Archive for family
September 2, 2004 at 12:37 am · Filed under family
I think the year is off to a good start. Peter’s new teacher is young and smiley, and apparently used to teach middle-school-aged boys with severe behavioral issues. Moon jumped right back into her routine, as if she’d always been getting up at 6:30 and catching the bus a half hour later.
She noticed that a few of the boys gained extra hotness over the summer.
As for me, my butt has been aching for the past two days… but I was back at the gym tonight doing my new routine. And afterwards, the kids and I had our traditional back-to-school Blizzards from DQ.
August 28, 2004 at 11:30 pm · Filed under family
A few days ago, Pete found out Sister #4 was going to be staying at the in-laws’, and invited her to visit us while she was there. So today she came over, with the parental units in tow.
Usually, Pete’s dad arrives eager to leave, but we managed to keep them around until after 3 p.m. First, we had a job to do. A thunderstorm the other night resulted in one of our trees nearly losing a branch. Pete needed help getting it down, and Dad had the tools. Then we went to lunch… at a brew pub. (The Angelic.) We walked around downtown, did a small bit of shopping, and went up to the observation deck at the capitol. Dad started up a conversation with the guide stationed at the fifth floor landing. So there were a number of things to capture his attention.
In typical August 2004 fashion, the weather was very fall-like. We wore sweatshirts and dodged raindrops. Right after Dad insisted it was time to go home, the rain came down in earnest. So his timing was perfect.
August 24, 2004 at 11:53 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
Moon is registered for 8th grade, and I’m just $170 worse for wear. (A big chunk of it was for bus transportation, actually.) Her new ID features a lovely mugshot photo, and she scored a pretty primo locker location. The way-cool teacher she had for 6th grade is her algebra teacher this year, which rocks big time.
As much as the kids complain about having to start school next week, things are going pretty well for them so far. With Moon in 8th and Peter in 5th, they are both at the top of the pecking order at their respective schools. That’s a good thing, right?
August 20, 2004 at 10:49 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
First thing this morning, Pete and I took the kids downtown to see our miracle man at the salon. Peter had a huge mop of hair that needed taming, and Moon had decided to get about three inches cut off. The stylist layered the ends and gave her a jazzy side part. So cool for school!
Speaking of which, Peter’s school had registration this afternoon. There were forms to fill out and checks to write, but most of all, news of this year’s class assignment. To our surprise, Peter’s teacher isn’t coming back this year. (The kids stay with the same class for 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th grades.) And F is going to be in Turbo’s class. Now Turbo might actually look forward to September.
In other news, I did some kitchen stuff today: blanched green beans and made zucchini appetizer. Pete made an afternoon visit to Dr. Fran and I tagged along. Being in her house made me think of the Oracle.
August 8, 2004 at 5:07 pm · Filed under family
Day 1: We drove to Sister #1’s house, arriving a bit late due to construction detours. Nonetheless, we had a great time playing with the kids and chatting. Peter joined his cousins in their baby pool (fully clothed).
After BIL #1 came home, we dined at a local Italian restaurant which has the best pesto salad dressing in the whole wide world. Nephew #1 kept telling us about buffalos. We drove to a La Quinta, barely avoiding a huge thunderstorm, and enjoyed the obligatory night in a hotel. (This was the kids’ requirement for vacation.)
Day 2: It was too rainy and dreary to go to any attractions (did I mention we brought the dog along?) so I spontaneously called my friend Kim, who lives about 45 minutes away from Sister #2. We dropped in on her at work and spent an entertaining few hours catching up. Then we drove to Sister #2’s house, managing to get lost trying to find it. Our cell phone service was out, and we didn’t have much luck with the local gas stations. Finally we figured it out, and as we rolled in to their driveway I realized I had directions stored on my Palm. D’oh!
Day 3: We spent enough of the day outside that Moon and I were a little sunburned. Peter and Nephew #2 played in the kid-sized pool (in swimsuits, thankfully) while Moon and I sat on the swing and talked about life. All of us took a walk to Target/Starbucks, where we stocked up on supplies and obtained a nice hot latte for me. In the evening, Sister #4 and her family joined us for a cookout, and BIL #2 brought his cousin as well. We enjoyed the cousin’s company so much that we plotted ways to introduce him to Sister #3 — who’s not on the market, exactly, but she’s not married, either.
Day 4: We decided a trip to the mall would be fun, and we all piled into Sister #2’s minivan. And Moon slammed the van door on two of the fingers of my right hand, as I mentioned in an earlier post. At the mall we found a long black overcoat at Hot Topic — perfect for Moon’s transformation into a vampire for Halloween.
After lunch, when it was time for us to go, we said our goodbyes and Niece #2 burst into tears. When we had first arrived, she had asked Pete, “Are you going to stay forever?”
Sometimes I think a family commune would be ideal.
August 6, 2004 at 6:44 pm · Filed under family
We had an awesome trip to see friends and family. This morning, though, Moon slammed the car door on two of the fingers of my right hand. (Accidentally, of course.) They are still pretty tender, and I can’t believe I’m typing. It makes me just a little bit nauseated putting pressure on them. So I’m saving the big update until later.
Niece #2 cried when we left. She really loves her uncle, who was willing to carry her around the mall after her mom said no. Niece #2 and Nephew #2 are going to get a baby brother in November… should I call him Nephew #2b? Or Nephew #2 #2?
More later. (Ow. Ow. Ow.)
August 2, 2004 at 10:45 pm · Filed under family
Yep, we’re taking off for a few fun-filled days in Chicagoland to see the Sisters et al. We’ve done very little preparation, but what else is new? I’m glad to have a few days off work. It’ll be fun.
Yesterday we had people over for dinner (from my church), so we spent the day cooking and cleaning. The bonus is that the house will be pretty clean when we return, which is always nice.
In other news, my new purse arrived today from eBags. I love it, and I’m so glad I get to take it on vacation.
See ya on the other side.
July 23, 2004 at 11:41 pm · Filed under family
Pete developed a migraine during his run this morning. The rest of us tried to be quiet for him, but the kids were on their own once I left for lunch with Carrie. We went to Imperial Garden (a favorite!) and she treated me for my (belated) birthday. It was awesome to have a chance to catch up.
This afternoon I meant to start going through garage sale stuff, but instead I napped and messed around on the computer. Pete started feeling better, so we decided to go see Moon’s bass teacher’s band play at Cheeseburger in Paradise. It was quite the anthropological study. Peter was very excited to be there at first, but soon the noise was too much for him. I think Moon enjoyed the energy and the people-watching as much as I did. We stayed for the first set, which was about an hour and 45 minutes.
There was something strangely carefree about the whole experience. Which tells you I don’t get out much.
July 18, 2004 at 11:05 am · Filed under pete
Pete told me yesterday that he was worried about some on-and-off pain he’d been having in his chest and back. It had even interfered with his sleep. So yesterday was pretty low key. He still got up and ran, but the house was quiet because Moon was at a friend’s house and I took Peter shopping with me. (Looking for kickboxing shoes, unsuccessfully. He must have been pretty bored to agree to go on such a mission. We ended up at Cold Stone Creamery, though, so the trip was worth his while.)
Anyway, this morning Pete was wincing in pain. He had been up several times during the night. I heard him on the phone to his doctor’s office. After a long conversation with the nurse on call, he asked me to take him to the emergency room. Have I mentioned lately that it’s nice having kids who are old enough to stay home alone? It’s awesome.
He checked in, and they gave him a gown and one of those snap-on bracelets. I stayed in the waiting room while they ran a CAT scan and other fun stuff. Two hours and many shifts of position in the uncomfortable chairs later, I asked if I could see him. Shortly after I went in, they let us leave.
His scan looked clear, so it’s unlikely that he has kidney stones (which was the #1 scenario). Just in case, they gave him a little strainer to use when he pees, and a plastic jar for collecting rocks. Yay! They think he might have a musculoskeletal injury that was aggravated by his running. Considering that we moved our treadmill upstairs a week ago, that very well could be the problem.
He’s going to be walking for a few days. I suggested we go use the whirlpool at the gym. And I need some coffee.
July 8, 2004 at 10:34 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
Moon started her day with two hours of summer school. But at the end of class, I didn’t pick her up as I usually would. Instead, Aimee (a newly minted driver) and Nicole surprised Moon, whisking her away in their mom’s truck for an afternoon of frolic and leisure. The three of them went to Best Buy, where Nicole treated Moon to a new CD (Incubus), and then to Noodles & Co. for lunch. Afterwards, they went back to Aimee and Nicole’s house to watch The Butterfly Effect (not something I’d have chosen, BTW). As if one movie wasn’t enough, Nicole took Moon to a matinee showing of Van Helsing.
In the evening, we had the traditional birthday dinner-at-a-restaurant. Moon chose China One Buffet, which made Peter happy. We went home for dessert and gifts…
- Tenacious D CD (from Peter)
- System of a Down CD
- two magazines—Buffy and Angel
- sheet music for tunes from Pirates of the Caribbean
- an 8×10 photo of Seth Green (which will arrive in the mail soon)
We then watched Austin Powers on DVD, for more Seth Green goodness.
July 8, 2004 at 12:09 am · Filed under moon (rachel)
It’s just after midnight, and Moon’s birthday is today. She reads this blog, so I can’t tell you what we bought for her or what’s going to happen. You’ll just have to wait. Things are pretty low-key this year. No big party or anything. But I’m already reminiscing about what I was doing 13 years ago … specifically, timing my contractions. Pete was asleep. I watched the digits on our clock radio, too nervous to close my eyes. (I might miss something, you know.)
At about 4 a.m., I woke Pete, took a shower and grabbed my stuff. We had about a half hour drive to the hospital, and I used the moon as a focus point during my contractions in the car. (Hmm, I just remembered that detail. Interesting.) By 5:30 we were checked in.
The rest of the day was a blur. I was exhausted from staying awake all night (shades of things to come!), and the whole labor thing was rather rough. Long story short, I had an epidural, pushed for four hours, and asked for a second opinion after my doctor recommended a c-section. The second doctor – who was, and I’m not making this up, the first doctor’s dad – agreed on the cesarian, but somehow I talked them into letting me try a forceps delivery. Suddenly, as if someone had yelled, “Hey! Difficult delivery in room 440!” about a dozen more people wearing scrubs gathered at my feet.
“Welcome to my birthing experience!” I announced. At least I hadn’t lost my sense of irony.
We went to work. Right as I had reached the end of my rope, as I was ready to say, “take me to the operating room,” Moon appeared. A beautiful, 8-pound 13-ounce red-haired cherub. In that moment, my entire life changed. I changed, too.
And now I’m going to be the mother of a teenager. Another new adventure with my MoonChild.
July 5, 2004 at 11:40 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
Yep, MoonChild and I were de-fuzzed today. I originally thought I’d get my entire legs done… calves, shins, thighs. Heck, maybe even that elusive bikini line. But after the first ripppp! I quickly changed my mind. Our stylist did a fabulous job, mind you. It’s just that waxing frickin’ hurts. I did manage to have one knee done, but I winced so much that he wouldn’t do the other one.
I started out on my back, propped up so I could watch what was going on. He worked quickly, and soon I was ready to flip over onto my stomach. My friends, waxing the back of the legs hurts more than the front. There’s a certain loss of control, because you can’t see what’s happening. On the other hand, it’s easier to bury your face in the pillow and pretend you don’t need to scream. Moon let me hold her hand. Toward the end, I started worrying. Moon’s turn was coming. Was she going to be able to take the pain? I wondered if she’d start crying.
The stylist and I could both tell she was nervous, so we reminded her that she could always stop if it was too much to bear. And you know what? She did wonderfully. Not that it was a piece of cake, but she said that she’d be willing to do it again. Me? I don’t mind shaving so much. Contrary to popular belief, waxing does not remove every last hair, and my obsessive-compulsive nature isn’t satisfied with that. I need absolutely smooth legs, so I’ll be shaving those missed follicles. (In fact, I shaved my knees and thighs as soon as possible after getting home. No more gorilla girl. What a relief!)
The verdict: Waxing hurts less than getting a tattoo. It also doesn’t last as long.
July 3, 2004 at 10:57 pm · Filed under family
We had a joint birthday party today for me, Moon and Sister #4. I’m now the proud owner of Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions, a Starbucks card and several cool new Italian charms. I also received some money for whatever strikes my fancy, so I just bought an inexpensive Blythe doll on eBay. It’s coming from Hong Kong. The total, including shipping, was only $27 – which seems very, very low and makes me wonder what I’ll really get. I figure it’s worth the risk.
I am all psyched up to watch the Matrix trilogy, but the kids wanted to see Josie and the Pussycats tonight. (A rental, of course.)
June 29, 2004 at 10:36 pm · Filed under family
Our new dining chairs were delivered last night, so I no longer have to sit on a fitness ball when I’m eating dinner. Although it was 10 p.m. by the time we had them unpacked, we all decided to sit around the table and try out our new seating.
Moon is thinking about starting up her own site, so we were brainstorming domain names. “How about FeistyRedhead-dot-com?” Pete suggested. The two of us came up with bunch of other suggestions, most based on babyhood nicknames. We settled on “FussyLumpkins-dot-com” as our parental favorite. (I checked – it’s available!) Moon was not amused.
We also discovered that the letters in Peter’s name can be rearranged to spell “create gorilla soup.”
June 26, 2004 at 3:38 pm · Filed under family
I was kinda miffed that I left the camera at home yesterday, so I made up for it by taking some pix today.
Not much going on here. I slept until almost 9, and Moon stayed in bed even longer. I worked out and had lunch, but that’s about it. Another gorgeous day outside. Did I move to southern California without noticing it? I can’t remember the last time we had so many perfect days in a row.
Which reminds me of something that took me by surprise: commercials (on TLC) for California cheese. Everyone knows that dairy products only come from Wisconsin.
June 26, 2004 at 11:57 am · Filed under family
After a somewhat quiet day, the four of us went downtown for a belated Father’s Day dinner at Peacemeal. Peter had a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich, and the rest of us all ordered BBQ seitan. Mmmm. Of course we had the vegan chocolate cake for dessert. The kids had kind of complained on the way to the restaurant, but by the end of the meal they were very satisfied.
We strolled down State Street and stopped in Little Luxuries and Puzzlebox (which is closing! bummer). Peter fell in love with the stuffed animals, and we ended up buying a very cute bat puppet. Turbo carried it around, and several people commented about its uniqueness.
Across the street, we spotted a crowd gathered around a young man who was creating art with spray paint. No, not graffiti – detailed pictures of skyscapes and planets, on paper. It was fascinating to watch him. He used crumpled paper and awls as his brushes. Moon was thrilled, because she had seen a similar artist on a previous trip downtown with her friends. We talked to several of the people in the crowd. (“Cute bat!”) A biker stopped to watch, and we noticed he had a dachshund in his bike basket. Turbo went over to pet it, and the rest of us followed. The dog’s name was Dieter Klaus, and he was an extremely gentle and laid-back hound. He actually belonged to the biker’s roommate.
It was such a pleasant evening… watching the people, petting strange dogs, seeing street performers, enjoying the unseasonably mild weather. The kids agreed it was much better than any video game or DVD. And that made their dad smile.
June 21, 2004 at 7:40 pm · Filed under pete
In honor of Pete, our family declared a “Media Free” Father’s Day. No TV, video games, DVDs or computer. Nothing to distract from quiet, old fashioned family fun. (Notice I didn’t post anything yesterday. Didn’t read my e-mail, either.)
It wasn’t that difficult, since we spent a good portion of the day visiting our respective dads. First we drove to the in-laws’. We ordered pizza, although dad-in-law is on Atkins and doesn’t touch the stuff. He had a bratwurst in a low-carb tortilla instead.
It was a gorgeous day, so the kids and Pete threw the football around, and I ran with Foxxi. Dad-in-law, who did not declare a Media Free Day, watched golf on TV.
Later we went to my parents’ house. My brother Bob and his wife were there – it was the first time we’ve seen each other since Christmas. (My nose ring was a surprise for them, I think.) We all sat on the deck, ate casserole and chatted.
During the drive home, Peter and Moon wistfully talked about movies they want us to rent. Later Peter muttered, “I hate Media Free Day.” I ignored the comment and started reading Little Children. (Which I couldn’t put down, and ended up finishing at 1:30 a.m.)
June 17, 2004 at 8:42 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
Moon will be 13 on July 8, and she forwarded me the birthday list she had e-mailed to the relatives. (The bold face is hers.)
~ System of a Down CD “Toxicity” (parental advisory)
~ System of a Down CD “Steal this Album” (parental advisory)
~ Tenacious D CD “Tenacious D” (parental advisory)
~ Angel Season 1 DVD (expensive)
~ Charmed Season 1 DVD (expensive)
~ Anything Harry Potter POA Related (NOT the video game) posters, soundtrack, t-shirts(XXL), pins, etc. Please no action figures.
~ If you don’t want to get any of those things Money is fine.
*******Expensive means between $45-$55
*******POA means Prisoner of Azkaban
*******It is fine that the CDs have parental advisories. I just thought that you should be aware of that so you aren’t hesitant to buy them.
I’m just glad to see that she doesn’t put an extraneous apostrophe in “CDs.” That’s my girl!
June 14, 2004 at 7:33 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
I’ve declared a moratorium on shaving my legs, in preparation for a waxing extravaganza. MoonChild wants to give it a try, and it sounded like the perfect mother-child bonding experience.
Okay, maybe not. But we’re going to do it anyway. Moon hates shaving, but I think she’d like to wear shorts (or at least capris) this summer.
As for me, not shaving for several weeks will be tortuous. Let the stubble begin!
May 20, 2004 at 8:50 pm · Filed under peter
peter is now looking quite handsome, newly shorn. he had only clipped off one piece in front, so it wasn’t nearly as bad as it had sounded. believe me, i’ve been tempted to whack off sections of my hair some days, too.
“no one noticed until the teacher said, ‘what did you just do to your hair?'” he told me.
three more weeks. he just has to get through three more weeks.
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