a day in the life

One down

All it took was a burrito.  One regular bean and cheese burrito from Taco Del Mar.  If i'd have known...well, maybe i would have made a run for the border long ago rather then poke and prod at my daughter daily to wiggle and jiggle that darn tooth.  You know the one.  The front tooth that refused to fall out, no matter that it dangled from a single root for weeks on end while she deftly maneuvered food around said tooth to avoid it's removal.  It was exhausting, really.  The rest of us wanted that tooth to fall out so badly that we were devising plans for a midnight removal mission.  Okay, we really wouldn't have done that but it was fast becoming an obsession of mine. 

So one burrito, one mis-bite on her behalf and out popped that baby right in the middle of the mall.  We whooped and hollered with no regard for the other diners because MY GOODNESS it was nearly a Christmas miracle finally getting that tooth out.

Here's Faith, recovered from the burrito incident, wasting no time in applying a fresh coat of lip gloss to her new beautiful smile:

 
Then of course we must say good-bye to the tooth and get ready for the fairy visit.  She wanted to write to her fairy this time and ask a few pertinent questions.  She settled on a simple note with just one query:

It says, "Dear Pepper (that's her fairy's name), I would like to know how old you are. I am 7 years old. Love, Faith" (in her self-taught fancy cursive).  
Bryce will attest to the fact that i don't take it lightly, this job of responding to her tooth fairy questions.  I have to think like a fairy and write like a fairy and most importantly, leave fairy dust wherever i go.  Turns out Pepper just had a birthday (with fairy cakes and everything) and is 120 years old--but that's like 12 in people years.  Don't ask me how.  It just is.

 
Now I can move on to my next glaring interest.  That OTHER front tooth.  Have i told you that it's so loose now--and with no other front tooth to lean on, it's moved itself to the middle of her smile?

Today's joy

We love a good craft around these parts.  And today called for a good craft.  Let's see if you can figure out what we came up with...

First there was this:

But I know that's not much information to go on.  They could be making playdough, washing their skivvies or just soaking their hands in palmolive. 

So here's a peek inside the bowl:

Ooohhh, so now you can see better.  Maybe we decided to make homemade cottage cheese today.

Or not.

Hmmmm.  Are you FORMING an idea yet?  And WHAT the heck IS that white stuff??

Smile Faith!  It's looking good--right on track.  But what track, you say?

Ehh.....voila!  It's rudolph in a SOAP snowball.  What a fun way to get kids to wash those paws this season.  Wash enough and you get the prize in the middle!

We used Ivory.  Grated, wetted and reformed it, adding a little surprise inside.  Like this guy:

 

And my personal favorite of the day:

   

Claire tried to pull a fast one on Bryce by throwing away ALL the chicken on her dinner plate. As she reached for the trash can and dumped it in, she sheepishly said, "All my chicken fell on the floor".

Bryce slightly smiled and said, "oh Claire, what do you take me for?"

She quickly and confidently replied, "'bout 15 dollars", then turned and walked away.

A new season

And....we find ourselves firmly engaged in the holiday season, don't we?  I'm so ready.  Soccer has ended (complete with Faith's first team sport trophy):

And not a minute too soon, with temps dropping to 42 degrees and such.  I'm just too thin-skinned anymore for that sort of thing.   It's the perfect time to move inside to a heated gym for basketball (soon to come: my reports on how sweaty and stinky the gym is).

Speaking of cooler temps...we spent Thanksgiving in Spokane, thoroughly enjoying family time.  Moondoggie came home for the day and we were able to relax and get some of that quality time that is so precious, especially during the hubbub of the season.  There was much fun to be had with cousins, of course:

 
Then we rocked the Rahman's roost with Jeff's and Beth's crews and a family friend--so much food and drink and laughter!  Alas, after much concentration:

And maybe a little frustration:

 

And one purse-dog dressed for cold weather:

 
Beth and Ed overcame us all to win the annual Trivial Pursuit championship.  They get to keep the trophy for a year (and probably study the game cards in their free time).  Did i mention that Bryce and i were champs last year?  *sigh*  No hard feelings...it was a holiday well-spent.

So back at Chez Hein, the decorations are not only out, but UP.  The tree, though not alive, is green and festive and decorated with love.  The snowflake window clings are everywhere and the candycanes have already started dwindling before my eyes. Christmas shopping is well under way and the traffic is already backing up.  Now all we need is a little snow.  I said little, people. 

Fall fun

 

There is certainly nothing quite like the thrill of ruining a good pair of pants.  You thought i was going to say jumping into a pile of fall leaves, didn't you?  Yeah, if you ask the girls, it's all about the thrill of the jump.  If you ask Bryce, it's all about the help he had raking up those leaves.  But if you ask the mama, i look at this pile of wet, muddy leaves enticing my children and i see three wash cycles, a quarter bottle of Shout and pants now delegated to the 'play' pile. 

 

But not to be a total sore sport, I laughed along and helped pile the leaves over and over, invited neighbor kids to join in (to the dismay of their mothers who were thinking of wash cycles) and thoroughly enjoyed the girls free-wheeling fun.  After all, Fall only comes once a year.

All Hallows Eve

Who doesn't love to dress up?  I don't mean 'going out to dinner' dress-up.  I mean Halloween, people!  Come on, the kids LOVE it when adults get in on the game, don-cha know??  And sometimes the adults love it too...just a little bit.

Not me...noooo I HATE the whole "come up with a costume for a party thing" (said with dripping sarcasm, if you're wondering).  And here's me at a totally non-dress-up church-party in Paris to prove it:

Kari and I COULDN'T believe we wore the same outfit!  What are the chances, really?!

Now let's see...ballerina, angel, nun, trekkie, cowgirl, skunk.  Yep, I said skunk.  Sebastian the crustacean, Doctor, ladybug, China doll, and this year a Spartan (of SNL fame, and not Skyline High for those of you in my hood).

Oh we had fun--and the costumes were so simple.  Not like years past that required a little more effort...

 

Have i mentioned that Bryce is powerless when under my Halloween spell?

So Spartans Craig and Arianna got plenty of laughs from the 20 and over crowd.  Here's why:  male cheer pants.  That's right.  Bryce wore them in honor of Will Ferrell and he ROCKED that polyester!  The sweat band didn't hurt, either.

And Faith and Claire were the cutest super heros Ev-ER.  Super girl and Bat girl were a nice change from the princess realm, i have to admit.  Here's Faith getting serious in her role.  I DID NOT teach her how to pose like that.  Sheesh, this girl just has all kinds of surprises for me.

And of course, we cannot photograph super girl without an action shot (note:  she previewed all the photos I took and these were the two she deemed super-girl-worthy):

 
And Claire.  Oh that Claire.  We were in stitches (which is why there was a little camera shake) as she posed for us and performed superhero-feats around the yard.  My favorite? The 'midflight chubby cheek' pose:

Or maybe the 'my fists are like lightening, look at them fly' pose:

Perhaps the 'running like the wind i'm really a bat' pose:

All good fun, people.  And speaking of fun... here's a keeper:

 

 

When it's good, it's good

Once again, the lovely and talented Desiree has captured a moment in time for us.  Taken two spunky, sweet girls that are everything we live and breathe, clicked and snapped away, all the while making them giggle by saying 'poop' over and over (apparently, it works) and then wrapped it all up in a nice little digital image or two...or thirty.  Pure joy to my million-photo-ever-lovin heart.

People used to mistake these two for twins.  Sometimes i can see similarities...especially when i coordinate their outfits and style their hair the same way.  But each of them is definitely their own little person...and quickly growing into their own big persons.  I love these persons.  With all my favorite-little-persons-ever-lovin heart.

 

We got bugs

Our visitors came with no warning and no regard for the business of our lives.  They stayed too long as well.  Plus--they surprised me, showing up at 2am one night--as if i had nothing better to do than spend the night hopping in and out of bed, running to this toilet or that toilet, ridding myself of any calories from dinner the night before.  On one hand, I wish i'd enjoyed another piece of no-guilt pizza during my last meal.  On the other...well, It's just still to fresh to think about.

Irony:

(n.)	Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs

The irony is, I had just convinced myself to get the flu shot this year.  Claire hasn't been able to in the past with her egg allergy so I've pushed it aside from year to year, only occasionally suffering through the consequences of visiting bugs.  But this year...this year Claire was officially cleared of her allergy and we were free to get the shot and spin that wheel of chance at staying healthy through flu season.  *sigh*  It was on my calendar for this very week.  "That's the definition of irony" I thought to myself, holding Claire's hair back while she barfed.

Since you been gone

Things have changed.  Like the total composition of typepad.  Yikes--when did that happen?  I'm finding my way around the new set-up--something you probably can't even detect from the 'outside', but trust me, the whole thing has a new look and I'm working on finding my footing in these new and vastly different surroundings.  Okay, it's not THAT dramatic.  But I like change when I make change and not so very much when i'm forced to change.  But rolling with it...rolling with it...

But since you (meaning me) been gone, I been B U S Y.  Busy with soccer, swim, volunteering, soccer, garden clean up, school projects, soccer, CBS, homework, (sure, there's shopping, cooking, cleaning spattered in there) and volunteering.  I really did think it got easier when the kids were in school.  But easier isn't the right word.  It's different.  Oh, I'm not asking for your pity.  Don't feel sorry for me because SOMEHOW I manage to squeeze in salon visits, work outs, manicures and pedicures, lunch with my husband, girls-weekends, and THIS ONE TIME, I sat on my ass and watched a show all by myself--in the middle of the day no-less!

So yeah, I been B U S Y.   And I'm planning to take in a movie in the near future (right after i give blood and put on a fund-raiser).  Ok, I'm pulling your chain.  But so NOT about the movie.

Soccer, baby!

Look at this little stud-muffin.  She's one of the ISC Red Rubies!

 

She's sporty-spice and we're loving it.  But what's funny is that a year ago we couldn't talk her into soccer if it were the last sport on Earth, covered with ice cream, and handing out groovy girls.  But for some reason she was finally willing to give it a try and wow what a turn around.  She loves it and really had a blast at their first game on Saturday.  Score was 9 to 2 but we're not supposed to be counting.  wink wink

We're hoping the upswing continues...especially when the rain starts to fall.  They play rain or shine so i've got hand warmers and thermal underware ready to go.  And that 's just for me.  The kids??  They'll be fine--might even have fun getting wet and muddy without getting in trouble. 

But for now, it's all smiles and sunshine. Go Red Rubies!

back in session

What a big year here at chezhein.  Faith--such a 2nd grader from day one and Claire joining the ranks in Kindergarten.  Whew.  Trust me, there's still a lot for me to do 'round here.  I'm not running off to join any work-pool just yet.  The idea...just the IDEA alone...of grocery shopping without helpers who sneak giant bags of marshmallows into my cart and fitting in a work-out with the guilt-ridden 'mommy-will-you-play-with-me?' assaults has me shuddering to think.  But yes, I still get a little verclempt when they get on that big yellow bus.

So we begin this year full of excitement and our hearts all a-flutter wondering just what we're all going to accomplish and conquer this year. I might start with ONE day a week for grocery shopping.  No more weeks with three half-assed attempts, always leaving 2 things off the list and adding 5 unnecessary point-of-purchase items.  No, I'm going to be grocery-alert.  Might even clip some coupons.

Maybe I'll plan out menus and make gym-dates.  Perhaps pre-arranged weekly play dates and a designated house-cleaning day so all the toilets are clean at the same time.  Am I aiming too high?  I must leave room for helping in the classroom (two classrooms) and my new PTA volunteer commitments.   It's not Harper Valley, but it's real and they've got my number.

That's just part of the day to day.  I know we all do it.  I'm just excited for the schedule to guide us a bit this year.  And sincerely looking forward to enjoying the ride.

 

Here's Faith on her first day of school!  And Claire the next day for the first day of Kindergarten!

Twas the night before school

I've tucked Claire into bed.  And Faith, though she's also supposed to be in bed, has gone back to Claire’s room for another good night. 

 

She crawls up on her bed, hugs her, kisses her.  Starts to walk away, but turns back.  She takes Claire’s little hand in hers, opens up her fingers and gently kisses her palm.  Then tells Claire to press it against her own cheek.

 

She says very softly and seriously, “good bye, Claire.  I might not see you tomorrow because I’m going to school early in the morning.  But when you’re at school, if you feel a little sad or lonely, just press your hand to your cheek and that’s me kissing you.  I’ll see you when I get off the bus.”

 

There I am leaning in the doorway like a sappy lifetime movie moment, wiping tears from my face (not kidding you).  Faith and I walk silently back to her room and when she’s tucked in and I’ve gathered my voice again I say, “thank you Faith.  That was a really, really great big sister moment.”

 

She gives a little smile, a little shrug and says, “it’s just my job, mom.”

My what a big girl you've become

Tonight, as i pulled outfits from closets and hung them on door knobs, ready for the morning rush that is the first day of school, I overheard this conversation in the girls' bathroom:

Faith: So Claire do you know how to spell 'boy'?

Claire: nope.

Faith: Well you should know.  Repeat after me.  B. O. Y.

Claire: B.O.Y

Faith: Good girl.  Do you know why you need to know how to spell boy?

Claire: nope.

Faith: Because you're going to go to my school now and you don't want to walk into the wrong bathroom.  So now you know if it says B.O.Y on the door, try the other one, okay?

Claire: thanks Faith!

Just can't say baby

THIS ONE:

 

is just no longer a baby.  Yes, i know she's been walking and talking and eating solid food for some time now, but what I mean is that she's reached that pivotal time that defines one of a 'certain age'.  She was an infant for such a briefperiod and it feels like forever-ago when she was a curious toddler.  Suddenly she was attending pre-school and then BAM!  She's 5 and has big plans for Kindergarten whether I like it or not. 

Sheesh, I know I shouldn't feel blind-sided by this.  But sometimes I do.  There is a part of me (no matter how tall she grows; no matter how many credit cards she one day holds) that will always see her like this:

 

When she was all about diapers and binkies and chubbs and ponies on the top of her head (okay, that last one was my fault).  When the grass tickled her toes and Elmo entertained.   

Today though?  Today, at age FIVE?  What defines Claire to me... a sensitive nature and a willingness to please (she's a sweetheart; a softy, and just wants to play nice).  A free-wheeling side and belly-busting laughter (She's funny and when she laughs, you cannot resist laughing along).  She's physically timid but will put herself 'out there' emotionally (she's not a fan of living dangerously--this includes somersaults--but if you ask her to, she'll give you her whole heart).  

Claire's Top 5 at 5:

Food: Bologna and cheese sandwiches.  Toy: Calico Critters. Color: blue.  Game: playing doggies.  Number: 5!

 

Roots

"This is so awesome--we should come here more often!" Quote, unquote by Faith.  This, after spending a day of our vacation this summer being tourists in Spokane.  Oh honey, do you know how many times in your little life you've been to Spokane?!  Okay, true, usually we are at the grandparents houses, maximizing the time with family and not touring the great city of SpokVegas as we lovingingly refer to it.  So I'll give her that.  But this time, we stayed overnight in the city so we could tour and see Moondoggie several times and it was TOPS.

First of all, there's this tent-thing from the great Expo '74.  I don't remember it--i was but a babe, but i hear tell of the masses.  It was open from May through November that year and welcomed over 5 million visitors.  No kidding.  And that wraps up our history lesson.  On to some pretty photos.

 

oohh ahhh... and just a little bit dizzy now.

And here's the Great Northern Clock tower (honest, I just learned the name)...built in 1902 as part of the Great Northern Railroad Station.  blah blah blah...also where they shoot off the pretty, pretty, sparkly fireworks on the 4th of July.

 

You can't go to Spokane without taking a gander at the Spokane River.  And then you might as well just hop into a gondola to ride over the mammoth short and sweet Spokane Falls.  That is, if you brought a wad of cash.  HE-LLOOO, no wonder we hadn't ridden it since 1989.  That was steep!  And I don't mean the Falls.

 

BUT.  It was fun.  The girls held hands and squealed with anticipation...and then it was over.  I jest--  it really was so much fun to see them experience it the way I remember it.  It was so high to them, and so thrilling to be hanging over the "rushing" water. 

So of course, we couldn't let the day end there.  Even though it was in the 90's, getting past their bedtime and we had an air conditioned hotel room awaiting us...

On to the other highlights of River Front Park.  Like posing with the bloomsday runners:

 

Taking an airplane ride:

 

The carousel:

 

...and of course the garbage-eating goat.  Sadly, as you can tell from the remnants of garbage he has NOT eaten, he was all worn out from the 4th of July.  But they still wanted a picture with him.

 

So how do you top a garbage-eating goat?  Especially one that's fasting?  How 'bout a little water limbo?

 

P.S. I made it.  Without getting wet.  I rock.

Only to be outdone by a giant Radio Flyer wagon.  Hmph.

  

And the day wouldn't be complete without goofin on the blocks.  Yes, apparently fun for all ages.

 

Thanks, SpokVegas!  Till next time.