Owen on Two (plus two) Wheels

Picked up a cool red bike yesterday at our school's consignment sale; let Owen pick out a "scary" shark helmet this morning. And away we go!

Proud of his new bike and helmet!

Daddy helped get him off to a good start

Concentration

It's work to get up our neighborhood hills!

So cute

Stopped by our neighbor's fish pond too. Frog approved.

Vermont Vacation

Several months ago, one of Bob's contacts (and friend) at a supplier to AES offered us the use of their company's house in Stratton, Vermont. We said "yes, please!" and signed up for a week in early March.

Three days before we were planning to leave, I was texting with my friend Le Anne, and our trip came up. When she replied that she had always wanted to see Vermont, I enthusiastically - but somewhat jokingly because, I mean who can just pick up and go? - invited her family along. After a few more back and fourths, and with the joie de vivre I so love in her, she wrangled her hubby Marc into taking off work, called me at 11:00PM that night to say they were coming and started packing snowsuits for the kids!

And then ...

• Bob still wasn't over the flu
• Upon calling to check on car seats, Le Anne learned the rental car place no longer had a car reserved for them
• The day before we were meant to leave I called to check on the keys, setting off a morning of confusion and panic because Bob's friend thought we said we could no longer go (we think it sprang from Bob telling him Cearra couldn't come) ... and therefore had given up "our" week. To the president of the company.
• We all celebrated again as said president agreed to give up his time so we could go
• Bob still wasn't over the flu
• Le Anne discovered they had mistakenly booked their flights for PM rather than AM

There were a few other random and somewhat head-slapping complications that we quickly learned to laugh about. Because after all, we all got there, Vermont is gorgeous (and a little quirky, just like being in "Newhart") ... 

and if the scenery wasn't enough to cast off any lingering difficulties, we had a beautiful princess, two Jedi knights and, um, well, Marc, to amuse (and cook for!) us:

The kids couldn't wait to get out in the white stuff. Glorious sledding and snowball throwing and hiking and every one's favorite - eating snow!

Promise - most of the time they had mile wide smiles!

They were very careful to make sure they only slurped on the white stuff

Le Anne blazing a trail

Close one!

Mom takes out her kids!

So cute!!

Le Anne perfected the fine art of butt sledding

And took Owen for a ride

Elloree's got it

Look at that grin!

Our little heart breaker

Love the cool heads behind the head riding style!

Owen, Rhys and Elle had such a blast together!

Inside, electronics and monster trucks reigned supreme

One day we ventured down off our mountain to visit a family farm and learn the craft of sugaring - making tree sap into something we all want to pour on our pancakes. Ever wonder what the first person to try such a thing was thinking?

It doesn't hurt the tree at all to tap into its' sap

We were all surprised by how clear, fluid and relatively
tasteless the sap is when it first runs from the tree

The Sugarhouse

Inside the sugarhouse it was warm and sweet-smelling

The sap is heated and progressively boils down into syrup

Friday was Rhys' 6th birthday, so after lunch at a local restaurant we went bowling. Bob, in his first outing since arrival, managed to beat us all. He was finally on the mend.

As usual, Elle is leading the charge

What started as a bit of a crazy (not in a good way) trip turned into a majorly crazy (in a great way!) vacation. We had such a wonderful time with Marc, Le Anne and their kids, and seeing three Kaz kids all happily playing and laughing always makes my day.

Those crazy Kieffers - love them!

As Bob Newhart himself once said, "All I can say about life is, 'Oh God, enjoy it!'

WILW - The Green Edition

First, I want to wish my beautiful, creative, talented, momfabulous sister Kris a very happy birthday! I'm loving that it's your special day and hope it's one filled with laughter and love!

Happy 29th!!

And since it's Wednesday, let's play a little WILW!

The robins are gathering, the flowers are blooming, every tree branch is heavy with buds ... Spring is right around the corner. In celebration of this season of new beginnings and growth, today I'm sharing things I'm loving that are green (please note that I also picked a picture above of my sister wearing green)!

Love everything about this outfit - so me!

Doesn't this just make you exhale?

Drama Frog!

Love, love, love!

The Lake Bead from Troll. I love lakes, I love this bead.

Green mercury glass. Swoon.

Green glass tile. Gorgeous bathroom.

Ah yes, good reminder for me!

And of course, two of my biggest loves on their John Deere green tractors! Lastly for those of you who celebrate the upcoming "green" holiday - luck of the Irish to you! Although we don't make a big to-do here - St. Patrick isn't really a rock star in either German or Kazakh culture! - Owen does love those gel window clings, so we did a little decorating.

Please tell me ... what's your favorite thing - green or not - about Spring? Have a great Wednesday!

How to Care for Introverts

Last week when I picked Owen up from school, the volunteer mom for the day made it a point to tell me she was thrilled because she had "finally" succeeded in getting Owen to talk to her during an activity. I know she meant it kindly, and I don't think for a minute she did anything that caused Owen any stress or discomfort, but it did trigger the Mamma Bear in me ...

While I don't think it's wise to label a 5 year old, as most of you know, Owen tends to be a bit quieter, more reserved, and more willing to play alone than a lot of other kids his age. So at this point in his life, it would be fairly accurate to call his behaviors "shy" or those of an "introvert". But who knows what the future may bring ... while it may be hard for some of you to believe I was much quieter as a youngster!

And as that formerly reserved child, I remember what it was like to be pushed into participating in an activity I  was nervous about, or being in a center of a crowd. I don't want Owen to experience those same feelings of dread or anxiety, although I do know that I can't always shield him. Thankfully, I think my own experiences have helped me to understand Owen and his approach to a new situation, or to be patient while he collects his thoughts and articulates them (i.e., I try not to rush to finish his sentences for him!).

I think too that in our current society there seems to be a bias towards the outgoing, vivacious, "look-at-me" child. A thought process that these children are smarter, more advanced, somehow better. A slight but perceptible attitude that if your child hesitates to talk in a group, or chooses to play alone rather than join with the raucous crowd at the playground, well, that he/she is a bit "different".

It would be so nice if we lived in a world that honored each individual for who they are, rather than trying to make one mold fit all. So I offer the following tips - good stuff for this mom (and extravert) to remember too.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yep, that's my number! 45 years ago today I arrived, mid-snowstorm, into this wonderful world.

It's not the prettiest number. Oh, no, not because of the actual age factor; just because I like symmetry (44 was good!) and I have a thing for even numbers (46 will be just fine).

The actual age thing - as in, "boy, you are closing in on 50 now!" bothers me not at all. Despite the fact that my spare tire has turned into an all-weather radial and I suspect that I will soon have to buy the hair color box that says for those with more than 50% gray, my forties have been great so far and I have no reason to think this year won't be too.

I celebrated turning 40 in Kazakhstan with my baby boy in my arms and I've spent the last 5 years doing a job that I love - and that I'm damn good at! I've figured myself out: the strengths and weaknesses, and I am at peace with me. I've finally learned that fine balance between being a nice person ... and being a door mat. I've been married for 15 years and think it's getting better and stronger as we go. I have great family and friends. I know who's got my back, who I can count on, who loves me for me. Most days, I don't sweat the small stuff (although some days I do sweat, hot flashes come along with this age).  I'm healthy and happy. And lastly? As any cancer survivor will tell you - any day without blood draws, doctor appointments, or treatments is a good day; any day that you are still here, kicking and breathing, is a GREAT day.

So Happy Birthday to me! I'm gonna cherish that "ugly" number!