Yesterday I went home from work early to spend some time with N and Zoe. I had grand ideas to spend time at the pool. It's less than 1/2 a mile up the road and it is full of good times.
As I got home, I had N put a swimmer and suit on Zoe, I ran into the bedroom to get ready, packed a bag and we were ready.
With the extreme temps we've been having all I've wanted to do was sit in water somewhere. I've been looking forward to our pool trip for a full week.
As we turned into the parking lot, it was empty. The sign on the fence said "open daily from 10:30-5:30." Yet the metal door to the entrance was closed.
We went home and I called.
"Are you open today?"
"Not for open swim."
Honestly. It's like 94 degrees outside, I actually put on a swimsuit and they're closed.
To say I was disappointed is putting it mildly. I think I'm hormonal because I actually cried a little bit.
Fortunately swim lessons start tomorrow for Zoe, so I'll at least get to be in the water. Even though it's indoors.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Dinner a la flambé
It’s a good thing Zoe is the next Rachael Ray because her mother has some serious problems in the kitchen. Last night I had a strange desire to cook a nice meal for Zoe and myself. Typically during the week we do easy since it’s just the two of us and I’m okay with cereal for dinner. I decided yesterday that we needed some ham, au gratin potatoes for me, mashed potatoes for Zoe, asparagus for me and green beans for Zoe. This meal would be at least a 5 pot meal, which is exactly 4 pots more than I like washing.
We rushed home, she played Mr. Potato Head and I got started. I put some water on the boil for the potatoes and got to work on Zoe’s potatoes.
After about 4 minutes I noticed that the water I had put on the stove still wasn’t appearing to be getting hot.
Then I discovered why.
I turned on the wrong burner. The one that was getting hot was cooking my burner cover. My stainless steel, holds up to anything burner cover.
In my panic I turned off the burner, grabbed some hot pads and lifted the scorched burner cover off. That’s when I saw the spark of a small fire.
Fortunately it was only a spark. I dropped the burner cover in the sink and got the water running to cool it.
That’s when I noticed my cloth hot pad also seemed to be smoking or igniting. I threw it into the sink too.
The house is filling with smoke, Zoe’s running to the door and asking, “mom okay? Okay mom?” I’m running around the kitchen trying to make sure the stove isn’t sparking anymore, the sink is keeping the hot pad and the burner cover from doing anything else and waving my arms around to keep the fire alarms from going off.
Just typing this makes my heart race again.
Fortunately no damage was done to the stove. A little elbow grease took care of any marks. The hot pad and burner cover didn’t survive. At least our house did and so did dinner.
We rushed home, she played Mr. Potato Head and I got started. I put some water on the boil for the potatoes and got to work on Zoe’s potatoes.
After about 4 minutes I noticed that the water I had put on the stove still wasn’t appearing to be getting hot.
Then I discovered why.
I turned on the wrong burner. The one that was getting hot was cooking my burner cover. My stainless steel, holds up to anything burner cover.
In my panic I turned off the burner, grabbed some hot pads and lifted the scorched burner cover off. That’s when I saw the spark of a small fire.
Fortunately it was only a spark. I dropped the burner cover in the sink and got the water running to cool it.
That’s when I noticed my cloth hot pad also seemed to be smoking or igniting. I threw it into the sink too.
The house is filling with smoke, Zoe’s running to the door and asking, “mom okay? Okay mom?” I’m running around the kitchen trying to make sure the stove isn’t sparking anymore, the sink is keeping the hot pad and the burner cover from doing anything else and waving my arms around to keep the fire alarms from going off.
Just typing this makes my heart race again.
Fortunately no damage was done to the stove. A little elbow grease took care of any marks. The hot pad and burner cover didn’t survive. At least our house did and so did dinner.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Move over Rachael Ray
This week we've had quite a bit to do in the kitchen. With everything going on at church, I've been a mad woman, baking cookies and desserts. Last night we had to make some things for our family for the week and Zoe was my helper.
First up was some muffins. They are her breakfast of choice right now. If you know Zoe, getting her to eat anything in the morning can be a challenge, so if she's into something we make it. I sat her on the counter and we began our muffin making.
She poured the oil in all by herself. Then some water. Then she stirred. I grabbed one egg while she was stirring thinking that she was distracted. She immediately dropped her spoon and grabbed the other egg. I figured since these were her muffins, we could risk an egg shell fiasco.
To my surprise, she was perfect. No egg shells, nothing. I was completely impressed and congratulated her for a bit too long. I got her look. The one that says, "I'm no longer related to you if you keep doing that."
After we got the muffins in the oven, we moved onto sandwiches for daddy's lunch today. She laid the cheese, turkey and lettuce on the sandwiches like she's a Subway sandwich artist.
I had no idea she was ready for culinary school. Move over Rachael, a new chef's in town.
First up was some muffins. They are her breakfast of choice right now. If you know Zoe, getting her to eat anything in the morning can be a challenge, so if she's into something we make it. I sat her on the counter and we began our muffin making.
She poured the oil in all by herself. Then some water. Then she stirred. I grabbed one egg while she was stirring thinking that she was distracted. She immediately dropped her spoon and grabbed the other egg. I figured since these were her muffins, we could risk an egg shell fiasco.
To my surprise, she was perfect. No egg shells, nothing. I was completely impressed and congratulated her for a bit too long. I got her look. The one that says, "I'm no longer related to you if you keep doing that."
After we got the muffins in the oven, we moved onto sandwiches for daddy's lunch today. She laid the cheese, turkey and lettuce on the sandwiches like she's a Subway sandwich artist.
I had no idea she was ready for culinary school. Move over Rachael, a new chef's in town.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Peacock
Our weekend was insanely busy. I don’t think I sat down until I started writing this, well after the weekend was over.
Saturday we had the memorial service for Bill. My mom coordinates the family dinner. Typically there are 10-15 family members. Bill had 50. My mom enlisted the help of me and my sister. It was totally chaotic, but a true blessing. To be able to do something for the family in a time of loss is what being a part of a church family is about.
I would say there was close to 400 people at the service. It was great seeing people who have left our church and fellowship with them. Of course it’s not for a reason we would all like, but for a moment is was the church of my youth. There is a familiarity with that I can’t describe.
The moment that was the most touching of the whole thing was watching Zoe. They had piped a video feed into the basement for overflow purposes. We got to enjoy the service while cleaning up from the dinner and getting the cookies and drinks ready for the fellowship time following the service. Zoe was wonderful. She did want to run around a bit, but she was content playing with her stickers and climbing on and off and on and off chairs.
After about 40 minutes we went into the other room where the dinner had taken place. Usually Zoe is there with my mom for all the funeral services and family dinners. She knows the routine. She pushed a cart into the dinner room and started to pick up forks and cups and place them on the cart. Her job was part of the clean-up crew. She silently went to each table, collecting the things that were left.
She then went into the kitchen and grabbed two boxes of sugar packets off the counter, brought them into the room and then, with grandma’s help, they got the drink condiments off the tables for Zoe to sort.
My mom used to say that there were moments as a parent where her feathers puffed up because she was as proud as a peacock. To see my 2 year old serving, without being asked to, made my feathers puff up.
Saturday we had the memorial service for Bill. My mom coordinates the family dinner. Typically there are 10-15 family members. Bill had 50. My mom enlisted the help of me and my sister. It was totally chaotic, but a true blessing. To be able to do something for the family in a time of loss is what being a part of a church family is about.
I would say there was close to 400 people at the service. It was great seeing people who have left our church and fellowship with them. Of course it’s not for a reason we would all like, but for a moment is was the church of my youth. There is a familiarity with that I can’t describe.
The moment that was the most touching of the whole thing was watching Zoe. They had piped a video feed into the basement for overflow purposes. We got to enjoy the service while cleaning up from the dinner and getting the cookies and drinks ready for the fellowship time following the service. Zoe was wonderful. She did want to run around a bit, but she was content playing with her stickers and climbing on and off and on and off chairs.
After about 40 minutes we went into the other room where the dinner had taken place. Usually Zoe is there with my mom for all the funeral services and family dinners. She knows the routine. She pushed a cart into the dinner room and started to pick up forks and cups and place them on the cart. Her job was part of the clean-up crew. She silently went to each table, collecting the things that were left.
She then went into the kitchen and grabbed two boxes of sugar packets off the counter, brought them into the room and then, with grandma’s help, they got the drink condiments off the tables for Zoe to sort.
My mom used to say that there were moments as a parent where her feathers puffed up because she was as proud as a peacock. To see my 2 year old serving, without being asked to, made my feathers puff up.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
She's a beige person
On Sunday morning all the kids from VBS were to get on stage and sing a song. The 2 and 3 year olds had eggs they would shake while the older kids sang.
We practiced shaking the eggs in nursery before going on stage and all the kids were ready.
That is until they actually got on stage. A few of the kids did great. Zoe didn't really like being on stage. She gave Grandma her egg and stood there.
About 3 seconds later, the alligator tears began.
She climbed down the stairs, hugged on Grandma and then got her nerves of steel back. She climbed back up the stairs, took an egg and sat there.
Watching the TV monitor with the words on it.
We practiced shaking the eggs in nursery before going on stage and all the kids were ready.
That is until they actually got on stage. A few of the kids did great. Zoe didn't really like being on stage. She gave Grandma her egg and stood there.
About 3 seconds later, the alligator tears began. She climbed down the stairs, hugged on Grandma and then got her nerves of steel back. She climbed back up the stairs, took an egg and sat there.
Watching the TV monitor with the words on it. I think she was waiting for the Wiggles.
Monday, July 20, 2009
We did some wiggling
One of Zoe's favorite morning shows used to be The Wiggles. She loves to sing and dance, so it was a natural fit for her. They are dubbed "your child's first rock band."
Unfortunately they left Disney and signed a deal with Sprout. That's a channel we don't have. The Wiggles have been off our radar for a bit.
Until we found out they were coming to town. I bought Zoe a Wiggles DVD and we haven't stopped watching it since.
She loves Wags the Dog, all the dance moves and Sam, the yellow Wiggle.
Imagine her delight when we went to the Opera House to see Sam, Wags and all the rest of the Wiggles in person.
I think her eyes grew about 2 feet each.
We got third row tickets and this is our pose for most of the show.
She was enthralled. Until Sam came off stage and waved to her personally. She kept yelling "it's Sam. It's Sam!"
All she could do was smile and wave back. She was absolutely speechless. Because she's like her mother, that's a rarity.
The Wiggles show was awesome. It contained humor for the parents (they rib each other constantly) and 90 minutes of pure energy for the kiddos.
About two-thirds of the way through, Wags the Dog came out to dance. Immediately Zoe sat up and made sure all of us knew it was Wags!
In person! Then he sang some song about scratching his fleas. He sure knows how to win our girl's heart.
I loved how much energy they had, how they spoke to kids and interacted with them. It truly was a great time. They even encouraged parents to take pictures. They speak to the blogging/scrapbooking crowd too.
Thank you Wiggles for making Spokane a stop on your tour. It made our whole weekend.
Unfortunately they left Disney and signed a deal with Sprout. That's a channel we don't have. The Wiggles have been off our radar for a bit.
Until we found out they were coming to town. I bought Zoe a Wiggles DVD and we haven't stopped watching it since.
She loves Wags the Dog, all the dance moves and Sam, the yellow Wiggle.
Imagine her delight when we went to the Opera House to see Sam, Wags and all the rest of the Wiggles in person.
I think her eyes grew about 2 feet each.
We got third row tickets and this is our pose for most of the show.
She was enthralled. Until Sam came off stage and waved to her personally. She kept yelling "it's Sam. It's Sam!"
All she could do was smile and wave back. She was absolutely speechless. Because she's like her mother, that's a rarity.
The Wiggles show was awesome. It contained humor for the parents (they rib each other constantly) and 90 minutes of pure energy for the kiddos.
About two-thirds of the way through, Wags the Dog came out to dance. Immediately Zoe sat up and made sure all of us knew it was Wags!
In person! Then he sang some song about scratching his fleas. He sure knows how to win our girl's heart.
I loved how much energy they had, how they spoke to kids and interacted with them. It truly was a great time. They even encouraged parents to take pictures. They speak to the blogging/scrapbooking crowd too. 
Thank you Wiggles for making Spokane a stop on your tour. It made our whole weekend.Friday, July 17, 2009
Keep dancing Bill
I've gone to the same church my whole life. It is a place where many of my memories come from. Most of my childhood was spent there in some form of youth program or service function.
I met lifelong friends there. Learned about salvation and was baptized there. I met N at youth group in our old gym. We were married 11 years later in the sanctuary.
Many of the people in our church have watched me grow, celebrated each milestone with me and have mentored me in some way either through their actions and their teaching.
Two people come to mind almost immediately: Bill and Adelin. I can remember many hugs from both of them, but also just the way they were as a couple. You knew their love continued to grow and deepen as they grew older. They were the couple I wanted my marriage to be like.
At my bridal shower, Adelin gave the devotional. She was an Air Force wife and knew all too well the life N and I were about to enter into. I'll never forget her words, "the first year is the hardest." At the time I thought she didn't know what she was talking about. As we entered into our first year of marriage, her words stuck with me.
During our reception we did a couples dance. The DJ would ask couples to leave the dance floor if they hadn't been married longer than 5, 10, 15 years, etc. This went on until Bill, Adelin, Neil and I were the only ones left. It was the longest marriage the newlyweds on the floor together.
It is one of my treasured memories from that day, being able to share that dance with Bill & Adelin.
I learned this morning that Bill is with Jesus. He has been fighting illness for awhile, but this morning the Lord called him home.
I'm so blessed to have had the priviledge to know Bill as part of my church family. He was there with me through most of my life. His spirit, personality, love for his wife and Lord have imprinted on my soul. He was a mentor to me in many spoken and unspoken ways.
Keep the dance floor open Bill. We'll get another dance someday.
I met lifelong friends there. Learned about salvation and was baptized there. I met N at youth group in our old gym. We were married 11 years later in the sanctuary.
Many of the people in our church have watched me grow, celebrated each milestone with me and have mentored me in some way either through their actions and their teaching.
Two people come to mind almost immediately: Bill and Adelin. I can remember many hugs from both of them, but also just the way they were as a couple. You knew their love continued to grow and deepen as they grew older. They were the couple I wanted my marriage to be like.
At my bridal shower, Adelin gave the devotional. She was an Air Force wife and knew all too well the life N and I were about to enter into. I'll never forget her words, "the first year is the hardest." At the time I thought she didn't know what she was talking about. As we entered into our first year of marriage, her words stuck with me.
During our reception we did a couples dance. The DJ would ask couples to leave the dance floor if they hadn't been married longer than 5, 10, 15 years, etc. This went on until Bill, Adelin, Neil and I were the only ones left. It was the longest marriage the newlyweds on the floor together.
It is one of my treasured memories from that day, being able to share that dance with Bill & Adelin. I learned this morning that Bill is with Jesus. He has been fighting illness for awhile, but this morning the Lord called him home.
I'm so blessed to have had the priviledge to know Bill as part of my church family. He was there with me through most of my life. His spirit, personality, love for his wife and Lord have imprinted on my soul. He was a mentor to me in many spoken and unspoken ways.
Keep the dance floor open Bill. We'll get another dance someday.
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