Family – Page 4 – Pure Sugar

Celebrating

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Carol — 1 Comment ↓

June starts with a couple of big celebrations: our wedding anniversary and Laura’s birthday. This year we kept our anniversary very low-key because it’s such a busy time in general. We celebrated our 12th anniversary and Drew gave me this beautiful necklace (the pearls are strung on silk threads — he loves finding something that follows the traditional gift guide). Isn’t it lovely?

We ordered Chinese food for dinner and he was zonked out by 8:30 because the night before he and the rest of our Cub Scout pack had been on a trip to Battleship Cove. They all slept on the ship, in bunks four-deep! Although it was tiring, the trip was fantastic. Drew, the boys, and my Dad (who also went) learned so much about WWII naval history and made some great memories together.

The night before the trip, however, Drew was running the projector at an outdoor movie at the kids’ school and didn’t get home until nearly midnight! They had to leave at 7:30, so needless to say, he was beat.

Then Monday rolled around and it was my sassy lady’s 4th birthday! As usual, we had the birthday kid’s breakfast place setting decorated and the presents out.

Buying gifts for a 4-year-old is great! The simplest things made her day: a new Barbie, some Play-Dough, new watercolors, a Hello Kitty headband, and some play jewelry.

After lunch we had to get some groceries, but our first stop was Toys R Us so she could pick something out with her $3 birthday coupon. All she wanted was “kitchen stuff” — she beelined straight toward the toy kitchens and picked a basket with lots of play food in it. She wanted to make dinner for her stuffed animals, she said. Too cute!

Of course, the birthday girl got to choose dinner, which was pizza. There were cupcakes for dessert, too!

I think she had a great day. So hard to believe that four years have gone by and she will be going to pre-school in September.

We’re having a party for her on Sunday and I’m just praying that the weather holds out. Right now it looks to be perfect, so my fingers are crossed that we’ll have a nice day for her!

This Moment

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Carol — 1 Comment ↓

In an effort to write better, write more, capture more, be more honest, I give you this.

My four-year-old daughter, my sweet, sassy little girl, just marched downstairs and straight into the kitchen. She had changed into a bathing suit for no apparent reason (because that, apparently, is what 4-year-old girls do) and was petting a cicada exoskeleton, cooing, “Oooh, you’re such a good boy. Yes, you are are. What a good little guy.”

She wants to bring him to Babci & Dziadziu’s this weekend. Mom… I hope you’re ready! 😉

And you mean to tell me that something like this is not a regular occurrence at your house? Well, then…

Vlog: Lulu’s Pals

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Carol — 3 Comments ↓

Hey guys, it’s Wednesday, so again I’m linking up with MamaKat who does a weekly Vlogging Workshop. I’m having kind of a grouchy week, so I decided to choose a cute prompt: what your child sleeps with. Laura has no shortage of stuffed animals and dolls, and there is a nightly rotation (usually). She always wants to get in on my videos, so this was her big chance!

I know I’m biased, but I think she’s pretty cute, even when she starts to get a little bit diva on me 😉

Psst! And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Morning at the Lake

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Carol — 1 Comment ↓

This morning Jake and his Boy Scout troop participated in the 43rd annual Wappinger Creek Water Derby. He went through a swim test and canoe training to help him prepare and he was psyched! After a filling breakfast of buttered toast and ham and egg scramble, D. dropped him off at the location where he meets for Boy Scouts and he was on his own. It’s hard to “let go” but so good for everyone at the same time.

Jake had an amazing experience (and is wiped out, understandably), but it was so much fun for him. While he was off at the derby, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to take our brand-new canoe for its maiden voyage. (Yes, after seeing all the scouts having a ball in the canoes, and not being able to jump in himself, D. bought one as a birthday present to himself.)

We headed down to Landsman Kill here in Rhinebeck and it was absolutely perfect! I can’t believe more people (especially those who live right there) weren’t out on the lake). The temperature was just right for spending some time out on the water.

After rowing around the lake twice, we had a picnic lunch and called the outing a success. Next time we will probably go for longer, but considering it has been many (many!) years since I last canoed, this was a perfect way to ease back into it.

As Drew loaded the canoe back onto the Subaru (oh yes — now I totally feel like part of the club, driving around with a canoe strapped to the roof of our Forester, LOL…), Noah tossed rocks into the lake while Laura picked some flowers.

It was such a great start to the weekend. But now I need to make a salad and get the pizzas on the grill. Drew and Jake set up the big movie screen, and we have cupcakes and wine and tea and coffee, and… I’m just so looking forward to this fun, relaxing family night. I hope the same for you!

What a Weekend!

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Carol — No Comments ↓

Whew, I’m glad it’s Monday. I know, sounds nuts, right? Well, it was a crazy, busy, wonderful weekend over here! We had a lot going on, and there were a couple milestones for our boys.

Saturday was the “big” day, full of activity. In the morning, Noah and I headed to the church for his First Reconciliation (or First Confession, as it’s also called). He was so prepared and so cute… The boy was bursting at the seams to go first, and ended up not getting to go until almost last. Nevertheless, he was happy and said he felt “great” afterwards 🙂

We had a bit of a break in the afternoon while my parents and Drew’s mom aunt came over for the Blue & Gold Banquet on Saturday night to watch Jake bridge over to Boy Scouts (and of course to watch all the other awards, as well).

The dinner was so yummy: pasta, meatballs, salad, rolls, and of course cake for dessert. It’s so funny — seems that spaghetti and meatballs has been the unofficial Blue & Gold dinner choice going back to when my dad was a scout, LOL!

Noah earned his Wolf badge:

And Jake and the other scouts in his den all earned the Arrow of Light, which is the highest achievement a Cub Scout can earn as well as the only Cub Scout patch that can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform. Here we are as the awards presentation began.

When the scout received his patch, he was also presented with a rose and an Arrow of Light pin to give his mother — so sweet!

And here he is after everything was done — officially a Boy Scout and proudly showing off his plaque and decorated arrow. Each colored strip of tape represents one of his Cub Scout achievements.

It was quite an exciting day! Yesterday was a little more low-key. My parents stayed overnight so we had a relaxing morning and then went over to the book sale at the library. My folks left from there, and the boys and I helped box up all the remaining books. Since they were such diligent workers (and because their little sister was spending the day at Grandma’s), we figured they earned dinner out so we went to a local Indian restaurant for their Sunday night buffet. It’s not something we do very often, so the boys were thrilled!

Definitely a fun, but full last few days… Hope you all had a wonderful weekend, too!

Typical Wednesday

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Carol — 1 Comment ↓

Do you have one day of the week that seems busier than all the others? For me it’s Wednesdays. Wednesdays really aren’t that much different from other days, except that the boys have religion after school. But somehow this completely changes the day’s dynamic. At least they are shuttled by bus from their school to the parish center, so that saves me a lot of time.

But today it was my turn to bring snack for Jake’s class (donuts and pink lemonade — per his request), so I had to hit the grocery store and then head over to the parish center before all the kids got there, then it was run home, do a few things, and then run back to pick them up. Race home to make dinner (tacos), eat, and make sure D. got out the door in time for the monthly Cub Scout leader’s meeting.

Whew.

Luckily for me, the morning and early afternoon weren’t quite so busy. I never got around to making my chicken tikka masala last night, so I decided to throw together a quick curry for lunch since I still craved Indian. When I took out my ginger, I noticed that it had sprouted!

I might try planting it and see what happens. The curry came together quick and made for a comforting lunch. Curry is one of Laura’s favorites (seriously!), so everyone was happy.

After I cleaned up the dishes, we got out the Lalaloopsies. Today they were having a sleepover. I love that she tucked an extra cushion behind her dolly’s head!

And then we topped off the afternoon with some lettuce while watching cartoons. Laura ate — no kidding — at least four lettuce leaves, and then cleaned me out of black olives.

And now I am utterly wiped out. I had to force myself to write this tonight. And tomorrow is a full morning, too… I have to be out and about bright and early by 7 a.m.

Good thing I’m a morning person 😉

String Up the Lights

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Carol — 1 Comment ↓

Do you have a Christmas tree decorating tradition? Ours is to hang up all of the ornaments while Christmas Vacation plays in the background. It’s something Drew and I have done since our pre-kid days, and every year without fail we laugh at all the same parts.

While I love the idea of a real tree, the reality is that our artificial tree just makes more sense for us. We can put it up whenever we like (in our case — last weekend, even though we didn’t decorate it until today). We can use it for years. We don’t need to water it. And honestly I love that it has glitter on it. Find that on your local tree lot 😉

This year, the ornament hanging went much smoother than in years past. The kids all listened, and there was minimal frustration. We have some very old and very fragile ornaments that they’re not allowed to touch yet.

And yes, there was hot cocoa. (The grown-up version had a little extra “Christmas cheer” thrown in!)

Over the next few days we’ll move ornaments around until it’s just right. I had planned on making a popcorn garland this year, but I just didn’t have time last week. Our old garland is at least 30 years old. Have you ever seen 30-year-old popcorn? Yeah, and I thought the ornaments were fragile. We strung it up last year, but this year it’s staying in the box.

This early in the month, it’s still a work in progress. And I really need to find our tree skirt!

That Was November

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Carol — No Comments ↓

Well November flew by, didn’t it? Weren’t we all just doling out the candy our kids got on Halloween? And now we’ve moved on to candy canes and fudge. I didn’t take that many photos this month. I’m not sure why, but I’ll have to remedy that in December.

Today we had our chimney and wood stove cleaned, so we can burn all winter without fear 🙂 I’ll tell you that not being able to light it for the 24 hours prior to our appointment was a killer. I ::big puffy heart:: our wood stove. It is cozy and toasty and beautiful and winter just wouldn’t be the same without it. So yes, I’m now happily sitting next to the stove as it warms up the house, once again.

Today is also my parents’ wedding anniversary. ♥ 38 years! ♥ Happy anniversary you two crazy kids!

Tomorrow is December 1, and Sinterklaas (a big deal around here), and Christmas gets into full swing, and for me it ushers in a busy month full of parties and last-minute doctors appointments, (and yet another dentist appointment), and baking, and cooking, and family, and decorating, and cocoa, and tea, and giving, and hopefully lots of laughing and fun!

I always find myself feeling weird about December. Simultaneously in love with the joy, but sad at the same time, thinking about people we love who are no longer with us, missing their presence, and trying to remember to savor every moment (especially at the holidays). It can be a tough month for people, and I try to keep that in mind when I meet people who aren’t exactly in the spirit. However, it’s the perfect time, the perfect opportunity to just extend a little kindness. I think we all should try to do that more often, anyway.

OK, December. I’m ready for you.

Hyundai Santa Fe: Families Who Rock!

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Carol — No Comments ↓

This post is brought to you by The New Santa Fe from Hyundai. Think your family rocks? Show us by uploading a photo of your family rocking out. Enter now for a chance to win great prizes.

Those of you who know how I met my husband, know that rock & roll is the whole reason behind it. And for those of you who don’t know, here is the abbreviated version… Drew was in a band in college called Rosemary Caine, and I absolutely loved them.

Years later, when I was living in Boston and looking for shows to see during the week, I checked out the Rosemary Caine website and learned that they’d broken up. I e-mailed Drew to let him know what a bummer it was because I really liked them. He wrote back, and we eventually went on a picnic for our first date, during which a random person told us he just knew we were going to get married.

And the rest, as they say, is history! That was back in May 1998. Some 14+ years later, I still think we rock 😉 Of course, our kids love to listen to Drew’s music (both old and new) and they jam together in the basement studio. Or living room. Or out on the deck. Wherever there happens to be a guitar laying around! (Or in this case, Noah’s drum set and Jake’s trumpet.)

Some of you also know about Drew’s comic Skateboard Heroes, the brainchild of our boys. As the tagline goes, “They rock, they roll, they save the world.” It’s a story about two kids (depicted by Jake & Noah), who love skateboards, ska music, and jamming in the garage when they’re not trying to save humanity from the evils of Dr. Inferno.

What about you — does your family rock? Do you love to play around and have fun together? Do you play practical jokes on each other? And most important, does your family value kindness, sharing, and hard work? Then you’ve got to enter the Families Who Rock Contest sponsored by Hyundai Santa Fe and Rolling Stone.

Just upload a photo that shows how your family rocks and write about yourselves in 500 words or less. The prizes are pretty amazing and include a photo shoot in Rolling Stone (!!!) featuring the winning family shot by an industry photographer; airfare, hotel and transportation to the 55th Grammy Awards; and a fully tricked-out Hyundai Santa Fe custom rock ‘n’ roller.

The contest ends December 14, 2012. So what are you waiting for? Rock on!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Hard to Believe

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Carol — 1 Comment ↓

I don’t even know where to start a blog post after something like Hurricane Sandy happens. Luckily, our little spot upstate-ish barely felt any effects. Yes, it rained, and yes the wind was blowing like mad, but aside from a 10-second power blip, and a whole lot more leaves down, we are no worse for the wear. My heart absolutely breaks for everyone in New York City, New Jersey, and other affected areas. My thoughts are with them.

Last year at this very same time we were hammered with that freak blizzard. If I remember correctly, we had 18 inches of snow on the deck! Here’s what our yard looked like:

Today it’s just gray and windy (still). Last year I crocheted my way through the storm working on baby elf hats. This year, I hooked away at dozens of granny trees.

Tonight I just plan on being cozy in my little home, and being grateful that I have power to cook, unspoiled food to eat, munchkins to hug, and a sound roof over our heads. Disasters like this have a tendency to remind us of what’s really important, don’t they?