This makes my heart happy.
Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
So sweet
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010I Love AngelARTGifts
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010Some of my favorite gifts this season were made by Adrienne at AngelARTGifts.
She makes some beautiful hand sewn gifts, and she made these for me. She traced Rollie and Tiller's handprints and put them on handtowels. I gave a set to each of the grandmothers and kept this set for myself. So sweet!
On this one, their hands were so close in size that she put letters on them to designate whose hand is whose.
It was such a joy to see the look on the Grandmas’ faces when they saw them. And I would be lying if I said I didn’t look at mine and get a little weepy thinking about how my babies’ hands will never be quite this small ever again.
Click the link above and check out her other creations. Personally, I am eyeing the sweet crayon roll. Very cool!
The Center of Her Universe
Friday, January 1st, 2010
I was tucking the kids in tonight, and went in to Tiller’s room and sat on her bed beside her. I leaned over her, and told her how much i loved her and that i was so glad she was in my life. I told her I was proud of her. She has an indescribable look on her face when we talk like this at bedtime; all sweetness and almost a demure embarrassment, with maybe a touch of “tell me again.”
She looked at me and whispered, “Mama?”
I answered, “Yes, sweetie?”
Tiller: “Who will be my Mama and Daddy when I grow up?”
My stomach clutched. I don’t know why these questions get to me like they do. i guess my fear of one day not being there for her, of something happening to me or Todd, or god forbid, both of us.
Me: “We will always be your Mama and Daddy, no matter how big you get.”
This seemed to satisfy her for a moment, but then I saw a flash of uncertainty pass across her face.
She said, “Okay, but don’t ever live far, far away.”
Me: “I won’t baby. As long as you want to live near us, we will live together. I promise.”
It is nice to be the center of her universe, even though I know one day i won’t be. I am so thankful that every day my children teach me something about how to love more fully than I ever have before.
Christmas 2009 Recap
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009So, here’s what we’ve been up to. . .
Christmas Eve, Rollie came down with quite an ear infection. Quint took good care of him.
We spent Christmas Eve at Leelee’s house. There was much cuteness of children and stuffing of our faces, and dogs running around, and Cecil drinking scotch. Todd and I brought the kids home afterwards and tucked them in, then readied for Santa Claus. Luckily, this year there was no Victorian dollhouse to put together. Which basically means we lay out the loot under the tree, stuff the stockings, and pour ourselves a well-earned nightcap. I usually watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve, but i am a good wife and I let Todd kill zombies instead. Oh, Holy Night. . . .
I played with my camera. I just love a Christmas tree in the dark.
Rollie got a Hot Wheels bike from Santa. I love that green color.
Tiller got a Hello Kitty bike. I wish it came in my size.
I love a Christmas tree in the dark.
I used to sit in the living room in Roswell, in the dark, and just look at the tree.
This is an ornament Vanessa gave me years ago. I love it, but it is heavy and i have to tie it down on the tree so that it doesn't fall.
This is an ornament my sister gave me. It looks like snow. I can't believe we haven't broken it yet.
The next morning, Tiller found the stockings and didn't even see her bike at first!
Tiller was beside herself. Pure joy.
Rollie didn't feel good and we could tell. He wasn't really amped up at all until he got Monster Jam tickets in his stocking. Santa is kind of an asshole, as he only left two tickets, so Tills and I am on our own that night, I guess. Sigh.
Todd and I drank coffee, cuddled, and untwisted a lot of twisty ties and rubber bands from cardboard.
That afternoon, Mom, Dad, Lisa, Mark, and Dash came over. We all opened gifts, drank wine, played toys with kids, and made a lot of noise.
Two generations. Not sure what Tills is doing here.
Rollie really didn't feel well. You can see him feigning excitement here.
Tiller decided to throw a tantrum during gift opening. Always fun to discipline your child in front of your parents.
These things just aren't that exciting. I just don't get it. Robotic hamsters?
Alex was a gift unto himself.
Birdie didn't really get the whole Christmas thing. He could have gotten a lump of coal in his stocking and he would still have this look on his face.
After the dishes were clean and dinner done and kids in bed, we finally go to relax.
So, let's talk gifts. My dad got me these. As far as gifts from Dads go, this is not bad. V. comfortable, not offensive to look at.
My sister got me these and also an awesome necklace. She buys me the best gifts. I also kind of like my camera skills on this one.
From my mom, who evidently still thinks i am six. Yes, i am a 37 year old with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer pjs. Note the Abominable Snowman.
These are the best. LOVE getting these from the kids. I see myself crying over them for years to come.
I have a thing for the Black Cat Fireworks logo. It cracks me up, always has. Todd finally got the hint and got me a Black Cat shirt! Rowr!
He also got me a thermometer. Lisa rolled her eyes that I would get excited over this, but I love getting stuff for my yard, and nature-type stuff.
So, i saw that Todd had put The Monsters of Templeton on his wish list. He noticed the same thing on my wish list. We both got one for Christmas. From each other. Much laughter ensued. I am thinking we maybe need to spend a little time apart, or by next year, we might be wearing matching Christmas outfits. On the plus side, we can have our own little book club. At least for one month.
Todd also got me the Merge Records book I've been wanting to read. Will probably start this one next. Yay! That cover photo makes my heart pogo.
The next morning, we got up early, kicked my parents out, and headed for Auburn.
While we were there, the kids got some time in on their new razors, and I had a few heart attacks.
We did some hugging.
And Tiller pitched another fit. . .
And then we hugged some more and rode the dinosaur at the park.
Then more hugs with Uncle Lyle . . .
And even more hugs with Lyle and Denise.
We had lots of fun, and my in-laws spoiled the kids, and I didn’t get one single picture of my niece, Luci. We left on Monday and came back to Atlanta. On the way, we decided to stop and get fireworks, which was funny, because I was wearing my new Black Cat shirt.
Kids with Todd at Black Cat Fireworks store.
Since then, we’ve been recovering from Christmas, putting away the loot, stuffing our faces with cookies and drinking wine. Yesterday, we felt we needed some fresh air and exercise, so we hiked up Stone Mountain with the kids. I had my doubts about whether they could make it, especially Tiller, but she didn’t lag at all. She picked her way up the mountain like a mountain goat. That’s her new nickname. The Mountain Goat. We didn’t have to help them at all, which as a parent, is nice.
Taking a rest on the way up.
Tiller looking stoic, while the boys cut up at the top.
I was kind of disappointed that no one had decorated this little tree behind us for Christmas. Also, please don't judge my fashion choices.
Todd had fun with perspective.
And they kids thought it was hysterical.
Rollie was rocking out, I guess. Not really sure, but he's a cutie.
One last shot overlooking downtown, before we head back down the trail. Tiller and I took off after this and kicked Todd and Rollie's asses. I'm just sayin.' You don't mess with The Mountain Goat.
I took some shots of Tills with the flags at the bottom, while we waited for the boys. Did I mention the Mountain Goat and her Mama beat them down the mountain? By many minutes? Girls rule, boys drool. (Tiller and I decided we wouldn't tell the boys that, though.)
All in all, we had a great Christmas vacation. Last night, I had dinner at Bistro VG with some friends from high school: Kevin Fagan and his fiance (she is awesome – they were in town from Richmond) and Jamie Kish and his wife, and Camille and Joe showed, too. Natalie didn’t show, which was disappointing. I ate a cheese tray and drank wine. Yum! The kids and todd went bowling today, and I am thinking about cooking dinner and building a fire tonight and perhaps playing some Beatles rock band. We shall see.
Them tomorrow, New Year’s Eve! We are having some friends over and their kids too. Should be interesting.
SisterSpeak
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009Because I was picking cotton today, I was reminded that my sister and I have our own language. As our friend Harris famously once said, “You guys are freakishly close.”
How well do you know me and Leelee? Do you know the meaning of these words and phrases?
Waggy Butt
whermp
salmon
cotton
catface
strap on the feedbag
We should bitch more
shark
him’s bad
Lisa, what would you add to this list? I know there are more. This was off the top of my head when I was picking cotton this morning.
(Um, yeah, this is just a post for fun while i finish up a longer one I am working on.)
What It’s All About
Friday, December 25th, 2009This is what it’s all about for me.
For more love, check out the gallery of photos below . . .
Attention! Very Last-Minute Addition to my Christmas List!
Thursday, December 24th, 2009I want, I need, I love this.
I have to have it.
This makes no sense unless you watch Friday Night Lights. It is my favorite show. I don’t currently really watch it, because we don’t have it because Comcast sucks donkey dongs. I don’t understand why, but it is on a channel that we don’t get, and so I have been going through life trying to avoid at all costs hearing what is happening on the show until the new year, when Friday Night Lights will be on my very own television in my very own house.
At the lake my parents have satellite and they for some reason get the show, which is funny, because they don’t watch it. But I guess I set it up to record it while I was living there, and it recorded some of this season’s episodes. There were five of them from the new season on the DVR this weekend. There were some missing, presumably because my parents were watching CSI Special Crimes Mentalist Victim Unit Criminal Bones Minds Miami and the message mentioning that it was going to record Friday Night Lights came on, and Dad said, “What the hell is this shit?” and selected “Cancel Recording.”
I stared guiltily at those five episodes in the guide for a while. I was obviously at a precipice. I could walk away from the cliff. I realized that I should walk away.
Except that I might have accidentally watched four episodes of it before i realized that. (I was kind of like Saracen when he opened the box in that fourth episode that I wasn’t supposed to watch.) And I would have watched the fifth, but i had to nerd out on some stars.
I just couldn’t help myself. It is shameful, but I love that show so much, I even taught my kids, who are already confused enough by football allegiances, that my second favorite team is the Dillon Panthers. And now Coach Taylor has gone across the tracks to coach football at the other high school in town, East Dillon. The Lions, in case you are wondering, as my kids will when they find out my allegiances will change to from Dillon High to East Dillon.
So, when I read Melanie’s Fashion Friday edition I Can’t Feel My Face post on Big Mama, and came across her #7 choice, well, let’s just say i never knew that there was a hole in my t-shirt collection until I saw it. I have to have it.
My poor, poor confused children will have to deal.
John Maghetti
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009I mentioned that we were having John Maghetti for dinner the other night when we were at the lake, and someone asked me what it was. It is one of those mythical Dunstan recipes that my Mom learned from her mom and my Aunt Dot. Which means that it’s easy, cheap, fattening comfort food. Much like the fabled No Peekie.
Ingredients:
Ground beef
egg noodles
can of tomato soup
block of cheddar cheese
- Cube cheddar cheese.
- Cook noodles.
- Brown ground beef. (I supposed you could sub turkey for this.)
- Dump in a bowl together.
- Pour in a can of condensed tomato soup. (You can put two cans, depending on the amount of noodles and beef you prepare.)
- I top with some shredded cheese.
- Bake covered at 350 until hot (about 25 minutes). Then uncovered til cheese is gooey and melty on top.
Yum. And my kids like it! I love some stealth tomato trickeration.
A Solstice Story
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009As i mentioned briefly in another post, I have been a little stressed out. A little anxious. Todd and I decided to go to the lake this weekend to blow off some steam and relax. And by relax, I mean relaxing in the time-honored Palmer way, which is to work your ass off to near-exhaustion performing manual labor.
We went down Saturday afternoon and got there in time to warm the place up. (It was 40-something degrees when we walked in.) Todd started some yard work, the kids ran around like wild animals (a good thing), and I started some John Maghetti for dinner. After it was on, the sun was setting, so I grabbed a couple of beers for Todd and I, and went outside to play with the kids, watch Rollie hit the tennis ball with Todd (no we don’t have a tennis court), and shoot some pictures and enjoy my favorite time of day at the lake.
We took photos and ran around, then went inside and ate dinner while watching Elf. You can’t beat John Maghetti, and the fire going, and belly-laughing at Elf with your husband and kids for stress relief. Honest to God, I just about bust a gut when Buddy says to Jovi, “It’s just nice to meet another human that shares my affinity for elf culture.” That is some good stuff. Just kills me. I also love that Rollie would laugh along with me and think it was hysterical just because we thought it was hysterical.
So, we got up yesterday and had breakfast and then Todd and I worked in the yard all day long, cutting shrubbery back to tame the wilds and pulling vines out of high pine trees, and tearing mistletoe from dogwood. And the kids played. Now, usually they play and then fight for a while, then play some more. This was almost pure playing. Almost zero fighting. Just running around, and rosy cheeks, and noses running and then wiping their snot on their sleeves, and yelling to hear their echoes across the lake, and tiller being the master of all the dogs in the area – Choco, and Josie, and Quint all a swirling mass of furriness following her around. They threw rocks and earned two dollars hauling clippings up to the burn pile. We were all cold when we started, and then warmed up with play and work.
I felt tired but good. We worked til we just about fell out and it started getting dark. We made two absolutely huge piles of limbs and vines and leaves to be burned. We had windburn on our cheeks and blisters on our feet, and scrapes and sappy fingers.
And I had no anxiety.
We cleaned up and took showers and had a couple of beers. We warmed by the fire. We went to town with the kids and had pizza and then to WalMart to let them spend their two dollars. We went home and tucked in two tired kids and Todd let me watch four episodes of Friday Night Lights.
And I had no anxiety.
Todd went to bed during the last episode of FNL. I guess he just couldn’t take the mental turmoil of Saracen and Riggins, and Coach and Tami, and the rigors of living the west Texas high school football life. Or maybe he was just tired. I was fifteen minutes from midnight. I had places to be.
I opened a last beer and made that “let’s go outside to pee” sound that I make to the dog at night. I think i got that one from my Daddy. Some of you know the sound. Quint struggled to his feet (he is old and has arthritis), while I put on a hat and a sweatshirt and my old wool plaid barn jacket that I leave at the lake because it is ugly, but I love it and still like to wear it.
I went down to the lake, and purposely left the lights out so that I could see the stars. I debated getting a ladder out and trying to disable the damn security light, but a) I had consumed at least six beers at that point, and I’d probably fall off the ladder and b) Dad would see the light was out and I’d end up back up the ladder fixing the damn thing within weeks.
It was clear. I thought to myself, “Which way is East?”
Easy. I had seen so many sunrises over that side of the lake, mornings fishing with Pop and Dad, up before dark, Grandma making me a thermos of hot sugar and milk with a drop of coffee, that I knew it by heart. I sat down on the far side of the dock, back to the pontoon and the power plant, on the narrow walk. I sat cross-legged, Indian style, criss-cross applesauce. I tucked a hand in my wool plaid pocket. Occasionally, I switched off hands in the pocket and hands on the beer. Mostly, I gazed up at a clear winter sky, and looked for meteors.
Quint came to sit near me. He wouldn’t lie down. He stared at me. He wondered what the fuck we were doing out in the cold midnight, when we could be on the couch near the fire. I saw it in his eye and the attention and cock of his ears.
I shushed him and rubbed his cold ears. I looked out across a glass-like lake, not a ripple on it, with no wind in the trees. i heard the plant occasionally, and wished I couldn’t hear it. I imagined what it would have sounded like on a lake with no power, what it would be like with nothing but natural light, the light of stars and moons. I couldn’t. There were Christmas lights across the lakes. I heard geese, and nothing else. I saw a couple of planes, the only other sign of life in this strange December 20th night. One day before Winter Solstice, ushered in by the Ursids.
The lake was so calm that I could see the reflection of the brightest stars on its surface. And oh, the stars!
A blanket of stars in a swath across the eastern sky, for me and me only, reflected on my lake. It was five after midnight. No meteors yet. And then there was one. And then it was gone.
I sat for almost an hour, sipping my beer slowly, staring at the sky until my eyes grew tired. I would see a shooting star and it would be gone, and I felt that familiar star-gazing feeling of relief that I was really seeing something, and awe that I knew to look that night, that man has learned so much about something so boundless.
I wondered about the other folks who might be out looking up that same night, the night before the Winter Solstice. And yet I was so alone, just me and my dog. I could slip into the lake and no one would ever find me. I stood and walked back to land. I stood there at the edge of the lake shivering, Quint sitting patiently at my side, and told myself I would go in when I saw the next meteor.
I saw it, streaking across the sky, and then it was gone. I went inside and crawled into bed with my husband and I was happy and satisfied and feeling small and big all at the same time.
And I had no anxiety.
Happy Place
Saturday, December 19th, 2009I don’t mind the weather
I’ve got scarves and caps and sweaters
I’ve got long johns under slacks for blustery days
I think that it’s brainless to assume
That making changes to your window’s view
Will give a new perspective
So, yeah, the anxiety is getting me down, and I feel like I’m in a rut. So, we’re going to my happy place. I don’t care how cold it is. I think it just might actually give me new perspective.