Blog Catch Up Part 1

Whew! Has been a long time since I have
sat down to actually update my blog. We have had a busy month of June. Our biggest excitement was our trip to Virginia to see Eric's friends and family. We flew into National (so small it felt like Hibbing's airport) and headed to Winchester to see Eric's friends. Had a lovely time with Robert, Tom and Janelle. Winchester has changed greatly since we were last there. There has been a huge downtown revitalization. The next day, we went to city hall so Eric could see his former co-workers. We had a nice visit and Tim then walked us around the downtown and caught Eric up on all the changes. Eric even contemplated, mmm, for about 5 seconds, the thought of moving back. I just smiled and let him talk and he finally had to look at me and laugh. He's a Minnesota boy now.

It felt funny to be back in Virginia after all these years, but somehow, it still seemed familiar. Libby demanded on the drive to Staunton that we get to Babboo and Dayday's NOW! She was anxious to see them and all her cousins. We were swarmed when we pulled into the driveway! :) The cousins were very excited to meet Libby for the first time. She was a little overwhelmed, but quickly warmed. A friend of the family has a pool and we were able to bring the kids there several times and they all had a blast, but mostly Eric... The next few days were heaven for her as everyone wanted to be near her. There were even tears over who would be able to hold her hand. At one point, I caught the kids bowing down to her. I quickly nipped that in the bud! Libby loves "big" kids and was so thrilled to be included. They all did such a great job with her. We had a lovely visit and ended the week with a lunch with Doug's, Eric's dad, side of the family. I was told the lunch would be held at a church "in the county". Of course, that means nothing to me, but you do have to smile at colloquialisms. I fell in love with Eliza's buttermilk pies, and she promised to send the recipe. Mary Howard, who is around 90, is one of the most lovely women I have ever met. I am very happy we stayed so that we could reconnect with these important members of the family, who are now getting along in years.

This all for today, but will finish the rest of the trip in my next post.

Uh Oh

We had a play date at Tenzing's the other day. The two of them are very wild when they play together and it is pretty exhausting. Heather and I were talking when we heard the dreaded silence. Ran to the bathroom, and there was Tenzing at the sink, filling up the dog's water dish and pouring it on the floor, to the amusement of Libby. Libby's socks were soaked, so she wore a pair of Tenzing's home. She would comment on them during the afternoon and seemed delighted to be wearing them. At bedtime, I went to pull them off, and she almost started crying. She told me that she wanted to sleep with them on! The next morning, the first words out of her mouth were, pointing to her feet, "Tenzing's socks". Yikes. Even Eric had to concede we have a little match made in heaven. Above are older pics, but they sum it up....

Still working on the good ol' potty training. Libby is 90% done and only is not 100% because of her stubbornness. Yesterday, she drove me crazy by twice pooping in her pants. This was quite unusual. I called Eric to complain. Little back story, Eric and Libby have a story about why Merlie cannot drive a car; "no thumbs". I turned to her when I was talking to Eric and asked her "why" she pooped in her pants instead of on the potty. She looked at me and put up her thumbs and said "no thumbs". I had to leave the room so that she did not see me cracking up. Eric was laughing so hard on the phone. She is our little comedian.

Seeing Stars

Last night while trying to put Little Miss Wacky Pants to bed, I got the pleasure of seeing some stars. Libby was in a great, but overstimulated mood. I could not get her to lie still and let me read. She was all over the bed and then did her infamous head snap, which connected with my cheek. I saw stars immediately. Oye, did it hurt. Eric came to the rescue and put her to bed for me while I sat with an ice bag on my cheek. It is very swollen today and I have a black eye. It feels very uncomfortable. Libby hugged and apologized last night, and this morning. I think seeing the outcome from her actions may have had an impact on her. But then again, who knows.

We are talking about bringing down her "big girl bed" from the attic. It is a toddler bed that our friends gave to us. Eric does not like the idea of her being able to run around and possibly getting into trouble, but she will be three at the end of August, and I think it is a good time to begin the transition. Not to sound knee jerky, but all of her friends who are the same age are now in toddler, if not twin or full beds. We will wait until we get back from vacation to make the move.

Grand Old Day was fun, if a bit cold. Last year, Libby had on sun screen, this year; a coat, hat, mittens and a blanket! She loved petting some pot bellied pigs at the petting zoo. I loved petting the kangaroos. They were so soft.

Sun is trying to peek out. We have had the rain and gray skies, time for some sunshine and warm weather!

Sunny days, but need the rain

I know how much we need the rain, but it has been so nice to be able to play outside each and every day for ages. The temps have been perfect, the sky blue and sunny-it has been lovely. However, I am crossing my fingers for some really heavy rain soon, just not on Sunday. I love Grand Old Day and Libby will be able to enjoy it so much more this year.

It has been a busy week. We went to Rena's on Monday for a nice morning with other Mom's and kids. Libby and Lexa are two little peas in a pod. I mean that lovingly, most days. They disappeared for a bit, and when I found them, Libby was standing at a very full bathroom sink, splashing, while Lexa cheered her on. The floor had standing water on it. I looked at Lexa and could not figure out what was different about her, then realized her shirt was not what she had been wearing earlier, and, hmmmmm, dry. Although I told Rena there was water on her floor, I don't think she quite believed me until she saw it! Tuesday, we met others at the Goodwill. It was bedlam. I was exhausted watching Libby and Lexa run around. Libby got Hungry, Hungry Hippos, one of my favorite games. It was our last Music Together class that day, and I think the teacher sighed in relief when Libby and Tenzing walked out the door. I know I would have! :) Tenzing and Heather met us at Eric's work Wednesday so that Tenzing could ride on a forklift and see all the big equipment. He was in awe. Of course none of us had a camera, but his face was a sight to see-pure joy. Wednesday night was our last class of ECFE for the year. Several of the families will not be back because their children have aged out. Pretty sure we will go back next year. It is a very nice group and I like Libby to be surrounded by kids from so many backgrounds, as she is not often during her regular week, except for other little girls from China. I love having kids from Russia, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Haiti in her circle of friends.

Our last topic was quite a big one. We talked about raising boys and girls-positives and negatives. We then got into a lively discussion about stereotyping. I think most agreed that when you hear someone say "he is such a boy" that even if it is said with exasperation, there is pride there. If someone says "she is such a girl", it is said with more indulgence and about her being cute and girlie. And yet, just why is nurturing as a trait regarded as a negative? Some of the strongest and most positive women in my life have been incredible nurturers. It made me realize that I hate the idea of Libby being put into a compartment at such a young age. It seems we as parents cannot help doing it to our kids ourselves. So many examples I could give, but I think most of us get it, even though we unconsciously do it. I thought about the other stereotypes Libby will have to face. Being Asian will mean of course she will have to be smart. She will have to play the piano or violin, too... Yes, there is sarcasm there. It really made me think about how we have to give her the tools to be who she is-whatever and whoever that may be.

Annie was over this morning. It was probably good not to have Tenzing here, as he and Libby usually run off and play together. Annie and Libby played beautifully. They shared, took turns, had animated discussions about their boo boos, and really were able to interact in ways they have not before. All in all, a delightful morning.

Time for me to grab my latest Cooking Light magazine and nap, I mean read, for a bit.

Best Green Beans-EVER! :)

We had our church picnic yesterday. As Eric said, you are seldom surprised by what turns up there-all good food, but the usual suspects. That is, until we came across these green beans on the buffet. They are delicious! I complimented the woman who brought them, and she made me smile when she said, "Well of course they are good, they came from an Episcopal cookbook". I love those "cradle" Episcopalians. Hope you enjoy the recipe this summer!

Greek Green Bean and Feta Salad

1 ½ lb fresh green beans, washed and cut

¾ c olive oil

½ c packed fresh mint leaves

¼ c white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp lemon juice

¾ tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp minced garlic

1 c chopped onion

1 c crumbled feta cheese

1 c chopped walnuts

Place beans in a saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil for a few minutes; drain. Place in a bowl in the refrigerator to cool. Combine oil, mint, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, sugar, pepper, and garlic in blender; blend well, then refrigerate. When ready to assemble, arrange beans on platter; sprinkle with onions, then feta cheese, then walnuts. Pour salad dressing over and serve.

Diocese of Central Pennsylvania

Diocese Board Collection

From The Bread of Life, A Cookbook for Body and Soul, published by Episcopal Church Women (Morehouse Publishing)