Already Fighting Over Girls

Today was MS's first day back to school (ES is grateful not to return until tomorrow). As we were leaving the building, Andrea and her mother were walking in front of us. MS said good-bye and waved to her repeatedly. When YS tried to also say good-bye to Andrea, MS snapped at him and said, "She's not your friend, she's my friend."

I: "She can be YS's friend, too."

MS: No she can't. He might try to steal her from me.

I: He's not going to be able to steal her. After all, she'd be more likely to pick a boy who is closer to her age. She'd like a boy who is five more than a boy who is three. But he can still be her friend.

MS to YS: I hate to rain on your parade, but she's my girlfriend.

I (chuckling to myself - that boy picks up every phrase he hears!)

YS: No, she's MY girlfriend.

MS: No, she's mine. She wants her boyfriend to be like her in age and she's four so she would want me as her boyfriend.

I: She's only four? I thought she was five, like you.

MS: No, she's four.

I (mentally): Oh brother, just imagine when they are 13 and 15 and fighting over a 14 year old girl! Yikes. Somehow, I'm not so sure MS will have the advantage. Although his personality is charismatic, I wonder if YS will be more attractive to girls.

At least he has his art to fall back on. Once we returned home, MS headed to his art table to create a valentine for Andrea. Knowing she likes the Jonas Brothers (yes, she has an older sister), MS drew all three Jonas brothers (HA!) and then asked me to dictate the spelling for: "Please be my girlfriend."

I feel like I waited the first half of my life for a boyfriend. Yet, here are my sons, at ages 3 and 5, fighting over one girl to be their first girlfriend. Good grief!

Book Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

I have wanted to read this book ever since I first heard of it. I heard several things about it. First, that it is a very interesting concept the author hit upon. Second, the movie is not nearly as good as the book (is it ever?).

When I attempted to request it from the library, I discovered that the book form would take forever, but the audio version required only a short wait. Thankfully, another patron didn't request it while I was listening to the 16 CDs. Thus, I was able to renew it several times.

I must admit, for weeks now (ever since I finally finished listening to the book) I have had in the back of my mind that I would merely refer my readers to a review written by one of my favorite bloggers who already cranked out an excellent review of the book. Alas, I have searched through several of my favorite bloggers and cannot for the life of me figure out who had reviewed the book. Now, I must recap it myself, urgh!

I really enjoyed the book, but found that I couldn't listen to it when my children were in the vehicle with me. I never knew when it would venture into forbidden territory, thus, it took extra long to complete the listening. Still, on those late night runs for groceries or Christmas shopping, it was always an interesting way to pass the time of driving. Plus, it seemed appropriate listening, given the fact that the novel I was writing during the month of November centered on the interactions between a girl from the past and a girl from the present.

Here is the gist of the novel: Henry, a librarian at the Newberry Library in Chicago, suffers from chrono-displacement disorder. In unexpected moments, he merely vanishes, leaving behind his pile of clothes, and appears (sans clothes) at important moments in either his past or future. When he is 28 (and Clare is 20) he meets his future wife, Clare, who claims to have known him since she was six (when he appeared unexpectedly in a field near her home). The story develops in a jagged way, crossing time frames and changing voices between Henry and Clare, yet the tale is riveting.

It was indeed an interesting concept and made for an enjoyable read/listen. Sadly, you could tell that the author is an agnostic. Thus, the lives of her characters fail to achieve any form of satisfying redemption. There is no purpose driving this chrono-displaced person's life. His illness is not cured. His wife lives life the best she can, while left behind.

Still, I wouldn't say that this negated the value of the book. I would recommend it as an interesting read. Now, I am kind of interested to see how they chopped it up to create a movie version (given the fact that it was over 500 pages long ... in book form). If I get around to that in 2010, I will be sure to provide my assessment of the movie. I'm still guessing the movie will not be as good as the book. The only instance I can think of where the movie was better would be for the movie "The Man Without a Face," which stars Mel Gibson and is loosely based on a book by Isabel Holland. That film rose to heights the book didn't touch and carried a more fulfilling theme.

Tiptoeing into 2010

I feel so behind. I have three book reviews I have been meaning to write (especially since they belong in the books read in 2009 category - perhaps I shall have to post-date them, but that feels like cheating). Plus, there are plenty of tales to regale from our holiday adventures. Sadly, what I have lacked is the time and energy to get these things down.

At the moment, (11:52) I am typing this while the little boys watch TV, struggling to stay awake to see in the new year. This is the first time we have allowed them to attempt this. It doesn't look good for 2010. We have experienced lots of tears, noise and general mayhem as we attempt to stretch their daylight hours to the midnight chime. Not to mention the fact that I am very loathe to give up my own quiet time in front of the computer in the late evenings. Perhaps, next December, I will try the suggestion of rigging the clocks to look like they are at midnight.

Anyway, I feel bad for neglecting my blog. Thankfully, I can say that the days were full and fun. Wishing all my blog readers a happy new year and God's best blessings in 2010! Praying for more energy, a stricter schedule, and firmer focus in the coming year.

The Weekend Was a Bright Beautiful Blur

It seems, these days, that each and every one of my 24 hours is spoken for. My mind is preoccupied with a few gifts that still need purchasing, cookies I hope to bake, Christmas cards or letters I would like to send out (but every photo session is determined to undermine), household management while my (neater than I) husband has a few days off of work, and constant prayers for a peaceful family gathering at my house shortly after Christmas. Thus, I find myself a week late in updating on our whirlwind trip back to DeKalb.

Last weekend, a good friend from my former writer's group, Kyle White, hosted a book signing at the Borders in DeKalb. I decided to bring the two little boys with me, so that I could provide them with memories of the many traditions I used to share with ES at Christmas time, back when we lived in DeKalb.

We had a fabulous time. Such a good time, in fact, that MS claimed on Saturday evening that it had been the "best day of his life." This was especially endearing since the majority of our activities were geared towards appealing to my train-loving YS.

We started with a free carriage ride through downtown DeKalb. This was something we had always tried to fit in when we lived in DeKalb. The last year we were there (Christmas 2005), it was bitterly cold and ES and MS and I huddled together on our supposed "final DeKalb carriage ride." This year, the temperatures were more agreeable.

Next, we waited to enter Santa's little cottage. The boys were overly excited and running up and down the ramp and trying to grab handfuls of snow less than cooperative about standing still in line, as I tried to contact a few friends to arrange visits. I'm glad that we had already visited Santa in Indiana, because a mother and grandmother in line behind us began to pressure me to give up my spot in line because they were scheduled to attend the 2 p.m. showing of the Nutcracker and had decided to quickly squeeze this little visit to Santa in.

If I had been living in DeKalb, I would have happily granted their request, but I was feeling a bit put out since I only had a few mere hours to enjoy the town I still remember fondly as home. Thus, I told them we were under time constraints as well and merely rushed the boys through their visit with Santa. Thankfully, I'm sure the people behind us still made it to the Nutcracker on time.

After Santa, we enjoyed visits, first, with my friend Laura M., and then, with Andy & Renee and their kids. The little boys had a blast. They fed goats at Laura's house and played with her dogs and toys. They also thoroughly enjoying playing with the toys and kids at Andy & Renee's, but did mourn the fact that they couldn't play in their back yard, as we had the last time we visited.

We then headed off to Waterman, Illinois, where for years ES and I attended the annual Halloween and Christmas train rides. A small train runs around the local park, which is decked out in Christmas lights. They have a building where you can warm by the fire, drink hot chocolate, munch popcorn and visit Santa. All of this is offered free of charge (donations accepted inside) and they have always been so friendly and nice (offering blankets for the train ride). I think both boys want to return next October to experience the Halloween train (which also boasts a haunted house).




A tunnel provided shelter from the winds, as well as some indoor train sights:






YS wanted to stand in line again and ride a second time, but we returned to DeKalb, as freezing rain began to come down. We enjoyed our dinner at The Junction Restaurant where the boys were able to watch a small train running along a track above us. They are not practiced or skilled at sit-down restaurant deportment, so I filled their head with the theory that the train stopped when their behavior deteriorated and started up again when they were sitting or eating nicely.


By the time we arrived at Borders, both boys were like whirling dervishes and completely out of control. I tried to talk with Kyle, but the boys were busily wrestling each other on the floor. I then attempted to calm them by shifting them into high backed bar stools near Kyle's daughter, M., who is my ES's age. I was explaining that she knew their older brother.

Soon a boy with long blondish hair came over to stand near M. MS piped up, "Hey Mommy, he looks just like B-----! (ES)" Then, he cracked us all up when he continued, saying, "He smells just like him, too!" Ah, teenage boy odor! Apparently, you can place it anywhere.

What better way to end a night, than an exciting motel experience. Every time I entered the bathroom, they commenced with jumping from bed to bed. When I finally emerged, weary and ready for sleep, they fought over whose bed I would share (ah, if I had been smart, I'd have stuck them in bed together and had a bed to myself, but I was somewhat worried YS might fall off the bed ... instead he kicked me most of the night). "The best day of their lives," indeed.

The next morning we were able to attend our old church. This was such a balm to my soul. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their classes. During the service, we ended up sitting behind a family we used to know from cub scouts and AYSO (soccer). MS managed to sit quietly until he was released for children's church. I was able to greet people without the frazzled look of a woman reigning in wild horses. Moreover, the service was such a blessing. The only part I could have done without?? That would be the time when I was in the foyer saying my farewells and realized that I had lost MS. I found him outside the front door, standing in the front driveway, throwing snowballs at cars. Yikes. Good thing we only get back every once in a while, huh?

Before we left DeKalb, we stopped to visit one more friend, Sandy. She had two dogs as well. I think my MS remembered this because he ran ahead of us to her door. When we left, she said it felt like a tornado had just blown through her house! I replied, "Welcome to my world!"

During our visit at church, I had managed to talk with Kori (who heads up the plans for the annual women's retreat). She encouraged me to come again this February, since it would be the last year that they will hold the retreat at the church (they plan to return to the outings held in retreat settings after this). As much as I enjoyed this opportunity to make memories with my boys, I'm really hoping I can attend their women's retreat in February. Perhaps it will be a beautiful weekend, without so much of the blur. Perhaps, I will return feeling rested, nourished and with memories of therapeutic laughter (like last year).

Snippets from the program

A few weeks ago, MS gave us a sneak peek at his program when he began reciting a little ditty about five little cookies on a plate. My brief video of him individually will probably provide the clearest performance (despite the dog continually lumbering into the way), but I will include the group performance as well, so you can see their cute get-up.



During the performance, MS got to stand next to Andrea, his "girlfriend." It is so cute. He draws her pictures of the two of them holding hands. He gets upset if someone else plays with her on the playground.

Cell Phone Faux Pas

I will admit that I don't use my cell phone very often. Primarily, it is there in case of emergency. I can't think of a single person who calls me regularly on my cell phone. In fact, most of the time, I barely turn it on. I take it with me when I drive out and about with the boys.

I don't really like to have it ring out loud either, so I have taken to putting the phone on vibrate. Of course, when it is on vibrate, you have to carry it in a way that assures you will feel the phone pulsing when someone is calling. I used to try to carry it in my coat pocket, but didn't really feel it going off. Since I have recently gained weight, I don't enjoy carrying it in my pants pockets either.

I thought I had stumbled upon the perfect solution for this dilemma. I began shoving it down into my bra (again, it is rare for me to receive a phone call so I can only remember one time that I had to dig it out while in public).

On Friday, I attended MS's pre-school Christmas program. I had spent most of the day shopping and had really forgotten that the phone was tucked away in my clever safe spot. I chatted away to other mothers during the refreshments time after the performance. We tossed our trash, picked up YS and headed home.

At home, I stood in the bathroom preparing to assist YS as he washed his hands. Suddenly, I noticed something strange. From beneath my black turtleneck sweater, I could see a round blinking red light in the middle of my chest. It dawned on me that my cell phone had been blinking (it blinks every few seconds continuously when it is on) the entire time I talked to others after the program. Oh my! I'm wondering what they were thinking. Perhaps, they wondered if I had a pacemaker!

Note to self: When wearing cell phone in your bra, you must be careful to insert it so that the blinking light is facing the flesh of your chest and not flashing through your clothing like a ... blinkin' beacon!

Christmas Activities Abound

I was sure that once December rolled around, I would resume blogging at my normal pace (whatever that is). Alas, it seems I am just as busy now as when I was up late every night working on a novel. But, it is a good kind of busy, and at least I know that the hubbub will die down in a few weeks.

Yesterday, I took the little boys to see Santa. They were very excited. They had a chance to mail him a letter in the special North Pole mail box at the library. In a few weeks, they will receive a handwritten reply (last year, the return letters were so much fun). Then, they each had a chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their requests.

YS repeated the same thing over and over - "a wooden Gordon train" (from the Thomas the Tank engine set). I hope Santa has really good connections because I've tried, in vain, to find the wooden one. However, he shouldn't be too disappointed since he already earned a Take-Along Gordon for his potty training strides (still in pull-ups at night, but does wake and go to the bathroom occasionally).

MS asked for a Batman Bat Cave (not happening, either), a wooden snake (he already has one), a remote control snake (like he wouldn't have that broken in two seconds?), and a REAL VIPERFISH. MS is thoroughly "into" viperfish. So much so, that at a recent Bible study meeting, he slipped away from the sitter and drew a fabulous viperfish, with pen, on the floor of the church gym. Yikes!

Santa first asked what a viperfish was (I can just hear MS's brain clicking with questions like why Santa wouldn't know about viperfish if he can do such magical things as delivering presents to all the good boys and girls of the world, making his reindeer fly, and seeing when you are awake or asleep!) and we explained. Then, poor Santa, tried to tell MS that he couldn't really bring a live viperfish to Indiana because it would die without water. MS suggested he also bring a really large aquarium. How large an aquarium do you think a viperfish would need, I wonder?

At this point, even though I can see questions flitting through MS's mind, he still attempts to justify it all. He observed that it can't be the real Santa, because he is up at the North Pole getting ready for the big day. Then, he wondered aloud how they get the mail up to the North Pole since that is very far away. Finally, at night-time he has been telling me that "Santa is magical."

As for me, seeing my boys with Santa, is magical:




I will have to provide further updates after the weekend because, as I said, Christmas activities abound. Exhausting, but great fun!