My Baby is Growing UP!!!!

It's been a big week for my big girl. She is in 4th grade and has been really responsibile. The first week of school she set her alarm, got up, got dressed, walked and fed the dog. Then she would make her breakfast and lunch. She was usually done by the time I was getting out of the shower. She has slacked a bit now that it's the 3rd week of school but she is still taking care of herself and that is great!

She has also been riding her bike to school every day. At her school it seems that they're allowed to go to and from school on their own when they get to 5th grade. We've been walking Coulter over to his school at 8:20 and then Sophia hooks up with a buddy and rides to school. The first few days I followed behind and caught up with her at school just to make sure she was there safely. Then the buddies mom followed them (with out them knowing) and made sure they were there.

Two days ago I let Sophia leave from the house before I was ready so she could meet her buddy. Their meeting spot is still outside Coulter's school and as most of you know, it's across the street. But still, it was a big deal. She was taking herself to school without any help or supervision. I am actually OK with that except for one thing.... How do I know they're at school safely?

Given the whole Kyron Horman thing everyone here is on high alert. I know the school would contact me if she weren't there but that could be an hour later. A lot can happen in an hour. I was not OK with the unknown. The solution....A CELL PHONE.

She has been wanting a cell phone forever. She has never needed one before but I couldn't stand not knowing where she was and that she was safe. In reality it was for me and my peace of mind. I went to get one from T Mobile. Haven't we all seen these commercials about the $10 added phone? Ah, nope...$50 per month. No way Jose. That is their best deal? Come on... I have been with them for 12 years now. I don't even want to think about all the money that I have sent their way. Money that 20 years ago I wouldn't even have known to spend on such a thing. Who needed a cell phone? I had a home phone, you could call me there. But now, I can't live with out it.

I went to Safeway where I have seen those "pay as you go" phones. I figured you paid about $50 or so. Nope....$7 for the phone. I figured you can't go wrong with that right? The minutes are where they get you. It's about $.16 per minute and you get 3 texts per minute. I think it's a great deal and if the kid looses the phone it isn't the end of the world. I got her 260 minutes and they are good thru February. If the phone is used like it is supposed to be that should be good enough. Now how to get her to do what I want....A CONTRACT.

Following is my version of a kid's cell phone contract. CELL PHONE CONTRACT

I, Sophia Leek, understand that having a cell phone is a BIG responsibility. I, therefore, agree to the following conditions. If I break these rules I will relinquish my cell phone and / or pay a $5.00 fine per offense.

1. My cell phone will be used primarily to contact my parents and make them aware of my location and situation.

2. I will text when possible to save money.

3. I will not text my friends unless given permission.

4. I will not let my friends use my phone.

5. I will not accept calls from my friends on this phone. I will set my message to have friends call me on our home phone.

6. I will not accept phone calls from phone numbers that I do not recognize. The only exception to this rule is if the same number calls 3 times indicating that it is from my parents who are at a number I don’t recognize.

7. I will silence my phone when I am at school after I text my mom to let her know I am safe. The first thing I will do at the end of the day is turn the ringer back on.

8. I WILL ALWAYS ACCEPT CALLS FROM MY PARENTS.

9. I WILL ALWAYS CALL IF I FEEL LIKE I AM IN ANY TYPE OF DANGER OR IF I AM AFRAID.

10. The phone is the property of my parents and will be turned over upon request.

11. I will not brag or show off that I have a cell phone.

12. I will give my phone to my mom each evening after I am finished with activities for the day. I will not delete any information from my phone so that all air time is recorded.

13. If I lose my cell phone I will pay to replace it. The cost of the phone is $10 and the cost of minutes is $40. If I lose the phone I am responsible to pay the $50 replacement fee.

This contract can be amended, changed and /or updated at the discretion of my parents. If it is amended I will sign a new contract. ________________________________________ ______/______/______
Sophia Leek

________________________________________ ______/______/______

Heather Leek

I tried to cover all my bases but left in that last bit just incase I need to change things.

Now I had the phone, the contract and the last bit was to add all the cell numbers she might ever need and figure out how the thing worked so I could show Sophia. Done.... And finally, the presentation of the phone.

I set the phone on the stairs and called Sophia from my phone. When her phone rang

I said, "Sophia, can you get that!"

She answered and said "Hello."

I said, "Hello. Who's phone is that?"

She said, "I don't know."

I said, "Who's to you think it is?"

And she said, "MINE?"

I said, "Yep."

And that is when the screaming and cheering started. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. Actually she didn't. Of course she wanted to start calling people immediately. That's when I told her there were some rules, actually quite a few rules, that she needed to follow and that she needed to sign a contract. She would have done anything at that point to get a phone.

We went through the contract and both signed it. She took one copy and I took the other.

On Friday she took the phone with her to school. The deal was that for the first week she would call and text me when she got to school. I wanted to make sure that the phone worked well and that we were communitcating properly. She was grinning from ear to ear as she left for school. She was so excited about her new responsibility. Off she went, on her own, just a little bit grown up.

It's both exciting and sad to hand her these little bits of growing up. It means she is a bit more independent and doesn't need me as much. On the happy side, it saves me almost an hour and a half per day! That is huge! Though I do miss seeing all the mom's in the morning and on the play ground in the afternoon. I still get some of that at Coulter's school.

I don't want to over indulge her but it happens. In this case it was a matter of safety and I needed to know that she is safe at all times. Being a parent is hard and knowing what to do or when to give them bits of freedom is both exciting and difficult. We all want them to grow up strong, independent and smart. If you give a kid too much freedom too soon they can get into trouble. It can also be scary to have too much freedom. I believe kids want limits.

I guess it's a balancing act, to let the rope out slowly. If you do it just right they know they're safe and you don't get burned. Let the rope out too fast and yowza, you all get burned.

So that is the balancing act that I have been doing this week. So far so good. I did have to stop her from texting me on the second day. I had to remind her that, "Can you bring me some socks?" is NOT an emergency. She listened. She was disappointed that she doesn't get to keep the phone in her room and that I get it at the end of the day but too bad. I am praying that if I set limits now they'll pay off later.

She is doing a great job growing up and handling the responsibilities that have been given to her. I am extreemly proud of her and the young lady that she is becoming. I would love to claim that it's due to my (and Bob's) parenting but I swear, it's just who she is. I am just trying to guide her and help her make wise choices. And for all that I say again, SO FAR, SO GOOD.

SPRING BREAK!!!!

We have been blessed in so many ways. First that we have been able to spend a few Spring Breaks in Manzanita at the Slack's Cabin. This has been the one family vacation that we take where we aren't visiting someone, taking someone along or staying with family. There have been years where it snowed during Spring Break, yes SNOWED on the beach. Still my kids took their socks and shoes off and ran in the snow. One time it rained the whole time. This time....the sun has been out the WHOLE time....well until late yesterday.

Bob and I are doing some work at the cabin. We put in new counter tops almost as soon as we got here. It was surprisingly easy but of course we had planned well. The last time we were here we measured, checked out how things were attached, took pictures etc. Luckily it came out 99% as planned. The company that the counter tops were ordered from made one small mistake but I can fix that....still, the best plans don't always turn out as planned. Today we take on the kitchen floor. I have never tiled before but am looking forward to it.

We spent the first day getting here unloading and playing at the beach. It was windy but the kids and dog didn't care. We caught up with our friends the Lees on the beach and all just took it in. A good start to the trip.

Day #2 was spent at Oswald State Park on the beach. It was a beautiful 65 degree day and we all had fun. Our friends the Bauer-Bakers (the BBs) were with us. The tide was out so we were able to see some tide pools and run around the rocks. It was great. Kees and Coulter ran around in their underwear, Sophia chose to get soaked. She's too big now, you know, to run around in under-roos. Iva chased the ball for HOURS!!!! Jolene, Iva's best friend, chased Iva and occasionally got the ball. Jolene was worn out by the end. I think Iva could have run all day. We soaked up the sun and really had a wonderful time.

Later in the day we were invited for cocktails at the BB's house. Sophia was invited to a sleep over with her friend Ally. We had a nice time all around. Upon arrival at home Kees insisted he have someone to sleep with. I laid down with him. Guess who went to sleep at 9:15? It was a great day.

Day #3 we spent at Hug Point. If you haven't been there it's quite amazing. Back in the day when covered wagons travelled on the beach as a high way the people blasted an "L" shape out of the rocks at Hug Point. They would then travel across this area during low tide. You do NOT want to go around the point and get stuck there so it's really important that you know when the tide is going in and out.

This time I was really prepared. I brought food, towels, sand toys, drinks even wine. Of course if there is food all Kees wants to do is eat while we're doing a family activity. He whined that he was hungry the whole time, even after I would give him food. Silly boy. It was sunny but it was also windy. That tends to be how it goes on the Oregon Coast. It was fun but not as perfect at the previous day. You just can't always plan the fun. We bid farewell to the BBs as they went back to P'land.

Day #4 - We drove up to Astoria. We've been coming to Manzanita for 10 years now and have never made the 45 minute trip up. Now was the time. The weather was perfect again. First we stopped at the visitors center to get maps and such. The kids thought the free magazines and books were cool. Next a bit of lunch and shopping on the main street. Yum.... And on to the Astoria Column. It is a long trek up the 164 steps to the top. OK, it was a long way for Bob and I. The kids ran up and down the thing like it was a play structure. They sell little wooden airplanes that you can throw off the top. That was fun. The view was beautiful and it was as clear as it gets. Finally it was down to the waterfront for a street car ride. It was fun, cheep and informative.

So that is where we are to date. We will be laying the tile today and then going to the spa later in the afternoon....Bob and I that is. I am looking forward to that for sure.

Ta ta for now.....

A Few Pictures of Carl Having Fun

This is Carl as we started out on a hiking trip. He carried in about 4 quarts of already made stew....that's heavy. Note the tubs tied to his back pack. He rented his gear and didn't check it out before he left home. Ahhh...we were camping in the Rain Forrest and ahhh....Carl's tent didn't have rain flys and the couple others he rented didn't either.



This is what it looked like in the morning along the nice quiet creek that we set up camp next to. Everyone was soaked except for Laura and I. We were sleeping like babies, because we had a rain fly.



Mary and Carl out for the evening.



Mary and Carl in Paris. This was such a great trip.



Carl pointing out something or other at Notre Dame. He used his umbrella as a pointer the whole day. We still laugh about that.

What a Weekend

Me and My Big Girl Caitlin and ahhh...the other violinist. Crazy fire show.... Sophia and Caitlin throwing some gang signs or something....LOL All the girls



It's been a good weekend. Friday night we celebrated by spending the evening watching TV and doing pretty much nothing. Saturday Sophia woke up better...way better. Hooray! Not only was she better she had a birthday party to go to and everyone was invited. Bob took the kids to the Academy Theater for the party and then he and I went out and did a bit of shopping. It was nice to have that time together.

Our afternoon was peaceful. Bob worked outside and I was inside. At 5 we went over to the Stewart's. I was going out to the Miz Kitty Vaudeville Show. The Stewart's babysitter was on her way. When she got there Bob asked her if she minded if our kids stayed. Bob scored. She said that was fine. Bob went to a movie. The Kitty Show isn't his thing...I don't know why but it isn't. I, on the other hand, love it.

I handed out programs at the door before the show and laughed a lot during the show. There were a bunch of friends there and we all enjoyed ourselves. If you are around and inclined, you should come some time. It's like nothing you've ever seen before. After the show we all went out and had a drink and a bit of something to eat. I took a cab home. I usually do when I go to the Miz Kitty Show. I ride with someone there and cab it home....

This morning we all got up and went to church. We're trying to be consistent with church. We want the kids to participate in the Christmas Pageant. They have never wanted to before and this year is the year...finally. They practice after church so we really need to be there for that and for, well, CHURCH! For us, it's the right thing to do and I think it's a good community for our children.

When we got home Sophia and I quick, made some cookies. We were going to the Trans Siberian Orchestra where Caitlin Moe was performing as one of their featured violinists. The cookies were for Caitlin and anyone she wanted to share them with. They've been on the road for weeks and it is a crazy schedule that they keep. That and eating on the road can be brutal. They were in town less than 24 hours and did 2 shows. We wanted to host a dinner but they didn't have time. Cookies would have to suffice.

The show was at 3:00 and we were a bit early. We had seats in the 8th row, awesome. The show was really something. Rock and roll Christmas. The lights were going, lots of lasers and pyrotechnics, it was amazing. And Caitlin was great. She spotted us in the audience fairly early and gave us a couple of waves and lots of smiles. Sophia felt like SHE was a star. It was very cute. T

hose musicians are the hardest working group of musicians I have ever seen. They were running and jumping the WHOLE time. AND I know they have done this the past 2 days, twice a day in 2 other cities. Exhausting! They load in the buses after their 7:30 show tonight to head to Salt Lake City. I am too old for that, I can't imagine!

I was smiling the whole show. Partly because it was just good fun. Partly because the guy next to us was singing and playing air guitar A LOT! There was a big fan group near us. They told us that they had been every year for like 10 years. They were all going crazy. It was fun to watch. Everyone was just really enjoying themselves and that is what it's all about.

After the show Caitlin came out to say hello. She had wanted to bring us back stage but because of the tight turn around they weren't letting anyone back there. We chatted and took a couple pictures. We handed over the cookies, Caitlin was grateful. She is such and nice girl. I wish her luck and a good night's sleep.

Bob had dinner all ready for us when we got home. He and the boys just hung out and stayed home. They DID clean the basement. Good job boys!

It was a really nice weekend. Our week will be great too. Monday is a regular Monday but after that, Bob, Sophia and Coulter are off all week. We're doing a family snack day in Kees' class on Wednesday and then we're going to Mom and Ed's for Thanksgiving. It will be a fun and busy week. I hope your weekend was as fun as our's.

Wedding Weekend Pictures

In order these pictures are ….
#1 - George, Sarah, Marilyn (the Bride), Heather, Cassandra, Ellen and Tony
#2 - Connie and Abdul (Dude Mike from Springfield)
#3 - Heather, Sarah, Connie
#4 - Darcey (Marilyn’s brother) and Thai’beh (Majid’s Cousin)
#5 - Shawn and Ellen

A Beautiful Thing

Marilyn and Majid - The happy couple!!!


Sarah, Marilyn, Heather, Ellen and Cassandra


Abdul (Dude Mike of Springfield), Heather and Connie


Ellen and Tony


Ellen and Cassandra

I just got back from California where I attended the wedding of my dear friend Marilyn Beck. She married Majid Karimi a man of Persian descent. I had never met Majid before but I couldn't have imagined a nicer man for Marilyn. He is smiling all the time, embraces his friends and family always, and is an all around lovely man.

I tell you this, Majid's family is HUGE! He has five brothers and two sisters and most are married with a few children.... There were aunts, uncles, cousins etc. all over the place. Marilyn's family was well represented as well but it's hard to keep up with the numbers when it comes to the Karimi's.

Ellen, Tony (Ellen's Boyfriend, such an nice guy) and I all arrived on the mountain on Friday. I immediately went to the spa. My toes were a mess and lord knows, one can not attend a wedding with messy toes!

Upon returning to my room I met up with my room mate Cassandra. We conferred that it had been about 15 years since we had crossed paths. How is it that she looked exactly the same? Cassandra is smart, successful, friendly and beautiful. It was really fun to see her doing so well and to, well, just see her again. She was a great room mate.

Shortly there after our reunion we took a short car ride to a little restaurant. By the looks of it we weren't expecting much but the menu was great. Everyone sat all mixed up so we could get to know one another. As it turns out, I sat next to Marilyn's mom, Ann, and across from Abdul and Connie, Majid's oldest brother and sister in law. Abdul is in his early fifties I would guess and his wife is right behind him. Connie is Hispanic and FULL of life and humor. Abdul is known as the strict one in the family. Of course, I didn't know this so I went in with no preconceived notions.

As dinner progressed we shared LOTS of interesting conversation. It's always fascinating to hear a new point of view when it comes to world politics. We shared many ideas and didn't share others but it was all good. Later on I asked Abdul what his WHOLE name was. It was something like Abdul Kalif humina humina humina Karimi. So I translated it for him. Abdul is a title, his second name is a common name, the next one means "From the" and the last name describes the area he's from. The area is a grassy plane. So I translated it as Dude Mike of Springfield. Well I'll tell you that caught on. By the end of the night he WAS "Dude Mike of Springfield."

Majid told me, "I have NEVER seen my brother like this." That made me laugh since all I had seen was this silly guy. I later heard so much more about Abdul. He moved to the US when he was 19, put himself through school and moved his siblings over two by two. He then felt the responsibility to guide them as they were educated, married and basically sought the American Dream all while getting married and having four children of his own. I think that would make anyone fairly serious. Lots of responsibility. I hadn't met that Abdul. I met the Abdul that was "Dude Mike of Springfield" and liked laughing a lot. The same guy who adored his wife and was very happy for, and proud of his whole family.

We played poker late into the night on Friday. I think we were there until 1:30 in the morning and it turns out, we were not the last to leave! Yikes. This wouldn't have been so bad EXCEPT - it was in Marilyn and Majid's suite. AND Marilyn is almost 3 months pregnant. I know how tired that made me, I can't imagine having to host a wedding and a bunch of crazy people in my suite. As I came to learn later, Marilyn has learned to accept Majid's hospitality and knew there would be people in their suite the whole time. Bless Marilyn!

Saturday was fairly quiet. We all got up early considering the late night. The women did flowers and then the women in the wedding party had their nails done. I had lunch with George, Sarah and their boys, Minas and Michael. It was fun to catch up with them. Later then I rested and got ready for bowling. We all went bowling for the rehearsal dinner.

After bowling it was back to the hotel where Majid insisted we all go to their suite again. We did but then we all insisted that he and Marilyn go to bed and we left at about 11. Much better considering the next day they were getting married!

Wedding Day - I slept in while there was a hum through out the rest of the group getting ready. The wedding was held on the lawn over looking the lake....Beautiful. The ceremony was fairly traditional but also included Persian traits and welcomed all believers. I loved that part. We are all one. There were many representatives from each family flanking the bride and groom. So much love.....

The reception had all kinds of music and the food was great. Majid's brothers and Marilyn's family all toasted the happy couple with love and blessings. Even Dude Mike got up there. I was dragged onto the dance floor by both Abdul and Connie. I felt like the long lost sister who had finally be reunited with her big Persian Family. It was great.

So it was a successful weekend. I loved seeing my old friends. We talked about the fact that we've all been friends for over 20 years, almost half a life time. Amazing! And I love these people as much as I ever did. Then to meet the Karimi Family and feel like I have even more family. Fabulous. Abdul and Connie have insisted that I come back and bring the "Dutch one", Bob and the kids. Abdul said we'll have a big celebration when we go. I am sure it will be amazing.

Thanks so much to the hosts for providing a wonderful experience for all involved. I will not soon forget...actually I will never forget that good time.

My Old Chairs Made New Again

The green is the old and the other two are DUHHH....... the new.

Today Was Like a Box of Chocolates

Today started out just like any other Sunday. We all slept in a few minutes. I spread the word last night, "No TV in the morning." so the sleep in would be possible. Bob voyaged out to Starbucks for coffee (I am still not sure about this one because we HAVE A COFFEE MAKER!) but I digress. Bob made breakfast for all and we went to church. The kids were good and totally willing. This has made going to church much nicer. After church we went to the coffee hour, the kids had cookies, we all chatted and the produce table was up. It's great. You can pick up a few things for a donation. It's better then when the market vendors would throw it all away.

After church the kids lobbied for Chinese Food. That sounded good to me so I told them to lobby daddy. He's the tough one on that. He agreed so we went to our favorite place. A little dim sum, a couple more regular things....yum. Sophia later reported, "That was good Chinese. I can still taste it when I burp." What a lady....

Then on to IKEA! I love to go to IKEA and don't need much of an excuse to go. But today we needed a BIG basket that we could put the kids coats in. They come in the house and just throw them on the floor, now at least they'll have a target to throw them. I am trying to make it as easy as possible. If you can't beat 'em..... The kids asked for a bunch of stuff...they got nuthin'. By the end of the trip to IKEA they knew they weren't getting anything and the gave up. I love how Coulter would say, "But I want it because I have been so good." My response, "We have raised you to be good. That is my expectation."

Next home again, home again.... As we drive up what's across the street from our house? 4 guys in armor sword fighting. They had a whole little set up. When the kids went over the wenches gave the kids little foam swords. It was really something. The ladies were preparing some meat thing over a gas flame thing and I think they were drinking some sort of grog. I snapped off a few pics and the kids thought that was so cool. Apparently they are going to be here monthly.

After our bit of sword fighting we went to the ice cream social for Kees' school. The weather was fabulous and there were all kinds of things going on. There were pony rides, ice cream, 2 bouncy houses, live music, and lots of playing on the play ground. Iva even got to come. Everyone had fun.

We were home by 3:30. This meant my day of getting things done was almost shot. I had planned to and really wanted to reupholster my dinning room chairs. This is something that I have wanted to do since the first day that I set my eyes on that nasty green material on the seats. Totally YUCK. On the plus side, we used the yucky material as our practice material so it has all the stains on it. Yesterday I picked up some material that is PERFECT for our colors and I got it for a DOLLAR at a yard sale. How cool is that? But alas....the day is only so long.

FIRST, we turned down the kids' request for play dates. We are hell bent on making them learn to entertain themselves. This went on almost every hour on the hour. I was ready to beat them. Bob and I spent our time getting out the winter stuff and organizing. Each kid has their own basket or drawer. All coats go in the BIG BASKET, hats, gloves, scarves, back packs etc go in their own space. Man I hope this works. I hate the clutter at the door. My kids don't even notice it.

After the stuff was organized, put away it was time to ..... make dinner. Damn...my chairs. As I moved into the kitchen Bob said, "I'll go pick something up." I love him. I GOT TO START ON MY CHAIRS!!! The new material covered 5 chairs and then I have another material for the rest. I am really happy with my new chairs but especially happy that I was able to do it myself. They look great! I am tired but really happy with the result.

It was a good Sunday albeit busy and a little strange. How often do you have guys in armor sword fighting in YOUR front yard? Yes indeed, today was like a box of chocolates.

Success

We have been having a great few days. Sophia started school on Tuesday so the boys and I had a little time together. While school starting has been great, I have felt like I just flew in from Europe. I have been whack tired. A - I am not a morning person and B - I am not a morning person that and I have been recovering from a sinus infection. I did, however, continue moving forward.

On Wednesday Coulter wanted to go to the zoo. He had been asking to go to the zoo for about a week. I don't know why it was so important but it was so I decided to oblige him. First the boys had to do some cleaning and they were great at it. Note to self, the boys DO know how to clean. Then zoo....

We only had a couple hours so we had to make a plan. First, get tickets to ride the train, next penguins and elephants. It was important to check on the growth of the baby elephant. Yep, he was bigger. The penguins were stinky but cute. The train was the highlight for the boys, it just made me want to fall asleep. The last thing we did was check out the sea lions. They're always awesome. Then it was time to pick up Fia. We had a nice day.

Friday was Coulter's first day of kindergarten. He was pretty funny. On Thursday night Coulter announced to me that he was going to walk to school by himself in the morning. That cracked me up. I had to insist on taking him. He could not figure out why I wanted to take him, the school is across the street for goodness sakes. Geeze mom! I made him the obligitory "First Day of School" sign for picutres. He let me take only two, he needed to get in that class room. Not only were there no tears he was practically giddy with excitement. That boy is READY for kindergarten. He had a great day. I didn't get many details but he was happy.

After he and Sophia were dropped off at school, Kees and I had a his open house at ChildsWork. Kees has Debbie for a teacher. He has literally known her since birth. Sophia had Debbie when Kees was born. Coulter had Debbie last year. And to keep the universe in order, Kees has Debbie this year. Anyone who has ever had Debbie as a teacher will tell you that she is awesome. We are all excited. Kees marched into the room as if he owned it. He was in there almost every day last year when it was Coulter's, now, finally, it was his. There was not a moment of hesitation. It was as if he was going home. It was fun to be in there with him. And next week....Kees will start school 5 days a week.

Saturday was a great day. It started early because Sophia had her very first soccer game / tournament. Bob took Sophia while I stayed with the boys. I stupidly thought that we could sleep in a bit and then join up with Bob and Sophia. Yeah right! The moment they left the boys were up and pestering me. We got dressed and made it over to the soccer field (across town) to see the last game. Apparently Sophia scored a goal in the first game. That's it...she is hooked. It was really fun to watch the girls play and hang out with the other soccer parents. This was the first of what, I am sure, will be hundreds of soccer games.

Then we needed to get ready for Saturday night. First we had our block party. I made my stuffed grape leaves. While I was cooking, Bob was setting up for a movie in the back yard. We decided that a movie in the back yard was so much fun that we should get an LCD projector. So we did. We're going to do this all next summer. And I am already projecting into the future. When the kids can't figure out what do do we'll do movies in the back yard instead of having them run all over the city causing trouble. Living where we do I am sure our house will be where the kids hang out. If you can't beat 'em......

The block party was great. The food was fabulous and I met a bunch of people that I had never met before. Our neighborhood is wonderful. Oh, and Bob won the party prize. It was a bicycle fitting. I have actually wanted to do this for a long time so I am thrilled. When I looked into doing that it was $100. The funny thing was Sophia drew his name. We all got a big ha ha out of that.

When it got dark out a bunch of us went back to our house. It was great. The kids were in the back yard watching Spy Kids and the parents were in front on the deck. It was a beautiful night. The temp was about 70 so we didn't even need the heater. We all had a great time. At about 11 when the movie was over we disbanded. I was exhausted and told Bob that I was going to bed. I left him up to deal with the mess, I couldn't stay awake for one more minute.

And today, the kids are all playing, Bob cleaned out the cars (that's a first) and I am watching Wild China on the Travel Channel and blogging. This is a good day. I suppose that I'll have to do something constructive today but for now I am really happy sitting here doing this. Yes, this week and weekend have been a success.

More San Francisco Pictures

They're Comin' Around....

This morning I was so frustrated with my kids. They were arguing, yelling and fighting. And I, in turn was YELLING! Kids can make you crazy. The penalty for their nastiness was no TV for the day. This meant no TV this morning and no TV until bed. Usually this wouldn’t be a big deal but today we were driving to the coast so it meant no TV in the car. Honestly I don’t think my kids have ever seen anything between our house and the ocean except the TV in the car. This worried me a bit but I was sticking to my guns.

As we headed out of town they tried me. “Mom, can we turn on a movie now?” Usually when we hit the freeway on a road trip it’s TV time. I said, “Nope….no TV.” They were upset for about…….30 seconds. Next I said, “This is your captain speaking. We’ll be traveling at approximately 30,000 feet. Please stay seated. If you look out your window to the right you will see cows grazing.” They laughed and asked, “Mom…. Will we see horses too?” I said, “I am the captain, not mom.” From then on I was Captain Mom and they were Passenger _______. You do the math. This worked for an hour. They reported what they saw out the windows and had a great time. We had never talked in the car this long. IT WAS GREAT!

Next they talked about making a haunted deck (we have a big deck on the front of our house) for Halloween. There are other haunted porches and such around our ‘hood for Halloween. They went on and on for another hour. I loved hearing their ideas and imagination. It was like they were there. I could feel their excitement.

Once we were at the cabin they climbed out of the car. I announced, “Guys, I need help. You are going to help me unload the car.” They looked at me unimpressed. I said, “Until the car is unloaded we’re not going to have any fun.” They jumped in. I carried the heavy stuff and they carried all the small stuff. Sophia tried to carry heavy stuff but really…..I took it from her. I unpacked and the kids climbed up to the loft after their part was done.

Grandma and grandpa showed a few minutes after our arrival. The kids were really excited to see them and ran around like crazy people. We all reacquainted and then went about our business. Mom, Sophia and I went to the grocery store, Ed, Coulter and Kees went to the beach. The girls got a few things and then went to meet the boys at the beach. It was almost balmy there. It was 70 degrees and really windy. The wind we are used to, the warm NO but it was welcome for sure. We played and then went home….

I made dinner. Ed says, “Hey, the Sounders are playing. Too bad there’s not a TV.” (The TV is in the closet). The kids say, “It’s in there!” He goes toward it. They say, “WE’RE NOT ALLOWED TO WATCH TV TODAY!” They were really adamant. Mom said, “Ed, they are not allowed to watch TV today.” They both respected that and all went on.

Our friend Rebecca came over. We all had a glass of wine, talked, the kids played, Sophia worked on a story on the computer. A bit later, Ed went to bed, Rebecca went home, I put the boys to bed and turned on noise for them. They went right out. Funny how that familiar sound does the trick. They couldn’t stay awake if they wanted to. Sophia, Mom and I stayed up. Mom told Sophia stories about when she was a kid. I told stories about when Bob and I got married. It was really fun. Sophia was really into it. Mom read Sophia’s story so far and gave her big kudos. Sophia was all smiles.

Time for bed….. Mom went to the RV and I took Sophia to bed. She wanted to read to me….she just started a Nancy Drew book. She started it about 10 minutes after I shut down the TV this morning. Yet another point for shutting down the boob tube. I don’t know what she read all I know is listening to her read was like silk on my skin, cream on my tongue, basically like a smooth warm flow over by body. It was magic. She was entranced….. and I was by her. I love that she loves reading. Next she said, “Mommy I am tired. Will you lay with me?” Of course. I turned off the light and we “spooned” together. I could feel her breath, I could feel her pulse. I thought, “I am going to breathe hard and see what happens.” Just like when she was a baby….She matched my breathing, closed her eyes and slipped away into sleep. Man it was beautiful. I can’t believe I still have that over her. Does my mom still have that on me? Maybe. Maybe all mammas do. But it was so cool and I love that my babies are coming around.

They were spoiled brats a week ago that could only be calmed by entertainment. They are coming back to the beautiful, creative and smart kids that I have always known. This makes me really happy. So less TV, more mom/dad, beach and quiet creative play seem to be the answer. I love the answer and love that the answer makes us all more peaceful. I am looking forward to more beach and peace and less wild and over indulged children. Life with the kids is looking better by the moment.

More Georgia Pix

Here are the family shots.