What To Wear

If you know me IRL (or if you've just been reading this blog for a few years now) you probably recognize that I have a little "thing" about dressing Owen. Just click and read here if you need a reminder!

I was raised - and believe - that while clothes don't make the man, appearance matters. It's fun for me to shop for and put outfits together that look cute; and maybe by starting young we'll avoid those teenage years of having to tell Owen repeatedly that underwear should never appear above your pant line or that a ripped t-shirt is not appropriate attire for most occasions. But more than that, I just love when he looks like a mini J.Crew model or a walking illustration for "The Preppy Handbook". What parent doesn't want to think their kid looks adorable, right?

I like plaid shorts, Ralph Lauren, oxfords, rugby's, and sweaters with elbow patches (this is usually where Bob chimes in to say I might be turning Owen into a little nerd that gets picked on at school, but whatever). I don't like character anything, or sweatpants - I especially loathe fleece ones with elasticized leg openings - nor most t-shirts.

Last year was great. A school uniform of polo shirts and khaki's everyday meant that I was a happy mama. And no, Owen doesn't complain much, he understands "collar" shirts are for school. And Hilton Head. Least you think I'm a totally mean Momma, Owen is allowed to wear Monster Truck t-shirts (shudder) to the Jam, and on weekends at home he picks his own ensembles without comment from me, generally soccer shorts and a shirt. Sometimes all in the same color - the seven year old's mantra of matching.

Public school is a little different. He wore polo shirts and shorts of his choosing for the first two weeks without fuss, but I quickly realized I'd have to ease up a bit. For one thing, every Friday during football season is "Purple Friday" for the Ravens, and every Wednesday is Willie Wear day (school logo stuff).

Yesterday Owen was excited to wear his orange, tie-dyed Willie shirt but didn't want to wear the cute tan canvas pants I had picked the night before. I told him he could wear jeans, and after he changed and came downstairs for breakfast he cheerfully said, "Hey mom, it looks like I'm dressed for cutting the lawn!".

Sigh.

But of course, I still think he looked cute.

Just a note to all the parents reading: Please don't think I care or judge you on what your children wear. I learned long ago that sometimes and under some circumstances, my child will be dressed in a odd combo of plaids, stripes and PJ's, and that's OK too. This is just my "thing" and I fully understand some of you might think I'm ridiculous for it! But I'm happy, Owen's happy, and Bob's happy, so all is good in our closets. And yep, I know that at some point Owen is going to start expressing a lot more opinions about what he wants to wear and that's fine - as long as it's clean and presentable I will roll with it. But as his big sister Cearra learned early on, if he wants to wear something Bob and I really don't care for (like say, a purple fake fur coat) he'll have to buy it himself! 

Week in Wisconsin

What a long journey. Through the mountains and tunnels of western Pennsylvania, across the flat fields of Ohio, slowing for the traffic of Chicago. And then finally, Wisconsin. Miles of well, not much, and then ... this. Our home away for a week on Lake Petenwell, near the heart of the state. 

No cell service, spotty Wi-Fi, the nearest grocery store 40 minutes away. But plenty of peace, togetherness, beauty, laughter ...

and fish!

Lots of fish!

Plus a trip to the Cave of the Mounds (underground wonder; above ground plunder); the country's biggest water park, Noah's Ark; mini-golf; s'mores and sparklers; Nana and Pop-pop's scavenger hunt; swimming; create your own pizza night; and of course, giggles and general silliness!

 And at the end of each day, warm showers and hugs, and sweet dreams filled with memories made.
 

1st of 1st

In blog land and Facebook world we can present whatever image we choose. And so, today, there's this:

But sometimes reality looks a little different, as it did at our house this AM.

On the morning of his first day at a different school, riding the bus for the first time and not knowing his teacher because we missed back to school day while in Wisconsin, Owen woke with a bloody nose and tears. He didn't feel good, he wasn't "up for the bus today".

Daddy patiently and encouragingly eased him through the morning routine,  and sweet big sister Cearra called to wish him a great first day (while Mommy held back her own tears and made his favorite breakfast) but Owen ... well ...

He clung to me every step of the way to the bus stop, and his little face crumpled (as did my heart, again) when it was finally time to board. But with the help of our wonderful neighborhood kids - especially Stephenson - our brave little boy shouldered his backpack and climbed the stairs to his first day of first grade.

And now the house is really quiet, and my eyes are a little puffy. So, is it 4:00 yet?

Get Your Boots On

Back in April, my brother-in-law Todd called to say he was buying tickets to a Keith Urban concert for Maria as a birthday gift, and would we like to go? Now, I haven't listened to much country music for a few years, but I always love spending time with Todd and Maria so I checked with Bob and quickly said "Yep!".

Last week, with Hannah having a wonderful time in Cumberland with Nanny, and Owen ready for a fun night with Nana at our house, we put on our boots and moseyed on over to Merryweather Post Pavilion in Columbia for the show.

And while just about the only song I could sing along with was a fantastic cover of The Who, I really enjoyed opening act Little Big Town, and Keith was pretty sweet to ogle, ... I mean, listen to ... as well!

But the best part of the evening by far was watching my beautiful sister-in-law's face light up when Keith strolled on stage and picked up his bango! She was even more excited when he came up the aisle and stood singing only a few yards from us. Her joy made all of us smile.

Thank you Nanny and Nana for allowing us a date night, and thanks so much Todd and Maria for including us!

Fun With Family

Five years ago my cousin Brenda and her husband Nick moved their crew across the ocean to Barcelona Spain. Recently they were in our area for their second oldest to check out colleges, and we were thrilled to meet them in Baltimore for a wonderful visit.

Regardless of time or distance, there is nothing like the love of family!

Bob was in India; Owen found a piece of
India at the hotel

Iron (hand) Cal

Owen and Jess hard at work at
MD Science Center

Nana, Jess, Alexa, Owen and 

 

Score! They smuggled in some Kinder Eggs!

Cruising the Inner Harbor

Bren and Nana