gone.  I should have realized this too because they even (on the survey) listed all of the foods to ask what we liked the best.  Pizza, Bagels, Oranges, Bananas what, what?  I saw a few cookies and got a gatorade.  Hmmm.  Also, every other race I have ever done I have been completely spoiled with something like beer, or a lobster roll, or a cup of stew at the end.  So, I did recommend they get a food truck with lobster rolls and a beer truck and even if they had a sign that said: "to keep costs low, there is a small charge for these items."  Maybe they can't sell because of the beach?  Maybe they do not want to prolong people here?  Not sure.  Either way, after I left I went to Beach Plum and was happy to pay $30 for a huge lobster roll and cup of stew and ate it with a beer at the house.
• Risky Course: I guess all courses are risky, but the wind really made this one tough.  I'm glad I had trained on the beach, in wind, within the past few months - so I was all set, but I think others had a hard time.  Otherwise the course is beautiful!

I'll tell you more about the pre-race poetry I created while waiting for 90 minutes for it to begin, and the whole Athena thing, in future posts.  

I would totally do this one again, though maybe not for a few years so I could try to mix it up with other races too.  It was a great location, very well run, and good community.  A for me!  (plus with a lobster roll!).

The Best Day for Our 5 Year Old

Today James Morris turned 5 years old.  And he has had the best days both leading up to his birthday, and today too - and his birthday party is not until Saturday as well.

Yesterday we went to Legoland - just Mommy and Jamesey, and then had a great lunch of one of his new favorites- soup, followed by his old favorite, ice cream.  But today, today...

His brother sang him Happy Birthday in the morning and lent him the birthday cake hat for him to use at school.  He was sung Happy birthday by me in the car, and then once at school was able to create a birthday crown as well as the entire class got a Black Raspberry frozen yogurt treat.  (don't try to bring make at home things into the fancy preschool, people!).

They sang happy birthday to him, and in the ride home he was sung Happy Birthday again by his Nana and Pa (over the phone), and then told Happy Birthday by his cousin Lucie, Auntie Jennie and Uncle Jeremy.  He beamed.

As soon as we pulled in the driveway, Ama and Grumpy face-timed him and again Happy Birthday.  Once inside he dictated the dinner - appetizer of "salty chips" (salt and vinegar potato chips); followed by mac and cheese and chicken nuggets.  We started watching the Sandlot, and then had dessert of ice cream and cobbler.  He blew out the candles in record time and then opened his presents - lego "guys" for him to build, all Disney characters; a stuffed animal bag of dinosaurs; a new bike/cart thing from Ama and Grumpy; lots of books to do with Star Wars including Mad Libs;
Stencils kit for the artist, and a Bobofet Donald Duck picture and Mickey as Anakin picture too.  Excited about each gift, so happy that it was his birthday.

We measured him, he is a full inch and a half taller than his brother when his brother turned 5.  He is now reading with his brother before going to bed, on the best day ever. Smiles included.