101 and aren't we having fun

I just realized that this is my 101st post!  I feel so impressed and proud, which, honestly, isn't that different from my day to day life.  I have a pretty high opinion of myself.  Not gonna lie.  It's obnoxious.

Since my last post, things have been busy but at a tolerable pace.  Last week my colleague and I shared a "Inside the Admissions Process" presentation/discussion with parents/students in the Gifted & Talented program at the local high school.  The following day was the graduation for the students in the Youth Leadership program that I "support" (weird word choice...I'm the chair of the committee for the program, so I'm not sure what the appropriate active verb would be).  Lots of changes will likely be made to that program in the coming year--expanding to include 7th and 8th graders (currently just offered to 9th graders), will focus more on mentoring & academic success, less on themed sessions/field trips.  Hopefully changes that will enhance the program and allow it to reach more students and have a greater impact over time.

The rest of the week was blurry--Senior Week for our Class of 2011.  Lots of special events and parties, lots of bittersweet exchanges, lots of glasses of champagne.  Holy Hannah, senior week was very "college senior-y".  I even saw closing time at the local bar.  MAN that brings me back.  The last time I saw closing time: Barack was a senator, Britney Spears was bald and stink bugs hadn't yet invaded my world.  Needless to say, this was a special event and definitely one that will not be revisited anytime soon.  I learned my lesson at 7:00am the following morning (or the same morning? I'm still confused...) when Mike woke me up as he left to go play golf.  7:15am tee time?  Douchey move, Mike Boegel.

Lucky for me, sisters were in town and we had a little McDougall rendezvous (minus Mary) at the empty nest.  Speaking of that nest--now that we're all good and gone my parents are redecorating EVERY room in the house.  I'm not even kidding.  Every room.  It has always been a really beautiful home, but now, it's Better Homes & Gardens photo-ready.  Dang! Mom and Dad!  What are you trying to say here?  You had to wait until we were all gone to have super nice stuff?   Are we not capable of living amongst lovely things without ruining them with nail polish, ink or food stains?  What are we, animals?? Thanks.A.Lot.Parents.  (Real life sidebar: Nearly everyday, as we watch our children and pets wreak havoc on our home, Mike says to me "Someday, when everyone is gone, and it is just us, we will finally have nice things."  Ok Suz & Mac.  I suppose I sort of understand.)

McDougall rendezvous was followed by Mrs. Stamm's -- fried chicken, stuffing balls, mashed potatoes and gravy -- **buzz buzz** Alex, what is...hangover food?  Glorious stuffing balls.  If you live in my town and you DO NOT know about Mrs. Stamm's you are missing out my friend.  Best.Food.Evs.

Rest of the weekend was low key.  I brought best-baby to graduation and she wowed people with her pleasant disposition and Mona Lisa smile.  Coy little kitty love.  Hen opted out, he had golf balls to hit...aggressively.  I'm starting to wonder if we might trade in that seven iron for a hockey stick.  Kid can swing.  Hard. 

Quick recap and now I'm ready for bed.  PM is about to turn over to AM and that is something that I do not need to see on this already long night.  So long, farewell.

May 16: Everything is coming up chocolate

 

Oh my.  That is happiness.  Chocolate ice cream after 6:00pm, what is this kid's mom thinking?

Nothing much to say about this, except that I love finding reasons to buy and eat ice cream with Henry.  He was SO excited this afternoon when I said that we'd go out for a special mommy-treat after my Hope Station board meeting.  I was initially expecting to go to my meeting solo (that would make the most sense) but plans changed a bit this morning when Mike called to say that his May term grad class started today at 5:30pm.  Not in the original plan, but hey, we'll go with it.  

So this evening, after a quick dinner of chicken, pasta and peas, we got going.  Looked a little something like this (all in quick succession...one after the other): Pack kids up.  Drive to community center.  Try to block playground area from sight.  Meander down halls past kiddy yoga class and secretly wish that was the room you were heading to.  Arrive at meeting.  Feel bad about kiddy yoga thing (glad to be  here). Ask to give first committee report.  Try to speak in professional manner over very loud growling baby.  Address board questions while catching flying crayons being catapulted from seat next to you.  Finish report and politely excuse yourself. Pack kids up.  Avoid playground again.  Load into van and it's ice creeeeam tiiiime!  

We chose Friendly's for the booth seating (a specific request from Hen) and went to town on some chocolate and hunka chunka pb fudge.  Mmm.  Rewarding positive behavior with unhealthy food choices.  I don't know that I'd call my parenting style "smart" or "restrained", but I sure wouldn't hesitate to call it delicious!

May 15: 13 Miles, 3 Sisters

This morning, at 6:00am, when I was wrestling with the decision to either get out of bed and feed my hungry kids, or lay there for ten more minutes pretending to sleep so that Mike would do it (I chose the latter), my three little sisters were walking a half-marathon in Pittsburgh.

While I don't yet wish that I had walked the half-thon with them (ugh. pushing myself physically?  No thank you), I do wish I had been there to cheer them on.  I also wish that I had known about the "New England proud" dress code--I would have lent Brigid my Red Sox hat.  ((Make mental note to buy her one if she doesn't have one already))

Looking at this photo makes me feel so proud to be the big sister to three beautiful, talented, hard-working women.  I know how much preparation went into this 13 miles and I applaud them for doing it.  While I didn't participate in the event itself, I did have the great pleasure (sarcasm) to join them on one of their training walks.  At the start of all of this, Megan and Mary were the only two on board.  During a family get together at my parents house, Brigid mentioned that she was going to join them the following day for their morning walk, and then eventually decided that she'd participate in the lucky 13.  On that night in mid-April, I joked that I might also show up for the morning walk.  They encouraged me to join them, but ultimately, laughed it off, knowing that walking for any great distance was the LAST thing I was interested in (unless the walk ended with donuts or beer...or both).

The next morning, to their great surprise, I showed up, ready for the pain and possible humiliation of walking 6 miles with these three physically fit young ladies.  They were pretty shocked, and made a few VERY funny jokes about me going out the night before and buying sneakers and workout clothes.  "You own those??"  Megan said, eyeballing my Helly Hansen kicks.  "Mike made you buy them, didn't he. Have they ever been worn??" Snarky-second-sister-makes-me-belly-laugh moment.

We got going and I felt good.  Kept pace (which was closer to a run, than a walk...sickos), chatted happily with the girls, cracked a few jokes about crashing and burning on the walk...asked if we could stop for candy along the way...all of the normal stuff.  "You'll be fine with this, Mol.  You're probably in better shape than you think."  Mary said.  Little-sister-gives-big-sister-more-credit-than-deserved moment.

I got to about mile 3 and I was starting to become VERY interested in returning home.  They continued to push me, only checking in occasionally, trying not to overdo it with the "Hangin' in there Mol?"   All the time, I'm sure they were secretly whispering to one another "Do you think she's going to make it?"  "I don't know, we might have to call an ambulance...this could be embarrassing."  and "I've never seen someone's face turn that color before...she might be dying."

Miles 4 and 5 were pretty brutal.  Thank goodness for Brigie, who walked with me, letting the competitors keep their race pace.  She was supportive, encouraging, told me I was really doing well, especially given the fact that I hadn't worked out in, oh, 4 years or so. At the appropriate moments, Brig would shout at me ala Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser.  "Just think of Jillian, Molly!  Jillian would be screaming at you do finish this thing!  The Biggest Loser contestants can do this stuff and they are horribly overweight!  You can do this."  Sweet-sister-does-what-it-takes-to-support moment.

I don't remember mile 6.  I don't want to remember mile 6.  That is a period of my life that will forever be a mystery.  

Finally, the walk ended...and I didn't crash and burn.  I don't know if it was the reference to The Biggest Loser (I cry during EVERY elimination, I swear to you), or if it was sharing a moment with the girls that I love so much, or if it was the delirium that set in after mile 4 (I'm pretty sure I was speaking strictly in Pig Latin at that point)...whatever it was, I made it through and I actually think I enjoyed it. 

I returned triumphantly to my parents house.  My sisters dropped me off after mile 6, then got back out there to complete 2 additional miles...freaks.  I sat down, took a few breaths, got up, walked into the kitchen, drank a glass of water, and then cut a sizable piece of chocolate peanut-butter cake and ate it, sans utensils or plate, hands only.  I guess there are some things that will never change.

End on this-- big-sister-swells-with-pride-over-little-sisters'-accomplishments...not just for a moment, or for a half-marathon, but for a whole life.

May 8-14: Walk of Shame

Seven days.  Yes, it's been seven days.  I'll spare you the excuses and just say that I've been very busy NOT being busy.  It's been pretty spectacular and the break from busy was much needed.

I knew it'd been a little while since I'd written a post, but was kindly reminded earlier this week via a post on my facebook wall:

"as we approach the one week anniversary of the last time you updated your blog, I'd like to pause and reflect on all of the poor college students who should've spent countless minutes procrastinating and reading your blog instead. you single handedly might have increased the overall GPA of the Dickinson Community but no doubt left us without the h-core wit of yo blog. get on it molly bo bo!"

This is Teddy's idea of a gentle reminder.  I was honestly shocked that he didn't  come to my office to feed me a dose of guilt trip every day that I failed to update--and he is one of the last people who actually needs updates on my life.  I see him five days of the week!  Sooo---Teddy, here you go, you're welcome.  To anyone else who happened upon this site in the last week and wondered why they heard crickets, my apologies.

In short, this was a great week, including a very special day in our house--Mike's 34th Birthdaaaay!!  Love celebrating that guy.  Here are a few photos from the week:

Mother's Day present from Henbot 3000.  Mother's Day was such a lovely day with  my guys and my gal.  Note in this photo--Henry is wearing his old winter hat.  No weather-related need to wear it, he just likes this hat a lot.  Reminds me of that washing machine commercial with the boy who has the favorite blue & white hat that he wears everywhere.  Except that his mom washes his hat after a day of wear and tear.  This mom just sprays stuff with Febreeze.

Mike's #1 birthday wish--Dinner out at Issei Noodle.  BEST.FOOD.EVER.  We are die hard Issei fans and with two kids, don't often get out to eat.  Hen is chowing down (with one chopstick) on his order of Miso Udon.  He loves the fish cakes and gets a real kick out of the fact that there are hard-boiled eggs in his soup.  After an Issei-amazing dinner (always puts us in the best mood), we went home to sing the bday song and eat Mike's dessert request--Oreo Truffles.

Henry at 6:15am.  He's been getting up at around 5:45am lately and I just can't understand WHY I have to be awake when the first number on the clock is anything below a 6.  Honestly Hen.  Of course, I get up, but will try my damndest to get Henry to focus on something other than sitting on the bed saying "Mommy!!!  It's WAAAKE UP TIME!!!!!  I WANT CEEEREAAAAL!!!"  Usually I end up moving into his room and lying, awake but resting, while he plays with his toys.  On this particular morning he built a few tracks on his train table. 

Thursday morning activities--accomplishing so much before 6am.

Oh my wordness.  Alice's legs could not be any chunkier.  They are so cute, SHE is so cute.  Dressing her in warmer weather has been beyond fun for me.  You'll see her in a little plaid skirt above (with bloomers)...

...and then, in no bottoms at all.  It took me a few minutes to squeeze her into that skirt (it's sized 9 months, so it should fit her).  After realizing that trying to contain the chubbiness was not only silly, but near impossible, I released her from the confines of clothing.

There you have it.  A quick week-in-the-life.  There are a lot of other things going on (some work changes, last week of daycare for my cherubs who will be off for the summer with dad, family activities, volunteer-work-related commitments), but the few things mentioned above are those that are most dear to me.  I'll get back into the groove and will put something up tomorrow.  We're hamster-sitting for my sister and I have a whole photo-shoot planned for Porgy the Teddy Bear Hamster.  Look forward to it. 


P.S. Again, a little tale about the post title.  I recently explained to my mom what the phrase "walk of shame" meant.  She was aware of it, and got the concept in general.  Some of the folks in her office were using it in reference to the walk from the candy jar back to their desks...appropriate usage, and pretty cute, if you ask me.  While visiting her at work, I overheard someone mention that they were doing the candy walk of shame. Of course, being the good daughter that I am, I DID take the opportunity to share with my mom what the "college" walk of shame meant.  She screamed, covered her mouth and laughed, and then just said "Oh!  Molly!!"  :)  Love that mom of mine.

May 7: Don't bet on the horses (or do).

Perfect Saturday.  Good food, great friends, beautiful weather, meaningful family time.  Perfect Saturday. For us, days like this come together organically. They're not overly planned, no pressure to be a certain place at a certain time,  plenty of activity but not overloaded.  It's the type of day that you reflect on and say "we couldn't have planned it any better", which is true, because if you had tried to plan it, it wouldn't have been as lovely as it was.

Started with breakfast at the  Hamilton.  This used to be a weekly event, but over the past few months it's been hard to make it out of the house on Saturday mornings.  I'm either working or we have some big, elaborate plans that keep us from the most delicious eggs and toast that have ever graced a plate.  We met up with the Witmer clan (some of our besties) and shared a perfect Saturday morning meal.  Henry loves spending time with Benjamin, and this mom is just tickled to see her kid enjoying a friendship so much.  Steph captured a really sweet buddy moment on her phone.

 

Ahh!  How cute are these kids?? How great is this photo??  Whyyy is Steph so stinkin' talented?  (and, she is...let me just tell you.  I am always blown away by her skill and creativity. Winning at life.  True story.)

After the 'Milt, we roamed the streets of Carlisle enjoying the sights and sounds of Amani Festival.  This is an annual downtown event which is always nice, but this year I felt like it was really good.  I don't know what it was that had made it better than it had been in previous years, but I noticed it.  After an hour of festival fun we kicked back and relaxed at home.  Low key, cat-nappy, play in the warm sun and entertain happy kids.  Bliss.

The night was spent at the McDougall home where we gathered with the Krohns (lifelong besties) for the Kentucky Derby.  Watching the Derby, placing bets on the horses, drinking mint juleps and eating good food has been a tradition that we've shared for many years.  It is one of those things I grew up with and it's so fun to share it now with my own kids.  Alice could have cared less, obviously, but Hen was a different story.  He got SO pumped about betting on a horse and then rooting for that horse to win.  When "Derby Kitten" did not win (came in 13th, I believe) I was worried we might have a situation to deal with.  Instead, Eric (who did win the dough) gave Henry a dollar from the pool and a celebratory high five.  Having no idea that this was just for fun, Hen became convinced that his horse had won the Derby and proceeded to cheer and root loudly for the next ten minutes or so (included a really hilarious fist pump).  

Meg caught this on video.  It only captures about a tenth of how hilarious it was to witness in person:

*the title of this post has a story to it.  When I was younger, Sundays meant a few things--definitely church, possibly donuts, and often, visits from the Gilroy family (another one of our dearest and oldest family friends).  On one of these Sunday visits, (Uncle) Hubert asked me to take the little kids on a walk around the lake near our house.  I whined about it b/c I was being a brat and didn't feel like babysitting. He said "Molly, if you do this, I'll give you a tip."  Never one to turn down a potential profit, I took the kids outside to go on a walk. Upon returning, I marched up to Hubert, extended my hand, palm up, and said "How about that tip!"  He turned and looked at me square in the face, cracked a smile (such a quick wit and sense of humor has Uncle Hubert), and said (almost laughing) "I'll give ya a tip!  Don't bet on the horses!!"  Every time I think of that story I find myself chuckling.  Couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it.

May 3 & 4: Rub a Dub Bub (& growly kitty)

 

There are some things I could just watch over and over again--scenes from certain plays or movies, major victories by underdog teams, the "Kittens Inspired by Kittens" video on youtube...and, of course, squishy cutesy baby videos.  There is nothing particularly spectacular about this one, except for the obvious fact that it features Kitty Girl.  Just a warm fuzzy.

And...a little post-bath photo op.  She is such a happy baby, we honestly hit the kid jackpot.

Sweet little Alice

Bridealicious. Photos from the weekend.

Compliments of my very talented sisters Megan & Brigid.  Photos from Mary's bridal shower:

Sweet Kitten & her Auntie MeMe

Afterparty at my parents place

smooches through the glass

Before the party got started--Alice & Mary G.  How content does that baby look?! She stayed like that for the longest time.

Best shower game prizes evs.

Party favors

Party favors--Henry helped me to make these and showed GREAT restraint, only sneaking one into his chubby little cheeks.  I rewarded him later that day, returning home with another chocolate-dipped fortune cookie for my little helper.

Prepping the spring shrimp lettuce wraps

Present opening

Gorgeous day to eat outside and the beautiful Gilroy home is the perfect place to enjoy good food and great friends