Does a Chicken Count?

You're heard the comment a million times in a million different ways - "children grow up fast". My oldest will be 12 in the fall and starts middle school in September. It's true. Time does fly and we have to make it count. I've always loved adventures and with 11 summers behind us as a family rather than just a couple I took a few moments to reflect on some of the adventures we've had over the years. A few months ago I saw an article about childhood and outdoor challenges. Although my boys now enjoy more than their fair share of TV and video games we have still maintained a pretty healthy balance of outdoor time and free play - especially when they were younger. We didn't introduce video games until later in elementary school and limit TV viewing time during the school year (although the summer becomes a pretty lazy time). This checklist was published in England so some of the language threw me off a bit (What the heck is "conkers" or "abseiling"? Note to self: google those words.) but most of the checklist involved what I see as pretty simple childhood pleasures - like climbing a tree, rolling down a really big hill, camping, running around in the rain, etc. Out of 50 we have only missed 11 (and that includes 3 I didn't understand - umm... "conkers" once again). Some we have done numerous times. How many have you done and what's your plan to introduce your children to these experiences before they hit puberty and the chance for magic is gone? (Not that the teen years aren't a magical time - it's just a different kind of "magic" - hair, hysterics, and hormones.) I printed off the list, sit down with boys and began to go through the checklist asking them about their memories and experiences. I grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and visit at least once each summer. On a few occasions the boys have spent time alone there with their grandparents as well - so many of their responses were "Yes - in West Virginia" - such as eating an apple straight from the tree, getting behind a waterfall and tracking wild animals. Some of their memories involved our own backyard like throwing snow, damming a stream, and hunting for bugs. Others were enjoyed while on family vacation - like rafting, camping and burying someone in the sand. Still others happened while visiting MeeMee - such as feeding a bird from your hand - to which Blake asked "Does a chicken count?" Of course, a chicken counts! Our plans for next summer will include catching crabs (Number 39) - probably during our beach trip. Hopefully that day will end with a big pot of boiling water and spices as well! One we probably won't attempt: set up a snail race. One that will be hard for us: lighting a fire without a match. I really laughed when I read that one remembering the book of matches we went through while camping earlier this summer. We struggled to accomplish setting a camp fire WITH matches! Without? Seriously? The bottom line for me is this: in this fast paced, technology driven world I hope we have given our children a chance to experience life unplugged and I know they'll one day look back on these wonderful memories and hopefully even recreate them for their own little ones someday. Check out the list of outdoor challenges at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2128695/National-Trust-launches-bucket-list-campaign-50-things-children-sofas-wild.html.

Rachel's Visit

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Earthquakes and Hurricanes

It was a perfect day to go sightseeing in our Nation's Capital! Since it's opening, we had been hearing rave reviews about the Newseum and kids are free through Labor Day. I debated on driving, the Virginia Rail, or Metro - we ended up parking in Springfield and hopped the blue line for the rest of our ride in. Little did we know that following an awesome museum visit (we did not get to see everything and I didn't get to see the "adult" displays for 9/11 - we want to go back!) the earth would shake and we would have a very long ride home!

We had just wrapped up our visit and were making our way back to Metro as Luke had an early soccer practice when we felt the sidewalk rockin'. I assumed it was a subway passing underneath but soon realized something was very wrong when buildings began to evacuate. We passed many people looking upset and confused. I asked some what happened and they did not know. It was probably not the smartest idea but I was determined to get back on the train and head south to get out of the city. I know West Coast folks are probably getting a bit of a laugh over our big quake but for the East Coast it wasn't just an earthquake. It was a reminder. When our ground shakes we think "Military training at Quantico?" "Aircraft?" or "Terrorist attack!" I wanted to go home. Immediately. Blake was worried about his guinea pig and I was worried that I was alone with two boys depending on me for their safety in a crowd of strangers and confusion. If Luke was worried, he didn't show it. As we were walking across the mall, we saw the helicopter circling the Washington Monument checking for damage. I took a few pics, thought about shooting video and kept thinking "please don't fall, please don't fall". Blake called out several times like Lot, "Don't look back! Don't look back!" He was ready to be in the suburbs! The subway was packed. The Pentagon had been evacuated and we were starting to get the news that we had experienced an earthquake. An earthquake? That's new for us! This was my second one over 5 (the first being in San Diego). I got through to Justin by text. He was ok. He thought the house was coming down but was ok. All the pets were ok. I later learned a co-worker and friend had suffered a pet casualty in their family as a result of the earthquake. Poor Jazzy the corgi was literally scared to death and passed away following a seizure. So - we did suffer damage. Not the kind of damage seasoned Californians experience. Some minor structural damage, the loss of Jazzy, and emotional damage that only those who live close to the action know. With the anniversary of 9/11 quickly approaching, those who call Washington and it's suburbs home were once again reminded of our vulnerability. I was thankful to have a home to return to. I was thankful to be able to sleep with my children that night. I was thankful Justin was ok. I was thankful to find the candle that rolled from my kitchen windowsill - and thought about how those in places such as Haiti felt when they couldn't "find" a family member. When I found myself nervous, I found myself being thankful I was safe and thought of our troops returning with mental and emotional scars and the fear that is a very real part of their daily lives.

Last night we were rocked by a 4.8 aftershock around 1am. I got in the bedroom door frame and was prepared to wake the boys if it got worse. They slept through it. And I didn't tell them about it this morning.

Now we brace for Hurricane Irene.

A rainbow was over the community this afternoon. I know God promised He would never again destroy the earth with water but what about the other stuff...

Maybe we should all prepare the way Blake did. After a prayer of thanksgiving and request for safety Tuesday night, he later asked to pray again.

We all held hands, piled in the king size bed, and Blake prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for our safety, for angels to guard us through the night and he asked for forgiveness as well. I guess he just wanted to make sure he was straight.

Not a bad idea.

This weather is crazy.

Iowa - Our Liberties We Prize...

"I'm from Iowa, we don't know what cool is!" Ashton Kutcher

After a last minute change of training plans, I ended up spending last week in Iowa rather than Montgomery, Alabama. I had already mentally prepared myself for a week in the sweltering heat of the South - I just had to do a quick readjustment and ask myself "What the heck am I going to do for a week in Iowa?!" Then - I had the most amazing thing come to mind - Brenda lives in Iowa! Yes - it's a big state with miles and miles of cornfields but as fate would have it, my long lost basic training buddy lives 30 minutes from the lovely Fairfield Inn in Ankeny, Iowa!

My perception could be totally off but it is my viewpoint - therefore my truth of what I learned about Iowa in a week is this:

They have good, cheap food.
They have lots of corn.
They are really, really nice.
They are patient.
It's impossible to get lost.
And, they speed in parking lots.

We learned about the good, cheap food quickly. My traveling buddy was Molly and together we hit a few local eateries featured on Food Network to include the Highlife Lounge (thehighlifelounge.com) where for under $10 we had an entree size plate of homemade mac n' cheese that really hit the spot, the best fried chicken I've ever had and a drink. We loved Cactus Bob's BBQ Corral (www.cactusbobs.com) where I tried sauces like "Rattlesnake Venom" and "Blackbart's Desert Death" that I thought was going to burn a hole through my tongue. Our new friend, Gina (a local) and Molly were smart and stuck to the original sauce.

There were lots of cornfields. I took pictures, Molly took pictures, and then Molly broke out with a crazy rash from rubbing up on the corn. Who knew?

It really is impossible to get lost. I had printed out directions from the airport to my hotel but probably could have made it without them. I didn't use a GPS or my cell all week to get to from point A to point B. And aside from them speeding like crazy people in parking lots, the traffic is light. If you happen to be late for training one morning, do not try the line "Traffic was bad." This is not going to work in Iowa. So - perhaps next time - "I was helping farmer Joe slaughter a pig?"

And - they are really, really nice. I reunited with Brenda and ended up meeting her whole family who made me feel right at home. I guess I made them feel right at home, too, as "Aunt Mary" felt comfortable enough to ask if Brenda and I had any pictures of "when we were skinny". It was hysterical to me. Not so much for Brenda and the rest of the family who all echoed "I can't believe she said that!" It was funny.

And it's true. Brenda and I used to be really skinny. And tan. And in fabulous shape. We were tough little blondes. So - now we're not so skinny, definitely not tan, healthy but not buff, but much tougher than most probably know except for those closest to us.

I knew I was excited to see Brenda but I didn't expect to have my eyes fill up with tears and my heart overflow when I saw her sitting at that Olive Garden table Tuesday night.

We went through a lot together along with the other incredible girls I met in Alabama that summer. Slowly but surely we all changed and grew as individuals and friends that time and distance will never separate.

So - next time I'll make it a point to see Cari-Lynn (a Stafford native), try Jethro's BBQ and maybe even go try to find some of those covered bridges on the backroads.

"Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain."

Thanks for a lovely week, Iowa. I bloom where I am planted. Even in places where the heat index is 114 degrees.

Darn you, Facebook!

I was sucked in. Just like a late night infomercial. Or the informercial I first viewed in San Diego - the one when Tanika and I wanted to buy that chicken cooker thingy that Mr. T was selling. Facebook got me. Since "joining" the rage of the social network machine that some believe make the world go 'round I quit blogging. Just like that. Quit. Quitting is not easy for me. I'm stubborn. I'm commited to my "work ethic". I am the daughter of a coal miner. I don't quit.

So - guess who's back? It's not Shady.

I can't believe how much my boys have grown since my last post and how much I've "matured" as everyday I climb a few steps closer to 40 (and "I still remember when 30 was old"...) and make peace with the fact that I'm always going to be "Hair Flying Everywhere", will never accomplish the perfect hairstyle, and that driving a mini-van isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I've missed on sharing my thoughts through my "online diary". I have really missed it! If for no one else's reading pleasure - for mine! I've missed you, blog!

Please forgive me while I take some time to update our pics, our stories and reconnect.

Fall Updates

I know. I'm a "bad" blogger. No posts since August. The shame! As with a young family - time flies. Days become weeks, weeks become months. And no blog entries. Sorry! I'd like to do better this year! Especially since there are so many blogs of friends and family that I enjoy following. I have been recruited by friends into what could be a deep pit - Facebook. I do not update my status every 30 minutes like some folks (sorry if you're one of them!) and enjoy it mainly to keep up with friends and family that I don't get to see often. Knowing what the family down the street is having for breakfast just does not excite me.

Since August, school has been off to a good start. Luke has a first year teacher who is wonderful and Blake continues at Ms. Marie's. Both played fall sports. Luke played flag football at the fieldhouse and Blake played soccer. Luke has shown an interest in ice hockey and we're working out the details for that. Blake is devoted to playing soccer at this time. Both still like to talk (a lot!) and Blake continues to have the loudest voices of almost any kid I know. We are sure he is a future rock star. LOL.

Justin has gone to midnight shift and is lovin' it. My work has become a little stressful as upper management is worried about budgets. The stress has trickled down. Just like most families, the price of gas killed us this summer and although groceries, daycare, etc costs continue to rise, my salary has remained the same. Justin has been fortunate to see some pay raises. So like many of you, we try to do more with less. One thing I have discovered is how to take almost nothing from the pantry and somehow make a meal. I've found some cool blogs to follow by moms for recipes. It's a shame that eating healthy costs more than eating junk food. And anyone who tells you otherwise is crazy. The cost of fresh fruits, veggies and meat is unreal.

Winter is here and I try to fake that I'm ok with that. I meet the challenge of cold weather with my collection of cold weather gear, almost none of which matches. I have been spotted in the grocery store by co-workers who said they almost didn't recognize me. I'm sure it will embarrass my kids as they get older but I really don't care. I've found that I can deal much better with the season if I'm warm. The biggest challenge is it's so much harder to make sure the kids get quality time outside. It's almost dark when they get home from school and they can only play for so long in the cold. They are playing outside right now with the dollar store "guns" that was part of their Christmas which is why I'm finding time to blog right now.

Other big news - we have a new nephew in NC - Levi. My mother-in-law calls him "Nebbie" which I'm sure Becky is praying won't stick.

We continue to pass the cold season with soup, hockey games and good books. Keep me posted on how you thrive (not just survive) the winter season with two energetic kids.