Mother's Day Wrap Up

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While I of course missed my boys over Mother's Day weekend, I had a wonderful time with my sister and her family in California. I started the trip with a lovely evening with some girlfriends from Sun. Caching up, enjoying an amazing dinner on a beautiful night, and a visit by the cops made for a very memorable evening.

The stay with my sister and her family was so much fun. I got to spend a ton of baby time with my new nephew and make a trip to the coast and do some wine tasting as well. I wish I could have been more help, but I did watch the baby so the parents could play some golf and have lunch downtown. I also enjoyed casual time chatting and hanging out in the gazebo with my sister and her husband. Time with family is so precious to me.

When I returned home, Marshall had gone to the craft store with the boys over the weekend. A wonderful coffee mug and creative t-shirt greeted me on Monday. Unfortunately, the t-shirt is size small so most of you won't see me sporting it around any time
soon :)

The Magic of a Sewing Machine

We are so fortunate to have after-school enrichment opportunities at D-man's school. All year long he has been enjoying martial arts (he just got his orange belt!), yoga, and Mad Science. This quarter he has also been participating in a "production" where the children have been dancing, acting and writing their own screen play. D-man has been enjoying this a great deal and is excited to have the final production soon.
Of course, dress rehearsal was on Thursday and I sent D-man with his black pants and orange shirt. Because it was not the final costume, he was embarassed and attended dress rehearsal in his street clothes. Alas, more motherhood guilt. Thank goodness for a dear friend with a sewing machine. The sadness that was his costume is now a wonderful ensemble thanks to some $5 fabric (D-man's eyes lit up when I showed him the tiger fabric) and her sewing machine. For the small price of a sushi dinner, my friend and her sewing machine worked magic. Both boys were mesmerized by the machine and what my friend could do with it. Both boys pulled up stools on either side of my friend and the sewing machine. Not only did she craft an awesome costume for D-man, she fixed T-man's pillow pet's ear.
For all the things I am, I am not good at crafts. I'm not good at it and because of that, I don't particularly enjoy it. I've only sewn a couple of things in my life. And that was 30ish years ago in 4H (for anyone keeping tabs, it was a beach cover up, needle holder, and pin cushion). After seeing what a few stiches could do and the joy it brought to D-man's face, I might have to rethink how I can be more crafty. Maybe that button isn't so hard to sew on after all. Or maybe, this is just a chance for me to appreciate the sewing talent of my friend and how an old sewing machine can remind us how a simple machine can bring some joy into our lives. Then again, it often is the simple things that bring the most joy. This was just a wonderful reminder of that.

The Continents: The Bane of my Existence

This week, D-man brought home yet another map of the continents. For three plus years, he has known his continents. No teacher since his wonderful preschool teacher has pushed him to do more. At least he got "extra credit" for labeling some or the countries he knows (and yes, these are thanks to preschool too).

Maybe my expectations are too high, but I've heard that the goal of a school should be that each student learns something new everyday. Is that hard? You bet, but we owe it to the kids to make sure that school is appropriately challenging for each student.

Do his teachers know that he knows the continents? You bet. Let's brush up on other countries or the states (given it has been 2 years since preschool he has certainly forgot some of these by now). Or how about extra work on discovering some interesting facts about these continents? Anything that is more than repetitive and mind numbing. D-man still thirsts for knowledge. I just worry that more and more of boring, unchallenging work will lead to a loss of this appetite. And truly, just being ok with mediocrity is not good for the future for our kids. Indeed, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn't happen for my children. Starting with the continents.

Happy Hour

Sunny day. On the porch. Friday afternoon happy hour. Sharing a "beverage" with my boys. Perfect. Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

Mother's Day Gift

A great morning greeted by my two boys. Here's the Mother's Day gift from my youngest which he had hidden in his room. What a wonderful way to start my day. Hugs and excitement about me being back home. Nothing like a four year old saying, "I missed you." That is the best gift. Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

A Mother's Guilt

Yesterday, I flew from Denver to San Francisco to see my sister and spend some time with her family (and my new nephew). It will be the second Mother's Day away from my kids (that means I've missed 40% of my youngest's Mother's Days). In 2008, my kids were too young to know. That's not the case this time. My eldest cried and proceeded to go through every weekend of the year to try and figure out why my trip had to be THIS weekend. I tried to say that we should treat every day like Mother's Day, but he wasn't buying it. This is a "pacific" day for us to be together. And with that, the "Mom guilt" kicks in.

I once had a friend tell me that she wished someone would have warned her about "Mom guilt." I couldn't agree more. Who knew I would feel guilty for not buying the right baby food. Feeling guilty for doing dishes instead of playing with my kids. Guilt for not volunteering more, for dragging kids all over town to run errands, etc., etc. And, yet I need to give myself a break. The kids are well-adjusted (so far) and our house is a pretty happy place. Most days I find myself thankful for the wonderful life and family I have. I come home happy and looking forward to spending the evening together and sharing the stories of our days with each other.

So even though the "Mom guilt" still lurks here and there (and will be around a bit this weekend now thanks to my eldest), I know the boys will have a great time with Marshall. And when I return, the boys and I will appreciate each other a bit more. While I love my children beyond words, as Claire on Modern Family stated last night, "sometimes they drive you nuts." And a little time away (even if it is Mother's Day) is good for everyone.

Pretending Spring is Here

We spent this weekend pretending that spring has actually arrived. Considering today is May 1st, we shouldn't have to try this hard. The boys played outside on Saturday and D-man went to the zoo with a friend - luckily there was no rain as was predicted. On Sunday, we decided to head down to the Roxborough State Park south of Denver to go on a hike. The good thing about setting out on a hike when it is 39 degrees, you pretty much have the park to yourself. We went on an easy 1.4 mile hike and the boys were great. We saw two deer, some birds, and just enjoyed the time outside (even if it was a bit chilly). As we continued to try and will Spring to Denver, we BBQed brats, corn on the cob (roll corn as T-man would say), and potatoes. Sooner or later, we'll win and the nice weather will be here.

Easter 2011

A few pictures of our Easter activites - dying Easter eggs, checking out the Easter baskets, and searching for eggs. Was a fun morning and D-man was very patient while we waited for T-man to wake up. Always thankful for special time with our boys.

Montessori Work

Here is some work T-man is doing at his Montessori. We had his parent teacher conference this week and while he is still easily distracted, he is making progress. He is also sharing his daily activities with us more which is nice. It is great to start to see him apply his learnings at home. I'm excited to see him shine in the coming months. Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

Crazy Hair Day!

Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

So Much to Celebrate

This past weekend, the Peavy family traveled to Nebraska to celebrate my Mom's retirement from Wayne State College and meet our new cousin and nephew. While the weather was less than ideal, we enjoyed time with family, playing cards (D-man keeps asking to play pitch), Popo's, Prom Grand March, celebrating my mom's many achievements, and my sister's venture into motherhood. As usual, the boys were great travelers and enjoyed time with their cousins (and were SO great with their new cousin). Marshall and I enjoyed time with my parents and sisters (and watching our boys with their cousins).

It was such an honor to be able to be at the Pi Gamma Mu dinner on Monday night to celebrate my Mom's achievements. From kind words from colleagues, notes from former students, funny "Jean" stories, and special attendees, it was a kind and wonderful tribute to Mom's many accomplishments. While I have always been proud of my Mom and her work, I don't think I can ever grasp the positive affect she has had on so many students, faculty members, and Wayne State College. I was just glad to be there to celebrate her with the rest of my family. Not only has she had a wonderful professional career, she and Dad have provided such a wonderful foundation for me and my two sisters. I only hope that when I retire, I can look back on my life and have as much to be proud of as she has.

so proud of my Mom!

getting to feed the new cousin

sisters!

sisters!

Karlen grandkids

the new Mom and son

bubble bath with cousins

How the Digestive System Works

Last week, we survived our first science fair project. D-man chose the digestive system after a trip to the Denver Museum of Science in February. The Sunday before the project was due, we made a trip back to the museum to take pictures and notes and then went to the library to get some research books. Although I was dreading the entire project, D-man did a great job and really learned a lot (and even had some fun).

At the end of the night before the project was due, D-man said "I've got some bacteria" after he passed some gas. Nothing like putting the knowledge to work and taking part in a little nerd humor. We all had a good laugh. 

On Thursday, D-man reviewed his science project with the school science teacher and D-man said that all the kids thought his project was disgusting.  Entertaining, disgusting, and learning something. Pretty cool.

Having fun with the digestive system

My Date Tonight

Tonight, D-man and I headed down to Monument to watch my cousin's daughter perform in "The Last Night in Ballyhoo". Although D-man didn't necessarily follow the store, he enjoyed watching the set changes, asking about funny lines and acts in the play ("did they really kiss Mom?"), and following along in the program. While we didn't get to chat with my cousin long, we were able to catch up quickly during intermission and it was great to see her and her family. Her daughter did a wonderful job and I'm so happy we were able to make it. D-man was a great date - I was so proud of his interest in the show as well as his patience after the show.

Lessons Learned on Spring Break

Even at our age, there is always something to learn.

1) Gaper Day is celebrated in earnest on April 1st at Arapahoe Basin ski resort.

2) Thrift stores continue to carry 80's ski apparel.

3) Zippo lighter fluid is an acceptable accelerant.

4) Putting a grill directly on the snow creates a fire pit without any effort.

5) TV weather personalities STILL get paid to not predict the weather.

6) The toy aisle at Target is an effective place to kill time.

7) Our children listen to and learn better from others (still).

8) It is still cold in March at the Continental Divide.

9) Eight people can spend 4 nights in a 2-bedroom condo and survive.

10) A swimming pool does open an hour after a kid takes a poo in the pool (not our kid).

This week, we were fortunate to spend spring break with our great friends at a ski condo in Keystone. We enjoyed great conversation, company, and food. Activities included sledding, swimming, hot tubbing, skiing, and a BBQ at "the beach"' at A Basin.

The most entertaining event was skiing at A Basin on April 1st, otherwise known as "Gaper Day".  Gaper Day is a huge party that has the skiers and snowboarders dressed in their craziest 80's ski gear. A huge party is also set up on "the beach" - BBQ's, music, couches, tents - everything and anything. Let's just say our kids got an education and my 16 year old skis were finally hip again.

Besides our 2.5 hours sitting on the interstate only to be turned around to hang out in Silverthorne at Target for 2 hours, the trip was a wonderful get-a-way. 

Day 1 skiing

Day 2 skiing

at "the beach"

day 3 skiing - T-man got down the big hill!

Sushi!

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Last weekend, we decided to make sushi. We took the kids and headed to the H Mart - the Asian superstore not too far from our house. The boys enjoy seeing the exotic food and we enjoy stepping into another world for awhile. I think it is great to expose them to different cultures and have them experience new things. They sampled the foods and loved all the crazy fish.

Marshall and I enjoyed making sushi for the first time in many years. And, we were thrilled the boys liked it as well. We also made edamame and dumplings (like in Kung Fu Panda). I'm hoping this will be the start of more sushi evenings for the family. We really enjoy cooking together and with crazy weekday schedules, the weekends are our time to cook together. Here's to working sushi into our weekend cooking routines!

Ten Inches of New Snow

Keystone is a winter wonderland - even on March 31! Keystone got ten inches of new snow last night and it was still snowing when I dropped the boys off for skiing. Enjoying swimming, sledding, and skiing. Great vacation with great friends! Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

Not the message

You want to see at your kid's school. Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

Dress Down Day

D-man earned a dress down day for his library and technology work at school. When you wear uniforms everyday, this is a big deal. Love that he is wearing the tie-dye shirt we did last summer. Way to go big guy!

Chillin' at the Dentist

Such a big (and good) boy today at the dentist. Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

A Letter To My Son

With his "Super Citizen"  Award

To my eldest son,

Throughout your seven years of life, I have already celebrated so many things about you - your first smiles, your first steps, your first day in "big boy" underwear, your first soccer goal, your scholastic achievements big and small, and many, many more things. Every day, I give thanks for the joy you and your brother (and your father) have brought into my life. Because of you, I smile more, I cry more, I worry more. I am continually thankful for your kind heart, your helpfulness, and how hard you work.

Today, I am prouder of you than I have ever been and am celebrating the young man you have become. The "Super Citizen" award you received today is quite an honor.  I am proud of you for setting good examples for others in your class. I am proud of you for encouraging other students to do their best each and every day. I am proud of you for pushing others to do more and learn more.  

You have so many gifts - I can't wait to see what you do with them all as your life progresses. I can only hope that your father and I do our best to foster your growth, support you through the ups (and downs) of life, and set good examples so you can continue to be a kind and giving citizen of this earth.

Today, not only did your father and I celebrate you, your teachers and fellow students celebrated you. Thank you for giving me one more thing to celebrate about you. I truly am honored to be your Mom.


Love, 


Mom 

the VERY proud parents

With his homeroom teacher who nominated him