I'll admit it. I used to look down my (regrettably large) nose at parents with DVD players in their vehicles. I'd think something smug like, "Come ON! Whatever happened to family togetherness? You know, sing-a-longs, road games, and deep conversation?" (Can you tell I was an only child and this is what I envisioned was taking place in the cars of my friends with siblings?) I have Clark Griswold ideals when it comes to family vacations and major holidays.
On our way home from vacation (six hours each way) a couple of weeks ago, our son decided to spend the last solid hour of the drive alternating between shrieks and wails. Penn says he must be part Bee Gee. When he's unhappy he squeaks "Ah! Ah! Ah!" in an ear splittingly high key and it seems as if someone should finish the stanza with, "...Stayin' Alive! Stayin' Alive!" To be fair to Nicknack, it had been a big week. And he'd been a trooper for the vast majority of it. Plus, he'd been receiving a lot of reinforcement for every little peep, what with four adults at his beck and call. Including two unbelievably doting grandparents. He came home positively spoiled.
The whining really began to grate on the driver's nerves, who actually instructed Nicknack to "Pipe down!" Which are the only semi-harsh words Penn has ever spoken to him. But he was driving in heavy 70mph traffic (next to a weaving, tailgating VW van with a death wish), white knuckled, in the pouring rain. Meanwhile, my Father-in-law's take on the commotion was, "Would you listen to that happy little guy singing his happy little song?" That man does more than see the glass half full. He's sees the empty glass as full. He's really quite a guy. But in Penn's defense, his Dad didn't have the burden of shuttling everyone safely to and fro for a week. So it was easier for him to be chipper.
When Nicknack's complaints reached melt down level even his grandparents had to admit he was unhappy. So my Mother-in-law set out to entertain him. By singing. Songs from old movies I've never heard of. And obscure show tunes. I know I was the one wishing for a sing-a-long but I was imagining my favorite ditties, not hers. And actually, she wasn't in the car at all, in my little imaginings. It might have been just ducky except this was day eight of quality time with my elderly in-laws and I was ready to go back to being a family of three.
It was about this time that I began to long for Sesame Street. Eebie Baby. Between the Lions. Any of Nicknack's favorites would do. I think even Barney (which Nicknack has never seen and will never see, if I can help it!) would have been better than the combination of Nicknack's piercing screams and my Mother-in-law's cheerful and hearty attempt to sing over said screams. God bless her, she has a heart of gold. But I would have paid top dollar had there been a roadside automobile-DVD-player-stand somewhere along the way.
So to those of you with movie theaters in your cars, minivans, and SUVS, I apologize. I get it now. I'll still never have one because I plan to force all manner of family togetherness on my unsuspecting co-passengers. And driver. Poor Penn. He has none of the delusions of an only child. He was the youngest of four and has vivid memories of several trips from Washington to Southern California, in the heat of summer, with no air conditioning, squished in the front seat between his parents in some big American automobile. But come to think of it, those memories are all pleasant, shared with a wistful voice and big smile. I knew it! Despite little annoyances families have fun when forced together (for many many miles) in a vehicle with no obvious source of entertainment. Because they have no alternative other than to bond and love each other a little bit more.
Oh, let me live in my little dream world. You and I both know that when all heck breaks loose I'll be coveting your car's DVD player.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Happy Fourth of July!
July is my husband's favorite month (his birthday month) and The Fourth of July is his favorite day of the year. He gets as excited about it as I do about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Among his most cherished childhood memories are Independence Days at his parents' lake house surrounded by dozens of extended family members, relishing his mom's home cooking, swimming for hours, and setting off hundreds of noisy explosives. Penn is a fireworks aficianado.
For a few years I got to be part of the celebration, although I know a great deal of the specialness of it all was lost on me. I loved the amazing fireworks show the "boy cousins" put on in the evening. But the previous eight or so hours of constant booming, popping, and screaming of the lesser fireworks (you know the really loud and annoying kind that they throw in the bag as a bonus when one spends a lot of money at fireworks stands?) did get a bit tedious. :)
When Nicknack was born Penn and I agreed that we'd have to excuse ourselves from the fun for a few years. The hours and hours of deafening noise just aren't appropriate for new ears.
Last year was our first Fourth of July in this house. Nicknack was about five weeks old. Penn and I made a date to sit in the backyard at five til ten, when darkness begins to set in, to catch the surrounding fireworks displays. But Nicknack had other ideas. He and I were still struggling tremendously with nursing, and wouldn't you know it - he chose that exact time to begin a very lengthy and productive nursing session. Believe me, when nursing went well it was such a relief that I dropped everything else. So Penn stood outside by himself for an hour, watching the fireworks and sharing a running commentary of it all through our bedroom's screen windows. (He thinks everyone is as interested in fireworks as he is and I don't do anything to shatter this delusion.)
This year we had a quiet, but fun Fourth. We took Nicknack swimming in Penn's boss's pool (He lets us use it when he is out of town) and had a wonderful time in our own backyard for most of the afternoon. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Hot enough for Nicknack to splash in his little pool and toddle around the yard nakey. We stayed comfortably cool with the help of our hose's mist feature. :)
This year Nicknack was soundly asleep when ten o'clock rolled around. The 360 degree fireworks noise was incredibly loud and went on for hours. I kept checking on him (and turning up his bedroom white noise machine), but he was blissfully unaware. What a difference a year makes! Penn and I were able to take in all the surrounding fireworks together. We live on a cliff, on the Sound. So it's pretty neat to see the hundreds and hundreds of blasts all along Vashon and Bainbridge Island. Best of all we have good view of the Normandy Park and Tacoma fireworks shows. The latter goes on for nearly an hour and is a pretty impressive display.
Honestly, I enjoyed watching Penn as much as the fireworks. I sat in a lounge chair, but he was too excited to sit. He found the exact spot in the yard where you can see the two simultaneous shows and their reflections on the water. So, of course, eventually I had to stand there too. He oohed and aahed for thirty solid minutes. "Look at that one!" He'd point. "WHOAAA!" He'd shout.
I felt bad that he missed another Fourth of July famiy gathering and the opportunity to put on his own fireworks shows. (Although our budget is thanking us.) Maybe next year. Nicknack can wear earplugs. Or maybe next year we'll do the same thing as this year. Only we'll wake Nicknack at ten so we can bring him out and show him fireworks. Or maybe we'll live in another (smaller) town and we'll go to see some kind of community fireworks show. Who knows. Really, I think Penn will be happy as long as there are fireworks to be enjoyed. I can't think of much that he would appreciate more than sharing his love of fireworks with his little guy. (And I can't think of much that would worry me more, so I hope he is happy watching them and not lighting them!)
At about midnight we finally crawled into bed. We left the bedroom windows open for a while, to enjoy all the booms and blasts for a bit longer. In a dreamy voice Penn asked me the same question he asks every Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. "Someday can we go to the World Fireworks Championship?"
Of course we will. And it will be great.
Happy Fourth of July!
For a few years I got to be part of the celebration, although I know a great deal of the specialness of it all was lost on me. I loved the amazing fireworks show the "boy cousins" put on in the evening. But the previous eight or so hours of constant booming, popping, and screaming of the lesser fireworks (you know the really loud and annoying kind that they throw in the bag as a bonus when one spends a lot of money at fireworks stands?) did get a bit tedious. :)
When Nicknack was born Penn and I agreed that we'd have to excuse ourselves from the fun for a few years. The hours and hours of deafening noise just aren't appropriate for new ears.
Last year was our first Fourth of July in this house. Nicknack was about five weeks old. Penn and I made a date to sit in the backyard at five til ten, when darkness begins to set in, to catch the surrounding fireworks displays. But Nicknack had other ideas. He and I were still struggling tremendously with nursing, and wouldn't you know it - he chose that exact time to begin a very lengthy and productive nursing session. Believe me, when nursing went well it was such a relief that I dropped everything else. So Penn stood outside by himself for an hour, watching the fireworks and sharing a running commentary of it all through our bedroom's screen windows. (He thinks everyone is as interested in fireworks as he is and I don't do anything to shatter this delusion.)
This year we had a quiet, but fun Fourth. We took Nicknack swimming in Penn's boss's pool (He lets us use it when he is out of town) and had a wonderful time in our own backyard for most of the afternoon. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Hot enough for Nicknack to splash in his little pool and toddle around the yard nakey. We stayed comfortably cool with the help of our hose's mist feature. :)
This year Nicknack was soundly asleep when ten o'clock rolled around. The 360 degree fireworks noise was incredibly loud and went on for hours. I kept checking on him (and turning up his bedroom white noise machine), but he was blissfully unaware. What a difference a year makes! Penn and I were able to take in all the surrounding fireworks together. We live on a cliff, on the Sound. So it's pretty neat to see the hundreds and hundreds of blasts all along Vashon and Bainbridge Island. Best of all we have good view of the Normandy Park and Tacoma fireworks shows. The latter goes on for nearly an hour and is a pretty impressive display.
Honestly, I enjoyed watching Penn as much as the fireworks. I sat in a lounge chair, but he was too excited to sit. He found the exact spot in the yard where you can see the two simultaneous shows and their reflections on the water. So, of course, eventually I had to stand there too. He oohed and aahed for thirty solid minutes. "Look at that one!" He'd point. "WHOAAA!" He'd shout.
I felt bad that he missed another Fourth of July famiy gathering and the opportunity to put on his own fireworks shows. (Although our budget is thanking us.) Maybe next year. Nicknack can wear earplugs. Or maybe next year we'll do the same thing as this year. Only we'll wake Nicknack at ten so we can bring him out and show him fireworks. Or maybe we'll live in another (smaller) town and we'll go to see some kind of community fireworks show. Who knows. Really, I think Penn will be happy as long as there are fireworks to be enjoyed. I can't think of much that he would appreciate more than sharing his love of fireworks with his little guy. (And I can't think of much that would worry me more, so I hope he is happy watching them and not lighting them!)
At about midnight we finally crawled into bed. We left the bedroom windows open for a while, to enjoy all the booms and blasts for a bit longer. In a dreamy voice Penn asked me the same question he asks every Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. "Someday can we go to the World Fireworks Championship?"
Of course we will. And it will be great.
Happy Fourth of July!
Monday, July 2, 2007
IMPORTANT Poll
I have a very important (to me) question for all of you parents.
How old were your children when they got their first haircut (including at-home trims)?
I had less hair than Nicknack, so I wasn't expecting him to look so shaggy at thirteen months. I was hoping to put off his first haircut until he was at least two. Last week someone called him a "she" and Penn has been not-so-subtly hinting about a haircut ever since. Although his parents and mine agree that, although he does look a little unkempt, we should put it off as long as possible (because we all like to live under the delusion that he is still an itsy bitsy baby).
When his hair is wet the mullet in the back is shoulder length! And his bangs are just starting to get in his eyes. I like to brush it off to the side in a style my husband fondly calls "young Republican." But lately it's looking a little "young Donald Trump."
These photos (which were taken a couple of days ago) are to show you the quantity of hair he has so you have all the facts you need to formulate your opinion.
Yes, he is still wearing pajamas at noon. At least he's eating salad. Although, in the interest of full disclosure, I feel compelled to admit that after the salad he consumed something that rhymes with Bef Choyardee. Shameful? Probably. But it's one of the few foods he actually eats, rather than nibbles. I'm desperate, my friends.
He loves the baby in the mirror. I have no idea if he knows the true identity of that baby. If so, his self esteem seems to be quite healthy, as he likes to kiss the reflection.
Thanks in advance for your help on this most important dilemma!
How old were your children when they got their first haircut (including at-home trims)?
I had less hair than Nicknack, so I wasn't expecting him to look so shaggy at thirteen months. I was hoping to put off his first haircut until he was at least two. Last week someone called him a "she" and Penn has been not-so-subtly hinting about a haircut ever since. Although his parents and mine agree that, although he does look a little unkempt, we should put it off as long as possible (because we all like to live under the delusion that he is still an itsy bitsy baby).
When his hair is wet the mullet in the back is shoulder length! And his bangs are just starting to get in his eyes. I like to brush it off to the side in a style my husband fondly calls "young Republican." But lately it's looking a little "young Donald Trump."
These photos (which were taken a couple of days ago) are to show you the quantity of hair he has so you have all the facts you need to formulate your opinion.
Yes, he is still wearing pajamas at noon. At least he's eating salad. Although, in the interest of full disclosure, I feel compelled to admit that after the salad he consumed something that rhymes with Bef Choyardee. Shameful? Probably. But it's one of the few foods he actually eats, rather than nibbles. I'm desperate, my friends.
He loves the baby in the mirror. I have no idea if he knows the true identity of that baby. If so, his self esteem seems to be quite healthy, as he likes to kiss the reflection.
Thanks in advance for your help on this most important dilemma!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Vacation Photos
I promise this is my last vacation post. Here are the requisite travel slides. For the full effect, imagine me reading the captions to you in Ben Stein's Ferris Bueller voice. "Bueller... Bueller..."
Here we have our three backseat drivers: :)
This was the first time Nicknack has ever ridden in his carseat facing forward. It thrilled my heart to be able to turn around and interact with him or just take him in.
My two guys at Schweitzer Mountain. Nicknack is always barefoot. I just went out today and bought him his first pair of sandals, so now he won't look like a caveman baby. But really, he isn't much of a walker yet, so shoes are pretty much decorative. Oh, that reminds me. He took his first steps (without holding on to anything) during our vacation! It was neat that his grandparents got to witness the momentous occasion!
The view down to Lake Pond Oreille:
Nicknack has never been willing to wear hats, until this trip. Persistence pays off!!
On the drive down from the mountain, we saw a bear. I'm in this photo (trying to point to the bear) so you can see how close it was to the road. I grew up in Alaska, so I don't worry about living in a place with bears, although I'm prevented from moving to half the continental US because of two inch spiders. Go figure.
Penn and I have a history of finding neat places by intentionally getting lost. We got a little lost but we weren't sure if it would pay off. We considered turning around but felt like something interesting might be at the end of the dirt road we'd found, if we just went around one more bend. This was what was around the corner:
The photos don't do it justice. This area (Kootenai Valley) is literally the prettiest place we've ever seen.
During this drive we discussed how lots and lots of different areas of the country call themselves "God's Country." It reminded me how Travis Cottrell said his hometown (Boone, NC) is where God gets his mail! :) I guess it makes sense that so many corners of the world are thought of as God's hometown. Because, really, they all are! He created and resides in every single neck of the woods. His imagination amazes me. He is the ultimate artist!
Here is a bald eagle:
This is the lovely Deep Creek:
We screeched the minivan to a halt to capture this gorgeous yard. It had the cutest chicken coop and loveliest garden, right on the creek bank. Can you imagine having your quiet time here every morning?
This is the view from our cabin dock:
We saw a moose!
Nicknack had a blast at the beach! When he wasn't trying to eat sand...
Wading... The water was BRR! cold. But that didn't stop dozens of children of all ages (including PENN!) from whooping it up on the docks and swimming.
The beach area also offers public tennis courts, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and is a very short walk from the downtown Sandpoint block.
Penn, his Dad, and Nicknack on the boat we rented:
Nicknack in his sunhat:
We stopped at my mother and stepdad's summer ranch on the way home. Don't worry, Penn took Nicknack around the driveway going about 1/4 of 1 mph.
Here we have our three backseat drivers: :)
This was the first time Nicknack has ever ridden in his carseat facing forward. It thrilled my heart to be able to turn around and interact with him or just take him in.
My two guys at Schweitzer Mountain. Nicknack is always barefoot. I just went out today and bought him his first pair of sandals, so now he won't look like a caveman baby. But really, he isn't much of a walker yet, so shoes are pretty much decorative. Oh, that reminds me. He took his first steps (without holding on to anything) during our vacation! It was neat that his grandparents got to witness the momentous occasion!
The view down to Lake Pond Oreille:
Nicknack has never been willing to wear hats, until this trip. Persistence pays off!!
On the drive down from the mountain, we saw a bear. I'm in this photo (trying to point to the bear) so you can see how close it was to the road. I grew up in Alaska, so I don't worry about living in a place with bears, although I'm prevented from moving to half the continental US because of two inch spiders. Go figure.
Penn and I have a history of finding neat places by intentionally getting lost. We got a little lost but we weren't sure if it would pay off. We considered turning around but felt like something interesting might be at the end of the dirt road we'd found, if we just went around one more bend. This was what was around the corner:
The photos don't do it justice. This area (Kootenai Valley) is literally the prettiest place we've ever seen.
During this drive we discussed how lots and lots of different areas of the country call themselves "God's Country." It reminded me how Travis Cottrell said his hometown (Boone, NC) is where God gets his mail! :) I guess it makes sense that so many corners of the world are thought of as God's hometown. Because, really, they all are! He created and resides in every single neck of the woods. His imagination amazes me. He is the ultimate artist!
Here is a bald eagle:
This is the lovely Deep Creek:
We screeched the minivan to a halt to capture this gorgeous yard. It had the cutest chicken coop and loveliest garden, right on the creek bank. Can you imagine having your quiet time here every morning?
This is the view from our cabin dock:
We saw a moose!
Nicknack had a blast at the beach! When he wasn't trying to eat sand...
Wading... The water was BRR! cold. But that didn't stop dozens of children of all ages (including PENN!) from whooping it up on the docks and swimming.
The beach area also offers public tennis courts, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and is a very short walk from the downtown Sandpoint block.
Penn, his Dad, and Nicknack on the boat we rented:
Nicknack in his sunhat:
We stopped at my mother and stepdad's summer ranch on the way home. Don't worry, Penn took Nicknack around the driveway going about 1/4 of 1 mph.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Random Stuff
My camera battery needs to charge before I can download our vacation photos and share a few with you. So in the meantime...
I provided Penn with a few more details about my last post, since much of it was about him. I wanted to make sure he was okay with what I'd shared. He had given me permission, in advance, but there was a slight miscommunication between us. (Imagine that!) Penn wants me to make absolutely clear to all who may have read the last post that he has NEVER considered himself agnostic. "Well, what were you then?" I wondered. "Aaaaaaaaaa... Nonpracticing! Catholic!" So there you have it. I went through a period of questioning during my teen years, during which I would most definitely have described myself as agnostic. So I didn't think it was a particularly shocking confession. But he was a little appalled by the label.
Penn now prides himself on being a Presbyterian, apparently, because on our vacation he pointed out the Presbyterian church in town and reminded his parents that "WE are Presbyterians!" Penn's parents are devout Catholics, but they don't seem to mind Penn's lack of diplomacy. I tried to soothe any ruffled feathers by pointing out how beauuuuutiful the Catholic church was, as we drove by it. It was, too. But my in-laws aren't as hyper-sensitive or easily injured as my own clan, so I don't think they minded. Truth be told, they are just happy that one of their four children attends a church, any church. Well, within reason, of course. I doubt they'd be pleased if Penn declared himself a Scientologist.
Penn's father is devoted to the Lord and was thrilled to find my Bible on the dining room table, at the cabin. He must never have seen a study Bible (?) because he couldn't get over all the helpful comments and explanations in the margins. He kept saying things like, "Look, she even underlined her favorite passages!" He became a little distressed right before we left for home. Something about this Bible. I finally realized he thought it came with the cabin and had been packed by accident, or lost. The owner of the cabin really would have thought of everything if she'd provided us with a Bible!
One of the best parts of the vacation was getting to hang out so much with Penn. We actually saw a movie - Pirates of the Caribbean 3, which got two thumbs down from both of us. (Please note that I did not eat a bite, even though I could smell Penn's buttered popcorn and Milk Duds!) We went to a romantic Italian bistro and swapped plates halfway through the evening. We sat on the dock together in the evenings, gazing at the stars and swatting at mosquitoes. We had a blast on the boat, just the two of us. We took turns driving as fast as we dared while the other person leaned over the bow of the boat with the safety gate open, arms outstretched. You know "I'm king of the woooorld!" style? It felt like pre-Nicknack days. I would never want to go back but it was fun to recapture a bit of it.
Penn was especially cute at the restaurant. We were giggling uncontrollably, half the time. Then someone near our outdoor table was smoking, which always upsets me to no end. (Cigarette smoke makes me nearly instantly headachey and nauseated.) Penn "handled it" assertively but diplomatically, before I'd even noticed the smoke or had time to get all stressed about it. My hero. Even the walk back to our car was sweet, arm in arm in the night air. At one point Penn stood in front of me and grabbed me by the arms. "Stop!" He ordered. I looked around in embarrassment. "Penn, people are looking!" Undeterred and in a mock-serious voice, "I've arranged something very romantic for you on this special evening." Then he stepped aside. "Ta da!" We were standing on the sidewalk in front of a florist's shop's driveway. Between our feet and the storefront was a trail of rose petals, in a variety of colors. It made the most lovely winding path where petals must have fallen during dozens of trips to the delivery van. I don't know why, but it was probably my favorite memory of the trip.
Another thing I appreciated was how entertaining he was during all the driving. While listening to the Knotting Hill soundtrack one of my favorite songs came on. "You Say it Best When You Say Nothing at All." Penn had me cracking up as he demonstrated all his "looks" that said it best when he said nothing at all. Um, special! The verses about the "smile on your face lets me know that you need me" and "the touch of your hand says you'll catch me" were equally funny.
It's always nice to spend extra time with your spouse and be reminded over and over why you chose each other. Ever since our first road trip together our motto as a couple has been "two dorks in a Jeep." (Although "every pot has its lid" would be a close second.) We had borrowed a Jeep for the trip, but since we still have a Jeep of our own, all these years later, the motto still applies. Although now there are three of us. And Nicknack is such a little goofball, I'm afraid he has "future dork" written all over him.
I'll post vacation pictures tomorrow and I will also be conducting an important poll, so be sure to stop by!
I provided Penn with a few more details about my last post, since much of it was about him. I wanted to make sure he was okay with what I'd shared. He had given me permission, in advance, but there was a slight miscommunication between us. (Imagine that!) Penn wants me to make absolutely clear to all who may have read the last post that he has NEVER considered himself agnostic. "Well, what were you then?" I wondered. "Aaaaaaaaaa... Nonpracticing! Catholic!" So there you have it. I went through a period of questioning during my teen years, during which I would most definitely have described myself as agnostic. So I didn't think it was a particularly shocking confession. But he was a little appalled by the label.
Penn now prides himself on being a Presbyterian, apparently, because on our vacation he pointed out the Presbyterian church in town and reminded his parents that "WE are Presbyterians!" Penn's parents are devout Catholics, but they don't seem to mind Penn's lack of diplomacy. I tried to soothe any ruffled feathers by pointing out how beauuuuutiful the Catholic church was, as we drove by it. It was, too. But my in-laws aren't as hyper-sensitive or easily injured as my own clan, so I don't think they minded. Truth be told, they are just happy that one of their four children attends a church, any church. Well, within reason, of course. I doubt they'd be pleased if Penn declared himself a Scientologist.
Penn's father is devoted to the Lord and was thrilled to find my Bible on the dining room table, at the cabin. He must never have seen a study Bible (?) because he couldn't get over all the helpful comments and explanations in the margins. He kept saying things like, "Look, she even underlined her favorite passages!" He became a little distressed right before we left for home. Something about this Bible. I finally realized he thought it came with the cabin and had been packed by accident, or lost. The owner of the cabin really would have thought of everything if she'd provided us with a Bible!
One of the best parts of the vacation was getting to hang out so much with Penn. We actually saw a movie - Pirates of the Caribbean 3, which got two thumbs down from both of us. (Please note that I did not eat a bite, even though I could smell Penn's buttered popcorn and Milk Duds!) We went to a romantic Italian bistro and swapped plates halfway through the evening. We sat on the dock together in the evenings, gazing at the stars and swatting at mosquitoes. We had a blast on the boat, just the two of us. We took turns driving as fast as we dared while the other person leaned over the bow of the boat with the safety gate open, arms outstretched. You know "I'm king of the woooorld!" style? It felt like pre-Nicknack days. I would never want to go back but it was fun to recapture a bit of it.
Penn was especially cute at the restaurant. We were giggling uncontrollably, half the time. Then someone near our outdoor table was smoking, which always upsets me to no end. (Cigarette smoke makes me nearly instantly headachey and nauseated.) Penn "handled it" assertively but diplomatically, before I'd even noticed the smoke or had time to get all stressed about it. My hero. Even the walk back to our car was sweet, arm in arm in the night air. At one point Penn stood in front of me and grabbed me by the arms. "Stop!" He ordered. I looked around in embarrassment. "Penn, people are looking!" Undeterred and in a mock-serious voice, "I've arranged something very romantic for you on this special evening." Then he stepped aside. "Ta da!" We were standing on the sidewalk in front of a florist's shop's driveway. Between our feet and the storefront was a trail of rose petals, in a variety of colors. It made the most lovely winding path where petals must have fallen during dozens of trips to the delivery van. I don't know why, but it was probably my favorite memory of the trip.
Another thing I appreciated was how entertaining he was during all the driving. While listening to the Knotting Hill soundtrack one of my favorite songs came on. "You Say it Best When You Say Nothing at All." Penn had me cracking up as he demonstrated all his "looks" that said it best when he said nothing at all. Um, special! The verses about the "smile on your face lets me know that you need me" and "the touch of your hand says you'll catch me" were equally funny.
It's always nice to spend extra time with your spouse and be reminded over and over why you chose each other. Ever since our first road trip together our motto as a couple has been "two dorks in a Jeep." (Although "every pot has its lid" would be a close second.) We had borrowed a Jeep for the trip, but since we still have a Jeep of our own, all these years later, the motto still applies. Although now there are three of us. And Nicknack is such a little goofball, I'm afraid he has "future dork" written all over him.
I'll post vacation pictures tomorrow and I will also be conducting an important poll, so be sure to stop by!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sandpoint, here we come... MAYBE!
Gosh, it's kind of difficult to get back into the blogging swing of things after a break! I will be posting a few of our vacation photos tomorrow. For now, let me just say that North Idaho is a special place. Well, only if you like mountains, rolling farmland, meadows, lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks, and trees. If you're an urbanite, it might not be your cup of tea!
I was praying about a potential move to Sandpoint while driving around the Lake and I felt like God was telling me that I need to put my husband and child first, before myself, as I consider our options. Then I was reminded of my husband's journey toward God. Penn was raised in the Catholic church and attended Parochial school. It wasn't really his thing, and he often butted heads with his theology teacher. When he graduated, he didn't have much interest in "church things." Faithwise, he was agnostic at that point. What really changed his direction was a summer spent in Montana, about nine years ago. He was so overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the place, and the quiet and solitude did a number on his soul. He was once alone on a wooded hilltop and he could just sense the prescence of the Lord. At that moment an eagle swooped down and almost flew right into him, it was so close. Those months marked the beginning of his walk with Christ.
So I tend to believe that a place like Sandpoint might be the best possible place for Penn. As for Nicknack, it's hard to say what his soul will respond to. But I couldn't help but imagine his childhood in North Idaho. Swimming, boating, canoeing, and waterskiing in the heat of summer. Hiking and camping. Skiing at Schweitzer and sledding in the winter. What a place to be a kid! A backyard summer camp, truly.
For now, we are fighting the urge to try to figure out how to move there, asap! I want to wait a while, pray about it, and try to discern what God thinks. I've prayed that if God wants us to move there he will open a door so that we know it's his will for us. We'll send Penn's resume to a couple of places that would be ideal employers. But we aren't going to knock ourselves out to "make this happen," unless we discern a clear signal from God. It's possible that this is somewhere we will get to be in the future, but not right this second. We are pretty certain that Penn needs to find a new job, but perhaps he'll take another jobs somewhere else for a few years. This would give us a chance to save more money, so his salary requirements wouldn't limit his Sandpoint job prospects as much. In the meantime, we could consider buying land and vacationing there every year. We are already planning to return for Christmas, because we want to check it out in the winter.
I looked at a lot of property in the area during the week. Of course, I fell in love with an acre that is about twice what I hoped we'd spend for five or ten acres! It is in a cute, year round neighborhood that is situated in a small meadow area, a few minutes from the more rugged forests and hills. The lot is on a small, quiet bay with sandy shores, that connects to the bigger (45 or 50 mile long) lake. So it's the perfect place for a little dock and a great spot for swimming or canoeing over to one of the sandbars and having a hot dog roast. But you could also take your boat and enjoy the big lake activities. The location is ideal - very easy year round access (because it gets snowy all winter and some roads aren't maintained) and the most convenient area for visitors and trips to the airport in Spokane.
The nice thing is that the area is recovering from a real estate boom a few years ago. Things skyrocketed as new people flooded into the area, and prices and builders got ahead of themselves. So now there is a glut of avaiable land and buyers don't have to move very quickly. There are three lots available on the lane I love, so I sould have months and months to see what happens.
I have a hard time not running away with myself. I tend to get very excited about things and attached to my own ideas. I've already been looking at houseplans that would be perfect for the particular lots I liked so much. I'm just dreaming, right now. But sometimes my dreams get me in trouble. I hyperfocus and obsess. And I get wrapped up in my plans and don't leave myself time or room to wait on God and His plans. So I need to check myself, already.
PS! Still giddy over my newfound freedom from food! Woo hoo!
I was praying about a potential move to Sandpoint while driving around the Lake and I felt like God was telling me that I need to put my husband and child first, before myself, as I consider our options. Then I was reminded of my husband's journey toward God. Penn was raised in the Catholic church and attended Parochial school. It wasn't really his thing, and he often butted heads with his theology teacher. When he graduated, he didn't have much interest in "church things." Faithwise, he was agnostic at that point. What really changed his direction was a summer spent in Montana, about nine years ago. He was so overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the place, and the quiet and solitude did a number on his soul. He was once alone on a wooded hilltop and he could just sense the prescence of the Lord. At that moment an eagle swooped down and almost flew right into him, it was so close. Those months marked the beginning of his walk with Christ.
So I tend to believe that a place like Sandpoint might be the best possible place for Penn. As for Nicknack, it's hard to say what his soul will respond to. But I couldn't help but imagine his childhood in North Idaho. Swimming, boating, canoeing, and waterskiing in the heat of summer. Hiking and camping. Skiing at Schweitzer and sledding in the winter. What a place to be a kid! A backyard summer camp, truly.
For now, we are fighting the urge to try to figure out how to move there, asap! I want to wait a while, pray about it, and try to discern what God thinks. I've prayed that if God wants us to move there he will open a door so that we know it's his will for us. We'll send Penn's resume to a couple of places that would be ideal employers. But we aren't going to knock ourselves out to "make this happen," unless we discern a clear signal from God. It's possible that this is somewhere we will get to be in the future, but not right this second. We are pretty certain that Penn needs to find a new job, but perhaps he'll take another jobs somewhere else for a few years. This would give us a chance to save more money, so his salary requirements wouldn't limit his Sandpoint job prospects as much. In the meantime, we could consider buying land and vacationing there every year. We are already planning to return for Christmas, because we want to check it out in the winter.
I looked at a lot of property in the area during the week. Of course, I fell in love with an acre that is about twice what I hoped we'd spend for five or ten acres! It is in a cute, year round neighborhood that is situated in a small meadow area, a few minutes from the more rugged forests and hills. The lot is on a small, quiet bay with sandy shores, that connects to the bigger (45 or 50 mile long) lake. So it's the perfect place for a little dock and a great spot for swimming or canoeing over to one of the sandbars and having a hot dog roast. But you could also take your boat and enjoy the big lake activities. The location is ideal - very easy year round access (because it gets snowy all winter and some roads aren't maintained) and the most convenient area for visitors and trips to the airport in Spokane.
The nice thing is that the area is recovering from a real estate boom a few years ago. Things skyrocketed as new people flooded into the area, and prices and builders got ahead of themselves. So now there is a glut of avaiable land and buyers don't have to move very quickly. There are three lots available on the lane I love, so I sould have months and months to see what happens.
I have a hard time not running away with myself. I tend to get very excited about things and attached to my own ideas. I've already been looking at houseplans that would be perfect for the particular lots I liked so much. I'm just dreaming, right now. But sometimes my dreams get me in trouble. I hyperfocus and obsess. And I get wrapped up in my plans and don't leave myself time or room to wait on God and His plans. So I need to check myself, already.
PS! Still giddy over my newfound freedom from food! Woo hoo!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Hello from Idaho!
Hello!
We are having a wonderful time in Sandpoint!
Here are the highlights and low points of the trip, so far.
Highlights
1. The natural beauty of this 46 mile long lake! It is surrounded by steep green hills right next to a ski mountain,and surrounded by gorgeous rolling farmland. Beautiful! The town of Sandpoint is smallish and lovely, and has lots of character.
2. The people seem very warm and friendly. There is an interesting mix of artsy types and country people with big pick up trucks.
3. The minivan we've rented. Gosh, are we minivan people. I don't know how we ever got by without one. We're currently saving for one, and we'll be stepping up those efforts. We try to avoid car payments, so it will take another six months, or so.
4. The drive here. The majority of the scenery across the state of Washington is beautiful. From the Puget Sound to the skylines of downtown Seattle, to the mountain pass, to the piney forests and hilly ranch land around Cle Elum. So pretty!
5. Spending lots of quality time with my two favorite guys!
6. Just being somewhere new!
7. Still having total control over my appetite! God's power is something else.
8. Taking naps and having an extra set of hands around the house and with Nicknack. Although I struggle because I like things done my way.
9. The stars! And bats. I think bats are neat.
Okay, now for the low points.
1. The drive here. I'm a chatty person, but in bursts. I pause, at times. My mother-in-law is the "running commentary" type of chatter. And she's a sign reader. Any sign. Every sign. No matter how uninteresting! "US Bank. That's Evelyn's bank." Sign after sign, for six hours. But you know how I love to tell on myself. Twice I caught myself about to read a sign when a voice from the backseat stole my thunder! I guess I'm a sign reader, too, but I never noticed until someone else did it first. Poor Penn.
2. The minivan rental. While the most family friendly vehicle on God's green earth, it isn't made for the elderly amongst us. I'm not sure what we could have rented that would be easier for them to get in an out of, as comfortable as a Lincoln Town Car, and still hold all our gear. Maybe one of those handicap vans? I'm not sure.
3. The battle between my flesh and spirit. My flesh wants to roll my eyes in my MIL's direction, correct her when I disagree with something she's said, pout when I feel ignored, and sigh over her tendency to leave clutter on the kitchen counter. My spirit wants to be a generous, merciful, loving daughter-in-law.
Right now, I'd call it a draw. My spirit is technically winning, so far. I want to sulk, whine, or be disagreeable. But instead I'm quiet, quiet, quiet. Last night I was thinking about how I'm being pretty tolerant, but that's not enough. I imagined what it's like to tag along with a son and daughter-in-law. I don't want to just "put up" with my mother-in-law. I want to enjoy her and make her fell included and loved.
But when I woke up this morning, I could hear her singing upstairs (when she's not talking she's singing or humming) and my flesh just wanted to be annoyed. I took a breather on the front porch with my Bible and enjoyed some quiet time by the lake, in Matthew. I read about how our speech is the overflow from our hearts. I wondered about the difference between thoughts and words. I know our thoughts control us, but maybe thoughts are a little bit like temptation. Our thoughts are difficult to control, but we can refuse to let them control our speech and behavior. Even Jesus was tempted. Is temptation a sin? Or have we not sinned until we give in to the temptation? Maybe we get brownie points for resisting temptation.
At any rate, the rest of the morning was pretty pleasant. I made an effort to engage her more, ask questions about her stories, and ask her advice when I made breakfast.
So if you think of it, say a little prayer for me. Maybe it's because she is 80, but everything reminds her of something! Everything. Lots of old family stories. That I've heard before. I want to be the most gracious person in the world, but inside I'm such a brat.
I'll post photos of our trip when we return. Today we are driving up to Schweitzer Mountain to take in the view. Tomorrow we're renting a boat. Thursday we go to the water park and Friday we'll check out Coeur D'Alene Lake. Saturday we're going to drive around the western portion of the lake. And Sunday we head home. Somewhere in there we're going to fit a movie or two, and dinner, just the two of us.
Please excuse any typos in this post. I'm at a clunky old PC at an internet cafe and I've forgotten how to type on a regular keyboard, apparently.
Ta for now!
We are having a wonderful time in Sandpoint!
Here are the highlights and low points of the trip, so far.
Highlights
1. The natural beauty of this 46 mile long lake! It is surrounded by steep green hills right next to a ski mountain,and surrounded by gorgeous rolling farmland. Beautiful! The town of Sandpoint is smallish and lovely, and has lots of character.
2. The people seem very warm and friendly. There is an interesting mix of artsy types and country people with big pick up trucks.
3. The minivan we've rented. Gosh, are we minivan people. I don't know how we ever got by without one. We're currently saving for one, and we'll be stepping up those efforts. We try to avoid car payments, so it will take another six months, or so.
4. The drive here. The majority of the scenery across the state of Washington is beautiful. From the Puget Sound to the skylines of downtown Seattle, to the mountain pass, to the piney forests and hilly ranch land around Cle Elum. So pretty!
5. Spending lots of quality time with my two favorite guys!
6. Just being somewhere new!
7. Still having total control over my appetite! God's power is something else.
8. Taking naps and having an extra set of hands around the house and with Nicknack. Although I struggle because I like things done my way.
9. The stars! And bats. I think bats are neat.
Okay, now for the low points.
1. The drive here. I'm a chatty person, but in bursts. I pause, at times. My mother-in-law is the "running commentary" type of chatter. And she's a sign reader. Any sign. Every sign. No matter how uninteresting! "US Bank. That's Evelyn's bank." Sign after sign, for six hours. But you know how I love to tell on myself. Twice I caught myself about to read a sign when a voice from the backseat stole my thunder! I guess I'm a sign reader, too, but I never noticed until someone else did it first. Poor Penn.
2. The minivan rental. While the most family friendly vehicle on God's green earth, it isn't made for the elderly amongst us. I'm not sure what we could have rented that would be easier for them to get in an out of, as comfortable as a Lincoln Town Car, and still hold all our gear. Maybe one of those handicap vans? I'm not sure.
3. The battle between my flesh and spirit. My flesh wants to roll my eyes in my MIL's direction, correct her when I disagree with something she's said, pout when I feel ignored, and sigh over her tendency to leave clutter on the kitchen counter. My spirit wants to be a generous, merciful, loving daughter-in-law.
Right now, I'd call it a draw. My spirit is technically winning, so far. I want to sulk, whine, or be disagreeable. But instead I'm quiet, quiet, quiet. Last night I was thinking about how I'm being pretty tolerant, but that's not enough. I imagined what it's like to tag along with a son and daughter-in-law. I don't want to just "put up" with my mother-in-law. I want to enjoy her and make her fell included and loved.
But when I woke up this morning, I could hear her singing upstairs (when she's not talking she's singing or humming) and my flesh just wanted to be annoyed. I took a breather on the front porch with my Bible and enjoyed some quiet time by the lake, in Matthew. I read about how our speech is the overflow from our hearts. I wondered about the difference between thoughts and words. I know our thoughts control us, but maybe thoughts are a little bit like temptation. Our thoughts are difficult to control, but we can refuse to let them control our speech and behavior. Even Jesus was tempted. Is temptation a sin? Or have we not sinned until we give in to the temptation? Maybe we get brownie points for resisting temptation.
At any rate, the rest of the morning was pretty pleasant. I made an effort to engage her more, ask questions about her stories, and ask her advice when I made breakfast.
So if you think of it, say a little prayer for me. Maybe it's because she is 80, but everything reminds her of something! Everything. Lots of old family stories. That I've heard before. I want to be the most gracious person in the world, but inside I'm such a brat.
I'll post photos of our trip when we return. Today we are driving up to Schweitzer Mountain to take in the view. Tomorrow we're renting a boat. Thursday we go to the water park and Friday we'll check out Coeur D'Alene Lake. Saturday we're going to drive around the western portion of the lake. And Sunday we head home. Somewhere in there we're going to fit a movie or two, and dinner, just the two of us.
Please excuse any typos in this post. I'm at a clunky old PC at an internet cafe and I've forgotten how to type on a regular keyboard, apparently.
Ta for now!
Friday, June 15, 2007
PS (Victory, continued)
I forgot to mention that I'm going through Matthew and yesterday I read chapter six. Which just happens to contain a number of verses that are applicable to my eating issues. For example:
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I love this. It isn't that you shouldn't eat, or drink, or wear clothing. Obviously! But I shouldn't set my heart on these things. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
Isn't it God's timing breathtaking? Could he have chosen a more perfect chapter for me to read yesterday? And guess what? Today's chapters (seven and eight) included verses about asking and receiving and Jesus healing those with infirmities and afflictions.
God's Word is amazing! God is amazing!
One more thing.
Last night, Penn confessed (with a pout), "I won't have my eating buddy anymore." He really seemed sad.
This reminded me so much of my mother's reaction when I became a vegetarian, in high school. (It only lasted about three years - I now eat meat.) She was cheerful about the whole thing until I tried being a vegan for a while. Then she got quiet. When pressed, she explained in a sad little voice, "It was bad enough when you wouldn't eat my stew anymore. Now what am I going to cook for you?"
My mother just enjoyed mothering me. Now that I'm a mom I totally understand. If my son loves my cooking half as much as I love my mother's, I'll be over the moon. And one day, if he announces he will no longer be consuming all his old favorites, made with love by ME... Well, Wah! That would be upsetting. And Penn is no different. Keeping me up to my eyeballs in candy is just one of the ways he takes care of me.
It's weird how any change, no matter how small, can threaten us. We like our relationships the way they are right now, thank you! A friend of mine lost a lot of weight about a year ago, and has kept it off. The only person who isn't 100% thrilled for her is her husband. In some ways he is supportive, in other ways, not so much. Change is complicated.
I just reassured Penn that I will still be eating! And we talked about the wonders of salad for a few minutes and that cheered him right up. And just in case that wasn't enough, I reminded him of how I looked when we met. So now he's definitely looking on the bright side. We wives are beyond blessed when our husbands love us and are attracted to us no matter our size. But, let's be honest. They have eyes. Penn would never admit it, but I'm certain he would prefer me a smidge smaller.
Okay. I really am signing off for a few days. I told Penn I won't be posting or checking blogs on our vacation. But he pointed out that it's my vacation, too. I get to do whatever is fun for me. And reading your blogs is definitely somethinig I enjoy. So I'm sure I'll be checking in on you, after all!
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I love this. It isn't that you shouldn't eat, or drink, or wear clothing. Obviously! But I shouldn't set my heart on these things. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
Isn't it God's timing breathtaking? Could he have chosen a more perfect chapter for me to read yesterday? And guess what? Today's chapters (seven and eight) included verses about asking and receiving and Jesus healing those with infirmities and afflictions.
God's Word is amazing! God is amazing!
One more thing.
Last night, Penn confessed (with a pout), "I won't have my eating buddy anymore." He really seemed sad.
This reminded me so much of my mother's reaction when I became a vegetarian, in high school. (It only lasted about three years - I now eat meat.) She was cheerful about the whole thing until I tried being a vegan for a while. Then she got quiet. When pressed, she explained in a sad little voice, "It was bad enough when you wouldn't eat my stew anymore. Now what am I going to cook for you?"
My mother just enjoyed mothering me. Now that I'm a mom I totally understand. If my son loves my cooking half as much as I love my mother's, I'll be over the moon. And one day, if he announces he will no longer be consuming all his old favorites, made with love by ME... Well, Wah! That would be upsetting. And Penn is no different. Keeping me up to my eyeballs in candy is just one of the ways he takes care of me.
It's weird how any change, no matter how small, can threaten us. We like our relationships the way they are right now, thank you! A friend of mine lost a lot of weight about a year ago, and has kept it off. The only person who isn't 100% thrilled for her is her husband. In some ways he is supportive, in other ways, not so much. Change is complicated.
I just reassured Penn that I will still be eating! And we talked about the wonders of salad for a few minutes and that cheered him right up. And just in case that wasn't enough, I reminded him of how I looked when we met. So now he's definitely looking on the bright side. We wives are beyond blessed when our husbands love us and are attracted to us no matter our size. But, let's be honest. They have eyes. Penn would never admit it, but I'm certain he would prefer me a smidge smaller.
Okay. I really am signing off for a few days. I told Penn I won't be posting or checking blogs on our vacation. But he pointed out that it's my vacation, too. I get to do whatever is fun for me. And reading your blogs is definitely somethinig I enjoy. So I'm sure I'll be checking in on you, after all!
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