The Day The Earth Stood Still.....

at least at our house. Yesterday I got an email from Bill saying the foreman bear would be over at 9am today to finish the work in the garage and fix (yet) another loose piece of siding. Did I fail to mention that a couple of weeks ago during a particularly windy night I started hearing an omonious banging on the side of the house. Of course at 3am my mind went all Tell-Tale-Heart on me, only to discover another slab of siding blowing in the wind the next morning. Yes, my friend, the aswer was blowin' in the wind. So, when I got the email about the 9am "appointment" I shot back a snarky "in what time zone" response. Around 8:45am Bill mentions that he is going to go out and move the cars, just in case. I laugh. I tell him maybe they will show about 11:45am, knock on the door with the secret bear knock, tell you they need to go get "material", and then disappear for 3 hours. At 8:57am, there it was. The secret bear knock at the door. I almost fell off my chair!!!! On time, with supplies. What next "dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!" Update: I no sooner hit publish when foreman bear came in and said he was done in the garage, BUT he would have to come back to fix the siding since he didn't have his truck with the big ladder. I might as well change the sheets on the guest bed. They are never going to be done here. Ever.

The Rest Of The Story

So the Santa disaster wasn't the only bit of fun we had at the mall the other day.

We also rode the train.

Nolan was in all his glory. He would have gone round and round all day. He and Reagan were in the front car and after the first lap all seemed well, until Reagan spied me outside the tracks taking pictures. I saw her throw her head back, open her mouth and I knew what was coming. As the train rounded the corner and out of my sight she let the wail loose. I hate to laugh at either of my children when they cry, but this was just too funny. She would calm down, only to start the whole thing over again as she rounded the corner and would see me. At least the ride was only 4 laps!

Gearing up for the scream......wait for it.....

there you go

Bea

A while back, I wrote this post about looking for my old friend, Beatrice.

Then, there was this post about how I found her and got in touch with an organization she is a member of and they put us in touch.

Life is funny sometimes, and even though Bea moved away when we were in middle school, she came back to this area in her 20's without me knowing, and then moved back to California.

Well, it happened that she needed to take care of some things in town and we were able to get together. Funny, 5 months ago she was a thought in my mind and now she was in my living room!

I can't describe how good it was to hug this person that was a large part of a very short time in my life. You know a friend is true when you can not see each other for many, many years and pick up like you just went out for dinner last week (or swimming in Bea's pool as was our case.) There were tears and laughs, and lots of reminiscing. Our moms got to meet again, which was lots of fun since they remembered things we didn't. I also got to meet Bea's fiancee and am so happy that she has such a wonderful guy in her life.

Who knows when we will meet again, but I do know we will. She only lives a few minutes from Disneyland and you don't have to twist my arm very hard to get me on a plane to California. You also never know where life will take any of us, maybe Bea will end up back in this area on a more permanent basis down the road. I know that would make me happy!

Anyway, the morale of this little post is that if there is someone from your past that you lost touch with, for whatever reason, give them a call or at least try to find them. Ihighly recommend it.

Life is too short to not have the good ones in it!

Ho Ho NOOOOOOO

Reason #5,683 why I love my kids so much.

Even Santa Claus looks upset!

A little better, but they still wanted nothing to do with the big man. When it was time to walk by him to leave, Reagan turned into jell-o and slid out of my moms grasp. I had to go take her other hand so she wouldn't have to walk near him.

For good measure, here is last years photo. Reagan with that mean look on her face cracks me up and the chub, how I miss those cheeks!

2 Birthdays and an Anniversary

Before I get burned at the stake, I better get the pictures of Bill & Mike's birthdays and Abby Normal's 10th anniversary up.

It was a super fun night. Abby Normal hasn't played at Cebars in a couple of years, Bill and I haven't been out in almost as long (kidding, but it seems like it!), and the stars aligned and most of the gang was able to make it out to enjoy the night. Fun times.

The birthday boys, Mike & Bill. I'm especially happy of this picture of Dean. Considering it was taken late in the night after many visits with the Cpt. (Morgan--me, not Dean.)

Under a table, for old times sake. Just for you, Chop :-) BBAAAAAAA! Hard to believe we've known each for as long as we have....bet you thought I was going to give a number! HA.

Kathy....being Kathy!

More photos here.

Jesus' Daddy

I was just talking to Reagan and Nolan about Christmas and how that is the day Jesus was born. I told them Jesus' Mommy's name is Mary and his Daddy is Joseph. Nolan hopped off the couch, ran to the window, and yelled "Joe, Joe, Joe!" Guess I never realized our next-door neighbor is Jesus' Daddy!

Lots of Visits

Phew.... After making a fairly quick recovery from the stomach flu, we jumped right back in the saddle of cooking and entertaining.

Thursday, Bill did most of the cooking for Thanksgiving. Everything was SO good. As Rachel Ray says, YUM-O! The turkey was smoked, the potatoes were whippy (thanks to my mom!), and the dessert was decadent (thanks to Deb!) The kids had a good time reading their new books from Uncle Sam & Aunt Deb (read me, read me, read me) and Nolan enjoyed each bite of dinner. He followed every one with a loud groan of satisfaction.

Reading Grannies! It's always upside down. She is such a smart kid, but the book is always the wrong way!

Aunt Deb taking her turn.

Wait a minute, Uncle Sam I've got to see what is happening on The Backyardigans.

Such a big boy!

Friday I got up with the kids and then Daddy took over so I could head out for Black Friday shopping. I've never done that and all in all, it wasn't bad. I actually got everything I set out to get and I didn't hit the first store until almost 8:30am! The lines were interesting, but a little chit-chatting with the linemates made it go quickly. In the evening, Aunt Jane, Carl, and Grandma Pchak headed over for a visit and dinner at, where else, Trader Jack's. The kids enjoyed having another person around to read to them and the whole family got to partake in our bedtime ritual of singing Twinkle, Twinkle while waving glow in the dark stars.

Found the summer stuff in the closet.

Aunt Jane, read me! Nolan was more interested in Grandma's purse. Saturday was the big high school drama club "reunion" I had been looking forward to. What started on facebook as a conversation over an old photo ended up as a very nice evening of catching up with old friends. Some I haven't seen in almost 20 (gasp) years. It was so interesting to see where everyone is (in life) these days. It went too fast and I feel like I didn't get to really spend quality time with everyone, but that is the way these things go. I hope it is not another 20 years before I see these people again (some of them are regulars in my life so I don't have to worry about them!)

RIght before everyone came over.....my new favorite shot of the boy.

The gang. Sunday was a low-key day for me in that I was not throwing a party, but attending one. My cousins new daughter was christened. She is a peanut. Nolan doesn't seem to pay much attention to her, but as soon as my mom or I held her, Reagan wanted "uppie, uppie, uppie, uppie." Guess Reagan is not sibling material right now!

Well, that catches us up..... and no, I wasn't spending lots of time on facebook. I was designing Christmas cards and photo gifts for certain family members that took a huge hunk of time over the past couple of days.

I'm heading to bed to enjoy this thunder snow that is happening outside my window. I really love living right on the lake. So many wacky weather phenomenons.

From Our Pilgrims To Yours

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Bug

Dear Stomach Flu, You got Bill last week. Last night you came for Reagan and I. Stay away from my boy. Love, Shelley

Time Flies

Well, I blinked and 4 days have gone by! Let's try and remember what we did over the past 96 hours....

Thursday was typical. Story time with Grammy, shopping, and then lunch with our twin friends, Eva, Lydia, their mom, and Grandma (one of my mom's oldest friends and also her hip surgery buddy from the summer.) We stopped on the way home to check out the lake. We were expecting some lake effect snow and I knew the water would be kicking up. There were tons of gulls bobbing in the water and Reagan kept yelled "Duckie, Duckie!"We also made up our Gym & Swim that we missed on Monday due to Daddy's stomach flu and Mommy's bum tooth. A very busy and exhausting day for Mommy.

After stories, checking out the fire truck in the children's room at the library.

brrrr.....

Friday we had a Toddlin' Towards Nature program, Nighty-Night Nature. With the topic, it was obviously later in the afternoon so Daddy went with us and then we met Uncle Sam, Aunt Deb, and Grammy for dinner.

At the school house for stories. I love that hat on Reagan. I had one similar when I was about 5. Nolan saw a plane. He is like Tattoo, yelling P, P, Plane! Snack time at the story, we brought our favorite animal and blankie. My how far our friend, Monk, has come. He was Nolan's constant companion in the hospital last January. At least he got to go out for a more enjoyable event this time!

Reagan's snacks are all gone.

Using flash lights to look outside for animals or their tracks. Saturday we had the usual suspects over for dinner, Grammy (or Meme as the kids have started to call her) Nonny, Grandpa Fred, Uncle, Sam, Aunt Deb and our neighbors. Reagan and Nolan put on a show running in circles around the living room yelling "Get You" and showing off their alphabet and counting skills. There really isn't a word they won't try to say -calculator, galaxies, metronome, shit--yes that is still a funny one to run around saying. Today I got to go out ALONE this morning. I did my CVS bargain shopping, hit BJ's, and then went to breakfast BY MYSELF. I actually tasted the food I was eating, not shoving it down my throat while trying to keep two 18 month olds satisfied and occupied. I read a book and ate. I thought about how quiet it was and howI missed those little faces and how they share their food so readily with whoever asks. Yes, that is the fatal flaw of a Mommy's heart, as much as you want and need time away, you spend most of it thinking about the little monkeys.

I still have an post to finish about our Abby Normal/Bill's birthday night out from last Saturday, just hang in there!

The Adventures Of Reagan and Nolan Continue

Despite my recent tooth problems (2 visits to the dentist in 2 days, still no relief), Reagan and Nolan needed to get out of the house and burn off some energy.

We met our friends-Lori, Sarah, and Matt- for a playdate at Playground World. A few times a week they have free play, where they open up the showroom to kids of all ages and, for an hour, they are free to run around and play.

I was so proud of Nolan. This little boy shared some trains with him. Nolan replied with a "Thank you." He is very good about saying that. Cookin' The boys in the kitchen. Hopefully Nolan will follow in his Daddy's footsteps. Little Miss Daredevil. She scampered up the steps before I even realized where she was going.

Reagan really like playing in the kitchen/50's diner. Nolan liked the train table,the roller coaster, and the kitchen. Looks like Santa-Grammy has picked a winner of a gift this year with the kitchen set she is getting them.

Reagan attempting to cross the tracks. Nolan wasn't having any of that!

The only bad part was the collective fit thrown by about 20 kids when the lights were turned out signaling the end of playtime.

Then & Now

I've heard from several people that they like the comparison pics so here you go. It's also a quick blog post.... I don't want to get yelled at for not keeping the blog up to date because I'm on facebook all the time :)

November 2007

This was from the photo session I did for last years Christmas card.

In their Alcatraz Swim Team shirts. Little butterballs.

November 2008

At the mall germground playground

Watching a "show." They go to the TV and yell SHOW SHOW. Reagan usually requests "Pabo" (Pablo from the Backyardigans) and Nolan asks for "Eintine" (Baby Einstein.)

Family Picture Day

I thought I'd have to chalk this one up in the "What The Hell Was I Thinking" category. You know, Bill, our moms, impatient children, all trying to get a good shot. Well, it was none of the above that basically ruined the photo shoot. It was the fact that it was 50 minutes past our 10:10am appointment and we still hadn't stepped foot in the portrait studio. If I wanted an 11am appointment, I would have made it for that time! I know my kids. I know what times of the day they are going to cooperate and what times are bordering on lunch and nap times,the times when things might not go so well. That is why I made the appointment for a time when they have eaten breakfast, maybe even a snack, and are in good moods. It is not yet the down swing to lunch and afternoon nap. We have had pictures taken at Portrait Innovations before (different location) and loved them. There was a short wait at that one, but nothing outrageous. I'm not sure how a place could only be open for 1 hour and be an hour behind, other than the fact that the cram so many appointments on the books and "hope" the kids will be on their best and whisk them in and out. As the manager told me "our business model is all about the children and sometimes that means delays." No kidding. If your business is all about the children then you would know that the last place they are going to do what you want them to do is when you are shelling out big bucks for the portrait to adorn your family photo wall, so DON'T SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS EVERY 10 MINUTES!!!! By pushing my kids over the limit, they lost money on us. We had 1 workable shot of Reagan alone. Workable. Not fabulous. Nolan, well he is a different bird. We had a tough time picking his best shot. The family ones are fine, except for Reagan (and my moms freshly dyed hair--hey even she admitted it wasn't the best.) Reagan was just so over the whole thing and only wanted me to hold her. I'm amazed we got what we did. The photographer was really skilled at catching just the right moment. She also caught a candid moment between Reagan and Nolan that was the only shot of them together. We are calling it "The Kiss." Reagan likes to Kiss Nolan on the head. The other night they were both fussy so they came to hang out in bed with us. Reagan didn't realize Nolan was already there and I quietly asked Bill exactly where Nolan was in bed. It was dark and I didn't want to sit on him. When she heard his name, she started saying "Nolee, Nolee, Nolee" and reaching for him, until she found him and planted one on his dome with a loud "MMMMWAAHH." I figured it would calm her down if I told her Nolan needed a kiss. It did......for a minute. So, here the photos. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Enjoy. Laugh. I can now. We bumped into a fellow MoM (mom of multiples) and a high school friend of mine while getting the pictures done. She said her kids went for pictures at 18 months and not again until they were 4. That might be the plan for us! If only we hadn't started the running portrait wall.......

Sticking her tongue out at the picture lady.

The good one. It was just supposed to Grammy and grandkids, but Reagan was having none of that.

bad.

It looks like she is trying to pull a tooth

not bad.

mess

Oy. What a motley crew.

The Austin Powers Kids. This is the one we ended up with. This.

Not our fault!

Come here Grandma, let me see how springy that curl is.

Out of smiles.

Where is Mommy

The one time Reagan looks at the camera, no one else is.

I love this one, even if Reagan is 2 seconds away from meltdown. And away we go.......

The only decent one of Reagan.

Laser eyes.

The kiss.

Sweetie.

Nice Britney Spears shot.

Nope, not going to sit on this floor.

Give me a minute to adjust here.

Ham.

What is up with Nolan's pants? It does not look comfy.

There you have it!