Don't Worry

Bee Happy.

(words to live by!)

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that my family is fast asleep upstairs in their beds while I'm catching up on tv, blogging, work, and laundry.

I am thankful for losing a bit of weight and feeling really great.

I am thankful that a little girl is with her mom tonight and that God kept her safe (still saying prayers for this family as they face some pretty tough circumstances in the coming days/months).

I am thankful for our upcoming vacation!!

I am thankful for good friends who get more excited about my birthday than I do and shower me with love and treats.

I am thankful for people who share my sense of humor and who keep me absolutely sane on even the craziest of days.

I am thankful for my crock pot (and easy to follow recipes).

I am thankful for adventures with my boys and can't wait for the next one.

I am thankful!

Funny Kid

Cooper came down wearing this sock combo and said-

"Hey Momma- look carefully at my socks. Tell me what group I'm wearing."

I didn't get it.

He said- "Momma- think about music groups and look at my socks. Think hard. Which group are they??"

I had NO idea.
I tried, I thought, I pondered what songs we had listened to together recently that might have given him an idea.

Nothing.

So he said, "think about the colors and the order that the socks are in. I think that will help you."

I gave up.
I didn't have a clue.

"Momma- see how the green sock is 1st...what does that remind you of? The earth??"

"MOMMMA- It's EARTH, WIND and FIRE!!!!"

Where does he get this stuff?
(and how long did it take him to put 3 pairs of socks on?)

I've got to give that kid props....he's got some pretty eclectic taste in music for a 10 year old!!

My boys-

Today is a special day.

10 years ago today, my sweet husband became a father.



I love this shot. Cooper actually took it and if you look closely you can see both of us reflected in Jon's glasses.

10 years ago today, our lives changed forever.

10 years.
A decade.
Double digits.
It doesn't seem possible.



He's simply the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful, funny, loving, considerate and dedicated child on the planet. I love his little brain, his sense of humor, how independent he's become, how easily he's accepted the challenge of completely starting again and how excited he is to start each new day.


Happy Father's Day to the man I adore and to a wonderful dad.
Happy Birthday to the best kid I know.

I love you both more than words can say.

Love,
Momma

Free Roaming Pets...

Cooper and Jon went to PetSmart today.
This is the conversation I had with Cooper when he called me using Jon's phone.

Me- Hi honey
Him- Hi Momma, it's me!
Me- Well hi buddy, what's going on?
Him- Momma, we're standing in front of a guinea pig. I was wondering whether I could get one for my birthday.

Me- Ohhh, wow buddy. You know, I don't think that's a good idea.
Him- Why not?
Me- Well, I think maybe Gypsy would eat a guinea pig.
Him- No Momma, that won't happen. This guinea pig would live in a cage so Gypsy wouldn't be able to eat him.
Me- Hmmm, I still think it's not a good idea. What about a nice fish instead?


Thankfully they didn't come home with either. (whew-dodged a bullet there) It makes me laugh that clearly he thought that I thought there was an option for a guinea pig to NOT live in a cage. Have you ever??

Funny kid!

(my word, has it almost been a month since I last posted. I have been so nuts lately...good thing vacation is just around the corner!)

New Discovery

Early this spring, our neighbors had a cocktail party to say "welcome to town" for us. Besides being able to meet everyone, the best thing about the party was hands down this bowl of delicious-ness.



It's pimento cheese.
I don't like pimento cheese.
Actually, I've never had it before but it seemed like something that I wouldn't like....pimentos are weird.

When we walked into the party the host grabbed a cracker, spread a huge hunk of pimento cheese on it and handed it to me with absolute certainty that I would eat it.
I couldn't say no.
It was a horrible moment and I braced myself.

BUT I LOVED IT.
Evidently it's a secret family recipe that's been handed down from generation to generation. It was so good.

Since the party we've been to their house twice and both times the pimento cheese has also been in attendance. I've made it very clear that I think it's some of the best stuff I've ever eaten. They've made it very clear that the recipe is still a secret.

Sigh.

And so begins my quest to find a recipe for pimento cheese.
Do you have one that isn't a secret?

Let me know- pronto!

Memorial Day

Hope your day is spent with people you love doing things you love. Remember to take a moment to remember why we celebrate today, and to be thankful for those who have so bravely fought and gave their lives for our freedom.

how do you eat this???

We went to a party yesterday...a surprise 50th birthday of epic proportion. The unsuspecting birthday girl was treated to about 150 friends and neighbors who turned out to celebrate in her honor.



We had a great time, met a ton of new people, ate amazing food and were entertained by a band who played until the wee hours of the night.



But quite possibly the most memorable part of the night was when Cooper tapped me on the shoulder and said,

"Hey Momma, how do you eat this??"



Jon and I have fond memories of attending an annual craw fish boil in our pre-Cooper years.....




And were more than happy to pass the experience on to him!

Here's to good friends, good food and making new discoveries!!

Happiness is-

Seeing pure joy on the face of someone you love...




knowing how far they've come....



and thinking about what may be on the horizon.


(besides braces)

Hope you're having a great week!

tough lessons, big heart

Life hands us lessons to learn and make us stronger, better humans.
Sometimes those lessons are tough....

Today Coop hit a home run.
It was his first hit all season long (we're 9 games into a 13 game season).
We've talked to him, bribed him, tried to build his confidence, and have even (sadly) been disappointed in him....nothing mattered.

He's been watching that ball and waiting for his pitch. He's let beautiful pitches come right across the plate and hasn't moved a muscle...he's swung and missed....he's had some bad calls here and there, but at the end of the day he either strikes out or gets walked.

Until today.

Today he connected with the ball.
Today that kid hit a to the fence drive that was beautiful!

He ran to 1st base....rounded to 2nd....



ran through 3rd.....





and was waved on by the 3rd base coach because of an overthrow....
and when he got to home....



he was called out by the ump.

Was it a bad call? I think so.
Did he take it hard? Absolutely. Harder than I ever expected.

It was horrendous.
Everyone was SO excited for him, the crowd went wild, the coaches were jumping up and down, I was screaming at the top of my lungs and he experienced about 2 minutes of complete and total elation.

Until reality set it and so did devastation.

This is about 20 minutes later....after the game ended and he was chosen to "break it down for the team"...after everyone there congratulated him and told him what an amazing hit it was....after his shoulders stopped heaving and the tears stopped falling.



A tender moment with his coach telling him that he KNEW he could do it, and that it didn't matter the call, what mattered was that he hit the ball and did what the coaches told him to do. Was he out? Sure, but that's not the point.

The point was that he did it. He accomplished something that he'd been working towards for months. He did it and he did it well. And nobody can take that away- ever.

How to handle disappointment and anger with grace....important life lessons that we'll need to perfect in the coming years.

Congrats on an awesome hit little kid....that and Life 101.

Two Word Tuesday

Silly pup!


(I can't just say 2 words...this is what I came home to today. I think it may be illegal to be jealous of your dog, but I am!!)

The 2nd 1st Day of 4th Grade

When we moved, we made the decision to leave Coop in school in Richmond. We thought it would give him some continuity and lessen the stress of moving. It was the right choice, for all of us at the time.

As the months have passed though, Cooper developed an interest in changing schools and that interest turned into a question about when he'd go to the new school...and then a request, "can i go to the new school". And Jon and I decided that if he was asking it was probably a sign.

It was- and it's been the best decision for all of us.



The 2nd 1st day of 4th grade was fabulous and full of change.

It started off with a good luck snuggle from a really great pup.



Notice that he's wearing a t-shirt. No t-shirts in private school....but in public school they are allowed. Cooper is over the moon about that!

No bus stop at private school either....



And if there is no bus stop in private school, that means no bus.



I felt like he was in kindergarten as that bus pulled away. I managed to hold it together but did follow the bus to school to meet him and make sure he was settled!

Day 1 went well.....the kids were so welcoming, his teacher is a doll, the bus driver is kind, the cafeteria holds promise (another 1st for him), and he's feeling completely comfortable (which is HUGE!).

Best thing for him about the 1st day? Not getting assigned the "haunted locker". What a good thing THAT is.

Can't wait for Day 2!

Mets Win!

Baseball is in full swing and games in this league seem to be a little more intense than they've been in the past.

One reason may be that they use different rules... another may be that people here take their baseball seriously. His coach is one of those people. He's great with the kids and balances his serious coaching with a bit of funny.



Regardless, Cooper is a fan because more intense evidently means better uniforms.



I wish it meant that he was knocking it out of the park...but hitting is giving us some trouble this year. Getting walked however is becoming an art.




At the end of the day, all that really matters is that he's having fun and learning skills- not just baseball skills- life skills.



I think we're meeting the goal....

AND....we won!!!

CIAA

One of the benefits of driving for hours each day with Cooper is that we have some really great conversations. It's the only thing that I'll miss when he transitions to his new school.

We were chatting yesterday and he started asking me questions.

Cooper- "Momma, do you know what SMPA is?"
Me- "Yes, St. M Parents Association"
Cooper- "That's right. What about the SMBA?"
Me- "Yes, St. M Basketball Association"
Cooper- "Ok, this is a hard one. What about the CIAA?"
Me- "Ummm...Colonial something Athletic Association?"
Cooper- "Nope, not even close"
Me- "I give up, what is it?"
Cooper- "It's the Cooper Is Awesome Association"
Me- "Well, I absolutely need to join!"

I love that little kid, he really is awesome!

Birchbox

I saw a pin on Pinterest about Birchbox.
Ever heard of it? I hadn't either.

The website says "hand-picked beauty and lifestyle samples delivered to your door for $10/month".

I'm a sucker for a sample and a treat delivered every month? I like it.

I got my 1st box and was giddy.



Along with samples, I'm also a sucker for pretty packaging.



It may as well have been a box from Tiffany's....I'm such a cheap date.



I love the perfume sample, a great pumpkin face scrub and although I won't wear green nail polish, it's definitely fun. Once you try the products you can visit the website to learn more about them and order full sizes.

Worth the $10? I think so.
I'm counting the days until my May box arrives!!

Baseball Begins!

It's that time again.

Spring flowers, warmer weather and now...baseball is back.

We signed Cooper up to play in our new town. Instead of over 300 10 and under kids in the league, there are 16. Instead of never knowing where the game will be, there is one field. It's small town baseball and it's a big deal.

It's different, but the same.
Cooper is having a blast.

Saturday was Opening Day.
They announce each player by name, sign the National Anthem and an Opening Day pitch is thrown.



It's very official.
Also official? The uniforms.
Cooper told me that they're just like the major leagues....especially the pants.
I must have checked the wrong box on the order form....his are an adult small. He can barely keep them up but he LOVES THEM!



He had a great game......the kid is playing 1st base again this year and is about the cutest 1st baseman around.



The weather was perfect for a baseball game and for a crazy mom taking pictures like a mad woman.




They won! I just love his happy face.



1 down, 14 to go.
Go Mets!

Today was Good

Saturday.
I thought it would never get here.
It was even a 4 day work week because I took Monday off but it didn't matter.
The week was long and hard and truthfully I could have worked all day long today and I still wouldn't have been caught up.

But I didn't.
And so, today was good!

Coop went to a sleepover birthday party in Richmond last night and Jon left early to do some jobs and pick him up. He took the dog with him so I had the house to myself.

It was blissful.

A little recap-

-slept until 8:45
-watched a DVR'd episode of Grey's
-showered
-mopped the floors
-ate lunch on the porch and read a magazine



(my lunch was pita bread and the MOST AMAZING hummus- white bean and basil from Trader Joe's. i bought it on a whim and i'm so glad i did, it was divine.)

-after lunch called my new friend mary to see if she wanted to run check out some outdoor furniture with me
-spent an hour shopping and laughing!
-came home....Jon was mowing the lawn and Cooper was playing with a friend
-did some laundry
-took down my Easter decorations
-ordered a pizza and watched a movie with my boys
-said goodnight to my boys and am catching up on blogging


I loved my day- got things done, spent time with friends, relaxed and got re-energized and ended the day surrounded by my sweet little family (and our needy dog)!

Today was good.

thankful thursday

i just got a text from jon.
bear in mind that I'm downstairs and he's upstairs.

jon's text to me- "a message just popped up on facebook saying that it's diana's birthday this week"

my text to him- "yup- i gave her her present already. thx for looking out for me honey. love you.

jon's text to me- "just didn't want you to miss birthday week."


does it bother me that he texted me vs. coming down to talk face to face?
it's not lost on me- but somehow his message via text meant more than having this same exchange live.

here is why-

*because it's captured in black and white- and i can go back and re-live the moment and how loved it made me feel.

*because he knows how much i love my friend.....and he knows how much birthday week means to her!

*because he's learned so much over the years about what makes me happy and how important remembering special days can be.

*because he paid attention and took action.....

*because its a small thing but it conveys how much he loves me.


i'm so thankful for him.

Easter Dinner

Easter dinner was magic!!!
I was with people I love, eating food I adore and celebrating the gift that is our Lord.

Who could ask for more?



My 1st official holiday dinner in our new home.
I couldn't wait to make things festive and I loved the way the table looked.

I found the sweetest nests to use as place cards- and then found eggs to go inside. I forgot how handy a glue gun can be!



We had 10 for dinner and although I do have 10 place settings of my china, I didn't love the way it looked with the nests and flowers. Good thing my hubs lobbied for white plates- they have come in so handy!



I only have a place setting for 8 in white so I improvised and brought out some antique flow blue plates. I used glasses with blue trim that we rec'd as a wedding present to carry the blue around the table. My mom and I were both giddy when it came together. The finishing touch- blue bunnies that I bought on clearance at the shop where my sweet friend Arlene works. She was coming for dinner and commented immediately when she saw them.

The best part about the table?



Peeking in from outside, seeing everyone together and sharing the special meal with special friends and family.

Hope your Easter was wonderful too!

After Hours Easter Egg Hunt-

I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be fun to try for our Easter Egg Hunt. As Cooper gets older I like to try and maintain our traditions but make them age appropriate at the same time.



Lots of times things seem easy...but they really aren't. This was one of those times.
It took four of us at least 30 minutes to stuff 30 eggs with glow bracelets. If you're thinking about trying it, I'd recommend light colored eggs that are larger than the "normal" egg. We really had to contort the glow bracelets to make them fit inside the eggs (and even used packing tape on some to hold them together).

Good thing we had some wine with dinner!



In the end it was so worth it- although there is a possibility the adults were more impressed than the kids!

Glowing Easter Eggs- pretty genius.
Thanks guys for playing along!

For Eli (because he's a WINNER!)

Last year I introduced you to Eli. He's still adorable!


Last week I got an e-mail from his mom, Jen, with details about helping them in their quest for support of the Central Virgina Autism Society.

I read the e-mail and ended up in tears. Then I sent our friend Diana a message and warned her not to read the e-mail at work. Luckily, she hadn't seen it yet and heeded my advice.

My next message was to Jen to 1) let her know that she made me cry 2)tell her how amazing she was and 3) ask whether I could blog about them again.

She apologized, said her intent was to be fun and lighthearted and that of course I could blog about them. I love that girl.

You be the judge....and if you're so inclined, click to help the fight against Autism.

**************

“I AM A WINNER!”
These are the exact words that Eli shouted as he crossed the finish line at last year’s Autism Society Central Virginia 5K Run/Walk.

Our family has been participating in the ASCV 5K event for 4 years and it has become one of my favorite days out of the year. It is a time where my family and friends get together and raise awareness about autism. It is a day of no special education, social skills classes, speech therapy and/or occupational therapy appointments. It is a day that educators don’t have to gather any data that determines how far Eli is delayed or the challenges he faces.

We simply spend the day celebrating Eli for the fun loving smiling little guy that he is!

I often wonder what Eli thinks of the ASCV walk that we participate in every year. We often speak the word “autism” around him but have not had that “formal” conversation of telling him that he has autism. He has yet to question why we walk, why we wear shirts with his picture on them and why he sees so many familiar faces at the event- former speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, daycare teachers, coaches, family and friends. I am actually looking forward to the day that Eli asks “Mom, why do we participate in this event?” I think my response will go something like this:

• I walk because you are my son … my only son.
I walk because you are mine!
• I walk because you are brave without knowing it. You encounter noises and textures on a daily basis that make your body uncomfortable yet you continue on.
I walk because you make me proud!
• I walk because you teach me how to be a better person. You have made me a better mother and a more compassionate person.
I walk because you are a gift!
• I walk because you are smart. You see things in such a different way. You see the small joys in a spinning washing machine, an opening door or the smell of bubble gum.
I walk because you give me insight!
• I walk because other families do not have support that we are blessed with.
I walk for more information and research!
• I walk because one day a person will tell you that you are different and not typical and they won’t do it nicely.
I walk for understanding!
• We walk because you are a son, a grandchild, a nephew, a cousin and a friend to many.
We walk because autism has affected ALL who love you!
• We walk because we love you!

Last year Team bELIeve came in 2nd place for the highest fundraising team- a big accomplishment! We are hoping for another successful year. All funds raised from this event will stay within the greater Richmond area, providing much needed support to families and individuals living with autism.

Click here to make an online donation to the ASCV Walk and to support Eli.

************
Thanks Jen- for making us understand, for making us act, for allowing us to support your family and making a difference.

I'm so proud to be considered a bELIever!!

Favorite Smoothie

I've long been a smoothie fan, but until recently I have considered a smoothie only to be ice, milk, yogurt and fruit.

Lately I've started to give in to the peer pressure of adding veggies to my smoothies. I know- STOP THE MADNESS.

This is even too radical for Jon, who is typically up for whatever new zen phase is out there. Chia seeds? He's interested. Ear candling? Sign him up. Random vitamin supplements to cure what ails him? Yes, indeed.

Spinach in his smoothie?
NO WAY.

But I've been reading about this craziness and everyone says that you can't taste a thing. I've got one friend who has been filling her kids with so many veggies in smoothies that they ask for "green smoothies" now by choice.

So, I tried it.



And I loved it!!!
I've started my day with one for the past few weeks and I do think it makes a difference in my energy levels in the morning.

Try it and see what you think-

"Green" Strawberry Smoothie

1 individual container Activia Vanilla Yogurt
1/4 C Milk
Big handful of fresh spinach
1/2 avocado (because this makes them SO SMOOTH and RICH!)
6-8 strawberries (I was slicing...I've since started throwing them in whole with the stems on)
3 ice cubes

You can add sugar if you want...sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
Blend until smooth.


Enjoy!
I think the best part is knowing that I've eaten at least 1 serving of leafy green veggies before 9am. Impressive.

Minimize it

This picture has nothing to do with my post...it just makes me smile. This is Aunt Kathy and Cooper at her big 5-oh birthday party. I love his grin and how adorable he looks in those crazy glasses. I also love how much they love each other!

I want to remember his goofy little grin (and those adorable baby teeth)..I also want to remember the funny things that he says. They are coming less and less often these days but every once and a while he says something that is priceless.

Coop and I were driving home and he was telling me about something on the computer. He explained that he couldn't see the whole thing at one time on the screen....

He said, "Since I couldn't see the whole picture, I decided to minnie mize it."
It was like he was saying Minnie Mouse except minnie mize.

I couldn't resist...and I made him say it again. Except he's getting too smart and he said- "you know the word momma, I'm not sure exactly how to say it."

"Minimize buddy. Minimize."

I wish I could minnie mize him....and keep him in my pocket all the time.
So sweet that one.

fatal attraction

I love Easter.
I love the weather, the colors, the food, the festivities and the reason for the celebration.
It's such a happy time.

To prepare, I got out my decorations over the weekend. Since we've moved I had fun trying to decide where the best spot was in our new house for the beloved treasures.

Enter this adorable little straw rabbit (not truly this one...but one that looks pretty similar).



I got him years ago and he's one of my favorites. I found the perfect place in the living room and as I was admiring my handiwork Jon made a comment that maybe I should put him somewhere else.

I blew him off.
After all, what does he know about Easter decorations.

Fast forward to this afternoon when I got this message-

From: Jon
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 02:52 PM
To: Carolyn
Subject: fatal attraction

I knew there could be a problem when you set it out……when I came home to change from the doctor, the rabbit cage, the grass, and two rolls of paper towels had all been violated……

The rabbit is still missing.
I don’t know if she turned on a boiling pot of water or not.

***********************

OH. MY. WORD.
That crazy dog.

I might have been mad, but the message made me laugh so hard that I couldn't be too upset. I love that man- he is FUNNY.

I give you the evidence...



What would possess a dog to eat a roll of paper towels?
What would possess a dog to eat a straw rabbit in a tiny cage??

My poor decorations....destroyed.



Great news though- we found the rabbit (minus his nose)!




Sadly, I think my rabbit will not make it to see his pal the Easter Bunny.
Here's hoping your decorations come through the holiday unscathed.