Prozac Fridays

While still in the working force, these were Payday Fridays. We had treats in the teacher's lounge for breakfast, were allowed to wear jeans (which, unfortunately, brought out more "Mom jeans" than anyone should have to see in their lifetime)...we got our paychecks (major yay!), and overall people were just in a good mood. It was Friday.

In my domestic life as a mom, Fridays are just as utopian. Especially the PAYDAY ones.
But here are my reasons why:
1. The relaxation on my diet begins
2. Brian usually gets off work a little early
3. Meijer!
4. The McLaughlin Group
5. Catching up on DVR over drinks with Brian
6. Not worrying about the craziness of the next day, as I know it's family time.
7. If we haven't already made plans with friends, etc...we usually start to by noon.
8. Jersey Junction and being able to partake (see #1)

Basically I just seem to always be in a good mood on Fridays. I'm especially grateful today, as well, because Brian's trip to San Francisco was cancelled, and he would've been leaving Sunday night.
Someday I'll blog about how sacred Sundays are to me.

It's been a good week, and I guess in the spirit of true Friday delirium and my insatiable love of lists...here are the things I'm most grateful for today:
1. Everything in the first list in this post
2. Benjamin feeling better
3. Rain for my flowers out front...and my weeds out back
4. Benjamin's awesome report from the nursery this morning
5. Fun time with new friends over Indian food last night
6. Finally feeling content about Benjamin's refusal to potty train...it'll come, I know
7. Our decision to join Orchard Hills Swim Club
8. The MAC--no matter how many other fabulous clubs, with great amenities and enticing offers, sprout up around Grand Rapids, this place will always be home to me.
9. My mom, and the unique balance of fun and discipline she's able to provide my boys...
10. My dad, and his love for trapping raccoons (if you're a member of PETA...just kiss my ass already. it's my blog.)

I'd like to elaborate on numbers 8 and 9.
I spend so much of my time at the MAC, and not a day goes by that I don't realize how much I'm grateful for it...Brian recently told me that whenever I leave for the MAC and I tell him how long I'll be, he always adds on about 45 minutes in his head, since I'm always running into someone and chatting. The social outlet is one of my favorite qualities of the club, but I think the history my family has there is just as much a part of my loyalty. And aside from the occasional debacle with Miss Sue, the nursery workers are some of the most understanding and nurturing women I know.
My mom. There are many reasons I'm grateful for her...that's more than just another blog entry. But when it comes to my boys, I'm reminded so often of how crucial her influence is in their lives. We ran into her at The MAC this morning (yet another reason we love it!) and she decided, last minute, to whisk Benjamin off for lunch at McDonald's, and topped it off with an impromptu trip to Toys R Us.
Talk about lucky kid.
But what I love more than anything, is that she can do things like this and still not be spoiling him. Somehow she manages to balance it with the right amount of discipline and perspective. There's a reason why B still freaks out over McD's...after the countless times she's taken him there. She makes it special without going overboard...and a trip to Toys R Us becomes a virtual trip to Disney. Benjamin practically hurls himself through the mudroom door when they return, SO excited about the generic, plastic ball he just got. I'm sure there will come a day when the toys will become more elaborate, and the simple ones will not as easily suffice...but for now, I'm just glad he's not blowing snot all over himself because he can't take home 5 Thomas trains.
What I'm most grateful for in this example, is the sense that he has when he's with my mom. He knows he's special and practically the most important thing to her at that very moment...but he also knows he has limits. Case in point, when he came home a few hours ago, after his bonanza of a morning with Nana...I was bracing myself for the inevitable "fun detox" that I'd have to put him through in order to get the nap to happen.
But when I told him it was time for his nap, he simply announced that "Nana said I could park two cars next to me when I go to sleep"...and with that, he lumbered off towards the stairs.
Thanks, Mom.:)
Thanks for not making me the bad guy...but for being a partner.
And get ready...Jonny's not going to be as easy...but you already knew that, right?

Anyway, I suppose that's enough hearts and flowers for today.

I promise there's some piss and vineger brewing below the surface...always is.
I'll see about sharing it sometime real soon.
You know, just to save my rep.

Same Time, Different Kid

Jonathan is 20 months old.
It was approximately this age at which Benjamin was first showing interest in learning colors...at least that's what I remember. And that's not saying much, as I was still in the haze of sleep deprivation with Jonathan during those days.
But my point--is that I remember teaching Benjamin about colors all the time. In the car, in books, on TV...his food, clothing, etc. He was totally into it. And picked up on all of the colors really quick. Shapes, too...which still surprises me.

So, of course I expect the same thing with Jonathan.

Hold on sister, not so fast.

This is me, not ten minutes ago:
I had just come across our torn and tattered copy of Eric Carle's "My First Book of Colors" as I was putting things away in the mud room. I look over at Jonathan, who's wearing a bright yellow pretend construction hat on his head (sideways) and smashing his hands into playdough on the train table.
I make a quick mental note to show it to him as I finish straightening up...
Benjamin's asleep, so I take the perfect opportunity to bond with Jonny over colors.

I beckon him over to where I'm sitting, perched at the step into the kitchen...he lumbers over happily, hat still sideways, and reaches for the book. Takes one look at it (my eyes are bright and big as I announce it has "colors!" in it) and throws it at my face.
I'm not kidding.
And then, as I try and act like that hadn't just happened, and that his older brother's love for colors and shapes is just wanting to be pulled out by my relentless efforts....I give it another go. But this time he's not even listening, even as he stands right in front of me.
Instead, he's trying to chew off a fruit snack that's stuck to the front of his shirt...one hand with a pincer grip on the chew itself, the other on his hat, which is about to fall off.
You'd think there was an ice cream sundae attached to the fruit chew.

Anyway, I think the teaching portion of our afternoon has given way to a much less fruitful (no pun intended...no, seriously...) activity.

This very moment, as I type, the Shark dust buster is revving up in the other room.

You get the point.

Memorial Day Bummer

Well, needless to say I didn't imagine I'd be bloggin from my kitchen on Santa Cruz today...thought we'd be in Roscoe, IL, eating Addie's bday cake, wiping hands from germs at Chuckee Cheese, taking pics of cousins having a ball together, and even enjoying a night out with my Chris and Ann. Brian and I were both looking forward to this---dare I say, even more than the boys. Without going into detail (ick, not blog-friendly), Benjamin came down with a case of third world nastiness. He's on the mend, and in perfectly happy spirits...so that's the more important thing.

Brian and I are, however, still crying in our Oberon.
Save the orange for us, guys, we're bringing a fresh sixer in a month.

These pics are a tribute to all that we were looking forward to...just put it on hold, k?

Love you, Hankins fam...and can't wait to make up for lost time.:)

Am I the only one who...

*washes the laundry twice, if it's been sitting in the washer (without being switched over to the dryer) for more than 6 hours

*has OCD

*gets excited when the mail arrives...still...as an adult

*does not think Suri cruise is at all cute or adorable

*thinks the only thing fun about camping is the beer around the campfire...the rest is just too much work, and far too dirty

*has gotten bored with American Idol (can't remember when I last watched it)

*loves the sound of the dishwasher

*feels my wee ones' ears and hands at night to see if they're cold (before I go to bed)

*loves a naked baby...or toddler

*doesn't like the smell of playdough

*hates Charmin toilet paper (stuff crumbles...have you noticed this?)

*laughs at my own farts when alone

*just laughed outloud at the last bullet point (p.s. I'm still giggling)

*thinks listing in blogs is sometimes more interesting

*doesn't mind Chris Matthews

*loves PBS more now than when I was a kid (Sesame Street's got nuthin on The McLaughlin Group)

*thinks suntan lotion/spray is too expensive

*insists that restaurants (particularly fast-food/drive-thru types) put extra ice in my sodas

*asks for my Starbucks drinks extra hot

*will admit to actually throwing a penny out (at the car wash...and it was dirty as F)

*has a hard time knowing when to wrap up mindless lists...

Happy Wednesday, friends.

"All better"

A favorite, commonly used phrase in this house. Benjamin's way of making things right in his head..."closure" for a three year old. He seems to need this with everything...one of the many things I adore about him and his highly sensitive self.

When I was getting ready to leave last Friday for Lake Geneva and my Aunt Renee's funeral, I wasn't sure how to explain where I was going. I wasn't even going to broach the whole "death" thing, but wanted to somehow explain where I was going, and why. So I told him that I needed to go give Uncle Jim (my uncle, Renee's husband) a big hug and kiss...because he wasn't feeling well.

This resonated immediately with the little guy. Nothing raises concern more quickly with Benjamin than the thought of someone or something else being sad, or needing comfort.

"You're going to give Uncle Jim a hug, Mommy? And then he'll feel all better?" he said, as I knelt down in front of him before walking out the door.

"Yes, Bud...and then, when he's all better, I'm going to come home!" I said.

"Oh, that will be good, Mommy...and Uncle Jim will not be sad anymore, and Mommy will feel allll happy. And Benjamin will be happy, too."

PLG.

So yes, I feel alll happy from my trip to Lake Geneva last weekend. Can't say that Uncle Jim is "not sad anymore"...I rather expect it will take a long time before he feels at total peace with the loss. But he does seem to be surrounded by wonderful friends, and of course, family. So time will tell the story there...

On the positive side, last weekend was--as it goes with funerals and weddings--a wonderful chance to reconnect with family. Though, I dare say my favorite moments and bits of quality time were spent primarily with folks I see on a lot more of a regular basis--Chris and Ann.
What fun times. Hilarious, ridiculous...and at times out of hand. But for what it's worth (and my hangover Sunday morning was quite a high price to pay...though no fault but my own), having time away from our kids and able to connect is hard to come by.
I loved it.

As of this morning, I finally feel myself again.
Yes, all better.
Drunken pictures to come...

Brian's in Chicago--left last night, and will be home tomorrow evening.
A crappy turnaround after my being gone...I feel like we hardly saw eachother. And yesterday was his birthday.
PLG.
We're celebrating this Thursday night with dinner out...and then attending East's graduation. So we'll continue our celebration at Friday night I imagine, too.
And then we're off to Chris and Ann's this weekend. Can't wait.

Today and yesterday have been the best...reuniting with my boys. As much as I love being away, there comes a point when I start to feel a huge void in my gut...and being with them totally puts me back on track.

Here are a few faves from the past 48hours:

*Seconds after I throw myself on my back onto the couch after getting home Sunday night...totally worn out and hungover...both boys are crawling on me and giggling. They take turns standing at my waist and doing belly flops onto my tummy. Then one jumps down onto the ground while the other one positions himself for the drop...and crawls back up at my feet, huge, butt-happy smiles on their faces. Benjamin actually knocks heads with me a few times, but it's all good...and we're each in total fits of laughter.

*Jonathan throwing his arms up at Brian when he walks into the room, and proclaiming "Dadd-eee! Dadd-eee!!!"

*Bright Beginnings Monday morning---Benjamin jumps to his feet in the middle of the pack of kids, right smack-dab in the middle of Ms. JoAnn's reading of a story (about seasons)...and announces the following:
"Hey, hey, hey...you know what? Yesterday the snow was all in my face, and it was cold...and it made Jonny laugh. Huh, huh...yeah...and that was so verrry funny."
PLG that all the moms and kids (and Ms. JoAnn, of course) all stared at Benjamin with rapt attention during this announcement. And when he was done, he just sat back down and resumed eating goldfish out of his dixie cup...prompting them all to look at me, on the other side of the room, where I was pulling Jonny out of a sandbox.
"Um, yeah...it was totally snowing yesterday, didn't you know that?" I say. A few moms laugh, Ms. JoAnn just flashes a vacant smile and continues reading.

Seriously? Sometimes I'm not totally sure she's there. Not a whole lot of "affect" goin on...but I digress.

*Benjamin doing SO well in the nursery yesterday morning at The MAC. When I get the happy report, he says: "Hey laydeez...do you know what? I get a DOT!"
(ask me sometime about our new behavior mod. plan...it's actually working, folks)

*Getting Jonny out of his crib this morning and marveling at how he immediately goes into Tazmanian Devil mode and hurls himself out into the hallway, shouting "bush teef! bush teef!" (imagine "brush" without the "r"...adorable)

*Borrowing Sarah's double jogger (ours is in the mail and will be here any day!!!) and cruising around the lake this morning...heaven.

That's about all for now...looking forward to Yoga tonight, and relaxing at home.

Change We Can Believe In

First off, a few thanks to the following:

*Sarah, for scoring a parking pass from her new neighbor, and for the ride.
*The Bergsmas, for saving us seats in Van Andel--you guys rock!
*Brian, for keeping things going on the homefront so I could go.
*Elliot Bergsma, for being the first kid I've ever seen NOT to have a total meltdown in a restaurant...when the food didn't arrive until after 8pm.

So obviously it was a once in a lifetime, well-worth-the-effort experience for all! We arrived at the doors of Van Andel in good time, with only a five minute wait (at best) to get in...during which we enjoyed taking in the hub-ub and mayhem, etc. Once inside, we called Shawn on his cell and made our way to their section, where (as mentioned) they were holding seats for us. Was awesome. Just walking down the stairs to our seats, and seing the stage set up...the podium...and the "Obama '08" sign all lit up on the scoreboard, it was energizing. That, and they were playing U2. Gotta love that. I don't care what your political leanings are, when you're in a crowd like that, with such enthusiasm and anticipation, the goosebumps are inevitable.

We sat down, and right away I got a call from Brian on my cell saying that all the major news pundits were spreading word that Edwards was rumored to be there...and that he was going to endorse Obama during his speech.
Totally exciting...because we would get to see him, but also because it was such a pivotal point in the campaign. The endorsement has been inevitable according to many, but the timing (if you follow recent politics) was clearly deliberate.
And I'll avoid going any further into that discussion. Because by now, Gaby, you're already yelling at me in Romanian for even going to the damn thing. :)

So Obama gets introduced by a local PLG high school student, and then the "Beautiful Day" by U2 starts in, SUPER loud and with lots of bass (sounds cheesey, but if you'd been there you would've been so pumped)...and onto the stage bursts the man himself, with a confident stride/hop up onto the platform.
He greeted the crowd and pretty much dove right into an introduction of John Edwards...who was equally inspiring when he graced the stage.
His speech was particularly exciting, as it included his official endorsement of Obama for the presidential nominee...and Barack's speech, though obviously a "stump" speech, was equally exciting. Even though we couldn't see the whites of his eyes, it was just so incredible to be looking at him standing there, and hearing his voice...which is just as commanding and powerful in person.

Overall, an incredible performance for both politicians. And at the very end, when Barack was getting ready to leave the stage and doing the required, enthusiastic wave in all directions...when he looked in our direction, I felt like I got a real look at him for the first time that evening--square on--and it gave me goosebumps.

Afterward, a bit of hilarity ensued.
We left the arena and managed to stay together amidst the masses, mostly thanks to Shawn Bergsma's ever-visible head bobbin above the crowd.
And then, much like people do at Disney World, we flocked to an area where people were gathering in some sort of line/mob, with no indication whatsoever as to what we were "waiting for". But it soon became clear that Obama was possibly going to make an appearance at that particular spot. There was a small platform set up, just outside a few private access doors to the arena, and there were secret service and policeman standing by. We had a MONEY spot, right up against the metal railing where he would have come out...and had he made an appearance, he would've been close enough for a handshake, even an autograph.
But after waiting for almost 45 minutes, we were given word that he wasn't coming...that he had planned on making an appearance, but at the last minute decided against it.

So off to The Black Rose we went for food/drink/post-rally-recap.

Now, because I know I would be remiss if I didn't mention the following, I have to tell the ultimate PLG story of the night. Sarah, you know right where I'm headed.:)
We're sitting in our seats, listening to Edwards talk about poverty in America...the price of gasoline...etc. And you hear the usual "right on!", "no kidding!", "yes!" and "tell it, brotha!" types of comments with every example of injustice he mentions.
Sarah's on my left, and my mom's on my right.
My mom's busy texting someone (as usual), so in my periphery I have a good view of the two women sitting next to her. They're a bit on the, how shall I say......somewhat downtrodden and "ready for change"side. Many of their shout-outs are along the lines of "mmm-hmm...that's right...bout time!" They're totally psyched to be there, but even when people stand up, shift and fidget about in their seats with enthusiasm, and pump fists in the air...these two ladies remain calm in their seats, sitting back, with their arms folded casually over the jackets in their laps.
It's as though they're in their own living room watching the whole thing on tv.

So when Edwards says, at the end of a long list of things that are too expensive in our current economical climate..."and the price of meat!", the lady just to my mom's right says, in a totally conversational tone--- "I can't even afford to buy no red meat."

I'm watching Edwards and generally following his speech, but when I hear this, my eyes are like saucers and I get this huge grin on my face...and immediately pinch Sarah to share the little nugget.
We agree that it is brilliant, and undoubtedly the PLG quote of the night.

What an amazing evening on all fronts.

Rock on, Obama...rock on.

Keeping perspective

It's what I am grateful for, each and every day. Some days it's easier to find than others, and yesterday was no exception. For once I shall spare my readers the narrative of all that drove me INSANE yesterday. I plan to commit those details to Momm-ory (a place where shitty memories of mommyhood are stored).

Rather, I just want to express my thanks to the following that got me through my day:

1. My coffeepot--you never disappoint.

2. The weather--outstanding.

3. My street--for Katie, her perspective, her coffee (second cup) and yesterday...her bathroom.

4. The trail by our house--you, too, shall never disappoint.

5. My new washer and dryer

6. Yoga class

7. Shopping at The Green Life--new store right next to From the Heart (yoga center)

8. Impromptu girl time with Sarah, and only having to stop home long enough to get vodka

9. Sarah's sofa chair

10. Time with Brian when I got home...I know my mother in law reads this, so I shall stop there!

Obviously there are plenty of outlets at my disposal to cleanse myself of the ucky days.

I'm grateful for that.

And on a random side note?

Totally excited about seeing Obama tonight!!!

"The Couple's Crush"

To date, we've only had two of these.

And it shall likely come as no surprise that the first major crush of Brian's and mine was for Mark and Dina. A couple with whom you and your hubby get along with so famously, that no matter the setting or context, you're sure to make memories just by being together.

Well, Brian and I certainly never thought we'd be lucky enough to have such a phenoemenon (seriously, SO not confident of the spelling on that one) happen to us twice in our lifetime. But I can safely say that we are 100%, head over heels in love with time spent with Paul and Denise. Each visit gets better, and it doesn't matter who's talking with whom, who's drinking wine and gabbing with whom, who's playing "Horse" with a kid-size basketball and equally kid-sized hoop at midnight in the backyard, or who's feverishly (though ever-so respectfully) debating Hillary vs. Barack over dinner, or who's sharing deeper talks about life in general...we all gain something from one another's company.

It's sheer magic.

And we're so grateful.

We love you Paul and Nee-see...this post today, and these glamorous pics, are for you.

P.S. The Green Well called. We're not allowed back anytime soon.

Allergies...

are killing me these days.
and Benjamin, too. Poor little dude has red eyelids and under eye patches from rubbing them so much...and the anti-itch eyedrops the ped gave me...yeah, well...you can imagine how well those go over in this house.

I suppose when you have nothing else of great value to blog about, this is what happens. But honestly I was getting kinda tired of looking at Shawn Bergsma's fly on his jeans...so an update was necessary.:)

It's been a good week, great weather overall, and the boys and I are finally starting to return to normal after quite a whirlwind weekend. Seriously, I just can't party like I used to. And not for lack of trying, either, my friends. I give it my best effort each time, but continue to be reminded the next morning of how accommodating my life is not of these late nights.

Dave, Kathy, Denise and Paul are coming into town this weekend, and we're all pretty excited. Benjamin can't stop talking about "Neesee-Paul!!!"...and will surely be worn out come Sunday afternoon from all of the Paul-playtime. They are truly a pair together.
Looking forward to seeing them as a married couple...and hearing about Hawaii, though we'll secretly be jealous as hell. Who wouldn't be?
It's supposed to be nice out on Saturday, and I'm praying for good weather. For my buddies who are running the 5/3 run, but also for whatever we decide to plan here at home.

Off to put B down for his nap, then do some laundry...and eat some lunch. Just realized I haven't done that yet.
Maybe it's the extra large bowl of vanilla ice cream I wolfed down last night (PLG) that's still sitting in my tummy.
Bad, bad girl...bad girl.

Well, Shawn, you made it.

Congratulations...you've made the blog.:)

Now is this really how you want to be represented in cyberspace?

:)

Fun times this weekend, my friend...fun times. You can come back to our house and hold court any time.

Oh...the fun.

What a weekend! We are still recovering from it all...and just trying to absorb the many different kinds of fun that have been had. If we didn't love our neighbors and friends before, we surely do now.
The highlights:
*BBQ with friends here Friday night...mostly watching Annabel and Benjamin cement their love affair until the late, late hour of 10pm.
*shopping at Pooh's Corner with Benjamin Saturday afternoon (just the two of us)
*wine/cheese tasting at Megan and Brian's (yes, those are their names...and we PLG love them more each time we hang out)
*Cinco de Mayo party at Fuller's (we were double party Johnsons, right Sarah?)
*Riedan McIntosh's carnival-style bday party Sunday afternoon
*sentimental "last youth group" cookout Sunday night
*watching my boys freeeaaak out when my parents showed up to babysit Sunday night...and giving Jonathan a bath in the kitchen sink last night while Benjamin and Brian played bball out back
*sleeping like a baby last night.:)

Breathe, Meg.

It's 9am, and I'm ready to commit "Harry Carrey", as my friend Dawn would say.

What many moms of two kids so close together (and same gender) might understand, as intimately as I do, is that MOST of your time at home is spent keeping them separated...so as to avoid total bedlam in the house.
It's insane.
And it's so blessed exhausting.
You get one child happy (Benjamin, in this case) with an array of car stickers, glue sticks, cut out numbers and letters...and plenty of other medium. You set it up on the kitchen island so the younger one can't get to it.
But then the younger one wants nothing else than to get to the magic happening on the island.
So, screaming and crying child on your hip, you get desperate (because older child is having so much fun with his crafts, and you don't want to spoil it) and go retrieve a new garage sale toy out of the mudroom cupboard. It's a boring, wooden stove that sits on the ground...and is about as big as a small suitcase. It's not very special, but has wooden knobs that turn--and this is sure to delight your youngest child.
He's in heaven, and so are you...for about ten seconds, when older child realizes that younger one has this toy, and MUST play with it, too.

I don't need to go on...mostly because anyone who's been in this situation totally understands what's to unfold after that. But also because I don't have time.
It's enough that I've even been able to blog.
I whisked Benjamin up to his room (after much screaming, tantrum-throwing, step-sitting, and other blood-letting) to play at his car table.
He's happy, and Jonny's wandering around playing by himself.

I've downed one cup of coffee and consider this an accomplishment.

Bring on preschool.
Bring it.