Adventures in Living!

Been a long time...

Okay, I have been a slacker. I have failed to post now for ....many....days. It's not like there's nothing going on around here; hell, *something's* always going on around here! I guess I could just blame my recent attack of Life. Good excuse as any, I guess.

Let's see....the kids are all back in school. First day was successful for Kira at middle school, and the little guys are loving being back in preschool. Honestly, Mom loves them being back in school a little bit, too. I like having structure and some semblance of order to my day, and the little bit of free time and peace and quiet doesn't hurt, either. ;)

Travis and I continue our quest to obtain motorcycle licenses and scooters. I cannot wait. We got a little piece of junk Chinese import scooter the other day, and Travis ahs been working on it and we have both been riding it around the neighborhood. It's really fun, and it totally solidifies my desire to have a bigger 'real' scooter SOON. It's only 50cc, so top speed is 40mph if we're lucky, but it's prefect for practicing riding around and stopping and turning and such. I feel so much more confident now, especially with turning, since I have been riding it.

This is not our 50cc scooter. This is Kira's Razor scooter, which is battery-powered and attains a top speed of 10mph. Noah loved riding up and down the driveway on it with me. Poor Wren is dying for her own scooter.

We went to the Children's Museum with my brother and his two kids and my mom. It was great fun, especially since we just about had the place to ourselves!

Noah has the worst case of strep I have ever seen in one of my kids, so he is down for the count, but rallying back with some antibiotics. We were so sure it was the H1N1 flu -- super-high fever, lethargy, vomiting -- but thankfully, he "only" has strep. Yay for bacterial infections.

Today my mission includes ridding the house of all the outgrown kid clothes, putting things in the attic and taking things out of the attic, and planning an assault on the bedroom of my pre-teen, who seems to be incapable of throwing anything out. This weekend looks to be full, with a trip to the farmer's market, the Richmond Folk Festival, and other enjoying-the-fall weekend fun.

Pumpkins must be obtained, and costumes decided upon, as Halloween is coming! I need to develop the pre-trick or treating weird and wonderful dinner menu. Last year's supper included such delicacies as Worms On A Bun and Dirt Dessert, so I want to find something equally startling to eat this year. I love Halloween!

I also have a rant going on in my head about the people who continue to refuse vaccination for their children and place all of us at risk for resurgence of crap like smallpox, polio, diphtheria and widespread measles because of their uninformed opinion that vaccines cause autism.

Additionally, I have something to say about awarding the Nobel Peace prize to someone based on the things they *might* do, rather than the things that HAVE been done to further world peace, but hey, then I'd be branded a hater, and I don't have time for refuting that kind of nonsense today.

And the proposed names for the Richmond minor league baseball team? Seriously, the Richmond Rockhoppers? Flatheads? Flying Squirrels? HAMBONES!? What. The. Hell? If I cared more about baseball, I'd probably be more upset, but since I don't have a dog in this fight, all I can do is shake my head incredulously at the dorks who are potentially making my beloved city a laughingstock.

The tourism people should be having a cow about now.

Ah, well. Lots to do. Guess I'd better get to it.

More Scooter Love

Ok, so the picture is teeny-tiny. BUT!

I rode a scooter ALL BY MYSELF for the first time yesterday!!

Thank you Jennifer for letting a total motorcycle novice take your Buddy out on the road. It was a total and complete BLAST and I cannot wait, cannot, cannot, canNOT wait to get my own scooter!

And Mom and Dad, I didn't die. :)

Summer season

The scenes of summer, here at our house.

riding on the Washington metro, June 09

  nasturtium flower

the herb garden, early July

Hershey Park, Hershey, PA with the Girl Scouts

playing in the pool

  gathering from the garden

tomatoes by the wagon-load this year

Wren goes adventure riding, August

Ah, summer. It's been a great one, and although I am seriously done with the heat, we have managed to ahve fun, grow vegetables, and travel a small amount. Fall is coming, and I am waiting.

Philosophy

"Life's too short to be taking risks on things that may be considered fun."

Illustrious wisdom from a family member of mine whom I love dearly, but who obviously has a much different perception of what living is all about.

I know what was meant in the above statement: that risk-taking is a dangerous thing, and life is too precious to just cavalierly participate in an activity that could end your life. I have much to live for, and people who depend on me and love me, and I cannot be selfish and do what I want without regard for them.

And that's true, for the most part.

I guess the part where I have a differing view comes in with the concept of risk-taking and potential selfishness. I see all of life as a risk-taking adventure. Especially in modern times, where we (literally) go faster, have developed more technology for adventure sports, and have conquered (we think) so much more of the natural world. The world itself is larger, more accessible, and the sense of community most of us has encompasses the 'global village', rather than just the folks down the road or in the church pews.

The old chestnut, used when talking about risk assessment, "I could get run over by a bus tomorrow!" still stands, although I am not sure how likely I am to get run over by a bus in an area that doesn't really have sidewalks to step off of, much less a proliferation of city busses.  Now, I am no adventure-sporting adrenaline junkie. I like my adventure relatively tame, on the whole. Riding horses, flying in small airplanes, moving to a new area without excessive amounts of research....you get the picture. Not exactly setting the world on fire, except in my own little corner of it.

Oh, I dream of learning to kayak the James River one of these days (but not the class V rapids), and of learning to rock climb (but not free-soloing), and one of these days, I am sure that I will. I also have an intense desire to travel, to get out and see the world for myself. I'll get to all that. I know I will.

It's been a long time since I fed my personal sense of adventure, and I don't mean by having another child. Lord knows, life can be enough of an adventure with my bunch! No, this time it won't be horses or airplanes or moving house, or joining the Peace Corps.

I'm going to get a motorcycle license.

It's something I never saw myself doing, not really ever, particularly since I am not much of a biker chick. But it will allow me to safely and legally operate a 125cc motor scooter on the non-interstate roads of the commonwealth. This one, in particular. 

Right now, I am going to take the Basic Rider Course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, buy my helmet and gloves, shop for a motorcycle jacket that IS NOT PINK (or baby blue or white, for that matter), and save money like a crazy person.

Hopefully, I'll be scooting around town by next spring.

I can't wait!

The Best Mother's Day ever!!

Seriously, today was probably the best Mother's Day I have ever had in nearly eleven years of parenting. What a great day and a superb weekend!

Saturday, we did our weekly farmer's market run, picked up our CSA allotment of veggies, got some sinful cinnamon rolls and whoopie pies, and then checked out a new market in the area that I hopefully will be selling my glass at. We made a stop at the pediatrician's office to find out if Noah had an ear infection (he doesn't), and then back home for lunch and naptime. During the kids' nap, I knocked out about 19 of the daisy beads I have to make for a custom order, and roasted in the heat and humidity. Wren got to go over and play at the Elkins' house for a while, and when Noah woke up, we joined her there for dinner.

After dinner, playing, and bundling the kids off to bed, Travis and I watched Prince Caspian. I was surprised how good of a movie that was. Now I have to read the Chronicles of Narnia again. It's probably been a good twenty years or more since I read it.

Sunday, all I wanted for Mother's Day was breakfast at my favorite buffet, Joe's Inn in Bon Air. It's so popular that even when it's not a holiday, it's best to get there a few minutes before they open. It was yummy and worth the wait. I always get a plate of fruit and Belgian waffles covered in real butter and whipped cream. MMmmmmmm!  The weather was so fantastic that just going home after breakfast would have been a waste of a day. We went to Maymont Park to let the kids run themselves silly.

Maymont is a Gilded Age mansion and 100 -acre grounds in Richmond. It's beautiful, and HUGE. There's a Children's Barn with lots of animals, some wildlife that is being rehabilitated, and bears! We always have a good time there.

We started at the Children's Barn.

Wren got acquainted with a goat.

Noah learned about goats, too.

Then we found a large expanse of grass and we RAN!

"Look! There's Daddy!"

On our way back to the car, I checked out Maymont's vegetable garden, and got ideas I plan to steal for next year's garden.

Home in the afternoon for naps, then, and I decided to take myself out for a walk. The James River is high these days, what with all the rain we've been getting, and I really wanted to walk down by the rapids at Pony Pasture.  It was beautiful, sunny, breezy and not at all humid. The trails there are wide and flat, and there are a bunch of spur trails that make for fun exploring. I am definitely bringing my mountain bike back there this week to ride.

I didn't take my camera, so no pictures, but take my word for it, it was amazing.  The river was actually closed to general activities because it was high, so no swimming. I walked the 2.5 mile trail, and then found a seat on a huge rock with a good view of the upper rapids and just relaxed in the breeze.

We ended the day with huge cheeseburgers and milkshakes from Cheeburger Cheeburger, and a road trip on the scenic route to pick up Kira. The kids watched movies and Travis and I looked at all the gorgeous farms along the way.

Now the kids are all in bed, and I am headed there myself, soon. I'm happy to have had such a great day. I love my family so much!

Catching up, and the Inaugural fountain run (image-heavy!)

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Had an attack of Life, coupled with some food poisoning and it kind of derailed everything for a bit.

BUT.....now I'm back.....and I have pictures....

So, when we last left our Intrepid Heroine (that's me), I was eating a salad the size of my head. I managed to finish that, and a few others in the last week or so. Fresh organic produce is yum! Let's see....

We went to see Kira's artwork in the annual All-County Art Show.
This year, she had two pieces entered, a sculpture and a mask.
Both were just incredible! (not that I am biased or anything)

Wren gave an impromptu performance of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on the available chorus risers.

We also visited friends for a barbecue. It was HOT.

The kids played in the sprinkler. Noah got a bit of sun.

I harvested the first vegetable from our garden, which was a cute little pink radish. We promptly ate it in a salad that evening.

And that bring us to today....a warm day with plenty of humidity after a week of rain. It was time to reintroduce the kids to the joy that is the Stony Point Fountain!

Wren was all about it.

Noah....not so much. At least, not initially.

But then he warmed up to the idea.....

....and ventured out into the middle, while the spray was off.

Wren was right in it, and having fun!

And apparently performing some kind of interpretive dance.

After a while, Noah got braver and by the time we left, he wanted to stay and play.

It's right in the sun, so sunscreen is a definite MUST, but it's a free and fun activity for the kids on a  hot day. I have to say that this, and the Children's Museum's outdoor sprinklers, are my favorite free things to do with the kids in the summer. There's even a Starbuck's right near the fountain, so Mommy can have her SB fix. Look out, Stony Point, we'll be back! A LOT!

After the fountains, we picked up some Burger King yummies (Wren says into the drive-thru intercom, "I'd like chicken nuggets and fries, please, and do you have any doughnuts?") and headed over to Kira's school to have lunch with her as a Friday surprise. It was fun, even if we had to go alittle early to prevent toddler meltdown on the cafeteria floor.

The afternoon is stretching out before me now with a productive feel....Noah is in bed, and Wren will go lay down, too, after the Wonder Pets is off. I plan to relax with some iced tea, and organize my business documents for A Hot Piece of Glass. Market season is upon us, and I need to sell some glass so I can buy my new torch this year!

Spring Break, Part 3 -- Freezing in the Garden

Ok, so this is Virginia, land of unpredictable spring weather. True to that form, it was fuh-reeeezing the other day. Of course, that was the day my oldest had gone to spend the day with her best friend, and I had planned to take the little kids to Maymont Park to look at the animals and run like a bunch of crazy people. Maymont is beautiful, extremely hilly, and possessing of wiiide-open spaces for full-tilt preschooler running. I had high hopes for wearing the both of them completely out.

Well, first mistake was that it was sunny and fairly warm on my side of town. The kids were wearing light shirts and light jackets. On the Maymont side, it was cloudy, 45 degrees and WINDY. We we totally underdressed. BUT, we pressed on, thinking that the Barn would be sheltered and tolerable.

Riiight.

The Maymont Foundation had a whole bunch of spring break activities going on (that weren't free, a consideration for this outing), so their outdoor and barn animals were all occupied, doing other things besides being really available like they usually are. Well, some were available, so we checked out the goats and the donkey.

Then we decided it was too cold (Mommy decided that), and so we went to play on the bronze statue of kids before we left.
It looks like the dog is licking Wren's pants! I love it!

We went home right away and made some yummy hot chocolate and some peanut butter sandwiches. Not a total waste of a day, but definitely NOT the outing I had planned. I did get to check out how Maymont works their vegetable garden, so that was good.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, it is not a good idea to let your 16 month old son anywhere near the toaster, even if it is unplugged and cool. Here is what befell my oven knobs...
Noah pulled a chair to the counter, climbed up, and 'toasted' the knobs. I didn't know they were in the toaster slot when I made Kira's bagel...and wondered what the heck that nasty smell was...

Sigh. Adventures in Parenting. Everyday, an adventure. It's like a motto for raising children.

Stay tuned for more spring break fun! Egg dying, fabric dying, and all kinds of other stuff!

Spring Break, Part 2 -- Groovin' in the Garden!

Check it out! We have seedlings!!

Yes, indeed, the Brandel Family Victory Garden is sprouting radishes! I love radishes, so I am jazzed. They only take about 21 days to mature, so this is right on schedule. We also now have lettuce and chard sprouting, but the seedlings don't photograph well at this point. Still too small.

So far, in our newly turned bit of earth, we have radishes, lettuce, spinach, chard, carrots and peas all in the ground. In another week, I'll succession-plant more radishes, another round of lettuce, and another row of peas. After that will come all the other goodies: beans, squash, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes, and three kinds of basil, parsley, rosemary, lavender, more nasturtiums and maybe some flowers of unknown type.

In other spring break related news, it was Travis' birthday, so I made him a cake!
Carrot, with homemade cream cheese frosting. MMMmmmm! (and this cake SO better not show up on Cake Wrecks!!)

And my lovable, if crazy, family adored it.

And then we all went out to play in the sunshine!

I think I hear that cake calling my name....maybe just a little piece...ok, maybe a little more than that...ok, I need to get away from the kitchen.

Next on tap, freezing in the park, and why you shouldn't let your 16month old near the toaster.

Spring Break, Part 1 -- Pre-Easter Fun!

So, on Saturday, when it was warm and beautiful and sunny, we took the kids to our church for the annual Spring Festival. My mom came down for the day from Fredericksburg to hang out and play with the kids. First, though, we had to get out our Easter egg hunting baskets and bags....

The church had gotten a small farm to bring their animals, so no spring activity would be complete without petting the animals.
Noah was completely unimpressed by the strange noise emanating from the goats, so we headed up to the egg hunt right away.

Along the way to the hunt, there was an enormous inflatable slide, which Wren was unable to pass up without trying out.

A few slides, then on to the hunt!

Noah and Daddy rode the train.....
....while Grandma watched....

Some cookies were eaten, and there were more train rides...

And then we went home, with two sugared and exhausted kids. Poor Noah even got a bit of a sunburn! I guess he and Wren managed to miss getting my olive complexion. Must remember tons of sunscreen this summer.

It was a beautiful day, and so much fun for all of us. This is one of the best things about having kids...the chance to spend time with them, show them the world, and enjoy watching them enjoy themselves. The days can be really hard, sometimes, but the rewards are so very sweet.

Next up, groovin' in the garden, Travis' birthday, and yard fun!

April Fool

So today was April Fool's Day, and while I know that some of my friends have an intense dislike for this day and all it's associated pranking, I particularly enjoy it. I'm not prone to huge, elaborate pranks, but I do like to do something to mark the day.

I thought about posting that I was pregnant again, but....I didn't feel like having to deal with the fallout from that. For the record, I am so not pregnant. Not going to be, either.

I chose to do something fun (and funny) for dinner. Voila! I give you....CAKE!
(Not really....it's meatloaf "frosted" with pink mashed potatoes!)

"This is so not cool."

Actually, it was really good, and both of the little kids chowed it.

For dessert....DIRT! Complete with worms!

MMmmmmmm!

After dinner, it was time for some Wii gaming....

 

And then the kids inadvertently played in the garden sprinkler....

I maintained a safe distance on the deck.  Noah loved the sprinkler, and of course, Wren and Kira got into the action and got carried away. Good thing bathtime was directly afterward.

Aside from the April Fool's fun, today was a difficult day. I was reminded how lucky I am that I do not work full days every day. The kids were extremely exuberant, over the top, and emotional, so that made things a bit chaotic. We survived, though, and now I am going to get to bed.